You know that old line, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”?
The perceived differences between these two genders have had us intrigued, scared and baffled for generations.
Who sets the bar for what a woman should be?
Women are caged by stereotypes and looked upon negatively when they stray from the expected. People fear that a successful woman will ‘stand up’ or ‘speak out’ – something seen as highly detrimental for the welfare of the family in certain circles. People get scared thinking of the fact that a highly educated woman might not bend to the norms of the household and society.
The question of the hour is – why are these behaviours so threatening?
The amount of looking-down upon and the humiliation women face from their male counterparts is appalling. A highly successful man might be enjoying all the perks in his own life, but he’d still want to control the woman’s life. Take the reins in his own hands. Cage the bird and throw the key away.
This kind of behaviour says a lot about men and their chivalry (read: cowardice and insecurity). The male ego simply cannot withstand another strong presence in its vicinity. Men usually don’t like to get challenged and it hurts them even more when the challenge is from someone they have always been taught to dominate. A woman. An intelligent, successful woman at that!
Women have consistently been subject to the common conjecture that it is impossible to decipher women.
But I feel that women’s needs are fairly simple. We want a successful life and a partner who is equally fulfilling. It is men’s needs I am not very sure about in this generation. Especially when they are ‘fishing’ for a partner to objectify and dominate. It is high time that insecurity and ego be caged and caged for good – and women’s success unleashed.
Please do not alienate a woman just because she is more successful in life than you are or would be ever in your life. Instead of getting intimidated by her achievements, appreciate her hard work and efforts. Take inspiration. Come out of your comfort zone and try to reach the sky like she has. She is a towering success and is as human as you are. Waiting to be touched, discovered and explored. Love her, and she will double it for you. Ignore her and may only God have mercy on you.
Image 1 source: Jezebel
About the author
Chris Mallika Bhadra is from India and is a Doctoral candidate in Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia. Besides being a scientist (not a mad one though), she is an avid reader, trained contemporary dancer and now is an active blogger! Her writings mostly serve out her life experiences on a platter for the reading pleasures of all! You can find her on Facebook (Musings of an unsettled soul) and read more of her work here.