Gender Roles: a set of societal norms dictating what types of behaviors are generally considered acceptable, appropriate or desirable for a person based on their actual or perceived sex.

Gender stereotyping begins as soon as a child is born, if not before. Whenever a woman is pregnant, the first question she is asked is, “Is it a boy or a girl?” Why does it matter? Our society’s structure is based on a very firm set of rules for boys and girls. Boys wear blue and play sports, while girls wear pink and shop. Boys are tough and aggressive, and girls are sensitive and sweet. Says who?

Why are certain characteristics deemed masculine or feminine? Aggression and toughness are not limited to only one gender. Ronda Rousey is arguably an extremely talented and aggressive mixed martial artist. She received a bronze medal in judo and has a fight record of 12-1. On the other hand, men can be equally sensitive and sweet. Men can cry and be sensitive. Ryan Reynolds was teased relentlessly when reports came out of him “ crying like a sprinkler ” after the birth of his daughter. How does crying negate his worth or make him any less of a man?

Gender roles are restricting and a result of a close-minded society. Men can be nurses, stay at home parents and stylists. Women can be firefighters, doctors and president. Men can wear pink and women can wear blue. Since when do colors have a gender?

I have sat in many classrooms throughout my college career, and the effects of gender stereotypes are truly horrifying. In one class, I vividly recall my female professor proudly lecturing that women are lucky because they have job flexibility—they can be a working woman or a stay at home mom! This notion completely negates the fact that men can be stay at home parents as well. It also implies that as a woman, your two choices in life or to either be successful with a career and no children or successful as a mom with children.

Gender stereotypes are harmful social constructs that attempt to cram humans into different colored, inflexible boxes when in reality there is are no boxes or gendered colors. Little boys can have princess role models, play with dolls and be firefighters. Little girls can play with LEGOs, trucks and be doctors. After all, we are all unique cinnamon rolls. Some of us have raisins, others nuts. Some of us have a lot of icing or just a little. There is no right way to be a cinnamon roll because we define ourselves and our worth, not society.