Sexual double standards exist today

Alhi Leconte/Contributing Writer

Why is it that if a man sleeps around he’s perceived as manly, but if a woman does it, she is likely to be degraded? That’s a sexual double standard. To put it simply, a sexual double standard is an idea that sexual freedom and promiscuity is afforded to men but not women.

One reason for the double standard is because men have always been thought of as superior. History has unfailingly portrayed men as fitter. Notice the first three letters in the word history. Another reason for the double standard is that society has placed too much importance in stereotypical gender roles.

At a young age, girls are told to be ladylike and boys are told to be manly. The characteristics associated with gender stereotypes have been hammered into the minds of people, such as girls can only play with dolls or they’re supposed to wear dresses while boys are told that “men don’t cry” or that they need to be interested in cars and sports.

When a woman feels free to express her sexuality, it’s most likely due to her confidence and feeling comfortable in her own skin. Most people would be quick to unnecessarily attack her and shame her as if sexuality is the only relevant issue.

For example, Beyonce could make a song about sex and get criticized, but Future could make a song about sex and get praised or called cool.

The world is extremely judgemental. Men are celebrated when they “add a notch on their belt,”  but women are shamed and their reputations suffer. Women are held to a higher standard when it comes to purity and innocence and this probably derives from the hackneyed thought of women being objects by men and for men.

Men are not often targets of slut-shaming, even though they can be, because society has made it so men’s promiscuity is mostly thought of as an accomplishment and validates a man’s masculinity.

This sexual double standard is an issue that needs to be amended so it won’t affect the next generation. A change needs to be made on society’s approach to the sexual double standard.

There shouldn’t be such different responses towards men and women’s sexual conduct and by ending this sexual double standard, we will improve our society’s open-mindedness.

Nekera Francis, a junior majoring in accounting, believes that we can change this double standard for the next generation.

“We are a progressive society and we’ve become more tolerant with these types of things,” Francis said.

And just like her, I strongly believe that this stigma can be changed, but it will take a long period of time.

 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

 

Image retrieved from Flickr.

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