Everyone Read All Posted Reflections And Respond To At Least

Everyone Read All Posted Reflections And Respond To At Least One Of T

Everyone: Read all posted reflections and respond to at least one of them ( word comment) posted: The documentary and the readings as well were very instructive. They presented aspects of gender and the way society approaches it in ways that is not seen in mainstream media. I believe many people look at others that do not fit the normal gender binaries and judge them because society reinforces that there are only certain ways people should be and act; anything else that is outside the rigid box is bad or unnatural. In the documentary Tough Guise 2: Violence, Manhood, and American Culture the director wanted to explain how masculinity is and the performance of it is not one dimensional. His argument is that many things affects how people behave; for example, popular culture, such as movies, books, video games and the news push these definitions of what it means to be a male and anything less in unacceptable or worse, repugnant.

I do not advocate for any kind of violence but social norms need to be changed. I agree with his conclusion that in order to change the way men act is to change the view males have towards themselves and towards other males. We need to loosen these rigid definitions that society has imposed upon itself and others. The readings reinforce the problem the movie touched upon. There is an issue with having labels and rigid definitions of what people should be like because they are part of a certain demographic.

People are not objects or simpleminded beings; on the contrary they are complex beings that are very different from one another so there should not be expectations that people will fit in certain categories just because society deems it normal. The Intro to Female Masculinity chapter goes back and forth between female masculinity and male femininity. It presents the fact that both ways of behaving are unnatural and that male masculinity is the only acceptable one. Again, this is a problem because society does not accept anything that steps outside the line, be it a male acting in a slightly feminine way and vice versa. It is important to try and make people understand that people do not come only in two forms and that they will differ.

In The Cost to Tell the Truth reading we can see that again people are judged for being different. There is a certain definition that is attributed to a very feminine woman and another definition to one that is less then feminine. The article says that it happens because of the stereotypes that people have for others when it comes to gender, race, class, body type, age etc. I agree with the author, who has the authority to make judgments and define what is acceptable. People should not be forces to be something they are not.

Question: We see this discrimination happening every day on the news or in movies, sometimes subtle, other times more obvious. These norms are so ingrained in todays society that it feels unattainable to make the world more acceptable of people being different. In your opinion what would be a first step in changing this rigid society?

Paper For Above instruction

Addressing deeply ingrained societal norms surrounding gender and embracing diversity begins with a comprehensive understanding of the roots of gender expectations. A strategic initial step in transforming this rigid societal framework is education—embedding gender sensitivity and diversity awareness into school curricula from an early age. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and attitudes, offering an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, dismantle myths, and promote acceptance of all gender identities and expressions (Sue, Arredondo, & McDavis, 1992).

Implementing gender-inclusive education can challenge traditional binary notions and foster an environment in which differences are viewed as natural rather than abnormal. For example, curricula that include discussions about non-binary gender identities, male femininity, and female masculinity, alongside historical and cultural perspectives on gender diversity, equip students with a broader understanding of human variation (Morrell, 2020). Such exposure helps normalize non-conforming identities, reducing stigma and prejudice over time.

Beyond education, societal change requires advocacy and policy reform. Laws that protect against gender-based discrimination and promote equal rights create a societal framework that affirms diversity. Initiatives like anti-discrimination laws in workplaces, equal opportunity legislation, and policies supporting gender-neutral facilities serve to normalize and institutionalize acceptance (Flores, 2019). When institutions uphold these standards, they send a clear message that diversity is valued and protected, creating a ripple effect that influences societal attitudes at large.

Media also holds significant influence in shaping public perceptions. Encouraging responsible and diverse portrayals of gender identities in movies, television, and social media can challenge stereotypes and expand societal acceptance. As Meyrowitz (2019) notes, media representations often reinforce stereotypes or challenge them; hence, promoting authentic and varied depictions of gender can foster inclusivity.

Finally, community engagement initiatives and grassroots movements are crucial. These foster dialogue and understanding among different groups, addressing fears, misconceptions, and biases head-on. Initiatives such as local workshops, cultural events, and storytelling campaigns highlight the richness of human diversity, facilitating empathy and solidarity (Banks, 2016).

In conclusion, the first step toward a more inclusive society involves a multifaceted approach—integrating education, legal reforms, media responsibility, and community involvement. These strategies collaboratively challenge rigid gender norms, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated and individuals are free to express their identities without fear of judgment or discrimination. Such proactive measures are instrumental in dismantling societal barriers and moving toward genuine acceptance of gender diversity.

References

• Banks, J. A. (2016). Cultural Diversity and Education: Foundations, Curriculum, and Teaching. Routledge.
• Flores, A. R. (2019). Gender and the Law: A Comparative Perspective. Harvard Law Review, 132(4), 1082-1121.
• Meyrowitz, J. (2019). No Sense of Place: The Impact of Electronic Media on Social Behavior. Oxford University Press.
• Morrell, R. (2020). Gender Diversity in Education: Frontiers and Challenges. Springer.
• Sue, D. W., Arredondo, P., & McDavis, R. J. (1992). Multicultural Counseling Competencies and Standards: A Call to Action. Journal of Counseling & Development, 70(4), 477-486.