It’s necessary to understand that gender often reflects cultural perceptions that have been reinforced over time. This article discussed how we come to accept our gender through an active consideration of conforming to it. 1. An important concept was the social construction of gender. This refers to how gender is not determined by biology, but by how our social environment dictates our representation of gender. 2. Another important concept was identity, how we choose to view our self. The question of whether we have any agency in controlling our identity was discussed in the article. We have some degree of control, in choosing our clothing, hair style, etc. but we cannot necessarily exert agency over the way others then perceive us. So it’s important to see things from a perspective that aligns with our interests as opposed to seeing our identity from the perspective of someone else. 3. Reframing is a crucial concept to how we view our identity. We have the option of viewing our situation from a certain perspective that may appear to reflect reality, but we can also see our situation from other perspectives that are equally realistic. Through reframing, we have the option of escaping a negative situation by choosing to interpret it differently. This article spoke at length about how we are not limited to our circumstances, which is also to say we are not defined by our gender. Perceptions related to gender identities are constantly in flux, changing as either gender makes the conscious decision to defy expectations. Culture often reinforces a status quo in regards to our identity, enabling us by supporting normalcy and decrying rebellion. If we do not behave as we appear, conforming to the definitions of either gender, we often experience conflict. This was evident in the example of public transport being denied due to one’s gender appearance not matching their gender as identified on an ID. This article brought up the shifting perceptions of individuals as genders defy the expected categorization. It provided hope that there is the opportunity for individuals to change what they do not like related to their gender identity by exercising personal agency. Throughout the article there were examples of conflicts related to individual identity, such as the conflicts of a married couple who were struggling to fairly allocate chores. Their problems related entirely to how they perceived their responsibilities per their gender, and the man was attempting to compensate by doing more as stereotypically men do less household chores. Another example was a gay man who was attempting to dress in a way that more stereotypically emphasized his homosexuality, and how this led to conflict from others. In each of these instances, it was almost as if the two individuals entered into a double-bind, as if they did nothing to change their situation, they would still likely encounter consequences for conforming to an identity they do not agree with. To clarify, if the man did not take on extra chores in the relationship, he would then possibly be seen as a stereotypical male who relies on a woman to complete chores, and if the gay individual did not express his orientation clealry, he would feel an internal conflict, as he would be concealing his true identity. I thought it was interesting that in this article a woman was brought up who was suggested to be a lesbian despite appearing overtly feminine. I wonder if embracing an irony in the case of a woman is something that is en vogue, or perhaps the history of women being seen as mysterious compels others to inquire into her identity. There is no similar analog in terms of men, as they do not really have a history of being seen as mysterious, so perhaps men have to overtly display their orientation. It leads me to a question posed by an article I read recently, where a female to male transgender individual commented on how she felt as a man. This is the quote, “What continues to strike me is the significant reduction in friendliness and kindness now extended to me in public spaces. It now feels as though I am on my own: No one, outside of family and close friends, is paying any attention to my well-being”(Bahrampour). This is something I often wonder about as a man, do I experience apathy due to my gender, and is this anything valid to complain about, if on the other hand women experience constant unsolicited attention? I honestly feel very uncomfortable positing that I experience some sort of unique displeasure as a man, due to privilege, and due to what men always do, ruin things. They have created these men’s rights groups and other groups that are just utter jokes, and it’s always a possible that you will fall under their umbrella if you present a question of the negatives related to the male experience.
Works Cited
Bahrampour, Tara. “Crossing the Divide.” Https://Www.washingtonpost.com/, 20 July 2018, www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2018/07/20/feature/crossing-the-divide-do-men-really-have-it-easier-these-transgender-guys-found-the-truth-was-more-complex/.
