Abdoul Galiou Discussion 2

The gender binary is the societal acceptability of men and women in society. At some point, every one of us has interacted with people who get identified as transgender or transsexual. Typically, transgender can get referred to as a situation in which a particular individual is recognized by sex as not their original biological sex. this kind of identity entails the alteration of life of the body such that a given individual can get identified with totally separate sex from that defined after their birth . Identification of transgender alternatively involves the use of a common term that is employed in a wide range of behaviors of people. Additionally, there are groups associated with the behavior of deviating from the culturally accepted roles of gender. Most of the people globally lead their normal lives with no thought or pounding about their respective gender. They just wake up each day without ascertaining whether their gender matches what they are feeling. Most people thus take this idea for granted. Typically, our society is designed to revolve in the binary of gender in a wide variety of ways. Allover, washrooms, and restroom places are well labeled as strictly belonging to women and men. Moreover, some magazines belong to men and women, respectively. When it comes to diet, some food has been seized up as belong to men and women. However, there is a kind of gender that is not clear-cut in the way society wants things to work. There are also a lot of people who are opposed to the gender binary. Due to how society propagates and supports the aspect of binary, individuals that do not fit the kind of gender that is acceptable are sidelined and stigmatized. They could also be subjected to abuse and violence. In our consciousness, during our daily activities, defining the people that we interact with and stay around us is our portion. The moment we encounter new people, we are in a position to tell whether they are male or female. However, eyebrows are raised if we are not in a position to classify these people, are either male or female. We tend to judge those who do not fall under the binary very quickly, and the society considers it abnormal. Occasionally, the society is characterized by an underlying requirement of putting all humans into categories of either women and women. This is as depicted by Lie while learning the urge to classify people that are well defined. These categories are crucial for the reason that there is heightened complexity that is entailed in the daily endeavors of individuals that are aligned alongside the gender binary. primarily she and he are the normally applied words in the communication discourse. There is, however, no proper awareness of the two pronouns since they are widely used to define the kind of people we interact with. Over time, as the social progress and people enlightened, the need to classify the people that re not recognized as either male is female is arising. In the event that an individual emanates as a transsexual or a transgender person, society has a feeling that they should be categorized into a particular group. Typically, there is no gender that lies in between the male and female and is recognized or identified by the society. You must be defined by one section of the binary and the other way around for a woman if you are a man transforming into a woman. In essence, stratified social categories are very static; hence, it would be a difficult and daunting process to identify and define people who transcend the definitions of gender. Modification of the prevailing system of stratification appears as the only mode that can assist individuals in being placed in certain categories based on their physical characteristics. Unfortunately, these type of people is exposed to societal violence from people in the society that strongly believe in the gender binary. Transsexuals and transgender are always exposed to the highest level of hate and ager since they are not part of the socially acceptable and defined genders. The avoidance of hate crimes and danger by the transgender and transsexuals is difficult compared to those who ultimately conform to binary. A good example is Montgomery Stacey, who was a baby but has transformed and is being identified as a woman. According to an essay by Stacey namely Twenty Passing, she elaborates how violence is threatening her life constantly basically because her gender is not well defined

At some point, she explains how her usual stop in a convenience store turned out to be the worst experience. Immediately after procuring her essential things, she turns and notices that men are standing along the sidewalk. She knew promptly the risk that could unfold if she could walk past them primarily due to her gender that was not clear. Initially, one man from the crowds had shouted at her refereeing to her as a woman, but after they saw her in the light. Despite the fact that her physical appearance causes anger among the men, she goes about her daily life activities. This is a clear depiction. Therefore, most people classify individuals as either males or females with no idea that there could be disparities in the physical appearance of some people. In the scenario that the individuals cannot be classified as either men or women, some people tend to react in violence and ager due to the unconformity that is unsettling for most of them.it is obvious that for the people who have not experienced such kind of violence are scared of venturing out in public. The most hurting and painful aspects of daily life are hate crimes and the violence directed to individuals who are not identified in the gender binary. How other individuals attempt to put Montgomery and Lie into different categories concerning their physical appearance is a clear depiction of how society has been socialized to classify people into certain categories. This is thus the product of how gender binary is deeply ingrained in society. The careers individuals attain, the doors that they choose in the bathrooms and washrooms, and the relationships that they get into are heavily dependable on binary. Life is complicated, especially when society cannot clearly define your gender, and, unfortunately, it always triggers unnecessary violence. It is important, therefore, that society starts to embrace individuals that do not conform with the binary gender. The society should thus embrace the establishment of other categories that re not familiar. There should also be an awareness of gender that is not close to being static.

It is clear that in modern society, individuals are strictly conservative concerning transgender and transsexual. The rights of these groups are, therefore, not embraced and recognized. In general, a wide variety of cultural conservatives, religious organizations, and politically affiliated groups recommend that transgender is angst the family concept, the idea of marriages, and thus threatens the socially acceptable norms. Essentially, sexuality is a term that is employed in the description of the sexual attribute. Primarily in humans’ sexuality involves beliefs, values, knowledge, and the attitudes of the individuals. The existing identities include the identity of being heterosexual. In this case, individuals are tending to be attracted to their opposite-sex counterparts. Alternatively, in homosexuality, individuals are invited to the members of the same sex. The manifestation of sexual identity began in the 20th century.

A good example is the name gay that is occasionally used about homosexuality that emanated from the perspective of medicine and healthcare. On the other hand, lesbianism is a term that is employed when referring to women that are attracted to each other sexually. Some women could be having more masculine than feminine features are thus referred to as lesbians. Some of these features could be the way in which a woman dresses, talks, the kind of games and sports they participate in among others. Transgender is a type of identity sexually by which the individuals have a preexisting disconnection from the standard biological and physical gender identities and sex. individuals that are transgender cannot be identified as either males or females due to their physical appurtenance. They are, therefore, deemed as abnormal and outcast in the society. They are subjected to a lot of hate and violence and thus they do not lead peaceful lives.

Discussion #2

I will be honest, gender has always confused me. Because I don’t know much about it, I’ve always just assumed that gender and sexuality were in the same category.  I now know that they are not. The chart I would use to define me is the unicorn chart. Besides the pretty visuals, it sums up how I look at gender. I look at things through attraction and feelings. This chart seems to do the best with aligning with my views.

In writing my own chart the easiest thing to me was outlining my

 gender and sexuality. Every other aspect of my identity was hard to define. I definitely know there have been very strong influences in my life that have made me who I am but putting those experiences in a box was hard.

The biggest influence that has contributed to who I am is my family. I have very few memories before the age of 9 but the ones that I do have are very vivid and distinct. I wrote on my chart that my sister is my best friend and she did raise me for a portion of my life. At the time that she was taking care of me I was in the bond developing stage of my life. Because it was just me and her I created very strong attachment issues as well as a very strong level of independence. Those traits have carried through into my adult life. The next big influence on me is my roots. My culture, my heritage, and the area that I grew up is a big deal to me. Growing up in the Caribbean and coming from a Caribbean American family gives me a very specific values. I value my traditions and carry that over into every aspect of my life. The last thing that I feel greatly influenced me is my spirituality. Going to catholic school for majority of my life really made me disagree with organized religion. On top of that my grandmother is a minister. Having religion forced onto me really made me want to branch out on my own and find my own lane in spirituality. I started exploring and found what made me most comfortable and relaxed. Going through the process of writing all of these things out has really given me a better understanding of myself.

Tiffany Zeno Discussion 2

As I reviewed the diagrams, I believe the Sex, Gender and Sexuality Interlace is the easiest diagram to understand gender, as it is clear and concise. However, if I was able to choose the whole website, I will use the Gender Unicorn website because it explains in depth what gender is.

For me, the groups that influence me most as a individual are: travel, advocate, and woman. Traveling allows me to connect with people, foods, and cultures that differ from mine. I am exposed to new things. Every time I have come back from a different country/city I see how differently I am able to communicate and connect with others. I value diversity and different cultures. Now more than ever, I take the time to learn about other heritages, whether its food, religion, etc. I think it is essential to learn about others to effectively communicate.

Being an advocate helps me relate to others regardless of our differences. Majority of the time, I do not experience similar challenges of those I am advocating for. However, it opens my eyes to all the different challenges people face and helps me connect and empathize with others. I value understanding challenges others face, especially if I have not experienced it myself. The only way I can help someone to the best of my ability is to fully comprehend what they are struggling with.

Being a women can be hard at times. There are times where women are viewed as weak, and are treated differently than men. There are also times where women have to fight for equality and respect. For me, being a women is powerful, and I will always help another women in need. I value women as a whole.

As a big sister and a current Employment Specialist for adults with Autism, I consider myself an advocate. This has led me to be disciplined enough to pursue my goals in becoming a Speech Pathologist. Being introverted and stubborn can definitely hinder my abilities to effectively communicate. At times I can be shy, especially if I do not know someone. However, I am still very observant and expressive when I need to be. As a stubborn women, I can be defensive at times, and maybe feel like peoples intentions are not always pure. There are times when I have to remind myself that people do not always have bad intentions, and remind myself to take the time to listen to another point of view. Especially when I am upset.

Discussion #2

My Identity MapMy Updated Identity Map

Going through this chapter has been challenging for me, I come from a place where gender bias is very present every day. Women and men are considered the complete opposite of each other and they never complete each other either. Men are the leader and women are the supporter and the nurturer behind the scenes.

Analyzing the diagram was pretty fascinating. ”, sex, gender, and sexuality interlace” diagram was the one that stood out the most to me. It’s really simple yet full of information that anyone can understand easily.

The values that shape who am I today and who I will be tomorrow are Family, Optimistic, and Ambition, as well as female. I was under the impression that the gender binary system existed in the third country world only, but to my surprise, I see it and leave it at work and within the society as well. Race, social class, gender are and will still be present as long as we believe in them and we don’t feel that we are all different but unique and we can learn from each other.

being a female and going through the struggles of gender bias made me even stronger and more ambitious to realize my dreams and to push more and more no matter what obstacles I faced. I strongly believe that each person’s personality and characters are the molds of society and family. I come from a family of four siblings where competition is always a key to get more and more attention. I’m the first one in my family to go to college, there is a huge indirect pressure on me to succeed and do well in my life.

Optimism and ambition have a huge impact I’m daily life, looking at the bright side of any problem make a big difference in how we can deal and survive bigger struggles and survive.

Life is beautiful if we think and feel beautiful.

Looking to grow and do better in life without fear and taking risks can you be looked at reckless and not happy with my life. But I still persevere no matter what people’s opinions can be.

lastly, my family.who can support you better than your family? They are my backbone and my spinal cord. I have a beautiful that I’m thankful for every day. Looking at the daughter’s and my son’s face every day makes every struggle and every dream worth the effort and the sacrifice I’m going through.

Megan M. Ramdin : Discussion 2

 

  • After analyzing each gender diagram, I think the best bullet that describes me is “Sex, Gender, Sexuality Interlace”. I tried to make my image as vivid as possible for you all. Many elements in my life have shaped me to be who I am today. These two categories are the main reason for my astonishing outcome.
  • My family has influenced me tremendously throughout my lifetime. The bond between us is beyond unbreakable. My family isn’t perfect. We fight. We get on each other’s nerves. We all have our own lives and struggle with our own problems. Sometimes we don’t wish to share with each other but that’s okay because at the end of the day we have one and other. Through their soul of inspiration, love and support are what kept me on my toes today. My parents are an old-fashioned couple. They want the best for my siblings and me, but whose parents don’t? My father has always been head over heels about me getting the education I wish to pursue. I admire that. His decision on my education is based on what I want to study and now what they want. My mother on the other hand plays the best friend I never had at times. She teaches me everything I needed to know from respect to morals/beliefs, cooking, etc. I’m very grateful for who I’ve become today because of my parent’s teachings, values, and disciplined. My siblings fully support me in every action I take. Sometimes my eldest sibling has more privileged than I. We always get into an argument because there is always double standard judgment between us because he can go out and return when he feels like because he’s a man and because I’m a female I need to have a curfew. One thing that my parents and I seem always disagreements some aspects of my life. Their mentalities are different from mine, especially in today’s centuries. Sometimes the way I analyze my life isn’t to their liking and it shouldn’t. I’m my own person and I will have different beliefs, morals, values, and likes/dislikes. Sooner or later they will have to accept it whether they like it or not. But that doesn’t make loose love for them one bit, it just makes me stronger as an individual to adjust their mindset. The words “family” is a word that can be articulated in a thousandth of ways but expressed differently through each and every individual. 
  • From my values that my parents taught me, I think shaped myself to be who I am today to form my personality. We all encounter individuals every day or even a lifetime. Sometimes wish to be as half the person they are someday based on their personality. By this I mean, we all have traits we want to change/gain about ourselves and we all go through a process. First, I focus on the habits I want to change, whether it’s forming a new habit, getting rid of old or a bad one. Second, I change my self-beliefs. Telling myself I cannot change, then I will never. Keeping a positive mindset and negativity free can result in a healthier process. One of my favorite traits that I uphold is humbleness. I carry this trait with great merit. The way I view this trait in my character is by being a helping hand to others. For instance, when dancing with others I seem to pick up on the choreography a little faster than others. Now, I have two options, stand there, laugh, and watch their struggle or help them step by step on their errors. Just because I had it down pat doesn’t mean I need to impetus to boast about myself but rather let my action speak for me. Individuals always remember the good we leave in them.

 

  • Being a woman in today and all of history is tough. Everyone always has something to say about our appearance, mentality, or just because they want to be judgmental. Throughout all of history, women are always portrayed as “feeble and housewives” and men as “durable and huntsmen”. Throughout the years, women were told they cannot do the same as men because we’re “not capable”. When we brave women, no matter what sex we are labeled as or labeled ourselves as, we can do anything once we put our mind to it. Throughout my life, because I have many individuals tell me I can’t do something because of my height. What does my height have to do with anything? The best is when I prove them wrong and do it twice as better than they expected.

 

  • The values that I uphold today are many but the ones that were taught and self-taught integrity, respect, equality, and empathy. These values I carry with my everyday lives show that they were no different from each other. We all have different mentalities but have the same qualities from different perspectives.

Discussion #1

I chose the Genderbread Person as what I would use to explain gender to someone. This is because I love the fact that is recognizes that gender is real, but love and how a person feels in their heart is what matters.

 

The two groups I am choosing to talk about that is on my picture is “Equality” and “Bold”. I chose equality because I am very expressive about being equal in every way shape and form (in our careers, in our neighborhoods, in our schools, and more). I chose “Bold” because I am known to be outspoken even if my view is an unpopular opinion.

These two characteristics influence how I act because I find myself having to stick up for myself a lot of the time.

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Discussion 2

As i looked through each of the diagrams assigned , I examined the presentation. They are all pretty similar but they also have some differences that makes them unique. Starting off with the gender terminology diagram, this diagram is simple but the visuals make a difference. For example in the section where it says gender attribution, it explains the meaning . Which is how other people see us , perhaps by our physical appearance or behavior . In the visual it shows a man in a wheel chair , I thought that image was an apotheosis of what gender attribution is. The following two diagrams I viewed were gender unicorn and the gender bread person. These diagrams as well were simple but weren’t as visual like the gender terminology diagram. Lastly the diagram I chose based on my preference was the sex, gender and sexuality interlace diagram. This diagram has a basic layout but it is detailed on each term when it comes to explaining gender. For example instead of just titling one section sex , it went on furthermore with description . It explained that the sex of person isn’t only the biological identification male or female , but it also broke down the biological sex functions. Which are chromosomal, genetic, hormonal, reproduction, gondal and sex organs . For others like me who didn’t really have understand at first of the basis and depths of gender , this would be a great diagram to refer them to. The details in each section would explain clearly on the different meanings on gender and would result in with a conclusion of better understanding.

The personal diagram that I drew opened my eyes to how many ways I identify myself. I realized I listed occupations and interests of how I want others to view me and identify me as , including how I personally see myself as . How I see myself as , I may not always share with others because that is not how I may want to be portrayed to others as . The three groups that I chose that I feel has added value to my life are me being a Christian/ minister/ woman of God , being a manager and being family oriented. Me being a minster of the gospel and identifying myself as a woman of God sometimes causes conflict. For one of many examples , I had an issue at work where my coworker would verbally insult me by mocking my beliefs. I never gave him a reason to be so hostile and rude , in fact I have always tried to be kind and understanding and allowed him always to speak his thoughts. I felt disrespected , no one else on my job ever did this to me so I eventually decided to have a conversation with him and vocalize my feelings . It was revealed to me that he didn’t think it was a big deal and after he apologized for his offending comments, though I don’t believe it was genuine because he still from time to time makes comments that are offending. Yes we according to our rights we have the right to freely speak , however respect and balance should also be put into consideration , especially when the other party is giving respect to the other individual. In addition to the other 2 groups I chose being a manager, this comes with conflict like the example I use above and many other kinds of barriers that can affect the communication with others . Even though I am new at being a manager , in the process of me being trained to become one and finally walking in the position. It has helped me grow and learn so many things about communication, conflict, problem solving , listening, business and character . In addition me being a manager and a young woman at that, makes it difficult for men to take me as seriously as they would if I was a man .Lastly me being family oriented is a huge part of my life , I have a very close relationship with a portion of my family. When ever we plan to do something whether its gathering for a celebration , serious matters or just spending quality time I make sure I try to be involved as much as possible. Sometimes this may cause misunderstandings with others outside of my family. There have been times my friends wanted me to participate in something but I already had made a commitment to my family plans. My friends felt as if I wasn’t there for them , but again balance is relevant including understanding .

By doing this assignment I have learned that Gender is so much more than the sex that you are assigned at birth. Gender is attached to your identity and the things that make you who you are today .

Kianna Holm Discussion #2

After reading and analyzing each gender diagram I think that the best one is the last bullet, “Sex, Gender, Sexuality Interlace”. In this diagram they separate the different categories and unlike the rest of the diagrams this one gets a little more descriptive under each section. 

One group that I value is the FAMILY group. I have a big family. I am also the youngest girl so I get a lot of the pressure to be successful. My family has helped me and influenced me in positive ways. They have pushed me to my fullest and have helped me to be the best version of myself. Most of my family members never even made it past high school so there is a big burden on my back to pass and outdo the rest. 

Another group that has helped to influence me is FUTURE/ CAREER . I’m not talented. I can’t do hair or nails. So school is really my only route. I don’t have a PLAN B. School is my only choice so this is why I have to do my best and it’s hard sometimes but when I think about my future it’s just something I have to reach. 

Although my FAMILY and FUTURE/ CAREER has influenced me in many ways they have also interfered. My family can be a bit forceful so they all have their minds made up on what I’m going to do and how I’m going to live. Another thing is like I said before, my family is big so I don’t really have many friends. I feel like this causes me to be a little antisocial. My future is all I think about. Sometimes I catch myself thinking too much about it and trying to do all the right to get there plus some that I forget that I’m still a teenager and I need to live that life too. I forget that it’s okay to hang out with friends and party. And because of this I do start to feel like I’m losing myself and my youth. 

Guidelines: Discussion 2 due 6/1 at 11:59 pm

Now we are going to dive into more about your identity, but consider representing it in a visual format. Look at the four diagrams linked in the course schedule under “View &/or Listen.” Spend some time with each. Next, tell us which diagram you would use to explain gender to someone else and why.

Next, you are going to create a visual image of your identity. I suggest doing this AFTER you have read the assigned text. The purpose is not for you to recreate diagrams like those above, which are only mapping gender. The purpose is for you to think about all of your layers of identity and figure out how you would represent that visually. Your image should demonstrate the concept of intersectionality, both within oneself and within the class as a whole.  It also serves as an introduction to help develop your critical gender lens by identifying which concepts and/or identities are important to you.

Before you start making the image, set a timer and write on your own (don’t share here) a list of your personal, enacted, relational, and communal identities. From this list, create your image. You do not have to include the entire list. The image can be simply a series of connecting circles, each representing a social group you belong to with as many circles as you feel is appropriate. You can also let your drawn diagram take any form you wish. I have included examples from past classes hereTake a picture of your image and share it in your post.

Once you have drawn your diagram, select 2-3 groups on your drawing that you feel have most influenced who you are as a person, and how you see the world.  For each of these groups, write 2-3 values you feel you have as a result of these groups’ influences. Then, write 2-3 ways the values you noted may interfere with your ability to communicate with persons outside this group.  Note: values can be double-sided; for example, a value of ethnic pride can be a prejudice against other ethnic groups. Include this in your post.

Lastly, and I will post this in the announcements today too, I want to make a change to discussion posts so that we all comment in the same period and it feels more like a classroom discussion. To do this, I will ask you to future-date your posts so that everyone’s posts are available at the same time for commenting. One major advantage of this is that it will reinforce due dates to help keep you on track, while still allowing you to complete work in advance if you choose. Here are the steps.

After you write your post, on the right-hand side, chose “edit” next to “Publish”

Choose "edit" next to "publish immediately"

This will give you a drop-down menu where you can select the date/time you want it to publish on. For Discussion 2, that date should be June 1 at 11:59 pm (unless you are an early morning poster, then adjust accordingly). Select OK.

Drop Down Date Selection

Finally, choose the category for the post. Please note: DO NOT MAKE YOUR POST STICKY. Don’t even choose a category sticky. You can completely ignore that box. Only choose a regular category.

Select category, not category sticky

Then publish your post as usual. It won’t be visible on the site until the date you selected.