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.
Monday, June 16, 2014
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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