To All Men That Tell Women to Smile
An Open Letter
Dear all men who think they are entitled to women's smiles,
Stop.
When we are sitting at a bar, casually scrolling through our phone, or just simply walking by, the last thing we want is a random man to rudely intrude into our personal bubble. If you want to talk to us, a simple hello will do. If we say no to that, it is not a green light to further talk to us until we give in, nor is it a reason to get unreasonable, i.e. get ridiculously pissed off that you weren't given a chance. We don't have to give you a chance if we don't want to. Period.
We don't need to be happy 24/7. We don't need to express joy when you grace us with your presence. Let us be. If you think a woman is going to be wrapped around your finger after making such a remark, I can assure you, that won't be the case. It is annoying, rude, derogatory, and will not get you anything besides a glare in response, especially from the younger generation of women.
Most of the aforementioned remarks stem from RBF (Resting Bitch Face), a condition where a woman's face is relaxed yet still looks displeased. We can't help it.
I can't seem to recall a time when the roles were reversed. Why? Because throughout history, it was the women who were considered the inferior sex. Nowadays, equality is being promoted left and right and practiced more than ever before. But that does not mean it pulls everyone out of their old ways.
Women have been taught to sit still and look pretty, while boys will be boys and the older men are set in their ways. Both are excuses that are often said to dismiss both the younger and older generations' disrespectful actions.
Respect can be taught at any age. Old dogs can learn new tricks. We don't want to be seen as a piece of ass you would like to take home. We don't want to be afraid of rejecting you in fear that you throw a shit fit and have us fear for our safety. We want to be able to go to the bathroom alone without worrying about being followed. We want to not have to keep an eye on our drink in order to ensure nothing is slipped in. We want to not have to carry pepper spray, a weapon, or walk in crowded areas of town in order to prevent rape. We want to be seen as people and equals. Women should not have to live in fear of their safety.
I am proud to be part of the generation that is pushing complete equality amongst all genders. We are no longer tolerating it in silence, but rather standing up for ourselves. If we don't like what is said to us, we no longer bite our tongues, much to the shock of the older generations. Times have changed, and there are those who refuse to change with it. They are angry that their intolerance is no longer being tolerated. Granted, it was how they were raised, but that is no excuse for their actions, especially when equality is now mainstream. If they could conform to the morals back then, why can't they conform to the morals now? Are they too proud to admit that their morals are skewed? Sadly, some will never change. But time goes on, and their ways will die with them. Eventually, equality will not have to be preached and fought for. Instead, it will be commonplace.
Women are strong, but we've had enough.
Sincerely,
Every woman ever.
About the Creator
I Am A Pizza
Life, man
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