Phoenix Women’s Expo 2013 was a, well…. interesting event. I hate to say it, I really do, but I walked in with the high hopes of alcohol, freebies and makeovers. And that’s exactly what I got. But then I had to take a step back and really take a look at what was transpiring.
From a vendor perspective I can completely understand the idea of selling to a specific demographic. It makes sense to gather like-minded individuals under one roof in order to maximize product visibility and profit. From a buyers point of view this is an opportunity to learn about new goods and services as well as techniques and possible investments.
The reality is quite a different story. Under the guise of empowering women is a sea of despair and insecurities. Photographs of what a woman could be (or should be) in order to succeed and improve themselves scatter the hall. Displays of cosmetics as far as the eye can see. Would you like a free makeover? Of course I would. How about a nice wig or hairpiece? Why not? And then we come to the booths of diet pills, body sculpting products, and snake oils.
So far my empowerment relies on the perfection of my appearance. I think I need a drink. Good thing there are all these booze samples. After my makeovers (notice I used the plural) and my liquor consumption, I’m a new woman. At the end of the day I look like two dollar hooker and feel like I should get a breathalyzer test before I drive home.
Can someone please call me a cab!
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