Alexander

Alexander Reading

Questions for Discussion and Journaling

6. The concepts of male/female stereotypes are very restrictive for all people because of the idea of stereotypes. Especially in writing, it can block a lot of true inner thoughts and creativity. For example, if a guy wanted to write about his feelings and 'sensitive' side, he would automatically be known as a 'pansy'. That puts a lot of restrict for anyone. I think since society is so harsh on people that have to follow the quote that the world has set up. Anyone who wants to defy stereotypes has to go pass the gender that is given to them. Now people seem to forget that gender is not chosen, yet when you take your first breath in the delivery room, they give you expectations. This can stop anyone from doing what they want to do. This stereotype given to all people can hurt the people of the planet as a whole. What if a women, wanted to become a doctor , but couldn't because society wouldn't allow it. Yet she could have cured cancer , but the world would never know because of the stereotype that was given to her and the restrictions she could not go past. It's important to realize that when people are restricted, it does not benefit anyone in anyway. 

7. Students, whether they know it or not reinforce gender stereotypes. I've been in the position where teachers have given students a topic to choose, and most of the male students have choose to write about sports and girls about ballet, fashion. To me, that's so stereotypical. I think as males and females, there is more to write about than what is usually thought of us. Even though we've come so far in technology, I think we still need to improve on gender roles and stereotypes. 

Applying and Exploring:

3. Many people don't realize that "normally" gendered students can gain as much as they want t from trans theory in their composition class. Being exposed to new theories and thoughts can always help expand the mind. It's like going to another country, it's adapting to changes and accepting what's different. It's important to teach students about this to raise awareness and block ignorance. I think people tend to be ignorant to what they don't know or understand, I think by introducing people to trans theory, it helps them understand. This also is true for every minority discourse in class, it's understanding a new type of discourse and way of being. Especially for something such as race, it's almost impossible to understand, unless given to us and explained.