Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri PP slides (1)
Sexism -1
1. Sexism
By: Cassandra J. Bradley, Jose Solis Cruz, Alicia Johnson, Tracey Kane, Alexis Paladini, & Christine
St. Louis
2. How We Do Gender
Introductory activity: In small groups of three or four people, discuss how you did gender
today. What things did you do, or not do, that either conformed, or did not conform, to the
typical ways that your gender is seen in American society.
3. Is gender a product of biological sex?
Many people in the U.S. see gender as strictly binary.In many other cultures however, gender can
be defined very differently.
4. Eunuch
Eunuch: an historic English term for a man who has been castrated to perform special
social functions.
“For there are some eunuchs which were so born from their mother's womb; and there are
some eunuchs which were made eunuchs of men; and there be eunuchs which have made
themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of Heaven's sake.” (Mathew 9:12, KJV)
5. Hijra
Hijra: A term originating in South India referring to a person usually born male or intersex, but who
uses female pronouns as dresses in feminine/”women’s” attire.
They are hijras, the term used to describe cross dressers, intersex people and transgender
women who make up the country's 'third gender'. While some of the men are castrated in
their journey to become hijras, for many the transformation is a primarily spiritual one. A
number undertake a 40-day self-emasculation ritual in the name of the Hindu goddess of
Bachuchara Mata.
6. Children and Gender
When do we first gender to children?
Have you ever insulted a parent by accidentally assigning their child's gender Incorrectly? What was their
response?
Is gender more important to parents than to children?
7. • Do we harm children by enforcing
gender stereotypes?
Gender stereotyping can effect socialization, self-esteem, academic performance, and future
vocation choices in children.
Gender stereotyping reinforces sexist behaviors.
Let 's begin to challenge these gender stereotypes.
Primary school children reveal reality of gender stereotyping
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNLml4B2euM
8. Patriarchy
Patriarchy is defined as "a set of symbols and ideas that make up a culture embodied by
everything from the content of everyday from the content of everyday conversation to literature and
film"(pg. 336).
The term sparks another term called 'patriarchal culture' which is defined as "the core value of
control and domination in almost every area of human existence" (pg. 336).
However, patriarchal culture can only become existed through ""people's lives" (pg. 338).
Also, patriarchy is a system since individuals can become affected in everyday situations by the
term (pg. 335).
Why? Patriarchy as a system "serves as a vague, unarticulated catch-all, a dumping ground for
social problems, a scapegoat that can never be held to account and that, for all the power we think
it was, can't talk back or actually do anything"(pg. 335).
11. Reflection Questions
For males only, has patriarchy affected your life? In what way(s)?
For females only, has patriarchy affected your life? In what way(s)?
Referring to "If Men Were Treated Like Women in the Office" video, think about if patriarchy never
existed, do you feel as if men and women can still live harmoniously together with no issues in the
world? If not, explain.
12. What is Sexism Through the Eyes of a
Feminist?
When I say the word “feminist,” what thoughts and images come to your
mind?
What is it like to act like a man? Like a woman?
Who do women dress for, make-up for, exercise for, keep their weight in
check for?
13. Why Women Don’t Want to be Considered
Feminists
Women from low socio-economic and oppressed racial groups move away from feminism
because they do not want to be associated with racist and privileged white women.
Homophobia leads women away from self-identifying as a feminist so as not to be
labeled a lesbian.
Women do not want to be associated with a radical political movement.
The biggest reason why women do not want to associate themselves with the word
“Feminism” is because it labels them as Man Haters. Some feminists have taken a very
radical approach like Julie Bindel.
14. Act Like a Man, Act Like a Lady
In the second box that says “Act Like a
Lady,” write down what it means to “act
like a lady”—what are the expectations?
Outside of the box, write down names
that are applied to persons who do not fit
the “act like a lady” characteristics.
How do “real women” express their
feelings?
What actions or behaviors are typically
considered feminine?
In the first box that says “Act Like a Man,”
write down what it means to “act like a
man”– what are the expectations?
Outside of the box, write down names
that are applied to persons who do not fit
the “act like a man” characteristics.
What feelings is a “real man” supposed
to have?
How are “real men” supposed to act
sexually?
15. Masculinity as Homophobia
Masculinity: Those behaviors and roles that are considered to be typically
associated with males.
Manhood is a socially constructed concept.
Manhood is based on the idea that men are trying to out perform and gain
approval from other men.
Homophobia is not just an irrational fear of gay men.
Homophobia is based on the idea that men fear being emasculated by
other men.
16. Cultural Sexism
Quinceanera
“True American”
Slaves
Native Americans
Europenas
Hyper masculinity
LGBTQ
Housewife
Head of Household
18. Reflection Questions
How easy and/or difficult was it to find a sexist
ad? A non-sexist ad?
What qualified the ad as sexist to you?
Do we notice similarities and/or differences in the
ads each group chose?
19. Sexism in the Media
Female bodies are objects for men to consume
Objects are acted up not seen as taking action
Exploitative and sexually provocative images of women can have harmful effects on their
perception of their bodies
Reduced cognitive functioning
Reduced politically efficacy
Impaired motor skills
Anxiety of sex
More difficult to develop identities and sexualities that are their own
Boys and men also experience body objectification but not as much as women
20. Muddy Points from the Chapters
Becoming a part of the social norms that are pre-set for us before we
enter the world?
Why are women embarrassed or uncomfortable when it comes to the
word “feminist?”
Feminism being used to eliminate sexist oppression?
22. References
Adams et. Al.Readings for Diversity and Social Justice.New York, NY: Routledge. 2013.
Burger King ad: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/c5p5CLrovcY/maxresdefault.jpg
BuzzFeedYellow. (2015, July 16). If Men Were Treated Like Women In The Office. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq5OQafDVxc
PKWorldNewsAllOver. (2016, May 24). Primary School Children Reveal Reality of Gender
Stereotyping. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNLml4B2euM
