Different values call for distinct rules, standards and roles in every household. The American dream describes itself as a big house behind a white picket fence with an innocent little girl, a respectable little boy, a dog and a happily married suburban couple. In the real world, the sweet little girl breaks the respectable little boy’s Xbox and the respectable little boy decapitates the innocent little girl’s doll head. Their parents advise them that two wrongs do not make a right, and the war between the brother and sister ends. Until the next one begins.
Many factors go into the rules of each household. The rules in place are usually there to keep the children in line, among other things. Naturally there is somewhat of a double standard in the rules, depending on age, culture and sometimes gender. In explaining the standards based on the age difference between each sibling, older siblings tend to have more freedom than younger children.
This is a normal process of maturing and gaining responsibility. However, what makes the double standard between younger and older siblings more apparent is that, when it comes time for the younger siblings to follow the strict curfews and outing limitations that the older siblings faced, the rules no longer apply to them.
For example, I was not allowed to get a phone until at least seventh grade, nor could I hang out with classmates my mother did not personally know. When my little sister was in seventh grade, she could hang out with whoever she wanted — staying out until much later than I was allowed to — and she got her first phone in sixth grade. I am sure that when she gets to high school, there will be even more things she has the liberty to do that I could not.
In many households, boys tend to have more liberty than girls, simply because of how the world works. This is not something I completely reject, because as a girl, there are terrors of the world specifically designed to tear me apart. However, I do believe that it is unfair, not due to the difference in treatment, but because of the world around us. The world around us which has caused women to walk with their keys between their knuckles and always keep their drinks covered. Because of this world, boys tend to have the liberty to stay out until dawn, and girls need to be home before dusk.
Culture also plays into the contrasting principles between brother and sister. In Hispanic culture, traditionally, the women’s sole purpose in the household is to cook, clean and mother children. Though I come from Hispanic roots, and I can cook, clean and babysit children, I am not expected to, nor is it a requirement. My brother on the other hand, is expected to uphold the Hispanic belief of being a strong and macho man. He in turn receives more freedom to roam the city, and is allowed to go on walks at night and alone.
In comparison, African culture differs from Hispanic culture in the sense that instead of diminishing a woman’s power, they are viewed as a caregiver, homemaker as well as the breadwinner for the family. According to the Institute for Research on Poverty, “Recent estimates suggest that more than half of all black families are headed by women.” In turn, creating an entirely different double standard, one of complete opposition.
Each culture and household has their own rules and roles. I personally do not agree with the difference in treatment between older and younger siblings, as well as the double standard between brother and sister. Specifically, because the difference in treatment between brother and sister, creates inequality not only in the household but in society as well.
