As a society, we have come along way since thinking only men could be workers and only women can stay at home and take care of children. But as a whole, we still have some work to do. After coming along way, we may miss that double standards are still relevant today and probably will be. This is not a feminist argument or a slap in the face for men around the world. No, double standards occur daily to both women AND men. Maybe our society hasn’t changed as much as we think it has.

Coming from a house of mostly boys, I personally have come to known double standards. From working with a lot of guys and being someone who has pushed for an independent life style, I have learned some things along the way. Not saying I’m perfect whatsoever. I’m just not blinded by what I see or hear. I’m all for everyone to push and do what they want in their lives without needing any judgement. But sometimes what you want may not be what the views of our society sees 100%, yet.

There’s this ideology that women are still caretakers. When this can be true, there are still men out there that want to be or are stay at home dads. I remember reading about Ashton Kutcher wanting to put diaper changers in men’s bathrooms, what would be so wrong about that? I also have a guy friend of mine that would love to be a stay at home dad one day. Or for some reason in the back of people’s heads women will never 100% athletic. People still tend to move up when a girl is up to bat when playing on a coed softball team. Or the phrase “running like a girl” still comes about. Hey you could say that all you want if that means I’m running like Allyson Felix. Not to mention men are looked as the strong sex. They may be physically built stronger than a women but what about the fact that women have to push a human being out of their bodies.

Not to mention professions. Children are taught that girls are supposed to be princesses still and boys are going to be the protectors or princes. That construction is meant for the strong men and dancing or arts are meant for the girls. That caretaker positions are meant for women. Who is to say that a women isn’t strong enough or guy can’t be a talented dancer without having a label connected to him: like being weak. Or men aren’t as competent if they choose the route of being an elementary school teacher or a nurse instead of being a businessman or a doctor. Who says someone can’t just follow the dreams they want and do the things they are passionate about. Without judgement.

Also, the most prevalent double standards that exist today is when it comes to sex or relationships. We have come along way since women not being able to get divorces or take charge of their body. But there’s this stigma that women can’t be sexual without being called names. Meanwhile you have men getting high fives when they get laid. Or the fact that men are looked as weak if they want to actually respect a woman or have a real relationship with someone. They may be called “whipped” by their friends just because they are passionate with someone.

There are so many double standards out there that I’m sure I haven’t touched on. Until people can see that each individual person is different and unique, we will never truly get rid of double standards. Society is always going to have input no matter what we do with our lives. So rather you are a man or woman do what you want to do with your lives and don’t let anyone tell you any differently. Be a caretaker or don’t. Play sports or don’t. Be in relationships or don't. Take charge of who you are and don’t let any person or label define the individual you are. So if you excuse me, I’m going to keep hitting balls over people’s heads, speaking my mind, and continue my path of being a caring independent woman.