Who Wants To Know if They're A Cougar?
 | |
| Gloria Navarro (right), Miss Cougar America 2009 Photo: examiner.com |
I'm going to let you in on a little secret — Let the cat out of the proverbial bag... There's no need to worry about being labeled a COUGAR — It's more a testament to your infinite hotness than a spotlight on your age.
According to the first-ever Miss Cougar America, crowned at the National Cougar Convention in Palo Alto, CA last week, cougars represent a new breed of woman. So if you're wondering how to spot a cougar, take note from the new Queen of the Jungle: These women are empowered, secure and willing to break boundaries.
Maybe you weren't wondering, but it turns out plenty of people are. Curious Cats from all over have stumbled across TheWordWire because there's something personal they want to know:
 |
This question draws visitors often enough that lately Rufus J. So-and-So asks "Any could-be cougars today?" before "How was your day?" because we think it's funny that Google serves me up as some kind of expert. They've come from Bangalore! Toronto! Vancouver! And all across the states ... People clearly looking for serious info wind up with snarky foolishness in its place...
If you're on Facebook, then you're familiar with the status update feature — an opportunity to share your thoughts, activities or seek advice from the captive audience of your friend list. The other day, a woman I went to high school with asked for someone... anyone... to inform her... hello? ... Bueller? ... Bueller? ... Am I a cougar? <<MORE
|
Now, Rufus and I disagree on the context of this burning question, which is classic "he said / she said" worth pointing out. From his perspective, it's obvious that these info-seekers are aspiring cougars looking to see how they measure up. After all, what 40+ single woman wouldn't want to be a cougar? Duh, it's totally hot. This is an instructive point of view, because as a woman, I interpret it differently. I presume the question is laced with an underlying worry about stigma and fading youth. Akin to asking "Do these pants make my butt look big?" ... I think what they really want to know is, "Does this guy make my butt look old?"
What do you think?
No matter why the question is being asked, it's an interesting reflection of how attitudes have changed. As a member of the first generation post sexual revolution, I like Miss Cougar America's take: Empowered, secure and willing to break boundaries. Any woman of any age who embraces those qualities need not worry about her butt looking old.
You define a cougar as a "40+ single woman"... At what age do you become "leonine" and "regal"? Just asking. I'm encouraging more honesty on Craigslist.
Reply to this