As the elections approach and I glumly realize that a woman has still not become president, I’ve begun thinking a lot about gender stereotypes and equality for women. But wait! Before half of my readers flip the page and become engrossed with finding a four-letter synonym for “aspersion,” stop. You play a part in this as well (and not just as a source of the problem either). You also have the power to create a fairer, more educated society through simple steps that can have great impact.
As one of the most influential forces on society, the media is largely to blame for gender stereotypes. Although shows that feature ditzy, relationship-obsessed women whose biggest dilemma is that the shoes they’ve been lusting over are out of stock will probably not leave television anytime soon, there is still something that can be done. One major factor in influencing people’s perceptions about gender lasts less than sixty seconds, and it appears in between programs.
When I was little, I had a major issue with Lego commercials. Two boys with scowling faces would lead plastic knights into battle. One knight would cross a bridge, plummeting through the “hidden trap door” into the dungeon. This would cause Boy #2 to pump his fist into the air in ecstasy and let out a manly “YEA!” Well—as manly as one can be for someone who has about six more years to go till he hits puberty. This was very disconcerting to me. Not only because as I sat among the 400-plus Lego blocks of my own Black Knight castle, I vehemently hoped that the plastic pieces my little sister had eaten weren’t the ones needed to construct that ultra-cool dungeon, but because I had never seen a single girl on those commercials. I firmly believe that one of the reasons there are so few female engineers is because girls are taught at a young age that toys like Legos and Lincoln Logs are not meant for them. Perhaps if commercials appealed to both genders, this wouldn’t be a problem.
Another thing keeping women from achieving the respect and equal status of men in society is the way women often present themselves physically. While I know that many times girls buy clothes not to impress a guy but rather because they like “dressing cute,” there is still a problem with this. As skirt hems rise higher and higher, so does the likelihood of you being objectified sexually as opposed to being viewed as an intelligent individual with goals and passions. Truthfully, guys don’t view “hooking up” and your low-cut shirts and think “Hmm, she just made a statement about female empowerment because she’s confident in expressing her sexuality both in her appearance and actions!” They think, “Hmm, I’m glad I got some play and a free look at that cleavage!” Perception is key. There is nothing wrong with dressing cute; just think about what other people are associating with that ridiculously short Abercrombie skirt, and whether that’s the image you truly want to portray.
As my favorite high school teacher used to say all the time—“Rhetoric is epistemic” and the words you use to express yourself form and are a reflection of your knowledge. Saying things or allowing things to be said such as “don’t be such a girl” or “you throw like a girl” ultimately form one’s opinions to believe that women should automatically be equated with signs of weakness and vulnerability. By publicly condemning this rhetoric, guys and girls, we can take an important step for women equality.
Finally, women must take an active stance on breaking down stereotypes. I saw a girl playing football with a group of guys on Main West yesterday. She leapt and made a spectacular interception, running nearly the entire length of the field because the group of guys was so stunned they didn’t run after her. When we interact with guys, whether it’s an academic setting or recreational one, we have the power to deconstruct preconceived, often incorrect, notions of women.
This allows everyone to realize that the disparities between men and women are differences—not inferiorities—and makes the notion of female equality (and maybe that of a future female president) a little more feasible.
Carolina Astigarraga is a Trinity sophomore.
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