I’d first like to say that I know not all men are sexist, and I hope that the boys who make sexist comments do not know that they are being misogynistic. The fact of the matter is that there is an epidemic sweeping through the country, and you can see it in schools, on college campuses and within job fields.
Boys are being taught that their presence in society is more important than women’s. I say “boys,” because clearly boys who believe women are not their equal are not men. I am talking about the Chris Browns, Brock Turners, and Donald Trumps of the world who need to become more like the men, such as the John Legends, Barack Obamas, Anderson Coopers, and Justin Trudeaus. That is why both men and boys need to be taught feminism and equality from a young age. I am not looking for women to take over the earth, or to gain all the power, but for women to feel empowered and not feel inferior to the men in their lives. At the same time, men need to be able to express themselves without feeling like they are not being “man” enough. CoverGirl just hired their first male spokesperson, and men are consistently breaking stereotypes.
With the threat of a sexist, racist, intolerant billionaire becoming president, and the #Repealthe19th trend floating around, fuel is being added to the feminist fire. Trump’s so-called “locker room talk” and his opinion that “it’s just words” has sparked professional athletes to speak out and contradict Trump’s opinion on what is talked about in locker rooms. Women and beauty pageant contestants are speaking out about past sexual harassment from Trump, and GOP members are pulling their support from Trump’s campaign. If both men and women continue to speak out, and boys are taught equality, there are six more things that could disappear from society:
Rape culture: This is the normalization of male sexual violence in society, and it blames women for being sexually assaulted. Rape or assault is never a woman’s fault, and boys need to be taught that what a woman wears, how she acts, and whether or not she is drunk does not give them the right to rape or assault her. Consent is necessary and a basic human right. The only way to end rape culture and sexual assault is to educate everyone of any gender, and teach them why it is wrong.
Work inequality: Women make 80 cents for every dollar men make, and there is an imbalanced number of men and women in many different job fields including law enforcement, teaching and the military. Both men and women should also be given paid maternity and paternity leave when they have children, and men are almost never given this.
Women lying to protect themselves: When rape culture is eliminated women will not have to say things like “I have a boyfriend” or “It’s my time of the month” to avoid having to go on a date, or have sex with someone out of fear of being raped or sexually assaulted.
Period taboo: Getting your period is natural, but for some reason there is a taboo about it in our culture, and women are not allowed to talk about it in front of boys. They get grossed out, and I cannot wait to see how they react when they get married.
Slut Shaming: A woman should not be judged on the number of people she decides to have sex with. As long as it is consensual, safe and not bad for her health, there is nothing wrong with it. It is her choice and she can do what she likes.
Gender Norms: Another cultural taboo lies in the stereotype that if a man dresses slightly feminine or partakes in “girly” activities, he is gay. Similarly, if a woman wears basketball shorts and t-shirts and doesn’t wear makeup she is a lesbian because she does not follow female gender norms. Women who play sports like softball or basketball are also often called lesbians, even though women who play other sports like volleyball or soccer are not given that stereotype. It is said that a woman’s place is in the kitchen, but it is not said that a man’s place is in the garage.
The road to gender equality is a series of ebbs and flows as things happen in the media, government, and in society, either good or bad. Once equality is reached women will be able to feel safe at night and alone, not have to lie or avoid talking about things, and act as they wish. Both men and women will be able to dress and act how they like and participate in whatever activities they want to without the stigma.