Assignment:
Gender as Spectrum
1) First, watch the video below for an introduction to the gender spectrum, a second framework in which gender in comprised of a dynamic line between two ever-changing ideals.
2) Next, take two minutes to reflect and journal about the ways in which you have been taught that gender is a spectrum going from masculine to feminine.
? Where have you seen this line or fragments of it? What places you more toward one end of the spectrum or the other? What places you more toward the middle? For example, when have you have been told "As a boy/girl you should ... more." or "Because you're a boy/girl you need to do ... less." Please note that these messages also apply to people who are genderqueer in the middle of the spectrum except that they are given messages to be or do more or less to fit into either masculinity or femininity rather than being more genderqueer.
? What rewards or opportunities will you receive if you stay where you are or move in one direction or another?
? What costs do you incur or risks do you take if you stay where you are or move in one direction or another?
3) Then, watch Makkai (2002) below for a shelf resource to balance with your self.
4) Now take two more minutes to reflect and journal about balancing your own story of your self with Makkai's (2002) story from the shelf. What windows and mirrors came up for you?
5) Post your reflection on the discussion board below. Read and respectfully respond to other people's posts.
References
Makkai, K. (2002). Pretty. National Poetry Slam.