Week #4

I posted this in the wrong spot originally:

So here we are in week #4 and I can hardly believe how quickly summer classes come and go.

I hadn't checked in last week because quite honestly I didn't have much to say. I sometimes struggle with living in a world where gender stereotypes (as well as other stereotypes) are so prevalent in our everyday lives. At times, I find it hard to be so aware. Ignorance truly is bliss. Sometimes, the responsibility for educating others on what they are doing to perpetuate gender stereotypes is exhausting. I understand that we can't control how others think, but I just feel that generally speaking, people have gotten so lazy and choose not to think for themselves. We all have to be proactive and decide for ourselves how to live our own lives.

Sometimes, I just feel so overwhelmed by all the ways gender and other expectations are forced upon us. If I'm not smiling every minute of everyday at work, I am asked what is wrong. I am a very "smiley" person but just because I'm not smiling doesn't mean that I'm not happy.

I do support the adoption of children by gay couples. We should all be concerned with whether or not a couple, gay or otherwise, can provide a safe and loving home for a child and not what goes on behind closed doors.

Okay, so I've got a story to tell. I should have posted this last week, but anywho, better late than never. After our discussion board post topic last week about the female soccer player ripping her shirt off after a victory, I brought it up with my co-workers (two men, and another woman ranging in age from 30-61). This conversation actually led to a conversation about clothing and what is appropriate dress for men and women (the jump off point being that a sports bra is hardly revealing, and that women wear skimpier bikinis on the beach).

All three of my co-workers placed a tremendous emphasis on physical appearance. We talked about men's bathing suits and how some middle-aged, overweight men wear speedos on the beach and how unattractive this is. We also discussed women's clothing and how overweight women shouldn't wear spandex. Why do we care so much about what others wear? I chimed in and simply said that confidence is attractive, and if a man or woman is confident enough and comfortable enough to wear an article of clothing that another might find "unattractive", then so be it. The clothing doesn't make the man. We tend to judge one's character based on outward appearance far too often.

And PS to Prof. M., the unhappiness that you sensed was accurate!! :(