Sex objects at any age - CBC News - Viewpoint: Georgie Binks

This article came from a friend of mine (lisa) in response to questions about gender roles. Another comment from my brother-

"interesting question about gender and destiny. having worked with some old-school feminists in toronto, who have managed to be pretty successful, i'd say that yes, it does still matter, far more than it should. but what's life without something to struggle for, eh?"

I was optimistic or naive when first exposed to university and thought that gender didn't matter or at least it shouldn't. This was in the early 90's as identity politics was taking its first lurching steps into the mainstream. I've always been fairly comfortable with transitional approaches to gender about what is appropriate behavior and partners for each gender or the multiplicity of genders identified by some. However, I no longer think you can remove the lens. It is embedded in how we think and how we interact. This lens is mediated through your intellect. There is always the aspect of choice.

Do you step around people on the street or expect them to step around you?
When a family dinner is finished or is being prepared who does the work?
If something spills at a party - who is the first to react and fix the situation?
Do sport metaphors resonate?
How do you handle conflict?
What do you visualize as an ideal job?
Who are your role models?
Do you pick up a baby boy and toss him in the air? Would you do the same with a girl?


Thinking more about raising a girl - I was at Douglas park in Vancouver talking to a colleague who has a seven year old in soccer. There is an extremely successful woman's soccer team in Vancouver. These girls have posters of the players on their walls, go to the games and view it as a normal for a woman to be a professional athlete. These players often come out and coach and/or do clinics. There is a reality to these people to these girls.

As mentioned in the CBC artilce - the image of the woman's hockey team winning olympic gold - I remember that better than the men's game. Crappy refereeing, a hostile crowd. lots of penalities and a triumph of character, will and skill. This paragon is worth striving for and emulating.

Comments?