I hate gender roles. Some guys repress their feelings and end up depressed, because “real men don’t cry.” Other guys sleep around and treat women like objects, because they think it’s manly to be a player.
Women aren’t any better. Some girls are raised to believe they are delicate little flowers. “Women aren’t supposed to get their hands dirty, so I better let a man check my oil.” Reality check: you don’t live in the fifties. If you want to feel empowered, read ahead to discover why stereotypes are dumb.
1. Gender roles are out-dated.
Gender roles are a left-over social construct from the previous generation (i.e. people made it up out of thin air). One partner could work in a factory and make enough money to support a family. Men naturally have more upper body strength than women, so it made sense for them to do the heavy lifting.
Times have changed. Now most jobs don’t require heavy lifting and it’s almost impossible for a family to make end’s meet with one person’s income. Thus, men are no longer assumed to be the “bread-winner” of the family. They share that responsibility with women, who are equal partners in the relationship.
2. Gender roles aren’t empowering.
Why should you expect a guy to fix your car? If you can support your family, you can take simple preventive measures that will protect your vehicle. Look at it this way. Cooking used to be considered a “feminine” activity. Not anymore. Would you complain if a handsome man made you a pasta dinner? I didn’t think so!
There is nothing “masculine” about changing your filter. Yeah, you might get your hands dirty, but you’ll also save a whole lot of money that you can save for a Disney vacation. No one will judge you for knowing a thing or two about fixing cars. They will admire you for having enough courage to break the mold and become self-sufficient.
3. Gender roles are formed in childhood.
Gender stereotypes take root before you’re old enough to resist. Pay attention and you might discover some programmed behaviors that don’t fit your personality. If a little girl is scolded for playing with G.I. Joes, she might replace them with Barbie dolls… even if she doesn’t really like them (she just doesn’t want to get in trouble again).
4. Gender roles are meant to be broken (Be a rebel!).
“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” – Katharine Hepburn
Why should you live your life according to another person’s standards? Have more backbone than that. Live authentically. Dare to break free of gender roles that don’t serve you. I know you might be afraid of turning guys off. Don’t be. Most of them will admire your audacity. I dare you to prove me wrong.