drift and wander

So after a rather-heated class discussion on gender, it was essay time.

The only question was rather simple: “Based on our class discussion, what are some stereotypes you see in your life?”

I may be prematurely confident, but I feel as if I answered the question rather well:

I honestly feel that I live in a completely different world than everyone else, based on their responses. While growing up my family did have more of the “traditional” roles—my father worked and my mother was a stay at home mom—it was never as cut as dry as maybe other families may have been. My father helped my mother when he got home from work, we all helped out and did our part. A lot of people say our stereotypes are “formed” by the way we are raised, and, for the most part I agree. But once we begin our own “coming-of-age”, we take those preconceived notions and mold them.

Gender is defined as the social and psychological phenomena associated with being “feminine” or “masculine” as these concepts are defined in a given culture. Perhaps, my culture is completely different than that of my classmates, but the reality of the situation is that these “traditional” gender differences have ceased to exist. What was considered “masculine” in, let’s say the 1990’s, has dramatically changed in the new millennium. The tough, hardworking, “man’s man” has been replaced with hipsters, metrosexuals, and emos. It is neither uncommon nor out of the ordinary to see males be artists, dancers, designers, and/or working desk jobs. They do so comfortably and without risk of having their sexual orientation questioned. It is now acceptable for men to be sensitive. Likewise, today, woman are no longer considered the weaker, prettier, homemakers they once were. Everyday I meet and see strong, intelligent, independent, women who are, in fact, the ones “bringing home the bacon.” There is nothing a man can do that a woman is not doing and vice versa. The traditional gender roles have been blended together by a generation in America that has been faced with tragedy, hardship, and a renewed sense of the all-so-famous “American Dream” being in arm’s reach. Now, more than ever, we realize that we can learn from each others differences and use this knowledge to better ourselves and help others. Tolerance, acceptance, and diversity are now common practices that have become the social norm.

So, to answer the question of what are the stereotypes I see? I don’t. You define your own culture, if you have a problem with “stereotypes” in yours, you aren’t surrounding yourself with the right people. Live and let learn.

Yea, so I joined the bandwagon with Words With Friends. If you are brave enough (and have an iPhone, of course), add me driftandwander and prepared to get your ass whipped.

My just-turned 2 year old nephew has now mastered the fist pump! I’m such a proud uncle! Now, if I could only teach him how to say, “Come at me, bro!”, he would be set for life!

I’ve never felt as lonely as I do tonight.