Feministing, the feminist blog that I read, has a blogger who is writing a book about double standards. She asked what our "favorite" double standards are. Some of the answers are really interesting.

One person wrote in to point out that White Women who stay at home with their children are good mothers. But Women of Color who stay at home with their children -- with or without government assistance -- are seen as freeloaders, who are teaching their children to be freeloaders, and should be working. Despite the cost of childcare, despite everything.

Another pointed out that health care plans tend to refuse to cover birth control, but love to cover viagra.

Many people pointed out work double standards -- the fine line between bitch and push over, etc.

And then there were the relationship double standards. About how mothers are caregivers, but fathers are babysitters. About how men don't wear engagement rings. One comment, posted by Idolworshiper, goes,

If you're a professional woman who has children, esp. young children, your commitment to your job is constantly questioned. Asking for time off for a sick kid or an extended parental leave means that your job has fallen off your radar. You are a weak employee blah blah fucking blah.

If you are a professional man who spends time with his kids or caring for elderly parents, you are kind, progressive, evolved. It's always a plus for you, never a minus.

If you are a woman and you do housework (on top of your demanding f/t job) and cook and take care of your spawn, well that's what's expected of you, honey, and by the way, cant you work out more in all your abundant spare time so you can fit into your pre-pregnancy size 4 jeans again?

If you are a man and you do any housework without being asked to, or take care of the children happily, then yes, yet again, you are so evolved, so GOOD.

Fuck marriage. Dont do it, ladies.


Any other double standards, fine readers?

I had more to say, but I'm not sure I want to write about it. : /