Misogyny is a hatred or dislike of, or prejudice against women.

 

Misogyny is deep-seated in sexist gender roles, with the idea that women are supposed to be submissive and in a place of servitude instead of men and women being viewed equally. This viewpoint originates from numerous places such as the tale of Adam and Eve which paints women as evil and manipulative, along with Islam’s Quran which suggests brutality to keep women in line, as if they were objects. Of course, that does not mean that these religions preach misogyny or are all bad, but they have laid the groundwork for readers to think this way.

 

Another origination of misogyny is when society was agriculturally-based, where the men would go outside to do physical labor and the women remained inside. It is interesting how female rulers and women in respected positions possessed lots of power in ancient society, yet somehow the tide has turned for much else of history. Men’s view of woman has transitioned from venerated figures to the lesser gender.

 

Misogyny today takes form in violence against women through microaggressions, sexist comments, sexual assault, rape, physical assault, and even murder. Women constantly live in fear that they are the next victim, and it is a commonplace to carry pepper spray and take other self-defense precautions.

 

Women are equal to men and hold the same capacities in every ability way possible, which is why it is incredibly frustrating how sexists view women as less than men or do not have the same rights as men. This inequality must end, but that is a topic for another blog post.

 

Based on these descriptions, one may believe that misogyny is greatly perpetrated by men as a form of oppression against women. This is very true, but misogyny has evolved into not only contempt for women themselves, but also for anything deemed feminine.

 

Nowadays, not only are women the victims of misogyny, but men are also negatively affected and less free (by societal standards) to express themselves without being viewed negatively. Anytime a man does something, wears something, or participates in something that is stereotypically female, they are viewed as weak and less of a man. This is unfortunate and negatively impacts males of all ages, starting as a child.

 

Common yet sexist comments such as, “you throw like a girl,” when someone throws a ball askew or, “man up,” said to a young boy showing his emotions impact children’s view of differences between females and males, and teach them internalized misogyny as a young person. When did relating someone to a girl become an insult? Why must males not show emotion, and instead trap it inside themselves?

 

Teaching young boys that it is “weak” to show their emotions results in declining mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health‘s statistics, the male suicide rate in 2018 was 3.7 times higher than the female suicide rate. Just because men often do not talk about their feelings or struggles does not mean they do not have them.

 

The term that describes this harmful stigma that men should not emote and they should never do anything remotely feminine is often called “toxic masculinity”. This also describes how it is wrong to view men as greater than women, as this is negative, unhealthy, and overall toxic behavior.

 

Overall, misogyny and any views that femininity is weak harm both women and men. This limits people from expressing their true selves and trying to fit the mold of what society deems correct. The way to steer society away from their misogynistic behavior starts with each and every person condemning male supremacy and actively advocating for equality for women and men in legislation and treatment by the community.