Discuss an American cultural myth related to gender.
Looking at gender roles: how could advertising women and girls in a subjective and/or over-sexualized way be dangerous in society as a whole? (look at Kilbourne for support). As Kilbourne argues, in what ways can this be considered “cultural abuse”? Think about how she makes connections between advertising images and social problems like sexual violence, harassment, and addiction. In your analysis, you can study current popular magazines and advertisements as well as work with research and statistics dealing with persuasive effects of advertising.How do myths of gender shape our assumptions about who we are and how we ought to be? Consider Kimmel, Kincaid, Devor, and others from our textbook. Then, research American cultural views on gender and relate it to other cultural perceptions. How much of gender is biological versus cultural? Consider how careful, open-minded re-reading of gender in cultural context can challenge our deeply held assumptions about the place of men and women in our society.What major factors contribute to both boys and/or girls feeling pressured to fit into specific gender roles, appearances, and characteristics? What are the major impacts of these pressures? Give specific examples from the text, outside research, observations, and experiences. For example, think about the difficulties that boys face in Michael Kimmel’s “Bros Before Hos” related specifically to gender pressures. Consider using support from these pieces as well as “Girl,” by Jamaica Kincaid and “From Fly Girls to Bitches and Hos,” by Joan Morgan. You should begin by making connections with Diana Kendall’s “Framing Class, Vicarious Living, and Conspicuous Consumption,” and Jean Kilbourne’s “Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt;” then explore the accounts read throughout the “True Women and Real Men” chapter as well as additional research, presentation clips, observations, and personal experience. What are common media portrayals of ideal appearance and/or gender roles marketed especially to teens and young adults, and what impacts do the media have on gender identity?
