You want it. You know you do. GGs welcome...

[Wildaboutheels]

to jump in here.

It's no mystery that the more "attractive" a woman is, the more "power" she has. "Power" in many ways. Feel free to dispute it all you want but it won't change that FACT. MANY women who make "boatloads of money" are just one simple example of this.

YOU as a CDer...

IF you are a MtF CDer, - probably a "younger" one - is having just a taste of that "power" probably at least just one contributing factor to WHY you dress?

Or does it have no relevance at all for you? And you would NOT want or accept any "favoritism" from other people whatsoever, merely based on how you chose to "decorate" your body?

[ReineD]

Having power is an interesting concept. I'm not sure that most GGs see it that way? Or maybe it depends on how you define power?

I've had a few relationships in my life, but not the kind where my SO was behaving as if I had all that power. lol. We still had to negotiate things in our relationship, I didn't always win and neither did he. And I've had to (and wanted to) pull my own load, if not exactly financially throughout (I had children and my SOs have always made way more money than me), then in ways that made the division of contributions equitable. I've not expected a free ride and honestly I don't know if most women do.

Also, the men that I've known or dealt with all my life certainly didn't behave as if I had power. No one ever runs up to me while I'm mowing my lawn or when they see me on a ladder cleaning out the gutters, not even my SO, and offers to do it for me. lol

If you're thinking that women have power because the male is usually the one to protect her physically, wouldn't this be because he is generally the one to have the greatest physical strength? So this would be more about the person in the relationship best suited for the job at hand? There are other areas where women are better suited for the job, for example getting up in the night to nurse the child. Is one more valued than the other?

But most importantly, I think that (some) men believe we have that power because we get to choose or reject our mates. But don't forget, it is the guy generally who still makes the first choice, who still is the one to approach the woman, even in our day and age. No matter how much a woman is into a guy and tries every feminine wile she knows of to "nab" him, if he's not interested it won't go anywhere.

So maybe, "power" is in the eyes of the beholder. :)

But, if "power" only means the fact that men are visually attracted to women, then you are right ... men are visual creatures. IMO this is only superficial power. I don't think it means anything, men look at just about every woman that goes by. :p

[JenniferR771]

I DO recall an incident in a club when I was wearing a particularly pretty, turquoise blue, fully sequined, tight sheath dress (with tall silver pumps) when I suddenly noticed a lot of eyes following me. It was at a TG Weekend in Saugatuck, and oddly enough, many of the eyes following me were gay men or women. I mentioned it to one of the wives, as it made me uncomfortable. She explained that it was absolutely normal. That I looked really nice in that outfit. I should feel good about the furtive glances. The power I should have felt. People never looked at my male self like that. I felt better--maybe even a slight thrill.

[Kate Simmons]

I already have a lot of power over men when en femme. But that's on a "need to know" basis. :heehee:

[Teresa]

I have to go with Reine on this one, there are too many obstacles in Cding to feel any power and fear the ridicule of being found out. It's knowing how far to push it before it stops being fun.

[Zylia]

I'm one of those very early dressers, I had my first few experiences before puberty. When I first started on a more serious level a few years ago I wasn't even aware that I could look remotely passable and it wasn't until last year that I considered myself good enough to show myself on the internet, so I wouldn't say it really contributed to the development of my cross-dressing habit per se.

However, I do have to say that the taste of that "power" is one of the reasons why I really enjoy cross-dressing and it does make me do it more often. I enjoy good attention, the compliments and in some cases the admiration, but I am aware that the bar is lowered considerably for cross-dressers. I don't find myself really attractive, but I guess I'm pretty for a guy dressed as a girl. It's an art and it is a visual art, so it would be silly to ignore any attention you get because of your appearance.

[Katey888]

WAH, significantly, the world's top ten most powerful women (Forbes list here: http://www.forbes.com/power-women/) are not what I'd call a particularly "physically attractive" (which I think is what you're inferring) bunch... (no offense intended here - just mho) - probably Michelle Obama is the closest you get to a babe, neither Angela Merkel or Dilma Rouseff even hit a 5 for me...

So unless you are confusing "physical attraction" with "capable and forceful personality and intellect" (and I don't think you are as you clearly seem obsessed with the visual attributes of women..) then you might be WRONG.

In fact - flip it around... :thinking: Some folks actually become more ATTRACTIVE because they have POWER...

How anyone is supposed to assert "power" from either the confines of the closet (however pseudo-attractive as a CDer they may be) or alternatively sashaying their padded, but MALE booty at the local Wal-Mart or even LGBT venue, beats the stuffing out of me...

I would except from that, those who dress specifically to attract males who are attracted to those of our dressing persuasion - that is clearly a different and, for me, unsettling kettle of fish... :eek:

Power over my appearance (as well, obviously, as apparent gender...) might be a better cause to support.... :)

Katey x

[Carmen]

Like Jennifer, I was in a TG friendly club dressed to the nines. (see avatar)
I danced with a man that began to hold me closer and whisper in my ear about how attractive and desirable I was.
I smiled as I gave him a hard pinch to his right kidney, which got his attention and he cooled it. He politely finished our dance, thanked me and dismissed himself.

Yes there is power in your presentation, just be careful how you wield it.

[Charla McBee]

I think I would honestly be a little creeped out by the attention even if I somehow looked like a flawless 10. Your flatterers are often hoping to get something in return.

[Jorja]

Wild, I am pretty sure you are having a testosterone fueled fantasy. Having power and money takes more than a slit between your legs and good looks. I know it is hard for you to believe but you actually have to work at it to gain anything in this world. Especially women because we are paid so much less than men.

[Alice Torn]

You are on to something. Some of us older CDers, who have never had a mate, been rejected countless times as men, do find a sense of power, when dressed to the nines, and wishing to be the non rejected lady with a man, while dressed up. So sick of rejection as a man, by GG.s. I could make friends, but never as a SO. Dressed up looking gorgeous, i would like to experience being non-rejected. Sadly, all the admirers want sex right away, and i don't. I would guess many single men are sick of rejection, and dress up, to compensate.

[Marcelle]

When it comes to CDing . . . nope no power for me . . . No stares of awe and attraction for this gal. Just a lot of WTF stares.:eek: I derive my power in CDing from not caring what others think. For me that is true power.

Sorry if this ends up as a duplicate post but I think there was an upgrade and it looked like my last answer got wiped out.

Hugs

Isah

[julia marie]

Two different angles are at work in this thread. There's the "power" of an attractive GG or CD in a club and a different power in the business world. Yes, I will get whiplash when a beautiful or sexy woman takes the dance floor. However, there are issues with the original post when it comes to the business world. I'll agree with Kate that some of the most powerful women in the world, like Angela Merkel won't fight for a place on the "10" list. Some other business leaders like Marissa Mayer at yahoo are attractive but probably fall short of spectacular and don't dress to kill. Now, switch to the male side, I would argue that a disproportionate number of male business execs are handsome as well (before middle-age sag sets in). Two other factors to consider: first, height makes a difference in that taller people of either gender do tend to advance in the corporate world (that's at least an anecdotal observation), and those who advance have one other trait in that they will stomp on anyone to get ahead.

[devida]

I doubt your premise , wild, since it suggests that in this obviously male dominated culture the way that women actually access power is through sex. I know this is a favorite trope among the media, the ad industry, and in fiction, movies and tv, but in real life I don't actually believe this happens for more than a very temporary period and for very few women. Women might have an apparent dominance for a few minutes of seduction, but what then? We are past the stage where women can actually keep themselves virginal or sexually unobtainable until marriage or real commitment, in most cases. They have to surrender and then, if the power imbalance is based on craving for sexual satisfaction in the male, why it is done, no more, end of story, end of power. Why would it be different for men passing as women? Now women can have real power but they get it through the same methods that men get it: hard work, aggression, inherited money, and luck, to name a few obvious factors. Sex as power is mostly a fantasy created by the male dominated media as a consolation prize for women and, obviously, as a way to sell lots and lots of product. You want to have the fantasy, go for it, just don't kid yourself it is real.

[Wildaboutheels]

Females are rarely accused of "thinking with the little head". Maybe It IS quite common but not often reported.

???

On the other hand, every time one turns around, [unless one never watches any news] some famous [for some reason] guy is caught with his pants down and/or his hand in the cookie jar. Anyone ever hear of a fella by the name of Tiger Woods? Or maybe Florida is just particularly bad for clueless politicians, athletes and what not?

Examples of females having more/better options/choices are everywhere. Better IF they are "more" attractive than other females.

And income disparity myths...

As luck would have it... TIME MAGAZINE did a cover story on this not too long ago. But maybe the owner of Time and/or all the bigwigs at Time are males? I did not bother to check but I think the publication is probably as reliable as most sources out there?

[Marguarite]

I remember a line from a movie - Anne of a thousand days- " The Power is between a woman's legs." I believe it was the Henry the eighth character that said it.

Never forgot that line, Could never argue with it.

[PaulaQ]

" The Power is between a woman's legs." I believe it was the Henry the eighth character that said it.


Bet his other wives felt a lot less powerful when they were executed...

There is privilege associated with good looks - pretty PEOPLE, in general, have a bit easier time of it in some circumstances - if nothing else, pretty sells, although you need a lot of other stuff to go with it before it commands any kind of price.

I disagree with your premise on this one, Wild. Men get some amount of privilege for having a dingus between their legs and not much other merit.

[noeleena]

Hi,

What is more important this what ever power , or experience, I know what i have and its experience with a rank that comes with that, both men and women come to me because they know i can use my rank and get things done ,yes i know its a Military background i have in some aspects ( non combat ) yet it does not make me better than any one else just gives me a position of responsibility .that i can use,

Again physical attraction many women have that and so do some men , i know the lines are drawn on that for me so im out or not included,

As a woman i dont see myself with this power maybe how i see it is in a sexual way that many women can use, i know its not with in my capable'ites

Interesting to me is what Carmen said ...wow...while dancing with a guy, how attractive and desirable carmen was. Hmmm......well i dont ever need to worry about that detail.

heck a lot of detail going through my mind with this subject not sure i can write about it ether,
spos you could say im scared too.

...noeleena...

[jaleecd]

When i was young, and later as my daughter and Her friends began to discouver the power they were begining to have over the boys and young men, It was a power that we males did not possess nor understand, they could lead us around like a puppy on a string. All we knew was that they were the most fastinating creatures on earth and only the rich or hansome guys seemed to have a chance with them. To this day i envy that power..

[Marcelle]

There is privilege associated with good looks - pretty PEOPLE, in general, have a bit easier time of it in some circumstances - if nothing else, pretty sells, although you need a lot of other stuff to go with it before it commands any kind of price.

Exactly Paula. This has everything to do with a generally accepted bias that somehow "pretty" people are more deserved of things than the average Joe or Jane and it across both genders. I remember listening to two women on the bus talking about a guy they saw at the bar "He must be a nice guy because he is so good looking" . . . really :waiting: Now I didn't know anything about this guy but in my book "pretty" doesn't always equate to nice. The only power pretty people have is to attract the gullible to their cult of "pretty". When push comes to shove if there isn't anything beyond "pretty" then power wanes with looks.


... every time one turns around, [unless one never watches any news] some famous [for some reason] guy is caught with his pants down and/or his hand in the cookie jar. Anyone ever hear of a fella by the name of Tiger Woods? Or maybe Florida is just particularly bad for clueless politicians, athletes and what not?

WAH this has nothing to with power and more to do with a "philandering jerk" who thinks with the wrong head. The woman in question gained no power or exerted no power beyond sex.

True power exists in those who know how to wield and share it. Oh you might not be the most popular guy/gal on the block (people lined up gushing about your good looks and great hair :battingeyelashes:) but in the end they will seek you out regardless because you know how to deal and how to treat people with respect . . . that my friend is true power.

Hugs

Isha

[Ressie]

The power of attraction must be a great feeling for women that turn every head that sees them. I'll admit I was envious of this in women when I was young, so part of that has stuck with me as a CD. But there are also attractive men that make women weak.

[ReineD]

On the other hand, every time one turns around, [unless one never watches any news] some famous [for some reason] guy is caught with his pants down and/or his hand in the cookie jar.

Yes, but is this because women have power, or is it because (some) men think with their d***s? Wouldn't these same men be as horny with porn (which fundamentally is only the paper it is printed on or the electronics on a computer screen), or with any woman that was available even if she wasn't a hotty?

If you and other CDers define "power" as something that leads to just sex, then I have to say there is a fundamental difference between how CDers think (like men), and how women think and feel.

My other answer was wiped out yesterday (if it shows up sorry for the repeat), but sexual appeal is not real power. It is superficial, it doesn't last. Even the most beautiful women in the world get dumped if they turn out to be selfish, entitled princesses, at least for the majority of men who do NOT think solely with their d***s.

[Beverley Sims]

The power, has no bearing on why I wanted to dress.

[LilSissyStevie]

I'm only really attracted to "powerful" women. My wife, for instance, is highly intelligent, has a bunch of degrees and professional licences, runs her own businesses, is involved in various civic organizations and still has time to micro-manage everyone else's life. She's gregarious, loud, extroverted, action oriented and optimistic. By contrast, I'm reclusive, quiet, introverted, a "thinker-not-a-doer", and cynical. We work together pretty well because she pushes me to go beyond my natural inclinations and I am a grounding influence on her. Throughout our marriage I've endured the whispers about who "wears the pants" in our family but it's not really true because, while I don't have any inclination to be in charge, I'm incorrigible. My first marriage was to someone a lot like myself and that was a disaster. I found that two subs make an unbalanced navy. A sub and a battleship is a much better combination.

Oh, and my wife is quite "powerful" in the other sense also. She's quite attractive but very intimidating to most men especially the old school type. It's difficult to articulate how CDing plays into the power dynamic. But I can safely say that I do it to give me the feeling of less power rather than more.

[StephanieinSecret]

I found that two subs make an unbalanced navy. A sub and a battleship is a much better combination.
This is a brilliant aphorism, I'm going to take it to heart

[suchacutie]

Everyone who is presenting themselves well, in either gender, will garner attention at first blush. Maintaining that "presence" at close distance, or in conversation, is another matter.

Just walk in to a Bently (or any other high-end car) dealership in what you slept in last night (just came to mind as there was a GG in the grocery store this afternoon who was clearly wearing her well-used night clothes!) and I doubt you will garner much positive attention. Whip out your check book and they won't care what you are wearing!

The instant impression is just that. It's what happens afterwards that counts.