I hope I do not get docked off points for this post, but this is just a post based on my overall experience in this class. I have truthfully enjoyed it and think that I have talked about issues that before I did not truly care. I think it is important to always maintain balance in your life and most of all, try your best not to judge others. My co-anchor is a nice lady at my work and we get along but she LOVES to gossip and judge other people based on their work actions and personal actions. Actions like this make me wonder what she says about me behind my back.
I know I have been guilt before of acting judgmental but ever since this class I have tried very hard to refrain from this and genuinely only say things that are nice. Kaleido's readings brought up a lot of points about gender equality and how society views issues like this and I think there are so many stereotypes hidden today that no one realizes that need to be broken. It is important to be an individual and not do or say things only to hopefully be accepted. Be yourself, let your heart be seen and the right people will come to you. :)
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Journal #12
I also read reading #48 in Kaleido and thought it was interesting because it discussed men and masculinity and the differences. I think it is interesting because I know most men try extremely hard to be as masculine as possible to fit in and be accepted by the surrounding peer group. This is almost a solid fact because I feel everyone is guilty of it at least one point in time (including myself). But I think it really does depend on the person and situation.
For example, for work I do wear makeup because I am a weekend anchor and my appearance HAS to look good on air. But no one makes fun of me because this is expected for my profession and not necessarily out of the ordinary. But if I were to do this in everyday life than people would look at me like "What is this guy's problem? He must be gay." When in reality it is one's own personal choice even though it may be different compared to most guys. But that is because the way society is formed and the way people are seen and judged.
I think it is important not to judge but also balance a reaffirmation of commitment to women's equality with a recognition of men's and boys' potential for action.
For example, for work I do wear makeup because I am a weekend anchor and my appearance HAS to look good on air. But no one makes fun of me because this is expected for my profession and not necessarily out of the ordinary. But if I were to do this in everyday life than people would look at me like "What is this guy's problem? He must be gay." When in reality it is one's own personal choice even though it may be different compared to most guys. But that is because the way society is formed and the way people are seen and judged.
I think it is important not to judge but also balance a reaffirmation of commitment to women's equality with a recognition of men's and boys' potential for action.
Journal #11
I am a big sports fanatic myself, so I loved reading about gender and sports when I cam across reading #43 by Kaleido. One point in the reading he mentions that the majority of head coaches are male and not females. And a coach that was interviewed stated no women volunteer, when in reality the text says men mainly CHOOSE to to be coaches while women CHOOSE to be team parents or partake in another activity or hobby.
Now I can completely agree with this from personal experience, because I remember in 8th grade my dad stepped up and coached my YMCA basketball team when our head coach was gone for three weeks. It never even occurred to me that my mom would even offer to coach (which she didn't) and I think that deals with the main stereotypes we normally face as a society. While ANYONE can coach and I believe if you have the credentials it does not matter what gender you are, I think it is just the norm that men coach the majority of teams while mothers and females cheer from the stands. Not only that, but coaching takes a lot of work and if a mother already has prior commitments to helping raise the children or something along those lines it is even more difficult for them to stand up to the task.
If you have the credentials, by all means feel free to coach me! But I think from what the reading says and from what society says more men coach teams rather than women. And that is just how our society is run. Period. And I do not think anything is wrong with this?
Now I can completely agree with this from personal experience, because I remember in 8th grade my dad stepped up and coached my YMCA basketball team when our head coach was gone for three weeks. It never even occurred to me that my mom would even offer to coach (which she didn't) and I think that deals with the main stereotypes we normally face as a society. While ANYONE can coach and I believe if you have the credentials it does not matter what gender you are, I think it is just the norm that men coach the majority of teams while mothers and females cheer from the stands. Not only that, but coaching takes a lot of work and if a mother already has prior commitments to helping raise the children or something along those lines it is even more difficult for them to stand up to the task.
If you have the credentials, by all means feel free to coach me! But I think from what the reading says and from what society says more men coach teams rather than women. And that is just how our society is run. Period. And I do not think anything is wrong with this?
Friday, July 11, 2014
Journal #10
Reading bored me because all it talked about was the different corporations that brought in not only its own culture but gendered assumptions to the factories in the Philippines.
It is true women face more issues than men usually in the workplace and this reading referenced it perfectly. Which include gender relations in the Philippines. I think it is important to give everyone an equal fair chance and not discriminate in the workforce based on gender. Experience and talent and hard work should trump all. Period.
It is true women face more issues than men usually in the workplace and this reading referenced it perfectly. Which include gender relations in the Philippines. I think it is important to give everyone an equal fair chance and not discriminate in the workforce based on gender. Experience and talent and hard work should trump all. Period.
Journal #9
Reading 25 in Kaleido was my favorite we have read so far, because I just thought it was interesting how the readings referred to boys appearing as products when normally we see woman that appear as products for men.
The study went on to talk about how girls are good at shopping and this can correlate for girls to be good at choosing the right guy or being able to change their behavior. I think this a large stretch to begin with, but I do know how this can be the case because my sisters and friends would always talk about the "bad boys" or the ones who were mean but they could not help they were so attracted to him. I think this is an ongoing theme for females to like men that tend to be meaner yet get the most attention because of it.
The magazine goes on to explain men are very superficial in what they see and women and like, but I beg to differ. I know that is the stereotype that goes around, but there are also men who are attracted to whats inside of the woman (personality, smarts, etc). I can see how the magazines say these things because it is true at any point for any guy in their life but a lot of females do not know that men do value more than just their looks; at least I do.
Journal #8
Kaleido reading 21 caught my attention from the beginning. Gender Stereotypes in relation to Halloween. I will keep this entry short because of all of the other posts you have to read, but I just find it fascinating the way companies and organizations steer people with gender.
It was interesting to find in this study that the masculine types of costumes included villainous characters such as Captain Hook and monsters such as Frankenstein. I think this is a stereotype in itself because it shows boys like darker/more thrilling types of costumes/material as opposed to girls which society says they are to be more "girl acting" and like fluffier nicer things.
Numbers usually never lie, but I think it still is important not to rely on stereotypes because although the boys and girls purchased specific costumes according to their gender, I still think that is not always accurate. That is the issue with society today, everyone falls into the trap of believing everything they see or hear (mainly stereotypes) and it automatically produces a thought of what one person should act or sound like and that should NOT be the case.
It was interesting to find in this study that the masculine types of costumes included villainous characters such as Captain Hook and monsters such as Frankenstein. I think this is a stereotype in itself because it shows boys like darker/more thrilling types of costumes/material as opposed to girls which society says they are to be more "girl acting" and like fluffier nicer things.
Numbers usually never lie, but I think it still is important not to rely on stereotypes because although the boys and girls purchased specific costumes according to their gender, I still think that is not always accurate. That is the issue with society today, everyone falls into the trap of believing everything they see or hear (mainly stereotypes) and it automatically produces a thought of what one person should act or sound like and that should NOT be the case.
Journal #7
Reading 31 in Kaleido in reference to "Gender and Work" was interesting but not my favorite topic. I feel a lot of the material I have a solid grasp on what to expect because a lot of it seems to deal with societies views of stereotypes. The reading mentioned how power differences within organizational class levels differ. For example, women managers may work quietly to do the keep things running while men managers rise to heroic heights to solve spectacular issues.
This is funny, because this is the EXACT situation at my current job. My News Director is a woman and does a good job at work, but its very subtle compared to the GM. The GM is a large micromanager and is not afraid to share his opinion to anyone he is talking to. I do not prefer his approach to the workplace but it something I have to work with considering the amazing opportunity I have been given. People like to mention and say women do not have a say in the workforce, and men are always the dominant ones.
BUT according businessinsider.com without women our economy would 25% smaller. I think the numbers explain themselves. Women may not have the same ability or traits as men but they are just as productive in other ways. Point made :)
This is funny, because this is the EXACT situation at my current job. My News Director is a woman and does a good job at work, but its very subtle compared to the GM. The GM is a large micromanager and is not afraid to share his opinion to anyone he is talking to. I do not prefer his approach to the workplace but it something I have to work with considering the amazing opportunity I have been given. People like to mention and say women do not have a say in the workforce, and men are always the dominant ones.
BUT according businessinsider.com without women our economy would 25% smaller. I think the numbers explain themselves. Women may not have the same ability or traits as men but they are just as productive in other ways. Point made :)
Journal #6
Continuing on with the theme of parenthood, reading 41 with Kaleido also touched home with me. It discussed class and fatherhood and the relationship of social class to two different models of masculinity.
My dad was always very busy with work, but also made an effort to be there for me and my other siblings whether it be a sporting event or something that held great importance. But he even mentioned to me at one point he wished he spent more time with his family in the past and not let work get the best of him. The reading said men in a higher class/higher paying jobs tend to work more hours affecting their participation with their family which I have experienced in my lifetime. Due to my father's well paying job I think it is safe to say he was tremendously busy during his workweek, but that is all I knew at the time so I did not know what else to expect.
The reading also discussed how fathers being at the game is what mattered most. And I can safely say my dad did that. He was always a strong support even though he worked tremendously. As I will continue to stress, balance is a large large contributing role to be able to make everyone that matters to you happy in your life. With the ability of the wife to help with the family when the father is busy also helps to help fill the "void" when he or she is not available at the present moment.
According to life.familyeducation.com it is important for parents to set a limit for themselves as well and not overdo anything. If this happens then there really won't be time to attribute all of their energy to the family.
My dad was always very busy with work, but also made an effort to be there for me and my other siblings whether it be a sporting event or something that held great importance. But he even mentioned to me at one point he wished he spent more time with his family in the past and not let work get the best of him. The reading said men in a higher class/higher paying jobs tend to work more hours affecting their participation with their family which I have experienced in my lifetime. Due to my father's well paying job I think it is safe to say he was tremendously busy during his workweek, but that is all I knew at the time so I did not know what else to expect.
The reading also discussed how fathers being at the game is what mattered most. And I can safely say my dad did that. He was always a strong support even though he worked tremendously. As I will continue to stress, balance is a large large contributing role to be able to make everyone that matters to you happy in your life. With the ability of the wife to help with the family when the father is busy also helps to help fill the "void" when he or she is not available at the present moment.
According to life.familyeducation.com it is important for parents to set a limit for themselves as well and not overdo anything. If this happens then there really won't be time to attribute all of their energy to the family.
Journal #5
In this post I would like to primarily focus on reading 37 in Kaleido. this specific reading looked into the balance of power in marriages and how that power is to used in relationships that are supposed to be based on love.
I like to believe I am very fortunate in the fact that I was raised in a wonderful family with a tremendous support group, and that all begins with my mother and father. The reading says the man's main responsibilities are to provide for the family economically and to represent the family to the community at large, while the wife's responsibilities are to care for the home, husband and children.
While this may be a stereotype I think it is fairly accurate within today's society. I think the setting may be very different as more and more often women are seen in the workforce and may change the children's perception of the world if this is the case. Fortunately for me it was not, but the reading does mention if both spouses work then this could change the gendered expectations and meanings surrounding bred winning and how it seen that ONLY men can provide for the family.
I think balance and letting children know that either spouse can provide for the family is also a healthy and wonderful opportunity. As I mentioned I was fortunate where my dad provided for the family and my mother was able to stay home and tend to the children, but either option has its benefits and cons, if you will.
I think this is a funny but unrealistic stereotype and example of what people tend to think of women in the workplace. It is unfortunate they have such a negative spotlight in the workforce, and I think that needs to change over time.
I like to believe I am very fortunate in the fact that I was raised in a wonderful family with a tremendous support group, and that all begins with my mother and father. The reading says the man's main responsibilities are to provide for the family economically and to represent the family to the community at large, while the wife's responsibilities are to care for the home, husband and children.
While this may be a stereotype I think it is fairly accurate within today's society. I think the setting may be very different as more and more often women are seen in the workforce and may change the children's perception of the world if this is the case. Fortunately for me it was not, but the reading does mention if both spouses work then this could change the gendered expectations and meanings surrounding bred winning and how it seen that ONLY men can provide for the family.
I think balance and letting children know that either spouse can provide for the family is also a healthy and wonderful opportunity. As I mentioned I was fortunate where my dad provided for the family and my mother was able to stay home and tend to the children, but either option has its benefits and cons, if you will.
I think this is a funny but unrealistic stereotype and example of what people tend to think of women in the workplace. It is unfortunate they have such a negative spotlight in the workforce, and I think that needs to change over time.
Journal #4
I found the fourth week to extremely interesting because, to be honest it related to me a lot even thought I am not a girl. Let me explain. Reading 29 in the Kaleido reading discussed different view points about how women view condoms, how they think other view condoms, and their own experience with them. I always find it fascinating what women think about these, because to be honest the women I have been with never even blink an eye when it comes time for the male to put one on.
In the example with the reading, Rose struggles to get the male to put on as he is very insistent on continuing to continue without. I always find it nice that some women have the smarts to ask the male to put on one, but more times than not it is the opposite. The reading also elaborates on women having sex to please the man and come off as a good lover. I don't think women I have been with were like that but I have seen MANY women in my day in college that will do anything to feel accepted and have sex to gain that acceptance (although that usually never comes).
I think what I gained from this chapter was just the fact that women (and men) need to be more aware of using protection and valuing each other. I know the moment can get the best of you, but it is important to find the balance of having self-respect and demanding (in a sense) to use protection if you feel uncomfortable. I have said it now and will say it again, it is all about balance and self respect.
In the example with the reading, Rose struggles to get the male to put on as he is very insistent on continuing to continue without. I always find it nice that some women have the smarts to ask the male to put on one, but more times than not it is the opposite. The reading also elaborates on women having sex to please the man and come off as a good lover. I don't think women I have been with were like that but I have seen MANY women in my day in college that will do anything to feel accepted and have sex to gain that acceptance (although that usually never comes).
I think what I gained from this chapter was just the fact that women (and men) need to be more aware of using protection and valuing each other. I know the moment can get the best of you, but it is important to find the balance of having self-respect and demanding (in a sense) to use protection if you feel uncomfortable. I have said it now and will say it again, it is all about balance and self respect.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Week 3 Journal
Now I know my professor is only grading 2/3 entries based on references to the readings, but I could not resist to comment about Pascoe's book, "Dude, You're a Fag: Masculinity and Femininity in High School."
When Pascoe talks about how boys in high school target other men you have a lack of masculinity, I found that to be so true. As I mentioned in my prior post I was raised with two older sisters so I may not be as rude or aggressive as other males may be (unless I need to be haha) but when one is comfortable in their own skin, others see that and try to target people like that.
Now while I have also fallen victim to the word "fag" or "faggot" and use it amongst my closer friends, or even when I am in an argument with someone I do not use it in such a negative connotation as I feel others do. But regardless, I have been called that many times before as I am sure many other males have as well and think it is unfortunate because so many people try to be accepted and fit in that they will use this word at any cost to come off as cool.
Gender roles and masculinity play such a large role in many people's lives, and I think it is unfortunate because it really at times dictates what you do or how you feel about a particular subject. Or even in chapter four in relation to getting with girls. It is always such a number one to get with as many girls as possible I find it disrespectful to the other sex. I know all males like to "chase tail" as I have myself, but I think there is a fine line with what you do and how far you actually go and what you say in the process.
Be a gentleman.
When Pascoe talks about how boys in high school target other men you have a lack of masculinity, I found that to be so true. As I mentioned in my prior post I was raised with two older sisters so I may not be as rude or aggressive as other males may be (unless I need to be haha) but when one is comfortable in their own skin, others see that and try to target people like that.
Now while I have also fallen victim to the word "fag" or "faggot" and use it amongst my closer friends, or even when I am in an argument with someone I do not use it in such a negative connotation as I feel others do. But regardless, I have been called that many times before as I am sure many other males have as well and think it is unfortunate because so many people try to be accepted and fit in that they will use this word at any cost to come off as cool.
Gender roles and masculinity play such a large role in many people's lives, and I think it is unfortunate because it really at times dictates what you do or how you feel about a particular subject. Or even in chapter four in relation to getting with girls. It is always such a number one to get with as many girls as possible I find it disrespectful to the other sex. I know all males like to "chase tail" as I have myself, but I think there is a fine line with what you do and how far you actually go and what you say in the process.
Be a gentleman.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Week 2 Journal
As I was flipping through the pages of all of the week 2 readings, I could not help but relate with what the author was saying in regards to how men are perceived. In reading number 19, Elizabeth Gilbert contemplated going a week in a man's shoes and asked her friends for advice to best represent of what a man acts like.
The remarks that followed included, "Curse recklessly and never apologize." "Let your mind wander and start looking around the room to see if there's anything nearby you can have sex with."
These are just some of the comments I thought were very interesting (and funny) to show the different stereotypes men tend to face in today's society. Gender socialization is very critical of people no matter how big or small the gesture is and I have experienced that firsthand. I remember (and still up to this day) my friends and people I knew at college would always say I was too emotional. At times I would never reciprocate to my friends comments the way they wanted me to and they would tend to say, "Stop being so emotional and like a girl."
At first I would get very frustrated with their insults, but then I began to realize I do not care if they call me a girl because I am not afraid to show my emotions and not conform to the basic stereotypes of all men. Most men today have a general conception of what all guys should be and act like and if you do not fit that category you will be seen as an outcast. I am sure being raised with two older sisters had a slight impact on me but I do not care and love who I am today.
I just think regardless of the gender, it is important to not follow the stereotypes and conceptions each gender has because not everyone abides to those "guidelines."
According to rhrealitycheck.org it also mentioned that students at schools deal with issues of gender conformity and kids were punished for not conforming to the gender roles that are seen as mandatory for a specific gender. I think a large part comes down to the parenting and making sure the child feels comfortable in their own skin and do not become affected by the outside sources/children creating a negative mindset to absorb. It all begins in the younger stages of life to set a solid foundation to live by.
The remarks that followed included, "Curse recklessly and never apologize." "Let your mind wander and start looking around the room to see if there's anything nearby you can have sex with."
These are just some of the comments I thought were very interesting (and funny) to show the different stereotypes men tend to face in today's society. Gender socialization is very critical of people no matter how big or small the gesture is and I have experienced that firsthand. I remember (and still up to this day) my friends and people I knew at college would always say I was too emotional. At times I would never reciprocate to my friends comments the way they wanted me to and they would tend to say, "Stop being so emotional and like a girl."
At first I would get very frustrated with their insults, but then I began to realize I do not care if they call me a girl because I am not afraid to show my emotions and not conform to the basic stereotypes of all men. Most men today have a general conception of what all guys should be and act like and if you do not fit that category you will be seen as an outcast. I am sure being raised with two older sisters had a slight impact on me but I do not care and love who I am today.
I just think regardless of the gender, it is important to not follow the stereotypes and conceptions each gender has because not everyone abides to those "guidelines."
According to rhrealitycheck.org it also mentioned that students at schools deal with issues of gender conformity and kids were punished for not conforming to the gender roles that are seen as mandatory for a specific gender. I think a large part comes down to the parenting and making sure the child feels comfortable in their own skin and do not become affected by the outside sources/children creating a negative mindset to absorb. It all begins in the younger stages of life to set a solid foundation to live by.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Week 1 Journal
I think the first week's of reading assignments were interesting to say the least. Sex and gender plays such a large role in today's society, but I never truly realized it or thought deeply about it until the start of this class. In the introduction of "The Kaleidoscope of Gender,"it mentioned gender stereotypes and how one can debunk these thoughts, which tend to be rigid, oversimplified, exaggerated beliefs about femininity and masculinity.
It goes on to talk about the stereotype, women talk more than men. Culture is a large part of everything we do in a daily setting and I think this has a large impact on all different stereotypes whether they are in fact true or not. The book also explains we do not become gendered alone, instead society around us helps shape our gender roles and ultimately the way we are as human beings.
Now I know this is just the beginning of the class and our readings, but I find it fascinating how society has such a strong impact on us a whole and places such strong labels on individuals it is almost sickening (at least from my point of view). I think a point I will stress continuously throughout this class is the ability for one to be an individual and not follow others. In fact, don't be afraid to express yourself and do what YOU love as opposed to doing something to fit in or just follow your gender role or to fill a stereotype.
From personal experience I have learned that it is better to be yourself and stay true rather to fit in. I remember (long story short) I was at a friends house and we set a teddy bear on fire. I primarily did this to fit in with the group and feel accepted but then later got in major trouble from my parents. I am so grateful for this experience because it taught me not to try to conform to society or try to act extra masculine to be accepted but rather be independent and not rely on other's acceptance to feel whole.
I apologize for the rant, but I am excited to be in this class and share my thoughts along the way!
P.S. I think this image is a perfect example of the way our society views gender roles as a whole. Most (including myself) would be confused at the site of this image, but it just goes to show what society and our culture has done to us that we see this and think this is wrong when in fact nothing is wrong with it. It is own personal choice. :)
It goes on to talk about the stereotype, women talk more than men. Culture is a large part of everything we do in a daily setting and I think this has a large impact on all different stereotypes whether they are in fact true or not. The book also explains we do not become gendered alone, instead society around us helps shape our gender roles and ultimately the way we are as human beings.
Now I know this is just the beginning of the class and our readings, but I find it fascinating how society has such a strong impact on us a whole and places such strong labels on individuals it is almost sickening (at least from my point of view). I think a point I will stress continuously throughout this class is the ability for one to be an individual and not follow others. In fact, don't be afraid to express yourself and do what YOU love as opposed to doing something to fit in or just follow your gender role or to fill a stereotype.
From personal experience I have learned that it is better to be yourself and stay true rather to fit in. I remember (long story short) I was at a friends house and we set a teddy bear on fire. I primarily did this to fit in with the group and feel accepted but then later got in major trouble from my parents. I am so grateful for this experience because it taught me not to try to conform to society or try to act extra masculine to be accepted but rather be independent and not rely on other's acceptance to feel whole.
I apologize for the rant, but I am excited to be in this class and share my thoughts along the way!
P.S. I think this image is a perfect example of the way our society views gender roles as a whole. Most (including myself) would be confused at the site of this image, but it just goes to show what society and our culture has done to us that we see this and think this is wrong when in fact nothing is wrong with it. It is own personal choice. :)
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