Jackie Lawrence
EDF 2085
Reflection Paper #19
Through gender roles constructed by society, males and females are forced into conformity. Behavior, appearance, and even career choices are dependent on what one’s sex is. For instance, males are “supposed to be” dominant, independent, unemotional, and hold jobs such as policemen, firefighters, and lawyers. Women, on the other hand, are looked at as the weaker link; emotional and unstable. Women have had a tough time throughout American history with a variety of things, including voting rights and equality in the workforce. With such strict social standards, why would anyone want to label themselves as a homosexual? Fear and ignorance of the gay community make them inferior and estranged in society’s eyes. To me, anyone who has the ability to come out as a homosexual displays more courage than I probably have within me for a lifetime. I am a true believer that people are born either straight or gay. Fortunately, I have been closely subjected to the gay community; my uncle and step-cousin are both gay. Because of my family members, as a child, I had no other option but to learn to accept and love those who are different than me. My life experiences in Manhattan and Miami, in which homosexuality is common, probably helped as well. However, I found from the readings that I have been absolutely ignorant of intersexuality and genetic defects. Honestly, I’ve always thought the stories I’ve heard were myths. Right now, I happen to be at work, trying to get some homework done before a meeting. My coworkers found the pictures from “Sex and Sexism” quite amusing, to say the least. However, I cannot imagine being born with a mixture of sexual characteristics. But I do think I have a pretty good handle on what it’s like to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Sex and relationships are a huge part of being human. Even the famous psychologist, Sigmund Freud, laid the groundwork of many of his beliefs and theories through a psychosexual viewpoint. The more open we are about these topics, including the “exceptions” to the norm, the healthier we will be collectively. Heterosexism, the feeling of superiority over homo or bisexuals, is the response that stems from homophobia and biphobia. And why hold fear or hatred for somebody just because of the way they are born? Like racism, heterosexism is an enormous social problem in our society, and needs to be addressed until abolished.
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I agree to a certain extent, see i believe women are not inferior to men i feel it should not be sex what determines someones success but instead it should be their personality and self motivation to surpass those around them, along with humbleness and good morals. That is what i feel takes an individual a long way, including that of the road to success. I feel that the ideology of the whole norm of women being inferior holds then in itself from allowing themselves to progress, because they themselves feel that they are being put down. However we are now in a time where it isnt much if not irrelavant ones sex, but instead ones social status, and level of education that makes one succeed.
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