Gendered Language Creates Stereotypes For Boys, Too

"If we only look at gender-role stereotypes in the context of little girls, we're just seeing half the picture. Here's a powerful compilation of the unfair labels we project onto boys that inevitably end up hurting us all." by artist Laurie Petrou.

I found it interesting and refreshing to see a boys version of gender-role stereotyping. I feel that with movements like feminism around to remind us of the unfair stereotypes of women, we may sometimes forget that men also have stereotypes they have to follow, such as not crying in public because it will make them look weak, but surely bottling up your feelings isn't good either? I was reading the comments to this video on youtube were someone said: "It's disgusting how gendered language creates stereotypes. Just the other day I started breaking down in tears at work and people tried to make me feel bad about it like I wasn't a man. What does that even mean, "Like a man"? Give me a break. Crying at work is for everybody." why do men have to be and act emotionless, when that the one thing every gender has in common, we all have emotions, we all cry, we all laugh, we all smile. so why does only half of the population get to show it? surely its a natural thing, without tears how do we release the sadness and grief? eventually its all going to build up until one day you burst like a water fountain - uncontrollably crying. how is that any better?

"They limit males to these options, and anyone out of line is made fun of, or is told they are not a man/are not manly/are sissies. They stop boys from becoming who they really are as people. Stereotypes keep people from realizing the negative attitudes and behaviours of people and make them say things like "boys will be boys" and "never hit a girl" (but, you know, it's fine to hit a boy). These stereotypes also negatively affect girls/women, in that if they are like the male stereotypes, they are referred to as tomboys, lesbians, manly, etc. These stereotypes single out people needlessly for being different, or for simply liking something that is considered to be gender exclusive. The thing is, gender stereotypes are only true if you keep on teaching them."