Double Standards with Teenagers Dating

When I was a teenager, I had my share of experiences, including dating, which became the worst of my life. But when it comes to teenagers and dating, it can be an experience of finding true love or a future husband or wife. Or better yet, who knows if teenagers would ever find a soulmate in high school, or in college, or better yet, in a childhood friend.

But here's what irks me about teenagers and dating? The Double Standard.

For instance.....

Recently, television host and comedian Nick Cannon was on the TMZ Podcast openly admitting that his twin teenage son Moroccan has been dating and is supportive; however, his twin daughter Monroe isn't allowed to date at all.

"My son been dating, and I've allowed it," Cannon said, TMZ reported. "I've encouraged it."

When asked if Monroe gets the same encouragement, Cannon answered quickly. "No, absolutely not. It's absolutely a double standard."

Cannon said he sees a real difference between raising a son and raising a daughter. "I get in trouble a lot 'cause I say things with my chest," he said. "But there is a difference when parenting a son and parenting a daughter. I am more protective of my daughter because there are things out there that I have to protect her from."

The host asked if Cannon worried about gold diggers chasing Moroccan. He laughed off the idea. "No! He got a whole lot of money. His mom is Mariah Carey! He's good."

When the conversation turned to Monroe's safety, Cannon's tone changed. "If somebody puts their hands on my daughter, I'm going to jail," he said. "I'm doing 25 to life if somebody put their hands on my daughter."

Cannon shared the deal he made with Monroe about future dates. "If she can explain to me what's going to happen on these dates, then she can go," he said. He added that her brother has to come along. "Your twin brother can go with you. That's what I do. But you ain't going one-on-one with no little b**tard anywhere."

Cannon framed his rule as preparation for college. "I know that's out of my control. I can't do nothing about it. Hopefully, we're still having all these open conversations. My daughter tells me any and everything," he said.

His response caused a huge uproar, and he finds it unfair since his son is allowed to date, not his daughter.

This isn't the only article on Nick Cannon's twins. I made an article about Nick Cannon's daughter, calling her twin brother her "full" sibling and her other siblings "half"

I asked a friend with daughters whether he would allow his daughters to date when they turn 18. And his response was different.

And he's right, honestly. I find it unfair for fathers to let their sons date and have a girlfriend; it's like they can let their sons go out and have fun while their daughters have to stay home without a boyfriend. I get that Nick Cannon wants to be protective of his daughter; however, it doesn't make any sense at all for her not to experience dating sooner or later. Plus, it is unfair because it can cause unequal tension for both sides, self-objectification for his daughter, and risky behavior for boys, while eroding trust and fostering controlling behaviors. Even though I have an autistic son, I doubt he will date, but I prefer him to be dateless in Seattle and still be on mama's side. At the end of the day, I feel like neither should date and just enjoy their youth while they still can, and even if they both end up dating, Nick should accept both sides dating whoever they are dating.

All sources from TMZ and BET.com