During scandals, women are scrutinized more, said students

Maria Serrano/Staff Writer

The double standard surrounding men and women in today’s society is still present, according to University students. Whenever a scandal, feud or simple inconvenience happens, students implied that women are at a higher disadvantage.

But Emilio Marino, a junior majoring in finance, is not sure.

“I don’t have an answer for that one– what needs to be taught is that mentally, men and women are equal and if you get that point across then you’re good. However, I try not to be sexist as much as I can,” said Marino.

Like Marino, Rubria Roche, a freshman in nursing, believes both men and women should have equal accountability.

Shailly Ramos, a junior in journalism, clearly recalls two incidents showcasing this lack of equality: The Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and the presidential elections of November 2016.

While the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal involved President Bill Clinton’s affair with intern Monica Lewinsky, the 2016 presidential elections had presidential candidates Donald Trump (R) and Hillary Clinton (D) involved in several recurring scandals throughout the presidential race.

Ramos believes that when women are involved, they usually carry the heavier weight.

“They would kinda, bully her [Clinton] more, in like her fashion– and with Trump it was mainly of what he would say, so I feel like there are double standards, in that sense,” said Ramos.

Shannon Williams, a digital media junior, acknowledges that fair treatment is not present within both genders, but adds that it’s oftentimes deeper than that.

“I don’t know, I’ve seen guys, you know, get hit with disciplinary action for sexual harassment, simply because a girl didn’t like him, as opposed to the guy that she does like that gives her the same attention–it’s just […] you don’t see that on the other side,” said Williams, referring to the recent rise in sexual assault allegations being reported in the news.

For things to change, Williams believes one has to teach the obvious to people, while Ramos insists education needs to start at home with proper parenting. Aware of this pressing issue, she affirms that she has yet to start actions to change this.

“Right now, I’m not [doing anything to change this], but it is one of my new year’s resolutions is to either join something or start like a social media kind of thing to bring awareness,” said Ramos.

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