As the mother of 2 teenage girls, I really think it would be easier to teach boys how to respectfully treat other people than it is to try to teach girls to be constantly vigilant about getting assaulted.

It says to me: no further development can be expected. Makes me turn away from both the speaker and the subject.

It's a phrase used when boys act in a way designated as "typically masculine" by a patriarchal society - which, more often than not, means they have been aggressive and/or stupid. Personally, I think men should find that rather insulting: boys and men can also be gentle, thoughtful, kind and nurturing. This is another benefit of feminism - it allows males, as well as well as females, to be who they are and all they can be.

It is a subtle example of misandry.

I agree with you 100%.

I've always liked this song because it challenged gender stereotypes.

This is why I have no posterity. I would have had to drown the boys like kittens in a burlap sack.

I've only heard it used to excuse inexcusable actions . As in , "He raped my daughter . Well you know , boys will be boys ."

And girls will be girls.

Wow. Very interesting comments. My perception of this phrase is a much different definition than the majority here. I've only heard it used, and used it myself, to express admiration for something young men did or are doing. Usually something aggressively physical, or pushing the limit to achieve a goal. Frequently connected with physical danger for "the boys".

Boys will be boys and Girls will be girls but when we mature we need to behave like Men if we are men and Women if we are women.

What about man up? The adage once was "so mature" with derogatory overtones. Think it would be stated accept personal responsibility. That is more of an androgynous statement.