Letters • December 21 2003

He can - she can’t

Valerie Borg
Valletta
No matter how much we harp on about the equality of the sexes, it will always be a man’s world. Below is the reality of what he can and she can’t.
He smiles at her, he’s friendly. She smiles at him, she’s flirting.
He tells a dirty joke, he’s funny. She tells a dirty joke, she’s crude.
His pants are too tight, he gained weight, her skirt is too tight, she’s asking for it.
He pats her on the head, he’s fatherly. She pats him on the head, she’s forward.
He does what she says, he’s a wimp. She does what he says, she’s a good wife.
He swears so he’s a real man. She swears and she’s no lady.
He got a good job, he’s responsible. She’s got a good job, she’s neglecting the family.
He cries when he’s sad so he’s a sissy. She cries when she’s sad, she’s just a woman.
He does housework, he’s an equal partner. She does housework, she’s doing her duty.
He wants to be mayor, he’s a leader. She wants to be mayor, she’s too pushy.
He needs time for himself, he deserves a break. She needs time for herself, she’s selfish.
He takes care of the kids, he’s an exceptional father. She takes care of the kids, she’s doing what’s expected.
He’s sleeping with her, he’s scored. She’s sleeping with him, she’s a slut.
Maybe we have come a long way from the days of Emmeline Pankhurst, but though we are in the year 2003 going on to 2004, the truth of the situation is that Women will always be inferior to superior infantiles called Men.