Oppression By Marilyn Frye Analysis

Gendered children’s clothing reinforces the ideology of gender binaries. As we participate in social systems, we are shaped by socialization and by paths of least resistance. Social systems are inherently learnt and taught, and this includes the idea of gendered clothing. The discussion of heteronormative culture by the general public is often viewed through the fixed lens of adults. The right to transition and same-sex marriage is defended, and we reject gendered clothing, but the issue is that the conversation should be about prevention of forced masculine/feminine clothing instead of fighting this injustice. Today, clothing remains a powerful and integral part of a person’s expression and social and gender identity and gendered items fragment that. In “Oppression” by Marilyn Frye, Frye compares the structure of a birdcage to the barriers of oppression experienced by many individuals. Following Frye’s definition of a birdcage, the gender binaries systematically set in our society also act as wire of oppression in reference to gender …show more content…
… It comes down to competitive imbalance.” I disagree with this statement for a variety of reasons including the most apparent: there is no such thing as a “girls sport” or a “boys sport.” I was quoted in the article, and still stand behind the notion, that it is not “boys’ baseball,” but it is, rather, “just baseball.” Even though is it dominated and primarily played by males, there is nothing about the actual game that makes it so masculine one gender can claim it as its own. Some often argue that boys have baseball and girls have softball, but although they are similar, baseball and softball are completely different games. Ball size, field dimensions, pitching, equipment, baserunning and positions are just some of the things that differ between the