Masculinity and Femininity: How They Shape Our World

What are the first words that come to mind when you hear “masculine”: strong, hairy chest, physical appearance, deep voice or temper? What about when you hear “feminine”? Do you automatically think emotional, pretty face, nice clothes or housewife? Society has trained us to think in such a way and it has shaped our minds to believe this stereotype. Modern masculinity and femininity are fighting back, and they are fighting with hope and perseverance that this stereotype will be put to rest.

When I first saw this cartoon, my mind was wondering in a million different directions. It combines masculine and feminine with the roles each gender should possess. I did not know if I really believed what it was saying or if I was angry at the way it was portraying the two sexes. I look at it and I see the ripped lifeguard that is brave and is portrayed as a hero. The woman is juggling all the stresses of having kids: grades, bottles and tending to screaming babies. Even though this picture is not realistic, the message is quite clear; men are suppose to be the brave and heroic ones while women are suppose to tend to the house and kids.

What if a woman chooses not to take on this role? Is it considered wrong? Would men receive the same reaction if they decided to go against society’s standards? That is where modern masculinity and femininity come into play. Women are now venturing out into the work force and accepting positions that only men once held. They are somewhat finding their independence and realizing they can hold jobs just as men can. On the other end of the spectrum, men are now able to stay at home and tend to the household duties. There was a time when that was unheard of, and they are now finding that it can be a possibility, especially if their wives are out in the work field. If you sit back and think of how gender roles and femininity/masculinity have drastically changed in recent years, you will be amazed. I feel like it will only change more in the years to come and who knows, it might come to a point in time where we see our first female President take office. The future is unknown, but I have confidence that gender roles and masculinity/femininity will continue to transform in order to completely terminate the original stereotype that once controlled them.