Essay 2

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

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Brad Wilkinson

these social norms and judging those who break them.

enhancements to be more beautiful and attractive for men.

those that are not bound by these social norms.

more understanding and respectful.

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

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