Post by FreckleFoot on Feb 4, 2010 5:27:39 GMT -5
Excellent topic.
I do not think certain attributes, activities, etc. need to be gender specific, but I also feel there are those that will never be considered neutral. Men and women are equal, but also different.
If you meet me in person, you are probably more likely to think I am very feminine and younger than my actual age. I have found that, if I do not mention my gender or age online, people are more likely to assume the opposite: that I am a man and that I am much older than I am in reality.
It is very interesting that you should say that because I am typically feminine and yet I feel this immense pressure to become a 'bitch' in order to get some respect. Apparently, since I am small, shy and kind to people, I am also assumed to be a weak, dumb, immature pushover. People have really treated me in a way that shows they believe these things and whenever they are proven wrong, they are extremely surprised. They can't believe that little, timid, sweet FreckleFoot could be so strong, intelligent or mature.
It irritates me because, just like you, I want to be able to be myself without receiving negative reactions from others or being harassed into changing myself into a 'better' person.
I do not think certain attributes, activities, etc. need to be gender specific, but I also feel there are those that will never be considered neutral. Men and women are equal, but also different.
If you meet me in person, you are probably more likely to think I am very feminine and younger than my actual age. I have found that, if I do not mention my gender or age online, people are more likely to assume the opposite: that I am a man and that I am much older than I am in reality.
In my experience, these traits of mine have been received negatively by the majority of people I come across, both male and female... You know the old scenario: a man who yells at his employees is firm and orderly. A woman who yells at her employees is a slimy bitch. lol
It is very interesting that you should say that because I am typically feminine and yet I feel this immense pressure to become a 'bitch' in order to get some respect. Apparently, since I am small, shy and kind to people, I am also assumed to be a weak, dumb, immature pushover. People have really treated me in a way that shows they believe these things and whenever they are proven wrong, they are extremely surprised. They can't believe that little, timid, sweet FreckleFoot could be so strong, intelligent or mature.
It irritates me because, just like you, I want to be able to be myself without receiving negative reactions from others or being harassed into changing myself into a 'better' person.