Whether we want to admit it or not, sexism is still alive today. If it is the lyrics to popular songs that degrade women or just the negative day-to-day behavior, females of all ages experience it globally.
The song “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke was released in March 2013 and quickly climbed the charts. With lyrics such as “when you got them jeans on what do we need steam for you the hottest girl in this place” and “thats why I’m gonna take a good girl” sparks controversy through slyly referencing rape. The lyrics are degrading towards women and present them as sex symbols, yet we still sing the lyrics to them as radio stations continuously play the song.
On the other hand, slut shaming in the media is also a problem with today’s society. Miley Cyrus has dressed raunchy in the past and continues to be called derogatory names. Nick Jonas recently did a photoshoot wearing very minimal clothing and is praised. As soon as a male dresses in a provocative way, it is considered sexy, but when a female does this, it is considered inappropriate and disturbing. Both celebrities are former Disney stars and are trying to outgrow the childlike image that they previously maintained.They both face a double standard which neither of them committed to.
Emma Watson, U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador, gave a passionate speech at the U.N. headquarters in New York discussing feminism before she launched her “HeForShe” campaign. The “HeForShe” campaign aims to create male advocates for creating equality between men and women. Her speech followed with a standing ovation and quickly went viral.
“I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men. But sadly I can say that there is no one country in the world where all women can expect to receive these rights,” said Watson.
Women are supposed to follow the stereotype of stay at home mothers who take care of children and belong in the kitchen because they are considered weak and dependent. In President Obama’s State of the Union address, he said, “Today, women make up about half of our work force. But they still make seventy-seven cents for every dollar a man earns.” Based on median annual earnings for full-time, year-round workers, women earned 76.5% of men’s earnings. This wage gap should not be acceptable in 2014 and is an embarrassment for our country.
In professional sports, players will receive a longer probation time for drug use than assaulting a female
Females frequently encounter sexual harassment. From just walking through the hallways at school, if one pays attention, they could witness a male shouting derogatory sayings and touching women in inappropriate places. According to a survey, 83% of women in high school have been sexually harassed. A percentage that is far too high.
“Everyone should be treated the same. You should always treat someone respectfully,” said Meren Torres, a senior at Leesville.
These issues are just now being addressed. For so long, the term feminism was avoided because many people thought it meant women are better than men. Now that the term has been clearly defined, it is time more people, men and women, consider themselves feminists.
