Jane Hise, Dixie State University
Humanities
Modern cultural perceptions of appropriate gendered behavior can pressure individuals into unhealthy, often self-destructive, behaviors in an attempt to attain an unachievable paradigm of gendered and sexual perfection. Social norms, however, are transitory and therefore, any attempts to achieve gendered perfection based on these norms are at best inauthentic performances, and the dangers inherent in the pursuit of such skewed perceptions of masculinity and femininity are inherently dangerous to the physical and emotional health of the individual. While we are not likely to eliminate the indoctrination of current or future generations into the culturally sanctioned roles of gender performance entirely, recognizing the artifice in these expectations and behaviors can expand the boundaries of socially accepted standards to allow for healthier expressions of identity.
One way to achieve this awareness and provide space for free identity creation and expression is through studying a particular set of literary texts. Profound examples of gender socialization and performatives can be found in many forms of literature but for the purposes of this paper five specific works will be utilized: Marge Piercy’s “Barbie Doll”, Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl”, Mark Gonzales’ “As with Most Men”, Patrick Higgins’ “The After Hours Crowd” and Sandra Cisneros’ “Woman Hollering Creek.”