Women and the Enshrouded Misogyny in Modern Society

 Every day, we come across social media posts filled with comments like "too fat," "too ugly," or "too skinny." For some, these might seem like harmless jokes, but what about the person behind the screen? How does she feel? Does she cry in front of the mirror, regretting her insecurities? Does she starve herself to lose a few pounds? Or does she try countless skincare products, hoping to look better?

We often dismiss these misogynistic comments as jokes or categorize them under the well-known term "dark humor," which has gained widespread popularity in recent years. But I call them something else-a gateway to normalizing misogyny.

Take a moment to think about this. When was the last time you had seen someone laughing at a sexist joke? Did you speak up to challenge them Or were you silent because "it was just a joke anyway". Ask yourself: "What world are we thriving in?"

Take a look at Instagram, where entire comment sections degrade women with slogans like "go back to the kitchen," "make me a sandwich," or simply "women ☕." It's easy to blame men for this trend, but they're not the only ones responsible. Internalized misogyny is on the rise, with women putting other women down-seeking male validation or trying to prove they are different from the rest. This behaviour may be purely solicitous, or it may be the result of a lifetime of patriarchal conditioning.

But the damage is the same. When women insult and ridicule each other, using the same derogatory phrases and jokes that men use, they reinforce harmful stereotypes. They make it harder to fight against oppression.

So let's be clear: hating women is not cool. Mocking women does not raise your social status-it only makes you look weak. Let women live. Let them dress however they want. Let them present themselves however they choose. Let's build a society where men and women are equal and happy, where balance is not a battle but a dance, where they work hand in hand to create a better world.

It's time for us to speak up. Let's question if these "jokes" are really "excuses" for tearing women down. We have the power to question and change the narrative. It's time for us to fight back and stop misogyny once and all.

 

-Haritri Sardar, XI