Widman's Discussion

Class on Tuesday with Professor Widman was very informative. Widman argued that experiences don't really shape who we are but evolution and biology plays a rather large role in what and who we become. I find that this suggestion/theory is fairly logical. But I also believe that we are socially and culturally influenced to become who we ultimately are as a person.  Sure genetics have a huge impact on whether or not you have the height to play basketball or the speed to run in the Olympics. I do not think that genes are the only way we become good at certain things rather than others. I look at most things from different perspectives so it is easy to see how biology, society, and our cultural can shape a person. I am glad Professor Widman was able to come speak to our class I really learned a lot.

Today's Class

I really enjoyed the discussions that went on in today's class.  I think the most interesting thing brought to my attention in today's class was the notion of somethings being "invisible" if something isn't seen as normal (whatever normal is). I never realized how much we don't want to admit to certain things so we just sweep them under the rug as a passing phase.  Another intriguing thought brought up in class was peace being defined as "people playing their rightful roles".  I never really think about all the things certain genders do to either keep the peace or stir the pot.  I find all of these unconscious thoughts and actions so interesting I wish I could just get into people's heads and understand everything that's flying around in there!

Human Rights

The article "Women's Rights are Human Rights"  was such an eye opener to me.  I knew that there was violence against women but I never how extensive and how many different types of violence there is out there. I took a class in the past that had a lot to do with dowry-related violence against women, so I have been interested in that and how terrible that must be for women in other countries. I enjoyed reading this article and learning more about the different types of violence that I would have never considered violence before.

Gendered Objects

In Thursday's class we all shared a gendered object.  Most of the objects shared were objects that are used in everyday life. I never realized how much marketing and advertisement had to do with the type of product a man or woman chooses to buy. Let's be honest the color, shape, wording, font, packaging, etc. all impacts what we decide to buy whether feminine or masculine. Personally I am drawn to purple things. In the United States purple is seen as a more feminine color, whereas in European countries straight men are very comfortable sporting such a color. It is just amusing to me how gender specific we as Americans have become.

The other topic that I found absolutely fascinating is the discourse of love. Most women are suckers for a romantic comedy or a love story, I know I am. In the back of my head I know this is just a bunch of bull because this stuff never happens in real life. It got me thinking about how from a very young age we are taught to look for a "Prince Charming", someone that will rescue us and we will live happily ever after. Sure that would be wonderful but realistically, it's most likely not gonna happen. So why not start portraying a different message to young girls?