Confronting Everyday Misogyny

Ten-time Grammy-Award-winning artist Taylor Swift recently made headlines for confronting a reporter who asked her a sexist question while she was touring to promote her new single "ME!" When a German reporter asked Swift if she would "like to be a mother someday," Swift did not hesitate to address the inherent sexism of the question, saying, "I really do not think men are asked that question when they turn 30, so I’m not going to answer that now."

Swift has addressed sexist questions in the past, particularly during her infamous "10 Most Fascinating People" interview with Barbara Walters in 2014. When asked by Walters how she responds to criticisms that her lyrics are too personal, Swift yet again drew attention to the sexism of such questions, saying, "If a guy shares his experience in writing, he's brave. If a woman shares her experience in writing, she's overly emotional, she's crazy, 'watch out she'll write a song about you.'"

Swift is absolutely right to point out the inequality she's experiencing, and she's certainly not the only celebrity receiving such questions.

Serena Williams, the first ever athlete to land a spot on Forbes' list of richest self-made women, has tackled sexist question after sexist question, confronting reporters and refusing to be complacent. While at the French open in 2018, Williams was asked by a reporter if she was intimidated by Maria Sharapova's "supermodel good looks," something the reporter claimed Donald Trump had suggested. Williams, rightfully frustrated with the reporter's sexist question, responded sharply and professionally, saying, "I honestly don't have any thoughts about that. I can't say I have been intimidated by anyone. That's all. That's it."

Swift and Williams are just two of the countless female celebrities who experience endless sexist questioning. Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Emma Watson, Ariana Grande, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, and many more women of celebrity status have been forced to confront a reporter when asked a sexist question.

Our patriarchal society has made it acceptable for women to be asked questions about their bodies, relationships, and becoming mothers because that is how so many men view women: as objects capable of carrying children. Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale emphasizes this concept to an exaggerated degree, and its popularity as a Hulu series proves that the idea is one which resonates with many women today.

Sexist questions and comments are an inescapable reality for all women. While we're able to witness celebrities receiving these questions because so many of their interviews and interactions are recorded and televised, regular women experience these questions everyday, whether its at their job, at a restaurant, or on the street.

Women are immensely talented, strong, capable, and intelligent, yet the only questions men want to ask them are ones regarding their bodies. While eliminating the patriarchy that permeates our society often seems impossible, women are working to subvert sexism everyday. Pointing out sexism and holding men accountable for their actions often requires no small amount of strength and bravery, but it is certainly one of the most effective ways to make society more aware of its problem with inequality.

When women like Taylor Swift and Serena Williams use their celebrity status to confront and reject sexism, the world becomes a better, more tolerant place. But the world also becomes a better place when women in their everyday lives are able to do the same. Women who do not have the protection of a security detail or millions of fans still bravely confront sexism everyday, striving to make the world a better place not only for themselves but all the women who will come after them. And that is true feminism.