For as long as most can remember, there has been inequality between males and females. Men can get away with more scandalous deeds, whereas women are looked down upon for carrying out the same actions. Even dating back to the medieval period, books such as "The Canterbury Tales" portray the more promiscuous females in a negative way. As much as that is not morally correct, it makes sense. It was hundreds of years ago. However, it does not make sense that it is still happening in today’s society. It is 2016, not the 1300s. This double standard needs to be terminated, for it is completely unfair.
To start this off, I want to mention that what I write is not a representation of my own actions. It is just something I noticed around campus, and it really started to bother me. Walking between classes, I would hear boys talk about their latest hookup while completely objectifying her. If a girl did the same thing, she would look disgusting to outsiders. The phrase “boys will be boys” is no excuse for derogatory language. Treat people with respect, no matter what gender you are. Do not say anything about a person that you would not want said about yourself.
Within Greek life, a double standard between the sororities and fraternities exists as well. Frats can get away with a thousand and one more things than sororities can. They can throw parties, have shirts with alcohol references, and haze. Any sorority who did those same things would instantly be put on social probation. What is the difference? If it is not okay for one organization, then it should not be okay for the other. Gender should have nothing to do with the rules for the actions of the Greek organizations.
A female’s sexual promiscuity is definitely seen as more scandalous than a male’s. For example, if a frat member hooks up with multiple member of the same sorority, his brothers will praise him. On the contrary, if a girl hooks up with more than one member of a fraternity, she could be seen as the “slut” of that chapter. How is that okay? I’m not saying that it is neither good nor bad to do that, but a person should not be put down for it. Let people live their lives how they want to without criticism. Everyone has their own issues going on in their head, so they do not need someone else to negatively talk about their so-called questionable decisions behind their back.
Another word that needs to leave the English language is slut. It is never okay to call any female that regardless if she sleeps around or not. It is completely degrading, and often used in the wrong context. What exactly does “dressing like a slut” mean? If you want to wear a short skirt, go ahead! While it is important to respect yourself, you should not have to worry if boys will think you are “easy” based off of how you dress. An outfit choice gives no indication of a person’s sexual preferences.
I only hope that with this progressive era, the double standard between men and women will disappear. Morally wrong actions should be seen as wrong for both genders. People need to stop judging, for it only decreases their own happiness.
