Gender wars have been relevant since the playground – one gender goes to Jupiter and the other goes to college. But past seesaws and slides, it has become more deep rooted, with targeted attacks and everlasting scars. Since then, there have been heavy debates on which gender is to blame for ongoing hostility. Are men turning malicious due to lack of willing help? Or, are women to blame, pushing men to the point of brutality?
It is quite clear that women and young girls alike feel unsafe in public spaces due to the lurking shadow of an attack. Even if they were to say no to a man, it most often does not deter plans already set in motion. Natalie Issa highlights this in the text titled, “Two-thirds of Young Girls Say They’ve Changed Their Everyday Behavior Because of Sexual Harassment”. She goes on to state, “The research, which provides insight into how girls feel about their everyday lives and the issues they care about, reveals the persistent threat of sexism, misogyny and harassment is impacting girls’ everyday lives and affecting their confidence, mental health and wellbeing.” Issa relays information relating to all types of unwanted attention thrust upon women from men, and how broadly these experiences span across society. This is all very much factual, in spite of all this, some argue that just because some men are bad that doesn’t mean all are. But, one could argue that if a good number of women are being harmed it may as well be all of them. For instance, if a woman hears about her female cousin being attacked, she will take steps to become more cautious. Women are living out their lives in constant preparation of being the victim of an unspeakable crime.
Although these statistics show the overwhelming distress caused by general misogyny, it’s often thought that the reason behind these lash outs is lack of positive space within communities; especially for men. Amy Beecham stresses this point within an article titled, “Why Young Men Seek Community in the ‘Manosphere’”. In the article, it is stressed, “‘What we need,’ Haslop said, ‘is for any environment where young men can gather— school, sports, etc.— to encourage boys to be vulnerable with each other, talk about their issues and dismantle negative gender stereotypes.’” It can be inferred that Beecham is alluding to the fact that men need to find a place where they will find community— and women must find it in their hearts to try and understand the counterparts that have long tormented them. Each gender pulling their own weight to meet in the middle could be seen as the most reasonable solution.
It is commonly understood that when one has nowhere to put intense emotions they will often cause harm, and harm is subjective. Most often it leaves a lasting impact on the person receiving the hostility. A solid end to the debate is this: no one gender is better and neither is worse. This is all merely a mindset that needs to be diminished.
Sources referenced:
“Why Young Men Seek Community in the ‘Manosphere’” By Natalie Issa; Deseret News, 2025
“Two-thirds of Young Girls Say They’ve Changed Their Everyday Behavior Because of Sexual Harassment” By Amy Beecham; News, 2025
