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Opinion: On Machismo and Cockroaches
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Opinion: On Machismo and Cockroaches

From El País · (15m ago) Spanish Mixed tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The author recounts an experience of receiving an indecent proposal and reporting it, framing it within a feminist perspective.
  • The piece critiques patriarchal attitudes and discusses the challenges of navigating gender dynamics in personal and professional life.
  • It touches upon generational differences in understanding feminism and women's rights, highlighting a perceived lack of progress among some men.

In a world still grappling with the pervasive influence of patriarchal structures, the author shares a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience that underscores the ongoing struggle for gender equality. The narrative unfolds with an encounter involving an unsolicited, indecent proposal, which the author, a staunch feminist, promptly addressed by threatening to report the offender. This incident, framed by the author's identity as a "fighter" and "Pochita the bulldozer," serves as a stark illustration of the persistent "patriarchal and hegemonic supremacy" that continues to plague societal interactions.

I'm going to report you for calling me 'guapa' like Luciano Castro did to the Spaniard, offending Griselda Siciliani's soul. Damn horse!

— The AuthorRecounting her reaction to an indecent proposal and a perceived slight.

The piece delves into the frustrating reality of encountering individuals who seem oblivious to the fundamental principles of gender equality. The author expresses bewilderment at the continued dominance sought by some men, lamenting their apparent failure to grasp the "feminine ABCs of equality." This frustration is further amplified by observations of public figures and everyday interactions, including a critique of a male television host's perceived "deconstructed" persona and a heated exchange with a teenage boy who dismisses feminist concerns as "fussing."

I can't understand how these supremacist males continue to not learn the feminine ABCs of equality. It's inconceivable how they want to keep dominating us.

— The AuthorExpressing frustration with persistent patriarchal attitudes.

Through vivid anecdotes, including a confrontation with the teenage boy and a tense exchange with her boss, the author powerfully articulates the complexities of asserting women's rights in both personal and professional spheres. The narrative highlights the generational chasm in understanding feminism, with the younger generation sometimes exhibiting a dismissive attitude, while older generations grapple with the slow pace of societal change. The author's unwavering commitment to feminist ideals and her determination to challenge ingrained sexism resonate throughout the piece, offering a poignant commentary on the continuing fight for respect and equality.

What bothers you that we take care of our intimate areas?!

— The Author and friendsConfronting a teenage boy who dismissed their concerns.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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