An interesting post

I saw this post today, and I was like, finally, a discussion where it isn't all about the women and the injustices they must suffer daily, rapists around every corner, body snatchers from Mars ready with their anal probes, sexual harassment in the workplace, one could think that EVERYTHING is out to get the poor average woman.

There are still many inequalities that exist in North America between men and women. Many say that they are "subtle" but really, they are glaring you straight in the face. Most don't notice because it is so ingrained into our society that they don't even think about it. It's also important to note that it isn't just disadvantageous to women. (Awesome start)



For example, take two children who are growing up in the same household. One is female, one is male. The male child is emotional, plays with dolls, and has tea parties. The female child likes to get dirty, is aggressive, and plays with monster trucks and other toys that are meant for boys. You'll find parental comments about the boy to be very concerned. Some might begin to wonder whether or not he is homosexual. They would most likely encourage him to play with more masculine toys, and to, well, start acting more like a boy. Comments toward the girl, on the other hand, would most likely be around the lines of a parent saying affectionately "Oh, isn't she such a tomboy?" And there would be little concern. (The poster really did an awesome job till this point. If he/she had ended this post right here, I'd have posted a kudos or something because its so fucking rare to have someone actually defend men, even if they don't get to the stage where they can blame women without the chivalry instinct kicking in. But read on...) This is probably because many see it as weak to have a feminine disposition, and the fact that she was displaying masculine traits would be more appealing. (Oh now you've gone and blown it. What in the fuck are you talking about, ya crazy ho?)



The question is, why is it more respectable to be masculine? Why are men called "pussies" or "sissies" or "girls" when they are being weak, or when they fail? Why is it that to be feminine is to be weak, dependent, and submissive? Why is it that when men show traits of femininity it is frowned upon, but in most cases when women show traits of masculinity it is encouraged? (Now would be a perfect time to say that society does not allow men to be weak but it allows girls to be strong and weak at the same time, in the blink of an eye a girl can change from strong independent boss to weak little girl in need of protection)



Just the idea that to be feminine is to be weak is something that is still a huge hinderance to equality between the sexes. Today, it is not so much the laws that we make, but the way that we think, that has an effect on equality. (Hoo boy. This was the nicest build up I've ever seen to a display of typically feminist trash)



People might say "Well women cry more than men, and that makes them more emotional and more vulnerable" but the question a person has to ask is "Well, what if society conditions them to be this way?" (Not, what if society conditions men to be stoic and crying is said to be a sign of weakness for men? Not, why does society expect men to never display any emotions?)



The thing is, gender equality is something that many in our society take for granted. I think that it is important to continue to ask questions, and to be aware that freedom and equality aren't things that have just automatically come to us. It is something that we have had to work for, and if we don't pay attention and keep asking questions, then all of the progress that we've made could be taken from us.



Also:

fem·i·nism /ˈfɛməˌnɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled

Pronunciation[fem-uh-niz-uhm] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun



1. the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.

2. (sometimes initial capital letter) an organized movement for the attainment of such rights for women.



^

Who in their right mind would say that they aren't a feminist? All negative connotations aside. (Especially when the alternative is to be called a misogynist)

I must say, by getting into the dictionary, feminists have their trump card right there - any debate where feminism is questioned, the evil man-haters just point to the goddamn dictionary definition and say, "So there."