Gender Is Not A Societal Construct | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Gender Is Not A Societal Construct

The idea that whatever gender one identifies with makes them that gender is misconstrued.

340
Gender Is Not A Societal Construct
DNews Plus

For all of you special snowflakes out there, let me make this clear; there are only two genders: male and female. All the hubbub surrounding millennials' ways of "standing out" are becoming an absurd inversion of the ideals of individualism. Back in the glory days, people were content with their assigned gender at conception. Now Tumblr has its own list of genders, infusing the metaphysical and physical to incorporate a type of transcendence from true sexual orientation. Well, guess what? Gender is not a social construct. The rejection of this simple biological fact is a complete abandonment of scientific truth. The imposition of this rejection is nothing more than an individual construct which grants no right to foist these gender identities on others.

I think the problem is the perversion of the word gender. Gender is not a social construct, while gender roles are. Yes, some men feel more feminine than others. However, this affinity to femininity does not imply that the person is a female. A man can wear skirts, makeup and pink hair and obviously appear more feminine. This does not mean that he is a different gender. If gender was simply what one identified himself as, there would be no need for gender, and the concept could be rendered pointless. The idea that sex and gender are different is also nonsensical, as your genitalia aren't social constructs. Is what one identifies himself as relevant in any way? Why should others have to accept your identity? If I identified myself as Vishnu, does that mean I am now Vishnu and Vishnu is real? If I identify as Stephen Hawking, will people be obligated to honor me for my scientific analysis? No. So why does this same idea not apply to gender identity?

Transgenderism is also cited as an example of the breaking of the black-white gender dichotomy. However, the very notion of transgenderism is a paradox in that the implication that there are more genders than the traditional male and female, due to there being transgenders, suggests that transgender people are not real men or women. And even if transgender people could become the gender that they have transitioned to, how is the gender binary broken? If your position is that, in fact, gender is a fluid societal construct that one can transcend and select, or is that gender is an unchangeable constant, the end result is that the person is either male or female.

What does all this amount to? Well, it means that just because you deviate from the conventional norms of female and male, it doesn't mean you are a different gender. Rather, you are either a male or a female with a few distinct characteristics that set you apart as a special snowflake. Just because you identify as a cumulonimbus cloud, it doesn't mean you are eldrigender. And just because you feel a burning passion to stare into the flames of the sun, it doesn't mean you are heliogender. Rather, you are a moody person with solar retinopathy.

Stop trying to stand out.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16310
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6987
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5158
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4512
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments