Lessons Learned The Difference Between Gender And Stereotypes

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Theme #1: Gender Issues The first theme we discussed in class was Gender Issues which includes gender inequality and stereotypes. Gender issues affect both men and woman. We learned the difference between Gender (a sociological category) and Sex (reproductive organs and individual is born with) and within these terms are issues that are portrayed in the media (Croft, 2016). There are also certain gender stereotypes that are directed to either male or females. If a man associates himself with a “emotional” characteristic, he is weak and unmanly. The same goes with a woman. If she associates herself with a “strong” characteristic, she is manly. This is a big issue in our society today, because people aren’t always accepted for being who they …show more content…
The difference between gender and sex was discussed. Gender is a sociological category; it defines a person as “masculine” of “feminine”. Sex refers to the organs that an individual is born with (Croft B. , 2016). The term sexual orientation was also defined in this topic as a person’s preference in terms of sexual partner. The term “homosexuality” was discovered in 1869, due to many people not agreeing with the previous terms set in place in society (Croft B. , 2016). Another big topic that has been popular in the news is that many people have decided to “come out”. It has become extremely prevalent in the last 10 years due to celebrities, political personnel, athletes, etc., stepping forward to influence those who feel that they are alone. Individuals who want to come out still face fear, rejection, alienation, discrimination, and bullying. But the reason they do it is to have freedom and to no longer be ashamed of who they are. The last key topic that we discussed is same sex couples in Canada. Gay marriage was legal in 2003 in Ontario, and 2005 for the rest of Canada. Since this act was passed, the number of same-sex couples in Canada has tripled and continues to grow each year. There has also been an increase in Gay culture and traditions such as: pride parades, gay Olympics, etc. (Croft B. , 2016). Even in the media we have seen an increase in gay characters in movies and television

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