Surviving Among Deeply Conditioned Misogynists: Breaking Free from the Chains of Patriarchy

Introduction:

Every day, I wake up to a world that’s been shaped by a system that teaches people -especially men - that they have a right to dominance. A system that conditions women to accept their place as secondary, less important, and incapable of equal power. This conditioning isn’t just something you can see - it’s woven into every interaction, every expectation, and every rule we live by. It’s the culture we are born into, and it’s suffocating.

For those of us who dare to question it, to challenge the deeply ingrained misogyny around us, it feels like a battle for survival. It feels like being a lone warrior in a fight no one seems to understand or even see. Misogyny is not just an isolated act of violence or disrespect: it’s a pervasive mindset that seeps into every aspect of our lives. And if you’re a woman who dares to challenge it, prepare to be labeled, shut down, and demonized. But here’s the harsh truth: this is what it feels like to survive in a world designed to keep us down.

The Roots of Misogynistic Conditioning:

Misogyny isn’t just about the loud, overt actions you see on TV or in the news. It’s not just about the men who openly degrade women or the misogynists you can easily identify. The real danger lies in how ingrained this belief system is in our society. It’s not something we’re taught in schools, but something we breathe in from the moment we’re born.

When we’re kids, the conditioning begins with what we’re allowed to play with, how we’re allowed to speak, and who we’re allowed to be. Girls are taught to be pretty, quiet, and compliant. We’re raised to believe that our value lies in our looks and our ability to please others. Boys, on the other hand, are taught to be strong, loud, and dominant.

They are told that power is their birthright. And if you’re a girl who dares to speak out, to assert your opinion, or to take up space? You’re immediately told you’re “too much”: too loud, too aggressive, too angry. You’re forced to shrink back, to fall in line, to play by the rules.

And even though we might break free of some of these constraints, the conditioning doesn’t stop there. It continues throughout our lives. In school, we’re punished for speaking up too much or for questioning authority. At work, we’re expected to accept lower pay, fewer opportunities, and less respect. In every space we occupy, we are reminded that we are secondary. And this constant reinforcement is what creates the deeply conditioned mindset of misogyny.

The Emotional Cost of Living in a Misogynistic World:

For those of us who refuse to accept this conditioning, the emotional toll is unrelenting. Every day feels like a struggle; like walking into battle without armour. When you try to challenge the system, when you speak up, when you demand the same rights as everyone else, you are met with pushback, resistance, and punishment. Your existence is suddenly a problem that needs to be fixed.

And when you’re constantly told that you’re “too much,” “too loud,” or “too opinionated,” it begins to chip away at your self-worth. You start questioning yourself, wondering if maybe you are too much. You internalize the hatred society throws at you, and it becomes harder to see your own value. This is what it feels like to survive in a world that wasn’t made for you. Every word, every glance, every comment is a reminder that you don’t belong here, that you’re fighting a battle that you may never win.

But even worse than that is the loneliness. The feeling that no one around you understands. You’re surrounded by people who have been conditioned to think in a way that hurts you, yet they can’t see it. They’ll defend the system, they’ll justify the cruelty, and they’ll tell you that you’re just being “too sensitive.” And all the while, you’re fighting an invisible war that takes a toll on your body, your mind, and your spirit.

The Fight to Break Free:

But despite this, despite the overwhelming odds, we must fight. We must survive. And more than that, we must break free from the chains that have been placed around us.

First, we must acknowledge the conditioning for what it is. It’s not just individual behavior: it’s a system that has been built over centuries, designed to keep women in their place. Once we recognize this, we can start to dismantle it.

We start by rejecting the narrative that we are too much. We reject the idea that our voices are not meant to be heard. We push back against the toxic masculinity that teaches men they must dominate and control. We create spaces for ourselves and for other women to be seen and heard. We demand respect, not as a favor, but as a right.

The fight is not easy, and the road is long. But every time we speak up, every time we challenge the status quo, we chip away at the foundation of misogyny. We give other women the courage to do the same. We build a movement – a movement that doesn’t just survive, but thrives.

Survival is Resistance:

Survival in a world built on misogyny is not just about getting by: it’s about resisting, refusing to accept a system that was never meant to include us. It’s about continuing to fight, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

And while it may feel like we are alone in this battle, the truth is we are not. Every woman who dares to speak up is another warrior in this fight. Every voice that rises against the tide is a beacon of hope for others. We are not the problem. We are the solution. We are not “too much..” We are exactly what this world needs.

We are living in a world that has been deeply conditioned to misogyny. But that doesn’t mean we have to accept it. It’s time to break free, to speak up, and to fight back. Our survival is our resistance. Our survival is our victory. And we will keep fighting, no matter the cost. Because in the end, it’s not just about surviving - it’s about thriving, and changing the world for every woman who comes after us.



Disclaimer: This article has been written by a HASSL Ambassador as part of our community content initiative. While all ambassador contributions are reviewed for clarity, tone, and alignment with our values before publication, the views expressed are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views or official position of HASSL.

These articles are intended to amplify personal perspectives, lived experiences, and knowledge from our wider community. They are not authored by the HASSL team, and HASSL does not claim ownership over the content.

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