Since the beginning of time, a toxic relationship of depreciation has existed between the way our society views men and women. Specifically, the toxicity is highlighted from a standpoint of men’s and women’s interests and hobbies. Questions are raised about whether certain hobbies are seen as unimportant, if interests are belittled because of gender, or why there is a societal standard of “appropriate” interests. Based on the existing disparities, it is important to understand our potential contribution and how we can help heal the toxic relationship.

Hobbies have long been associated with gender. Additionally, these interests have been socially seen as a connection between a person and their sexual orientation, which implies that something is wrong with a specific identity. Several people believe that they need to conform to an idea that is seen as appropriate for their physical appearance or gender, and this has become a prominent issue. If a man were to have a hobby that is not deemed as masculine in the eyes of society, their identity would shift from a socially correct man to a feminine man or homosexual man. Women experience similar issues, but theirs are seen as “too feminine” to be taken seriously. Their interests would be seen as boring because they are not relatable. In one way or another, everybody contributes to the social aspect of respecting others’ pastimes.

Women and men are known to be attracted to different things. Nature versus nurture plays a role in this. Since society has implemented the idea that women and men should find enjoyment in different activities, those who do not comply with that specific ideology are seen as different. Women can be interested in things that society would deem predominantly male-focused, and one of these focal points is sports. Though there is an abundant amount of female athletes, it is still difficult for others to understand that women may appreciate sports. Due to this fact, women are often ridiculed. Many will say that women only like sports because they find their favorite players attractive, their opinions are seen as incorrect because they have not watched for long enough, or that they do not know as much about the sports as older male fans would. Women often wonder if they are taken less seriously because of their gender, and this leads many of them to be mocked on social media. Sometimes it boosts their confidence within their identity, and other times it does not.

Additionally, women’s hobbies are assumed to be activities like cooking or shopping. Several women do not like either of these activities, but that is the societal standard they are confined to. Another predominantly male activity that women can enjoy is online gaming. It is difficult to hear others say that a woman cannot be good at something because of their gender. The problem arises when there is an expectation to appreciate certain things based on your sex. This ideology threatens men’s ability to express themselves as well. For example, when men wear makeup, people get angry and are quick to judge because they are not conforming to societal standards. Because there are neutral hobbies, such as watching movies and listening to music, each and every interest should be neutralized.

Hobbies are legitimate until a woman becomes interested. After this, it is seen as a “women’s hobby,” which ultimately eliminates the lure. As previously mentioned, being involved with something that women enjoy could insinuate that a man is potentially unmasculine or something that inevitably changes his sexuality. Femininity is seen as societally degrading. Women and men should be able to coexist without the fear of their identity lessening or being seen as inappropriate. When men enjoy something, such as arts or crafts, women will be impressed while men will become snarky. The idea of enjoyment has been pervasively reinforced, and it is disappointing.

Men’s hobbies are known to be easily immersible. Regarding the topic of sports, there are holding cells within stadiums because fights occur at games; moreover, this is looked at as “boys being boys.” Along with this, men collect sports memorabilia and decorate their homes, social media and their closets with their favorite sports team. When women get into music or books, it is seen as crazy fan behavior. Everybody should be allowed to submerge themselves in their interests, but ultimately, women’s interests are seen as unnatural.

Women and men deserve to be treated as equally as possible. Whether society begins to understand that different personalities — regardless of gender — have differing interests or not, there has to be advocacy on the count that people are people. Hobbies are a way to enjoyably spend time. They are not an invitation to taunt others for something that they love. An invisible construct is not worth the demand of billions of people changing themselves to fit a specific narrative.

Share