Ever notice how when justifying a child’s misbehavior no one ever says stuff like “girls will be girls” or “she’s a girl”, but the list of things a “young lady” can’t do is almost endless?
You learn from a young age that masculinity comes with freedom; femininity comes with restrictions.
So here’s the thing. Human beings are very good at meeting expectations that are set for them. And really shitty at exceeding them.
Evidence: inspirational posters and memes don’t have to say “exhale after inhaling” because that comes naturally. Tons of them do say “exceed expectations” because, well, that one doesn’t come naturally, right?
So what’s the result of western civilization saying “boys will be boys?”
For the record, if we expected a little more out of boys, and a little less out of girls, we’d be a lot happier overall.
Expecting women to be “on a pedestal” and men to have “minds in the gutter” serves the Patriarchy marvelously. Neither are our natural conditions.
