Because He Is a Boy

Because he is a boy, he will wear blue.

Because you are a girl, you will wear pink.

Because he is a boy, he will play with action figures and Hot Wheels.

Because you are a girl, you will play with plush toys and Barbies.

Because he is a boy, he will grow up to be a superhero.

Because you are a girl, you will grow up to be the damsel in distress.

Because he is a boy, he will go out to play and get dirty. 

Because you are a girl, you will use your manners and stay out of trouble.

Because he is a boy, it is in his nature to throw tantrums and make a scene.

Because you are a girl, you should behave and carry yourself with poise.

Because he is a boy, he will sit and watch football with Dad.

Because you are a girl, you will help Mom cook for Thanksgiving and clean up after.

Because he is a boy, he will play lacrosse or hockey.

Because you are a girl, you will cheer or dance.

Because he is a boy, he will lift weights at the gym.

Because you are a girl, you will stick to cardio to avoid appearing “manly,” as you cannot appear stronger than your counterpart.

Because he is a boy, he will “man-spread.”

Because you are a girl, you will sit like a lady.

Because he is a man, he could drive for NASCAR.

Because you are a woman, you should stay in the passenger seat.

Because he is a man, he will be strong-willed and defiant.

Because you are a woman, you will be polite and compliant.

Because he is a man, he will be a doctor.

Because you are a woman, you will be a nurse.

Because he is a man, he can take the pain.

Because you are a woman, you have given birth but will never know pain.

Because he is a man, he will wear the pants.

Because you are a woman, you will wear the apron.

Because he is a man, he will “support the family.” 

Because you are a woman, you will make the meals, take them to soccer practice and dentist appointments, and attend PTA meetings, all while working part-time.

Because he is a man, he will have a steak.

Because you are a woman, you will have a salad.

Because he is a man, you friend-zoned him.

Because you are a woman, you cannot be friendly unless you are interested that way.

Because he is a man, he will not control himself.

Because you are a woman, you should expect it and know better.

Because he is a man, he should walk you home.

Because you are a woman, you are foolish for insisting on doing so alone.

Because he is a man, he will speak up.

Because you are a woman, you have no say.

Because he is a man, he will make your decisions for you. 

Because you are a woman, you will deal with it.

With this week’s theme of female empowerment and awareness, I shed light on some of the many stereotypes we as women still face to this day, including many of my own personal experiences thrown into the mix. In doing so, however, I simultaneously spoke up for men who are expected to live up to their own double standard as well. The reality is that children become aware of these stereotypes and expectations by the age of 10, according to Time Magazine, which has a significant impact on the way they are brought up. Stereotypes aside, I am extremely grateful to be living among a generation in which women continue to prove that they are just as capable as men. 

• equality
• feminism
• FSU
• women