Challenging Casual Misogyny: Why It Matters

Is it just me who cannot help but notice subtle misogynist comments passed on by people close to me often? Misogyny is strong prejudice and discrimination against women, which is still prevalent in our society. We all might have come across sexist, and misogynist comments coming from both men and women while growing up. Often times, it comes from people who you are close to, like your parents, grandparents, relatives or cousins, which makes you feel uncomfortable, and disappointed. Comments like, “how come a girl your age can’t cook, how are you going to get married?” as if cooking is a women’s job, and not a basic living trait. You don’t see men getting shamed for not knowing how to cook. The phrase “stop crying like a girl” is one of the most common phrases used by many when they see a small boy or a guy crying. Is crying a woman thing? And why is crying considered bad, when it is just a response by human to convey their emotional state?  

It is not only these, it can be about a woman’s way of dressing, her way of sitting, her tone when she talks and so on. Women are criticized by people around them for so many reasons, in day today lives.. It is just not the older generation, with such mindset, but sadly many younger people too tend to think that way. They are influenced by their family, peers, media etc.M

When it comes to relatives, most of the time women tend to ignore such remarks, to avoid drama, because when a woman stands up for herself, she is labelled, “rude” or as someone who has no respect for elders. Sometimes, they even ask to adjust, and not talk back. However, I think it is necessary to start educating people in a polite manner, and make them understand how they are wrong, to say such things to women, even as a joke. This opinion they have of how woman should be, is carried generation after generation. So they aren’t even aware that it is sexist or misogynist. So, it is important to confront them, and correct them, then and there.

Media has so much impact on people of all ages, and play an important role in a person’s behaviour. I have come across a lot of Indian films, which has misogynist undertones or just downright sexist.  We live in a time where, a lot of teenagers and children consume media on a daily basis, they not only learn, but also tend to mimic the characters they see. So, they assume, whatever that is shown or said in the film is correct, because it comes from the people they idolize and try to apply that in reality. Which is why the directors, producers, and actors should be, called out and held responsible whenever they make sexist or misogynist comments on women whether knowingly or unknowingly. We can use social media platforms to call them out, by trending tags, and mentioning them. Given the influence, they should have great sense of responsibility on what they present to the audience.

It is also essential for the parents, elders, to point out the flaws in media to children when they come across such things. Teach them how it is wrong, and should never be said. It is necessary to educate them at an early age, so that they don’t say such things when they grow up, and learn to treat women with respect.

Above all it is very important boys are taught  at home from a tender age onwards to respect women and treat them as equals so as they grow up as siblings, spouses and parents they will be free of misogyny to create a misogyny free generation.