Double Standard

Theory of Knowledge: Journal 3

Today in class we were discussing the double standard. Many of the examples given were regarding the double standards between the genders. At one point Mr. O'Leary shared a story about how a friend of his was followed home one night from where she had parked her car. When she called Mr. O'Leary to tell him this she said something like, "It bothers me because you will never have to worry about that happening to you." And suddenly I realized that certain things that I thought were common knowledge to everyone were purely common knowledge to females. Things like watching your drink at a party. Things like putting your keys between your knuckles. Even just the feeling of being on the look out, always on your toes, when walking home alone at night. I have been told countless times when going out at night, traveling somewhere new, or attending a party to "be careful, be careful, be careful!" And it never once occurred to me that my brothers wouldn't be told the same thing. When I realized this I had two things suddenly come to mind. The first was frustration. Why in our society does that double standard have to exist? Why do I have to be more careful as a woman? It angers me that even as I write this my brain is saying, "well because as a woman you are easier to take advantage of" But why should I have to have the fear that I will be taken advantage of? Does society encourage the weakening of women? I don't think so, but it certainly doesn't encourage them to become stronger either.
The second thing was: How many other parts of my perspective, my world, do I think apply to everyone but only apply to either myself or a small group I am a part of? It makes me feel so uninformed. There are so many other perspectives I might not even be aware I am oblivious to.  It comes back to the question "How do we know what we know" and I almost think we can't. But I can't go into that question because that would ruin my presentation... coming soon to TOK Block D!