Gender Wars

I think it's clear that gender wars exist. It is prevalent in advertisements, social interactions, and attitudes. Pop culture especially tries to play up the differences between men and women. However, I feel like there is also another type of gender war going on, one where men and women are trying to portray themselves as more alike. These two types of gender wars create a division among men and also among women, as the individual genders are tugged in opposite directions. For example, some women are playing up what many traditionally consider femininity - becoming occupied by beauty, relationships, raising a family, and being dependent on men. Other women are playing up more masculine traits - pursuing traditionally male careers, becoming more competitive and independent, and focusing on education and less on family. Men are also facing the same war within their gender. Some are picking up more feminine traits while others are enhancing their masculinity. As stated in our notes from class, variance is greater among women and men than between the sexes.

I feel like I'm not extremely influenced by the gender wars. If anything, I have resisted the concept of gender wars throughout my life. Growing up, I was very much a tomboy. I mostly played with my brother's toys and didn't like dolls or Barbies. I remember watching commercials when I was younger and being more enticed by the toys targeting boys than those targeting girls. I would rather play sports with the guys at recess than talk with all the girls. Today, I would consider myself competitive, independent, and career focused which are all characteristics generally associated with males. But at the same time, I have embraced my feminine side. I want to play a big role in raising a family in the future, but know it will be difficult for me to put aside my career for awhile.

I feel like the metaphor can place limits on men and women, but only to the extent they let it happen. Many men and women have broken the stereotype of what their gender is expected to be like, and breaking gender barriers seems to be more accepted today. It should be noted that breaking the stereotype can pose other problems like being teased, not fitting in as well, psychological issues, and discrimination. But it can also bring about opportunities for both men and women. For example, as women advance in careers, they are demonstrating their talents and abilities, and discrimination towards them is decreasing. The messages we receive daily from pop culture are telling us how to live and act in our society, and can ruin our independent thinking if we let it. Gender differences will continue to exist, but falling into the trap of letting pop culture guide our role in society ruins individuality.

Does it seem like gender differences are greater among women and men than between the sexes?

Do you feel like you are embracing the "gender wars" or resisting it?