The Double Standard Against Female Sexuality (And Why We Need To Stop) | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Double Standard Against Female Sexuality (And Why We Need To Stop)

Having sex or “hooking up” with someone (or a few people) does not warrant criticism.

1392
The Double Standard Against Female Sexuality (And Why We Need To Stop)
The Eighty8

Why is it that we live in a world where men are incessantly praised for their sex life, whereas women are ostracized left and right?

It’s frustrating, to say the least, that a woman’s sexuality is too often held against her. I’m not talking about sexuality in regards to her sexual orientation; I’m referring to, you know, if she gets around.

Slut shaming, defined as “to publicly humiliate or shame (a woman) for engaging in promiscuous or premarital sex” has proven to be a pertinent yet overlooked conversation. We throw around terms such as “slut” and “whore” so cavalier without fully understanding just how grave they can be. First and foremost, why exactly is sex a bad thing? Why is it that we place a normal, human craving in such a damning light, but only for women?

Let’s first clarify that having sex or “hooking up” with someone (or a few people) does not warrant criticism. Considering that sex requires more than one party, it is ignorant to point a dirty finger at solely the woman. The act of hooking up is only relevant to those persons involved. Of course, there is no way to prevent the word from getting out. My point remains the same: the criticism is unsolicited.

The terms are inherently sexist, though, given that they are applied to females exponentially more often than males. Amongst themselves, men often praise one another as if having sex or hooking up with multiple women heightens their masculinity. Males are labeled as “studs”, “bros”, “manly”... terms that are much less harsh in nature. If men do not do the "walk of shame", why are women?

Females, on the other hand, seem to be each other’s most ruthless critics. Is it to paint another woman as her subordinate? Is it out of jealousy or insecurity? While women (AND men) may sometimes engage in sexual acts for “wrong” reasons, shaming her never spontaneously sparked the realization of her mistake. Take the notorious Monica Lewinsky, for example, who was publicly silenced for over a decade. While they both faced criticism, Lewinksy endured much more cruelty. Yes, what she did was wrong in the eyes of millions (although again, I’ll reiterate that two parties were involved), but she herself understood the implications of her actions. The ceaseless harassment of her mistakes indelibly branded her. Regardless, a sexually active woman’s reasoning is personal, thus, not open to an ounce of slander.

There are a few reasons to condemn this behavior. First, it’s a waste of energy to be speaking so harshly about someone whose acts likely have zero effect on your life. Second, we all make our fair share of mistakes as well as have our own fun. How silly is it to judge someone for such an innate craving when other people knowing was solely an unfortunate case? Lastly and most importantly, slut shaming is a form of bullying that can easily lead to issues with depression, anxiety or worse. Even if she chooses to embrace her promiscuity, it can lead to sexual assault. In a number of cases, vilifying a female for this humanoid act has even driven her to suicide, an occurrence that is 100% preventable.

For heaven’s sake, let’s start prioritizing women for far more than her physicality or how she handles her sexuality. Challenge this sort of denunciation and actively choose to not engage in this sort of speak. Reiterate that she’s aware of her own doings and that her personal life is not a call for open judgement. Her intellect and character and far more telling of how she is as a person and no woman should ever be defamed for something that occurs behind closed doors.

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

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15056
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6538
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4835
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4254
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments