In today’s society (as well as in the past), men and woman have been subject to roles and tasks that are gender specific. For women, this includes “easy” things, like laundry, cooking, sewing, cleaning, showing weakness, and taking care of children. Regarding men, they are expected to be strong, never show weakness, protect, be athletic, and provide for their family. Most of the time however, these things are a very inaccurate embodiment of how people, regardless of gender, really are. For example, in Judy Brady’s essay Why I Want a Wife, Brady discusses why she to wants a wife who will “send me to school….keep track of the children’s appointments…take care of my physical needs..” (Brady). By the same token, Kitty from That 70’s Show is made out as a very feminine character, but wants to get a career; something to fulfill on a regular basis, that allows for more gender equality and is told by her husband, Bob, that the only thing she needs to be worried about filling is the top of her shirt.
Personally, I fulfill and rebel against the typical female stereotype. While I do like things to be clean, and care immensely for those I love, I also have another side that is not “feminine” at all. I like to skateboard and play video games, and I would much rather be playing call of duty then be getting my nails done or go shopping.
With the exception of woman receiving education and being accepted in the workforce (although, many jobs are still sexist against woman more so then men), not much has changed with societies standards since the 1960’s. Woman are expected to balance more then they have in the past with the addition of a career, but are still scarcely accepted as a strong leader or any other form of dominance. Men’s standards are pretty much the same, with the possible exception on an emphases to be more fit. With this, comes a growing need for self expression and an increase in rebellion against gender roles, presently taking the form of same sex marriages and women in government offices.
AutumnViolet 