http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/01/sexism-racism-race-gender-equality?CMP=share_btn_fb
It basically states that gender equality is a long way off and that we only have to look at the rape convictions, Everyday Sexism Project and the fact that two women a week are murdered by their partners to see something needs to be done.
What caught my attention was the heading 'Chicken Court'
"Anyone making a prejudicial statement in public shall automatically qualify for this new reality television show where they must stand in front of a live audience dressed in a chicken suit and repeat said statement while doing the David Brent dance as information disproving their argument flashes up on a screen behind them. Their opinions are then put to a public vote."
Compare that with this, also published in a newspaper but over 160 years ago -
In the October 9th edition
of Lloyds Weekly Newspaper in 1853, ran an article called 'Apes of
Husbands'.
“We are heartily ashamed and
profoundly humiliated by the details that pollute our police reports;
and in our shame and abasement are prone to give ear to any remedy
however strong and original that shall end the abomination. What is
the man who beats his wife? What is he, it has been asked but a
debased animal, a mere ape with speech? … We would have the Home
Office rent 2 or 4 or 6 cages and apes costume would be a most
reforming punishment .. such cages to be placed in different parts of
the grounds in which should be confined and exhibited the human
creatures who had degraded themselves to the condition of apes by
brutally outraging the gentleness and dignity of woman.... No
violence towards husband apes, a sign Visitors are requested not to
pelt or poke their sticks or umbrellas at the brute of a husband”
Needless to say, it didn't happen but I think it just goes to show, things haven't changed that much.
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