Sexism is oftentimes force fed to us. Many men (notice I didn't say "all men") are served this misconstrued idea of what women should be in relation to them. Heck, if I'm not careful, I can find myself being sexist...against my own gender. And I've seen it. Women categorizing other women. Women saying "women shouldn't (fill in the blank)" or "why doesn't she let a man do that for her?" Women belittling other women because of their style of dress or their overt sexuality. I see it all the time and it's difficult for me to not give some of those women the side eye.
Reeeeaally? You're going to be sexist against your own gender?
I heard a quote once by Gloria Steinem that said, "I think a woman has two choices: either she's a feminist or a masochist." Either you're a feminist and you are FOR the equality of women or...you enjoy watching your own gender writhe in torment while sitting in the seat of inequality.
/Feminism/ "is a collection of movements and ideologies aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, cultural, and social rights for women." (source)
Unfortunately, I believe that sexism is bred at a young age. If we're not careful, we can tell our little girls that they can't do something because they're a girl; that they shouldn't be a certain way because they're a girl. Hey, there's nothing wrong with dainty shoes and dresses. By all means, put your daughter in that (if that's what she wants to wear...I used to play in the mud, so floral prints and ruffles ≠ good idea). But don't restrict our little ones. Don't tell them that they can't be Batman (I still want to be Batman, mmkay). And don't ever make them think that because they are a woman that they can't speak up, that they can't fight for themselves and that they can't be equal to men.
The same goes for our little boys. Don't make little boys think that little girls are so different from them simply because of their genetic makeup. Don't make them think that they're the superior gender! (Because there is no such thing. But, if there were...women are the birthers of life, so we've got that going for us.) Of course there are differences, but differences should be celebrated. If we give into the idea that there is this vast chasm between the two genders, inequality will continue.
It is important to note this, though: You can change. If you were, for some reason, brought up with the mentality that women are less than, for whatever reason, you can change your thinking about this. It does not have to be permanent fixture in your mind. You can teach yourself more about feminism, more about women's issues and you can come to a different conclusion about where you stand. If sexism was thrust upon you from a young age...if you've treated women a certain way since you were 4, you know what? You don't have to be a he-man-woman-hater your entire life (or a self-loather if you are a woman).
I don't know why anyone would be against equality. It's like racism or any other sort of prejudice...it's a waste of time and energy. Plus, opposing it is more draining than supporting it. Why would you want to do that to yourself? Let the light in!
The media has a huge influence on how we see women, too. Women are oftentimes underrepresented or seen solely as object of sexual gratification. We hear "b*tch," "whore" and "hoe" so much that we can tend to refer to other women in that way for no apparent reason. I've heard men and women alike call a woman a b-word for being assertive. I've heard men and women call a woman a "hoe" for being a sexual being (not even promiscuous) and I've heard men call a woman a "whore" for rejecting them for another man (so much butthurt going on here). Of course, each person is entitled to their own personal convictions about their own sexuality (or lack thereof). But why are women reduced to being a "hoe," oftentimes regardless of their sexual endevours? Why do we just call women the b-word, like it ain't a thang? It's even started to become glorified. Someone called me a "bad b*tch" the other day and I just stared at them like...
could u not?
Maybe I'm being sensitive, but please don't refer to me as a b*tch. I'm not a female dog (the last time I checked, and I check pretty frequently). I am a woman.
Pay attention to the things you say and the way you think the next time women's issues arise. Pay attention to the conclusions you come up with when interacting with a woman. Pay attention to what the people you surround yourself with say ("bad company corrupts good character," after all). How do they treat women? How do you? It's simple, but it can actually make a huge difference when it comes to changing your mindset (you may even realize that you are an accidental sexist).
I read this quote on someone's Tumblr that said something like, "I don't know why Feminism isn't just called 'common sense.'" Random Tumblr person, I couldn't agree more.
xoxo.
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