Question

When it comes to Bodies & Sexualities, the common denominator globally: Keep people unhappy with how they look = get their money = maintain social control Discuss Aleichia William’s statement, “I’m learning to embrace every aspect of my identity and not let small minds put me in a box that just doesn’t fit.” Post#1: Discussion Post ( 3 Points) In what institutionalized ways does our society force people into these boxes? (300 words): (1 point) Have you ever experienced having to identify within a box that didn’t fit? How did you handle it? What can we do to shift our thinking to a less rigid and separate way of thinking about identity? Think about what communities you are a part of. (300 words): (1 point) Are they supportive or oppressive? In what ways? How did you find them? C. How are your interactions with other members of the community different from interactions with people outside the community? (300 words): (1 point) (Support each answer with course material and/or other academic sources and provide citations)

Answer 1

1- In what institutionalized ways does our society force people into these boxes?

Our society has constructed numerous steretyes and prrejudicies when it comes to race, ethinicities, gender, language, physical looks etc. For example, people look down upon fat people. They make fun of them and stereotype them as being lazy and ineffective. Another example would be how women need to be well groomed and pretty all the time or they are not attractive and find it difficult to find a job or be taken seriously. This is how the society plays a role in putting people into boxes. If I were an international student at a university, I would be put in a box that says I'm unattractive or stingy. If I were a single mother, i would be put in a box that says it was my fault I couldn't make the marriage work or I can't be a good parent to my children etc.

2- Have you ever experienced having to identify within a box that didn’t fit? How did you handle it?

I have experienced it while living in a society that projects women as objects who have few desires or dreams and who can be treated in any way. This reeks of inequality and injustice because every person has the same right to live on this planet and has equal rights to everything. However, in a society, this is not the case.

3- What can we do to shift our thinking to a less rigid and separate way of thinking about identity?

We need to create awareness in the society and in children while they are growing up to not put every gender and identity in a specific box and encourage differences and equal rights. This is the only way forward. There should also be strict laws against discrimination due to race, creed, caste, gender, sexual orientation etc. All genders should be able to express themselves openly without bias.