With everything that has been going on in the world, I think we can all agree that this is the worst time to be a white man in today's modern society. These white men have to go through so much from rape allegations to total social media bashing from all directions. No one could possibly understand what it is like for them to go through this troubling time.
Except, maybe everyone else.
This quote was provided to me after walking across my campus quad a few days ago and surprisingly came from the mouth of another female. I thought it had been a part of some joke she was waiting to make the punchline for, but after a few seconds more of listening to her chastise feminists and mourn the current celebrities on trial for sexual assault, I quickly changed directions and hurried the opposite way.
Let's discuss this statement further by just pinpointing the different life lessons that are taught to a young girl versus the ones that are taught to a young boy.
Women are taught from day one to be uncomfortably modest. Do not wear anything too short or too revealing. Do not run around and be hyper with other kids on days your wearing a dress, and especially do not leave the house looking like you didn't make an effort. While some rules encourage us to look our best, others try to control what we should consider being our "best." Furthermore, girls are taught "life lessons" that involve not being alone at night, especially in certain clothing. Never have the windows open if you're home alone, and to get used to that lovely thing called the pay gap. In addition to this, most women have pepper spray, keys, a pocket knife, or anything else they deem appropriate to protect themselves with if the possibility occurs.
Boys are taught to be themselves no matter how crazy that might be. However, they never show any emotions that could be considered a weakness to others. This leads to years of emotional struggle and can cause problems in friendships, relationships, and just general interactions with others they may encounter throughout the day. Yes, this problem is an important one. But, when was the last time you saw a boy worried about going out at night alone? Or, said he wanted one of his friends to go with him to the bathroom when out at the bar over the weekend? Male assault is a growing problem in today's society, but by placing it above everyone ignores the long list of problems that women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals have been going through for decades.
So, instead of trying to pick sides on which sex has it the hardest in life, consider not taking any sides at all.
Put your energy in making the world a safer place for everyone in it regardless of sex, race, religion, and so on and so forth. If as much energy was put into fixing the current problems of today rather than trying to decide whose story you want to believe when the next celebrity scandal hits the headlines, the world would be a better place all around.
