More than 18 cents behind
April 7, 2022
The term feminism was first coined in 1837 by French Philosopher Charles Fourier to refer to feminine qualities or character. By dictionary definition feminism means the doctrine advocating social, political and all other rights of women equal to those of men. Since the word feminism was first invented, women across the globe have brought the word through the Women’s Education Movement, the Women’s Sufferage Movement and the Women’s Liberation Movement.
As far as the world has come in terms of gender equality, there is still internalized misogyny rooted in most people. As many have probably figured out, Generation Z (1997-2012) has quite the iron fist when it comes to racism, sexism and homophobia. As a part of a new trend on TikTok (60 percent of users are from Gen Z), creators are speaking up about the misogynistic habits that still occur in the world today. Most of the TikToks have the song “The Man” by Taylor Swift playing in the background.
One of the most prominent creators in this trend is Lindsey Shelton (@linds.shelton on TikTok) with a series calling out double standards between men and women that has almost 40 parts. Some of her biggest points are how men and women are treated in the workplace, the expectation of mothers versus fathers, men’s versus women’s control over their bodies and men’s versus women’s sports uniforms. Although these have been talked about previous to the trend, of course, she has pointed out the little sexist things that are hard to catch in everyday life.
Women in the workplace have been fighting for their place in the hierarchy of a company since day one. When women are promoted to a higher position, people question how she made it there, whereas when men receive a promotion, it’s congratulated without question. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women working full time earned 82% of what men earned in the same circumstances. The wage gap has come a long way, but women’s pay is still not equal to men’s. Although the issue has been recognized by the government, very few steps have been taken to change the inequality.
Another point Shelton makes often is the expectations of mothers versus fathers. Mothers or wives are expected to cook and clean regardless of their occupation. When fathers or husbands are cooking or cleaning, it’s unexpected and praised. A mother bringing home fast food is seen as lazy but when a father brings home fast food he’s a “fun dad.” Although it’s becoming more normalized, there is still the stereotype of a working husband and a stay at home wife as well. Women are still somewhat expected to stay home and cook, clean and take care of the children while the men work to make money for the whole family.
The widely debated topic of women’s sports uniforms also makes the list in Shelton’s TikTok series. From Women’s Volleyball, cheerleading, running and even Women’s Football, women’s uniforms are made to expose as much skin as possible. This apparently makes it okay for women to be sexualized while they’re playing a sport that should not be. If one looks at men’s sports uniforms the most that will be exposed is their arms and calves.
A controversial topic as of lately happens to be the amount of control a woman has over her own body. In several states women are denied their right to a medical procedure because of a lawmaker’s beliefs. Procedures like abortions are illegal in many states regardless of the circumstances. On April 5 the Oklahoma House passed an anti-abortion bill that will make abortion a felony. Women are also questioned and may have to have permission from their significant other to have medical procedures that are entirely a woman’s own choice. Whereas when a man wants to have a similar procedure done the answer is mostly a yes without question.
The line from “The Man” reads, “I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man.” Many women know this feeling all too well from the wage gap to sports uniforms. After 185 years of feminism it’s time for the world to acknowledge that it’s no longer the 1800s.
Contact Macey Thaxton at [email protected]