Gender Neutral Children

            Beck Laxton and Kieran Cooper had a baby named Sasha that they have raised from infancy to five years of age as gender neutral.  The parents did not want to know the sex of the baby right after birth, but ended up asking the doctors 30 minutes later.  The couple named their child Sasha, a name acceptable as both male and female.  Sasha is often times referred to as “the infant” so that no gender is indicated.  “The infant” was raised neither as a boy or a girl and is encouraged to play with dolls as much as Legos.  Sasha sleeps in a neutral yellow colored bed room and can wear just about anything he likes from girl dresses to boys’ clothes.  Beck and Kieran claimed they want to avoid stereotyping and state it sound “fundamentally stupid.”   

            After reading this article, my first reaction was that it is ultimately up to the parents how they want to raise their child.  Although I may not agree with this decision, it is not up to the public to decide the optimal way Sasha should be raised.  Doctors have stated not enough research has been conducted to suggest that being raised gender neutral will have any immediate or long-term psychological consequences for a child.  However, last year, Canadians Kathy Witterick and David Stocker raised a baby named Storm as a gender-neutral child.  A U.S. child pshychiatrist stated he was disturbed that these parents have been misguided.  Dr. Harold Koplewicz, states ‘When children are born, they’re not a blank slate.  We do have male brains and female brains. There’s a reason why boys do more rough and tumble play; there’s a reason why girls have better language development skills”

            Overall, I feel that parents have the right to raise their children gender neutral as long as the children learn to respect themselves as individuals.  I undoubtedly think Sasha will face hardships growing up because the stereotype of male or female is so ingrained into society.  Although, the public cannot dictate how families should raise their children.  If the parents want to challenge and overcome the influence of male and female stereotypes, it is ultimately their decision.  

Social Networks

            Facebook is a social networking site that allows users to create profiles or pages, allowing them to maintain contact with friends and family.  In addition, users are allowed to “blog” about anything they are feeling, which always their "friends" on Facebook to see the post and comment on it.  Overall, users post about feelings and thoughts in an effort to portray themselves to others as they see fit.

            When I was browsing through Facebook the other day, I noticed that my “friends” usually post pictures or activities they have partaken in.  For example, people usually post about a crazy party they went to the night before or big events that happened over the weekend such as fraternity or sorority events, a professional game they went to, or a concert they attended.  Many of the post are created to elicit a response from people that view it.  In addition, I believe that many of the posts I see on my news feed are highly gendered.  To elaborate, women usually post selfies or a picture of themselves wearing a new outfit they recently purchased.  Many of the pictures are highly sexualized and involve an appearance that would not be seen under normal conditions.  It is a rare occurrence so they decide to post a picture about it on Facebook.  Furthermore, they post pictures of themselves hanging out with their girlfriends.  In comparison, men usually post more masculine pictures and posts about being at the gym, pictures of taking vehicles off-roading, or posts about sporting events.  The pictures and posts are more rugged and characteristic of a masculine man.  However, pictures that are always posted and seem to be gender neutral are about parties and drinking. 

            Overall, I believe people create a type of virtual personality when they constantly use social media sites such as Facebook.  The user aims to represent themselves as they want to be viewed in the eyes of their “friends.”  In my own opinion, I feel all the posts on Facebook are an effort to elicit a response from other Facebook users.  Many of the posts are created sitting behind a screen and are not what you would see on a normal occurrence.  I feel the users want to give off a personality that will be accepted by others and to communicate over the internet, not person to person.  Everyone assumes a role of being a woman (over sexualized pictures, emotional posts, crazy parties, etc.) or being a man (working out, sporting events, drinking etc.).  For this reason, I believe that Facebook is highly gendered and users create virtual personalities that will be accepted by others. 

Make Up Post for Class 11/3: Extreme Activism

            To begin, extreme activism is a form of protest that goes beyond that currently deemed as lawful under a nation or state’s codes.  Often was is qualified as extreme activism varies from country to country, based on the laws and regulations enforced in that specific country (Dictionary.com).   Within the film, “Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer,” five members of the band Pussy Riot staged an anti-Putin song performance on the soleas of Moscow’s Cathedral of the Christ Savior.  The video opens with the members that are being questioned about the band and their actions.  Many of the women are not married, nor do they have any children.  They do not like to discuss the band and what actions they have committed.  The band argues that the cathedral symbolizes the union between church and state.   The band is not in favor of this.  Next, the film transitions to the background of the performance at the Cathedral and the aftermath.  The performance was stopped by church officials and later two members were arrested and charged with hooliganism.  Later, a third member was arrested and denied bail.  The three members were put on trial and forced to serve two years in jail after being convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hate and for “violating the right to worship.”  Overall, the film follows the women behind the controversy of this performance that turned them into proponents of free speech.

            My personal opinion about activism is that it should not be tolerated.  It is an act that is performed in uproar or opposed to the norms of society.  Whenever I hear the term “activism” I always think of it in a negative way.  The actions that come into mind are letters to leaders telling them to cease action, political campaigning, and economic activism such as boycotts, rallies, or street marches.  Although some types of activism can be tolerated such as strikes, they are usually ended with physical force or police involvement. 

            I believe activism goes too far when the actions impede the rights of individuals.  For example, protesting a certain religion because the rioters do not specially believe in it goes against our right as a citizen.  As defined in the Bill of Rights, Americans have the freedom to practice any religion they chose as long as it is not a cult or harms humanity.  For example, when referring to the article “Sound & Fury: Fred Phelps and Life inside Westboro,” Phelps was seen as practicing activism.  He would spread his own beliefs while continually abusing his family and many people he came in contact with.  I believe the Pussy Riot and Fred Phelps are similar because they wanted to feel empowered to spread their wills and beliefs. They want to have a sense of power that could persuade people to join them.  As is evident, feeling empowered and spreading your will always leads to corruption.

            In summary, I feel that activism should not be tolerated.  Several forms of activism are tolerable such as strikes, but others that go against the norms of society are not.  These events are usually ended by authorities and in some cases, the use of violence.  Although we have freedom of speech, the means by which we can express that right usually varies from country to country.  As in the case of the Pussy Riot, the band wanted to send a message to everyone, which was met by imprisonment but was undoubtedly successful, after gaining support from the public.   

Reality Televison

To begin this blog, I decided to Google "what is reality television?" The definition provide by Google is: "televisions programs in which real people are continuously filmed, designed to be entertaining rather than informative." This definition applies very well to reality television today. The people that star on reality shows assume a character and attempt to be the most obnoxious person to be in the limelight and gain popularity. The people that star in these shows were once ordinary people but now are portraying a character in fit in with the theme of the show and its title. One of the most popular shows is Jersey Shore, which ran on MTV from December 2009 to December 2012. The show features eight housemates that are brought together in Seaside Heights, NJ to party and act crazy. The shows has been met with large amounts of controversy regarding portrayals of Italian-American stereotypes and scrutiny from locals that Seaside Heights is not like the people portrayed on the show. However, the show was met with a large viewing audience and continued throughout all seasons. The first season was labeled as the best because as the show went on, the stars became the characters they were portraying. They began to act more ridiculous than the first season.
 One of the most popular characters was Mike "Situation" Sorrentino. He would use his physic to pick up woman at the bar and clubs, and hook up with them. This caught the interest of many teenage boys who wanted to be like him and live that lifestyle. The "Situation" is a male dominant figure that is over-portrayed in the show with the excessive gym sessions, tanning, laundry, drinking, and dancing. The women that he catches the attention of are show to be submissive to him. They praise Sorrentino and objectify themselves to gain his attention. Overall, the show caught on with viewers in the beginning that wanted to replicate that lifestyle but as the show went on, viewers grew tired of the reality TV aspect to Jersey Shore. It was entertaining in the beginning but then grew boring as the show became outrageous and more scripted.

Boys, Girls and Toys - Oh My

It is apparent to anyone walking into a toy store or toy aisles at stores such as Toys ‘R Us or Walmart that there is an overwhelming amount of gendered packaging.  The packages that are intended for boys are usually blue, red, or green in color because marketers believe these colors are usually associated with boys.  In comparison, packages that are intended for girls are pink, purple, or light blue in color because these colors are usually associated with young girls.  It is evident that marketers are using colors to create a distinction between boys and girls products.  In addition, toys marketed for boys are usually guns, action figures, building blocks such as Legos, and video games.  Toys marketed for girls are usually dolls, playhouses, costumes, and baby dolls.  The gender roles of children seem to be determined at a young age based on what type of toys they should be playing with.  If we take a look at this first picture:

We can see the different marketing techniques used to target boys or girls.  The color and packaging should stand out to anyone walking down these aisles.  The types of toys are another marketing technique used.  Do marketers believe girls won’t build using Legos and boys won’t play house?  The marketers are trying to create a complete separation of boys’ vs. girls’ toys.     

          

Eventually, I Googled “boys’ vs. girls’ toys” and I found a series of toys that differ in their marketing to consumers.  The toys that stood out to me was the Nerf Guns pictured below.      

It should be apparent that the girl Nerf gun picture is targeting girls because of the use of feminine colors.  The colors include purple and teal, which feminize the product and make it acceptable for a girl to use.  In contrast, the second picture that targets boys is blue, orange, and gray in color.  The Nerf gun has a more masculine appearance to it as opposed to the first picture.  This is just another example of gendered packaging and marketing of toys to boys and girls. 

          

In the video posted, the young girl is complaining that girls’ toys are all dolls while boys get to play with superheroes.  The young girl argues that other girls just like her want to play with superheroes also.  I agree with her arguments that the products should be marketed gender neutral because both boys and girls should have access to play with the same toys regardless of gender.  Something has to be done to combat these stereotypical products and roles that marketers believe young boys and girls should assume at such a young age.  

Gender and the Military

Although I have not been involved in the military or personally know someone who has, sexuality and gender play a serious role in the military. When looking in the past, the military was male dominate with only a handful of women involved assuming the role of nurses or medics. Nowadays, the media has been influencing America through movies, commercials, and advertisements. Many movies show the struggle that men in military face and how they band together with their comrades to overcome, persevere, and win the battle. Typically, women are usually not involved in the action but remain on the sidelines hoping husbands and/or male family members will return from war. In addition, most of the commercials we see show males using new cutting-edge technology that aims to draw an interest from the audience. They discuss fighting for our country while other commercials stress the importance of earning a degree and how a military personnel can attain a successful military career and degree at the same time.

The military has been thought to be for males who has physical and psychological strengths to deal with the hardships of war.  Woman are not viewed as having the physical capabilities necessary for war. However, today woman are viewed as being just as successful in military as males. There has been a shift in the media, pushing for women to join the ranks especially for the army reserve. The military is now targeting all markets due to serious recruiting and retaining problem discussed in the article "Sexuality, Gender, and the US Military." This blog written by Melissa Trible, explains her personal thoughts on how the military can use different procedures when it comes to homosexuals in the military. Although it is now outdated due to the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy being repealed in 2011, the arguments regarding women are still valid. The one argument I thought could be used strongly today was when she said the military should allow female only combat units. This would allow any female volunteers who pass the physical tests to join a combat unit to gain experience and give the US armed forces greater flexibility in using its personnel.

Overall, the question of homosexual males and females in military is a serious problem. Procedures and policies must be created to allow all Americans an equal chance to fight for our country if they decide to do so.

Intelligence vs. Icon

            After reading the article “Not Just a Dumb Blonde,” it is reported that Marilyn Monroe was intelligent, contrary to many people’s belief.  Although Marilyn was photographed reading on the set, she was always thought of as being just “another dumb blonde.” She had many friends such as Capote and met novelist Bellow, who wrote that she “conducts herself like a philosopher.” She was more intelligent than her actions and mannerisms made her seem. Instead of being an intelligent blonde, she was an iconic figure for her sexual appeal.

            Some people believe Marilyn Monroe misrepresented herself in the public but I do not feel the same way. I do not think she “hid” her intelligence because I think America’s perception of her defined who she was in the media. America stereotyped her for being dumb because she was a blonde model. However, she could hold her own in a conversation with some of the intelligent people of that time. These individuals knew she was smart but unfortunately her appearance opened her to stereotypes because of what she was doing in the media. No matter how intelligent she was, Monroe embraced her role because it led to much success and fame throughout her career. She was popular for over 30 years and is still referred to as the first iconic woman of sexual appeal in America. For that reason, I believe Marilyn Monroe embraced the role even though she was completely different due to the success she encountered.

            When I think of a modern day celebrity who is hiding part of their intellect to secure greater success I think of Ken Jeong.  Jeong was a star in the Hangover series, playing the villain who apparently “kidnaps” Doug, is a drug addict, and appears nude in several scenes. Although he plays a comedic role, Jeong actually has an MDA. In the article “Ken Jeong: the crazy guy from the Hangover trilogy,” Jeong “started his career moonlighting as a stand up while training to be a doctor. He did his residency at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and was seven years into a career as a physician when he was given his first feature role – as a frazzled maternity doctor in Judd Apatow's Knocked Up. He still holds a license to practice medicine and his wife, with whom he has five-year-old twin girls, is a GP.”  In addition, the article titled “How Ken Jeong Went from Doctor to ‘Hangover’ Villain Mr. Chow,” Jeong was often times referred to as Dr. Ken on set. Many of his fellow co-stars praise him for being really smart but yet so funny.

            Overall, Jeong is another celebrity who hides his intelligence because it may hinder his character’s development. If the public knew he was really a doctor, his roles would suffer. Therefore, in order in remain funny, Ken Jeong hides his intelligence for the sake of comedy.   

           

Source

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/05/ken-jeong-crazy-guy-hangover-trilogy

http://www.mtv.com/news/1640917/how-ken-jeong-went-from-doctor-to-hangover-villain-mr-chow/

Gendered Slang / Language

                I would have to agree with the fact that our colloquialisms and language are gendered.  Some of the words used in today’s society have different meanings then what they were originally used to describe. Now several words are used to describe an individual, reference, degrade, insult, and even appraise them. Furthermore, it has become a routine part of our speech with peers, teachers, and family members.  Several words have started as slang but with constant use in conversation, have become a part of the Oxford Dictionary.  Slang is always changing and evolving based on media, television, movies, trends, and eras. 

               
              Several examples that are used include when speaking with friends include: “bro,” “dude,” “man,” and “bud.” All the words listed are used to reference a friend.  However, several words that are used now to degrade someone include: “dick,” “douche,” “pussy,” and “bitch.”  These words are all intended to stand for something else but have adapted into our society to offend someone.  Males get irritated when they are called them because it is used to compare them to having female qualities and that they are not a real man.

                For girls, common used slang include: “bitch,” “ho,” “chick,” and “babe.”  These are common used terms in today’s society that have become a part of everyday speech.  Many people reference others using these words, not realizing how degrading or offensive the words truly are.  Offensive language can include: “slut,” “skank,” “whore,” and “dime.”  As degrading as these words are, people are using them without hesitation.  If you walk around your neighborhood, campus, or even the market, people are saying the words as common language.

                According to the article in the Huffington Post, "Slang Words: What are Young People Saying These Days?," the article states that social media is another venue for which people can express slang.  By using Twitter or Facebook, people are interacting with each other, all in an attempt to get catchphrases and mix of words trending.    

                Decades ago, many words did not have gendered meanings.  It just goes to show how far language has changed and now has gendered connotation. 

Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/12/19/slang-words-2012_n_2322664.html

All in the Family

            A “nuclear family” is defined as a family consisting of a husband, wife, and children.  Usually, the husband is the primary income earner while the woman ussumes the role of care giver.  She would be responsible for taking care of the children and maintaining the house whether it be cleaning, cooking, or organizing.  This view of the family has become the norm for the American society.  However, today, there are many different types of families.  It is not the norm to have a “nuclear family” in American society.  To start, there are many families that have dual working parents.  The financial burden has forced both parents to pursue a career that will help support the family.  In addition, the recession has caused many parents to lose their jobs.  As a result, husbands are getting more involved in the day-to-day chores of the household.  Although this is starting to replace the old view of a family, the world is also facing changes with gay and lesbian couples.  It is common for a child to have two dads or moms.  Furthermore, families are getting divorced and the former husbands and wives are making ends meet while no longer living with one another.  Overall, it is difficult to say which family style the norm in today’s society is.   

            In the article “Dad-Mom Role Reversals” by Sara Eckel, she explains that many fathers are having a difficult time coping with the change in roles. For a father who was the primary wage earner to change his duties throughout the day from work to household chores as a result of being laid off, he is going to have some difficulties.  I come from a family where my father is the primary wage earner and works ten hour days.  Therefore, he does not have as much time to help with the household chores and family bearing responsibilities.  My mother wanted to raise her children as we were growing up so she had a part time job.  Although today she has a full working week because her children are older now, she still completes the household chores.  If somehow the roles were reversed, my dad would face difficulties adjusting to his new role, similar to the fathers in the article.  

Source: http://www.workingmother.com/2010/2/home/dad-mom-role-reversals  

Music Videos Imagery and Lyrics

            In today’s generation of music, it is very common to see music videos that reverse or challenge gender roles. Pop artists such as Lady Gaga have continually attempted to challenge the cultural norms of our society.  Her career has been met with large amount of appraisal and success but in the same instance, with criticism and disgust.  However, many other artists are continuing to challenge gender roles.  Two such music videos that come to mind are “So What” by Pink and “Self Esteem” by Offspring.

"So What" by Pink    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJfFZqTlWrQ 

"Self Esteem" by Offspring    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkFH0KMO0G0

            “So What” by Pink challenges gender roles because within the video, Pink shows some masculine traits that are not usually associated with women.  When I first watched the video, the one line that stood out to me was: “I’m gonna get in trouble, I wanna start a fight!”  This stood out to me because women usually are not physical or combative like males.  Throughout the whole video, Pink attempts to be free and rebellious after her husband has left.  She wants to start her life all over again and acts destructive.  Several characteristics that challenge gender roles are when Pink was riding a tractor and later, a motorcycle.  Usually males are viewed to ride a motorcycle because it goes with their gritty and tough appearance.  In addition, Pink is seen with a chainsaw and is cutting down a tree with a heart and two names craved into the trunk.  Women are not usually associated with yard work or labor like cutting down trees.  Furthermore, while at a guitar store, Pink is shown playing the guitar and eventually smacking it into the ground.  Once again, this is evidence of her rebellious behavior that reverses the normal gender roles for our society.  Later in the video, Pink chest bumps the guitar store worker in way that shows she does not care about the destruction she has caused or any consequences that may be coming her way.   

            Overall, Pink is transforming gender ideologies.  Along with her rebellious and masculine actions, Pink’s outfits are in contrast to the typical gender stereotypes that our society has come to form.

            While “So What” challenges gender roles, “Self Esteem” by Offspring reverses gender roles.  The lyrics that stand out are, “I took her back and made her dessert / Now I know I’m being used / That’s ok man cause I like the abuse / I know she’s playing with me / That’s ok cause I’ve got no self-esteem.”  The lyrics hint that the male is cooking and taking care of the woman while the woman is abusing and taking advantage of the male.  The male allows it to happen because he has no self-esteem.  In our society, it is usually the female that handles the cooking for the partner.  In addition, the low self-esteem trait commonly afflicts young women more than men.  Throughout our society, it is men that have the overbearing and controlling demeanor over women.  Thus, the gender roles have been reversed in this music video.

            Moreover, another set of lyrics that reverse gender roles is: “Late at night she knocks on my door / Drunk again and looking to score / Now I know I should say no / But that’s kind of hard when she’s ready to go.”  This behavior is more commonly associated with males instead of females.  We usually believe that males are the one’s getting drunk and chasing after women.  As a result, this music video has given the woman all the masculine characteristics while the man displays all the insecure and feminine characteristics.

Thus, it is evident that gender roles are continually being challenged in music videos.

YouTube, I Tube, We all Tube

In American society, the gender roles for having a baby are usually held that the mom is the stay at home parent that cares for the child and completes household chores.  The dad, on the other hand, continues working to have an income for the family.  These gender roles have been common since the 1950s and have become the norm for American society.  However, within the past three years, there has been a shift from stay at home moms to stay at home dads.  Referencing Louisa Peacock’s and Sam Marsden’s article titled “Rise in stay-at-home fathers fuelled by growing numbers of female breadwinners,” official employment statistics has shown that men now make up 10 percent of those who care for children while their partner goes to work.  “There were 227,000 men staying at home to look after family between September and November last year, a rise of 19,000 compared to the same period in 2011 and the highest increase since figures began in 1993.”  Experts suggest that the shift is being caused by men losing their jobs to the recent recession and have either failed to attain a new job or have not pursued a new job due to their partner having a well-paid job. 

 

Mom and Huggies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3UWNP89jcQ           

In the two videos I have posted, the first video shows the mom staying home and caring for the child.  She will handle all the household chores and jobs that will have to be completed to care for her baby throughout the day. I believe the target audience for this video is for mothers-to-be or current mothers of young children. In addition, I believe it is effective reaching this target audience because mothers can relate to the commercial. Huggies promotes their product as "Huggies Makes Babies Happy." Although the slogan says very little about the quality of the product, Huggies has been a reliable brand since 1978. Mothers can be confident in purchasing the product and providing the best diaper for their child based on numerous years of research into the most comfortable, flexible, and absorptive diapers in the market.    

Dad and Huggies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3hwcqY7yUw

The second video shows numerous dads staying home to handle the household chores and care for their baby.  Although the American society is starting to see a change in the number of stay at home dads, these videos defy the general gender roles that have become the norm of this society.The second video’s target audience is fathers of young children who have been laid off or are having difficulty finding a job. I also find this video to be effective in reaching the target audience.  This is due to the fact that Huggies is raising the awareness that stay at home dads are on the rise. Although it has been the norm that the father is the primary earner or provider for the house, Huggies is attempting to change the minds of all Americans. It is common to see several husbands be insecure or have difficulty grasping the fact that they may not be working and have to rely on the other partner to be the household earner. This commercial aims to justify that it is acceptable to be a father and not be the primary wage earner.

Furthermore, our culture is becoming more accepting of gay marriages. In this case, I think the commercial also targets gay male couples that have adopted a child. One will be the stay at home care taker, while the other continues to work. Therefore, the commercial is effective in reaching this target audience as well.    

Sources:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/9822271/Rise-in-stay-at-home-fathers-fuelled-by-growing-numbers-of-female-breadwinners.html