Gender

1) Through a multitude of mediums, I have been taught that women have a certain place in society. We are meant to be the 'weaker' gender, dependent on men to provide for our every need. Women are often portrayed as emotional, innocent, and flirtatious in films, music, and books. Young girls are first introduced to their gender expectations through movies about princesses and damsels-in-distress geared toward toddler-age children. The animations in these movies show young women in figure-fitting gowns with bright colors; they adorn their ears with diamond earrings their necks with pearl beads. Disney movies taught me from a very young age that women are meant to be 'pretty' and men will take care of the rest.


2) My grandfather may be one of the most sexist people I have ever met. I do not see him very much, but when I do, I am expected to be in a dress, and if he were to need anything, I would be required to serve him. However, his expectations of my brother are very different. He has taken my brother on skiing and hiking trips that I would have loved to have been included in, but I am a 'girl', and it would be unladylike for me to partake in such activities. Although my dad truly believes I can accomplish whatever I want in life, he has unfortunately inherited some of his own father's opinions on how each gender should behave in society; however, he is not as hard on me as he is on my brother. Last October, my brother's football team wore pink socks to support Breast Cancer Awareness, and as a donation, the team's coaches asked the parents to pay for the socks. Although, my dad refused because he did not want my brother to wear pink socks. Also, when my brother was in second grade, he made a special Valentine's Day card for my mom. His school teacher had each of her students put on lipstick and kiss the paper to make "kiss imprints" on the page. My dad was infuriated that the teacher allowed my brother to wear lipstick, a female cosmetic. My brother feels confined to his masculine gender role, because of my father's and grandfather's expectations of him.

3) Attending an all girl's school has honestly been a blessing. I used to think there was something wrong with girls who didn't love "girly" things, and I felt pressured to be as girly as possible so I wouldn't stand out. 8th grade Rachel would pile on layers of make-up and spend hours trying to find outfits that would make her look "pretty." But today, I am comfortable with who I am and I do not
feel the need suit preconceived gender roles. Currently, I think that identifying myself as a woman is empowering. In a world that is majorly male dominated, I believe that being a woman differentiates me and gives me an alternative perspective on many issues. I believe that the Mount has fostered this attitude and has allowed me to see myself as a founder who can do anything just as well (if not better) than a man. I think that in college and throughout my career I will be more likely to assert myself and ask questions because I have attended a school where my gender was not viewed as a road block to success.

4) In a romantic relationship, I generally follow many of the traditional "expectations" that my gender places upon me. However, I do so because I choose to, and I genuinely enjoy these ideals. For example, I love to cook, so I think it is fun and enjoyable to invite a boy over and cook for him; it's my way of showing that I care. Although I would not be opposed to a boy cooking for me, it is not what I would expect, and it would not really allow me to do something that I enjoy. Additionally, I typically expect young men to hold the door for me when we are out together. It is a sweet, simple gesture that has transpired throughout the years. I think it;'s an adorable, not completely necessary, act that makes me feel "lady-like" and special. Expectations such as this can be traced back to times when women were viewed as solely "domestic" creatures, only capable of mundane household chores like cooking and cleaning. Women were often dependent on their male counterpart for protection and financial stability, so they were treated as the "weaker" gender, even in relationships. Although these "traditional ideals" may appear to be anti-feministic, in reality, they are not, because I am enjoying the activities I choose to take part in.  I think that I model certain behaviors from a variety of romantic relationships in my family. My parents' relationship is largely based on traditional ideals (my mom cares for the children, cooks and cleans, while my father earns the family income and is expected to fix household items when necessary). However, one thing I really like about my aunt and uncle's relationship is that when they were dating, they always split the bill. My aunt never expected my uncle to pay for every drink or meal, and although this may be untraditional, I think it helped the couple learn the importance of sharing and compromise. I believe that a traditional relationship with a modern-day twist is the right fit for me and my relationships.