Content Warnings: Misogyny, Sexism, Injustice, Stress
Lately, I’ve been grappling with the painful and complicated ways internalized misogyny affects those around me, myself included. It’s disheartening to watch women, especially those I care about, unconsciously embrace beliefs that reinforce male dominance, whether by downplaying their femininity or aligning themselves with traditionally masculine behaviors just to fit in.
For me, this has become deeply personal. Recently, a video game has been trending in my country, widely praised for its art and technical achievements. Yet, the studio behind it is notorious for making harmful comments about female players. Despite this, many female gamers, including my best friend, continue to support it. It’s hard for me to reconcile the fact that someone I care about could overlook the sexism involved, simply because the game is well-made.
This has left me feeling conflicted and the hurt still lingers. On the one hand, I understand why people are drawn to it: the allure of good art, a break from reality. On the other hand, it feels like a betrayal of values I thought we shared.
At what cost are we willing to overlook this kind of disrespect? I’ve tried hard to suppress my discomfort, partly because I fear it might strain my relationship with her. I don’t want to impose my views on her, but I can’t ignore the unease this situation brings. Seeing my best friend support something I find problematic only amplifies my doubts. It makes me question whether I’m overreacting, or if I’m just too idealistic. I’ve also wondered if it’s even worth the energy to fight against when the world seems indifferent.
The game thing is just a small microcosm. Honestly, I have plenty of real-life stress to manage, and these thoughts only add to the weight as I try to navigate my own path. When I finally have time to escape online, I’m constantly confronted with posts and news about injustice or misogyny, or the reality that not all women are willing to take a stand. I’ve struggled with feelings of inadequacy, fear of not being enough, and the pressure to conform.
There are moments when I feel completely drained, and it’s easier to just let things slide, to go along with what’s popular, even when it feels wrong, just to avoid the internal conflict and tension in my relationships. Still, there’s a part of me that knows that turning a blind eye would mean compromising who I am. It’s hard to stay grounded in my beliefs when doing so leaves me feeling isolated or misunderstood, especially by those closest to me.
I wish I could say that I always feel hopeful, but the truth is, I don’t. It’s hard to believe that we can make meaningful change when the people we love don’t seem to care. I’m often left wondering if these small decisions, like saying no to a game or standing up against something sexist, really matter in the grand scheme of things.
Reflecting on all of this, I’ve started to accept that I can’t change everything. There are battles I’m not always ready to fight, and I’m learning to live with that reality. However, one thing I’m sure of is that I want to make conscious choices, even in small ways. We may not always have the energy to take on every injustice, but we can control how we respond to the challenges right in front of us.
I’m not saying it’s easy; I don’t have all the answers. Sometimes, I don’t even know what the right choice is, and that uncertainty can be paralyzing. Still, I believe that, while we don’t have to do everything, we do have to do something. Through those small decisions, we can find the strength to keep moving forward.
