Chapter 6- Understanding Gender

 

Over the last five years, I have been exposed to the topic of gender identity more frequently than any other point in my life. Truth be told, before middle school, I didn’t even realize that transitioning was even possible. To say that learning about gender and sex changed my understanding of how life can be is an understatement. Even now, I am learning to this day and will continue to do so well into the future. One thing I have learned about is the concept of gender polarization, which affects how people look at you based on your gender (ch.6, pg.150). I have been aware of gender polarization for as long as I can remember and my understanding of it only grew as I matured. At this point, I can recognize it without even having to think about it. I can also think of multiple points in time where people have directed it towards me. For context, I am a six foot tall man with a case of resting bored face. It with these facts that I can conclude that people have been hesitant to talk to me because I was intimidating. I have also been asked on multiple occasions to do work that requires heavy lifting based on my build. Truth be told, I never minded and enjoyed having something to do, but only recently I realized their decision to ask me was based on me being a tall guy.