The document discusses Jayme Poisson's article about a Canadian couple raising their child without disclosing their gender, evoking strong public reactions. It connects Kenji Yoshino's concept of 'covering'—the pressure to conform to societal norms—to the couple's choice as a form of resistance against these expectations. The essay prompt encourages exploration of how cultural norms shape gender identity through a critical examination of both Poisson's and Yoshino’s writings.

1. arugumentative essay on article given below
In “Parents Keep Child’s Gender Secret”, Jayme Poisson writes
an article about the true story of a Canadian couple raising their
child without ever revealing the child’s gender (keeping it
secret from anyone not in their immediate family). This has
incited many strong reactions from readers and locals alike.
Poisson’s piece allows us to form our own opinions about this
subject and forces us to examine why we consider gender so
important to the development of a child.
Kenji Yoshino writes about the term covering. ‘Covering’, as
Yoshino uses it, means to ‘tone down a disfavored identity to fit
into the mainstream’ (552), and Yoshino argues that though
Americans value the idea of the melting pot as a model for our
culture, that ideal can have unintended negative consequences.
Despite our avowed appreciation for multiculturalism, the
unstated public expectation is still for people of all genders,
sexual orientations and races to conform to rigid expectations.
Prompt:
Yoshino discusses the pressures we face to “cover”. Apply this
concept and cross-reference Poisson’s piece and the decision
Storm’s parents have made to keep their child’s gender a secret.
In what ways is it a strategy to resist covering? Is it an effective
one? Is some measure of covering necessary in our society?
Make an argument about how cultural expectations and
individual (or parental) choices should affect or does
affect gender identity.
Essay Guidelines:
Quote the assigned readings to support your answer. Do not do
additional research. Be sure to demonstrate your comprehension

2. of the pieces by quoting and discussing relevant passages to
support your thesis. Essays that draw support solely upon
personal experience will not receive a passing grade.
Additionally, make sure that you are not merely summarizing
the readings