Lauren Mok
What are your definitions of "man" and "woman?"
I believe that a ‘man’ and ‘woman’ are defined by both physical parts (genitalia, hormones, etc.) and a person’s characteristics (ie. Masculinity, feminity).
Are there any specific gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any you wish did not exist?
I personally don’t think there should be gender roles. A person should be able to express themselves however they see fit, regardless of gender. I believe that gender and sexuality are not set in stone. Rather, they are on a large spectrum and neither should be confined to labels.
Do you conform to the society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?
Although I don’t agree with society’s gender expectations, I can’t say that I don’t conform to them. I identify as female, but some days I feel like presenting myself in a more typically ‘masculine’ way. I feel lots of hesitation on the days that I want to present myself as more ‘masculine’ because I feel that it’s against the norm and I face other peoples’ judgment.
A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?
I believe that these two situations are examples of gender roles imposed on society. From the moment we first learn about the difference between boys and girls, we learn about what is acceptable for each gender to do (in terms of presentation of self and mannerisms of girls and boys). However, we believe what we are told when we are young, and I don’t think we have any legitimate reason to label genders other than what was taught to us. We are so accustomed to the roles imposed on us and taught to us at a young age and never know anything different than what we’re taught.
In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this? Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity? How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?
I think masculinity is dominant over femininity because femininity is seen as soft and gentle, while masculinity is seen as burly, tough, and strong. I think these traits are attributed to the physical characteristics of a male’s body because they are bigger and stronger, while a woman’s natural figure is somewhat smaller and more frail in comparison to a man’s body.
Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?
Of course it’s important to make the world a more welcoming place for those who do not conform to gender. The world is a much better place when people feel more comfortable expressing themselves freely, regardless of gender, sexuality, religion, etc.
