I've been thinking recently about things that females experience which men do not necessarily have to deal with. And no I'm not talking about aunt irma. (If you don't know who that is then never you worry) There are a lot of differences between cultures wherever you travel around the world. But one common denominator between cultures is that women experience oppression to varying degrees throughout the world. Before you write me off as a feminazi. This has a negative impact on men as well. So hear me out. A lot of men and some women argue that in the western world there is no oppression any more. But it is quite easy to suggest that when it isn't happening to you. Or you don't think it is happening to you individually. In much the same way as "oh there's no slavery any more. So black peoples are free and don't experience racism" or "oh animals don't feel pain." When you aren't witnessing these things for yourself or keep your eyes ignorantly closed. Just because you aren't directly involved in these things doesn't mean that they don't happen. Like I said, there are varying degrees of oppression throughout the world. In some poverty stricken countries. Women must wear full length clothing for fear that men cannot allegedly control what dangles between their legs. And are led to believe that they are being respectful to their bodies and are acting out of holiness. They must be seen and not heard. Are only here for reproductive purposes. Women are abused and/or penalised if they don't adhere to these laws. Regardless of the religion. In western countries, men are encouraged from a young age that a bit of rough and tumble with a girl shows that you like her. Eg. Pulling her hair. And girls are told that if a boy does this to you then he fancies you. How then are men supposed to know how to act when they grow up; being encouraged their whole lives to use this kind of behaviour and mindset as means of showing a girl that you fancy her? Women have only been allowed to vote in the last 80-100 years. That isn't a very long time. When you think about it. In advertising, I have seen and heard so many adverts that undermine a woman's ability to have any other interest than shopping. (Nout wrong with shopping but there is a big emphasis that this is all women are interested in) Women's products are generally more expensive when compared to their male counterparts. From razors, to hair products, to deodorants. And men are insulted by advertising too. That all they're interested in is products that have straight edged matte grey/ black in colour packaging. There's a great video delving deeper into the segregation between men and women marketing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JDmb_f3E2c Women's sanitary products are taxed like nobodies business. Because it's considered a luxury item. Which tells you everything you know as to how limited the general publics knowledge on reproduction and sex education actually is. When tampons and sanitary towels are considered a luxury item, you know you're in trouble. I wish periods were luxurious hahaha! The next thing I'm going to say could potentially be misinterpreted so I'm gonna clear this up with a disclaimer before I make my point. The female body is stunning. They're all so unique with similar trends. Beautiful to look at and come in all shapes and sizes. I am a great admirer for the female form... The difference between me and a lot of men out there is that I respect the female form for what it is. I respect it as a body that holds a beautiful being full of a wealth of complex and varying thoughts, emotions, knowledge and the individual self within that beautiful mind. There are a lot of men like I mentioned before are rendered incompetent and are incapable of being able to control themselves or be accountable for their actions when they see a walking talking pair of tits. Victim blaming culture when it comes to rape is rife in society all over the world. Regardless of culture, creed etc. "What were you wearing? Were you leading him on? Where you drunk?" Seem to be ways of scape goating the blame and accountability from the perpetrator to the victim. I am an advocate of wear whatever the fuck you want. But I'm also an advocate for being safe. I went out with some friends the other night. Wore a nice tight fitting dress with heals and a heavy but well fitting coat. It's amazing how different you feel walking alone at night compared to wearing the same outfit in the middle of the day walking alone. I generally don't leave the house at night alone after getting mugged 6 months ago (although I do feel a lot stronger for it at the same time) I didn't walk far. Only from my house to the atm machine. But I did feel immediately aware of what I was wearing and how I would look should perverts be preying on me. I shouldn't have to feel that way when I know that I'm looking good. No one should have to feel that way. But it is a reality of the world that we live in and it shows no sign of slowing down at present. I imagine cave men to have taken on the roles that were divided up between men and women to be as a matter of strength. Women cook and men hunt because generally speaking men are physically stronger. As society has become more "sophisticated" as such, these roles have become more intense and more segregated. More so with men. Yes in the western world, we have come a long way, I will give credit where credit is due. Women are taking on roles that once were predominately taken up men. More women in the forces, army, docors, engineers etc. Likewise more men are taking up roles that were predominantly taken up by the female population. More male nurses, beauticians, dance teachers etc. But we still do have a long way to go with changing the mindset of most men everywhere that these jobs and others alike are not "womens jobs". The female part of the average persons mind is suppressed. Representing something pathetic, not strong and not capable of supporting anything. Whereas the male part of the average persons mind is encouraged to thrive, to assert your dominance, to be the bread winner. Each part of the mind has its own role. In all of us whatever gender we identify with. We must allow each part of our mind to have its turn in different circumstances. Men are discouraged from being honest about their feelings. "Be a man. Men don't cry. Man up. You punch like a girl" If you say any of these things I have one question... Who do you think you are? Saying this like your gender is the only functional gender on this planet. You wouldn't be here if only for the strength and determination of your mother who brought you into this world. So don't dare try to imply that women have no strength. It might not necessarily be strength in the closed minded way that you see it. It might not be that women can necessarily do as many bicep curls or deadlifts as men. (Although I do know plenty of women who could definitely challenge that.) But pushing an on average 8 lb baby out into this world is something you will never truly understand. The physical strength to push and the mental strength to keep going after hours of painful contractions. That is what the female body is capable of doing. Now tell me again how weak women are. Women are encouraged to talk about their feelings and thus results in a more open minded approach to their health and wellbeing. Physically and mentally. This means that women are more likely going to seek help when they're unwell physically or mentally. According to Helplines Partnership; The most likely cause of death in men under the age of 45 is suicide. Let that sink in there for a second. If you are a man, under the age of 45 you are most likely going to die by your own hands. This is as a result of suppressing the female mind and not allowing for it to express feelings. Every 2 hours in the UK a man takes his own life. We need to stop suppressing the female mind. For everyone's sakes. For help or more info please visit Www.helpline.org
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The self is the ear of the ear.
The eye of the eye. The mind of the mind. The word of words, and the life of life. Rising above the senses and the mind Renouncing the separate existence. That which makes the mind think, but cannot be Thought by the mind, that is the true self indeed. This self is not someone other than you. - The Upanishads |
AuthorI am a 25 year old nurse, who is trying to find herself. This blog will contain epiphanies I have, my yoga progress and other such things. Enjoy. :) Archives
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