Dear Sexism,
I would say that it's lovely to see you, but I'd be lying. I won't ask how you're doing, because I see you everywhere. You make your presence known in so many ways that you're difficult to ignore. You lurk in the core of unjust sexual assault cases, laugh with your continued hold over unequal pay in this country, and relentlessly back misogynistic coverage in the media.
Some might say that you're slowly being overrun and that we're close to turning a corner that should have been rounded long ago, but then another story comes out that makes me think again. For example, when a USWNT veteran and World Class soccer player was diagnosed with a brain tumor, instead of referring to her with respect headlines focused on the insignificant fact that she's married to an NBA player.
This is just one example of your work that continues to persist and fester in the world today. I could go on with an endless list of sightings of you. Like how announcers at the Olympics accredited an athlete's success to that of her husband, or rampant sexist comments that have occurred throughout the entire presidential election with candidates saying degrading comments to the public. Ones that suggest we must:
"Think about the fathers ... who tomorrow will head off to work and wonder about the safety of their wives and their children."
- Chris Christie
Or when a woman stood up to ask a question at a debate and the candidate attempts and fails to land a "joke" by cutting her off to say that he doesn't have any Taylor Swift tickets. You've worked hard to maintain your presences in the relevant world, Sexism. And none of these examples even compare to the work you've put into the one and only Donald Trump, who has been cited calling women he doesn't like "slobs," "dogs," "fat pigs," and "disgusting animals." Along with disrespecting a high profile reporter and boycotting a debate after ridiculing her and questioning her professionalism, because of a photoshoot she did in previous years for GQ Magazine.
It really is astounding that even in the twenty-first century, you still have such a firm grip on the rhetoric of today, but I'm here to say we're tired of it. You need to pack your bags and leave, Sexism, because you are unwanted. Your beliefs are archaic and unappreciated. The world around us is bursting at the seams with men and women alike who are deserving of equal respect and opportunity. Both of us are making impacts on this world that are important, innovative, and insightful. From literature to entertainment to science to history, etc., men and women both contribute to it all.
I agree with what Belgian, author Hugo Claus said of the world:
“I am a person who is unhappy with things as they stand. We cannot accept the world as it is. Each day we should wake up foaming at the mouth because of the injustice of things.”
Well here I am standing in front of you, Sexism. I am foaming at the mouth, because you are unjust and it's time for you to go.
Sincerely,
Your #1 adversary
