Stereotypes are an extremely insidious thing. They hypocritically simplify our lives by allowing us to rely on ready-made public opinions instead of independently studying an issue and drawing our own conclusions.
Glossy men’s magazines don’t shy away from such “semi-finished products,” especially when it comes to women.
It’s unclear whether the authors draw inspiration from compilers of old jokes or rely on their own life experience, but one thing can be stated with absolute certainty: much of what glossy media implants into men’s minds can be debunked and labeled as a “male stereotype.”
10. Universal methods of seduction can be invented for all women based on nationality, profession, or eye color.
Thanks to this stereotype, men’s magazine pages are filled with advice like “How to seduce a girl with size 37 shoes.” However, these tips usually turn out to be ineffective. Probably because one would need to pay attention to every nuance and classification: place of residence, hip volume, number of books read…
9. Blondes vs brunettes
This is a specific variation of the previous stereotype. The proliferation of blonde sex symbols, such as Sobchak and Malinovskaya, has given this myth unprecedented popularity. The myth itself goes as follows: all blondes are dumb. Yet, for some reason, the stereotype that all brunettes are Nobel laureates has not yet emerged.
8. Women are prone to hysterics and arguments over trivial matters
Indeed, the Russian word “hysterical” doesn’t have an equally widespread male equivalent. Women, however, have a stronger nervous system than men: many employers trust monotonous and dull work (for example, operating a construction crane) exclusively to women.
7. Women lack a sense of humor
Yes, one authoritative men’s magazine includes in each issue a joke “told by a beautiful woman,” ironically noting that the joke isn’t necessarily funny. And while Stepanenko, Vorobey, and Novikova may not claim to be national heroines, men laugh heartily at their shows.
6. Women don’t understand technology
Female “technical illiteracy” is gleefully mocked by comedians and producers of stickers in the shape of high heels for car rear windows. This, despite the fact that the world’s first programmer was Ada Lovelace!
5. Clothing, cosmetics, and shopping are the meaning of life for every woman
First of all, this is far from true for every woman: many girls completely ignore style, fashion, and mascara with lipstick. Secondly, the desire to please oneself and others is entirely natural for women: only a worthy female in nature can find a mate. Modern society has simply given women far more opportunities to express their beauty than beets instead of blush.
4. Female friendship doesn’t exist…
…and all “friends” are hypocrites who aim to steal a man, gloat over misfortune, or envy success. In reality, women do possess a certain self-love and tendency to compare themselves with friends. Yet at the same time, men treat their male pride and authority much more delicately, and therefore rarely confide in friends what a woman can easily tell her close girlfriend.
3. Women talk a lot, including on the phone
Most women perceive the world more acutely (even from a physiological standpoint: smell, touch…) and are therefore more emotional. Moreover, women—scientifically proven—have a broader vocabulary. It’s also worth remembering that several centuries ago, popularity in society belonged only to those hostesses of salons and finest drawing rooms who always knew how to maintain conversation with men. Thus, this stereotype is merely an exaggerated statement of women’s high linguistic activity.
2. All women dream of getting married
And all men are terrified of it! Nothing of the sort. In reality, many men attribute a manic passion for adorning the ring finger to women only because they fear marriage with “unserious” partners more than anything else. As for the fairer sex, 21st-century women are embracing entirely different ideals: career, success, self-actualization… Among which marriage to just anyone holds far from the most honorable place.
1. Beauty and intelligence in a woman are incompatible
This is the oldest problem men have created for themselves for unclear reasons: a woman can shine either with intellect or appearance, but not both simultaneously. That’s why many women working in science-intensive fields are forced to abandon cosmetics and elegant hairstyles. And upon seeing a girl with unremarkable appearance, men may immediately label her a nerd or bookworm.
