20 women share examples of internalized misogyny that they are continually unlearning

While our society has made many substantial strides towards gender equality over the past few decades, we are still quite far from being able to say we've made our world a fair and just place for one and all. Since the very fabric of our current civilization was built on patriarchal ideals, it will undoubtedly take a conscious effort from several generations to undo the damage done by centuries of misogyny. This sets a very important task for women: recognizing and rectifying their own world views, thoughts and actions that may be the result of internalized misogyny. Members of the subreddit, r/AskWomen had an enlightening discussion about the same a few days ago when u/horridhollowhead asked: "What is some internalized misogyny you have to continuously remind yourself to unlearn?"

Here are the top 20 responses to the question:

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"The not like the other girls trope. I'm just like other women, and I like most of them." — n1b1c000 

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"The hatred of hair armpits in pictures. Idk if I'll ever unlearn this one. I just hate how it looks (particularly on me)." — Zahnaynee

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"Formerly raised Christian woman here: slut-shaming. I'm much better about it now but basically do not judge women's characters who are promiscuous.
Also, women who are hyper-feminine. As long as they don't tell me I need to be the same I can respect their lifestyle as long as it's for them not to solely please men when they don't even like wearing all that stuff.
That my first sexual experience was my choice and that virginity is a concept. That nothing was taken from me. I chose to do it and we did an action together. Period." — TheCravenRaven7

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"That my worth and existence as a woman isn't entirely decided by my appearance. That I don't need to achieve a standard of prettiness before I'm worthy of respect, love and self-confidence
That my value as a human being won't suddenly disappear the second I turn 30. Even though on average women spend 65 years of our lives as an adult, we're only considered 'young enough' for 12 of them. For the remaining 53 years, or 82% of our adult lives, we're made to feel like old hags by society. It sucks." — flareon79

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"I was downtown one day and saw this woman in leggings, boots, and a jacket. She had a ponytail and Starbucks. I thought "Ha, look at this basic bi-" and had to stop myself. I then thought "No, she looks comfy and caffeinated, and that ponytail looks great!"
I often catch myself judging stereotypes for no damn reason." — NavyAnchor03

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"'Girls suck.' As a 90s kid, this was the theme and in order to not suck, you had to be 'not like other girls.' And as soon as you realize they don't suck, you're pitted against each other and aren't able to enjoy how awesome they are. Turns out, girls are the sh*t and their virtues don't detract from yours!
Sometimes when I'm out and about I still feel this vibe coming at me from other women and I understand that where they're coming from has nothing to do with me. Now, I just give them a nice, big smile. 9 times out of 10 they break into the sweetest smile you can imagine and I love that moment. We friends, y'all." — abroad_adizzybroad

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