Gender Stereotypes are Outdated

I'm glad that our society is becoming more aware and understanding towards different genders, and that more people are allowed to be themselves. When I think back to the fact that for centuries gender and sex were viewed as the same thing, and that everyone had to fit into what a boy or girl should be, it's hard to fathom.

It's strange that clothes were designed differently for traditionally male and female looks, and that specific colours are still viewed fitting for a certain gender. Of course, this remains the reality for large parts of the world, as well as people from older generations often holding this opinion, but it really doesn't make sense. It's heartbreaking that so many people will have to live maybe their whole lives unable to be true to themselves, as the society they live in doesn't allow it.

What sex or gender you are doesn't determine anything about you. All girls are not the same, all boys are not the same, all non-binary people are not the same. What gender you identify as doesn't change what kind of personality you have or what kind of things you're interested in. It's incredibly old-fashioned for someone to expect specific things from someone purely based on what gender they are. For instance, how is a clothing store gonna know what all women want to wear?

When a little girl wants to wear clothes traditionally worn by boys, I really hope we can stop referring to that as her being a tomboy. She's just a girl who likes those kinds of things, I don't know why it needs to be described as being different. Girls can have any kinds of hobbies or interests they want, and nothing should be looked at as if it's for a specific gender. Anyone can be masculine or feminine, and someone not fitting into your expectations of a gender shouldn't throw you off or make you feel like you have a say in what they get to do.

It really is time for gender stereotypes to disappear. Kids nowadays should grow up knowing they have freedom to choose not based on gender, such as picking any job they want or playing any sport they want without worrying about what fits their "gender role". I'd love for kids to be able to wear the colours they want to wear and play with the toys they want to play with without people questioning their actions or thinking they're gay.

“I didn’t want to be a boy… I kind of wanted to be nothing. I don’t relate to what people would say defines a girl or a boy, and I think that’s what I had to understand: Being a girl isn’t what I hate, it’s the box I get put into.” - Miley Cyrus

Don't let the box that gender stereotypes place you into stop you from being who you are. You're not defined by any label, only you know what's right for you. Be who you are, wear what you want, do what you want. People need to know that just because they don't understand something, doesn't mean it's wrong. How someone expresses themselves isn't anyone else's business, and everyone should be free to make their own choices. Surround yourself with people who understand and accept you. You deserve so much more than to be put into a box.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on your social media and send it to someone you think will like it too!

If you enjoyed this article and would like to support me, you can send me a tip below this story, which would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your support!