When you're a young teenager you are more likely to be influenced by the people around you and what is deemed as the norm within behaviour, attitude and society. So it comes as no surprise that there is a significant amount of sexism within schools today. Being in the 21st century you would've thought sexism would have cut down dramatically to how it used to be but the sad truth is that it hasn't. Sexism at schools doesn't just come from the students amongst each other but by teachers, the government and people that should know a lot better. Some of this sexism isn't intentional however it could be stopped or paid more attention to.Instead of tackling the idea of sexism and educating students that women are equal to men and are not put on this earth to satisfy men rather than promoting sexism and making it incredibly evident in schools today.
There is one experience i know of that stands out for me, someone close to me who is female wanted to take electronics as part of her GCSE's she was brilliant at it and was passionate and eager to take it as one of her choices. Her parents supported her decision however when it came to parents evening and letting her tutor know this who was male he was very negative and against the idea of her taking this subject just because she was female. As her tutor he could see she got the best marks in this subject and that her passion was obvious when it came to this subject. I think it's incredibly sad and hurtful that people at such a young age are told what they can and can't do just because they've got different genitals and people are so narrow minded they can't see past gender roles. When it comes down to talent and abilities gender, disability, race should be put last because it's someone's passion and attitude that should matter.
Dividing gender in such a dramatic way can change the way guys and girls view each other in a negative way by making it harder for them to be seen as equals. Mixing genders in all subjects from dance, gymnastics, electronics, woodwork, food technology, textiles and all types of subjects this is a good way to decrease sexism in schools. This also tackles gender roles and both genders being embarrassed by their ambition just because they aren't seen as normal by society.
Teenage girls at high school are often sexualized by being told skirts that are anywhere above the knee is a 'distraction' and shouldn't be allowed. This immediately tells teenage guys that it is okay and even normal to see women and girls at such a young age as sexual objects not people with emotions and feelings. This has a lot to do with the rape culture of today, victim blaming is already evident and shockingly common and where we hear sayings such as 'what was she wearing' or 'she gave the wrong impression'. They do not focus on the behaviour of the guys that are looking at girls in such a disrespectful manner and protecting and supporting girls who have had to put up with such behaviour on a regular basis.
At school we are not informed about this type of behaviour which is sexual harassment and leans us to think it is normal and acceptable to go through this type of behaviour as a female. By not talking about it at school it leads to worse situations when they could be massively prevented if we talk about it more with young people and encourage young girls and boys to tell someone if they feel uncomfortable with the way someone is behaving towards you or randomly touching you in an unpleasant way. It could be as simple as calling you 'sexy' or 'babe'. Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable is not acceptable in any given situation. It doesn't matter if they're your partner or someone you fancy you should always say if you don't like it.
Schools supporting sexist ideas such as men are generally more successful than women effortlessly whilst women have to work harder yet get more stick and negativity when trying to be as successful and women are only put here to produce babies and satisfy men's needs, This will only encourage domestic abuse, sexual assault, homophobia, gender discrimination, verbal abuse, rape and sexual harassment. These crimes are already taken place on a daily basis and desperately needs to be discouraged and taken as seriously as other crimes such as murder.
It's not just women who have to face the struggles of sexism in our society today but men face some of the struggles as well. With men being seen as powerful, masculine, emotionless, strong if they do not fit these standards their sexuality is instantly questioned which leads them to being called horrible names such as 'faggot' 'sissy' 'weak' 'puff'' etc. Men may feel they can't express their emotions especially to someone they fancy as they want to be seen as strong and respected. By constant victim blaming in our society it is suggesting that men have no self control over their sexual desires.
If someone informed me of all the information i know now not from the education system but from tumblr, youtube videos and other forms of social media i would've felt more confident knowing what was quite frankly incredibly unacceptable and disrespectful. If you are at school i hope this information helps you within the school environment.
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