Pretty much every article, video, post on Facebook, etc. that I see about gender stereotypes revolves around female stereotypes but fails to really mention the guys that are stereotyped. Now, ladies, I will be talking about you too, but there are some things to be said about male stereotypes that need to be heard finally.

“You’re the/a boy.” I cannot tell any of you how much I’ve heard that before and every time I do it irritates me even more. I am a guy, yeah, there’s no denying that, but I shouldn’t be expected to do things simply because of that. Guys are stereotyped to be manly and be able and willing to do lots of stereotypical “guy things.” When they don’t fall under that stereotype, they are seen as weak or less of a man.

Yeah, I’m a guy, but that doesn’t define what I do. I may not want to build things or pick up dead animals to take them to the woods. I may like to read books that are seen more classified as “girl books.” I distinctly remember a time in high school when I was reading "Clockwork Princess" by Cassandra Clare. Obviously, the word “princess” is in the title, and there’s the main character in an elaborate dress. I didn’t want to be seen with this awesome book that I was reading because I knew the title and cover could get me mocked. It sounds ridiculous, but that’s exactly what happens when “you’re the boy.”

Of course, gender stereotypes cover both genders. “You’re a girl” exists just like “You’re a boy” does. While “You’re a boy” treats guys like they need to be more manly, “You’re a girl” treats girls like they’re fragile and lesser of people. Female stereotypes treat women like they’re less than a guy simply because of their gender. I can be complaining about one specific person doing one specific thing and the person I’m complaining to can respond with, “Oh, it’s just because she’s a girl.” How is that someone’s logic? How is that fair? How is it fair that “You’re a boy” or “You’re a girl” can be someone’s way of justifying an action?

I’ve actually seen a lot of Facebook posts about how a relationship is supposed to be (whatever that means). Some of the girls that I’ve seen post said stuff have made comments about how they won’t date a guy unless they abide by these unrealistic standards. These standards the guys just have to follow because they’re a guy and since a random Facebook post says it, it has to be true. Relationship standards are developed from these stereotypes that society has created. It’s seen as weird if a girl decides to pay for a date because that’s the guy’s job under the logic of “You’re the guy.” If the girl does and the guy lets her, the guy is seen as being weak and the girl is too dominating in the relationship. How is that fair?

Gender stereotypes are just not cool. Guys shouldn’t be bashed for doing things that may be seen as girly. Girls shouldn’t be bashed for doing things that may come across as boy activities. These sorts of stereotypes just shouldn’t exist to be plain and simple. They’re out of date.