My New Perspective

           Taking this course has really changed my perception not only on gender, but also of other people in general. By reading so many first person experiences with inequality based off of societal prejudices I have learned to see the world differently. This may sound like a hyperbole, but it isn’t. I have learned to see things from another person’s shoes and realize that I have to be respectful of others and their beliefs, needs, desires, etc.… We all are different, have different opinions, and deserve the opportunity to express our selves and our viewpoints any way we want. I’ve also realized how controlling society can be and have begun to mentally challenge it. I’ve started questioning things such as gender binary. What would the world be like with out gender policing? Or just in general if we didn’t live our lives according to some societal notion of right and wrong. Who are we to judge others who differ from social norms? Are these norms set in writing? No, they aren’t, so why are we so engrossed in following them and scrutinize all those who decide not to follow it?

            There are a lot of questions that I put on to myself and I’ve learned to be more cautious and accepting of peoples’ right to expression. However, focusing on the gender aspect of this course, I feel not entirely motivated for change. Although I believe change would be good in general, I personally have nothing at stake weather or not things change. This may be a little selfish of me, but societal norms are just something normal to me and I feel as though messing with something that doesn’t bother me doesn’t make sense. I have other things more important in my personal day-to-day life. However, I support those who do have something more at stake and I would totally support anyone who fought society to be more equal. I can understand because prejudices exist in so many forms. For example, the one I most often deal with would be racism. Although changing gender binary wouldn’t help me in the realm of racism, I can still relate to this form of prejudice. So in conclusion, I’ve learned to change my perspective about societal norms and regulations by placing myself in the place of others. Although I personally am not going to seek out gender equality and freedom to choose a gender, I will fully support those who decide to search for this freedom.