Let’s take a dive into Western cultures stereotypes because, if not all of us, many of us have been influenced by or affected by gender stereotypes. Society wants those who don’t fit their stereotypes to fit inside their “perfect” world and not challenge the beliefs of what has already been engraved. I will not be conditioned, and neither will you, so let’s break that cycle starting NOW!
Catherine G. Valentine (2020), “The Prism of Gender”
Key Words: masculinity, femininity, stereotype, heterosexual
The Prism of Gender by Catherine G. Valentine speaks on the complexity of gender, sex, and sexuality. Many people across the world, more specifically in America, have grown up learning that masculinity and femininity have a certain look or set of characteristics. In the reading, Valentine states,
“We are taught that testosterone, a beard, big muscles, and a penis make a man, while estrogen, breasts, hairless legs, and a vagina make a woman”.
(Valentine 3)
In Western cultures (The United States), stereotypes such as those quoted are taught at a young age. There isn’t an “in between” or simplicity when it comes to gender, sex, or sexuality. In America, it’s taught to be simple, so it’s easier to explain. This logic is flawed because every man doesn’t have to have a beard or muscles to be labeled a man. And someone’s genitals shouldn’t automatically place them in a category that is scientifically or biologically correct.
The world we live in isn’t just blue or pink. It is deeply lodged in people’s minds, and as Valentine states, “It’s everywhere. Any place, object, discourse, or practice can be gendered” (Valentine 4). Jobs can be gendered, wages can be gendered, the clothes we choose to wear can be gendered, and even the way we speak can be gendered. Everything in life changes, including the people in it, but society isn’t keeping up with the shifts.
Multiracial Feminism
Maxine Baca Zinn and Bonnie Thornton Dill (1996), “Theorizing Difference from Multiracial Feminism”
Key Words: feminism, race, culture, hierarchies
In “Theorizing Difference from Multiracial Feminism” by Maxine Baca Zinn and Bonnie Thornton Dill, multiracial feminism is examined and shown how it shapes women’s experiences and identities. The reading also mentioned the differences between hierarchies at all levels of social life. Theorizing Difference from Multiracial Feminism states that,
“Women and men are differently embedded in locations created by these cross-cutting hierarchies. As a result, women and men throughout the social order experience different forms of privilege and subordination, depending on their race, class, gender, and sexuality”.
(Zinn and Dill, 327)
The social order creates a disadvantage for women because of those things listed: race, class, gender, and sexuality. Similar to what Valentine said about how “any place, object, discourse, or practice can be gendered” (4). Men are at the top of these hierarchies, and this puts women at a disadvantage. Women aren’t usually the first pick for male-dominated jobs, and many women don’t get paid as much as their male coworkers even if they hold the same job title. According to the reading, the hierarchy goes from whites, members of the upper classes, and to males (Zinn and Dill, 327). At the end of it all, multiracial feminism applies to racial ethnic women and men because they are affected by this too. Men are still being stereotyped in these types of situations based on their gender, race, and class.
Movie: Hidden Figures
The movie Hidden Figures, which was based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s book, shined the spotlight on three black women who made history working at NASA during the space race in the 1960’s. During their positions, they faced racism and sexism, but it didn’t stop them from using their platforms to help other women advance their careers in positions that were predominately male-dominated. I feel like this movie fits the readings for this week because, to this day, women are still discriminated against, and jobs still downplay women’s abilities in comparison to a man. Women of color still face racism and discrimination, and on top of that, women as a whole are still disadvantaged. Women have more opportunities now, but that still doesn’t hide the hierarchy or division.
Ask Yourself:
How does stereotypes pushed onto men and women shape our life experiences? How does race, class, gender, or sexuality affect the way we identify ourselves within society?
Awesome blog! I have a lot to learn. Stereotypes shaped my life experiences in many areas of my life. I think back to when I enlisted in the Army Reserves and how divided things were then. The movie G.I. Jane raised awareness back then for what women endured in the military. In sports, girls were not allowed to play actual football but now my great-niece played peewee football this year. I am a very proud black woman that identifies as she/her/hers. However, my little sister is a lesbian and my best friend is gay. I love them the same and wouldn’t change them for the world. My workplace has about 5 people that are from the LBGTQ community and I love each of them. My previous position as Adoption Specialist began to allow same-sex couples to apply and adopt before I left and I believe that as long as a person loves their child, that is all that matters. I am a Christian and I don’t judge. After all, love prevails.
I love how you set up your blog! It has very interesting features. I agree that there is still a hierarchy of power amongst genders that still needs to be addressed. Stereotypes are not helping break it down at all, and they continue to shape everything around us. It is extremely hard to get past them as it is so deep-rooted in society. Being a different race, gender, sexuality, and class all force us to label ourselves and place us in a certain spot in society because we have been taught that way. Stereotypes restrict what people can do in life and tell them who they are supposed to be instead of letting people live their life as they want.
For example, in my life, I have seen men who wear nail polish be called homophobic and transphobic slurs and labeled as women because of these awful stereotypes. They believe ‘men aren’t supposed to wear this, do that’ and much more. Another example is that women might be pressured to go into a more ‘feminine’ career or be looked down upon for doing anything remotely ‘manly.’
These situations can make people stop doing what makes them happy and force them to go on a predetermined path in life that was made by stereotypes.
Fortunately, I can see a shift in beliefs and stereotypes being broken down, little by little, despite how much it pushes back.
Great post, I really enjoyed reading! To answer your question, I do think that stereotypes shape the lives of men and women. I know that personally, I had to fight against many stereotypes growing up and they really affected my self-esteem and self-worth. I think putting people in boxes based on something like gender, class, race, or sexuality can really limit a person as to what they believe they can or will achieve in life.
I really loved your thoughts on this week’s readings. I also love the different fonts and images you used in your blog post. I think gender stereotypes push men and women to change to fit into pink and blue society. Clothing, jobs, and even wages are stereotyped between these two genders. I don’t know how common it is but I know many women who go into a “female” career and some do not even attempt to have a career because they have been taught to be mothers and wives. Some men also tend to stay away from jobs that are meant to be for women.
I love how you tied in the movie Hidden Figures. I haven’t seen that movie yet, but you mentioning it makes me want to watch it. I’m trying hard to expand my movie watching into the non-fiction side.
That out of the way, I like that you mentioned the hierarchy. It definitely is males (white males at the top followed then, usually by poc males), females (white usually), any upper class, and then everyone else. And the people in this hierarchy will do whatever it takes to stay at the top, even if that means hurting others 🙁 I hope we can reach a point where everyone’s voice is heard and accounted for.
Lastly, I think race, class, gender, and sexuality can really affect our positions in society. For example, I could be a white, upperclass, heterosexual male and have a plethora of advantages. But the instant one of those things changes, like lower class instead of upperclass or black instead of white, my position in society drops considerably. And society really ostracizes people who don’t fit the so called “norm”. I think some people may value themselves as less than others when they don’t feel like they fit in. I also hope this changes in the future.
I really enjoyed reading your post but there are stereotypes all around us. These stereotypes are hard to avoid. Stereotypes can cause people to join certain clubs or organizations and it can simply make decisions difficult for some people.