The phrase the “gender is learned” seems to be a very true statement. Many people say that the type of toy parents give their young child shapes them into the type of person they will become. Boys are supposed to play with transformers while girls play with dolls. I do feel however that for some and most children it is instinctive as to which toys they would like to play with. Most girls given the choice would choose to play Barbies or house. I think that while gender is learned it is also instinctive. I don’t think that it is a coincidence that someone with the male brain makeup would rather play with cars and Lego’s.

With the idea of gender comes about the words of masculinity and femininity. Society has made a common norm as to what qualities are deemed masculine and what are deemed feminine. The problem with these “norms” is that straying outside of them and doing something masculine if you are a female and vis-versa for males brings out much debate. Society and norms follow the general guidelines that guys are supposed to be tough, dominant, athletic and rugged; while girls are supposed to be quiet, emotional, loving and sweet; any mixing and matching of these traits questions the person as being male or female. I think it is extremely important for girls to be able to feel strong and not feel as if wearing pink and dressing girly is the only way to be a girl; and for guys to be able to lean on another’s shoulder or care about their looks and not get made fun of.