(My listicle does not aim to generalize, blame or offend, but merely to make aware circumstances by eliciting certain emotions. My listicle does not make gender-neutral references.)
How would it feel to live in a world where you're not only unrightfully condemned, burdened with constant fear and held by lower standards, but also discouraged from accomplishing some great feats? This is the world that many women live in. If you think that it's ridiculous for men to experience the same, then would you think the same way for women?
1. “Cover up those biceps! You’ll distract the ladies!”
"Any manifestation of secondary sex characteristics, such as muscular biceps and triceps, reflects immoral desire for attention. Male students in school must cover up these features at all times, since it is crucial for their female counterparts to learn in a distraction-free environment. Shorts that expose thunder-thighs, shirts that expose the shape of the muscular arm or torso, and skinny jeans are all banned. Those wearing inappropriate attire will be asked to go home and change. Shirts that cover the Adam’s apple are strongly recommended. This is only fair for the ladies and female teachers."
2. “You’re going to be outside walking alone? Why don’t you bring a woman along to protect you?”
"It is crucial for a man, who wishes to travel alone, especially at dusk, to be with a woman. A woman will protect you by discouraging thieves or rapists from laying hands on you. A woman is strong, and not as easy to assault."
3. “You’re entering a female-dominated field. Are you sure you can handle it?”
"I'm not sure whether men can enter female-dominated fields. It would certainly be difficult for them to handle the environment and intellectual stimulation. How would they ever be fit to perform tasks that women are made to execute? Women are better laborers anyhow. Perhaps the men should just work in the mines, where they belong."
This is how it should be.
1. "Let the lady express herself!
Women are encouraged to dress modestly, as to prevent men in any social setting from being distracted. If a woman displays a secondary sex characteristic, she's either sexualized or asking for attention or rape. However, when a man displays a secondary sex characteristic, he is praised and admired. Often times, we hear stories of girls being sent home from school for wearing clothes that apparently show too much skin. This reflects not just disrespect towards women, but a belief that men do not need and can not learn to respect and de-sexualize women.
2. "It should be just as safe for her!"
Women are encouraged to have if not a group of friends, then a man by her side as a form of protection. However, it's okay for a man to be wandering into dark alleys by himself. Something tells me that women are easier to pick on and can not fend for themselves. That shouldn't be the case.
3. "We can do it."
For centuries, the kitchen was the place where "women belonged," since it was their "duty" to clean the house, cook the food and look after the kids. Women were discouraged from getting an education, or else they'd "form ideas" and "rebel." Even when women did enter the male-dominated workplace, men received credit for their contributions. Either that, or their contributions went unrecognized. Women are no less capable. Why did or does the world think so?
