Discussion
Question: What lesson does the Elizabeth Gilbert experiment
demonstrate?
Answer:
Since her childhood, Gilbert has had to contend with the reality that most
people make an erroneous first assumption that she is male. Gilbert admits that
she is not very feminine as she keeps short hair; she has broad shoulders and a
strong jaw. Gilbert also admits that she does not understand the principle of
makeup thus does not wear them (203). Gilbert chose to transform to a man for
one week and acquire an actual experience of manhood. Indirectly, Gilbert’s
transformation was a strategy to demonstrate the differences between men and
women in the society. Gilbert takes readers through the transformation process;
a process that includes wearing bandages to conceal her breasts (204). Readers
are able to experience life as a woman and as a man, through Gilbert's
experience.
Gilbert’s male friends give her tips on the behavior she needs to
demonstrate so as to pass as a man. Readers get to understand that men
interrupt people with impunity, men also curse recklessly and they never talk
about their feelings. Already, Gilbert, as well as the readers get to perceive
the stereotypical male world. Gilbert’s encounter also reveals that the reality
can differ from the stereotypical perceptions. Gilbert encounters a menacing
black man who appears ready to fight the man “Luke”. Gilbert experiments
demonstrate that men and women are different beyond the physical aspect.
2
Key
Points
- Gender
stereotypes on matters related to how men and women should behave
constrict people to live within the established perception. The perception
that men should be tough and should not show their emotions pushes some
men to show their toughness yet they need help and support (209).
- Societies
should demolish the social construct developed by stereotypes and allow
people to express themselves as they desire
No comments:
Post a Comment