Gender Expression

     Clearly, the gender binary and the expectations for men and women are much too strict to encompass everyone. The stereotypes we have discussed in class create unrealistic images of men and women. As we discussed, this can make life difficult for anyone who doesn't seem to fit either of the two categories. 

     As a female, I feel I am well accepted by society with the way I dress despite the fact that I don't aim to be extremely feminine. I don't wear make-up, high-heels, dresses or skirts, yet I still feel accepted by society. If gender is truly a spectrum,  then everyone should feel free to express themselves freely without scrutiny or harsh judgment.  However, as a feminist, I feel like males in our town/society do not share this freedom from isolation and harmful criticism if they do not fit the masculine ideal. 

      So why do we laugh at the idea of a boy wearing a dress? It seems that subconsciously we are all confused by the idea of a male trying to fit into the weaker gender. Men are the privileged group right? To be a man means to be tough and strong; it means to have power in our society. Supposedly, women are weak and fragile. Our society condescends to women, disregarding their equal capabilities, intelligence and strength.  Therefore, it seems abnormal for a man to want to express himself in feminine ways. This stigma surrounding the idea of "feminine" men won't go away until our culture finally realizes that women are just as capable and strong as men. This will make life easier for everyone.