We’ve got a bone to pick with some men and certainly some women who keep making jokes that are downright unamusing! Since forever, we’ve been stereotyped as the weaker, less intelligent and clumsier sex and quite frankly, it’s tiring.
Here are 22 statements or “jokes” that push the exhausted narrative above and evoke our annoyance and vexation.
1. Why do you want to do a man’s job?
Women who dare to enter a male dominated profession or industry are usually faced with this question. The answer is, Because I want to and I can!
2. Only men can do hard work, women can’t be leaders they belong in the kitchen.
Let’s not get started with the many women fulfilling a plethora of leadership roles outside the home while still dominating the kitchen space.
3. She must have slept her way to the top.
While we acknowledge that some women have done degrading acts to attain top positions at work, many of us have studied and worked really hard to do so.
4. That must be a lady driver.
This statement irks my spirit just thinking about the many times I’ve heard it. Whenever a driver does something clumsy with his vehicle, you can hear this presumptuous statement. As a lady driver, I take pride in how I drive- skillfully and carefully. My biggest flex is reverse parking without a camera or outside assistance. Either sex can make these silly or even deadly mistakes. Why do we put the blame on women when numerous articles including a 2020 New York Times article by Nicholas Bakalar state, “women tend to be better drivers than men — much better, judging by the number of deaths they cause on the road.” And the numbers are telling.
5. A quiet man is a thinking man; A quiet woman is usually mad.
This may be true but she’s also thinking.
6. Women are like blue jeans. They look good for a while, but eventually they fade and have to be replaced.
Whoever came up with this statement must not know the value of a good thing. First of all, a good blue denim jeans will never fade. Furthermore a good woman can never be replaced.
7. You think you’re better than anybody?
No I’m not better but I will not apologize for my confidence that brings about your insecurities.
8. You need a man.
I do? And what do you need?
9. Your biological clock is ticking.
That could be true however society does not get to dictate when I should have my child(ren).
10. So when are you planning on getting married and having kids?
Whenever I’m ready!
11. Is that your father or uncle?
This is an embarrassing question for women with an older spouse.
12. You look good for your age.
This is a double sword. It’s calling the woman old but complimenting her looks. Women have different styles not to mention life experiences and genes. Don’t be rude.
13. You look good from a far but you’re far from looking good.
And that’s okay. Now, go look somewhere else!
14. “Aye gal yuh fat ino, beg yuh a sample nuh”, “Me wa breed yuh”
Many men are straightforward but I shudder to think that this sort of approach works with some “women”.
15. “Yuh fat enuh”, “You fat eeh”, “A suh u get fat?”, “How you belly so big, you pregnant?”
These statements seem to top the list for most women who have gained weight. Let’s normalize not commenting on an individual’s weight. Plus it is never safe to assume that someone is pregnant because of the size of her belly.
16. How you so straight? No little curves.
Again, stop commenting on people’s figures.
17. How yuh Mawga down so, yuh man lef yuh.
Mental health is to be taken seriously. We understand that some women really struggle with breakups but not all women who have lost weight are grieving an ex.
18. Dem mus tek ur picture ina deh blouse deh… every weh u guh u ina it
It’s mine whether I bought it or received it as a gift. And I’ll happily pose for more photos. Is that your problem?
19. I like your outfit but those shoes doesn’t pair well with it.
This one isn’t too bad as we know it may be good advice. It’s the how and where this is said that makes it negative provocation.
20. Is that your real hair?
In the age of lace wigs and invisible braids, one can easily fool the crowd. In the end, it doesn’t change the price of eggs if a woman’s hair is real or not. Well, unless it’s a deal breaker for a possible long term relationship.
21. Can’t you do something with your hair?
I find that it is women who are “concerned” about what another woman does with her hair. Whether she needs to touch up the front, straighten the stubborn kinks, groom her locs, tone it down or jazz it up, it’s up to her! What really matters is good personal hygiene.
22. You should shave your arm/legs.
Again, this is societal influence. Admittedly, I will not go weeks without shaving my underarms but I’ve never shaved my legs. I believe I’m still quite attractive and that doesn’t take away from my femininity. Once again, this is a personal choice and what really matters is good personal hygiene.
Stop generalizing. Stop discrediting. Stop slandering. Just stop!
Every woman is different. Our personalities, experiences, perspectives all affect our life choices so please stop putting us in a box to accuse and treat all of us the same.
These questions are so true
yes they are!