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To begin discussing gender, one must first differentiate between sex and gender. Sex refers to ones biology, more specifically the physical differences in primary sexual characteristics. Whereas gender is vastly different, it refers to ones identity, or rather the symbolism of masculinity and femininity that we connect to being male-bodied or female bodied. In the first section of this blog, regarding Gender: Part Two - Ideas, link 1 V-logger Marina discusses the difference between gender and sex and goes on to explain how there is an entire field of study dedicated to the matter, briefly discussing how gender is more than just a term (male, female) but something that is affected by greater social forces. With the remaining links in this section the gender binary is the main focus. With link 2, the gender binary is examined more deeply. The term gender binary refers to the idea that there are only two types of people, male-bodied people and female-bodied people, and they are complete opposites. This ideology is inaccurate and untrue. Link 2, demonstrates that gender is not binary but rather a spectrum of identities and masculinity and femininity are not always black and white. From intersex, to trans, or non-binary and beyond - gender is a spectrum. Link 3, then touches on this spectrum further, Yee Won Chong explains that who we are is composed of multiple facets, such as: assigned sex, gender identity, gender expression. Sexual orientation was listed as well, however it is to note that sexual orientation is not directly linked to ones assigned sex or gender identity. These factors all influence who we are and how we behave in very different ways however they all exist within the spectrum. Link 4, then goes on to demonstrate how prevalent the expectations of the binary and aggressive femininity or masculinity are in our media. Multiple television programs were selected for their apocalyptic theme, but all demonstrate stereotypical ideas of femininity and hairlessness, even though these women would like not have access to hair removal products. Link 5 then goes on to verify how invasive these ideologies are in our society, and how they can truly impact how comfortable a person feels in their body and society.

Then next section, Part 3, moves away from defining gender and focuses in on the presumed ideas regarding sex differences in our society. It is often assumed that masculinity and femininity exist as a binary, they are polar opposites, when in reality males and females have more similarities than differences and masculinity and femininity exist on a spectrum, just as gender does. This leads one to question why society pushes this binary rather than embracing the similarities and the idea of a spectrum. This comes back to the debate between nature and nurture and which creates the person we are. Link 4 in Part 3 touches on this topic perfectly with the quote: “When it comes to nature versus nurture, I choose neither. We are built from a DNA blueprint and born into a world of scenario and circumstance we don’t control.” This perfectly explains how we are born with a certain genetic code but also are affected by a world and society that is larger than we are. The nature versus nurture debate again dismisses the truth of a subject with a watered down half considered version.

The following section, part 4 touches on gender performances and how gender is perceived and policed in society. In link 2 on the blog in a video Judith Butler goes in depth about how gender is performative and how society rigidly attempts to place individuals within their binary boxes. She takes feminine boys and tomboy girls as an example. She explains how often these types of children get bullied, and often how those close to them attempt to coerce them to let go of those traits in order to better assimilate into society and their gender. Links 4 and 5 then touch on the non-binary and trans communities and how the idea of “passing” or actively attempting to fit into the masculine or feminine box is not only unneeded but invasive and a way of reinforcing body policing. Individuals should be able to exist as they are without having to account for their gender or gender expression. Link 3, Buzzfeed’s “Childhood Gender Roles in Adult Life” demonstrates how unnecessary and limiting the pre-created gender roles and ideas that are very prevalent in modern society. Individuals have traits, interests, and expressions that are unique to them and should not be pre-assumed by society.

Section 5 takes on one of the most important aspects of feminism and gender studies as a whole, intersections. It is one thing to recognize gender and patriarchy, but it is another to further examine the issue and see how it affects all individuals differently depending on other statuses they may hold. The term intersectionality refers to the idea that gender is not an isolated social fact about us but rather intersects with all of our other identities. To quote Wade and Ferree in their textbook “Gender”: “We are not just men or women. We are a white, middle-class, married woman - once Catholic, now Evangelical Christian - with a two year old (and one on the way), who loves karaoke and votes Democratic.” Just as discovered about gender, sexuality, and expression - identities too are not black and white. There are a spectrum of statuses and identities that work together to create who we are and how we perceive the world around us. These intersections are very real and have a large impact on how interact with our social world. Link 3 in this section, the video produced by The Huffington Post entitled “Why We Need To Talk About White Feminism”  discusses the idea of “white feminism” and how the movement tends to ignore intersectionality while promoting the interest of white women but rarely recognizing the needs and wants of anyone not white, straight, or cis. They claim the most important thing a white feminist can do is to get educated and listen to their counterparts that experience discrimination regularly. The video posted in link 4 “WTF is Intersectional Feminism???” again addresses intersectional feminism and white feminism questioning how a movement for women can be successful without considering and recognizing the needs of all women. The fact of the matter is that it can not and will not be successful without addressing these issues. The final link in this section, link 5 utilizes a comedy to demonstrate how one must recognize privilege and intersectionality in order to fight oppression. In the video the woman, Sasheer Zamata experiences and sees oppression all over during her walk with her male counterpart while he is discussing how fair and equal the world is now. It takes awhile but the male finally is able to recognize all of the unequal aspects of society he was blind to. They eventually discuss how it is important recognize ones privilege and use it as a way to help those around you who do not have the same privileges.

The next part, section 6 tackles the topic of inequality directly and delves into the topic of patriarchy. Patriarchy refers to the rule of the father, or rather the idea that societies are run with males at the top of the hierarchy. The United States and many other core nations are patriarchal in the sense that men tend to have higher statuses and more privileges than other individuals in the country. Patriarchy and masculinity are hegemonic, this refers to the idea that there is a state of collective consent to inequality that is secured by the idea that is inevitable. An idea can only be hegemonic when it is endorsed by those who benefit from it and those who do not. Patriarchal bargains refer to a deal in which an individual or group accepts or legitimizes some of the costs of patriarchy in exchange for benefiting from some of its rewards. Link 1, the Sociological Images article “Patriarchal Bargain, How-To-Guide” sums up some of the ways women bargain in order to gain from patriarchal system in place. This bargaining however often does very little to actually improve the livelihood of women, it simply makes existing in sexist situations slightly easier to handle. This examination of patriarchy and sexism extends into the everyday reality of women. Links 2-5 in this section touch on the topics of hostile and benevolent sexism. Hostile sexism is the type that is often discussed publicly, it refers to the condemnation of women with negative instead of positive stereotypes and the use of threats and violence to enforce women’s subservience to men. Benevolent sexism is the type that goes unnoticed. Benevolent sexism is the attribution of positive traits to women that justify their subordination to men. Both of these types of sexism are extremely harmful to women. Benevolent sexism plays into the mental aspect of internalizing patriarchy and accepting ones subordinate status whereas hostile sexism has physical repercussions. One form can easily lead in to the other causing a cycle of dominance that exists within our patriarchal society and reasserting the need for feminism.

The final section addressed in this blog is regarding sexualities and they way our society treats and demonstrates sex. This section is very important in understanding how women are often forced into submissive roles in our culture and demonstrated as a sex objects existing purely for the male gaze. Link 1 in part 7, a video by v-logger Laci Green does an amazing job at overviewing this topic and addressing why it is highly problematic. In the video she begins by addressing some of the major topics like sexual objectification. Sexual objectification refers to a person being limited solely to their sex appeal. This takes away an individuals personhood and treats them as something that is inanimate completely demolishing an individuals body autonomy. This is so commonly displayed in our media and culture that it has forced women to being to self-objectify and see themselves as a sex object, particularly to attract the male gaze. This is problematic because it makes objectification part of the norm while limiting ones subjectivity. This intern leads to the prevalence of rape culture in our society. Rape culture refers to an environment that justifies, naturalizes, or glorifies sexual pressure, coercion, and violence Due to the fact that males are often raised to see women as sexual objects for their desire this increases the risk of sexual violence or unwanted advances from individuals who feel they have the right to other individuals bodies. In link 2, the slam poetry reading by Desiree Dallagiacomo and FreeQuency points out the many aspects of rape culture that exist in our culture today. From Robin Thicke’s “I know you want it” to Rick Ross’s “I don't care if you know you’re getting it” it demonstrates how assimilated rape culture is in our society and how many individuals willing sing along to the tune. It is because of these reasons that the movement “SlutWalk” is so controversial but also very important. Link 5 in this section discusses the recent “SlutWalk” fronted by Amber Rose in L.A. This particular walk shows women of different intersections coming together to reclaim their bodies, the word slut, and how individuals are allowed to view their bodies. These women are showing that they own their own sexuality and can demonstrate it in any way they see fit without “asking” for sexual harassment or rape. This movement is a direct slam against sexual objectification and rape culture while promoting body autonomy and the right for individuals to be viewed subjectively. In other words, this movement is women way to directly say no to the patriarchy without bargaining.