Recent gender-based attacks are a powerful reminder that there is still much work to do about the representations of men and women in the media, politics and society.
A recent Newsweek article bemoaned that Taylor Swift, at 34, hasn’t married or had children. Apparently, this makes her a questionable role model.
Jennifer Aniston has also been vocal about the scrutiny she faces regarding her single status and decision not to have children.
Kamala Harris faces personal attacks—the comments describing her as “dumb” and making fun of her laugh are beyond any sense to me—aimed at diminishing her professional achievements.
I have read these reports that perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women, with a degree of pain and embarrassment; triggering memories of the inadequacy I sometimes felt as a single woman. This was despite a successful career, purchasing my own home, travelling the world and volunteering.
A happy, safe, healthy life should be far more important than marital status. Yet the disparity in representations of single men versus single women is glaring and deeply troubling.
While single men, as they age, are often portrayed as desirable, independent and adventurous, older single women – in contrast – are unfairly labelled undesirable or even pitiable.
It’s high time we reframe the narrative. It’s up to us, especially in communication and media, to champion independence — regardless of gender, age or reproductive ability.
Let’s move towards a future where we view each other through a lens of inclusivity and equity, free from judgment.