gender roles

A look at the evolution of gender roles, from Leave It to Beaver, paternity leave, female breadwinners and more.

Things Boys Learn by Age 5 That Perpetuate Rape Culture
Through a combination of parenting and unconscious indoctrination, there are many things boys learn by age 5 that perpetuate rape culture. And if you find the term "rape culture" to be too much, ask yourself if the widespread sexual violence exposed by the #MeToo movement is itself too much.
By Ben Kharakh8 years ago in Viva
A Small Box
If you grow up in a female body, this is what society will tell you: you are fragile, weak, and inferior. You should wear pink: dresses, bows, ruffles, and sparkles from head to toe, and you should never do anything that could get you dirty. Now, you may be the kind of girl who likes to wear shorts and t-shirts, who skins her knees climbing trees and stains her white dress jumping in mud puddles on rainy spring days. If that is the case you’re not a girl at all, you are a tomboy. Oh, you like sports, and you asked for a toy gun and soccer cleats for Christmas? Well, you’re getting an American Girl doll, a new dress, and a play kitchen equipped with mini cleaning supplies. Everyone knows that trucks and tools, blocks and guns, these things are for boys. If you’re a girl and you like these things, you’re simply abnormal. Oh, and your best friend Charlie, you simply have to have romantic feelings for. I mean you’re only eight...but you chase him on the playground, share animal crackers with him at lunch, plus, you were the only girl at his birthday party, and girls and boys can’t just be friends. There is more going on, even if you don’t know it yet. Also, you suck at science, math, and anything that requires actual thought. You should stick to reading and writing, keeping the house clean, you know, "lady's work." You can’t play football or soccer or any of those man sports because you will get hurt, and you will get muddy. So, try out for cheerleading instead, it is a better fit for you after all. You were put on this Earth to support the men.
By M Krizan8 years ago in Viva
Things Women Are Expected to Do at Work But Shouldn't
Women are supposed to have perfect make up at the office, impeccable job wear, work full time, and stay at home to have children. If men had to do the things women are expected to do, this whole country would be turned upside down! Of course, thanks to toxic masculinity, men already are the ones turning this country upside down. Here are the things women have to do at work while doing all the things they have to do.
By Chica Reyass8 years ago in Viva
Is Toxic Masculinity a Real Concept? If So, What Would Constitute as Toxic Femininity?
I can, with quite a sizeable certainty, claim that humans are biologically dimorphic. We have the characteristic traits that separate males from females physically and even psychologically. Now that we highlighted that, and we can all agree that women have boobs and are generally of smaller stature, have softer features and sparse body hair, as well as that men are more angular, should be taller, and are basically yetis and possess a peen, we can move on to the real issue here.
By Maura Dudas8 years ago in Viva
One of the Guys
I think I speak for more than just myself when I say that I certainly get along better with guys my age as opposed to girls, and for some reason society sees that as a bad thing. I grew up in a neighborhood of all boys, so I had to put up or shut up, and that made me a little tougher. Because of that, I don't really have a filter and have an easier time talking to boys. However, if you see a girl surrounded by a group of guys, with one or two other girls, people tend to think "Oh, she's probably a slut." Even with guys being surrounded by girls, "Oh, he's probably gay, or is a man whore." Why is this okay? That's a trick question, because it's not okay. Making assumptions about people is what is creating the society we live in now.
By Nicole8 years ago in Viva
Tolerance
"Are you going to stack the other table too?" "I mean, not if you were planning on sitting at it." "Oh no, well I mean I can't just stand around and watch a woman work- not that you couldn't do it yourself," with a condescending wink.
By Danielle Dragani8 years ago in Viva
It's Not Okay to Say 'Hi' to Women Anymore
Fair warning, males! If you see a woman on the street who's clearly distressed, do not attempt to approach. You have got to first hand in a handwritten application soaked in some magical dust that'll make it okay for them upon inhalation to speak to this superior race.
By Maura Dudas8 years ago in Viva
A Difficult Day
The man that took everything from me called today. I had moved on. When I say "moved on," I mean that I stopped having the haunting nightmares that made me wake up screaming. I stopped looking over my shoulder to see if he is there, following me. I mean that instead of thinking about it a million times a day and all the things I should have done differently, I only think of it once or twice.
By Jae Heide8 years ago in Viva
Don't Be a Girl
There's a quote I have seen online, I think it was said to be Betty White. Something along the lines of don't tell someone to not be a pussy if you're trying to insult them, call them a testicle, one kick and that thing is done for. Those things can take a beating. If you think about it, women are pretty damn strong. There is no doubt that we are more mentally and emotionally strong than men, when it comes to physical strength, no doubt the majority of men would be stronger but that is due to anatomy and not "not having the balls (no literally)" or "being a pussy."
By RaeAnna Mercado8 years ago in Viva
Men vs Women
There are so many scenarios where men think they are better than women, have better skills, knowledge and ability, and when it is evident they are not.
By Ann Zukon8 years ago in Viva
The "F" word
Feminism is not just a boon for women. Tearing down gender roles and patriarchal institutions benefits everyone. Think about a world where men are taught from a young age that it's alright to have emotions; where they aren't continually repressed. Or, a world where women are taught that it's awesome to have ambitions, to be successful in whatever way they can dream of, and that their voice deserves to be heard.
By Caitlin Hartlen8 years ago in Viva
I Think I Was Sexually Harassed?
#MyWorstDate I was seeking companionship online. I don't get out much and online dating was my best option. I've never had the utmost confidence in myself on a continual basis. Sometimes I found that I was cute, but I never really thought more than that. I figured dating online was my only way to find a decent guy. My low self-esteem and self-worth, combined with this particular guy I met is what made me begin to think differently about myself.
By Katrina Carr8 years ago in Viva