At first, while everyone can agree placing judgement on other people is unkind, it does not seem like a sexist issue. The difference is what you are judging them on. The world tends to look at girls and guys differently; they are applauded and criticized for different things. Total equality of the sexes ideally has women and men judged for the same things. While this mainly would have benefits on a professional level (women tend to worry more about appearing neat, organized, and polite for job interviews, in both how they look and act) and world view (female celebrities are expected to look sexy and act polite in all circumstances, and are demonized by the media when not), it would also positively impact the self-esteem of young girls who would not feel the need to have flat stomachs and hourglass-shaped bodies in order to gain respect from their male peers.

Under the category of sexist judgement lies slut shaming. How come girls can be made fun of and embarrassed for something guys are proud of and idolized for? (Needless to say, something that should not even determine someone’s worth to begin with…) Yet at the same time, if girls don’t spend time on their physical appearance they don’t get treated with as much respect as those that do, because they couldn’t even put in the bare minimum effort. But wait! If a girl puts in too much effort, she is trying too hard and also gets judged! And among all of this, everyone will assume that girls who dress up or put on makeup are doing it to attract a boy. Because girls who aren’t in relationships have failed, while guys who aren’t in relationships are making a lifestyle choice in order to prioritize their work, school, or sports.

See the double standards??? And most of these judgements are made by girls just as often as guys. It’s normal in our society to think “eek” when we see a girl wear a full face of makeup to a casual event, or not cover up her acne with concealer. But these judgements are just a product of living in a world in which women have very different expectations than men… which make it near impossible to be accepted by the societal gaze.

In conclusion, no, you should not judge anyone by irrational factors. (DO judge people by their kindness, generosity, ideas, and opinions!) But since it is more socially acceptable to pick apart the decisions of women and girls, next time you feel yourself doing it, notice how there is probably a double standard. And remember ladies: you yourself are probably being judged for doing the exact same thing- or doing the exact opposite! The problem with these sexist double standards is that while anyone can contribute to their strength, only women are targeted by them. And those that do perpetuate the judgements are still just as susceptible to being the victim. We can’t win, so let’s get rid of this unfair way of thinking.