Over time, society has gotten closer to equality between the sexes. But while a lot of important strides have been taken, there is still a long way to go. Many people may believe that men and women are treated equally today. But the truth is that women have always been judged more harshly for things than men are. This is reflected in many of the opinions of women, which can be seen in online communities like Reddit. A deep dive into this platform to research how women are treated in comparison to men revealed some startling truths. There is a vast difference between the way we as a society perceive women and their behavior. In many situations, men have the freedom to act in ways that women are harshly criticized for. Read on to learn what 12 people from Reddit had to say about things men can do but women get judged for.
“Eating large amounts of food at a restaurant.”
In general, women are judged often for how they behave in public. This is true for how they consume food. Eating large amounts of food in public is a common act that women get judge for, but men can do freely.
“Not shaving.”
While many things have changed in terms of women and judgment of their bodies, they are still criticized for body hair. In much of the world, women are still expected to have little to no body hair –– and if they don’t shave places like their underarms, legs and intimate areas, they are shamed for it.
“Going topless.”
Men can go out in public with their shirt off as much as they please, and it is considered totally acceptable. Even though they are exposing their nipples just as a topless woman would, there is no judgment. A woman going topless is still seen as a sexual act, and therefore shunned or exploited for the male gaze.
“Aging.”
When men age, they are seen as distinguished, wise and handsome. When women age, they are looked at as being less attractive and desirable. There is a fixation on criticizing women for doing something very natural and inevitable: getting older.
“Weightlifting.”
More body policing of women occurs in the gym also. Oftentimes, women are expected to have slender, thin builds. A woman who has more muscle definition and focuses on weightlifting is often judged for being too bulky and masculine.
“Being overweight.”
Men have much more room to be overweight and still considered attractive than women. Women are expected to be thin and are looked down on if they gain too much weight.
“Late-night parties”
Women can even be criticized for partying too much. Again, this is a situation where men have the freedom to do what they want and just have fun enjoying themselves.
“Wearing the same clothes for multiple occasions.”
Another absurd double standard is fixating on women’s wardrobes so heavily that they are expected to never wear the same outfit again in life. Men can wear the same white T-shirt everyday and no one really cares. It may even be praised for it.
“Arguing.”
This particular person even said there is a double standard in arguments. “I’ve seen times where the man is flying off the handle, but a not even raise voice retort from a woman, and she’s called emotional,” they said.
“Deciding not to have children.”
Not having kids is totally acceptable for a man, but women are expected to procreate and be excited about it.
“Shaving their head.”
Men with shaved heads are seen as macho and attractive, but many times, women with shaved heads are viewed as masculine or even painted as emotionally unstable.
“Dating a younger partner.”
Men can date women who are younger and no one bats an eyelash. Women who date younger are regularly judged and harshly criticized.
