TikTok Trend Reveals Society’s Cage for Nigerian Women [Opinion]

Social media platforms have witnessed various trending challenges waxing and waning in popularity; however, an intriguing one stands out as the mother-dressing-up-as-her-daughter trend.

In contrast to certain trends that emphasize youth, this particular trend highlights a frequently neglected area within our society: the presence and aesthetics of middle-aged and older women.

And it achieved success due to two factors:

Even though it might appear light-hearted, we shouldn’t overlook its underlying message: while societal desire for women doesn’t hinge on their age, Nigeria’s culture remains regrettably traditional, making significant progress difficult to achieve.

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The respectability politics

Even if it isn’t, anything repeated over a lengthy duration can begin to appear and be perceived as the truth.

This is precisely where the conditioning has taken effect: over several years, Nigerian women have been made to think and agree that getting older entails a duty to seem responsible.

As women reach their 40s, 50s, and 60s, they often opt for wrappers and boubous instead of bodycon dresses, snug jeans, and mini skirts.

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Scarves take precedence over newly done braids and contemporary wigs. Applying makeup starts to seem like a tedious task.

In this age group, the women who challenge the prevailing stereotype often face subtle disapproval and criticism, which can occasionally masquerade as expressions of worry.

This is carried out to emphasize that our society determines what attire is deemed appropriate for women based on their age.

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The spread of the trend and its effects

The challenge has garnered significant notice for unveiling practices that have long been concealed behind the facade of respectable political norms in our society.

Individuals have turned to social platforms to express their astonishment upon witnessing a ‘reportedly elderly’ mom morph into an attractive love interest. These clips, initially posted on TikTok before being circulated on Instagram and X, have become immensely popular.

Regrettably, it becomes evident that the positive reception and appreciation this challenge has garnered on social media could swiftly transform into intense criticism—especially from the most vocal individuals even as they join in the clapping.

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What can be done

Chanting slogans and giving praise isn’t sufficient; this is a moment for us to contemplate our chosen standards of morality.

To be frank, when older women choose attire that deviates from what society considers typical for their age group, this can still provoke unease among us as a community.

It’s a change we are unprepared for and, to be honest, not ready to manage — at least not at this point.

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In which scenario, we will keep on admiring from a distance those courageous mothers who rose to meet this challenge (credit goes to their daughters as well).

This is a wonderful example, yet unless we directly address our adherence to respectability politics, issues similar to this will continue to appear temporarily without leaving a lasting effect.

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