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Here's a radical thought. Maybe men and women would get along better if companies and institutions stopped yelling about how different they are? I get it, everyone has their own opinion, and it's a sensitive topic but come on. Toilet paper for women? A cookbook for men? Some things are just absurd. And you can find them on the subreddit r/PointlesslyGendered. This online community is dedicated to collecting examples of the division between the two genders our society so desperately insists on, and over the years have gotten themselves quite a load. Here are some of the worst ones.

#1

Dinosaurs Are For Boys

Dinosaurs Are For Boys

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Jayne Kyra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The correct response towards anyone meddling in what is none of their business.

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#2

I Feel This Belongs Here

I Feel This Belongs Here

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Gender-tailored marketing messages are fairly common, but research shows they can have the opposite effect and repel consumers, especially women. In fact, they often backfire to the point of dissuading women from choosing a product they would have considered if the company hadn't talked about their gender so much, a study by Harvard Business School found.

The reason for this lies in human nature. People tend to resist being categorized (or made to feel like they are unwillingly reduced to a single identity) particularly when the product they're being nudged toward evokes a stereotype about their gender.

#4

Damn You, Spaghetti Sauce. If Only I Had A Man Around! Dinner Is Ruined!

Damn You, Spaghetti Sauce. If Only I Had A Man Around! Dinner Is Ruined!

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Wendillon
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She should have asserted dominance by opening a jar herself in front of her mom

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#5

Gendering Eggs Now, Are We?

Gendering Eggs Now, Are We?

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Suggesting that women will go crazy over a product wrapped in pink packaging just because some marketer assumes that all women love pink can come across as downright insulting, co-researcher Leslie K. John, the Marvin Bower Associate Professor at HBS, said.

"In a way, this project reminds me of my childhood," John explained. "When I was a kid, I had a babysitter who said, 'Leslie, your favorite color is pink.' She would put pink bows in my hair. Everything had to be pink. This project is partly a reaction against this feeling that just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I love pink! There's something very off-putting about feeling like you're being reduced to a single category of membership."

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#6

And It’s Only $49.99!

And It’s Only $49.99!

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sturmwesen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair, a lot of women could buy one-for-all but don't and the variety for "male" body care grows.

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#7

Names Have A Gender?

Names Have A Gender?

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#8

What To Get My Niece For Christmas

What To Get My Niece For Christmas

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Bow, I’m a Slytherin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If my aunt was here, she’d say ‘makeup’. I’m not even a girl, I was AFAB, she doesn’t know that though, and for t he past 3 Christmases and my birthdays, she’s only gave me makeup-

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But where does this false notion come from? Why do companies keep trying to sell their products by emphasizing the buyer's gender? Well, the answer to this question might lie in one 2017 Pew Research Center survey.

It discovered that Americans think men and women are basically different in the way they express their feelings, their physical abilities, their personal interests, and their approach to parenting. But there is no public consensus on the origins of these differences.

#9

Gatekeeping A Yellow Jacket, Among Other Normal Things

Gatekeeping A Yellow Jacket, Among Other Normal Things

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#10

Shaming Elephants

Shaming Elephants

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I think marketers know this. Maybe some of them just haven't realized that to have an opinion and to base your purchasing decision on it are two different things.

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This applies to other aspects, not only gender. According to previous research, for example, even stereotypes that cast people in a positive light—such as Asians excel in math—can trigger a negative reaction from these groups.

#12

Girls Don’t Have Ankles

Girls Don’t Have Ankles

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Haley Brock
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ahhh i think thats worse than period pains *ow* and last time i checked... i have two ankles

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#13

Fellas, Is It Gay To Touch Your Face?

Fellas, Is It Gay To Touch Your Face?

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Anna McHugh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's true, though. Holding your face together is the only thing preventing his XY-jaw from dragging along the floor, with his XY-knuckles. Plus, he has bonus nose-picking modality this way.

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#14

Sounds Very Mormon

Sounds Very Mormon

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Piet Puk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How I can tell that this guy has a small penis? Because there is nothing telling what sex he is when he wears pants.

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#16

Cancer Isn't Gendered, Support Shouldn't Be Either

Cancer Isn't Gendered, Support Shouldn't Be Either

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#17

This Guy Gets It

This Guy Gets It

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It gets even scarier in fragrance commercials for men that show women sniffing at that stuff...

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#18

In Estonian "Ta" (Or "Tema") Means Both "She" And "He", Google Translate Decides By Context

In Estonian "Ta" (Or "Tema") Means Both "She" And "He", Google Translate Decides By Context

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#20

Because That Is Totally How It Works

Because That Is Totally How It Works

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artok
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should not be angry because people lacks of knowledge. Flamingos are pink, many fishes are blue... Just teach them instead of getting angry which leads to nowhere

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#21

Apparently It’s Gay To See Now

Apparently It’s Gay To See Now

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Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Real men don't go out of their way for street signs, the street signs scarper out of the way.

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#22

This Is The Worst One I've Ever Seen

This Is The Worst One I've Ever Seen

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#23

Girls Live On A Different Planet

Girls Live On A Different Planet

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#24

Toothpaste For Men Only!

Toothpaste For Men Only!

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Haley Brock
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wtf i use that toothpaste and i use men's deodorent and its not to strong for my fragile feminine teeth or under arms this makes me so mad

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#25

Wait Until He Learns That Men Have Butt Cheeks Too

Wait Until He Learns That Men Have Butt Cheeks Too

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#26

Pointlessly Gendered Shelter Caused Trans Student To Be Left Outside

Pointlessly Gendered Shelter Caused Trans Student To Be Left Outside

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Truth Monster
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bureaucracy at its finest.....lol. Also, what a stupid shooter plan. "Look, there's a shooter! Quick! separate by genders!"

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#29

Food Is Feminine

Food Is Feminine

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...it likely was 95% barbecue receipes since "real men will only eat meat" roasted to charcoal and not touch anything sweet.

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Elsker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

found an old 80's 'cookbook for men' in granny's cupboard. The difference? All recipes had booze in 'em

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Konpat
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, that's hilarious! I need that for the pandemic isolation... Desinfection, of course

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Jason Statham
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How long does it take to roast a man? What is the optimal temperature to put them in for?

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Robert McKenzie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never learned how to cook, because it does not interest me. Therefore cook books for men are appropriate for at least some of us who are single and don’t want to eat out or have takeaway EVERY night.

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Dilly Millandry
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But no one knows those terms unless taught them. I was given an excellent book that broke it all down and explained the meanings of things. That isn't male or female, just beginner.

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Meike H
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only correct response to that is saying yes and then directing them to the cookbook section

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Nikki Sevven
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I should really go check my extensive cookbook collection and ensure they're separated by gender," said no one ever.

artok avatar
artok
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are you surprised? Did not you know that both the skills of the average man and the preferences are different? Is it normal that publishers call the attention of potential buyers indicating their item to who is addressed to

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Felicor Bongolan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Think positive : at least they're stating to think that they are allowed and can cook.

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M O'Connell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For some reason open-fire cooking (grilling, pit-cooking, dutch-oven cookery, etc.) has been lumped into the 'male domain.' Who knows why that is... perhaps all the related implements are heavy? I have no idea.

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Eliyahu Rooff
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In defense of the publishers, a lot of guys were never taught to cook while growing up, either at home or school, and need a cookbook that doesn't assume you know how to blanch, broil, separate eggs, sift flour, or many other things that would be basic for someone who learned to cook.

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Amy Pattie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean I have a lunchbox cook book made by dads for dads and I’m not gonna say the thought of a dad making me lunch in the morning fills an empty void in my heart with glee... but it probably does for someone out there.

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Steve in Denver
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sell her the most expensive cookbook and say it was written for men.

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Karen Lyon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My sister-in-law gave her eldest a cookbook called "A Man, a Can, a Plan" when he moved out of the house. That's cute though....

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Daniel Callaway
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ted Nugent and many other OutdoorsMEN have cookbooks aimed at Game Food, not necessarily aimed at Men though. Teds wife has a lot of input into his book too.

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Brandi VanSteenwyk
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ironic that historically, Chefs were immediately thought to be males. We were always taken aback when the person in the chef's hat had breasts. Such a contradiction of expectations.

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Hugh Cookson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But bizarrely, the majority of professional Chefs are men ...... it is getting better and less 'masculine' but still a way to go yet (ex Chef here - 40 years before the stove .... still got the physical and mental scars ..)

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Paul Neff
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worse, if stereotypes are to be expected, the recipes were probably dumbed down, since men don't have the cooking genes...

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IlovemydogShilo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm female and my brother teaches me too cook. He's a brilliant professional chef.

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Trizia Norris
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My reply would have been "Do you want to roast him or bake him?"

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Damo Lee Park
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oh no, men need simple cookbooks. "how to boil an egg" is usually one of the first recipes

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Sasha Kuleshov
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh yeah, baking is for Women, Grilling is for Men because MEAT! XP

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Robert T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well sometimes it is the way they are written, hence the creation of this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mens-Cooking-Manual-Owners-Kitchen/dp/0857338412/ref=asc_df_0857338412/

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a very smol kitteh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wt the heck, i like to cook and im male, no such thing as cookbook for men dummy

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kjorn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

remember that 70's show when Red says that : Men grill. Put the dinosaur on the barbecue and the wife made the salad. Joanne was funny.

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#30

Pockets?!

Pockets?!

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Persp Gold
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to wear mens slacks for this reason and too many people thought it was a strange thing for me (female) to do

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#31

Men Can't Be Anorexic Apparently

Men Can't Be Anorexic Apparently

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#32

No Bro It’s War Paint

No Bro It’s War Paint

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Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kinda contradicts the "You're a man you don't need a mirror" of nearby post.

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#33

Gender Appropriate "Fun"

Gender Appropriate "Fun"

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A classic. And look how happy everyone is with his and especially her role.

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#34

Fruity Drinks Are Bomb

Fruity Drinks Are Bomb

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#36

Had To Share

Had To Share

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#38

Because Sexualising Babies Is Okay...

Because Sexualising Babies Is Okay...

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Joonscrab
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ewww I'm disgusted. The second one looks like something pesos would think of.

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#39

Pointlessly Gendered Lit Sides

Pointlessly Gendered Lit Sides

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#40

Low Testosterone Male Pink Tool Set

Low Testosterone Male Pink Tool Set

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Joonscrab
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Patriarchy is the worst for all genders. Even men. These toxic masculine alpha males should really stfu.

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#42

“Things To Say When You’re Staring At A Boy Trying To Think Of What To Say”

“Things To Say When You’re Staring At A Boy Trying To Think Of What To Say”

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#43

Fathering A Child? Sounds Pretty Girly To Me

Fathering A Child? Sounds Pretty Girly To Me

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Truth Monster
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

having a designer bag doesn't make you afraid of not being masculine. Why do you think there are diaper bags with flowers and cute baby animals? Because the demographic they are trying to sell the diaper bag to like it.

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#44

Because Somehow Exercise And Dieting Can Be Gender Specific?

Because Somehow Exercise And Dieting Can Be Gender Specific?

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Sanne H.
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn’t it girly to worry so much about your masculinity all the time? 😉

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#45

Found This Gem On Tumblr

Found This Gem On Tumblr

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#47

Green Is Man, Red Is Woman

Green Is Man, Red Is Woman

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Persp Gold
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unclear whether this is gendering or just keeping a theme edit: Just realized these are different white people on unrelated album?movie? covers.

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#49

Pointlessly Gendered And Homophobic At The Same Time

Pointlessly Gendered And Homophobic At The Same Time

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#50

Pink Bad For Rap

Pink Bad For Rap

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