Toki1

Michael Toki
Professor Beadle
Universal Writing
6 September, 2015
Gender, A Segregated Trait
Gender is a title that is given to individuals based on their genitalia; separating them into
two different groups. We have seen all the situations in which there is an inequality gap between
genders, whether it was the past or the present. Though influences on our past generations and
society has shown us that we treat this gender diversity as an everyday ideal. Evolution of human
beings overtime has shown us that the treatment of females is very poor, though how come most
other organisms treat their females as Queens or equals? In a society where no one saw these
abnormalities or differences among people how would society look like? Though gender
divisions might be considered less severe today, there are still many inequalities that need to be
discussed. Especially in American cultures, many females are thrown into society where they are
not getting the same opportunities given to males in the work force, military, or athletics;
separated by an invisible barrier.
A young girl who wanted to keep honor in her familys name and taking her fathers
place in the army; Mulan is a Disney movie-portrayal of women taking a stand and going against
the social norm. She went against all odds by taking her fathers place in the army and dressing
as an another gender, determined to act like a man. Even in one of the Disney songs, Ill
Make a Man Out of You in the movie states the lyrics, Did they send me daughters, when I
asked for sons explaining that the military is no place for women. Though ends up being an

Toki2
ironic piece, because once given the opportunity Mulan actually accomplishes her training better
then the males in the movie. Throughout the journey, she encounters hardships men had to face
in the army and overcame the obstacles, showing that women are not that different to men. For
she has created her own view point of woman in the military and made a change.
Males and females, equally looked at by a biological stand-point though when looked at
socially it is highly advantageous to males. This method of putting women after men has made
men more privileged individuals: taking part in government, athletic, and occupational activities.
Leaving women to take on such jobs as taking care of home and children, or something
underlying like a secretary position. As it is explained in Ruth Hubbards article, Rethinking
Womens Biology, well-educated men put women at a disadvantage by saying their brains are
too small or their reproductive organs will shrivel (Hubbard) if any education were to be
done. Saying any preconceived ideas just to give women a place in society. We undermine
females in the community, and when they do stand above males they are sought at as outcasts or
different.
In the classic comedy, Tootsie directed by Sydney Pollack, a respected actor named
Michael Dorsey, had trouble finding a job in his career industry, though suddenly found a new
opportunity in a Soap Opera. In order for this opportunity to happen, Michael had to dress as an
older female. As a woman, Michael experienced unequal treatment by the director and was
thrown into stereotypical female situations in the workforce. He could not take the abuse
anymore and instead took a stand. It is because of his tenacious attitude and his perfectionist
persona that he was able to stand up for woman on the television show, and make a new
perspective about women being dominant and not discriminated. In an interview with Dustin

Toki3
Hoffman (as Michael Dorsey), he was asked the question If you were born a woman, how
would you be different?. As a result, Mr. Hoffman started to tear up in sadness; thinking about
the view point of women and what mistreatment he encounters within the movie Tootsie.
In addition to the advantageous outlooks on males over females, when genders are given
the same responsibilities why are they given different outcomes? When a female does the same
job as a male in earlier American society, they are given smaller payments and different
occupational labels. For example, if a woman were to become a secretary and male individual
who takes upon the same exact job, would be called something more professional. Judith Lorber
quotes Connell stating As a structure, gender divides work in the home and in economic
production, legitimates those in authority, and organizes sexuality and emotional life (Cornell).
Lorber explains that we are already divided into social classes due to past assumptions on gender
standards. Basing women on there stereotypical physical attributes, and societys conclusions
about their well being we limit them on their skill level, and as a result we limit them on their
pay? In actuality, males are very similar to women in strength, height, weight, and knowledge.
For other factors affect the outcome of these traits, that consist of cultural standards,
individualistic views, and biological genetics.
Although, there are stereotypical beliefs and discriminating outlooks on females,
changes are slowly being made. In the community, women have become more independent, and
found an equal stand-point when it comes to job opportunities. Women over the years have made
extraordinary accomplishments whether its the main role of a movie, becoming an astronaut, or
even making differences in the medical field. Recently, there have been a rise of female figures
that are making changes to society, such as the role of government, like Hillary Clinton and

Toki4
Sarah Palin. Females were once known for jobs only related to home, family, and secretarial
positions, though as our generations became more equal; society feels less tense about women
stepping into important roles. Maybe in the not so far future, we might have a women governing
this country. Females are almost equals in our society, however, there are still minor differences,
such as the sport diversification and recognition, the segregation of gendered toys, and military.
Society is categorized based on gender constraining with inequality, stereotypes, and
lower opportunities as a whole. We live on ideas that gorge off of placement identity and
individuality, though are deprived by expectations that society has put on us. Taking a step back
and looking at our everyday life, gender is treated as a normality that I never gave enough
thought to until reading articles like, Rethinking Womens Biology by Ruth Hubbard, and
Night to His Day by Judith Lorber. Recently weve been making better changes when it comes
to gender differentials though I agree bigger actions need to be made.

Toki5
Work Cited
Lorber, J. Night to His Day. New York. Bedford St. Martins
Hubbard, R. Rethinking Womens Biology. Canada. Bedford St. Martins
Schlosser, Kurt. Dustin Hoffmans Tearful Tootsie Interview Goes Viral. Today.com. 9 July,
2013. 15 September, 2015