the enlightenment
If a woman decides to pay her part of the check on a date, she's independent. If a man does the same, he's cheap.
If a woman reports date rape by alcohol to the police, she's a victim. If a man does the same, he's a drunken party animal who put himself in that situation.
If a woman walks into the men's room by accident, it was a mistake. If a man does the same in the women's room, he's a pervert.
If a woman hits her husband, she is brave. If a man hits his wife, he is abusive.
If a woman dresses provocatively, she is seen as liberated and free. If a man does the same, he is a pervert.
Why do we allow these double standards in society?
Have you ever been put in any of these situations in real life? What was your initial reaction?
When it comes to the cheque, I don't think the man should be considered cheap. After all, this is the 21st Century, and I'd much rather be treated equally to a man, than better than one. Likewise, if a man reports he's been raped, he shouldn't be shrugged off. I get pretty damn tired of people using the comparison that men are (generally) stronger than women. There are other ways to trap someone in a sexual situation. If men can slip drugs into a women's drinks in order to take them home for non-consensual sex, the reverse also holds true. (Seriously, how do people miss that fact?)
I've never labeled a man a pervert for accidentally walking into the ladies' room. If anything, I point it out to them, and they apologize, scuttling out in embarrassment. In these situations, the only thing I assume is that they are particularly distracted by whatever they're thinking about, which resulted in their error in judgment. Hell, a few days ago, I nearly walked into the men's room because I was distracted, so I can hardly fault someone else for doing the same.
When it comes to hitting, it really depends on why; if the woman who hits her husband is doing so out of self-defense (as in, the husband is abusive), I would consider it brave. If she is hitting him because she's pissed off, then I count her as abusive. I do not make exceptions. Men can be abused in a relationship, too. Again, I tire of sexism-period. I think a man is fully justified in hitting a woman in self-defense as well. Not many share this opinion, and though I respect my male friends' code of chivalry on the matter, it also irritates me that they feel they don't have the right to defend themselves, should they find themselves going toe-to-toe with a female opponent.
I'm not sure I entirely agree with the clothing thing; sure, women are sometimes considered liberated when they dress provocatively, but I've seen more cases of them being called sluts, or having vehicles pull over and assume they're prostitutes, than cases of liberation. In all honesty, I don't even know what you mean by men dressing provocatively. But if any man dresses in such a way, he should be left to it. Men and women alike should be able to dress however they want, period. After all, why should I get bent out of shape over what someone else wears? That's just silly.
I'm not sure why these double-standards exist, but as of late, I grow very, very tired of them. I get tired of men being victimized and called pussies for it, and I tire of women being called weak and defenseless. When you mention society however, you should take into consideration one society isn't the same as another, even within the same Nation. However, I do get the point you're making. I have a feeling a lot of these double-standards, along with some of the other garbage we're spoon fed-is a means to keep us busy and distracted; to keep us from noticing the real problems going on around us. I know, it sounds like some insane conspiracy theory, but after all the times I've thought about it, it makes sense to me. The people in power want to stay in power; how to they prevent others from climbing "the corporate ladder", as it were? Keep them busy; keep women busy, thinking they're too fat, too old and wrinkled, not pretty enough, not smart enough. Keep the men busy thinking they're nothing, unless they have a six-pack, use that shaving product, use that cologne, wear these clothes, and aim to do that job. Women are emotional and irrational. Men are suppose to be sensitive to these frail women folk, and yet, they're suppose to be as manly as possible while doing it. Seriously, what the ********?
For one, I know men more emotional than I am, and not once have I made fun of them for it. For two-and this does not seem to be typical of the women in my family-I have a tendency of using logic and reasoning, instead of giving way to emotional outbursts.
Again, what the ********?
You get the point, I'm sure. They tell us what standards to live up to, and heaven forbid we "colour outside of the lines"; if we do, we're made to feel we'll be ostracized, and in many cases, this is exactly what happens. In short; I can't say for sure why these standards exist, but I have my theories. I certainly do not like them, and I hope for the day when they are eradicated.
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