Boys Will Be Boys?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Boys Will Be Boys?

Boys Will Be Held Accountable For Their Actions As Girls Are.

468
Boys Will Be Boys?
FemMagazine

Starting in elementary school, there are certain stereotypical behaviors that separate boys from girls. While girls tend to and are taught to behave more proper, respectful and mature, boys are often taking part in all sorts of shenanigans. Playing in the dirt, picking their noses, farts, all of these are just thought to be the inevitable behavior patterns of boys. These strange and unruly behaviors are widely accepted because, stereotypically, all males are believed to behave this way.

We've all heard the saying "Boys will be boys." It's generally used as an excuse for boys behaving inappropriately, based on the notion that biologically, they can't control themselves or help their actions. Sometimes, it's fairly innocent. A little boy getting dirt all over his new shirt after playing outside? Boys will be boys. Sometimes, it isn't. A boy hitting a female classmate during recess? Boys will be boys, and it probably means he likes you!

The second argument is far more damaging than the first. A few years ago, an image of a four-year-old girl with stitches under her eye went viral, accompanied by a post by the girl's mother, Merritt Smith. According to the story, the mother had taken her daughter to the emergency room to get stitches after she had been hit by a male classmate. Once at the hospital, a male employee attempted to console the little girl, saying that the boy who had hit her can't help himself since "boys will be boys" and that he probably had a crush on her. A four-year-old girl who had just suffered an injury from another worthy of a trip to the emergency room was told that the boy probably did so out of affection.

As a society, we often times wonder why abusive relationships occur. We wonder why people choose to remain in situations of domestic violence. We ask these questions often, even going as far as to condemning and judging both the perpetrator and the victim. But as a society, we are failing to reevaluate our own rhetoric. These problems can rarely be solved once they have already happened. Do we not see that as a society, we are failing to address violence from the very beginning?

In the adult society, we do not dismiss violence between adults as signs of affection. So why do we still choose to send this message to the future generations? Love is love, and violence is violence. As a species, both violence and love are inevitable considering our biology. However, violence and love are not synonymous. They simply do not belong together.

All people should be held accountable for their actions instead of relying on gender stereotypes to help them escape the responsibility of treating others with respect. It's time to stop utilizing the phrase "boys will be boys" because boys, like the rest of society, should and will be held accountable for their actions.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70917
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132495
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments