I Am Fucking Sick Of These 9 Sexist Microaggressions Guys Are Always Pulling
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I Am Fucking Sick Of These 9 Sexist Microaggressions Guys Are Always Pulling

4. Being told I "look tired."

581
I Am Fucking Sick Of These 9 Sexist Microaggressions Guys Are Always Pulling
Katherine Hanlon

While women have come a long way over the last century, we still deal with a lot of sexism. This can take the form of blatant sexual harassment or abuse, catcalling or not being paid equally. But more often, it comes in the form of microaggressions. A microaggression is a small, albeit enraging, slight against someone, usually having to do with race, gender or sexuality. I deal with them quite often, and I am fucking over it.

1. Being told to smile.

Throughout my life, I have been told to smile, regardless of my mood. I have had a complete stranger yell at me to smile from his truck while I was jogging. This comes from the idea that women are supposed to be polite and cheery at all times. You know, sugar and spice and everything nice. The thing is, I’m not always happy. Sometimes I’m having a shit day. Sometimes I’m trying to concentrate on something. Smiling is not the natural expression that just falls on my face.

2. Constantly being asked if I’m in a relationship.

Every time a holiday rolls around and I’m spending time with family, this dreaded question always gets asked: “Are you seeing anyone?” The answer is always no. I’ve started answering with how I’m doing in school or how work is going. I hate this because it implies that I should be in a relationship or that my value is tied to it. And often comes before they ask about anything else going on in my life. What’s worse is the reaction I get when I say no. It’s usually my Grandma looking really disappointed and little worried for my wellbeing. Though honestly, they should consider that, if I was seeing someone important enough to tell them about it, they would probably be with me.

3. Being extra cautious about what I wear.

Getting dressed in the morning is an absolute nightmare for me. I usually try on multiple combinations of blouses and pants and dresses before landing on whatever gives the most coverage. This is a little bit because I desperately need to update my wardrobe and a lot because I am constantly worried about dressing “too slutty.” Women are heavily monitored in the workplace and school when it comes to what they wear, while men just wear whatever. God forbid they show their shoulders in case a man gets distracted. I just want to be able to throw something on and walk out the door without holding a ruler to my shorts.

4. Being told I "look tired."

First of all, fuck you. Second of all, I am always tired. Always. No exceptions. If I can make myself look not tired, it’s a good day. If I do look tired, it just means I skipped the concealer, which probably means I am extra tired. So, instead of reminding me that I look like garbage, get me a pillow and a blanket so I can nap. Or just don’t say anything.

5. Assuming I like/dislike things because of my gender.

Gender roles have determined much of what guys and girls are “supposed” to like. But that doesn’t mean any of us actually like those things. Many girls aren’t into dresses and makeup, while guys are and that’s fine. Just don’t assume I am into one thing and not another. It’s even worse when people assume because I like some traditionally feminine things, I like all traditionally feminine things and no traditionally masculine things. I am a well-rounded and complete human being with interests that include video games, makeup and outdoor activities. And that’s not rare either, so stop pretending that a girl who likes baking and mudding is special.

6. Being judged on my sex life.

When it comes to being a woman, you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Far too often, women are either a slut or a prude with absolutely no in between. While this is more noticeable in overtly sexist comments, it exists as microaggressions as well. Unfortunately, it can come from other women the most and usually consists of questions like “Is there a specific reason you’re not having sex?” or “So, how many people have you slept with?” Or really any judgment on someone else’s decision to do whatever they want with their body.

7. Being stared at my random men.

The worst part of any day is when, after meticulously picking out an outfit that I feel cute in and that covers what higher-ups deem inappropriate, I still get stared at. Ogled at, if you will. And by strange men who are often way older than me and definitely making comments to their buddy that I can’t hear. It makes me feel ugly, awkward, and sometimes unsafe.

8. Assuming I don’t know things.

This comes in the form of what has been termed “mansplaining.” It’s when you just start explaining basic concepts or something that I should already know to me. It’s annoying and insulting, not to mention a waste of time. If I don’t know something, I will ask. Until I ask, just assume I know. It’s not hard and will save us a lot of time and irritation.

9. Not being believed when I talk about these experiences.

The one thing I hate the most is when someone tries to tell me how I’m feeling or how I experienced something. The reason these microaggressions are so prominent in our society is because, when women point it out, they’re not believed or their feelings are pushed aside. This is why we can’t tackle the bigger problems that women face, too. It doesn’t matter if we are talking about being told to smile or being assaulted; everything we say is scrutinized or downplayed.


While microaggressions are not literally the worst, they suck. And when you deal with these little things for years and years, the rage builds up. So, I beg of you, please don’t this stuff. It’s irritating and disrespectful. And if you now aren’t sure how to treat women, try treating them like a person.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

3053
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

4685
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

23944
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

3703
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

5743
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments