Boring stuff first, I'm in Year 1 Accountancy so I'm from the Business School. Hmm I guess why I chose to do the U Town Writing Programme instead of the pre-allocated Business Communications is because I really like small class sizes? You get a better chance at engaging in meaningful conversations and discussions. And I'd like to do some writing again; GP back in junior college was a little iffy because you had to write in a certain way and dump in certain facts just to get the A. So I guess I was kind of hoping that I'd be able to develop my writing skills in a less formulaic fashion. Besides, I think the whole Gender and Language and Miscommunication topic is pretty intriguing and relevant in everyday life? Like, how I miscommunicate with my dad sometimes.
But personally I'm a stickler for gender stereotypes, in the sense that I do think there's a place for them. I think it helps us function as a society and community, or family. That said, I do find equal respect very important as well. Women shouldn't be forced to conform to gender stereotypes if they have issues with that personally. If they don't see why they should be stay-home mothers, I think they should have that prerogative to live life that way. Women should also not be viewed as 'lesser' than men, or lacking in any way. To me, both genders simply have different strengths and weaknesses generally (gender stereotypes) and they actually complement each other. Acting in our stereotypical capacities are a way of tapping on our complementary functions, but if either party is uncomfortable with that and have alternative beliefs, I also believe that there are other ways of co-existing perfectly well.
So I do think the class will be exciting, particularly the readings, it'll help me to make a more informed stand on this matter and be aware of our different communication patterns.
More personal (random) stuff - I like music I play the piano and electone when I'm bored or for cathartic purposes; I have a horrible sense of direction which many of my friends will attest to; I like desserts (like, really almost any desserts) and all those chocolates.
Peace out!
interesting point about the (beneficial) social function of stereotypes. I know what you mean. The problem is, stereotypes often derive from unequal power relations and can be used to oppress others. But perhaps it's not inevitable that they do so?...
ReplyDeleteI suppose that stereotypes are part of our human psyche, it very much is a way we view and process the world around us. This is not the most perfect and ideal way to do so, but it is how we go about things. The real danger, to me, arises when we force people to conform to these stereotypes, forgetting that stereotypes are, after all, generalizations. When we do not allow for exceptions and impose certain expectations on others, refusing to acknowledge and allow for their differences, we then get oppressive. Then, stereotypes should no longer be something we accept as simply part of our psyche, but becomes something undesirable which we must work around.
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