One that really gets me is the focus on youth and beauty. And I was only ever a young, good looking woman before transition, so I'm not saying this out of personal bitterness or anything. But so much of a woman's perceived worth is based on her body and age - things out of her control. As a woman, if you haven't won the genetic lottery, you're never going to have much access to the only real power women have in this world. And even if you have, you only get that for a very short window. Your perceived value falls every year. Not to the people who love you, but to the world at large and potential partners.
Because this is all based on the physical, it's always a losing game. Whereas men's value is largely based on behavior, something that you can control. A man can always come back and improve himself and win the 'man's game' by proving himself, even if he's past 40. While even the winners of the 'woman's game' are sidelined at 30 (or even as early as 25). And it's not something women can beat even by playing the 'man's game'. Not just because of sexism, but because it's not perceived the same way. I mean, a woman can be wildly successful and that's awesome and valuable. But it's not received the same way. Not only socially, but sexually. Men don't want Hillary Clinton. Women want Bill. Hell, women want Donald Trump and Hugh Hefner. But nobody's lining up for Oprah and Martha Stewart. The Kim Kardashians of the world have more power. But not for long. She's getting on in (female) years, so I don't blame her for trying to milk it for all it's worth.
Not saying the world's standards for male success are a cakewalk either, but at least they're something largely based on behavior and actions. He can keep trying and his efforts don't depreciate. Women are mostly valued for a depreciating asset.
*Sure, it's not like this on paper, but it's like this in people's minds. Everyone probably agrees it shouldn't be. But it is. 'It' is largely over for a woman by 30, men get at least double that.
