Sexism, Sexual Harassment and Violence

Sexism involves prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, based on sex. The fact of the matter is that individuals report pain differently. One person may express their pain as being off the charts, showing no expected symptoms, while another may be completely incapacitated but describe their pain as moderate. Sexism comes into play when it’s assumed that if a man complains, he must be truly suffering, while a woman is expected to start complaining at the slightest discomfort. This stigma can result in mental health issues for women.

Although men and women certainly have different pain thresholds, women report experiencing more intense pain.

When men report pain, they are treated more fairly and taken more seriously. Doctors are more likely to prescribe painkillers for men, whereas they often provide less effective treatment for women. This discrepancy arises because, in a hospital setting, men are often valued more. Some male doctors may hesitate to attend to women due to common stereotypes about women exaggerating their symptoms.

A sexist joke, though seemingly disconnected from serious violations, is actually a form of sexual violence and contributes to the perpetuation of gender discrimination, sexist beliefs, and behaviors. Due to the malicious nature of such jokes and their contribution to gender discrimination, they need to be carefully scrutinized and addressed. Young women, in particular, are significantly influenced by the views and remarks of those closest to them, including family, friends, and coworkers.

Understanding women’s beliefs and their personal values is crucial in helping them overcome challenges related to self-worth, self-esteem, and positive self-image. Women’s health issues have often been overlooked in numerous economic and social circles. Studies have shown that women are intellectually superior to men in certain areas. Hence, rather than ignoring women, societies should start to appreciate them more frequently.

Despite some progress in this area, many issues that women face continue to be neglected and overlooked by the male-dominated medical community. People generally interpret expressions of pain more accurately when displayed on a man’s face than a woman’s. Intriguingly, observers tend to attribute expressions of pain more often to men than women. Women are more prone to seek treatment for chronic pain but are also more likely to be misdiagnosed by healthcare providers. The impact of sexism and implicit gender bias may be hard to demonstrate. However, in women’s healthcare, there’s a marked lack of ambiguity. Therefore, women ought to recognize these discrepancies to better identify healthcare providers who understand and can diagnose and treat them fairly.

Sexual violence and rape create barriers to living a full life at every level, and sexual assault affects women at epidemic rates. The experience of sexual profiling is not limited to personal interactions with strangers or other unknown individuals. Most media outlets create different scenarios that expose women to sexual objectification, considering that women are depicted in the media in a sexually objectifying manner. Advertisements, television shows, movies, music videos, newspaper articles, and pornography all depict sexually profiled images of women.

A majority of people reported lifetime experiences of sexism. Women are often known to be bystanders to sexist comments directed towards other women. Research shows that women often experience a lot of negative emotions when they are the victims of sexism and other women who witness the degrading remark can also be affected. Women tend not to speak up but watch from the crowd. This just goes to show that women in past decades didn’t have the voice or courage to speak up.

Women have been faced with problems dating as far back as the 1700’s. Female activists were known to be around during this time period. A famous female activist we all know as Susan B. Anthony was documented to be fighting for the right for women to be able to vote. After years of fighting for what they believed in and for respect, they are finally getting the recognition they deserve. They are knowingly and willingly ready to accept the challenges that come with being a successful woman in today’s world.

Sexism can be one of the most hurtful and influential factors of a woman’s everyday life. Depression, mental breakdowns, and anxiety can be a possible outcome of the negative experience that sexism causes. Not to mention it’s already hard for a woman to thrive in the world we live in today. I personally commend the positive female figures who are making a difference. They continue to show upcoming generations that it isn’t always a male-dominated society.

Not only is sexism strongly identified within women, but gender discrimination is a form of sexism. Gender discrimination is the intolerance toward people based on their gender identification. The level of discrimination that is received is outrageous in our generation. This relates to sexism because it can cause change within people’s work, their pay, behavior, and their attire. Sexism has no specific setting and can occur in any place you can possibly think of.

Sexism was widely accepted before some of our own African American women became successful despite the severity of discrimination. For example, our previous First Lady Michelle Obama was the first African American First Lady in office. Not only did she have the title of the First Lady but she made important contributions to help our community. She offered healthier lunch meals for the kids in all schools, broke political barriers, and achieved other special accomplishments. Women are paving way for others to see that they should be proud of the things that they have done.

There are multiple types of feminists in the 21st century advocating for women of the future. Racial, Third Wave, Socialist, the list goes on and on. The fact of the matter is that women all over the world are advocating in different ways to help women get the respect that they deserve. We as men don’t often show our appreciation when it comes down to the work women do. Women in the past were always given accolades for their achievements.

Women’s history isn’t touched upon enough in schools and around the world. Some famous women accomplished great things by asserting their rights and breaking barriers. Rosa Parks is an excellent example of a woman who achieved extraordinary heights. Known to the public by many nicknames, such as ‘The First Lady of Civil Rights’ and ‘The Mother of the Freedom Movement,’ she created pathways for other female activists to stand up for what they believed.

Mental health plays a huge role in a woman’s life. From youth to adulthood, women face sexism in many situations. Prejudices can occur at a breakfast diner, in an office building, or even within the home. Regardless of where a woman is, she is likely to be compared to men in some form, which can affect her mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Statistics show women are notably more prone to anxiety, suicide attempts, and have higher alcohol tolerance than men. This brings up another issue in the medical field. Doctors, particularly male ones, are more likely to diagnose men more diligently than women. Studies have shown that men are more valued in society.

Sexism in the workplace is extremely degrading and can cause serious mental health problems for women. A woman may qualify for the highest position in her workplace but can be denied due to her gender. This happens often as some men feel intimidated by strong, hardworking women. Some men believe that if a woman holds a higher position than them, they are perceived as weak and incompetent. When women are denied high-ranking positions, they may enter a stage of self-doubt and ask, “Am I enough?”

Bulimia is an emotional disorder involving distortion of body image and an obsession with weight gain. Mental health issues can cause a woman’s mind and body to shut down, forcing her into a state of depression. This leads women to act out in certain ways, whether at home, in the workplace, or in public settings. The disorder is associated with numerous issues faced by women worldwide, potentially impacting their ability to function throughout the day.

Women in politics are having a significant influence in today’s world. Earlier in this essay, I mentioned Michelle Obama, a positive figure in American history. While her husband was running the country, she attended to her affairs. She participated in various activities, including Nickelodeon, her law firm, university administration, and writing. With all these responsibilities, she still managed to care for her family and her business. This demonstrates that strong women make a substantial impact on society and should be celebrated on occasion.

Multiple job opportunities are denied to women because of their gender. Gender equality issues are prevalent in many forms, with the most common being at work. This occurs when a woman might be more qualified for a position, but won’t receive it just because she’s a woman. Women are often stereotyped as nurturers and caretakers, and not considered as workers. They are undervalued to the extent that men in higher positions might think they don’t need them.

Sexual harassment policies are supposed to protect both males and females in the workplace. Although these rules are set in stone, they still aren’t always abided by. This is an unlawful form of sex discrimination. These rules define sexual harassment as verbal, non-verbal, or physical mistreatment of another. These rules are not followed by the anti-feminists within a company, not because they choose not to, but because they would be considered weak or, in a sense, showing favoritism to their female counterparts.

Shirley Chisholm was the first African American elected to Congress in the United States. After many accomplishments, she decided to run for president. She was not elected as the President of the United States, and this likely had something to do with sexism and racism. People in this country have to realize that no mental test states that a man is more intelligent than a woman. We here in the United States have become so hung-up on gender discrimination that we waste our energy discussing the differences between men and women, rather than the similarities. Women have talent and ability. We should allow them to use it. Don’t reject them because they are women. Shirley Chisholm dealt with sexism just as much as women do in today’s world. People rejected her because she was a woman and didn’t feel she had enough wisdom and skill to be president because of her gender. Honestly, she was just as equipped as the next person, or in this case, the next man or white male.

If you honestly think about it, there are a lot of women who are brainwashed and don’t know what sexism is or what it looks like. Men, or people in general, have implanted the idea in the minds of women that the male is superior. Let’s consider the most recent presidential election as an example. Overall, a higher percentage of women voted for Clinton, much higher than the percentage of women who voted for Trump. However, almost half of the women that voted, did vote for Trump. They likely didn’t understand how sexist Trump is. Despite his sexist and degrading remarks during the election, he somehow persuaded more than half the population of women to believe in his campaign. I’m sure if they were more informed on his actions, the results would’ve been different.

Sexism in politics isn’t a 21st-century phenomenon. It’s been going on for a long time. It was present in the 20th century, as well. It was during the 20th century when women began to show interest in politics, and in professions other than domestic ones. Prior to that century, women were typically taught to remain at home to cook, clean, and take care of the children. My grandmother, now 72 years old, was born in 1941. She has two daughters, my mother and my aunt. She emphasized to them that they should be seen and not heard. My mother told me when she was growing up this phrase was recited throughout their home daily. Despite my grandfather working two jobs, he still found time for his family. This phrase was commonly used because women were often told to never speak their minds, but to be silent and reserved. Once the 20th century arrived, that began to change.

In 1900, women’s legal status was governed by their marital status, classified based on their husband. Women had no legal separation from their husbands. This was the law – women had no choice but to abide by it. The idea of a woman holding a public office position was unthinkable. Recognizing the unjust nature of these laws, women like Alice Paul, Shirley Chisholm, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Mary Mcleod Bethune began to speak out.

Alice Paul fought for sex equality and women’s right to vote. Shirley Chisholm was a notable politician, the first woman to be accepted onto the board of the U.S. Congress. Mary Mcleod Bethune and Susan B. Anthony championed women’s rights; following in her footsteps, headstrong Anthony fought for women’s right to vote. Together, these women achieved milestones beyond their individual capabilities. Their collective vision ensured that women’s voices were no longer pushed aside and unheard. They stood firmly for their beliefs and finally garnered the respect they deserved.

Sexism, a sensitive and often overlooked issue, can unexpectedly emerge in, say, a mannequin in a store, a model on a magazine cover, or any comparison with another female. This can shatter a woman’s confidence, leaving her dismayed with society. Body image is another factor that can severely impact a female’s mental stability. Traditionally, ‘keeping a woman in her place’ was all part of a husband’s plan to maintain family order. This plan hinged upon the belief that women are natural caregivers, and are valued for this role.

The future seems promising for women. The potential they possess is recognized by many, showing no signs of frailties or vying for admiration. It has been observed that compliments can empower a woman, making her feel she’s capable of anything. For instance, in a workplace, a woman working a 9 to 5 job can carry a radiant smile throughout the week. A single compliment or acknowledgment of a job well done can significantly boost her motivation.

On the subject of women’s admiration, we even have a special day of recognition. According to Google, Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, designated a Sunday in May for celebrating all mothers. This day, called Mother’s Day, is known globally and is reserved for honoring mothers depending on their contributions. Since the 20th century, women are gradually gaining recognition for their efforts.

Contrarily, some male figures are not as careful as women. Women significantly influence our lives and our daily routines, often without us realizing it. Women bear children and carry the responsibility of raising them. Aside from doing this, they also manage to juggle other tasks, showing how vital strong women are to our society.

Most men have always had that first thought that women are detrimental to society or anything dealing with intellectual standards. Many are stuck in their ways and are oblivious to the fact that women are an asset to us, and we need to cherish them as long as we can. A female teacher, for example, can probably reach a child’s soft spot faster than a male’s. This reason is because the female counterpart is more nurturing and is willing to listen while the male counterpart wants things done in the nick of time. Women are patient, gentle creatures and deserve to be treated as such.

Women have one of the most important roles on the planet and their presence should not be neglected. As a male, I feel for the female culture and what they endure and have endured. I personally do not condone sexist remarks or feminists, and if such comments are made around me or to a female counterpart in my family, I would address it personally. This sensitive subject that I wrote about should open my readers’ eyes to the idea of sexism and encourage them to put an end to it.

As I bring this essay to a conclusion, I want to shed light on some positive solutions on how we can bring an end to sexism. First off, we can start by not critiquing everything our women do. They try their best with what they’re given. Given the fact that they are putting themselves out there in any male-dominant profession, they deserve a pat on the back. Also, the harsh remarks about how they aren’t equal, they’ll never be as good, needs to stop. I trust that any task given they will do to the best of their ability. Without a doubt in my mind, I say that if we put an end to the sexual slurs, remarks, and posts, we can function better as a whole.

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