‘If You Think You’re Too Fat, Keep it to Yourself.’ Why is a School in Utah Giving Girls Madly Sexist Advice?

Highland High School in Utah had the bizarre idea of creating an assignment for a financial literacy and adult roles class, which would involve students going on a date that cost $5. But that’s not where the absurdity ends: the class teacher gave out handouts (which were apparently approved by the state) by with ‘suggestions’ for girls and boys about what not to do to screw up their dates.

While the boys got sage advice like “Chew with your mouth full”, the girls were issued instructions laced with sexism, like “Don’t talk about, flirt, text, or check out other guys when on a date”, “Don’t fish for compliments”, “Be feminine and lady-like, don’t use vulgar language or swear”, “Eat the food you order. Don’t waste his money”, and “If you think you’re fat, keep it to yourself.” Why is Highland High regurgitating etiquette norms of the kind listed by Vogue in 1948? And who gave this school the right to police women’s behaviour on dates anyway?