Sexism In The Friend-Zone: Who Is The Friend-Zone?

Sexism is defined as the overarching system of advantages bestowed upon men. As a prejudice and discriminatory ideology based on gender, founded on a patriarchal structure of male dominance promoted through individual, institutional, social, and cultural systems. As an umbrella unfairly placed above the heads of men in the presence of a monsoon, leaving the women cold, wet, and yearning for equality. The insidious ideology that fuels sexism in culture not only perpetuates misogynistic dogmatism, but poses as a direct threat to women’s safety and self-esteem in various ways. The most commonly overlooked form of sexism is the “Friend-zone”, a manifestation of misogynistic ideology created by vapid petulant men who refuse to take “no” for an answer, and is used as an excuse for aggressive male dominance as well as sexual and domestic violence. According to the friend
This seemingly comical yet sexist concept negates the meaning of the word “no”, diminishes the concept of consent, further perpetuates rape culture, and globalizes a sense of entitlement over women. The rampant deterioration of consent is a dangerous asset derived from the “friend-zone”. The friend zone has created an atmosphere where woman are afraid to refuse a man’s romantic or sexual proposal due to the possible violent repercussions of their decisions. An article by sociology expert Nicki Cole recounts the story of Maren Sanchez who killed by male classmate Chris Plaskon after refusing to be his prom date ,perfectly depicting the situations that occur from the dangerous ideology of the friend zone. Plaskon allegedly wrapped his hands around Maren’s throat and choked her, before shoving her down a stairwell. Witnesses say he then armed himself with a kitchen knife he had brought from home, and used it to slash Maren across her neck, chest, and