The Spectrum of Genders: “The Prism of Gender” by Catherine G. Valentine
The author of “The Prism of Gender,” Catherine G. Valentine, argues in the article that gender is riddled with stereotypical labels in society and that it is actually something more vast and diverse. Catherine G. Valentine argues that gender is like a prism as they describe how researchers often underestimate “the complexity of the prism of gender” (Valentine page 7). This statement is extremely interesting and holds a lot of truth. Prisms are known to hold a wide variety of colors. Like a prism, gender is also a spectrum, something more complex. It isn’t something that is clear-cut and black and white. It is something that can be yellow-orange, blue-purple, or even yellow-green. It can come in many different shades. Unfortunately, as stated on page 7, “gender is reinforced, transformed, and articulated” in society (Valentine page 7). Many view gender as a black-and-white object that holds qualities that others cannot have.
Everywhere you go, there will be gendered products lining the shelves and advertisements telling you how you should behave based on your assigned sex at birth. Society will do everything in its power to tell you who you are and how you should behave because of the long-standing history it had with gender. For example, it is still widely believed that people who were assigned females at birth should always be polite, cross their legs, and wear cute frilly dresses, while men should be strong, providers, and rough. I have been told countless times when I wear a dress or do anything remotely feminine, I am not a real man because only women wear dresses. Because of gender roles that plague society, people cannot be who they truly are and feel stuck in a situation of either being an outcast and looked down upon by society or conforming to those norms and forcing themselves to be something they aren’t. Fortunately, not everyone sees it this way.
Key Words: Complex, Gender, Sex
Inequality: “Theorizing Difference from Multiracial Feminism” by Maxine Baca Zinn and Bonnie Thornton Dill
In the piece “Theorizing Difference from Multiracial Feminism,” by Bell Hooks, they argue that feminism is for all genders across any religion, cultural background, and sexuality, but still lacks equality as it is currently, as people only focus on differences. On page 322, they say that “difference has replaced equality as the central concern of feminist theory” (Zinn & Dill page 322). This means that instead of focusing on obtaining true equality for everyone, they are looking at differences first, which prevents others from obtaining the equality they deserve. The differences among people have always been an issue and still are prevalent in today’s world.
People will look at others with a magnifying glass and determine their worth based on how different they are compared to themselves. In the article, on page 327, they state how “people of the same race will experience race differently” based on where they are in society (Zinn & Dill page 327). For example, two women of color could experience equality very differently because one of them might be a lesbian while the other is straight despite having similar circumstances otherwise. They might depict each other’s worth differently because they are different in one way. When focusing on differences, a divide amongst one another is created, which only causes more issues.
Key Words: Equality, Feminism, Experience
These two readings are like two sides of the same coin. Bell Hooks looks deeper into how gender and race are connected, while Catherine G. Valentine takes a more general look at gender in society. Though they have their differences, they still share the same idea that gender has divided society and that it determines many aspects of people’s lives, like equality. They may both agree that gender isn’t something that should divide people and equality should be given to all regardless of gender. In general, race and gender should not dictate anything.
A question to think about:
How can we break down these gender roles and inequality and make a freer society?
Hi, I really enjoyed reading your post and appreciate the ideas you presented! To answer your question: I think a great way to break down gender roles and inequality to make a more free society is by taking courses like this one! They allow us to explore these topics in more depth and to challenge traditional ideas on gender and other social structures. This gives us the power to help change society.
Very well put together. Good job.
How can we break down these gender roles and inequality and make a freer society?
Currently, many Arkansasans are fighting against a recent bill that is said to put many restrictions on drag performances. Drag is a form of expression that really combats traditional gender roles. So I think one way to break down gender roles is to fight against bills like these and support communities of people who are actively defying gender roles.
Nice blog! I think a good way to break down gender roles and inequality to make a freer society is by having an open mind to things that might be different from what we are used to. Also as mentioned in one comment fighting against bills like the one that are trying to make restrictions on drag performances.
You have a very nice blog, I love the images ! I believe a good way to break down gender roles and inequality to make a freer society would be to make sure everyone knows that this matters . It’ll make a difference to hear and see how it should be changed in society’s.
You have a very good blog, I love the images ! A good way to break down gender roles and inequality to make a freer society would be to make sure everyone knows that this matters . It’ll make a difference to hear and see how it should be changed in society’s.
I think that in order to break down gender roles and inequality, more people should be educated on the matter. I think it is important that people release judgement and look at the circumstances with a opened mind. Oftentimes, people fail to properly look into the topic of gender yet they are quick to judge anyone who strays from traditional views. Allowing people to express themselves freely is also super important. It allows for people to see that there is more out there than what is traditionally known. Your blog is very neat and insightful as well, it looks great!
Hey Serichardson,
This is Gpward. I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I really liked the points you made about the two readings as well as the images you used as well. I think how break down gender roles and inequality is by learning and better educating people and that its more to it than defining it as male or female or masculine or feminine. Overall, great Blog post!