Top 5 Things to Do this Summer to Destroy the Patriarchy

Top 5 Things to Do this Summer to Destroy the Patriarchy

It’s no secret that our world is widely ruled by men. We live in a strong patriarchy, and it’s high time that changed. With summer vacation on the horizon, it’s easier than ever to do a few small things to chip away at that patriarchy bit by bit.

5. Stand tall

Something as simple as keeping your posture and confidence everywhere you go will help. It shows that you are independent and won’t stand poor treatment. It sounds so simple but it makes such a difference. Carrying yourself with confidence, pride, and posture will get you far.

4. Make eye contact

This sounds easy, right? Turns out, it’s not. For decades, women have been taught to not look someone in the eye whereas men are taught to always look people in the eye. Try to pay attention to this the next time you shake someone’s hand. Most men will look you directly in the eye, while most women will look down at your hand. 

3. Don’t move out of the way

How many times have you been walking and had to dodge out of the path of a guy who thinks he’s more important than everyone else? Women are constantly taught to move out of the way to let men pass, many do it subconsciously. There have been studies done that show that when a woman doesn’t move, men will often just ram right into her as if it’s her fault. Try it out for yourself, see how often a man expects you to move out of the way for him.  

2. Don’t apologize

Ever notice how lots of women have a habit of apologizing for everything, even if it’s not their fault? Women often feel like they need to apologize all the time, for everything, because they’re taught to be kind and polite despite what they’re actually feeling. Next time you want to apologize because someone almost bumped into you, don’t. Apologize for actual mistakes and things that are your fault, not because you feel like you have to just to make this random stranger happy. 

1. Be yourself

If there’s one thing that will crush the patriarchy, it’s being who you are. Toxic masculinity dictates that women should always do as they’re told and always follow what the men want, so don’t. Do what you want to do, regardless of whether a man approves or not. You like how you look in your new crop top, but you’re worried people might think it’s too revealing? Who cares! You want to try a new makeup look, but you’re worried it’s too much? Give it a try! Worst case scenario, you don’t like it. It doesn’t matter what other people think.

Summer is a time to enjoy not having homework and to get the vitamin D we’ve been deprived of for the past ten months. What better way to celebrate than to free ourselves from more than just school, but to free ourselves from the expectations of a patriarchal society?