Equality is humanity's Holy Grail, the cornerstone of most value systems, but we have yet to reap all of its rewards. Sure, our society has tremendously evolved for the better during the last, say, 100 years, but a long journey is still ahead, and the vast array of double standards that still divide people to this day highlight this perfectly.

The double standard definition states that it is a rule or a principle applied to different people or groups. The most prominent case of double standard examples to this day come from gender equality. What's usually okay for men, is not acceptable when done by women. Starting with beach attire and ending with lady bosses, society finds unnecessary ways to chime in about what's wrong and what's right.

Bored Panda has compiled a list of insightful illustrations that uncover the uncomfortable truth behind some everyday life situations, and it's (mildly) disturbing how accurate they are. Judging by these images, it's clear that sometimes terms like 'gender equality' are reduced to no more than a catchphrase. Scroll down to see the proof for yourself, and vote for your favorites.

#1

Double Standards

Double Standards

David Horsey Report

RELATED:
    #2

    Clothing Standards

    Clothing Standards

    beiibis Report

    Carris Butcher
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get fake geek girl all the time! I wear big glasses, I dress differently and I do occasionally play games. People I know say I'm trying to be a fake geek girl or gamer girl and I have no idea what they mean. I'm not trying to be anything I'm just comfy this way! I'm glad it's not just me who experiences this

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    #3

    Body Image Standards

    Body Image Standards

    Scott Metzger Report

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Woman's face though: "I live among idiots. Honestly, do you think that I want your f***ing opinion?"

    Paul Luiso
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They do this in some parts of Europe and Australia and we all use to go to the nude beaches in the '70's, so no big deal.

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    N G
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jesus, Brian - Cover your Moobies

    Milda Mockūnaitė
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same with body hair. Men are so disgustingly everywhere! Buuut if you are women and if you haven't shaved your legs for a few days, 'you are not feminine"

    Too Lazy To Care 🐼
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know something I find kind of interesting? So some men are attracted to breasts and treat them like sexual things, which is one main reason why people say women can't go topless because it just encourages people to harass us. The funny thing is some women are attracted to the abs/muscles on men yet they can go topless and we don't harass them.

    P.Brux FHell
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weird enough, I find manboobs a tad attractive. Then again, I'm bisexual so I also like women breasts very much. And ripped pectorals, why not. When they're not the result of performance enhancers. I do not harass neither, though.

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    Wendy Oberg
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually, I don't want to see either ones breasts on the beach.

    FABULOUS1
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LMAO. Her facial expression kills it.

    Yvonne Ainslie
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't care about the beach, but please where clothing when mowing the lawn.

    Bianca Cujba
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Welp he might be right, but in that case he also needs a bra :)

    ViFi
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    just the other day, i was thinking: why is it that with men, the only area that it feels weird to see iis their...ahem...area, but with women anything out side the arm, face, stomach, and mid-thigh feels like eurghhhh writing this as a 12 year old female

    Nerdpanda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's okay unless there are kids present

    Susanne Bækvig
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Man thinks: I don't want anyone here with bigger boobs than mine

    endelbendel
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is the most to the point.

    Ady Zorro
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Women breast are not equal than chubby man breast. And un did most man don't worry if women don't cover their breast, more good most men want to see them XD.

    GoofyGoober
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is why we go to nude beaches

    Ambry Petersen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In all honestly I've no desire to dress the way men do at the beach.

    Bob-A-Lou Anna Maria
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Makes you wonder why tv shows now blur out males nipples (even kids) when they are fat and have breast and lean males aren’t blurred

    Sapar Nurkamal
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can though if your husband's breast is bigger than yours.

    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    whatabout you huh?

    Chloe Mccrea
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree people are blind today because apparently being naked is bad, Adam and Eve were naked so what's wrong with this?

    Micah Wolper
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Huh. I wonder why. Maybe its because its your f*****g boobs. We don't have them, so we can go topless in most public places with no repercussions. cry about it.

    James Johns
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both are gross. Also why i don't go to the beach or disrobe in public. Aint nobody wanna see that.

    Samuel Zhao
    Community Member
    3 years ago

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    I don’t think any women would go to a beach topless

    Sofia Murat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Then neither should men, either both can or both can't.

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    Pobin Rice
    Community Member
    8 years ago

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    Said NO MAN ever

    Doctor Peppermint
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    ...but the boobs on a woman are developed, and are organs. The ones on men aren't, so they are not as explicit. This does not make sense.

    Doctor Peppermint
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    ...but the boobs on a woman are organs and developed, it's like showing your balls...

    Enis Berkay Mert
    Community Member
    8 years ago

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    Women's breast is being used to feed children, men's dont. So society thinks women should cover them with bras. Men use their penises and women use their vaginas to have a child. So society thinks they should be covered with underwear. Simple as that.

    Jascha Kegelban
    Community Member
    8 years ago

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    Luckily women will not go like that onto the beach. Thanks to women's insecurity, self-censorship and utter conformity.

    Jetches
    Community Member
    7 years ago

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    Breasts are sensitive body parts and should be protected, which is why they are covered up to begin with it’s not a tool of oppression

    ena dejeanne
    Community Member
    8 years ago

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    Women's breasts are a source of titillation for men, not so the other way around. Although breasts don't lose on stimulation when covered in close-fitting cloth, that's the cultural origin of covering.

    Jake taylor
    Community Member
    8 years ago

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    lol f*****g lol idiots how ingnorant they are do they really thing that the nature of men its the same with the nature of woman??? what the f**k they want to achieve with this b******t?

    Leni
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As my mom used to say, it's all between the ears.

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    Ie Va
    Community Member
    8 years ago

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    Well ladies' nipples are different :)

    Jim Hubbard
    Community Member
    8 years ago

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    Oh come on! Like her breasts would be that high....

    Lorraine Lau
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    No men and women a different ballgame

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    #4

    Boys vs. Girls

    Boys vs. Girls

    Archie Comics Report

    #5

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    Anna Maria Jung Report

    #6

    Work Rules

    Work Rules

    Sunny Street Report

    #7

    Fakes And Posers

    Fakes And Posers

    radrangy Report

    #8

    Body Standards

    Body Standards

    AlexandraDal Report

    #9

    Double Standards For Parents

    Double Standards For Parents

    Chaunie Brusie Report

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's really annoying. I only have an experience as a passer-by or a witness but I can say some people indeed are narrow-minded enough to act like that.

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    #10

    Double Standards On Emotions

    Double Standards On Emotions

    Robot Hugs Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Double standards both ways in one comic. Finally <3

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    #11

    Body Positivity

    Body Positivity

    beiibis Report

    Liliana V
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The fact that they are both eating the same thing in the same portion size just really makes this extra sad.

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    #12

    Generalization

    Generalization

    xkcd Report

    Eglė Liubinaitė
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    F*k this stereotype, I'm the best at math in my class :p

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    #13

    Leadership Strategies

    Leadership Strategies

    thecooperreview Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That reminds me of the man who made the experience of signing all his emails by a female name for a week to talk about gender inequality in doing business. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-happened-when-a-man-signed-work-emails-using-a-female-name-for-a-week_us_58c2ce53e4b054a0ea6a4066

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    #14

    Makeup vs. Natural

    Makeup vs. Natural

    Kate Ordie Comics Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So damn true. One time I overheard my coworkers talking and these two guys were discussing about "girls who put makeup are so insecure, it's like they couldn't even go out without makeup if their life depended on it". Then another day in the same week, I was so tired I decided not to put makeup. The very same guy saying this was like "omg what happened to your face?". Yeah no wonder why women are "so insecure"...

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    #15

    Gender Equality

    Gender Equality

    shortpacked Report

    #16

    Shameless Girls

    Shameless Girls

    Brown Paperbag Report

    Jade B
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can I just say that I love the art style of this one? <3

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    #17

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    For Better Or For Worse Report

    coffee zombie
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Women don't get round, they get curvy in all the right places. And that's sexy af.

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    #18

    Gender Equality

    Gender Equality

    Matt Bors Report

    Ivana
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This election just wrecked me, all hope was lost.

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    #19

    Girls vs. Boys

    Girls vs. Boys

    Immer Report

    Ja Legge
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's true. Girls get bashed if she slept with a guy then that guy spreads a rumor abt them. Guy gets cheered on and a girl gets bashed.

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    #20

    Double Standards On Young Girls

    Double Standards On Young Girls

    deadeyedplasticdesktoy Report

    Daria B
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're a true pro-life, instead of blaming a stranger, do something towards building a society where abortion is not needed. Same goes for (extremist) pro-choicers - instead of hating on some women's decisions, let's do something towards building society where abortion is not something a womam does because "she had no other choice".

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    #21

    Double Standards On Bodies

    Double Standards On Bodies

    kendrawcandraw Report

    Captain Planet
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think only women have a problem with this. I can't imagine guy's really finding this a big deal. XD Also on the beach people sunbathe topless as well so. As far as armpit hair. Well you're free to do it. But people are also free to not find you attractive then. But there are all kinds of things people find attractive and not attractive so I don't really see a problem.

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    #22

    Shallow vs. Desperate

    Shallow vs. Desperate

    Razzy Report

    Helen Burgess
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    very well done! and the girl in the second instance doesn't even get a speech-bubble, let alone a date!

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    #24

    Girls vs. Boys

    Girls vs. Boys

    Brown Paperbag Report

    Kristin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are people like that?! When boys get laid everyone is proud! When girls get it they get punished!

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #25

    Society's Take On Men

    Society's Take On Men

    Rasenth Report

    Michel M. Prins
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The second one will always be an idiotic statement, for both male and female. I hear it a lot, yet don't understand why it's a race to get intimate with another person. It's a personal experience and (can be) something special, on top of that: It's none of another's business, and if those think it is, they're the ones leading a sad life. Sure, the term "Lucky at cards, unlucky in love" is on it's place in this regard, but luck can switch lanes now and then.

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    #26

    Dad Bod vs. Mom Bod

    Dad Bod vs. Mom Bod

    howbabycomic Report

    Sheila Stamey
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have we totally forgotten how milf went ? Not that that was great but, seriously ? Which one do we pick? Can we just be who we are, male, female, or however, and just be happy? The insecurity is mind blowing to me, on behalf of the observer!

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    #27

    Sexual Harassment

    Sexual Harassment

    Razzy Report

    Andrew Petrykowski
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is this a relevant comparison? How about comparing the reaction you get as a male when telling someone about being a victim of sexual assault.

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    #28

    Things You Can Only Do With Boys

    Things You Can Only Do With Boys

    Last Place Comics Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, the vagina is the inside part. So...

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    #29

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    Scott Adams Report

    coffee zombie
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I dont agree that only weak men show emotion. It's nice to see a man who has emotions instead of trying to act like they are made of stone, with no feelings.

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    #30

    Appearance Standards

    Appearance Standards

    John Lydgate Report

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm more like the right half. And I'm fine.

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    #31

    Comic Book Characters

    Comic Book Characters

    mcginty and sharpley Report

    Kori K. Warriner
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly, I have a problem with either gender of superhero being displayed in a sexual manner.

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    #32

    Sexualizing Bodies

    Sexualizing Bodies

    Jago Dibuja Report

    Stille20
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they over sexualize super heroes, but there is a difference. The male characters are being portrayed as strong, the women as sexual. If female super heros looked more like Serena Williams or Kerri Walsh it would be different.

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    #33

    Equality

    Equality

    Cyanide and Happiness Report

    Ivana
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We were playing around, play fighting when I kicked my husband in the balls. It wasn't on purpose and I instantly felt horrible as he spent about 5 minutes in pain on the floor. The worst he got me was an elbow to the nose that caused a nose bleed, and one where he slammed my back into the thermostat. Literally last week my husband asked "Why don't we wrestle anymore" and all that flashed through my head. I don't like the idea of women hitting men any more than a man hitting a woman. The only fighting I am okay with is play fighting.

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    #34

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    megacynics Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #35

    Problem Solving

    Problem Solving

    Razzy Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't agree with this one. Men get a lot of pressure on their bodies, as much as women. There is not a single person I met who said that they should "accept themselves" as a way to solve their problems (with getting laid). On the same note, any magazine cover will show that makeup is not a way to solve problems, or there wouldn't be 254 pages of the "new amazing diet already used by 45 stars that will make you lose weight before you even realize it". And we also have countless articles on "accept yourself and screw who doesn't, you don't need them anyway"...

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    #36

    Acceptable vs. Unacceptable

    Acceptable vs. Unacceptable

    Justin Hubbell Report

    Anna Thouvenin
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As someone who hate body hair, both are unacceptable. But I don't care about what they do as long as I don't have to touch them :p

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    #37

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    mamaiscomic Report

    Zori the degu
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But really, what's their purpose from evolutionary point of view?

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    #38

    Men And Women

    Men And Women

    Everyday feminism Report

    Eglė Liubinaitė
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I kinda like emotional boys more, like, atleast they aren't like those "badass" shitsacks like others. Also, expressing emotions is actually good for own body.

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    #39

    Standards For Dressing

    Standards For Dressing

    John Lydgate Report

    Luc Mailloux
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait... what is this trying to say, even? What I gather is that people will judge you regardless of how you look. Surprise!

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    #40

    Double Standards In The Workplace

    Double Standards In The Workplace

    Daisy Bernard Report

    Amanda Sango Hibbs
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is why I like the medical field. Everyone dresses the same

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    #41

    The Smiley Face Double Standard

    The Smiley Face Double Standard

    endlessorigami Report

    #42

    Double Standards In Relationships

    Double Standards In Relationships

    John Lydgate Report

    Pasca Mouse
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate it when people are like " Looks likes someones on there period." it's so annoying

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    #43

    Girl Power

    Girl Power

    Le Rage Comics Report

    sunnyrei82
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    women like that are the ones who make people think wrong about feminism. And, because many people are soooo closed minded, they think every single woman who wants equity are like that.

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    #44

    Double Standards

    Double Standards

    spaceavalanche Report

    Daria B
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people really don't get it that it's not same....

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #45

    Gender Equality

    Gender Equality

    Pablo Stanley Report

    Silvia
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. Any statistics on the subject will show that women do not get paid equally for the same job, with the same qualifications and experience.

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    #46

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