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Tyler Griffin Student Sample C: Gender Equality May 4, 2016
English IV, 3rd period Ms. Roland Gender Equality Gender equality is a powerful movement that has captivated media. Gender equality, also known as feminism, has taken a stand on being noticed by people around the world. With the hash tag, #HeForShe women’s rights have been exposed as a topic that has been disregarded for decades. Equality of the sexes is a situation fought for women and mainly by women. Gender equality is a great topic because it focuses on people in general regardless of race, sex, social class, and or sexual identity. The #HeForShe raises many question that need to be addressed about feminism. Many people would like to know about gender equality, #HeForShe aiding in gender equality, and the roles that men play in gender equality. Numerous people ask questions like what is gender equality. With questions other people of little to no knowledge about gender equality might say a thing like gender equality is synonomys with manhating. The statement is both inaccurate and imprecise. An answer like feminism is equal to manhating cause’s confusion and looks over the real answer. Mr. Cloud explains, ‘’ gender equality is the notion that both men and women should have the same opportunities in life (Cloud).’’ Feminism is not just equality for women; it focuses on men as well. Gender equality is about men and women having the right to expect the same respect that of her male counterpart. It is outrageous that some women cannot receive half of the respect that people would give to a man of her equal. Gender equality is important because feminism should
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be a human right. When men and women both stand together and address gender equality that is when the problem will be fixed. Women would be able to ask question or stand up for themselves without being shamed or ridiculed. For example, Jessica Valenti tweeted asking people if they knew a country where feminine sanitary products were available at a discount or even free of charge (Porter). Valenti was immediately criticized just for her question alone in the name of research. Willingness for men to come and listen is a requirement before change can happen in feminism. Another question asked about gender equality is how it got its start and what ways the #HeForShe aided in gender equality. ‘’UN Women developed the #HeForShe solidarity movement for gender equality, to call men and boys to the global movement as advocates and stakeholders (UN Women’s #HeForShe Solidarity Movement For Gender Equality).’’ In the fall of 2014 Emma Watson took stage to introduce #HeForShe with a powerful address. The #HeForShe did just as the UN Women organization planned. With the help of social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram, gender equality spread as a new trending topic. Male celebrities, such as Joseph GordonLevitt, Matt McGorry, and Tom Hiddleston have all supported the feminist movement as it rapidly grows. Also, the growing hash tag has given men the idea of breaking gender roles. Men have begun to embrace the idea of being a stay at home fathers. Instead of staying at work late men now would rather come home early from work; some fathers would rather bring their work home. Men taking a step towards being a stay at home dad gives women of high position the ability to go back to work after maternal leave. Being a stay at home father is both breaking gender roles and eliminating double standards. The hash tag has
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introduced new ideas to break double standards and create sexual, intellectual, and physical equality between both genders. Men of the 21st century can take a stand against gender inequality. In the inspirational words of Nelson Mandela, ‘’ for every moment we remain silent, we conspire against our women (Ngcuka Mlambo).’’ Men must act as advocates for gender equality. They must develop the mindset that if gender equality does not start with this generation then feminism will not be achieved until many centuries from now. The first place one would notice gender inequality is in the school system. The gender gap in schools affects society as well. ‘’ The failure to educate girls limits economic growth in the developing world by wasting human capital (London).’’ Uneducated youth are more likely to live in poor conditions or even uninhabitable conditions. Joel Peterson explains, ‘’ Maybe our schools need to teach with equal vigor both E=mc^2 and EF=EM (equality for females is as important as equality for males) (Peterson).’’ With ideologies like such our girls will continue to be more efficient and not be ashamed for being independent, strongwilled, or bossy. If men continue to encourage and fight gender inequality while girls are in school, then the workforce should be no different. In the workplace gender inequality is very dominant. Catherine Hill writes, ‘’ In 2014, women working full time in the United States typically were paid 79 percent of what men were paid, a gap of 21 percent (Hill).’’ Just to think this 21 percent gap is just for Caucasian women in the workforce. Gender equality in headquarters is a topic that must be addressed. If gender inequality continues to engulf our nation, our youth will not be able to witness gender equality in the workforce. If gender equality does not spread faster our generation most likely will not be able to witness gender equality whether in the workplace, school, or in society in general.
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People that would like to know about gender equality should ask. People who would like to know how #HeForShe aids in gender equality should open their social media accounts. Also people that would like to know the roles men take in gender equality should read up on men standing with women for the fight for feminism. Gender equality is a movement started by women for women. Gender equality is steadily on the rise. Some things like social media have been able to jumpstart a revolution for feminism. Media has really captured the fight for gender equality for our women. Hopefully, our generation keeps fighting for gender equality until it is reached. Feminism is a situation that should not be taken lightly or looked over ever again. If the fight for feminism keeps going we will be able to eliminate gender inequality. We must equally come together and declare that gender equality is necessary. Women should not have to be silent about the situation. Women should not be told to be quiet about something that bothers them and asked to be more ladylike. Women should be able to express themselves politically, intellectually, and sexually just as men are encouraged to do so.
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Works Cited Cloud, Duane. ‘’ What Is Gender Equality? – Definition & Issues.’’ Study.com .26 Apr 2016. Hill, Catherine. ‘’ The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap.’’ AAUW. AAUW. Web. 26 Apr 2016. London, C.R. ‘’Making room for girls.’’ The Economist. The Economist, 5 Nov 2013. Web. 26 Apr 2016. NgcukaMlambo, Phumzile. ‘’Calling All Men: Gender Equality Isn’t Just a Female Cause.’’ Time Inc. Time Magazine, 7 Mch 2014.Web.22 Apr 2016. Peterson, Joel. ‘’5 Reasons to Teach Gender Equality in Schools.’’ Huff Post. Huffington Post, 16 Oct 2015. Web. 25 Apr 2016 Porter, Jane. ‘’ Yes, Gender Equality Is A Men’s Issue.’’ Fast Company. Fast Company, 26 Sep 2014. Web. 13 Apr 2016.