Dear College Boys,
Let me first explain why I didn't refer to us as men. I don't think we deserve that title. Men are people who are responsible, respectful, and self-sacrificing. Men do not objectify women. Men do not disrespect women. And men are seldom found in college. I am absolutely disgusted with the way college boys treat women and I know I shouldn't be the one writing this letter. Yes, I am not a woman, but I have an opportunity to speak on the behalf of others and I plan to do so.
There are many reasons why I was thinking about sexism in general. If you turn on the news, you'll see the endless sexist comments that spew out of Donald Trump's mouth and his surrogates legitimizing his comments. I talk to my girlfriend and she details experiences of overt sexism and how many not only tolerate it, but celebrate it.
I consider myself lucky to attend a fairly progressive school that has several organizations to promote women's rights and attempt to end rape culture, but I find misogyny still finds a way into Pace University. The way we talk about women has changed very little. Women to college boys don't have distinct personalities, but rather distinct features. College guys when asked what they think about a certain woman, they will respond with something along the lines of she's cute or hot. Not that she seems nice or talented or cool.
Our language in college remains extremely gendered. And college guys are so quick to call a anyone a "bitch". The word has feminine connotations and what college guys see as bitchy is simply strength of will.
I have seen and heard of college guys simply ignoring women in social situations they deem masculine. Women aren't allowed to watch sports in lounges because they'll be subject to invisibility. Women like sports. Women shouldn't be ignored.
I will briefly touch on the subject of Donald Trump and his sexist campaign only because I could probably write a novel on that subject. The fact that boys are learning masculinity from a man who rates women based on their appearance, who brags about sexually assaulting women, and who believes this is appropriate behavior.
I hope that one day we will look back and question our behavior and I hope that women will be treated equally. In the meantime, I'll do my best to condemn this behavior and spread a message of equality to college boys.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Man
