Sexism is still very alive despite the so called gender-equality we live by in the United States. Women are still slammed for decisions they make- the same decisions that men would make- but are treated differently because we are still stuck in our old ways. While many agree the gender pay gap needs to be fixed among other things, here are many instances where sexism still lives on through our everyday sayings and actions. Whether you are a feminist or not, sexism continues to breed in our country, and it is hiding right under our noses.

Disclaimer: There is quite a bit of sarcasm in this article. The intention of this article is not to call people out, but to rectify these basic terms and actions we use everyday and change them into something kinder and more gender neutral.

1.“Boys will be boys.”

What is that supposed to mean? Just because someone is male, they have the right to act however they want? Girls are viewed as poised and polished, with proper manners and all before they can even ride a bike. While this is changing, girls are still encouraged to mature faster and grow up while it is tolerated when boys goof around and act immature (which lasts for many more years.) How about a new saying like “kids will be kids”? No gender bias, no assumptions, just the truth. If a kid wants to roll around in the mud, a kid should be able to do that without being told that only boys can do it.

2. “You [blank] like a girl!”

I’m sorry, was that supposed to be an insult? Because women have the power to push a baby out of their bodies. Women are powerful, so why is this phrase used to hurt people’s feelings? Since when is being a girl a weakness?

3. “Chick flick”

Movies can be romantic, intense, and emotional. In no way is it supposed to be girly just because it makes the audience members feel something. If men stop trying to hide behind their stereotypical masculinity, they might find some feelings that they choked down.

4. “Don’t be such a drama queen.”

This makes sense since only girls (queens) can be dramatic. Guys are very much capable of being dramatic and overreacting. Just because a woman complains about something or has a problem does not mean that they are a drama queen. It’s time that we redefine what being dramatic means by defining it as having a general concern. People can care about things without being denounced by this title. 

5. “Chatty Cathy”

Not Cody, Christian, Colin, or anything else? No, Cathy. Because women are always talking the ears off of men. The sad thing about this common saying is that it is commonly used among women- like women accept the fact that they are annoying men by engaging in simple conversations.

6. Plus Sized models

Have you ever heard about men being plus sized models? In every magazine, the plus size section is filled with women, but where are the men?

7. Curfew

For those who have siblings, there is a difference in how parents treat their son versus how they treat their daughter when it comes to curfews. I have heard from many fellow female students that they have curfews while their brothers do not. Their parents’ reasoning to why their sons don’t have a curfew: “because they are boys.” It simply doesn’t make sense that the patriarchy continues to follow us home. This is where sexism stems, and it is rooted from the past. If we keep following these ways, we won’t see any change.

8. “Chivalry isn’t dead.”

Women appreciate when men open doors for them, but it isn’t a necessity. Women can be chivalrous too. We can open doors for people and do many other things. It is just as good on the giving end as it is on the receiving end.

9. Sleeping around

First of all, there is nothing wrong with sleeping around and getting to know many people intimately. The problem is that when a man has multiple partners, he is applauded for his “body count.” When it comes to attention that a woman has multiple partners, she becomes a sl*t or is called much worse names.

10. “Stay in the kitchen.”

Does this one really need an explanation? Women are capable of doing so many things, so when kitchen duty is listed as the only skill, it stings. Women can be astronauts, doctors, lawyers, teachers, and everything else. They are more than just washing dishes and preparing food while the man of the family “brings home the bacon.” So no, we won’t stay in the kitchen. Cook your own food.

These are everyday sayings and actions that typically don’t cross people’s minds as being sexist, but they are. In order for change to happen, we need to make a difference, and that includes abandoning these old practices. The Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal,” so why don’t we actually follow through with this statement? The steps are simple: stop using female names to show weakness, don’t make assumptions, and engage in emotional conversations. We are the future, so let’s do something to change it. Down with the patriarchy, and let equality rise!