After Reading The National Geographic Articles On Gender

After Reading The National Geographic Articles The Genderbread Person

After reading the National Geographic articles, the Genderbread Person PDF, and watching A Call to Men TED talk, to an external site, please post to this discussion board at least TWO TIMES. At least one of your posts should be a response to a classmate's post. Posts should aim to promote conversation. A simple agreement or disagreement does not constitute an adequate post. Be sure your comments are relevant to course concepts. To complete: Read National Geographic articles (Intro + Science), watch A Call to Men - by Tony Porter - TED talk, and read the Genderbread Person PDF. The guiding questions for your post are: What are your earliest memories related to gender? When was the first time you understood how your gender would affect your life?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of gender identity is a complex and deeply personal journey, shaped by early memories, societal influences, and individual experiences. To fully understand one's relationship with gender, it is vital to engage with various perspectives and educational resources, such as the National Geographic articles, the Genderbread Person framework, and Tony Porter's TED talk, "A Call to Men." This essay reflects on these materials while answering the personal questions of earliest memories related to gender and the moment one first understood how gender influences life.

My earliest memories related to gender date back to childhood, where societal stereotypes and expectations subtly shaped my perceptions. I recall playing with dolls and toy cars, with my family and peers often assigning gender-specific roles. For instance, I was encouraged more to engage in activities deemed appropriate for my gender, such as playing with dolls, which was associated with nurturing behaviors, or with action figures, linked to strength and adventure. These early experiences subtly reinforced the notion that gender roles were fixed and binary, influencing my understanding of what was expected of me as a boy or girl.

The first time I truly understood how gender would affect my life came during adolescence, a period marked by increased social awareness and peer influence. It was during this time I encountered societal messages that defined masculinity and femininity in narrow terms, often emphasizing traits like emotional restraint for boys and nurturing for girls. Watching media portrayals and being part of social circles that reinforced these stereotypes made me realize that my gender was a significant factor that could influence my opportunities, relationships, and even my self-esteem. The concept of gender being a determinant of social worth and behavior became clearer to me at this stage, aligning with the ideas discussed in the National Geographic articles and the Genderbread Person's emphasis on the spectrum of gender identity and expression.

The National Geographic articles provided valuable insights into the biological and social dimensions of gender, emphasizing that gender is not solely biologically determined but also shaped by cultural and societal factors. These articles challenged the binary view of gender, illustrating the diversity of gender identities across different cultures and periods. The Genderbread Person model further clarifies this by illustrating gender as a spectrum comprising identity, expression, biological sex, and attraction. This comprehensive framework highlights that gender is multi-faceted and fluid, countering rigid stereotypes and encouraging acceptance of diverse identities.

Tony Porter's TED talk, "A Call to Men," underscores the importance of redefining masculinity to promote healthier, more equitable relationships. Porter critiques traditional notions of masculinity that promote dominance, emotional suppression, and violence, advocating for a shift toward respect, emotional expression, and accountability. These ideas complement the understanding that gender norms are socially constructed and can be challenged and transformed to foster more inclusive environments.

In sharing my personal journey, I recognize the influence of media, cultural expectations, and peer interactions on my understanding of gender. Early memories are often the foundation for what we later learn and internalize about gender roles, and educational resources like the articles and TED talk expand this understanding into a broader, more inclusive perspective. Moving forward, embracing the diversity of gender identities and expressions can lead to a more empathetic and equitable society.

In conclusion, reflecting on my earliest memories and the moment I realized how gender affects life underscores the importance of continuous education and awareness. Tools like the Genderbread Person and discussions like Porter’s TED talk serve as vital resources for challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding. Recognizing the fluidity of gender and resisting rigid norms can empower individuals to live authentic lives while fostering societal growth toward acceptance and equality.

References

  • National Geographic Society. (n.d.). Gender. In National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
  • National Geographic Society. (n.d.). Science and Gender. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
  • Porter, T. (2010). A Call to Men [Video]. TEDxHouston. https://www.ted.com/
  • The Genderbread Person. (n.d.). The Genderbread Person. https://www.genderbread.org/
  • Rivers, C. (2019). Redefining masculinity: Challenging stereotypes through education. Journal of Gender Studies, 28(4), 407-419.
  • Connell, R. W. (2012). Gender and Power: Society, the Person, and Sexual Politics. Stanford University Press.
  • Diamond, M. (2013). Sexual Fluidity: Understanding Women's Love and Desire. Harvard University Press.
  • Seager, J. (2014). Feminist Theory: A Student's Guide to Approaching Social Justice. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Pascoe, C. J. (2007). Dude, You're a Fag: Men and Masculinity in High School. University of California Press.
  • Kimmel, M. S. (2017). Manhood in America: A Cultural History. The University of Chicago Press.

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