In the text Performative Acts and Gender Constitution by Judith Butler, Judith presents a theory on how we display our sexuality and gender. In the movie But I'm a Cheerleader, these ideas were presented. In the film, the character Jan was label homosexual because of her physical expression. Jan, even though hetereosexual, choose to wear clothes that typically “women” do not wear. While initially I didn't think much of it, the quote " 'woman' is a historical idea and not a natural fact” challenged my perspective on what a women was. I know that to be female is to contain sexual organs such as a vagina and have the ability to birth children, but that does not define women. The definition of a woman is a hetereosexual gender-based idea. For example, in some cultures, women are the caregivers. They provide emotional and physical support, while their male counterparts provide security and income. In other cultures, the previous example would be vice versa. The movie displayed that people often use gender and sex as if they are interchangeable. They aren’t. The definition of a woman can vary ( like every idea created human beings), but that is a binary genderistic term, not a sex term. Females should be able to dress however they choose.
In the link below, I have attached an informative video about gender, sex, and gender expression.
After watching the video, I learned that I am a cisgender. This means that I identify with the gender that corresponds to with my assigned sex. In simpler terms, I’m a male who expresses himself as someone my culture labels as a male.
I challenge you all to watch the video above and tell me can you relate to my selection or do yours differ.
Like you i am the same. But i have a deep personal feeling of caring. It does not make me feminine, instead just loving. And for myself it is hard to put people on different levels of emotional levels of caring. I love all people the same, be it my best friend, my mom and day, or my girlfriend. This can get me into some trouble because i do not think anyone should be shown more care or compassion than anyone else for the sake of being equal. This is also why i do not have a girlfriend anymore, haha. For me i have never had a problem being me. Sure i wear weird pants and sometimes act like a goofball, but that does not mean i am gay, it simply means i am comfortable being me. This is where many people struggle in life, to find themselves and what they truly want. It could be the root of all problems, not knowing who you are before you pursue who you want to be.
ReplyDeleteHumans are so complex, and it's ridiculous to think some people assume there are only two ways to express yourself, and only one way you should. The video you posted is a nice, simple explanation; it is great that you're taking the initiative to inform yourself as well as others.
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