Keywords: Gender Fluidity, Femininity, Masculinity, Sexuality
In Catherine G. Valentine’s “The Prism of Gender,” she explains the gender beliefs of the west, such as the United States of America. She goes on to explain that western cultures believe there are only two genders, males, who are rough, heterosexual, and masculine, and females, who are feminine, heterosexual, and submissive. This ”pink and blue syndrome” as she states, categorizes the two sexes, sexualities, stereotypes, and genders. The color pink is given to females, pink toys, pink clothing, pink bathroom sign, etc, while blue is given to males. Females are submissive, feminine, and girly while males are rough and boyish. As Valentine states, “This syndrome is deeply lodged in our minds and feelings and is reinforced through everyday talk, performance, and experience” (4), because it is so normal, people do not realize they genderize things, toys, places, etc. However, Valentine states, “Research shows that the behavior of people, no matter who they are, depends on time and place, context and situation-not fixed sex/gender /sexuality differences” (5), this shows that a person will have traits from female or males depending on who they are around with. This text shows that gender stereotypes, roles, and identities can not be categorized into two parts or colors. Gender is a kaleidoscope prism with multiple colors and shapes.
In my experience, the “pink and blue syndrome” is really normalized in the United States. Growing up, my mother was more of ‘she’s a kid, it is good for her to get dirty and play’, however, my aunts would always get me in trouble saying I should not play outside with my male cousins and instead should play with my barbies inside the house.
Key Words: Multiracial, Difference, Inequalities, Feminism
Maxine Baca Zinn and Bonnie Thornton Dill’s “Theorizing Difference from Multiracial Feminism” explain what multiracial feminism is and how it includes women of color, women, and men in different systems of domination. Multiracial feminism includes the different situations of women of color and they include their history and culture. It was meant to get women of color the same rights and privileges as feminists, whose first priority was white women. Zinn and Dill state “Multiracial feminism grew out of socialist feminist thinking” (235), these feminists wanted the same as other feminists, however, they wanted to include colored women, who were of different places and social classes. “ We speak in many voices, with inconsistencies that are born of our different social locations” ( Zinn and Dill, 326) this statement shows that although these multiracial feminists were born in different situations, they all wanted the same as other men, white women, and first-class citizens. Finally, Zinn and Dill stated, “Once we acknowledge that all women are affected by the racial order of society, then it becomes clear that the insights of multiracial feminism provide an analytical framework, not solely for understanding the experiences of women of color but for understanding all women, and men, as well” (330), multiracial feminism was not only to benefit colored women but it was meant to benefit everyone.
Both of these texts show that gender and feminism are deeper and more complex. Gender is not just about being a boy or a girl. It includes traits, identities, etc, that can pertain to either. Feminism is not just about white women, it includes, women, men, and those of different social and cultural backgrounds.
The Theme of “Androgynous” by The Replacements
I think the theme in “Androgynous” is to be happy and love yourself as you are. Both Dick and Jane have unisex hair and wear skirts, dresses, and pants, however, they do not care about being outcasts or being made fun of. I think this song is relevant because many people today love themselves and do not care about wearing clothing that is advertised for another gender. The song “Androgynous” by The Replacements would most likely have a connection with “The Prism of Gender” by Catherine G. Valentine because they both talk about not genderizing clothing, hairstyle, colors, etc.
Questions:
- Do you ever get told you should dress or act more feminine or masculine, and how does it make you feel?
- How would you teach older or new generations that gender is more complex than the “pink and blue syndrome”?
First, I love your paragraph that ties the readings together. Great job.
Second, in answer to question number one, just recently I have started getting my nails done. No one exactly told me that I needed to, but in professional settings, I started noticing that women have really well-manicured nails. I started feeling a little self-conscious. I have always just clipped them short and called it a day. It’s a little thing, but it hasn’t escaped my attention that there are certain grooming expectations that come with being “female” – like shaving your legs, pits, polished finger and toenails, wearing makeup, etc. For the most part, I don’t feel too put out. I like wearing makeup and shave when I feel like it. There are certainly some trends that I just won’t get on board with but if other women like it and have the energy for it, more power to them.
Admittedly, I am enjoying my nails painted 😉
I love that second picture ! When I was younger my aunt use to tell me to act like a girl instead of a little boy when I wanted to play basketball and play in the mud . I use to dress in basketball shorts and sweats for awhile and she wouldn’t like that. I didn’t really like it but it didn’t stop anything.
Hi there
I have never been told to dress more femininely. I typically wear whatever makes me feel comfortable, and honestly unisex shirts are my daily pick. When I shop, I browse both the women’s and men’s sections. However, I do notice with having a niece that we are conditioned to wanting her to dress “girly”. We try to ask her what color she likes and go from there. I can say that other women are more likely to push the “act like a lady” agenda. It is conditioned within society for sure.
Hello,
I have never been told to dress more feminine of masculine. I am a “girly girl” I love the nails, makeup, dresses, lash extensions aesthetic. This may be the reason no one has ever told me to be more feminine. I will say that because I am very soft spoken and reserved, people tend to assume that I am easy to manipulate. With this being said, when people show these intentions towards me, it drives me to be more hardcore and “masculine” with them.