Requirements: * Six to Eight pages typed, double-spaced (remember that six full pages BEFORE the Works Cited page is the bare minimum). * Six Sources MINIMUM (Our textbook source counts as one and five additional are needed). *There must be a Works Cited page and MLA format used proficiently throughout. *Your topic will be about an American cultural myth related to gender. The aim will be to deconstruct the myth chosen through research. Remember to think about the “So what?” of writing this paper. There should be a question that you want to answer by developing a position through ample research and analysis. There should be conflict, controversy, or at least two sides to this argument.

QUESTION

Requirements:
* Six to Eight pages typed, double-spaced (remember that six full pages BEFORE the Works Cited page is the bare minimum). * Six Sources MINIMUM (Our textbook source counts as one and five additional are needed). *There must be a Works Cited page and MLA format used proficiently throughout. *Your topic will be about an American cultural myth related to gender. The aim will be to deconstruct the myth chosen through research.
Remember to think about the “So what?” of writing this paper. There should be a question that you want to answer by developing a position through ample research and analysis. There should be conflict, controversy, or at least two sides to this argument.
*Since this is a research paper, you need to be able to incorporate your own ideas about your selected issue with support, examples, statistics, and facts from OUR TEXTBOOK (Rereading America) and at least five other sources, making at total of SIX OUTSIDE SOURCES MINIMUM. ONLY REPUTABLE WEBSITE SOURCES—all sources should be from literary journals, articles, essays, or books (all of which can be online).
* Only use quotes that directly support your paper. Remember: each quote should equal ONE to THREE additional sentences of analysis and explanation.
I encourage you to create your own research prompt regarding gender, based on your interests and desire to investigate particular issues. Feel free to use one of these writing prompts, a variation of one of these prompts, or create your own pertaining to one of the major themes or topics in our anthology. The major topic requirement is that it is tied to a gender myth and must include at least one reading from our textbook in addition to at least FIVE additional sources. Looking at gender roles: how could advertising women and girls in a subjective and/or over-sexualized way be dangerous in society as a whole? (look at Kilbourne for support). As Kilbourne argues, in what ways can this be considered “cultural abuse”? Think about how she makes connections between advertising images and social problems like sexual violence, harassment, and addiction. In your analysis, you can study current popular magazines and advertisements as well as work with research and statistics dealing with persuasive effects of advertising.
How do myths of gender shape our assumptions about who we are and how we ought to be? Consider Kimmel, Kincaid, Devor, and others from our textbook. Then, research American cultural views on gender and relate it to other cultural perceptions. How much of gender is biological versus cultural? Consider how careful, open-minded re-reading of gender in cultural context can challenge our deeply held assumptions about the place of men and women in our society.
What major factors contribute to both boys and/or girls feeling pressured to fit into specific gender roles, appearances, and characteristics? What are the major impacts of these pressures? Give specific examples from the text, outside research, observations, and experiences. For example, think about the difficulties that boys face in Michael Kimmel’s “Bros Before Hos” related specifically to gender pressures. Consider using support from these pieces as well as “Girl,” by Jamaica Kincaid and “From Fly Girls to Bitches and Hos,” by Joan Morgan.
You should begin by making connections with Diana Kendall’s “Framing Class, Vicarious Living, and Conspicuous Consumption,” and Jean Kilbourne’s “Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt;” then explore the accounts read throughout the “True Women and Real Men” chapter as well as additional research, presentation clips, observations, and personal experience. What are common media portrayals of ideal appearance and/or gender roles marketed especially to teens and young adults, and what impacts do the media have on gender identity?
Possible Methods of Organization:
*Your background information may take at least a paragraph or two
*Your thesis and plan of development may take up a paragraph on its own—it generally will be longer than a sentence in a research paper and should contain three parts: the topic with position, the plan of development, and the commentary (the “so what”) about the position—this last sentence usually explains to the readers why they should care about the issue at hand and the list of reasons, effects, or elements. *Generally, there is development of the problem, the effects of that problem, and then solution. *Other times, there is development through the history of the situation, the new social/cultural norms or beliefs, and then the outcomes of this progress. *The solution usually contains hypotheticals, which is really only appropriate at the end of the essay, to give hope. Hypotheticals should not be the basis of the essay. The basis is research, data, facts, stories, and other forms of concrete support.

ANSWER

Deconstructing American Cultural Myths: Gender Assumptions and Their Impact

Introduction

Gender plays a crucial role in shaping our identities and experiences. Throughout American history, various cultural myths have emerged, influencing our assumptions about gender roles and expectations. This research paper aims to deconstruct these myths by examining their origins, manifestations, and impact. We can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society by challenging these deeply ingrained stereotypes.

The pervasive myths surrounding gender in American culture have profound effects on individuals, perpetuating harmful stereotypes, limiting personal freedom, and impeding social progress. By critically examining the origins, manifestations, and impacts of these myths, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Origins and Evolution of Gender Myths

Gender myths are deeply rooted in the historical and cultural context of American society. The Puritan beliefs of the early settlers laid the groundwork for rigid gender roles, where men were seen as providers and women as caretakers (Awasthi, 2017). As America evolved, these gender roles were reinforced through various cultural influences such as religious teachings, social norms, and the media.

One example of a prominent gender myth is the concept of the “ideal woman” as portrayed in the media. The media often depicts women as objectified and over-sexualized beings, perpetuating the idea that their worth is solely determined by their physical appearance. This myth not only limits women’s autonomy but also contributes to harmful social problems like sexual violence, harassment, and addiction.

The Power of Media and Advertising

The influence of media and advertising on gender roles cannot be underestimated. Jean Kilbourne, in her work “Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt,” argues that the advertising industry subjects women to “cultural abuse” by promoting unrealistic and harmful beauty standards. These subjective and over-sexualized portrayals can have severe consequences, leading to low self-esteem, body image issues, and even eating disorders among women and girls (Hine, 2011).

Furthermore, Kilbourne highlights the connection between advertising images and social problems. Studies have shown that exposure to objectifying and sexualized portrayals of women in media increases the acceptance of sexual harassment, normalizes violence against women, and perpetuates gender inequality. By critically analyzing current popular magazines and advertisements, we can uncover the persuasive effects of advertising and the dangers it poses to society.

Gender Assumptions and Identity Formation

Michael Kimmel, in his work “Bros Before Hos,” sheds light on the pressures faced by boys to conform to societal expectations of masculinity. Boys often feel compelled to adopt aggressive behaviors, suppress their emotions, and adhere to rigid gender norms (Kilbourne, 2000). These pressures limit their individuality, hinder emotional growth, and contribute to the perpetuation of harmful masculinity.

Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl” offers a glimpse into the expectations placed on girls, highlighting the role of gender myths in shaping their identities. The cultural messages conveyed in the text demonstrate the constraints imposed on girls, emphasizing their domestic responsibilities and the importance of conforming to societal expectations.

Questioning Biological versus Cultural Influences on Gender

One of the fundamental debates surrounding gender is the balance between biological and cultural influences. While biology plays a role in determining certain physical attributes, the vast majority of gender roles and expectations are shaped by societal norms and cultural beliefs. By carefully re-reading gender in a cultural context, we can challenge deeply held assumptions and recognize the fluidity and diversity of gender identities.

Pressures on Boys and Girls to Conform to Gender Roles

Boys and girls face immense pressure to conform to specific gender roles, appearances, and characteristics. Michael Kimmel’s “Bros Before Hos” explores the challenges boys face in navigating these pressures. Society expects boys to be tough, assertive, and dominant, often leading to toxic masculinity and harmful behaviors.

Similarly, girls are expected to be nurturing, submissive, and focused on their appearance. Joan Morgan, in “From Fly Girls to Bitches and Hos,” highlights the challenges faced by girls in balancing societal expectations with personal aspirations. These pressures limit individual freedom, restrict career choices, and perpetuate inequality.

Media Influence on Gender Identity

Media plays a significant role in shaping gender identity, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Portrayals of ideal appearance and gender roles in movies, TV shows, and advertisements can have a profound impact on how individuals perceive themselves and others. The media often presents narrow and unrealistic beauty standards, leading to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and a skewed sense of self-worth.

Conclusion

Gender myths deeply embedded in American culture shape our assumptions about who we are and how we should behave. By critically examining these myths and their impact, we can challenge harmful stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and foster social progress. It is essential to recognize the power of media and advertising in perpetuating these myths and work towards creating a society that embraces diversity, rejects harmful gender stereotypes, and empowers individuals to define their own identities.

References

Awasthi, B. (2017). From Attire to Assault: Clothing, Objectification, and De-humanization – A Possible Prelude to Sexual Violence? Frontiers in Psychology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00338 

Hine, R. (2011). In the Margins: The Impact of Sexualised Images on the Mental Health of Ageing Women. Sex Roles, 65(7–8), 632–646. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-011-9978-4 

Kilbourne, J. (2000). Killing Us Softly 3: Advertising’s Image of Women. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/50232646_Killing_Us_Softly_3_Advertising’s_Image_of_Women