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Society in the West has made significant improvements in advancing gender equality over the last century. While men and women naturally have their differences, it's become quite normal for both genders to share responsibilities such as work, cleaning, cooking, driving, and even furniture assembly. However, there are instances where we still come across products targeted explicitly towards either men or women. Like c'mon, separate gift cards based on gender?

The subreddit r/pointlesslygendered is full of examples showing unnecessary gender-based distinctions, often seen in absurdly labeled products meant for him or her. Come along as we explore the world of unnecessary gender labeling, sparking discussions and raising eyebrows in the process.

#1

Irish Madlad Spitting Facts

Irish Madlad Spitting Facts

Muahd_Dib Report

From food to shower gel, pain medicine, and toothpaste, you can find some pointlessly gendered products in this list. It might appear funny, but let's think about justice for a moment. Products separated by gender aren't merely a joke; they represent a widespread and forceful ideology that influences our thoughts, actions, and financial decisions.

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    #2

    A Guide To Gift Giving

    A Guide To Gift Giving

    Ok-Handle4506 Report

    #3

    Teachers In Spain Protest The Gendering And Sexualization Of Clothing

    Teachers In Spain Protest The Gendering And Sexualization Of Clothing

    Male teachers in spain are wearing skirts to work to protest homophobic harassment in schools.
    The movement -- called #LaRopaNo TieneGenero, or "clothes have no gender" -- started when a student was expelled and sent to a psychologist for wearing a skirt to school.

    BuckyBear1917 Report

    In general, men and women lead very similar lives today. We grow up together, attend the same schools, and have the same jobs. Aside from dating and having children, for some of us, gender isn't a big deal in our daily lives. In developed countries, we increasingly focus on personality over gender. But these products push back against this idea. They keep reminding us that gender matters, even though it rarely does in reality.

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    #4

    She's Told The Truth

    She's Told The Truth

    WhiteProtocollo Report

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    Mis Stake she/her 🇫🇮🇬🇧
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But girl deer have antlers too! And Rudolph the reindeer is a girl as only female reindeer have antlers in winter. (or so i remember reading somewhere)

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    #6

    Kindness Is For Women... Feel Kind Of Bad For Him Though

    Kindness Is For Women... Feel Kind Of Bad For Him Though

    TheSomberBison Report

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

    This is sweet. It's sad tho that he feels he can't give compliments to people because of how he looks.

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    Labeling products needlessly by gender isn't just about separating us into groups – it's also about dictating the roles associated with those groups. Each of these products becomes a way to reinforce these ideas.

    #7

    More "Batman Is For Boys" Nonsense, But With A Happy Ending

    More "Batman Is For Boys" Nonsense, But With A Happy Ending

    Anianna Report

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    #9

    ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)

    ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)

    bun_the_misfit Report

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

    Indeed it is - saying this as someone whose grandma was a doctor, and a very respected one at that.

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    At times, the male and female versions of a product don't have the same price tag. In such cases, the female's version tends to be the pricier option. If women aren't vigilant or if having the "correct" product is important to them, they end up spending more money. Studies by the state of California, the University of Central Florida, and Consumer Reports all find that women pay more. "In California, women spent the equivalent of $2,044 more a year," (This study was done in 1996. The sum then was $1048; the sum would be $2,044, adjusted for inflation in 2023).

    #10

    No Teenagers Are Easy

    No Teenagers Are Easy

    Buddy_Fluffy Report

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

    It's funny, there is an episode of Malcolm in the Middle, where the mother dreams of her awful boys being all girls because then her life would be easier. Suffice to say that fantasy turns out to be very wrong. lol

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    #11

    Ah Yes, Because Women Don't Exist In The U.s

    Ah Yes, Because Women Don't Exist In The U.s

    Red-Shadow55 Report

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

    I'll tell you what grinds my gears: the need for the US to always use the words "national team" at every opportunity. I even saw it at the world cup where US news sources would write "France vs US Women's National Team". Of COURSE it's the national team. Do you think we all expected you to send out some regional team? And you don't need to tell us it's the women's team. It was the women's world cup. Every other nation just puts the name of the nation. The US has to put "National Team" on everything.

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    #12

    Ah Yes The Classic "Words Dont Hurt Men" Stereotype

    Ah Yes The Classic "Words Dont Hurt Men" Stereotype

    Stev18FTW Report

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

    If words don't hurt men (or you) why do the words 'toxic masculinity' need to be addressed by you?

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    This isn't just something to be upset about – it involves real money. It affects things like providing for your family, affording education, or enjoying a vacation. When women are charged more, it makes it harder to support ourselves or enjoy life as much.

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    #13

    Men's Beach-Handball Teams Uniform vs. The Women's Uniform

    Men's Beach-Handball Teams Uniform vs. The Women's Uniform

    MisterBastian Report

    #14

    Women Are Locks And Men Are Keys Apparently

    Women Are Locks And Men Are Keys Apparently

    AvelyLancaster Report

    #15

    There’s A Price Difference But I Didn’t Expect It To Be That Big

    There’s A Price Difference But I Didn’t Expect It To Be That Big

    mk4rim Report

    Products for women often cost more than those for men because of how companies market and design them. This happens due to historical practices, marketing strategies, and how society sees things. When products are made to target women specifically and look different, they seem more valuable and end up being priced higher. People also think of women's stuff as fancier, which adds to the cost. Sometimes, old trends and what people expect also make women's products cost more to make. And when many people want something, companies might raise the price. All these things together make products for women more expensive.

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    #17

    Flowers

    Flowers

    Andyroomocs Report

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

    GIVE THE MEN THE FLOWERS! Please :) they love them and it’s the sweetest thing to see their surprise

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    #18

    Pointlessly Gendered Product That We Can’t Believe Exist

    Pointlessly Gendered Product That We Can’t Believe Exist

    Balloon_911 Report

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

    We pop to a coffee shop located across the way from a huge toy store and even from that distance you can see the aisle of pink for the girls toys. :(

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    Over time, progress has been made towards achieving gender equality globally. Women have gained increased representation in politics, more economic chances, and improved healthcare in numerous parts of the world. Nonetheless, the World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts it will take another century before complete gender equality is achieved. There are some factors that contribute to this persistent gender gap.

    #19

    "You Can't Buy This Car Unless You Have The Correct Genitalia"

    "You Can't Buy This Car Unless You Have The Correct Genitalia"

    Aspirationalcacti Report

    #20

    This Is A Hot Take I Can Get Behind

    This Is A Hot Take I Can Get Behind

    ryanshawtret534 Report

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

    But most of the time we pee while we poo, it's much harder to control. Also if you have 3 urinals and 3 stalls men get 6 usable toilets but we get 3. Plus I don't think most women want to see men exposed, and most men probably don't want to be exposed. I think we need to stick with either gendered toilets or just stalls if you're going gender neutral.

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    #21

    Only Men Can Be Doctors

    Only Men Can Be Doctors

    aoi4eg Report

    One of them is employment equality. Only 6 countries treat women and men equally in terms of work rights (Belgium, Denmark, France, Latvia, Luxembourg and Sweden). Most economies give women only 3/4 of the rights that men have. When employment is more equal, it can also help improve gender equality in other areas.

    #22

    Its More Expensive Bc It's Pink (Yes, Its The Same Description, I Checked)

    Its More Expensive Bc It's Pink (Yes, Its The Same Description, I Checked)

    ChocolatePudding26 Report

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    Blondie23
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I explained to my daughters that in this house we don't pay the pink tax. Instead we buy the "men's" razors because they do the same thing and are cheaper. When I showed them they said hell yeah let's buy the cheaper ones. I am not raising fools in this house!

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    #23

    Ah Yes, Every Female Director Makes Movies Like This

    Ah Yes, Every Female Director Makes Movies Like This

    Idrinkmethanol Report

    #24

    Apparently Saying "Hi" Is Unacceptable For Men

    Apparently Saying "Hi" Is Unacceptable For Men

    Jollyjormungandr Report

    Another factor that contributes to gender gap is lack of legal protections. According to research from the World Bank, "Over one billion women don’t have legal protection against domestic sexual violence or domestic economic violence." Both of these things significantly affect how well women can succeed and live without limitations. In many places, there aren't enough legal protections against harassment at work, school, and in public. This makes these environments unsafe, and women often have to make choices that hold back their goals.

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    #25

    It's Always Princesses

    It's Always Princesses

    UniKath Report

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

    I recently learned that apparently dinosaurs are only for boys now for no discernable reason. No one told me in the 80ies when I was a little girl.

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    When religious freedom is targeted, women are the ones who are most affected. According to the WEF, when extreme terrorist organizations like ISIS limit religious freedom in a community, gender inequality worsens. Georgetown University and Brigham Young University conducted a study that linked religious intolerance to women's involvement in the economy. The study found that increased religious freedom leads to greater stability in the economy due to the increased participation of women.

    #28

    Not Appropriate!!!!

    Not Appropriate!!!!

    Imnotyourpetrock Report

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

    The blanket is so lovely! What a jerk - it’s not even a pride blanket, just vaguely rainbow. And can’t a rainbow be just a rainbow?? Talk about overkill

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    #29

    Why This Is So True On TV Shows And Movies? 🥴

    Why This Is So True On TV Shows And Movies? 🥴

    reddit.com Report

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

    At least they wear the same amount of clothes…. Roughly. That’s a step up from that volleyball team. 🤦🏼‍♀️

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    #30

    Imagine If That Was True, Transitioning Would Be So Easy

    Imagine If That Was True, Transitioning Would Be So Easy

    lumine_lover Report

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

    I use Bulldog Facial Scrub for Men because it smells nice. Sadly the "promotes healthy beard growth" boast on the tube has yet to be proven correct.

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    It might not be as easy to see as some other reasons, but how a society thinks overall really affects how men and women are treated unfairly. This affects lots of things like jobs, laws, and healthcare. People's ideas about gender are strong, and even if laws and things change, there's usually a pushback.

    #31

    How Did We Ever Get Though School Solving Gender Neutral Maths Problems?

    How Did We Ever Get Though School Solving Gender Neutral Maths Problems?

    FourExcitedSpiders Report

    #32

    Spotted On Twitter

    Spotted On Twitter

    innocentgrass Report

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

    Who wants to bet that the lady mask also costs more than the "surgeon" mask?

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    #33

    I Found This One On Facebook

    I Found This One On Facebook

    Gingerqueerengineer Report

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

    For whoever has questions: Those are just brand names for PPG Glidden paint formulations. Paint names require some... fantasy to have proper IP protection. Glidden also has weird stuff such as "Sailor's coat", "Heart's Content", "Lucky Penny" (a blue, pink and orange respectively) so those are not really out of line.

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    Gender equality isn't just a basic human right – it's also the essential base for creating a peaceful, flourishing, and lasting world. By standing united for equality and fairness, we can build a society where everyone has the same opportunities. Also read our previous posts on the topic here and here.

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    #34

    It’s Hard To Notice, But If You Know What You’re Looking For It’s Easier

    It’s Hard To Notice, But If You Know What You’re Looking For It’s Easier

    reddit.com Report

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

    I absolutely hate these bows on babies. They look just awful. Who thinks it is great idea to put a bow on a baby with no hair. It just makes the baldness stand out more!

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    #35

    The Force Is Strong Here

    The Force Is Strong Here

    ReactsWithWords Report

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    Nick (He/Him)
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Haha gender go HFSKDLJGHOSD:LJGHSDU:GJSDH{O:GLSHD (Im a guy with long hair who often gets misgendered)

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    #36

    What The Heck Is Wrong With These People?

    What The Heck Is Wrong With These People?

    thaiyalong2000 Report

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

    No person, regardless of sexual orientation, should torture us with a gender reveal party. Just tell me or don't.

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    #37

    How Else Are They Going To Know The Scientist Is A Woman?

    How Else Are They Going To Know The Scientist Is A Woman?

    bruck436grty4r545 Report

    #38

    Indoctrinate Them In Two Ways!

    Indoctrinate Them In Two Ways!

    inutilities Report

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

    And you just know that the upper book has the sentence "A little princess should always be subservient to her mighty warrior" somewhere in it.

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    #39

    Gender Stereotyping Gone Wrong

    Gender Stereotyping Gone Wrong

    tamraraf Report

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

    Thought these are rooms for introverts v. extroverts. I'd pick the left one by instinct lol

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    #40

    Must Be Manly Even While Sheet Masking

    Must Be Manly Even While Sheet Masking

    Balazsowikm Report

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    #41

    They Have The Same Exact Ingredients, Same Milligram Yet The Women’s Is 30¢ More, Has Half As Many Pills, And Is Pink

    They Have The Same Exact Ingredients, Same Milligram Yet The Women’s Is 30¢ More, Has Half As Many Pills, And Is Pink

    hedonistichominin Report

    #42

    Tall Bad

    Tall Bad

    BiCycle786 Report

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

    I wanted to be tall 😕. At least I got boobies as consolation prize

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    #43

    This Just In: Men Don't Shop. Or Drive

    This Just In: Men Don't Shop. Or Drive

    hoid_washington Report

    #44

    It Starts Early... My Antenatal Clinic Showing How Boys And Girls Kick Differently In The Womb

    It Starts Early... My Antenatal Clinic Showing How Boys And Girls Kick Differently In The Womb

    AsleepBit8 Report

    #45

    Gendered Dog Shampoo? I Didn't Know My Dogs Cared If They Smell Masculine/Confident Or Feminine/Glamourous

    Gendered Dog Shampoo? I Didn't Know My Dogs Cared If They Smell Masculine/Confident Or Feminine/Glamourous

    AdorableTumbleweed60 Report

    #46

    Apperantly Croissants In Particular Are Feminine Pastries. Even Saying It Is Already Too Much

    Apperantly Croissants In Particular Are Feminine Pastries. Even Saying It Is Already Too Much

    cadet-peanut Report

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

    Think of them being so insecure in their masculinity that a single word can make them doubt their gender identity. How masculine is he?

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    #47

    Well Do You Want Male Baby Flavored Water Or Female Baby Flavored Water

    Well Do You Want Male Baby Flavored Water Or Female Baby Flavored Water

    lizzy_withall Report

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    #49

    Goodnight Everyone Except The Person Who Created This

    Goodnight Everyone Except The Person Who Created This

    Marcsisti Report

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

    Whilst goldfish can actually be trained to play ball (there's some cute videos of that on YouTube), they still don't have feet to wear shoes.

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    #50

    That's Definitely Going In Someone's Urethra

    That's Definitely Going In Someone's Urethra

    j0m1n1n Report

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

    Lmfao the title??? Please under no circumstances put ANYTHING in your urethra

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    Note: this post originally had 130 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.