From: Taylor T.
In childhood, we teach young girls to be docile and sweet, and we teach boys to be heroes and to be strong. My cousin Frankie is the perfect examine; he likes to play rough, run around, and watch boy-oriented shows. One of the biggest influences of his childhood is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and other similar forms of media. A perfect symbol for his admiration of the turtles and their fighting, is the Leonardo sword held up in his hands. Because of what Frankie is exposed to, he imitates what he sees other boys around him doing and what male characters do in shows and movies.
I think my picture has a lot to say about gender socialization. Frankie is looking up, seeming very confident with his weapon ready. His mouth is covered by his arms, concealing his emotion. He’s wearing a blue sports t-shirt, which is very masculine. I decided to take the picture kneeling down on the ground, so the way Frankie is framed it looks like he’s powerful.
Though, Frankie doesn’t really have a choice. Everything is separated based on gender where Frankie goes. His sports team is just boys, his clothing and toys before they are bought are obviously separated in a mixture of blue and green isles. Because of gender socialization, this form of masculinity has become entrenched in Frankie’s identity. To take away his sword and his sports gear would to take away everything he has known.
1 comment:
This picture is a good illustration of the concept "behavioral confirmation" and "self-stereotyping". This young boy is willingly trying to fit into his gender culture, embodying the traits and interests set for masculinity. By him choosing to play with a sword (labeled as a boys toy), and the choice to wear a shirt that is blue (symbolically the "boy" color), and playing outside (where boys are told to play), all adhere to a set of gender rules. Boys are taught to be rough and engage in physical activities such as sword fighting and be strong and tough. By him taking up so much space in the camera and holding a weapon, it makes him appear very confident and tough!
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