GENDER STEREOTYPING

 "Stop playing around like a boy!Be a girl and help your mother in the kitchen!" Did you ever hear this? You surely must have heard this from someone. But don't you feel that using the genders to apprise you to help your mother is wrong? You are right,it is! Fixing a particular image or having a preconception about what one should do based on merely their gender is called Gender Stereotyping.The current 'society' tends to respect the men more than the women. You may think "It isn't much of a deal!Just some work.... What's the worst that could happen?" NO! This is wrong. All the major issues these days started off as something which we thought was a 'Minor Problem'. This is affecting people in many aspects It affects women, as well as men. Read on to find out more about this-

 Did you know that many women are forced to pause their education because Womens'  Education is considered wrong in some places? This was quite common in the past , these practices are ceased in some places ; but what about those where these practices are still followed? And sometimes if they are allowed to pursue higher studies, they are briefed that some type of studies are not for them, eg- Engineering, Accountancy etc. Something similar happens sometimes with men. Men are expected to pursue higher paying jobs, the so-called 'Meant to be for men' type; and if they pursue arts or something which people don't find reprehensible, they are criticised and are told that Men are the 'HEAD OF THE HOUSE' and should get a job which will pay them well. Here, interests are crushed over orthodox rules (should i call them rules? They don't sound logical at all!) 

Also, girls are generally expected to be more gentle and calm; while boys are expected to be very strong , both physically and mentally. You must have heard this often,or, if you are a boy(i am not judging anyone here okay?) must have experienced this yourself : "Stop crying! You are a boy! Boys do not cry!" Believe it or not, this is a gender stereotype. The elders have fit into their (the boys') mind that boys are supposed to pretend they are strong and can cope up to all types of problems, even if they can't. This affects their mental health later on as they are under the impression that boys are strong and shouldn't express their emotions. And if girls stand up for something which they need to ,they are briefed that a 'Typical' girl should be obedient and should follow whatever the elders say ,without a word;whether they like it or not.

 This mentality should not be something that should be follwed.Everyone is equal! You should not underestimate or differenciate between anyone based on merely their gender.

Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong!

- Emma Watson

I know this is not much but i have tried my bit bring about some change. Remember, you are always capable of bringing change, you should just know how.

Signing off,

Jhanvi Pendyala