Stand Up

I always take the train going to school. It’s cheap, it’s a hassle, it’s slow, it’s sexist. Yes, I

consider the system as sexist. Whenever I ride the train, I always make sure to go to the female

area because I find it awkward to ride the male area for a couple of reasons.

For the few times that I rode the LRT in the male area (because I have no choice because I

was already running late), half of that time I always end up having an awkward moment when a

male specie gives up their seat for me. For others it may be good, flattering, and nice to see

there are still “gentlemen” left in this world but for me it is a bit discriminating. There are male

senior citizens who they could give up their seat to, I don’t need it because I can handle myself

well. Physically, I can manage to stand up the entire time I was riding the train. The last time

somebody gave up their seat for me, I heard the guy’s friend saying, “Uy may babae, paupuin

mo.” No thanks, aside from him dropping that offensive comment and acting like he saved me,

his reason for giving me the seat was invalid. It made me feel as if being a woman equates to a

helpless soul. I would rather stand up the entire one hour ride than to validate their ideology that

women need physical assistance. There are railings and poles for me to hold on. If men can do

it, I can do it too.

Aside from this, what irked me more is the thought that sometimes it’s the women’s fault why society has this sexist mentality when it comes to public transportations. I have few friends who

admit that they would go to the male area of the LRT so that they can take a seat. It’s the male

area, what made you think that just because you’re a woman, you are entitled for a seat?! I’m

sure we all pay the public transportation fee, I didn't know that being a female comes with perks.

What a shame on the female population to exploit her own gender and for abusing the weak

mentality of men who believe that we can’t handle it physically.

But don’t get me wrong. It’s nice to see common courtesy among my fellow Filipinos but it’s the

sexist perspective that made me cringe. The intent behind giving the seat is what made it wrong.

Yes, it may be out of politeness, but I wish that most men do it regardless of gender. I wish they

would give up their seat for an elderly regardless if it is a male or female, I wish they would give

up their seat for someone who is struggling regardless of gender, I wish that half of the time,

men would do it as a common courtesy towards human beings, instead of prioritizing women.

And as for women, I wish you don’t abuse your power just because someone is still stuck with

the sexist mentality. Your gender is not a crown for you to wear it to show others that you’re

entitled for most of the things.

#oped #lrt #publictransportation #socialissue