The other day a friend I was having a discussion with a friend of mine about parenting, comparing how we were raised and how we are raising our children.We both came to the conclusion that we are more or less raising our children the way our parents raised us,particularly with regards to the disparity between raising a girl-child and raising a boy-child.
We tend to put more effort into raising our daughters, teaching them right from wrong, what they need to wear, say and behave,in order not to get harassed by men, as well as conform to the societies expectations. Whereas, boys don’t often get to be taught with the same intensity, especially with regards to how to treat women well, how to talk to women,how to value and appreciate people.
We tell girls :“don’t get raped” , instead of teaching the boys “don’t rape”. When boys/men do wrong, society tends to say things like “boys/men will be boys/men” while the girls/women are “scolded” for not being virtuous or not setting good examples for their children.
Society say that “ladies are meant to seen and not be heard” while the boys are allowed to "raise their voice" on any issue without restraint.
Got this piece from an article ‘how to build a man” in the magazine Esquire:
We want them to know that contrary to what people say, chivalry and feminism are reconcilable. It is called “holding the door for everyone, giving a hand to whomever needs it, lightening the load. We want them to understand the weight that a simple word of kindness or encouragement can carry in another person’s life. To ask for advice even when they don’t think they need it.
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