In talking with other men and women, it is apparent that even though the push for gender equality is very prevalent today, that we are still not entirely equal. Between the glass ceiling and double standards, men still seem to have the upper-hand. I have noticed just from personal experiences and a little bit of research that this is still occurring.
What I'm not understanding is if you sleep with someone on the first date, you are considered a harlot. If you don't sleep with someone on the first date, then you are considered a prude. For men, it is different. If they sleep with someone on the first date, people give them a high-five and go on their way. If they don't sleep with someone on the first date, then they are considered respectful. Where did this double standard come from and who created it?
A woman at a Trump rally spoke out and said that she wanted to be paid the same as a man and that she wanted the right to choose what she does with her body, and his response to her was that she would make the same as a man if she could do as well of a job as a man. After the rally, he then proceeded to tweet about her and call her arrogant. That perception of women is what is what keeps gender inequality alive. This is just an example of the superiority that men think they possess over women.
Don't get me wrong, there are double standards coming from the opposite direction as well. If a woman comments on a man's weight, she is just joking in good fun. If a man comments on a woman's weight, he is being judgmental and mannerless.
In addition, men usually have the pressure of making the first move whenever it comes to dating. He is the one who is expected to pick up the check on a date or be the first person to lean in for a kiss.
Gender equality may not seem to be a huge issue to you personally, but in a broad perspective, do we want our children growing up in a world where brothers and sisters will be treated differently based on their gender? Do we want a society where women are considered hormonal and emotional but men are expected to not show emotion or cry? These circumstances have been brought about from centuries of patriarchy, but it is time to look at the bigger picture. With that being said, no matter what your gender may be, or whether you don't see gender at all, humans in general, should be treated with the same dignity and respect as one another.
