As the world continues to evolve and society continues to change with it; the topics of sex, gender, and feminisim has continued to progress and expand our way of thinking about these topics and how we view them. Through two specific texts by two different authors; I want to further explain in depth what the readings mean, what they are trying to convey, and the important points we should all take away from both texts. In the article “Sex & Gender 101” written by Kyl Myers focuses on the basics when it comes to the topics of sex and gender. Myers focuses on the foundational terms which make up some form of who we are. Myers touches base on the foundational terms such as; biological sex, gender, and sexual orientation. One important concept Myers explains in the article is the idea that a person’s biological sex, gender, identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation are not mutually exclusive. The statement within itself is powerful and further explains how just because a male or a female may identify as cisgender does not automatically mean that individual is a heterosexual. When we put terms like gender and sexual orientation together amongst other foundational terms based around sex and gender, then we constantly put people in the same groups without truly getting to know who they are and what they view themselves as. For example, myself, I am a female who identifies as cisgender however, my sexual orientation is bi-sexual. Throughout high school, people in my school constantly assumed because I was a cisgender female I only liked boys and when I did express to them my sexual orientation they laughed it off, didn’t believe me, and made statements like “you’re too pretty to like girls.” This type of experience, labeling, and stereotyping essentially made me not want to express myself anymore to anyone ever again. Therefore, the information that Myers is describing throughout this article makes room for readers to further educate themselves and start a conversation about sex and gender overall that has never been had before or is not spoken about enough. Another important concept from the text is the fact that in countries like America, young boys and girls are taught their gender roles and how distinctive they are from each other. Boys are taught at a young age to be rough, aggressive, rugged, to be the “man” and the “boss” as they grow up. Girls are taught at a young age the ways of being a housewife; learning how to cook, clean, be quiet, submissive, and overall weak. As society continues to evolve and the definition of foundational terms like gender and sex are expanding into different meanings it is vital to change the way children are being brought up in the world. Myers is pointing out that with educating yourself more on the depth of sexual orientation and gender you can make a change by becoming aware of the stereotypical problems and stigmas when it comes to sex and gender. Lastly, another important message from the text is the idea that if we don’t change the way we view sex and gender then we will constantly have set gender roles and sterotypes for both men and women. If we continuously put men in a box and women in a box without having room for more different types of gender identities then we will never have a positive shift in the construction of gender, sex, and its overall culture in society.
In the article, “Feminist Politics: Where we stand” by bell hooks focuses on the topic of feminism and the sterotypical concepts behind it. Hooks goes into detail about her goal to end sexist oppression and continue to educate others on the true definition of feminism by describing it as a movement that is not all about being anti-male, but focuses on the equality of both male and females. An important concept Hooks speaks on is the message that all sexist thinking and actions are the problem whether it is by a male, female, child, or adult. By understanding the idea of sexism overall so we can truly understand the idea of feminism. This is an important message to not only understand but educate to others in our lives because it can help spread awareness to feminism and make a change in the world for not only women but men as well. If we end sexism in our society then we would make a way for feminism to grow and truly impact the world in a positive way. Another important concept Hooks mentions is just how important feminism is to our society. Feminism won’t end all our world problems and create a perfect world full of peace and equality howvever, it can and will still impact the world in a way where men and women can co-exist without stereotypes; while creating a welcoming and beloved community. Hooks mentions the intention that feminism can touch and change our lives if we can truly grasp what feminism and the movement of feminsim is. Lastly, Hooks brings up the message that without clear definitions on feminism we won’t be able to move forward with the feminism movement throughout society. It is key for us to not only get the definition of feminism right but to instill this definition in others so they can continue to share the message and keep the movement alive until there is solid change in society.