For my last post regarding what I've learned in class, I have chosen to write on the gender differences we discussed while reading Dave Barry and Nora Ephron. Firstly, I honestly found them hilarious. Obviously there are so many mysteries about the opposite gender that we will never understand. No number of books, blog posts, class discussions, or even surgical sex changes will truly enlighten one person to understand both genders clearly. So given the impossibility of understanding both genders at the same time, I tend to just resort to laughing at the differences.
In my interpersonal communication class, we talked about gender stereotypes and gender differences. One of the first things that happens when an infant is born is the child gets either a blue blanket or a pink blanket. That little blanket starts it all. From that time forward, little girls are showered in pink, while little boys are showered in blue. Fastforward to the toddler years when a child walks into a toy store. Naturally, the girls will be attracted to what is familiar to them: pink things. And the boys will be attracted to what is familiar to them: blue things. On the pink aisle, girls will find dolls, play kitchens, and princess costumes. In the predominately blue isles, boys will find race cars, footballs, and soldiers. Thus, gender roles are not only biological, but also socially created since the exact time of birth. I'm not claiming that this is either a good or bad thing, but rather something to be aware of as we try to understand and communicate effectively with the other gender.
What Dave Barry and Nora Ephron discovered is that gender differences are worth insight. We may not always comprehend the chaos that seems to occur within the heads of those belonging to the opposite gender, but we can see how those mental differences translate into behavioral differences. And if there is one thing that humanity seems to be excellent at, it is making fun of those who are different that ourselves. So, bring on the satire, the comedy, and the jokes, because I find the majority of them worth a great laugh.
P.S. Here's a hilarious video that seems to capture just one of those gender differences It's Not About the Nail
I definitely agree that some of the videos, jokes, and stories that bring to light and exaggerate the differences between the genders are hilarious. I enjoyed reading Dave Barry's Guide to Guys because it highlighted all of the male stereotypes floating around in the media. The video you showed us in your final presentation was also hilarious because I know that I personally do some of those things that the stereotypical girl does. I agree with you that we begin enforcing gender roles the moment our babies are born. Obviously genetics plays a large role in gender distinction as well, but society definitely potentiates and exaggerates it.
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