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Equality is humanity's Holy Grail, the cornerstone of most value systems, but we have yet to reap all of its rewards. Sure, our society has tremendously evolved for the better during the last, say, 100 years, but a long journey is still ahead, and the vast array of double standards that still divide people to this day highlight this perfectly.

The double standard definition states that it is a rule or a principle applied to different people or groups. The most prominent case of double standard examples to this day come from gender equality. What's usually okay for men, is not acceptable when done by women. Starting with beach attire and ending with lady bosses, society finds unnecessary ways to chime in about what's wrong and what's right.

Bored Panda has compiled a list of insightful illustrations that uncover the uncomfortable truth behind some everyday life situations, and it's (mildly) disturbing how accurate they are. Judging by these images, it's clear that sometimes terms like 'gender equality' are reduced to no more than a catchphrase. Scroll down to see the proof for yourself, and vote for your favorites.

#2

Clothing Standards

Clothing Standards

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Carris Butcher
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get fake geek girl all the time! I wear big glasses, I dress differently and I do occasionally play games. People I know say I'm trying to be a fake geek girl or gamer girl and I have no idea what they mean. I'm not trying to be anything I'm just comfy this way! I'm glad it's not just me who experiences this

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#3

Body Image Standards

Body Image Standards

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Zori the degu
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Woman's face though: "I live among idiots. Honestly, do you think that I want your f***ing opinion?"

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#6

Work Rules

Work Rules

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Nini
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once read a post that went "I just realized I've never seen a male plus size model" and I think it's really sad that men don't get the same kind of body positivity women do? True, they tend to be shamed less, but a lot of guys must still feel insecure about their looks.

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Laura Hewitt
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THANK YOU. I don't write spreadsheets on my OKCupid profile (although a well-executed spreadsheet is super-hot); please do not flirt in my cube.

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Zori the degu
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor guy, he just wanted to be friendly. I hate the way people ignore the inner beauty in favor of the outer one. I mean, the guy above with his fake smile... Really? :(

manbearpig
Community Member
7 years ago

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We got a Mr. Nice Guy here! Do you happen to own a fedora?

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Jenn Terry
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For the record, I'd be annoyed by both. The first guy would annoy me more. All that fake charm just doesn't work on me anymore. But I do agree it can be a double standard.

Tanessa White
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now this is one b******t double standard that I have been calling out for awhile. I think it sucks, and I am a female.

Clinton Castells
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is 100% TRUTH!!! Look at the perception of Barbie today. A lot of people are upset because she represents an unobtainable image for most women. Yet look at EVERY single action figure toy that guys have to compete with.. Superman, He-Man, Batman(also RICH), and so on. Complete DOUBLE STANDARD!!!!!!!!!! but that's ok, because equality and stuff right...

manbearpig
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know, we can always go to the gym and try and live a healthier life.

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Full Name
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally, one that points out the other side of the double standard. I can't count how many women I've known that dress to impress, but b***h when the 'wrong' guy gives them attention. You can't call it harassment only when the guy is ugly, ladies.

陽介 西田
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in japan, this situation is ※ただイケメンに限る. all woman say whether a man is friend or not friend. (i think a handsam man get well with woman easly so a woman do such behaviour )

Jabari Tiffith
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always said the only difference between harassment and flirting is if she's attracted to the guy or not.

Bored Moogle
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't know the context of the picture. Maybe the good-looking guy is always nice while the other guy is constantly creeping on her despite her asking him to keep away from her.

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Josh Frederick
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm bi and I say the first one is way creepier. He looks like an egotistic guy who is full of s**t that is looking for a pretty lady to boost his ego even higher. The second one just looks like an innocent man looking for friends

Ambry Petersen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are not required to feel attacted to everyone you meet, although calling human resources was out of line...unless either of them was harassing her then calling human resources is completely appropriate.

CHRISTY SMITH
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep, & we’re all guilty of it - when the guy is good looking it definitely feels like a sweet compliment and when he’s the polar opposite, it’s cringy.

Jena Troelsgaard
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone you aren't attracted to gives you too much attention, it can get kinda uncomfortable. Once is fine, but then read his/her response and judge if you should do it again or not.

Steve Howe
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it only acceptable to tell someone they look good of you're wearing a tie?

Steve Howe
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm confused. Is it only appropriate to tell someone they look good if you're wearing a tie?

Joe Coverstone
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually confused by this. "Lookin'Good Susan"? Isn't that just a compliment? When The women in my office say "Wow your looking good today" I don't jump to screaming "Sexual Harassment" . what a crock of s**t

Michael Dixon
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its like that Tom Brady sketch on SNL. The narrator says "Rule #1 to not be accused of sexual harrassment...be handsome"

Alex Tudal
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So true. Reminds me of this video (slightly exaggerated, but funny nonetheless) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbeEuYAZFL4

Jimmy Rustled
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL...this is truer than true..I have seen it time after time and then listen to women complain about it when i happens to them...lol

Jade Lynn
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't like when anyone says stuff like that to me at work.

Stille20
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I disagree with this one. I think it depends on age, gender, balance of power and the relationship you have. Some good looking people think they can get away with being flirty, but it can come back to bite them.

As If
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aahzmandus Pervect - Actually, they're both a******s. A simple "Hello, how are you today?" suffices at work.

Jim Sterrett
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

im surprised by the accuracy. the rest seem like brain dead feminist nonsense

Greg Komarniski
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If she did that to me, it would take everything in me not to verbally destroy her... F*** you, Susan. B***h!

Greg Komarniski
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a woman did that to me because of my weight, it would take everything within me not to tell her off.

Greg Komarniski
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a woman did that to me because of my weight, it would take everything in me not to tell her off.

Cookie
Community Member
7 years ago

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It's never appropriate for a man to do that in a work situation.

Poly Amorous
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To compliment someone? Honestly, I don't think either man did anything wrong in this situation. And, you must think that it's inappropriate for a woman to do that too, right?

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Mark Kelly
Community Member
7 years ago

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pfft I was more perverted at work and no girls called human resources on me, some even liked it I've been told I'm cute though.

Catarina Costa
Community Member
7 years ago

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Key word is consent. She appreciated the attention from guy A and not guy B. What's so hard to understand?

陽介 西田
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if she had been cat, her behaviour would be allow but she is human. a human should not change behaviour depon on his look. P.S if you want to understand, you should keep smile when a man appriciate sexy woman and not ugly woman

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Catarina Costa
Community Member
7 years ago

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Key word is consent :))) she appreciated the attention from guy A but not guy B. I'd that so hard to understand?

Alex Wallem
Community Member
7 years ago

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This one isn't valid. Imagine the suit guy saying Hi Susan with no confidence. Now imagine the geeky guy saying Hi Susan with his back straight, deep voice and confident smile. It's all about confidence in this situation.

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#9

Double Standards For Parents

Double Standards For Parents

Chaunie Brusie Report

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Zori the degu
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's really annoying. I only have an experience as a passer-by or a witness but I can say some people indeed are narrow-minded enough to act like that.

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#10

Double Standards On Emotions

Double Standards On Emotions

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#11

Body Positivity

Body Positivity

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Liliana V
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that they are both eating the same thing in the same portion size just really makes this extra sad.

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#12

Generalization

Generalization

xkcd Report

#13

Leadership Strategies

Leadership Strategies

thecooperreview Report

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Anna Thouvenin
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That reminds me of the man who made the experience of signing all his emails by a female name for a week to talk about gender inequality in doing business. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-happened-when-a-man-signed-work-emails-using-a-female-name-for-a-week_us_58c2ce53e4b054a0ea6a4066

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#14

Makeup vs. Natural

Makeup vs. Natural

Kate Ordie Comics Report

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Anna Thouvenin
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So damn true. One time I overheard my coworkers talking and these two guys were discussing about "girls who put makeup are so insecure, it's like they couldn't even go out without makeup if their life depended on it". Then another day in the same week, I was so tired I decided not to put makeup. The very same guy saying this was like "omg what happened to your face?". Yeah no wonder why women are "so insecure"...

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#16

Shameless Girls

Shameless Girls

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#17

Double Standards

Double Standards

For Better Or For Worse Report

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coffee zombie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Women don't get round, they get curvy in all the right places. And that's sexy af.

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#18

Gender Equality

Gender Equality

Matt Bors Report

#19

Girls vs. Boys

Girls vs. Boys

Immer Report

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Ja Legge
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's true. Girls get bashed if she slept with a guy then that guy spreads a rumor abt them. Guy gets cheered on and a girl gets bashed.

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#20

Double Standards On Young Girls

Double Standards On Young Girls

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Daria B
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're a true pro-life, instead of blaming a stranger, do something towards building a society where abortion is not needed. Same goes for (extremist) pro-choicers - instead of hating on some women's decisions, let's do something towards building society where abortion is not something a womam does because "she had no other choice".

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#21

Double Standards On Bodies

Double Standards On Bodies

kendrawcandraw Report

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Captain Planet
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think only women have a problem with this. I can't imagine guy's really finding this a big deal. XD Also on the beach people sunbathe topless as well so. As far as armpit hair. Well you're free to do it. But people are also free to not find you attractive then. But there are all kinds of things people find attractive and not attractive so I don't really see a problem.

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#22

Shallow vs. Desperate

Shallow vs. Desperate

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Helen Burgess
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

very well done! and the girl in the second instance doesn't even get a speech-bubble, let alone a date!

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#24

Girls vs. Boys

Girls vs. Boys

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Kristin
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are people like that?! When boys get laid everyone is proud! When girls get it they get punished!

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#25

Society's Take On Men

Society's Take On Men

Rasenth Report

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Michel M. Prins
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The second one will always be an idiotic statement, for both male and female. I hear it a lot, yet don't understand why it's a race to get intimate with another person. It's a personal experience and (can be) something special, on top of that: It's none of another's business, and if those think it is, they're the ones leading a sad life. Sure, the term "Lucky at cards, unlucky in love" is on it's place in this regard, but luck can switch lanes now and then.

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#26

Dad Bod vs. Mom Bod

Dad Bod vs. Mom Bod

howbabycomic Report

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Sheila Stamey
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have we totally forgotten how milf went ? Not that that was great but, seriously ? Which one do we pick? Can we just be who we are, male, female, or however, and just be happy? The insecurity is mind blowing to me, on behalf of the observer!

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#27

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment

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Andrew Petrykowski
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is this a relevant comparison? How about comparing the reaction you get as a male when telling someone about being a victim of sexual assault.

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#28

Things You Can Only Do With Boys

Things You Can Only Do With Boys

Last Place Comics Report

#29

Double Standards

Double Standards

Scott Adams Report

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coffee zombie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont agree that only weak men show emotion. It's nice to see a man who has emotions instead of trying to act like they are made of stone, with no feelings.

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#31

Comic Book Characters

Comic Book Characters

mcginty and sharpley Report

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Kori K. Warriner
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, I have a problem with either gender of superhero being displayed in a sexual manner.

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#32

Sexualizing Bodies

Sexualizing Bodies

Jago Dibuja Report

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Stille20
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think they over sexualize super heroes, but there is a difference. The male characters are being portrayed as strong, the women as sexual. If female super heros looked more like Serena Williams or Kerri Walsh it would be different.

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#33

Equality

Equality

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Ivana
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We were playing around, play fighting when I kicked my husband in the balls. It wasn't on purpose and I instantly felt horrible as he spent about 5 minutes in pain on the floor. The worst he got me was an elbow to the nose that caused a nose bleed, and one where he slammed my back into the thermostat. Literally last week my husband asked "Why don't we wrestle anymore" and all that flashed through my head. I don't like the idea of women hitting men any more than a man hitting a woman. The only fighting I am okay with is play fighting.

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#35

Problem Solving

Problem Solving

Razzy Report

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Anna Thouvenin
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't agree with this one. Men get a lot of pressure on their bodies, as much as women. There is not a single person I met who said that they should "accept themselves" as a way to solve their problems (with getting laid). On the same note, any magazine cover will show that makeup is not a way to solve problems, or there wouldn't be 254 pages of the "new amazing diet already used by 45 stars that will make you lose weight before you even realize it". And we also have countless articles on "accept yourself and screw who doesn't, you don't need them anyway"...

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#36

Acceptable vs. Unacceptable

Acceptable vs. Unacceptable

Justin Hubbell Report

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Anna Thouvenin
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who hate body hair, both are unacceptable. But I don't care about what they do as long as I don't have to touch them :p

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#37

Double Standards

Double Standards

mamaiscomic Report

#38

Men And Women

Men And Women

Everyday feminism Report

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Eglė Liubinaitė
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I kinda like emotional boys more, like, atleast they aren't like those "badass" shitsacks like others. Also, expressing emotions is actually good for own body.

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#39

Standards For Dressing

Standards For Dressing

John Lydgate Report

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Luc Mailloux
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait... what is this trying to say, even? What I gather is that people will judge you regardless of how you look. Surprise!

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#40

Double Standards In The Workplace

Double Standards In The Workplace

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#42

Double Standards In Relationships

Double Standards In Relationships

John Lydgate Report

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Pasca Mouse
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate it when people are like " Looks likes someones on there period." it's so annoying

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#43

Girl Power

Girl Power

Le Rage Comics Report

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sunnyrei82
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

women like that are the ones who make people think wrong about feminism. And, because many people are soooo closed minded, they think every single woman who wants equity are like that.

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#44

Double Standards

Double Standards

spaceavalanche Report

#45

Gender Equality

Gender Equality

Pablo Stanley Report

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Silvia
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. Any statistics on the subject will show that women do not get paid equally for the same job, with the same qualifications and experience.

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#46

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