Femininity, Masculinity, and Stereotypes

Abstract

Issues of gender – masculinity, femininity, and identity – are current issues in modern society. Over the last decade, various publications on these issues have been published, discussing the various controversies and issues surrounding them. The podcast on The Nation, speaks about how women of color are criticized for demanding justice or for expressing anger. The podcast discusses how women are judged and dismissed for raising their voices when they are angry or when they try to raise various serious issues. In this paper, the issue surrounding masculinity and femininity are discussed in relation to the podcast.

Femininity, Masculinity, and Stereotypes

Gender stereotypes have been in existence since the industrial revolution when men were expected to be involved in industrial work while women were expected to stay at home and perform household chores. Masculinity is often associated with strength and energy, while femininity is sometimes looked at as a form of weakness. Gender stereotypes in society arise from the assignment of different roles to men and women, and from the gender biases that people have (Martin, 1991). For instance, it is common to see men try to assist women with their work, thinking that they do not have the required energy or strength to complete tasks assigned. It is also common to hear of people making comments such as “black women throw tantrums and are always angry”. These stereotypes affect how men and women are treated at work and in society.

Gender stereotypes and discrimination are particularly common where women of color are involved. It is very common to witness women of color get scolded for complaining about being treated unfairly or demanding for justice. The saga that ensued with Serena Williams is a good example of how women are criticized for demanding justice or for raising issues that affect them. The podcast on The Nation was a conversation with an author who discusses the various stereotypes that affect women of color in American society (Zirin, 2018). The podcast brought to light the politics surrounding the expression of anger and discontent by black women, including biases in how society monitors women’s anger, especially for women with color. The podcast made me understand how stereotypes based on gender affect judgment and fair treatment of different individuals.

References

Martin, E. (1991). The egg and the sperm: How science has constructed a romance based on stereotypical male-female roles. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 16(3), 485-501.

Zirin, D. (2018, September 17). Serena Williams and the Policing of Anger. Retrieved June 17, 2019, from https://www.thenation.com/article/serena-williams-and-the-policing-of-anger/