𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝

EP - 02

THE DOUBLE STANDARDS

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Where in the world do double standards not exist? Ever noticed how they're everywhere? From our own homes to books, even on Wattpad—they pop up like that one 'teacher's pet' we can't escape. 

It's usually the women who get the short end of the stick with these, but guys face them too sometimes. Let's dive into some of the ones we see in stories all the time.

⁕ Relationship Expectations
One big example? The way readers hype up the male lead (ML) for all the "effort" he puts into a relationship while totally overlooking what the female lead (FL) brings to the table. Usually, the ML handles all the flashy, material stuff, and the FL provides the emotional support. Nothing wrong with that setup! But it's a little frustrating when only the ML's efforts are celebrated, while the FL's side just gets ignored.

Next time you're reading a story, maybe notice if both leads are getting credit for what they bring to the relationship. And if you're a writer, why not create a more balanced portrayal of the leads? After all, both characters deserve some love, right?

And let's talk about grovelling. How often do we see an FL held accountable for her mistakes? Almost never! It's usually the ML who's made out to be the bad guy, carrying all the blame and guilt, while the FL stays untouchably "innocent." Why can't both characters be flawed?

⁕ Friendships and Jealousy
Another big one is the portrayal of friendships with the opposite sex. The FL's male best friend? Always a ray of sunshine, super supportive, no drama. But the ML's female best friend? She's practically a "snake," shown as jealous or conniving. Why do we have to assume opposite-sex friendships are full of jealousy and competition?

⁕ Purity Standards
Now, let's talk about a big double standard—not just in books but in real life too. Why is it that a guy having had sex before marriage is sometimes seen as "cool" or a sign of his "alpha" personality? But if a girl has the same history, it's suddenly a whole different story?
In most stories, the FL is almost always a virgin, while the ML's experience (or even womanizing past) is brushed off as part of his character.

The issue isn't about whether someone's a virgin or not—it's about how these stories link "virginity" with "purity," a label that mostly gets slapped on female characters. 

Meanwhile, a woman who's had a one-night stand is more likely to get shamed, while a male character's experience is either celebrated or excused with a casual "Oh, he's a man, he has needs." Seriously? Doesn't the FL also have feelings, needs, and all the same human complexities?

These stories make it seem like a woman's worth is tied to her "purity," while a man's past is just part of his "growth arc." It's definitely something to question.

⁕ Appearance and Behaviour
Then there's the inquiry FLs face for their looks and wardrobe choices. It's like the FL has to dress "modestly" or "innocently" to be respected, but no one really cares how the ML dresses. Why the double standard?

And what's with male leads having traumatic backstories to explain their "cold" or "ruthless" behaviour, but FLs rarely get that kind of complexity? Why aren't FLs allowed to have deeper, more significant pasts?

⁕ Age and Multiple Relationships
Oh, and here's a popular one: the ML is usually older, "wiser," while the FL is younger, "innocent." Why don't we see the reverse more often? There's definitely a bit of a stereotype we're stuck in there.

And don't get me started on the reverse harem trope. We can have stories where an FL has multiple love interests, but when it's the other way around, suddenly people feel differently. Why is that? Shouldn't it be treated the same?

Double standards don't just limit how we see these characters; they reinforce outdated views. Let's question these biases and write characters who are real—complex, flawed, and equal.

Next time you're reading a story, ask yourself: are the characters actually being treated equally? And if you're a writer, maybe think about giving all your characters the complexity they deserve.

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These were just some of the double standards I wanted to dive into for this blog. How many of them do you agree with?

What are your opinions?

And do you think I got any of this wrong—or spot on?