A conversation at work about the roles of man and women got me thinking and inspired this post. A male coworker mentioned that there seem to be a dichotomy in the train of thought in some "self-proclaimed" independent women he knew. They were all about "not needing a man" yet would always asked him to carry something heavy for them because he was a man and strong. So, it got me thinking...is there a double standard when it comes to gender roles?
For example, if a man asked a woman to clean up, organize etc at work because she was better at it since she was a woman people would probably label that as him applying a gender role and stereotyping. However, if a woman asked a man to help her with something heavy or to go do a "heavy job" at the office and he was offended or denied to do it, people (and perhaps more women than men) would call that rude, that he wasn’t a team player and/or overreacting. Isn’t this considered a double standard? When did it become acceptable to apply male gender roles but not female ones? Why is it that society readily accepts men stereotypes and gender roles? Is it because they are deemed “oppressive?” Is it because men are still the “power” gender and thus cannot be seen as being picked on? Where do we draw the line of “respect” and “considerate” to “stereotype?” In the name of equality is being considerate lost?
I hope not, and I don’t think so. I plan to raise my son to open doors for people, offer his seat to the elderly, pregnant women, etc., help carry boxes and yes offer to pay for dinner. However, if I have girl I plan to do the same. I was raised to be self-sufficient, to never expect a man to buy me anything (because they always want something in return my mom would tell me, but I digress), and the only expectation to have out of a relationship was respect and love not money.
Ultimately, I hope that my child does the above things because it’s the polite, respectful and considerate thing to do not because of his gender.
What do you all think? Are men being stereotyped? Do any men out there feel like they are being stereotyped? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Until next time, deuces y’all.
Well for us we aren't parenting with gender rolls. If Gunnar wants his toe nails painted like mine I see no problem with that, he's still a boy and it won't "ruin him" we will raise him to be respectful and polite. If he wants to play with trucks and dolls he can no big deal in our house.
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