Character Analysis Essay:
In his essay, Becoming Members of Society: Learning the Social Meanings of Gender, Aaron Devor claims that "gender identities act as cognitive filtering devices guiding people to attend to and learning gender role behaviors appropriate to their statuses."
Devor outlines those "appropriate" gender roles in the essay, gender roles and stereotypes that we have discussed in class. Men traditionally are thought to be aggressive and dominate; in contrast, women are expected to be passive, submissive, and subordinate. Women are also considered to be more "we" oriented, or communal, as well as cooperative, striving for harmony. Moreover, women are thought to be more maternal with nurturing instincts. Men, on the other hand, should engage in egotism (or the "I"), and are expected to be individualistic. Furthermore, men should be ambitious, thirsting for power and success in the workplace.
Of course, these gender behaviors have changed considerably within the last couple of decades. Men are more family-oriented, and women often strive for career success. Despite these gains, there still is considerable tension as men and women continue to grapple with their place in society. Indeed, men and women are different: biologically, mentally, and socially.
To facilitate the continued debate on the societal and cultural behavior of men and women, it is important to understand the history of these so-called "traditional" gender roles. In doing so, we should remember Antonio Gramsci's ideas: learn our own history, and recognize the other's history. It is only then that we can ease the tensions between the two parties. There are other essays within Rereading America that speak to these histories: Russell Sanders' The Men We Carry in Our Minds looks at the traditional occupations of men (laborer, soldier, and professional) while Judy Brady's Why I (Still) Want a ;fife humorously outlines the role of the pre-liberated woman.
The character of Brandon in Boys Don? Cry takes on these gender roles and has to navigate through both, ultimately demonstrating his own gender through conscious choices that he makes.
The way in which Brandon presents himself to society and the ways in which he is received. When their understanding of Brandon's gender is turned on its head, the characters with whom he has surrounded himself demonstrate intense reactions. It is, perhaps, a testament to how society so heavily relies upon gender to dictate interpersonal relationships.
Choose one of the central characters of Boys Don't Cry to provide an in-depth analysis of the character, specifically how he or she is defined or defines themselves through their gender. Feel free to draw from the above mentioned essays, as well as the others assigned for this unit. However, please remember that the focus of your essay should be on your chosen character and his or her relationship with the concept of gender.
Assignment Length:
Four pages, double-spaced. In addition, you MUST hand in a Works Cited page. Note that the Works Cited page does not count as part of the four page length requirement. Therefore, the Works Cited page will be the fifth page of your completed essay.
Assignment Format:
- Assignments must be word processed, double spaced with I" margins.
- Times New Roman, 12 pt font.