Men hate it when women bring up gender inequality in a conversation.
It happens everywhere. ESPN will post an update on Facebook about Ronda Rousey's latest victory, and the comments forum is arguing amongst itself. The top comments say it all: "But what is she doing outside of the kitchen?" "I would like Ronda to put me in a choke hold." Of course, a male says them.
Afterward, over a hundred follow-up comments are posted, and men and women are seen fighting back and forth as to whether the first comment was offensive and unnecessary. Men generally back it and claim it was a joke. They suggest that the females should "expect it" and "not take it seriously." No matter what the women say to oppose them, a male will counter with another insult and it'll receive an absurdly high amount of likes.
This scenario summarizes what gender equality is like in American society. It still doesn't exist. The double standards surrounding what seems to be a war of genders is astounding. Women are too often objectified as sexual objects used for pleasure. What's worse is that women are often compelled to oblige to this connotation in hopes of seeming equal to men. It is also expected that women make a living by exposing their bodies. Those whose bodies are not deemed good enough, however, are frowned upon, especially if they discover the courage to show it to the world.
For those whose bodies not only meet but surpass expectations, catcalling is an unfortunate epidemic. Men scoff at the thought of rape culture. It is too bad men are conditioned to be so weak, inconsiderate and simple-minded to think only about having sex with women. There is no regard for the beautiful and unique lives and dreams each soul wishes to live out. It's all about their appearances and creating judgments off of what is seen.
The argument can be made, though, that men are treated the same way. Body shaming does not only apply to women. My counterargument is centered around the "Free the Nipple" movement. Men and boys are seen shirtless all the time, and women want the same, albeit just for breastfeeding. People can take sides, but it once again shows the outrageous gender difference. Males can show their nipples and women can't, and it's as simple as that.
Unfortunately, men are still stubborn and insist on being the reason why women can't make the necessary strides. Males have been the dominant gender since the beginning of mankind. They are so accustomed to it they are arrogantly unwilling to be equal.
Of course, not every man feels that way. Every person is different and unique, but the inequalities are so profound to women that they can't help but generalize the male population for their ignorance. That's on us. We are not doing our part.
Men have their own internal thoughts and feelings towards each woman they encounter, and that's fine. We just have to keep in mind that women are just as capable as men to make the world run. I find that men often forget that.
There is a reason why feminism exists. The commonly associated stereotypes are that feminists despise men and want women to thrive more than their opposites. That's not what feminism is about, though. All they want is equality, not superiority. Males, as a whole, have shown a complete lack of sympathy towards women because they don't understand inferiority.
Guys, we need to understand that gender inequality is very real. We cannot continue to ignore it.
