Being a woman is great and most of us probably wouldn’t change it for the world — but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still ridiculously unfair things about being female that we have to deal with in 2016. Here are 10 of the most annoying:
- Getting ripped off in stores. We don’t get paid as much as men, and yet our razors and deodorants still cost more than the male versions that do the same exact job. Our favorite stores punish us for being female.
- Having our feelings mocked. It isn’t “cute” when we’re angry or funny when we burst into tears. We don’t appreciate when our emotions are mocked or are blamed on our periods.
- Being held to a higher standard. Why should women be expected to maintain a size zero when “dad bods” are being idolized? We shouldn’t have to remain skinny, wear makeup, or slip into provocative dresses to be considered sexy.
- Being blamed for male behavior. If a boy has a hard time concentrating in class, we’re blamed for being distracting in our shorts and tank tops. When a woman is raped, some people even have the nerve to blame her for what she was wearing or how much she was flirting, instead of pointing the finger at the man who committed a crime.
- Rules that keep us safe. Our society tells us to avoid leaving the house alone at night, when we should really be teaching boys to stop mistreating us. We shouldn’t have to hide away, because some men aren’t capable of controlling themselves.
- Lingering gender stereotypes. Some of us prefer to wear flannel and mom jeans. It doesn’t mean we’re lesbians or that we’ve “given up.”
- Being reduced to sex objects. The female body is used to sell cars, hamburgers, and hair gel. That’s why some men actually think it’s okay to stare at us like we were created for nothing more than their amusement.
- Being treated like second best. Some people still value male opinion over female opinion. Of course, we’re just as strong and talented as any man is, which is why this myth needs to be buried.
- Hypocritical treatment about sex. A male virgin is considered sweet, and a man who sleeps around is considered a Casanova. Meanwhile, when women sleep around, they’re called promiscuous, and when they’re virgins, they’re called prudes.
- The pressure to bear children. Even in 2016, people will still pressure us to quit our jobs to have children. We just wish the world would realize that we don’t need a family in order to be happy, and leave us the hell alone.
