Over the summer, I took a walk about the mall. In the window of Garage, a store that specializes in teenage girls’ clothing, I noticed a t-shirt that read “Make Boys Cry”. At first, I considered buying the t-shirt, thinking the saying was empowering towards females due to males stereotypically being thought of as the “dominant” gender. As I thought about the saying more, I decided that “Make Boys Cry” is actually harmful to males. While I advocate for women’s empowerment, I do not believe emotionally hurting another gender is the answer.
The phrase “Make Boys Cry” is flat-out mean. I do not think a saying that advocates for making another person cry should ever be promoted. By using the word “make,” I interpret that deliberate effort is being put into making boys cry. This may cause them to feel weak or bad about themselves. Whether trying to get revenge, wanting to feel better about yourself, or trying to assert dominance, is it really worth it to make someone else cry? I believe not. In preschool and middle school, I was guilty of making boys cry. I felt empowered at first for being the one to make someone else cry rather than being the one crying. However, in retrospect, I wish I could have taken back my actions. Whoever said that “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me” is wrong. I can testify that words can hurt and I think the boys I made cry would agree with me. I never want someone to make me cry again and similarly never want to make someone else cry again.
The word “make” is also problematic in implying that boys do not cry on their own. Rather, someone else has to “make” them cry. You have probably heard the phrases “boys don’t cry” or “man up” to teach boys to be emotionally stoic. Phrases like those that encourage outdated gender roles should never be said. “Make boys cry” is no better at normalizing boys’ emotions. Everyone should be allowed to cry. Doing so is a natural way of expressing one’s sadness, grief, or even joy. Instead of saying “Make Boys Cry”, try saying “Boys Cry Too”. This phrase sends a positive message that boys should be allowed to cry in public. Also, there is nothing that implies that someone else caused boys to cry. If you want to promote women’s empowerment, I suggest buying a t-shirt that says “Girl Power” or “Fight Like a Girl” instead.
The next time you see a t-shirt you like, ask yourself “Is this really sending a positive message?” before you buy it.