Psychology Essay Sample: Reflection on Everyday Sexism

For the required writing assignment, I chose to watch the Ted Talk with Laura Bates on Sexism. I chose this video because I thought it would be interesting hearing another women’s view and experiences with sexism. In fact, she started her Ted Talk by describing the numerous times just that week she had experienced sexism. Laura Bates states “Some guys pulled up next to me and started to talk about my legs, about the things they would like to do to me, and I ignored them” (Bates: 0.45). This happens all to often. I have had this done to me alone, and with a group of friends, and as women we have always been taught to ignore it and move on. Bates then has this idea to ask some friends if they ever encounter sexism. She thinks that there will me a couple instants maybe a few years ago that her friends could recall. Her friends all have the same experience as her. Almost every week they are groped, touched, talked to, or even sexually assaulted by a guy. 

With a little more research Laura Bates recognizes that even though it is said women are equal in many circumstances this is not true. For instance, around the world only one in five people in parliament are women (Bates: 3:51). In politics all over the world it is more dominated by men. Although everyone says that women are equal in many cases they still are not, and this example with politics is just one reason why women are not equal. Another reason woman are not equal is domestic violence, and sexual assaults. Women are more likely to be a victim of domestic abuse and rape. A statistic Bates talks about is “ One in three women worldwide will be a victim of rape” (Bates: 6:08). This to me means that men feel that they are more powerful than women and use them as an opportunity when they feel like it. Overall, it is said women are equal but in my opinion that is not the truth. 

After watching this Ted Talk, I was not surprised. As a young adult woman, I have had some of the same encounters as Laura Bates. I have even had the same thoughts as her. Is it my fault? Is it what I am wearing? This cannot be happening to everyone I am just unlucky. These questions and thoughts were all wrong. The world has just normalized sexism and women are taught to ignore it, or it is normal. I did think it was interesting that this is worldwide not just an issue in the United States. Women everywhere are taken advantage of. In my opinion it is sad that women are asking for equality still. I think that in 2021 that some changes should be made, and men should be help more accountable. Instead of making women feel uncomfortable men need be the ones uncomfortable. Even knowing I am in a safe neighborhood as a female I do not want to walk in the dark alone. I already knew a lot of the statistics talked about. I do not want sexual assaults against men to be forgotten but it is less than an assault on a woman. 

My belief is that this should be a required material for this class. I feel it is especially important to teach men that even joking about women is harmful. It needs to be brought to the attention when males are younger so they can change their habits earlier.  Sexism has been brushed under the rug for years and I believe if classes brought it to men’s attention it could help bring awareness. I think Laura speaks for many women that do not have the courage to speak.