Posted: April 27th, 2023

Impact of culture

GOAL:
To understand the impact of culture in everyday contexts and analyze intercultural situations using theory and concepts from this class.

INSTRUCTIONS
This week, we will take some time to reflect on some of the course concepts and build an intercultural notebook. Specifically, we will be focusing on how gender is portrayed within a culture.

First watch this video that shows the difference between sex and gender:

Please find THREE articles/photos/posts/podcasts/videos depicting gender roles in a culture.

One article/photo/posts/podcast/video should depict stereotypically masculine gender norms/roles
one article/photo/posts/podcast/video should depict stereotypically feminine gender norms/roles.
The THIRD article/photo/posts/podcast/video should depict noncompliance with gender norms within a culture.
Analyze EACH article/photo/post/podcast/video separately and answer the following questions for each:

Briefly describe the article/photo/post/podcast/video and why you chose to use it for this assignment
Provide a detailed analysis of how the article/photo/post/podcast/video portrays gender within the cultural context.
Based on this article/photo/video/podcast, how is gender conceptualized within this particular culture?
Then, answer the following questions as an overall reflection (not for each article/photo/posts/podcast/video)

What role does the media play in shaping gender norms/identity?
How does the conceptualization of gender within your culture shape your own gender identity?
Provide 2 culturally-specific recommendations for moving away from the gender binary (male/female) and instead seeing gender as more of a spectrum.
SUBMISSION
Please use the provided text box to submit your answers. You must post your responses first before you see other people’s answers.

GRADING
You will be graded using the rubric provided.

Article/Video/Podcast/Photo 1:
Title: “The Mask You Live In” Documentary Trailer
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc45-ptHMxo

Brief Description:
“The Mask You Live In” is a documentary film that explores the societal expectations placed on boys and men to adhere to traditional masculine gender norms. The film argues that these expectations can have negative consequences for boys and men, including a lack of emotional expression and an increased risk of mental health issues.

Analysis:
The documentary film portrays the harmful effects of masculine gender norms on boys and men in American culture. It highlights the societal pressure on boys and men to be tough, aggressive, and stoic, which can cause them to suppress their emotions and feelings. It also highlights the connection between masculinity and violence, both physical and emotional. Overall, the film suggests that the rigid and narrow expectations of traditional masculinity have negative consequences for both men and society as a whole.

Gender Conceptualization within this Culture:
Gender in American culture is typically understood through a binary lens, with clear distinctions made between masculinity and femininity. Masculinity is often associated with traits such as strength, aggression, and independence, while femininity is associated with traits such as nurturing, emotional sensitivity, and dependence. This documentary film highlights how this gender binary harms boys and men, reinforcing rigid expectations that prevent them from fully expressing themselves.

Article/Video/Podcast/Photo 2:
Title: “Women of Vision” Photography Exhibit
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXLYdnYJY0E

Brief Description:
“Women of Vision” is a photography exhibit that features the work of female photographers working for National Geographic. The exhibit showcases the diverse experiences of women around the world, including their struggles, triumphs, and contributions to society.

Analysis:
The photography exhibit challenges traditional feminine gender norms by showcasing women from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. The photographs highlight women who have broken gender barriers in their professions, women who have taken on non-traditional roles in their communities, and women who have overcome societal expectations to achieve their goals. Overall, the exhibit celebrates the diverse experiences and contributions of women around the world.

Gender Conceptualization within this Culture:
Gender in American culture is typically understood through a binary lens, with clear distinctions made between masculinity and femininity. Femininity is often associated with traits such as nurturing, emotional sensitivity, and dependence, while masculinity is associated with traits such as strength, aggression, and independence. This exhibit challenges this gender binary by showcasing women who defy traditional gender expectations and celebrate the diversity of experiences and contributions of women.

Article/Video/Podcast/Photo 3:
Title: “Why Non-Binary Identity Is Valid”
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRhziHmFnFQ

Brief Description:
This video is an interview with Alok Vaid-Menon, a non-binary writer, performer, and activist. Vaid-Menon discusses their experiences as a non-binary person and the importance of validating non-binary identities.

Analysis:
The interview challenges the traditional gender binary and highlights the experiences of individuals who do not identify as strictly male or female. Vaid-Menon discusses the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations, arguing that these norms can be limiting and harmful. They also highlight the importance of validating and accepting non-binary identities as a way to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

Gender Conceptualization within this Culture:
Gender in American culture is typically understood through a binary lens, with clear distinctions made between masculinity and femininity. Non-binary individuals often face marginalization and discrimination, as their identities challenge traditional gender norms. This interview highlights the importance of accepting and validating non-binary identities as a way to move away from the gender binary and
Article/Video/Podcast/Photo 1:
Title: “The Mask You Live In” Documentary Trailer
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc45-ptHMxo

Brief Description:
“The Mask You Live In” is a documentary film that explores the societal expectations placed on boys and men to adhere to traditional masculine gender norms. The film argues that these expectations can have negative consequences for boys and men, including a lack of emotional expression and an increased risk of mental health issues.

Analysis:
The documentary film portrays the harmful effects of masculine gender norms on boys and men in American culture. It highlights the societal pressure on boys and men to be tough, aggressive, and stoic, which can cause them to suppress their emotions and feelings. It also highlights the connection between masculinity and violence, both physical and emotional. Overall, the film suggests that the rigid and narrow expectations of traditional masculinity have negative consequences for both men and society as a whole.

Gender Conceptualization within this Culture:
Gender in American culture is typically understood through a binary lens, with clear distinctions made between masculinity and femininity. Masculinity is often associated with traits such as strength, aggression, and independence, while femininity is associated with traits such as nurturing, emotional sensitivity, and dependence. This documentary film highlights how this gender binary harms boys and men, reinforcing rigid expectations that prevent them from fully expressing themselves.

Reference:
Siege, R. & Lerner, J. (Directors). (2015). The Mask You Live In [Documentary film]. United States: The Representation Project.

Article/Video/Podcast/Photo 2:
Title: “Women of Vision” Photography Exhibit
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXLYdnYJY0E

Brief Description:
“Women of Vision” is a photography exhibit that features the work of female photographers working for National Geographic. The exhibit showcases the diverse experiences of women around the world, including their struggles, triumphs, and contributions to society.

Analysis:
The photography exhibit challenges traditional feminine gender norms by showcasing women from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. The photographs highlight women who have broken gender barriers in their professions, women who have taken on non-traditional roles in their communities, and women who have overcome societal expectations to achieve their goals. Overall, the exhibit celebrates the diverse experiences and contributions of women around the world.

Gender Conceptualization within this Culture:
Gender in American culture is typically understood through a binary lens, with clear distinctions made between masculinity and femininity. Femininity is often associated with traits such as nurturing, emotional sensitivity, and dependence, while masculinity is associated with traits such as strength, aggression, and independence. This exhibit challenges this gender binary by showcasing women who defy traditional gender expectations and celebrate the diversity of experiences and contributions of women.

Reference:
National Geographic Society. (2016). Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment [Exhibition]. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Museum.

Article/Video/Podcast/Photo 3:
Title: “Why Non-Binary Identity Is Valid”
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRhziHmFnFQ

Brief Description:
This video is an interview with Alok Vaid-Menon, a non-binary writer, performer, and activist. Vaid-Menon discusses their experiences as a non-binary person and the importance of validating non-binary identities.

Analysis:
The interview challenges the traditional gender binary and highlights the experiences of individuals who do not identify as strictly male or female. Vaid-Menon discusses the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations, arguing that these norms can be limiting and harmful. They also highlight the importance of validating and accepting non-binary identities as a way to create a more inclusive and accepting society