Gender Stereotypes Activity

As a part of M. Butterfly, we did an activity about gender roles and mannerisms.

     I felt unsure of the objective of the activity.  Thaison proposed a very valid statement: "These are gender stereotypes."  I was surprised that Marshall left the statement at that.  I felt very uncomfortable with how the activity ended with the ideas that gender roles and mannerisms were very black and white, rather, the two being very fluid in essence.
     Gender roles are a product of cultural socialization and political socialization.  An important factor to remember with political socialization is that an important factor is family.  This is especially important because being Asian American (not hyphened) has someone being acculturated in both societies, American society and Asian family.  Family is a crucial factor in how one percieves the world, but a person spends most of their time outside of the home: school, work, etc.
     Taking in account of the causes and realities of gender roles of Asian Americans, I feel that it is crucial to remain aware that what is defined as male or female remains determinant on ones' socialization. The activity of  perpetuating certain gender roles was very exclusive.  Song Liling is a example of how one could be genderqueer, identifying as a woman and man at the same time, yet she had compositions of a female and male mannerisms.  The activity, if having been seen by a more broader audience, would have been offensive, leaving some in question of their own identity.  Though this activity initially announced a very valid issue and kept interest of the room with humor, I thought the follow-through and lesson that was to be taught was left out of instruction.  The criticism does not stem to the instructors per se because either instructor keeps an open-mind in learning about the queer community, but I would like to see more sensitivity when discussing topics of gender and sexual orientation.