In today's society, we are faced with a problem that was never prevalent before; a crime that goes unseen like no other, and that is rape. Along with new societal norms, we've adapted a new language, one riddled with bigotry and double standards. Disrespect is at an all time high- women are objectified and thrown around by men- and it is all due to the usage of one word: slut. This word, which is synonymous to prostitute, is used in all areas, from describing an outfit, to body shaming, to degradation of a girl who kissed a boy in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is not the correct usage of the word, however. Webster's Dictionary defines the word as "a woman who has many sexual partners." When presented with this, it is clear that something
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School dress codes are overly-assertive, and often go to the extent of limiting individuality. In my past five years of American schooling, I have found my wardrobe options limiting on a daily basis- if it shows my back, I need a sweater, if it shows too much leg, I need tights- despite nothing that one might define as 'vulgar' is showing. The worst part is, is that this is not my fault. As a 16 year old girl, I fear going to college in a different state, which limits my ability to aspire to my goals, because of the existing rape culture on college campuses that is bred in high school. There is no norm established for boys, no "you can't say this", "you can't do this to girls", yet as a females, girls are expected to fit their wardrobe, social graces, and curiosity to the developing minds of their male counterparts. One could argue that because they are developing, they have no control over their actions; however, nothing we are taught growing up shows us that there is a line which has to be drawn that never is, creating a society destroying double …show more content…
In these classes, the topics of sex and alcohol are pulled into every unit. As adolescents, these two "risk factors" can be extremely impactful on our lives, especially if not handled appropriately. In all discussions, girls are told to cover up, not to drink, to keep an eye on their drinks in bars. Boys, on the other hand, are never told not to continue pursuing women after being turned down, or not to drug and rape girls. "Boys will be boys," they say. In a recent speech, First Lady Michelle Obama said, "it's like that sick sinking feeling you get when you're walking down the street, minding your own business, and some guy yells out vulgar words about your body." This is a reality that is faced by far too many young girls, beginning when they start high school, and continuing for years. While it would be completely unfair to say that no woman has ever said something sexually degrading to a man, it is fact that it is more often seen in men. It is not common on any level to say "girls will be girls," and the past few years have clarified why this is the case. Boys continue to see the word as something more acceptable, and therefore see women as something lesser, that they have the natural right to take advantage of. Becoming hypocrites at such a young age as well, boys who behave in the way that would be a girl being "slutty", are seen as studs, and do anything to keep that title despite
School dress codes are overly-assertive, and often go to the extent of limiting individuality. In my past five years of American schooling, I have found my wardrobe options limiting on a daily basis- if it shows my back, I need a sweater, if it shows too much leg, I need tights- despite nothing that one might define as 'vulgar' is showing. The worst part is, is that this is not my fault. As a 16 year old girl, I fear going to college in a different state, which limits my ability to aspire to my goals, because of the existing rape culture on college campuses that is bred in high school. There is no norm established for boys, no "you can't say this", "you can't do this to girls", yet as a females, girls are expected to fit their wardrobe, social graces, and curiosity to the developing minds of their male counterparts. One could argue that because they are developing, they have no control over their actions; however, nothing we are taught growing up shows us that there is a line which has to be drawn that never is, creating a society destroying double …show more content…
In these classes, the topics of sex and alcohol are pulled into every unit. As adolescents, these two "risk factors" can be extremely impactful on our lives, especially if not handled appropriately. In all discussions, girls are told to cover up, not to drink, to keep an eye on their drinks in bars. Boys, on the other hand, are never told not to continue pursuing women after being turned down, or not to drug and rape girls. "Boys will be boys," they say. In a recent speech, First Lady Michelle Obama said, "it's like that sick sinking feeling you get when you're walking down the street, minding your own business, and some guy yells out vulgar words about your body." This is a reality that is faced by far too many young girls, beginning when they start high school, and continuing for years. While it would be completely unfair to say that no woman has ever said something sexually degrading to a man, it is fact that it is more often seen in men. It is not common on any level to say "girls will be girls," and the past few years have clarified why this is the case. Boys continue to see the word as something more acceptable, and therefore see women as something lesser, that they have the natural right to take advantage of. Becoming hypocrites at such a young age as well, boys who behave in the way that would be a girl being "slutty", are seen as studs, and do anything to keep that title despite