Gender

In a previous post, I touched on racial stereotypes- and more specifically, the impact it has on my life. Today, I'd like to talk about a different kind of stereotype, one that probably affects me less, but is nonetheless prevalent in society today. So, let's take a look into some gender stereotypes.

Here are some common gender stereotypes- ones we've probably all heard before. You're probably subconsciously taking the time to examine yourself, seeing if you fit the descriptions for your respective gender. When doing so myself, I found that several of them didn't apply to me, and I imagine the same will go to you. So why exactly are these stereotypes in place, when in reality we are so much different? Why does society hold a stigma towards abnormalities like emotional men or women with power? When people fail to meet their respective roles, they aren't seen as normal. But isn't it normal to be different? By setting up and conforming to these stereotypes, we are limiting ourselves by setting boundaries to what we can or cannot be. Personally, I don't understand why these stereotypes are still in place. I guess the media is working to break them down, but at the end of the day, people are still sexist. Not all people, but enough people for it to be noticeable. 

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, women are seen more as objects of status. It is obvious that the men are dominant, and the relationships are superficial. Fitzgerald may or may not have portrayed this on purpose, but one thing is clear- in that time, this behavior was normal. In Lois Tyson's psychoanalytic criticism, she describes the women as in "possession" of the men, indicative of the nature of their relationships. Before, women were not treated with respect. They were not allowed to vote, not allowed to perform the jobs men did, and were generally considered items desired by men. It wasn't until people like Susan B. Anthony, who went against the norm, against the stereotype, to break down society's conventionally held beliefs. 

If everyone became who they were expected to be, then imagine how boring life would be, how many opportunities we'd miss. People are special because they are different, and it's important to recognize this. So let's all be romantic heroes and heroines of our own stories, rejecting established norms and finding our own way to who we are and what's right.