Gender is the learned behavior that is associated with men and women. Through culture, and everyday living men and women follow these patterns of behavior, which eventually make them who they are. Our society molds each and every one of us. Our society draws the line between the difference among how men and women should live, operate, and appear.
Since the moment we were born, we were automatically stereotyped, and put into a group. From the readings in this chapter, I have learned that when parents meet their newborn child for the first time, they tend to describe them upon gender. A daughter is soft, petite, and gentle. A son on the other hand is superior in size, and stronger then a female. However, the reality of it all is that as of these results of the physical tests there is absolutely no variation. It doesn't end here, when children begin school, they themselves already know who plays with who, and with what toys. If you are caught doing the opposite of the norm, you will be made fun of or look upon different. I work in an elementary school at the after school program. I contain first hand experience when children are talked about by their peers and by the other teachers due to not being part of the "norm". There is this child that comes right to mind as a great example of our ruthless society. His name is Jason and he is in 4th grade. Jason has been attending after school ever since he was in first grade. He constantly plays with the girls. They play house, dress up, and are in a club they invented called "The Angels". For Christmas Jason wanted and easy bake oven. He told me all he does at home is bake. He never picked up a ball or wanted to play sports. When Jason talks, he shakes his head around and snaps his fingers. All the other male children ignore him by now, but when he gets on their nerves, they call him "the gay kid". Due to our society, and how we are suppose to act because of our gender Jason describes a gay child.
