Gender and Sexuality

In my English class we studied how women are biased in our society and around the world. We began by discussing how women are treated brutally by men at office, home, college etc. We also discussed about gender stereotypes and its effects in a society. The ad here, the one I am going to refer to in my written task has encouraged me to talk upon gender bias all over the world. We spent time in class discussing about the sexism and from where all women have been discriminated. We also asked ourselves and the conclusion to our discussion was that we women are discriminated from everywhere, we are excluded from the fields of professions and much other discrimination happens throughout. Gender bias has taken place in the media, in education, in schools, in sports. There is violence against women in the society all over.

Moreover we also discussed ways in which one can prevent sexism. If we are responsible enough then we can get through difficulties and then face the world and all the sexists. An opinion column would be best for me to write and spread the awareness to the audience who are discriminating women from everything. I wanted to move from the specific problems I saw in this ad and speak about the issues women are facing in the twenty-first century . I read many articles and speech of Julie Mullins and her question to the audience “why is it still so bad and what can you do about it?” Julie Mullins portrayed her strong points and issues of the cause of gender discrimination. She also wrote on how to prevent girls being abandoned from their rights. So it not only contained her opinions but a call to action. I have analysed different forms of communication within the media, looking at a range of texts, from ads and opinion columns to documentaries and counter ads. Advertisements also change the way we think and feel.

 I asked my father who was sitting on a front porch reading a newspaper and having his cup of tea ‘dad, I have got to attend my friend’s birthday party at 9pm and It will get over by 2am.’ My father shot a look at me and exclaimed ‘2am!, no I can’t let you stay for so long. You have to return latest by 11:30’. I knew he would say that but I wanted to know why he had never let me stay long during night at any of my friends place. ‘But daddy it’s her birthday and I’ll be safe. Trust me.’ To which he replied sipping his tea ‘I said no.’

I got frustrated and asked ‘Why do you always do this to me daddy? Why had you never let me spend time with my friends at night or never let me go for sleep over with them? Why those rules of yours are only for me? Why do you don’t like me hanging out with boys? You never say anything to my brother. You allow him to do everything but why can’t I do the same? ’ and I stopped giving him an angry look. My father now got up. He had finished his tea. He left the cup and newspaper down there and looked into my eyes. He seemed to be angry. His eyes were now red and he said pointing a finger at me ‘BECAUSE YOU ARE A GIRL!’ and left the porch leaving me alone standing there. Tears drifted off my eyes and I ran inside my room, locked myself up and jumped on my bed, crying. Thoughts were spinning in my mind like Why do only boys have got rights to enjoy their life? Why am I discriminated from everything? Is it a curse or a boon to be born as a girl? It is no surprise to hear such an answer from your parents as this has been passed from generations.

Everywhere and all the time - telling the same story that women are supposed to stay at home, cook, and look after their family. But are women still staying back and looking after their family and household work? If we believe the statistics the consequences which women are facing are increasing by 25% every year. Is it because of the religion? Or is it because of the manpower? Gender discrimination is now a growing issue around the globe. After the study of the rape case in Delhi, India which recently took place, girls are being discriminated from clubs during night and from many other places just for their safety. Millions of women are suffering from sexism. Due to this the rate of suicide of women has also increased across the world every year. Gender inequality has destructed and discouraged women out there. Who is responsible? Are our parents or people in our society? How can we prevent this from happening? We can stop by effective communication. We need to speak out about the rights of a woman. Let them know about women’s strength and real ‘girl power.’ People must understand the value of a woman and must also know that today women are treated as equal as men. Most importantly fight for our freedom by letting them know what we women think and how we feel about the bias. Reporting to the media could also be a help. We need to bring change for women in developing countries. There is quote said by carol Bellamy, “and each of us can practise rights ourselves, treating each other without discrimination, respecting each other’s dignity and right.” It is true that by respecting each other’s dignity and right can help prevent gender discrimination. Carol’s right and so does Andrew Cuomo.

“I believe discrimination still exists in society and we must fight it in every form. “ Andrew Cuomo’s famous saying on gender discrimination is an encouragement for the women in the society. It not only encourages them to voice their opinions and fight for their rights. We must act. We must educate ourselves and each other. We must teach the children importance of women and not to be sexists. Correct people who talk about sexism. We must act-with our voices, with our wallets, with our pens and computers.