Assignment : Module 6

Many scholars have observed that our society has traditionally socialized men and women differently. Listed below are some statements that you may have heard when you were growing up. Males, please look at your list and females, look at your list. Do you recall hearing any of these exact phrases (or something similar)? Please select two or three phrases (or other messages you heard that are not on the list) and write about what those phrases meant to you when you heard them. How do you think about them now? Are there any phrases on the list that sound like something you might say to your child?

Males: "Big boys don't cry. Stand up and show how tough you are. Boys don't play with dolls. Boys who hug other boys are weird. Take it like a man. Nice guys finish last. Never admit defeat. Boys will be boys. Don't act like a sissy. Hide your fears. Only the strong survive."

Females: "A woman's place is in the home. Sugar and spice and everything nice--that's what little girls are made of. You're a tomboy if you climb trees and play sports. Someday you'll meet Prince Charming (or Mr. Right). Boys don't like smart girls. That's too big (or dangerous) for you. Learn how to cook and clean so you can be a good wife. Women bosses are worse than men. Nice girls know how to keep their mouths shut. Girls are cry-babies. Girls can't do math."