Hello,
Here is a interesting CBC article noting how children's toys continue to reflect gender stereotypes. Carleton's own Women and Gender Studies professor, Patrizia Gentile, makes a comment on modernized children's dolls. Click here for the link.
Emma Liz
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Racist Stereotypes in the Media
Click here for a video clip that shows a series of racist ads in the media from before 1970 to present day.
Emma Liz
Emma Liz
Critical Reflection 4: Gender Identities
I will be reflecting on gender; what is means to be male or female and how other cultures differ from western society`s views on gender classification. The typical discourse adopted by many surrounding gender believes that human beings fit into one of two categories; male or female. In the reading The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, this is defined as dichotomy (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). The idea of dichotomy is a way to classify people because generally we believe females are feminine and therefore adopt certain social roles and vice versa for males (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). This however excludes many people who do not fit into these definitions.
From the time you are born, you are given items that reflect the colours and items that society has labelled feminine or masculine. As you age, certain roles are placed on you according to your gender. It is assumed that once someone knows your gender, they know a lot about you. These stereotypes are thoroughly reinforced in our society and can be confusing for many people. Terms including ‘tomboy’ and ‘sissy’ are used to describe people who do not typically conform to society`s social construction of what it means to be male and female. The term ‘opposite sex’ suggests that males and females are opposites of each other which implies they are not interested in the same things.
A particular idea I have observed from living in Canada is that when someone cannot be easily labelled or defined, they are immediately regarded as different, not normal or weird. This stems from the idea of dichotomy (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). Many cultures challenge western society`s views on gender and belief more than two exist. A berdache is a term used in North American First Nations communities to describe a person, usually male, who is believed to have been born with two genders (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). They assume the role of the opposite sex by dressing and acting like the social roles associated with that gender (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). Sexual preferences are not deemed important in regards to a berdache as they are regarded as a separate gender and are treated equally (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). This idea challenges western society`s views on gender as typically, a berdache would be seen as a male who is dressing feminine. Instead, the First Nations community can accept the notion of a third gender.
In Islamic culture, a xanith is a biological man whose daily role and obligations are that of a typical Islamic woman but he is given the rights of an Islamic man (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). For example, a xanith has the right to testify in court which is against the rights of Islamic women (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). However, they are considered women during special occasions by sitting, dancing and singing with other women (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). A xanith is known as a separate gender because his duties, roles, rights and appearance are separate from males and females (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). This distinction allows men who feel more ‘feminine’ to participate in activities which are more suited to their interests. It also recognizes them as a biological male and grants them certain rights accordingly (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). It is interesting to note that the cultural differences mentioned above only pertain to biological males.
These stereotypes are thoroughly reinforced in our society and can be confusing for many people. Clearly our definitions of gender are limited by the two classifications and undoubtedly exclude people who do not feel they are either male or female. The gender types earlier discussed allow people to quickly and easily classify you as a specific type of person and place certain stereotypes on you because of this. We need to avoid grouping people together and focus on accepting and embracing everyone`s differences. If males and females were equally encouraged to participate in any activity that they were interested in, we would likely have people who were much more skilled in all areas.
References
(n.d.). The social construction of sex, gender and sexuality. Chapter 1.
Leroux, D. (2010). Thinking Gender [Power point slides]. Retrieved November 6th, 2010 from http://webct6.carleton.ca/webct/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct.
Emma Liz
Critical Reflection 3: Thoughts on Immigration and Deportation Statistics
The statistics revealed in class regarding immigration and deportation were very suprising. Throughout this course we have discussed how multiculturalism is defined and what it means to be inclusive of all cultures. We have drawn conclusions about how multicultural Canada really is through its everyday actions. I will outline the statistics and make assumption about why I believe this is occurring and how this affects our image of Canada as a diverse and accepting country.
A new section in the Temporary Foreign Work Program outlines that migrants are unable to apply for permanent residency no matter how long they have lived in Canada (Leroux, 2010). I know that if I were in this position I would feel resentful as I have spent ‘x’ amount of years working for a country that will never allow me to become a citizen of it. It is also estimated that migrants of colour earn 40% less than white people living in the same area (Leroux, 2010). I realized that this statistic used to be a normal occurrence but I could have never imaged that this type of racism could still be happening. It was discussed in class that more than half of poor families living in Canada are families of colour (Leroux, 2010). I have to wonder why this statistic is true. Are people of colour struggling to achieve higher paying jobs due to racism amongst people doing the hiring? How can our diverse country still inhibit people from all backgrounds from experiencing equal rights?
A list exists which outlines 38 professions that individuals must have worked as for atleast a year before immigrating to Canada (Leroux, 2010). After researching what occupations this included, the list is pretty inclusive of all professions. I think this rule is put in place to ensure that migrants new to Canada can offer a skill to contribute our society. However, many countries value different skills and who are we to decide what skills are more valuable than others. Also, the acceptance rate for refugees continues to decrease annually and the number of accepted refugees is much lower than the number of migrants coming for the temporary work program (Leroux, 2010). Is this because refugees are given the opportunity to become permanent residents when work program migrants are not? Therefore, the Canadian government seems to be more concerned with excluding people while also maintaining the multicultural image.
There is a negative discourse surrounding immigrants and/ or refugees that they are associated with violence. Many Canadians also have the idea that immigrants are taking jobs from deserving Canadians. I am conflicted in my opinion on this topic as I understand the need to ‘protect’ Canada as in protect from criminals and protect jobs and housing for Canadians. However, I do not believe the stereotypes about immigrants. I believe they are trying to leave a violent situation or trying to find a job to support their family. The statistics regarding immigration and deportation show that Canada is regressing in its efforts to accommodate people from other countries. If we are the most multicultural country, what does that say for the rest of the world? I think at one point it is possible that Canada was the most accepting and multicultural country in the world and maybe not; however, I feel we do not have the right to claim this title anymore.
References:
Brown, R. (2010). Deportation and removal in Canada article. Retrieved on October 14th, 2010 from http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/deportation-and-removal-in-canada-879501.html
Leroux, D. (2010). Multiculturalism [Power point slides]. Retrieved October 14th, 2010 from http://webct6.carleton.ca/webct/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct
(2010). Citizenship and immigration Canada. Retrieved on October 14th, 2010 from http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-instructions.asp
Emma Liz
Critical Reflection 2: Opinions on Canadian Heritage Minutes
Canadian Heritage minutes are meant to inform Canadians about their country’s history and instil a sense of pride in its people. However, they reflect a bias image of major historical events. Certain cultural groups, genders, government officials and individuals are misrepresented and the events are shown as peaceful and beneficial to both sides depicted. The nationalism portrayed in these commercials shows Canadians as diplomatic and generous people which our history’s true past contradicts. The Heritage Minutes commercials reinforce common stereotypes that other countries have about Canada.
The commercials cover topics ranging from how the first superman comic was created to how and when women demanded the right to vote. However, many clips show an idealistic approach on the events that occurred and often have a bias view of certain groups of people. In the clip that explains how Canada came to be the name of our country, it shows the native people wilfully invite Jacques Cartier and his men into their village (Historica Minutes, 2010). Certain clips, including ‘Vimy Ridge’ and ‘Juno Beach’ show all the Canadian military members as being willing to fight (Historica Minutes, 2010). These clips are unrealistic if you are knowledgeable on the topics that are presented in the commercials. Otherwise, it is interesting to reflect on whether or not Canadians merely take these clips as fact or if they understand the biases presented.
Canadians are widely stereotyped to be naturally loving, passive, peace- keeping individuals where Americans are often labelled as ignorant, selfish and violent people (Leroux, personal communication, 2010). In some of the Heritage Minute commercials, these stereotypes are reinforced. In the clip labelled ‘Sam Steele’, it shows a brash American trying to enter the Canadian gold fields (Historica Minutes, 2010). When denied entrance due to possession of weapons, he is outraged and begins threatening RCMP officer Sam Steele with his gun saying that Canadians do not have that right over Americans (Historica Minutes, 2010). Sam Steele calmly encourages the man to go back to his country without showing any sign of fear (Historica Minutes, 2010). This description of events clearly reinforces the idea that Americans are quick to anger and it also strengthens the idea that Canadians have always been successful in their actions through talking it out without the use of violence or weapons.
When reflecting on what these commercials truly represent, many questions come to mind. I understand the point of these commercials is to send a patriotic message to Canadians but is it right to distort past events and give Canadians and other countries a false representation of our true history? Do other cultures feel offended that these clips fabricate a false account about their own past cultural experiences? Do Canadians simply accept these depictions as a true explanation of our history? These questions emphasize the importance of thinking critically about what you see and hear on television. The past should not be summed up in a 60 second commercial as they simply skim over the events that took place giving everyone a skewed idea of what actually took place.
References:
(2005). Historica Minutes. Retrieved October 9th, 2010 from
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