A conversation about how to raise our children quickly became a debate about whether women are victims of inequality and discrimination today. I think I probably swayed it that way as I mentioned how anxious I am about raising girls knowing what females are more likely to have to face through life.
But what became apparent very quickly is that my group of 10 female friends blame the victim for their issues. Is this common thinking now among those in their 20s?
For example, one friend said, in response to me discussing fears about rape and using my own rape as an example, that she would ensure she raised her daughter to be as confident and secure as she is so her daughter doesnt find herself in that situation.
Another said the pay gap has been caused by women who dont know their self worth and men deserve higher pay because they're better workers. She also said she doesnt believe there really is a pay gap anyway.
There was an overall consensus that the pay gap is a myth and that women and men are equally as likely to commit sexual crimes and be victims of them.
Overall there was a lot of victim blaming. Including at how I mentioned being fired when I was pregnant was my own fault for not standing up for myself (not sure how I was meant to?)
Anyway, I was rather taken back and now thinking I've been living in a bit of an echo chamber as I havent openly discussed these views and concerns outside MN before. Is this the norm?
Do 10/11 women in their 20s really think that women's issues are caused by the individual woman? And are they right? Was I raped because my mum didnt raise me to know how to avoid that situation as a friend implied? Are men really just harder workers?