Brad Wilkinson

Stephanie Maenhardt
English 1050
08/05/2017
Social norms determine how many people live their lives. A social norm is an expected

form of behavior in a given situation. This semester we have talked about gender and the roles of

gender. Examples can be found in the reading about female boxers. We discussed the social

norms for the role of women; however, I would also like to discuss the roles of men as well. We

also discussed how the media has an effect on social norms. We all have certain social and

cultural expectations that shape the way we look and behave. These expectations are often

defined by the media. Men and women are expected to look, act, and think a certain way based

off of gender social expectations. I feel that this is wrong and that we should stop playing into

these social norms and judging those who break them.

There are many social norms in my culture as a white male. Men are expected to be

brave, athletic, and muscular. They are expected to be the providers of their families and to hide

their emotions. I feel that this is the way that successful men are portrayed by the media. Because

of the way that the media portrays what a man should look like and act like, many men try to

follow this image. Males are often teased for showing their emotions or not being athletic

enough. Being a provider has become a matter of pride to many males. Lack of being able to

provide for ones family has become a leading cause of depression among men.

Women are expected to be caregivers, skinny, beautiful, trendy, crafty, and tidy. It was

once, and is often still looked down on for women to work instead of stay home with their kids.

Women are expected to clean the house and do the dishes and take care of the home while the
men are out earning the money. Women are often seen as weaker and not athletic. Many men are

not attracted to or are intimidated by women who have large muscles and participate in sports. In

childrens programs the girls learn to sew and do crafts while the boys are out hiking, fishing,

and being adventurous. The media portrays women as skinny and trendy, giving the impression

that men will only like you if you are that way. Millions of dollars are spent on cosmetics and

enhancements to be more beautiful and attractive for men.

In the readings we discussed how women were breaking the mold of these social norms.

In the story of Women Boxers: The New Warriors by Delilah Montoya she talks about women

that she calls malcriada. Her definition of malcriada is a woman who will not behave and is

determined to do what she wants, regardless of what society rules or even good sense dictates. It

was not in the social norm of her culture for women to box. She says, A social understanding

has always been that a woman is not to witness, demonstrate, or indulge in acts of violence. In

Reading the Gaze: Gender Roles in Advertising, we discussed how men and women are

objectified in media. The way models are posed causes viewers to relate in a certain way to the

image. Pictures showing beautiful women in a certain makeup, perfume, or clothing brand being

held by an attractive man depicts that wearing a certain product will make you more appealing.

In John Bonners Will you Join Me? He talks about hateful acts against others. He recalls being

called names for the way he was dressed. Join me in decrying hate speech, slurs, and epithets

whenever and wherever they are uttered. The images I have chosen in my power point are the

images of the social norm as well as those that break that norm. I feel that people should not be

trapped inside the social norm or be treated badly for breaking it. Media should not have such an

influence over our thoughts and actions and should portray people breaking the social norm as

well.
 In my opinion the written approaches have been most influential to me this semester. The

readings in this class have helped me to look at diversity in a different way. Through the

discussions I was opened up to different opinions and ideas from my own that helped me to see

new perspectives and build new opinions on diverse matters. I chose the topic of gender because

this topic stood out to me the most during the different modules. The readings made me look

more closely at the media and how it affects the way we act or what we look like so that we fit

in. It also made me look into what the social norms of my culture are and observe and respect

those that are not bound by these social norms.

The first objective that I feel I achieved is that students will be able to critically analyze

how social groups exercise power over each other based on issues of language, race, gender, etc.

In the readings of How to Tame a Wild Tongue and Mother Tongue I came to the realization

of how others are treated because of the language that they speak or how they speak. I was able

to look into my life experiences and see how those around me that do not speak English well or

even at all are treated differently. Second, students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of

the historical and current impact of diversity in the United States, and how issues and treatments

of diversity have changed or remained the same. The readings about how immigrants were

treated on Angel Island and Ellis Island were an eye opener into the treatment of minority groups

in the past. It made me look at how minority groups are treated today and reflect on personal

experiences growing up in a majority group that looked down on other races or ethnic groups.

Lastly, at the end of the course, students will be able to critically and thoughtfully reflect on how

what they have done in this course relates to both their other courses and situations outside of the

classroom. I now feel more aware of how diverse groups are treated around me and will try to be

more understanding and respectful.

 Works Cited

Bonner, John. Will you Join Me? 1-2

Montoya, Delilah. Women Boxers: The New Warriors. 211-214

Reading the Gaze: Gender Roles in Advertising. 206-210