I've been taking a class in sociology; and as the end of the class draws near... we discussed gender roles and the stereotyping that carries through in society. After learning about this; my class was given the question if we thought we "did gender" and conformed to the norms set for our gender; or completely challenged them. Answers to this question were posted in an online discussion forum, so I decided to read through some of the other posts before writing my own.
To my shock, so many girls were writing and saying that they often times found themselves conforming to their gender norms; and stating that "it's hard for people to not 'do gender'". I thought that statement really said a lot about our world today. It's rather appalling to me that so many girls who are close to my age found that stereotyping was so hard to avoid and hard to not conform to. I myself certainly challenge my gender norms- I'm tomboyish and I beat a 17 year old boy in a co-ed sparring division. I dress with my own style.. and it certainly doesn't conform to the typical feminine dressing norms. I wear jeans and t-shirts; and rarely ever wear dresses or skirts. I don't act feminine; either. I love rough housing, playing brutal video games, practicing karate, and going out in my woods for long periods of time. I don't mind trekking through mud up to my knees or getting a bit scraped up. On top of this... I curse like a sailor; courtesy of my dad. I truly believe that my dad has influenced my style (and how I think) dramatically; as I've been raised by him for essentially my whole life and have never really had a woman figure to look up to. He taught me to be myself, regardless of society... and to take the path less traveled by. Maybe this is why I don't "do gender". As for everyone else... don't let society tell you who to be; or what you can and can't do based on what gender you are. It's bullshit. Don't get stuck in a foolish stereotype. - Maddie
1 Comment
Aunt Michelle
2/11/2016 06:36:28 pm
Hey Maddie! I agree with you that everyone should be themselves--a girl can be feminine as well as enjoy "tomboyish" things. I have seen a lot of changes since I was your age in ideas about gender roles but it is a very slow change. I did disagree with one thing you said though. "...and have never really had a woman figure to look up to." I would hope that you look up to your grandmother. When she graduated nursing school, she moved across (really out of) the country to seek her dreams. She worked, raised kids, took care of your grandpa through his final years and moved to be with you, Ashleigh and your dad because of her love for you. Your grandma is a pretty great person! I would hope you look up to me...I know I don't see you often, but am there for you if you need me!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
September 2021
Categories
All
|