I am a female and I definitely identify my gender as such as well. However, there are a lot of things I do that are not socially acceptable..especially in other countries. I wouldn't say that I am a tomboy, but I prefer not to dress up, but I know there is a time and place for this, in which I behave without complaint. I am very independent too. A large amount of my time is spent in service for others. Although I work at orphanages and soup kitchens, my bigger passions are found in construction work. Habitat for Humanity and my summer internship in Project Mexico are basically all about service of others through construction--perfect! I have had a lot of issues being a stronger role in this field because of my size and gender. Now, not to say that these kids are weak, but I am probably stronger and more capable than some of the guys I have worked with on various projects. However, not once was I ever chosen for a specific job if it had to do with driving, carrying heavy things, or any other "man's" job. Only until I gain respect by proving myself worthy do I get anywhere. And then, when you do prove yourself, the reaction is "oh, she is just doing that to be opposing and show off." Ok, but it is ok for you to deny help when offered...fine just struggle. I was in the Amazon Jungle and we were volunteering at a school. The options of service were jewelery making, t-shirt designing, and macheting. I think it is pretty obvious which one I chose. We were working with the guys in the field and I wasn't bad because I couldn't handle it, I just wasn't good yet becuase it was the first time I held a machete. There were two boys from my program that were struggling more than I was, but no one was staring or bothering them--just the two gringa damsels in distress. According to Valenti's research--and not her personal belief of course--I guess me and my friend are going to start a life of crime because we are just too independent...yea there is a correlation there, right.
It is even worse in foreign countries. I only have experience in Latin America, but look at the Middle East, Africa, or any of the oriental east. I can't argue any of these points fluently yet, but I think this group project is going to shine some light on these cross-cultural issues. Our group for the semester-long project is great. 2 of us have a very latino perspective, one has been to the Middle East, one is from the east, and one has no international experience which is a good unbiased balance. I am so excited to see all these great minds come together and attack these issues.
I can only speak for myself, not other men, but I think that men feel that it is their duty to take on anything that seems to be a burden, especially those involving physical burdens. I don't think it really has to do with whether or not we think you can do a particular task (although in some cases you can't argue with human physiology.) It all goes back to "chivalry." A perfect example is opening a door for a woman. Do we think you are not capable of opening it yourself? Certainly not. From my perspective it is actually a way of lowering yourself in the same way that a servant would before his master. I think other things just automatically tend to flow from that perspective. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that I think that sometimes we do things like that because we think MORE of women, not LESS. Some food for thought...
ReplyDelete