Sexism is bad enough when it's men demeaning women. When women
Sexism is bad enough when it's men demeaning women. When women do it to other women, it's even more deflating.
The words of Mel Robbins pierce the heart: “Sexism is bad enough when it’s men demeaning women. When women do it to other women, it’s even more deflating.” Here is a truth carved from sorrow and experience—the wound of injustice is deep, but the wound that comes from one’s own kin is deeper still. For when a woman raises her hand against her sister, the world’s chains grow heavier, not lighter.
Throughout the ages, women have borne the weight of silence, of exclusion, of being told their place is lesser. Yet what grieves the spirit most is when those who share in the burden become the ones who enforce it. This is the meaning of Robbins’ words: that internalized oppression, born of long centuries of subjugation, can turn one sufferer against another, multiplying the chains rather than breaking them.
History bears witness. Consider the story of Phillis Wheatley, the enslaved African woman who, in 1773, became the first published Black female poet in America. While many men dismissed her as incapable, what cut more sharply were the voices of women—white women who denied her genius and claimed she dishonored the feminine role by daring to write with strength and intellect. Her triumph was not only against men’s scorn, but against the disbelief of her own gender. In this, we see the deeper sting that Robbins describes: when those who should be allies echo the voice of the oppressor.
Yet the ancients also teach us this: a chain broken by one woman strengthens all women. If, instead of tearing each other down, women lift each other with hands of courage and words of faith, the fortress of sexism will crumble. Each act of solidarity becomes a hammer striking at the walls of inequality. Each word of encouragement becomes a torch, lighting the path for generations yet unborn.
So let the future remember: the enemy outside may be formidable, but the enemy within is fatal. To demean one’s sister is to serve the very forces of oppression that once bound oneself. But to uplift her is to strike a blow for freedom. Let women stand not as rivals, but as warriors bound by common cause. For only together can they rise, and in rising, remake the world.
XHNguyen xuan hung
It's an uncomfortable truth that sexism can be just as harmful when it's perpetuated by women. I wonder, what are the root causes of this behavior? Could it be due to competition or societal pressure to conform to certain beauty or success standards? And how do we address this issue in a way that creates a supportive environment for all women to thrive together?
MANguyen thi minh anh
The concept of women demeaning other women is definitely something that needs more attention. How does this behavior impact the mental and emotional well-being of women who face this treatment? Could this be one of the reasons why some women feel less empowered or less confident in their careers or social lives? I believe that breaking this cycle is key to real equality.
GDGold D.dragon
I think Mel Robbins raises an important point here about the harm caused by internalized sexism. It feels like there's a deeper issue at play, where women are conditioned to compete with each other instead of lifting one another up. Why do we allow these toxic norms to exist even within female communities? Shouldn't we be creating spaces where all women feel empowered and respected, regardless of their differences?
TLpham the lam
It's truly disheartening when women perpetuate sexism against each other. The idea that women, who should ideally support one another, can sometimes be the source of such demeaning behavior is troubling. Why do some women still buy into societal norms that keep them divided? Could this be a result of internalized sexism or competition? And how can we change the narrative to encourage unity among women instead of judgment?