What is the identity?
I have chosen to analyze my female gender identity.
How did you learn that having this identity was different from having another identity?
According to Martin and Nakayama (2014), “popular culture tells us what it means to be a man or a woman” (p. 100). Because I was born with a twin brother, I have always been surrounded by the slight differences between male and female. For instance, as newborns, my brother and I were often given clothes, blankets, and accessories in blue or pink to emphasize our gender difference. Both of us were put into sports and activities at an early age, and only then did I really began to realize the distinct differences between male and female. It started small with comments like, “let Josh play outside sports, why don’t you try ballet instead” or “Josh you’re so strong, Kirstien you’re so pretty”. This was the beginning of my conscious understanding that “some activities are considered more masculine or more feminine” (Martin & Nakayama, 2014, p. 100).
When you learned this, how did you feel?
Upon learning this, I was upset and felt as though this segregation of activities was unfair. I did not understand why I couldn’t do all of the things my twin brother was allow to participate in.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having this identity for you personally?
As I grew I found that I have an extremely competitive nature and eventually made my way into sports despite the gender stereotype. I am definitely fortunate to live in a time where women’s equality has blossomed and I was given the opportunity to participate in events that were previously male-oriented. “The increased presence of women in this community can be argued to reflect change in the substantive structure of sport as a male site (Mean & Kassing, 2008, p. 127). Being a female athlete has many disadvantages, but the few advantages make up for them completely. The “greater presence [of women in athletics] does not inevitably result in greater acceptance and/or equivalence” (Mean & Kassing, 2008, p. 128). Although I have had to train harder, handle more criticism, and accept that not all my teammates want me around more than any of my male peers, I also feel that by overcoming these struggles and obstacles, I have become a better athlete and more importantly, a stronger person.
How does this identity influence you in school or at work?
While I wouldn’t consider myself an active feminist, I definitely believe in and admire intelligent, professionally successful, and financially independent women. June Hannam, professor at University of West England, says that “(Feminism) changes the way women think and feel and affects how women … live their lives and interpret the world” (as cited in Chirita 2012, p. 9). This is what my female identity means to me and consequently I constantly push myself to work harder, everyday, in my education and my career path. Being female in a ‘man’s world’ is not always easy, but the world is changing and I intend to keep up with it.
How does your identity influence the way you communicate with people from your own and other identities?
With a strong female identity, I have learned to utilize the best of my emotional and compassionate side, along with my inner strength, to encourage other females to embrace their femininity and potential as well. When speaking to those of a male identity, I strive to been seen as an equal instead of an inferior.
I have chosen to analyze my female gender identity.
How did you learn that having this identity was different from having another identity?
According to Martin and Nakayama (2014), “popular culture tells us what it means to be a man or a woman” (p. 100). Because I was born with a twin brother, I have always been surrounded by the slight differences between male and female. For instance, as newborns, my brother and I were often given clothes, blankets, and accessories in blue or pink to emphasize our gender difference. Both of us were put into sports and activities at an early age, and only then did I really began to realize the distinct differences between male and female. It started small with comments like, “let Josh play outside sports, why don’t you try ballet instead” or “Josh you’re so strong, Kirstien you’re so pretty”. This was the beginning of my conscious understanding that “some activities are considered more masculine or more feminine” (Martin & Nakayama, 2014, p. 100).
When you learned this, how did you feel?
Upon learning this, I was upset and felt as though this segregation of activities was unfair. I did not understand why I couldn’t do all of the things my twin brother was allow to participate in.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having this identity for you personally?
As I grew I found that I have an extremely competitive nature and eventually made my way into sports despite the gender stereotype. I am definitely fortunate to live in a time where women’s equality has blossomed and I was given the opportunity to participate in events that were previously male-oriented. “The increased presence of women in this community can be argued to reflect change in the substantive structure of sport as a male site (Mean & Kassing, 2008, p. 127). Being a female athlete has many disadvantages, but the few advantages make up for them completely. The “greater presence [of women in athletics] does not inevitably result in greater acceptance and/or equivalence” (Mean & Kassing, 2008, p. 128). Although I have had to train harder, handle more criticism, and accept that not all my teammates want me around more than any of my male peers, I also feel that by overcoming these struggles and obstacles, I have become a better athlete and more importantly, a stronger person.
How does this identity influence you in school or at work?
While I wouldn’t consider myself an active feminist, I definitely believe in and admire intelligent, professionally successful, and financially independent women. June Hannam, professor at University of West England, says that “(Feminism) changes the way women think and feel and affects how women … live their lives and interpret the world” (as cited in Chirita 2012, p. 9). This is what my female identity means to me and consequently I constantly push myself to work harder, everyday, in my education and my career path. Being female in a ‘man’s world’ is not always easy, but the world is changing and I intend to keep up with it.
How does your identity influence the way you communicate with people from your own and other identities?
With a strong female identity, I have learned to utilize the best of my emotional and compassionate side, along with my inner strength, to encourage other females to embrace their femininity and potential as well. When speaking to those of a male identity, I strive to been seen as an equal instead of an inferior.