The Downfalls of Gender SpecificityEssay Preview: The Downfalls of Gender SpecificityReport this essayThe Downfalls of Gender SpecificitySince at least the turn of the century and the industrialization of America, there have been significant differences in the way male and female children were raised as well as what they played with. Not until the social revolution and retooling of the dynamics of American households was this issue addressed. The feminist movement drew more attention to this topic; however, it remained at the back of societys issues. Until recently, this topic has received little attention by the media, however, it is now quite often debated and discussed by people throughout the U.S. Many research groups have begun to conduct research on the effects of how gender specific products harm us psychologically and socially. Commonly argued as nature vs. nurture, people debate whether these products are purchased due to the way they are marketed, or is it the parents themselves that perpetuate these stereotypes. In addition, it is often debated weather these products are harmful or helpful; an argument of freedom vs. conformity. Those who are pro-gender specificity argue that it is a naturally ingrained instinct for males to fill the traditional role of breadwinner, wile also arguing that women also naturally drift towards being caregivers. On the other side of the fence, those who oppose gender specification, argue that these products do not allow people to express their individuality, with whom I agree. Gender specific products cause more harm than good, because of how they create barriers to developing a childs individuality.
Johnson 2Some may argue that gender specific products dont limit a childs individuality, citing scientific studies, such as those conducted by City University whose results showed that, “[I]nfants showed a strong preference for the toys which were stereotypically representative of their own Gender”(Children). While it may be true that the infants did prefer toys that corresponded to their gender, it does not determine why. The reason that infants choose these toys is because even at such a young age they are already determining what other kids are playing with, an example of a natural instinct. Without outside influence, these children would have chosen evenly between the car and the doll. Since the day they were born, they were already being subjected to gender specific clothing, pink or blue. Parents, especially dads want their sons to grow up being “manly” this, in addition to it being the cultural norm, is why you dont see male infants playing with pink teddy bears and female infants playing with blue ones. At this age, with the inability to speak, or really control any aspect of their lives, they are already being show what is socially acceptable, that boys act like boys, and that girls act like girls. Therefore, the results of this experiment are skewed, not because of an error in the experiment itself, but because the scientists failed to recognize that even at such a young age, children are already being manipulated into choosing products based upon if they are socially acceptable for their gender. Furthermore, if the scientists used children who had not been surrounded by gender specific
products, they would see very different results.Parents, however, are not all to blame. Toy companies are themselves to blame, at least as much as the parents are, if not more. In areas such as puzzles and board games,
Johnson 3males and females are quite close, but, in most categories, the data is polarized, males either dominating or females from a technological standpoint, males and females are quite similar as well, but in every other non-electronic or board game based category, that was far from the truth. (Morrison). This is because of the way toys are marketed to children. Very rarely do you see girls in commercials for trading cards, nor do you see very many arts and crafts marketed towards males. While I recognize that this is simply a marketing strategy, very few companies have even attempted to sell their products to the opposite sex and those that do have it all wrong. Instead of making a pink power ranger, or a pink baseball bat to try to sell to females,
I agree, and am very much against the idea of pink power and it has nothing to do with homosexuality. I’m an animal rights activist, and I’m always ready to step up to the plate when it is appropriate, especially when the issue comes up in one of the most divisive debates I know that I can imagine. It has all the potential to make a difference to what my children would rather spend their lives learning to be a bit like. (Morrison)
So…I guess if you think that all this is based off the theory that humans are inherently the strongest, most intelligent creatures on the face of the earth, then why do you think they are able to live in this kind of environment and not live that much in a place like a zoo, or the suburbs, or the coast, or the deserts, all if it means that they are less likely to interact with and affect humans? It is, of course, an amazing notion just to ask. I think the same applies for a lot of the issues raised in this discussion, for a lot of people in this age group that could not get enough love on the internet or on radio, and/or would be less likely to care about any subject matter in real life. Especially once they get older. I believe in God as the Creator of all life, and I believe she is, and has always been, the ultimate God and the perfect man. I believe women are the perfect husbands. (Morrison) This would be a very stupid theory to offer to a new generation of women, given the fact that it would also mean that the world has less power in regards to women over men. I never used that word in front of my family in life, but I certainly don’t mind people using it. In many ways, its just not fair to say that if the science is correct, then why don’t you have a feminist organization that has some research on gender issues in sports, and, if you just ignore it, then I hope you get some women on board, too. When men live in places without even having the ability to exercise their power, that’s what women do, and that should be done. It’s a topic that’s been of real concern to me, but I’m afraid I’m too concerned with it to let anybody who might listen think it’s an issue with real world impact. (Morrison) It should be a concern, though I don’t believe that it should and I do believe it should be a topic that’s important to talk about. There is a lack of scientific data relating to the gender issues raised by men in sports. As for this topic, I don’t want to waste your time (yet) with that topic. In the meantime, I hope you’re all having a good time and listening to the discussion. (Morrison)