Man: The Invisible Gendered Subject by S. Whitehead - Article Example

The men did not have those problems or did not perceive problems due to being a man. In fact, one man was shocked to hear about a female coworker’s experiences based on gender, and these two had worked together for years. This proves men and women working at the same job had different perceptions. The male was not basing his perception of gender, while the woman has based her perception of gender. The reason for the male being an invisible gender could be for two reasons. The first is men do not have the same issues as women performing the same job.

Women face resentment from men and other women at times. The second reason is a man does not have the same insecurities about his gender as a woman does. A man does not have to fight to be taken seriously. A man is a man. On the other hand, a woman has to be a woman, mother, housekeeper, employee, and the many other roles that they take on. Feminine masculinity tends to be received by both men and women as threatening. A tomboy that grows up to be a woman that likes men’s clothing, haircuts, or overly male behavior is labeled “butch” or “dike”, despite the sexuality of the woman in question.

Society seems to tell women they can be anything they want to be, but they must remain pretty while obtaining their goals. Not all women who display feminine masculinity are transgender, lesbian, or bisexual. Some very strong, athletic women are labeled in this manner despite their heterosexual preferences. Serena and Venus Williams come to mind. These women have ripped apart about their muscle tone, big backsides, workout regimens, and other aspects of their life, due to their lives as professional athletes.

However other professional athletes are not taunted. Shannon Miller and Mary Lou Retton, due to their petite build, were never exposed to the criticism as the Williams’ sisters. It has to do with the perception of feminine masculinity. If a woman is good a traditionally female sport, then society is fine with that. However if a woman is good at a traditionally male sport, then they are too masculine. Today, gender issues are blurry. At one time it was women who fought for women’s rights, but now undercurrents pierce the movement.

The feminist movement is not plagued by sexual factor-like men, but bias still occurs. Some women are threatened by bisexuals, transsexuals, or lesbians. Due to societal taboos, many women taunt and put down other women who exhibit feminine masculinity. They treat these women like they are male wannabes. Today feminine masculinity is not received well by society. Women who display feminine masculinity are considered homosexual or freaks. This really sets back the feminist movement by not only men but women as well.