Severin

I despise arrogance in both genders. I don't label it as confidence when it is exhibited by a woman.

Dear Danielle, keep up your fantastic work, no-one will ever know how many teenage lives you have saved in the process; you are a most giving beautiful warm hearted, highly intelligent soul who will be greatly rewarded.

Danielle, I agree with all you said.
"There’s no way you can present yourself that won’t attract criticism from the kind of people who think that criticism of a woman’s looks will hurt more than criticism of her ideas … It only makes me more sure that this stuff is worth speaking out about."

These sorts of put-downs for women's physical attributes, or their attire, have been used by both men and other women in all walks of life.
It isn't a feminism thing at all, given that it is often women who put other women down more often than men.

One glaring example is Julia Gillard's wardrobe and red hair, which has been denigrated far more than her political views.

I am not sure how we can stop this sort of behaviour, given that members of both sexes indulge in this nasty gossip.

Keep up with your good work though Danielle, and try to feel sorry for the people who feel the need to run you down for these reasons.
People like this have no self esteem, and need to put others down to feel better about themselves.

*Comments that target a woman for how she looks, rather than her ideas, are designed to do one thing and one thing only: to shut her up.*

Oh nonsense. Every time I see Julia Gillard, I feel I should have
chipped in to a fund to finance a nose job for her.

They are fairly straight forward procedures these days and IMHO
when required, would make alot more sense then the many boob
jobs that so many women insist on, for so many seem to be self
critical about their boobs.

All this has absolutatly nothing to do with her intelligence or
wanting to shut her up.

It's her decision, but in her situation, I would have seriously
considered it

Suzeonline

Your post summarises my feelings on the topic very well. What I fear, is that instead of our society becoming less fixated on appearance the same impossible standards will be applied to young boys as well. The media industry is rapacious. We are only too well aware of the psychological harm caused by teasing or bullying on a young person's appearance, the resultant drop in confidence and possibility leading to eating disorders or even inappropriate plastic surgery. For example, teen girls having breast implants - they haven't even finished growing!

Having been a very thin teenager, I know what it is like to be teased for my appearance and, interestingly, most of the teasing was from girls, I always got along well with boys (which could explain some of the hostility from girls) - but then while I was very thin I wasn't exactly plain - although some males would deride for my small breasts. This will surprise the likes of Yabby, but I wish my breasts were still so small, large breasts are a physical impediment.

Benk

I never mentioned arrogance - you have brought that characteristic into the discussion. There is a world of difference between confidence and arrogance.

Yabby

What would your 'sage' advice be for Tony Abbott's ears? Personally, neither Gillard nor Abbott requires plastic enhancement; it is their policies and integrity that concern most people. Based on your criteria, the majority of politicians (and the majority are male) require a 'nip & tuck'.

Severin,

Benk's comment echoed my reaction to your initial post.