Masculinity And Femininity Essay

Masculinity is characterized by the dominance and aggression and femininity by passivity, submission, and as striving for cooperation or communion. The traditional formulation to femininity includes a sense of maternity, interest in caring for children, breastfeeding, and being dependent on men. They learn to behave in accordance with their gender identity through a wide variety of cues such as body posture, speech patterns, and styles of dress. Furthermore, Devor states that “People appear feminine when they keep their torsos and heads less vertical, when they point their toes inward and use their hands in small or childlike gestures” (392). Typical masculine body gestures tend to be expansive and aggressive. People who hold their arms and hands in positions away from their bodies, lie with their legs apart, make movements that are abrupt and …show more content…
Gender traditional roles that one is expected to follow is inadequate. Gary Colombo, professor emeritus of English and ESL at Los Angeles City College, notes that, “Psychological research shows higher rates of depression among people of both sexes who adhere closely to traditional roles than among those who do not” (377). American’s mental and physical health is most likely prone to be affected because of the high social pressure for them to adhere closely to traditional roles. Body posture, speech patterns and styles of dress should not demonstrate a gender role. Guys should not have to act or behave a certain way, and work very hard to follow “rules” to maintain a manly front. They should be able to walk, talk and act however they want, and not be scared to be perceived to be “gay”. The differences and categorization of genders will recede from society and allow Americans to freely express themselves in any manner. Changing the myth will allow people to be conscious and considerate of the vast identities around them and allow social change in