Gender Stereotypes
Despite progress towards gender equality, deeply ingrained gender stereotypes continue to shape societal expectations and limit opportunities for individuals based on their gender. Gender stereotyping is a view made by society, or a social construct, of how men and women should act, dress, etc. It isn’t just people part of the LGBTQ+ community that face gender discrimination. Many other people find themselves surrounded by this problem too. The problem is that people have to deal with unfairness and harassment from individuals that believe that there are two set genders, and everyone must stay within the behaviors of their gender group.
Gender stereotypes can be subtle, or they can be clear. Sayings like “boys shouldn’t wear makeup because that is for girls” or “girls can’t get haircuts that are for boys” are harmful phrases that are common in everyday life.
People sometimes don’t even realize that they are being stereotypical until others call them out on it. The statement: “men are tough and they shouldn’t cry” comes off as arrogant and demanding. In a situation where a father is telling this to his son, the father might think he is doing the right thing for his son by teaching him how to act ‘properly.’ But to others outside the scenario, it sounds toxic, and people are blinded from their doings when it comes to gender stereotypes. The consequences of peoples’ actions lead to thoughts of confusion and aggression in youngsters.
Most harmful comments about gender stereotypes originate in childhood. When children are growing up, parents influence girls to play with dolls, and boys to play with trucks. Parents want the best for their children, but they don’t realize they affect their children’s lifestyle in a way where it shapes self-perception in a negative form.
This topic is important to me because everyone should face the same treatment from others, regardless of one’s gender and activities. A person I know wanted a haircut that one of her favorite male singers wore. When she asked her parents, they turned her down and said that the haircut was for boys, even though the haircut could fit a girl regardless of what it looked like or who was wearing it.
How do gender stereotypes affect people? Gender stereotypes make people feel bad about themselves, in a way that negatively affects the body and mind. Especially when their loved and trusted ones believe that gender stereotypes are true. Stereotypes make people feel like they are stuck in a box. They start to get more self-conscious, and they can’t find a way out.
Gender stereotypes are a large issue in our society. We may not actively see them, but they are everywhere. Nobody should be discriminated against based on how they act and dress. By learning about gender stereotypes, we can make the lives of people who face them better, making our community change as a whole.