***politics warning*** I'm hopeful this isn't actual a UO.
If you are a woman and honestly feel like you've never been treated differently due to your sex, that is frickin' awesome. I suspect that you are glossing over a lot of institutionalized inequality, but I'm so happy you feel that way. However, if you feel that way personally and are unable to put yourself in the shoes of someone else or understand how their path in life might be different or might have caused them to feel differently, then I think the issue lies with you. I don't understand the number of women who are speaking out against the women's rights marchers and saying that women are currently treated as equals. (I'm setting aside the abortion argument on this one because I don't think many people will ever change their mind on that issue.) I'm speaking specifically to the women who feel it's important to loudly denounce the march because they've "never experienced" gender related adversity in their personal lives. And if you are a man who feels the need to tell the marchers how they should feel, then you are the problem.
So as I was lurking in other BMB I noticed a topic about it, and got my inspiration from that. I believe I've said something pretty close to this before, but I'm not 100% sure so I'll go anyways.
So, I don't get why some parent choose to raise their children with very strict dietary restrictions, for no reason other than that is how they choose to eat. The comment I read was that the one parent was choosing to raise their children STRICTLY vegan, even though the other parent was a meat & dairy eater. The person stated that they would provide all food at parties and everything else to not put other parents/adults out.
I just don't get it. I understand not wanting your children to eat hormone injected chicken, or limiting meat, or something. But what about when there is a surprise pizza party at school, or a surprise birthday with cupcakes. Then this child cannot eat those treats because they are raised vegan.
I am 100% on board with anyone who is an adult (or young adult) and chooses to eat a certain way, regardless of reasons. I just don't like forcing someone to eat a certain way.
The poster also mentioned that she understood her children might be allergic to shellfish and dairy since she will not be introducing them to her children & was ok with it.
@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot I'm not sure I understand the logic of "it hasn't happened to me, so it does not exist." I feel that is part of the problem with so many white men being in power, is that because of their privilege they haven't experienced racism or sexism so it is a non-issue to them.
My problem with everything that has happened since the inauguration is the destruction and violence of businesses whom people felt were aligned with Trump. Breaking windows, etc. legit solves nothing.
@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot - I work with a middle aged straight white male (Trump supporter) who informed me that sexism does not actually exist. Apparently the only reason I believe it exists is because I went to college, where they brainwash young people with liberal ideals and convince them that sex/gender/race inequality exists.
So. Yeah. He's neat.
Fur daughter: 02/2011 Human sons: 11/2015 & 05/2017 *formerly kayemjay*
I am totally on board with both of these so far. @NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot I, too, am very bothered by the view that women are treated equal all the time. While it maybe true for someone (doubtful), it invalidates my (and many others) very real life experiences.
I love the term "mansplaining". Hahaha . I want to say that my DH never used to think there was much disparity in the work place until he started hanging with me. I work in a heavily male dominated field and he is amazed and appalled at how I have been treated just because I'm a young female in that field. (Of course not to say DH is or was a closed minded person, but his mother didn't work and he happens to work in a female heavy field of HR so he hadn't been exposed to overt and covert sexism that is in the workplace). I believe the world can be changed one person at a time!
@Jen_Shoes I don't understand the limited diets either. As a parent of a child with a dairy allergy, it has ALREADY caused "it's not fair" issues at school (and she's only in preschool!) when they are making homemade ice cream and she has to have the different bag, or when they are making snowman pizza and she isn't allowed to have the cheese for her pizza. She knows she has an allergy but it breaks my heart that she has to be different. I can't imagine choosing to make your child the different one in class!
Married 03.09.09 Sweet Baby H 12.21.11 Sassy Baby P 03.26.14 Little Brother Due 05.22.17
@Jen_Shoes I think maybe it depends why they're on that diet? I know there are religious reasons for certain diets, which are totally understandable. And then a lot of people who are vegetarians/vegans feel very strongly about it for moral (not necessarily religious) reasons. But, then you would think that the whole family would eat that way, not just one parent! Older daughter has severe allergies, and you're right, the "that's not fair I want a cupcake too!!" thing can really suck. I can't imagine making my child have to sit out like that for no good reason.
@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot yes! I hate all the "women in this country have it so great, what would they possibly have to be upset about?" I've been seeing a lot on FB lately.
My UO (maybe? On my FB feed it is.) - I think it's ridiculous when people change their opinions completely about what the president should be able to do based on political party. I have FB friends who for the last 8 years, every time Obama made an executive order about anything they would post about how unfair and unconstitutional it was!! And now, they're applauding Trump's executive orders, and talking about how finally we have a president who knows how to get things done.
@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot - you said this very eloquently. It's completely understandable that a certain person may not feel they have ever experienced inequality, but that absolutely does not mean that it doesn't exist. It's also unreasonable to say that just because American women aren't as suppressed as other countries, that we should just shut up at take it. I work in an industry that very much still has a "good ol' boy" mentality. Four years ago I took a job and started at the same time as a male counterpart. I had more experience and more education than he did. I found out he was hired by the same manager I was, making $20k/year more than I was. To say that just because I make a decent living, I shouldn't speak out about that is insane to me. To take it a step further, the way some of these men talk about women in the workplace is disgusting.
@kayemjay2 - he sounds like a peach. How silly of you to form your own opinions, based on your own experiences. Silly woman.
@h&pmomma - I feel bad for your daughter just reading this. It's never fun to be the odd person out, even if there are other options made available for you!
@squirtgun - Politics makes me want to quit Facebook, especially now with all of the whiplash. I want to see pictures of people's food again!
I'm 100% on board with these UO's. Specifically, the white male privilege and the inability to show compassion for people with very real stories. Coincidentally, my SIL sent me this article today--if you don't have time to read to the end, just scroll down to the cartoon...edited because this link will not work for some reason...but you can google "upworthy priviledge cartoon" and it will pop up as the first link.
@Kipperoo The link didnt work, but I know the one. Very good comic! I sent that to my husband a while back and I think he uses it in one of his lectures now.
Interesting. Am I doing it wrong then since I'll hold a door open for a man? I thought it was just a politeness thing. Sorry I got pregnant, am carrying around extra weight, heart burn, indigestion, nausea, exhaustion, etc. and people out of the kindness of their heart want to be nicer to me? I guess when is a man is sick I shouldn't return the favor?
@Jen_Shoes Right!? I grew up vegan. Want my advice for not f*ing your children up when it comes to diets and body image? Don't make them eat a diet that is really not conducive to a growing child. My guidance counselor called my parents because other parents in the community were concerned that I was anorexic. No, I was just being virtually starved by my parents (I'm being dramatic, my diet was well balanced but lacked fats that I really needed at that stage in my life) and as a result I was extremely skinny. I know most people think skinny kids have it easy, but I took it very hard. As soon as I moved out of my parents house I went full blown meat and dairy. Now my diet kind of sucks because I really love meat and dairy! So, yeah, a well balanced diet is key. Let kids experience food young and then maybe their diets won't suck so bad later. At least, in my experience!
My UO: I judge people who can't tell the difference between fake news and bad new sources vs real news reporting. Even if the topic of the fake news aligns with my views I feel the need to correct people and give real facts (not alternative facts!). If you repost something on Facebook without fact checking and checking into the source of your news then I assume you're an idiot in general.
My second UO: The anti-vax people who argue that their brother's roommate's cousin had an allergic reaction to a vaccine so they're evil and no one should get them. It's like me saying that my kid is allergic to eggs, so no one should eat eggs, ever. It's a dumb argument. I totally believe that vaccine reactions happen. Heck, I had a bad one myself once. But using that as a reason is dumb. I'm not even trying to start the vaccine debate here, but if you're going to take a stance like that at least have a better reason. (This UO brought to you by an argument I had with my brother's old college roommate's cousin on Facebook. Lol.)
B born 7/15/13, C born 3/2/15, #3 on the way May '17
I’m a modern man, a man for the millennium. Digital and smoke free. A diversified multi-cultural, post-modern deconstruction that is anatomically and ecologically incorrect. I’ve been up linked and downloaded, I’ve been inputted and outsourced, I know the upside of downsizing, I know the downside of upgrading. I’m a high-tech low-life. A cutting edge, state-of-the-art bi-coastal multi-tasker and I can give you a gigabyte in a nanosecond! I’m new wave, but I’m old school and my inner child is outward bound. I’m a hot-wired, heat seeking, warm-hearted cool customer, voice activated and bio-degradable. I interface with my database, my database is in cyberspace, so I’m interactive, I’m hyperactive and from time to time I’m radioactive.
Love this! Agree with all. I was raised "vegetarian" but my mom was always great about letting us eat what we wanted. I had a salami obsession in grade school I remember vividly. I was a vegan for a time after college. But parents being strict with children's diets seems dangerous to me. Think about the possible disordered eating that can come of it.
Yeah, I still can't digest that garbage pile of a meme. The whole "meninism" movement is ridiculous. Beyond that, the fact that they bring up pregnant women getting special treatment? I think women are equal to men in all aspects- professionally, intellectually, etc., and I don't think demanding equal pay/respect/rights is that much to ask. Pregnant women, however, should get special rights because we are freaking amazing. We are growing humans. Pushing your children out of our vaginas or having them surgically removed. You're g-damn right we deserve special treatment. Much more special treatment than our country currently affords us.
Fur daughter: 02/2011 Human sons: 11/2015 & 05/2017 *formerly kayemjay*
@kayemjay2 I saw the same picture the other day and I am seriously racking my brain, but what special treatment do pregnant women get? The most "special" treatment I got was another woman offering me her seat in a crowded office because I was pregnant and holding a sleeping toddler something a room full of men did not do... it seriously baffles me.
I still need to think of my own UO, but the ones up are great so far.
Yes, @OmegaRose3 , what is this special treatment people speak of that is given to pregnant women? Sure, occasionally someone will offer you a seat on public transit (but only when you're like 8-9 mo along, because they don't want to insult you in case you're NOT pregnant, even if you could use the seat starting at, say, immediately.) Instead, you have strangers touching your belly, making inappropriate comments about your health/shape/weight/strength/boobs, making inappropriate comments about your desires/needs (e.g. boy vs. girl), giving unwarranted advice about pregnancy and parenting, discriminating against you (e.g. not hiring you/selecting you for jobs, promotions, tasks, projects, etc.) and withholding privileges and rights from you (no you can't buy that drink, no you can't eat that meal, no I won't serve you a caesar salad, no I won't let you work, no I won't let you carry that, etc.) Sure, it is "special" treatment alright. Just not the good kind of special. Not. at. all.
ETA: oh and with regard to the woman who gave you a seat -- I had the exact experience when I rode public transit when pregnant with DS. I didn't have any comparable situation with DD and don't expect to for this one, but I was commuting by bus every day when pregnant with DS and typically the bus was out of seats when I'd get on it. I made sure my belly was revealed (not in my coat) because with SPD I needed a seat. (And if no one offered me a seat quickly, I sheepishly asked for one. Someone would give it up at that point. I was not in a position to suffer or harm my body.) I think men offered me seats twice TOTAL in my entire time with this commute (relevant 10x/week for about 2-3 mo, at my most pregnant). Every single other time a woman offered her seat. This is a route that was 50/50 men vs. women in a very progressive (yet also kind of clueless) academic town/city.
@kat81 EXACTLY! The privilege of what? Being touched without my permission? Having people look for my wedding ring? Make inappropriate inquiries and comments? Constantly judge my choice of clothing, food, etc? Sorry, but that's not a perk to me. I don't know who made that meme, but F that. I get doors opened for me? I never thought of that as gender specific, more just, ya know, being polite...but I can think of more times someone could've held a door open for me and let it shut on me instead. If I'm getting into a club or getting drinks for free, it's not free because I'm a free piece of ass to advertise for men to objectify, so no, that's not a plus in my eyes. Oh? I can show off my body to get things? Do I need to point out what gender made that a thing? Again...F that guy lol
You ladies rock. When I wrote my original UO, I was feeling a bit disheartened by my female social media friends living in the midwest. Many of them work in male-dominated fields like agriculture and they have been posting the most ignorant things lately. It's frustrating because I could point out areas in their life where they are treated differently for being a woman, but they don't care about it. Aside from a weekend trip to Vegas many of them have never experienced diversity in their entire lives and they are happy in their bubble.
You ladies rock. When I wrote my original UO, I was feeling a bit disheartened by my female social media friends living in the midwest. Many of them work in male-dominated fields like agriculture and they have been posting the most ignorant things lately. It's frustrating because I could point out areas in their life where they are treated differently for being a woman, but they don't care about it. Aside from a weekend trip to Vegas many of them have never experienced diversity in their entire lives and they are happy in their bubble.
I guess I'm one of those that's happy in my bubble. I don't believe I'm entitled to anything simply because I happen to have a vagina.
You ladies rock. When I wrote my original UO, I was feeling a bit disheartened by my female social media friends living in the midwest. Many of them work in male-dominated fields like agriculture and they have been posting the most ignorant things lately. It's frustrating because I could point out areas in their life where they are treated differently for being a woman, but they don't care about it. Aside from a weekend trip to Vegas many of them have never experienced diversity in their entire lives and they are happy in their bubble.
I guess I'm one of those that's happy in my bubble. I don't believe I'm entitled to anything simply because I happen to have a vagina.
There's a huge difference between being entitled to something and being treated equally.
I was just talking to my husband about this last night. I work in a field that is largely women, yet the agency I work at is run by (stupid, pig-headed) men. Lately, I've been having more conversations with them where they are talking down to me pretty much because I'm a woman. The sentiment they express is "shut up little girl". I feel my opinions often get overlooked because I am young and a woman. I was complaining on the way home last night talking about how I'm a strong, smart woman and a good avocate. My husband is very old school and men are in charge, and he surprised me when he goes "yeah, and you're a bad ass woman". Made me feel proud of the fact that he knows who I am and what I stand for.
I kinda rambled a bit there... not sure what my point was other than sometimes white men suck, and that it is always important to advocate for ourselves because often other people won't do it for us.
You ladies rock. When I wrote my original UO, I was feeling a bit disheartened by my female social media friends living in the midwest. Many of them work in male-dominated fields like agriculture and they have been posting the most ignorant things lately. It's frustrating because I could point out areas in their life where they are treated differently for being a woman, but they don't care about it. Aside from a weekend trip to Vegas many of them have never experienced diversity in their entire lives and they are happy in their bubble.
I guess I'm one of those that's happy in my bubble. I don't believe I'm entitled to anything simply because I happen to have a vagina.
Fur daughter: 02/2011 Human sons: 11/2015 & 05/2017 *formerly kayemjay*
You ladies rock. When I wrote my original UO, I was feeling a bit disheartened by my female social media friends living in the midwest. Many of them work in male-dominated fields like agriculture and they have been posting the most ignorant things lately. It's frustrating because I could point out areas in their life where they are treated differently for being a woman, but they don't care about it. Aside from a weekend trip to Vegas many of them have never experienced diversity in their entire lives and they are happy in their bubble.
I guess I'm one of those that's happy in my bubble. I don't believe I'm entitled to anything simply because I happen to have a vagina.
Out of curiosity, what do you consider an entitlement that women / feminists want because of having a vagina?
I can say some examples for you that I agree should not be just for women -- 1) advantages at bars/clubs (like the meme mentioned) 2) having the door opened for you, things carried for you, etc, unless you are disabled, and pregnancy can be a disability. I think that men should get doors held for them and be offered to have things carried for them if they're juggling a lot. 3) the draft -- this should be for men and women 4) ordering first at a restaurant 5) getting all dates paid for by the man Honestly lots of these chivalry types of things are actually degrading to women in the first place.
I don't consider the following entitlements "just because of the vagina" -- 1) free hormonal birth control -- I think free birth control should be available to men as well. It just so happens that women are the ones who take on this burden, in part because of bias in medicine/science in the first place. Until the powers that be can get past the idea that the side effects of the male pill are the same as those of the female pill and authorize the drug and make it free, I'm all for handing out free condoms. 2) abortions covered by insurance -- a man was involved in this happening, so this affects both people 3) free sanitary items in bathrooms -- we offer free toilet paper in public bathrooms, so why not pads? 4) non-abortion services covered by planned parenthood (STD testing, cancer screenings, etc) -- you know they provide services to men, too, right? 5) affirmative action in fields where there are obvious persistent disparities and oppression against women -- helps with improving the field (and innovation/economy) as well as leveling the playing field. (This applies to other oppressed identities such as race, and much more so, IMO.)
Perhaps you're against "entitlements" in general, but when it comes to things like sexual health and birth control, I'd much rather fund someone else's birth control and abortion through my taxes than fund that unwanted child's entire schooling and healthcare through my taxes. I prefer to use the phrase "public services" rather than "entitlements"; I think that we need to realize these services are ones that help EVERYONE, including the tax-payers who are funding them.
To add to @kat81's awesome post, there are plenty of things to be changed in the entire "system." Plenty of people much smarter than me have conducted studies about the differences between men and women in the workplace. For instance, women are much less likely to ask for a raise or promotion. Women often downplay their qualifications. Based on these studies, several institutions partner with large corporations to educate them on mentoring and helping women grow in their respective fields. A woman isn't "entitled" to a better job just because she "has a vagina." She's entitled to it based on her experience and qualifications. A man might boast or stretch his actual qualifications when the women is more qualified.
Re: Unpopular Opinion 1/26/17
I'm hopeful this isn't actual a UO.
If you are a woman and honestly feel like you've never been treated differently due to your sex, that is frickin' awesome. I suspect that you are glossing over a lot of institutionalized inequality, but I'm so happy you feel that way. However, if you feel that way personally and are unable to put yourself in the shoes of someone else or understand how their path in life might be different or might have caused them to feel differently, then I think the issue lies with you. I don't understand the number of women who are speaking out against the women's rights marchers and saying that women are currently treated as equals. (I'm setting aside the abortion argument on this one because I don't think many people will ever change their mind on that issue.) I'm speaking specifically to the women who feel it's important to loudly denounce the march because they've "never experienced" gender related adversity in their personal lives. And if you are a man who feels the need to tell the marchers how they should feel, then you are the problem.
May17 Siggy Challenge
Labor
So, I don't get why some parent choose to raise their children with very strict dietary restrictions, for no reason other than that is how they choose to eat. The comment I read was that the one parent was choosing to raise their children STRICTLY vegan, even though the other parent was a meat & dairy eater. The person stated that they would provide all food at parties and everything else to not put other parents/adults out.
I just don't get it. I understand not wanting your children to eat hormone injected chicken, or limiting meat, or something. But what about when there is a surprise pizza party at school, or a surprise birthday with cupcakes. Then this child cannot eat those treats because they are raised vegan.
I am 100% on board with anyone who is an adult (or young adult) and chooses to eat a certain way, regardless of reasons. I just don't like forcing someone to eat a certain way.
The poster also mentioned that she understood her children might be allergic to shellfish and dairy since she will not be introducing them to her children & was ok with it.
My problem with everything that has happened since the inauguration is the destruction and violence of businesses whom people felt were aligned with Trump. Breaking windows, etc. legit solves nothing.
@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot - I work with a middle aged straight white male (Trump supporter) who informed me that sexism does not actually exist. Apparently the only reason I believe it exists is because I went to college, where they brainwash young people with liberal ideals and convince them that sex/gender/race inequality exists.
So. Yeah. He's neat.
Human sons: 11/2015 & 05/2017
*formerly kayemjay*
May17 Siggy Challenge
Labor
DS2 5/17
#3 Due 9/20
Sweet Baby H 12.21.11
Sassy Baby P 03.26.14
Little Brother Due 05.22.17
@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot yes! I hate all the "women in this country have it so great, what would they possibly have to be upset about?" I've been seeing a lot on FB lately.
My UO (maybe? On my FB feed it is.) - I think it's ridiculous when people change their opinions completely about what the president should be able to do based on political party. I have FB friends who for the last 8 years, every time Obama made an executive order about anything they would post about how unfair and unconstitutional it was!! And now, they're applauding Trump's executive orders, and talking about how finally we have a president who knows how to get things done.
@kayemjay2 - he sounds like a peach. How silly of you to form your own opinions, based on your own experiences. Silly woman.
@h&pmomma - I feel bad for your daughter just reading this. It's never fun to be the odd person out, even if there are other options made available for you!
@squirtgun - Politics makes me want to quit Facebook, especially now with all of the whiplash. I want to see pictures of people's food again!
Married:09/14/13
Baby 2 - Due: 5/4/17
https://www.upworthy.com/a-short-comic-gives-the-simplest-most-perfect-explanation-of-privilege-ive-ever-seen
I don't have an UO yet...I'll keep thinking...
DS2 5/17
#3 Due 9/20
Human sons: 11/2015 & 05/2017
*formerly kayemjay*
Ugh, people.
1st Baby 5/12/17, Henry
DS2 5/17
#3 Due 9/20
My UO: I judge people who can't tell the difference between fake news and bad new sources vs real news reporting. Even if the topic of the fake news aligns with my views I feel the need to correct people and give real facts (not alternative facts!). If you repost something on Facebook without fact checking and checking into the source of your news then I assume you're an idiot in general.
My second UO: The anti-vax people who argue that their brother's roommate's cousin had an allergic reaction to a vaccine so they're evil and no one should get them. It's like me saying that my kid is allergic to eggs, so no one should eat eggs, ever. It's a dumb argument. I totally believe that vaccine reactions happen. Heck, I had a bad one myself once. But using that as a reason is dumb. I'm not even trying to start the vaccine debate here, but if you're going to take a stance like that at least have a better reason. (This UO brought to you by an argument I had with my brother's old college roommate's cousin on Facebook. Lol.)
B born 7/15/13, C born 3/2/15, #3 on the way May '17
I’m a modern man, a man for the millennium. Digital and smoke free. A diversified multi-cultural, post-modern deconstruction that is anatomically and ecologically incorrect. I’ve been up linked and downloaded, I’ve been inputted and outsourced, I know the upside of downsizing, I know the downside of upgrading. I’m a high-tech low-life. A cutting edge, state-of-the-art bi-coastal multi-tasker and I can give you a gigabyte in a nanosecond! I’m new wave, but I’m old school and my inner child is outward bound. I’m a hot-wired, heat seeking, warm-hearted cool customer, voice activated and bio-degradable. I interface with my database, my database is in cyberspace, so I’m interactive, I’m hyperactive and from time to time I’m radioactive.
Human sons: 11/2015 & 05/2017
*formerly kayemjay*
I still need to think of my own UO, but the ones up are great so far.
ETA: oh and with regard to the woman who gave you a seat -- I had the exact experience when I rode public transit when pregnant with DS. I didn't have any comparable situation with DD and don't expect to for this one, but I was commuting by bus every day when pregnant with DS and typically the bus was out of seats when I'd get on it. I made sure my belly was revealed (not in my coat) because with SPD I needed a seat. (And if no one offered me a seat quickly, I sheepishly asked for one. Someone would give it up at that point. I was not in a position to suffer or harm my body.) I think men offered me seats twice TOTAL in my entire time with this commute (relevant 10x/week for about 2-3 mo, at my most pregnant). Every single other time a woman offered her seat. This is a route that was 50/50 men vs. women in a very progressive (yet also kind of clueless) academic town/city.
I get doors opened for me? I never thought of that as gender specific, more just, ya know, being polite...but I can think of more times someone could've held a door open for me and let it shut on me instead.
If I'm getting into a club or getting drinks for free, it's not free because I'm a free piece of ass to advertise for men to objectify, so no, that's not a plus in my eyes.
Oh? I can show off my body to get things? Do I need to point out what gender made that a thing?
Again...F that guy lol
ETA: tagging error
May17 Siggy Challenge
Labor
May17 Siggy Challenge
Labor
Lately, I've been having more conversations with them where they are talking down to me pretty much because I'm a woman. The sentiment they express is "shut up little girl". I feel my opinions often get overlooked because I am young and a woman. I was complaining on the way home last night talking about how I'm a strong, smart woman and a good avocate. My husband is very old school and men are in charge, and he surprised me when he goes "yeah, and you're a bad ass woman". Made me feel proud of the fact that he knows who I am and what I stand for.
I kinda rambled a bit there... not sure what my point was other than sometimes white men suck, and that it is always important to advocate for ourselves because often other people won't do it for us.
Human sons: 11/2015 & 05/2017
*formerly kayemjay*
Out of curiosity, what do you consider an entitlement that women / feminists want because of having a vagina?
I can say some examples for you that I agree should not be just for women --
1) advantages at bars/clubs (like the meme mentioned)
2) having the door opened for you, things carried for you, etc, unless you are disabled, and pregnancy can be a disability. I think that men should get doors held for them and be offered to have things carried for them if they're juggling a lot.
3) the draft -- this should be for men and women
4) ordering first at a restaurant
5) getting all dates paid for by the man
Honestly lots of these chivalry types of things are actually degrading to women in the first place.
I don't consider the following entitlements "just because of the vagina" --
1) free hormonal birth control -- I think free birth control should be available to men as well. It just so happens that women are the ones who take on this burden, in part because of bias in medicine/science in the first place. Until the powers that be can get past the idea that the side effects of the male pill are the same as those of the female pill and authorize the drug and make it free, I'm all for handing out free condoms.
2) abortions covered by insurance -- a man was involved in this happening, so this affects both people
3) free sanitary items in bathrooms -- we offer free toilet paper in public bathrooms, so why not pads?
4) non-abortion services covered by planned parenthood (STD testing, cancer screenings, etc) -- you know they provide services to men, too, right?
5) affirmative action in fields where there are obvious persistent disparities and oppression against women -- helps with improving the field (and innovation/economy) as well as leveling the playing field. (This applies to other oppressed identities such as race, and much more so, IMO.)
Perhaps you're against "entitlements" in general, but when it comes to things like sexual health and birth control, I'd much rather fund someone else's birth control and abortion through my taxes than fund that unwanted child's entire schooling and healthcare through my taxes. I prefer to use the phrase "public services" rather than "entitlements"; I think that we need to realize these services are ones that help EVERYONE, including the tax-payers who are funding them.
I have to step off my soapbox to take a breath.
May17 Siggy Challenge
Labor