Sexism still exists, it's just subtler...

 I was researching women's suffrage for a social studies project when I came across an article about sexism today. It happens literally everywhere. There are things that people say daily, things YOU might say that are just... Sexist.

1. "You run/throw/or do something like a girl" Most people don't even notice this phrase anymore, since people say it every day, but this is an inherently sexist phrase. It's basically saying that only boys can throw/run/or do something well, but not girls. Next time you hear this, maybe say "If you were a little better, maybe you could too." Quote by Mia Hamm, female athlete.

2. "Man up!" Ok, come on. This one is OBVIOUS. It basically implies that boys are stronger and less "emotional" than girls. Which is wrong. If someone says this to you, maybe tell them to woman up instead.

3. "That's good, for a girl" This is SUCH a double standard, COME ON! We can do better. If a boy ever says this to you, say the same thing back, except with a boy. Basically, it's just showing how ridiculous double standards are. 

4. "Boys will be boys" Why. Just why. It's basically excusing boys for doing things that girls would probably be punished for. I read a story about a girl, who was bullied by boys when she was in elementary school, and the principal always said, "Boys will be boys, they didn't mean to hurt you." And when she said anything to them, she got in trouble. That's just plain sexist.

5. "Tomboy" Ok, this one's a bit surprising, but IT'S TRUE. When you call a girl a tomboy, you're implying that only boys can be tough and strong. You're basically saying that girls have to be like boys to be strong. We can do better. You're also saying that girls can't be girly and still like to run, or play a sport. Come on!!!

Did you know that in the early 1900s, boys were expected to like pink, and girls were supposed to like blue? Colors don't belong to any one gender. Boys can like pink. Girls can like blue. 

Next time you use any of these phrases, take a moment to think. There's gotta be a better way to say it. And next time someone says this to you, try it out on them. Like if someone says tomboy, call them a tomgirl. It seems ridiculous, right? But it just proves how completely unnecessary and ludicrous double standards are.

Also, people shouldn't forget about all the other genders out there, besides the binary ones. There is SO much discrimination for them too. It's also sexism and it's really sad. I didn't mention it much here, but there are SO many more genders. They're all appreciated and important. 

Signing off, Savi