Pulse of the class

This class is challenging yet refreshing.  Its great to see a class that speaks on topics that may be controversial to social norms.  Besides the fact that we learn terms such as "gender fuck" and "queer theory" the class itself holds no bars which coincides with the topics we discuss.  There are no boundaries to the things we say or watch.  The screenings and discussions really allow us to see passed what our culture has instilled in our heads.  The readings are definitely interesting but at times can be confusing. This is a whole new way of thinking and I'm slowly coming to an understanding of it all.  There's still so much to learn.  From our readings about gender roles and feminism, the lyrics from Beyonce's song "Flawless" comes to mind.

We teach girls to shrink themselves
To make themselves smaller
We say to girls
"You can have ambition
But not too much
You should aim to be successful
But not too successful
Otherwise you will threaten the man"
Because I am female
I am expected to aspire to marriage
I am expected to make my life choices
Always keeping in mind that
Marriage is the most important
Now marriage can be a source of
Joy and love and mutual support
But why do we teach girls to aspire to marriage
And we don't teach boys the same?
We raise girls to each other as competitors
Not for jobs or for accomplishments
Which I think can be a good thing
But for the attention of men
We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings
In the way that boys are
Feminist: the person who believes in the social
Political, and economic equality of the sexes

On the first day of class Professor Fuqua presented Beyonces' video "Drunk in Love," and asked the rest of the class what we thought of it.  My initial thoughts were that she was going to say that Beyonce was objectifying herself or that maybe she looked like a hooker, but instead, she went on to say that she thought it was sexy! Why can't woman be sexual beings without be judged or looked down at?  From that point on, I knew I was going to like the class.

The course materials are challenging, some more than others, but overall very entertaining.  Its a lot of reading but they are engaging and has allowed me to really think outside of my comfort zone.  I find myself getting into debates with my friends about gender and the roles we're expected to play.  Its funny to see their faces when I describe "bromance" using the term homosocial.  Many people still have this fear of talking about anything with the word "homo" in it.  I have a new found upmost respect to those people who are going against mainstream culture and eliminating any binaries.

Certain topics we discuss have really made me more aware of my surroundings.  Seeing gendered items at the store really make me laugh because I use to be that sucker who'd buy the purple pen with flowers or anything purple for that matter. I also look at Barbie differently lol.

I have enjoyed reading Bornstein the most.  Her outlook on gender, sexuality, feminism, and just life in general is exciting and they way she writes makes these serious topics fun and entertaining.  I definitely found Butler to be the most difficult.  Her writing style was hard to understand and confusing.  If it weren't for Guantlett's article I probably wouldn't have know what the heck I was reading.