The Toxic Female and The Bear
It never ceases to amaze me how prevalent and misunderstood the concept of “Toxic Femininity” has become. Rather than a constructive discourse, it has often become another label unjustly imposed on women, adding to the weight of societal expectations they already bear. What’s truly astounding is the widespread ignorance or willful denial regarding the harsh realities faced by women worldwide. Hence the need to have the discussion about a bear vs a man. I have truly enjoyed reading the various comments AND thought provoking debates on this topic.
Consider this: one in three women globally experiences abuse during their lifetime. Let that sink in — nearly 30% of women endure physical or sexual violence between the ages of 15 and 49. Shockingly, 38% of all female homicide victims are killed by their intimate partners.
Between 2008 and 2018, human trafficking quadrupled, with an estimated 120,000 individuals missing. Disturbingly, 90% of those trafficked are women coerced into sex work. While there’s a rise in male victims due to forced labor, women remain the primary targets, subjected to the horrors of sexual slavery at the hands of despicable predators.
In West Africa, an alarming 35% of young girls are forcibly married off to older men, robbing them of their childhood and autonomy. These girls, some as young as 12, become possessions in a cruel transaction devoid of compassion or humanity.
The Middle East presents its own grim tableau, where women are systematically enslaved and stripped of basic freedoms under the guise of religious piety. Their identities erased, their voices silenced, they are relegated to a life of servitude, denied even the most basic rights like driving or education. The brutal suppression of women’s rights is not solely a religious issue but a deep-seated societal problem rooted in centuries of entrenched misogyny.
India’s harrowing reality sees women brutalized, with acid attacks used as a weapon of vengeance against those who dare to defy male dominance. In America, the grotesque spectacle of forcing rape survivors to carry their pregnancies to term is justified in the name of “saving lives,” conveniently ignoring the trauma inflicted upon the victims.
Women are systematically devalued and marginalized by a patriarchal world order that dominates policy-making and leadership roles. Whether it’s the brazen displays of power by authoritarian leaders like Putin, Kim Jong Un, the Taliban, or even figures like Trump, women are relegated to subordinate roles, their worth diminished, their voices stifled.
We must confront the uncomfortable truth that misogyny knows no borders, cultures, or religions. It’s deeply ingrained in our societies, perpetuated by generations of men who harbor a visceral hatred towards women. These are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a deeply entrenched societal sickness.
From the witch hunts of yesteryears to the present-day vilification of assertive, independent women as “Toxic Females,” the narrative of female inferiority persists. Women who dare to defy societal norms and assert their autonomy are labeled as “She Devils,” subjected to ridicule and scorn.
As we reflect on the passage of time, spanning thousands of years of human history, it’s disheartening to see how little progress we’ve made in reevaluating the roles and rights of women in society. Religion, often touted as a moral compass, has played a significant role in shaping societal attitudes towards women, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and justifying their subjugation.
It’s high time we engage in real conversations about misogyny, its roots, and its pervasive manifestations. We cannot afford to remain complacent in the face of such blatant injustice. We must challenge the status quo, dismantle patriarchal structures, and strive for a world where women are treated with the dignity, respect, and equality they rightfully deserve. Only then can we truly claim progress as a society.
At the very least? We need to train our sons to be healthier,less violent, safer, loving, and protective.
