The Thinking ‘Kat: A Fear of Educated Women
Loiter on Twitter long enough, and you will soon find examples of how it has become a cesspit. Today’s example comes from misogyny, and specifically the fear of educated women.
I cannot speak to the experience, as I never got that far with higher education, but I am willing to bet that earning a PhD is a very proud moment for anyone. It can easily be argued that it is even more of an achievement when you’ve had to battle past presumptions based on gender, race, and background. In this instance, a young woman celebrating her accomplishment was met not with congratulations, but with scorn, and mostly scorn from men.
The broad attitude on display here is that she was not fulfilling her biological role in life, which is to squeeze out babies and be a good wife. The belief that we can – and must – be defined by pre-set biological imperatives is so outdated, yet it persists in the views and opinions of some very whiny, very bitter men.
You’d think that men would be happy! A lot of the ones whinging about women being self-sufficient and prioritising their interests would also no doubt complain – quite vigorously – about women being gold-diggers and leaching off their partners. The very men moaning that women are seeking careers and a life beyond stereotypical roles are also the same ones miserably harping at how they go to work to support a woman’s lifestyle! This is a strange no-win scenario they have crafted, to beat down women, and themselves.
You could make an argument that men have feared the education of women for centuries. Women who have been prepared to learn, think for themselves, and be bold have demonised throughout history. Having the audacity to not have their lives predetermined by their genitals should be something everyone – men, women, and non-binary types – should have the right to, and without the aggressive, petty judgement of the ignorant. We all individuals, and we find solace and joy in our own unique way. We earn satisfaction in life in our own time and form. Judgemental assholes need to learn to stay in their lane.
