1940's Advertisement for Schlitz
1960s Advertisement for Ketchup
1940s Advertisement for Hardee's Hamburgers
I wish these ads were photoshopped, but sadly, these ran only sixty years ago. Though today's society likes to think that discrimination against women is an issue of the past, to be quite frank, they're wrong. Women are still statistically paid less than men, women are still not taken seriously in the workplace, women in relationships are still being abused, and "old-fashioned" stereotypes are still relevant today.
So, why is March 8th for the men again? Well...
It's for the men to understand their privilege.
It's for the men to change their attitudes and beliefs towards women in power.
It's for the men to see that this issue is something bigger than itself.
It's for the men to realize that feminism does not mean women over men, it means women = men.
It's for the men to wake up & fight for the rights women deserve.
And sometimes, it's hard. Men have far too often been raised with the idea that they are superior to women. They're supposed to be the breadwinner in the house, to pursue careers in STEM fields, to be the head of the family, etc. I mean, take a look at some of the gendered nouns we are using in our everyday vocabulary: manhandle, milkman, manhole, mankind. Other aspects are more subtle. Ships, cars, and motorcycles are typically assigned female pronouns and names - is it so men can possess these inanimate objects and hold dominance over them? So they can be their trophies?
Now, before any men reading this become upset saying, "This isn't a real problem" or "You're blowing this way out of proportion", thank you - you're literally proving my point with your outburst. Do not try and mansplain women's inequality to women or to undermine our feelings because truthfully, you just don't get it. Instead, what you can do is open your ears, listen to what the female population is saying, respect their goals and opinions, respect their bodies, stand up when you witness discrimination, and for the love of God, just be a good person.
Now go hug your mom/sister/grandmother/aunt/girlfriend/wife/best friend.
