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.