The Double Standard

Jessica shares a spoken word piece about her experience as a pregnant Latina student and how she and other women deal with the double standard of gender.

For all videos:

  • What did you see in the video?
  • What do you think this video was about?
  • What stood out to you the most in this video?

For this video:

  • Have you ever witnessed double standards around gender in your community? In the media?
  • Does a double standard for men and women exist? What are some examples?
  • Why do you think these double standards are in place?
  • Who benefits from a double standard?
  • What would you like to see change?

Materials needed: Stickers, glitter, glue sticks, markers, colored pencils, crayons, writing utensils, copies of clothing templates

Step 1.
Read the students this background information:

In 2012 a group of Baltimore feminists pranked Victoria’s Secret by creating a fake website to promote the non-existent underwear line “Pink Loves Consent.” The prank plays off of Victoria’s Secret’s “Pink” line and highlights how Victoria’s Secret’s “Pink” is problematic with phrases like “Sure Thing” appearing on the front of women’s underwear. People all over the internet thought it was real, and got so excited to see Victoria’s Secret taking a stand in support of women. When Victoria’s Secret found out about the prank, they responded with a cease and desist letter, which only made the internet buzz all that much bigger.(huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/04/pink-loves-consent-underw_n_2239534.html)

Step 2.
Pass out the blank clothing templates along with the markers, pens, glue, and glitter.

Step 3.
Ask the class:

  • If Victoria’s Secret can put ‘Sure Thing’ on women’s underwear, which potentially reinforces rape culture and double standards, then what can we put on clothing that heals the damage?

Step 4.
Give the class time to create their own line of consent-themed clothing inspired by the Baltimore feminists.

Step 5.
Instruct the class to pitch their piece of clothing like they are in a board meeting of a major fashion company.

Step 6.
Explain that each student will present their designs with an explanation of their piece why they made it. Encourage your students to clap for each other after each presentation.

If you feel that presentations won’t work for your class, hold a gallery walk instead:

  • Have the students tape their clothing up on the classroom walls.
  • Instruct students to walk around the class, observe the work, and write what they like about particular designs.

Step 7.
Encourage a class discussion as a closing of this activity. Engage the class in dialogue:

  • What was it like to make your own clothing as a response to Victoria’s Secret and present it?
  • Which pieces of clothing did you like the best and why?
  • How can you continue to challenge the double standard and companies like Victoria’s Secret that support it?
  • Would you change anything in the video we saw? Or the exercise we participated in?