gender roles

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

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
The Shocking Messages We Are Sending Our Children
It recently came to my attention that the number of children’s books containing female protagonists is alarmingly low. My mother sent me a video with some disturbing statistics about the lack of female role models in children’s literature, urging me to start writing children’s books. We know that stereotypes develop early-on. Socialisation as children is a huge part of determining how men and women will be treated as adults. Therefore, it is shocking to see how men and women are portrayed and how young boys and girls are being socialised into seeing these grossly unfair stereotypes as normal.
By Hannah Petch8 years ago in Viva
A Woman Is...
A woman plays many roles in her lifetime, starting with being somebody's daughter. From there, she learns how to be a friend to her peers, and later, she learns how to be a girlfriend, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. With all these different roles, when does a woman get time for herself, and who is she really?
By Denise Willis8 years ago in Viva
Why Is It Okay to Be Silent?
I have PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and trichotillomania all stemming from the first time I was sexually assaulted. I have now been assaulted three times, all before I turned eighteen. I am constantly on alert. I am always worrying about if I'm being followed when I'm alone. I have trust issues because two of the three times I was assaulted I knew and trusted the people who did it.
By Madison Neal8 years ago in Viva
What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger
I don't talk to people much about social issues. I don't think I should have to explain why everyone should receive basic human rights. The right to be in a country founded on immigrants. The right to choose what you do with your body. The right to proper health care and mental treatment. These are all things that every person on the planet should rightfully have, these among others. I shouldn't have to spell this out.
By Sam Kissiar8 years ago in Viva