50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

The other day my son blurted out “blue is for boys and pink is for girls.” I was quite surprised, since his favorite color was pink just two years ago. He also recently told me that “boys are strong and girls are kind”. Kinda weird. I rate him as a prettykindkid.It got me thinking… How is it thattechnologyis moving at triple the speed but some children are still being fed toxic trash? Then we went to the drive through and I thought to myself “even happy meals need to grow up already.” Boy toy, anyone?

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Males peeing sitting down. And I wanna destroy that whole thing.I had major foot surgery and couldn’t put any weight on foot for weeks….started peeing sitting down. Haven’t looked back. It’s so much more comfortable and cleaner.

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Right? Apparently not always. It turns out the same rules don’t always apply to men and women, or boys and girls, when it comes to behaving “normally” in public. What’s considered fair play for one is sometimes frowned upon for the other, as u/APT3993 found out when they asked for some examples of common sexist behavior.

Bored Panda reached out to the original poster to find out what inspired the question. He told us he wanted to see if people would only go with sexism directed towards women or whether they’d share their own examples.

“It helps show the discrimination on both sides,” he told Bored Panda. “No matter what gender we are, we all have gender “rules and restrictions” put on us based on social norms.”

Compared to men, women are more likely to be seen in a negative light for being assertive or using firm language.

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

A British mom called Laurel Wider had a similar experience to me a few years back. Her preschool son caught her off guard when he boldly declared that boys don’t cry. As a psychotherapist with a background ingenderstudies, Wider wanted to weep. But instead, she put on her big boy pants, blue cape and set off to save the day.Wider started where she believed it all began: the toy box. What transpired was a deep dive into the double standards of dollhouses, dinosaurs, diggers, drills and doctors’ kits. And later, a solution to slay some sexist dragons.These days, Wider is considered an expert in the toxic traits of toys. She’s even spoken at the White House. Bored Panda caught up with her to find out howBarbieand Batman might have played a role in some of the stories featured here.

Wider started where she believed it all began: the toy box. What transpired was a deep dive into the double standards of dollhouses, dinosaurs, diggers, drills and doctors’ kits. And later, a solution to slay some sexist dragons.

These days, Wider is considered an expert in the toxic traits of toys. She’s even spoken at the White House. Bored Panda caught up with her to find out howBarbieand Batman might have played a role in some of the stories featured here.

Wearing clothes designated for the other gender. Women can wear men’s clothes all they want with no issues but the moment a guy wants to wear a dress… And let’s be honest, in this heat my balls would love to fly free!!!

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

When Wider researched robots, racing cars and rocketships, she had a radical realization. Many of the so-called boys' toys encouraged building, battles, blocks and ball games but lacked emotion. Girls often got gifted in a more graceful way.“At the time, all toys that promoted nurturing/empathy/feelings were heavily marketed to girls… I sought to change this,” she told us. Wider asked 150 parents, teachers and experts for their opinions.Not long after, she launched her very own online toy store to tackle toxic masculinity. Her idea to turn superhero action figures into soft dolls for boys soon took off. Since then,Wonder Crewhas won several awards.

“At the time, all toys that promoted nurturing/empathy/feelings were heavily marketed to girls… I sought to change this,” she told us. Wider asked 150 parents, teachers and experts for their opinions.

Not long after, she launched her very own online toy store to tackle toxic masculinity. Her idea to turn superhero action figures into soft dolls for boys soon took off. Since then,Wonder Crewhas won several awards.

“I created Wonder Crew, a line of dolls that combine the adventure of an action figure with the emotional connection of a favorite stuffed animal, plus dress up/costume play - to bring “soft skills” to boys without the stigma,” she told Bored Panda.

“At the time of the launch, dolls were mostly marketed to girls. Based on research, I learned that doll play teaches and encourages empathy, connection, vulnerability - these skills were not present or encouraged in toys marketed to boys. I wanted to change this and fill a major gap in the toy industry. Noting that ideally toys are interest based, not gender based.”

A girl dancing with another girl. A guy dancing with another guy however is another thing entirely. Unless you’re in a gay bar.

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

Men expressing positive emotion. Men are allowed to express anger, rage, even hatred and it’s just someone with a “temper.” But express love or kindness and he’s soft or weak. If I haven’t seen a friend for a while I’m going to want to hug them and tell them I’ve missed them. I’m tired of that being a knock against my masculinity.

Double standardscan start young. Babies have some understanding of gender from about 9 months old. By the time they’re toddlers, they develop ideas about behaviors and activities considered “appropriate” for each gender. Putting girls and boys in (pink and blue) boxes further reinforces these stereotypes.

Dr. Sarah Lameris an assistant professor of social psychology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She’s done extensive research on gender stereotyping so I reached out to her to find out more.

Sitting in the park alone on a bench, watching the kids play in the playground.Woman: nurturingMan: p*do.

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

Lamer was part of a team of researchers who analyzed a bunch of popular children’s tv shows. They found that in at least 12 shows, the characters were treated differently - depending on how “girly” or “boyish” they behaved. Feminine girls and masculine boys were treated better. While masculine girls and feminine boys were treated worse. They also found the behavior spilled out of the plasma set and onto the playground after children watched the shows.“In our studies, we asked girls aged 6 to 11 to watch 4 minutes of silent clips featuring the pattern. After watching these clips, they felt like their parents and peers wanted them to be more feminine. The more pressure the girls felt, the more they played with stereotypical girl toys,” wrote Lamer in a blog post for theSociety of Personality and Social Psychology.But wait. It gets worse. The researchers did a test after the kids watched the shows. It turns out some little girls feel the need to dumb themselves down to fit in. “When we asked them to record a video message to introduce themselves to peers at another school—the less intelligence they conveyed. Subtle patterns like this one could have major impact,” explained Lamer.

“In our studies, we asked girls aged 6 to 11 to watch 4 minutes of silent clips featuring the pattern. After watching these clips, they felt like their parents and peers wanted them to be more feminine. The more pressure the girls felt, the more they played with stereotypical girl toys,” wrote Lamer in a blog post for theSociety of Personality and Social Psychology.

But wait. It gets worse. The researchers did a test after the kids watched the shows. It turns out some little girls feel the need to dumb themselves down to fit in. “When we asked them to record a video message to introduce themselves to peers at another school—the less intelligence they conveyed. Subtle patterns like this one could have major impact,” explained Lamer.

Men’s mental health is not considered enough.I don’t need to explain further.

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

Aging.A man who naturally ages is considered dignified. Women who age are considered washed up and spend thousands of dollars trying to stop the aging process.Men age like wine, women like milk.

It’s more socially acceptable for men to wear stern/solemn/neutral facial expressions. In a society that largely expects women to be smiling and cheerful 24/7, when I wear any sort of flat affect, people assume I’m in a “bad mood” 😐.

Wider has been doing her bit to level the playing field since her son first said boys don’t cry. “My colleague, Jodi Bondi Norgaard and I recently collaborated with The Geena Davis Institute on Gender and Media on astudytitled: Equal Play? Analyzing Gender Stereotypes, Diversity and Inclusion in Advertising and Marketing for the Most Popular Toys of 2022,” she told me.

People are getting openminded about it, but body hairs.

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

Other findings include:

I wouldn’t say it is socially unacceptable but fathers are often treated with more wariness if they take their kids to a park solo in comparison to mother.

Telling a woman she’s being overly emotional and needs to behave when she disagrees with something, while in the same situation a man is told “Good idea. We’ll take what you said into consideration.”.

Being affectionate to their friends. Hugs, telling them you love them, heart to hearts.Women 👍Men 👎What a b******t society.

Gender stereotyping is everywhere. On the shelves, in shops, under the kitchen sink, on the television, internet and radio. Sometimes it’sstupid and pointless. Other times it’s downright dangerous. U.S. based NGO Save The Children says outdated gender roles play a direct role in millions of human rights violations around the world.I asked Wider what advice she had for parents who want to break gender stereotypes. “Give kids the opportunity to experience a range of play experiences, regardless of gender. Provide diverse toys,” she said.But added that adults can take it a step further, “Write to manufacturers, ask for toys that are interest based, rather than gender based - toys that are more inclusive. It’s important for kids to have a wide range of play experiences.

I asked Wider what advice she had for parents who want to break gender stereotypes. “Give kids the opportunity to experience a range of play experiences, regardless of gender. Provide diverse toys,” she said.

But added that adults can take it a step further, “Write to manufacturers, ask for toys that are interest based, rather than gender based - toys that are more inclusive. It’s important for kids to have a wide range of play experiences.

The most popular one is… one can have their shirt off one cannot.

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

Touching. Women are ALWAYS touching people.Guy puts his hand on a girl’s shoulder, it’s creepy.Girl I barely know puts her hand on my shoulder, perfectly fine.

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

Sleeping around. If men do it, they’re respected, if women do it, they’re considered sluts.2) Wearing makeup. If men do it, they’ll immediately be labelled as gay for simply wanting to look attractive.3) Being a stay-at-home parent. If a woman stays home with the kids, she is respected. However when men do it, they are shamed.

I asked Lamer the same question… “I will pass on the advice that my undergraduate Psychology of Women professor, Joan Chrisler, gave us: If your behavior would change based on the gender of the person you are interacting with, then stereotypes are influencing your actions,” she answered.“For example, would you respond to the child’s emotion differently if it were a boy than a girl? Would you suggest a different toy? Would you be less likely to comment on their outfit? Pretend play as a different profession? If so, ask yourself why – that is, what stereotype is guiding that behavior – and adjust accordingly.”

“For example, would you respond to the child’s emotion differently if it were a boy than a girl? Would you suggest a different toy? Would you be less likely to comment on their outfit? Pretend play as a different profession? If so, ask yourself why – that is, what stereotype is guiding that behavior – and adjust accordingly.”

Women hitting men seems disgustingly socially acceptableWomen/girls sexually a*****ting men/boys also seems to be amusing to many.

I’m a middle aged man, youngish grandfather age. Interacting with kids without my wife present. It makes me a little sad because I like kids, but I understand why, and also understand it’s a minor thing compared to the biases other groups deal with.

Affection towards children, especially children we’re not related to. I can talk to small children, laugh with them, pinch a cheek, etc because it’s more socially acceptable because I’m a woman.Of course I’ll never harm a child but strangers don’t know it. But if a man did it, it would get more attention.

I don’t think I’m wrong in saying thisWomen ogling men is more sociably acceptable than men ogling women.

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

“By exposing children to toys and media that break down stereotypes and include and embrace diversity as it applies to gender, race, ethnicity, culture, ability, and more, we offer them the opportunity to authentically develop their talents and pursue their passions without limits,” advised Wider.

Guys: Sorry fellas, I can’t go out tonight, the wife won’t let me. “Oh no problem, we totally get that.“Girls: Sorry ladies, I can’t go out tonight, the husband won’t let me. “OMG girl! He is abusive and controlling! You need to leave him!”.

The body positivity movement. How many plus size models do you see lately? How many are male?

50 Times Gender Stereotyping Didn’t Make Sense, As Shared By People On The Internet

I saw commercials for Melissa Etheridge going to a women’s prison and saying something to the effect of “Women don’t belong in prison” and I was like ????

“When a child isn’t represented, when they don’t see themselves in their toys or media, it impacts their sense of self, confidence and potential. If we want to raise whole children; we need to support and encourage the whole child,” she added.In short, forget “let boys be boys” and let’s focus on letting toys be toys.

In short, forget “let boys be boys” and let’s focus on letting toys be toys.

Having much more lenient prison sentances based on gender for the same crimes.

I’ve seen lesbians sit at bars and absolutely pester the s**t out of straight women, to the point that if we saw guys being that creepy we make them leave but for some reason because they are woman they get a pass…..