In 8th grade everyone had to write a paper about a current social problem. Now most beauty queens would pick world peace or hunger, but not me. I picked gender discrimination. I have believed this to be one of the world's most sickening problems, and it is just not going away, as you could see by one of the posts.

Women have always been treated worse than men. They receive very little respect, to the extent of not being able to show skin, vote, or even drive automobiles. This unfairness between genders can come in so many ways, not just jobs. Women are mainly discriminated in this area in their pay, or salary. In universities, males make on average ten thousand dollars more than women. Women also have very little mobility in jobs, and cannot change jobs as easily, for it would be harder to find one.

Men are also discriminated against, though, as well, believe it or not. Men often have the 'worst jobs', like factory or construction workers. But men are not the ones getting discriminated against in our society. Women are the ones thought of as 'not good enough' for jobs, especially where they have power.

You want an example? I will tell you one, but there are lots.

In Oklahoma, there are 226,918 men with jobs, or 54.3%. Women then have 190,694 jobs, or 45.7%. The managers of these jobs across the state, 68.8% are men, and 31.2% are women. That is a huge difference. So often there are court cases involving gender discrimination, but never with men, it is the women fighting for equality. Women can lose their jobs because they are women, or not get paid enough, because they are women. Why? I will never ever understand.

Are men afraid of women? Some certainly are. I do not believe this hogwash that women would be light-hearted when it came to war, to too nice for the job. Men may just be afraid that yes, they can have power over men, and often do a BETTER job than what a man could ever do.

I have had more than enough of this discrimination against women! Women are just as strong, helpful, smart, as men. I will cherish the day when they are treated just like men. I see no difference between us, and I wish there was none.

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About the author: Matthew Stensrud is a high school student who loves politics and life. He has retained a 4.0 GPA throughout his high school career and is currently involved with the Young Democrats at his school. He is also an eCaptain for the Democratic National Committee. Other than politics, Matthew also loves music and plays the piano, organ, and handbells, and also sings in three choirs. Visit his website or email Matthew Stensrud: maths8877@yahoo.com

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