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I agree with you on a scientific level, for example, that men have more testosterone and thus are more likely to be aggressive in their pursuits, which is often
by alehul 9y ago
I agree with you on a scientific level, for example, that men have more testosterone and thus are more likely to be aggressive in their pursuits, which is often critical to success. At the same time, however, there are many men who are less aggressive and women who are more aggressive; broad averages aren't the perfect solution.
Couldn't we promote this 'aggressive' ideology as genderless? As long as we're clear about the Boy Scouts' ideal member (aggressive), nothing will be disrupted, as only boys and girls who fit and enjoy that environment will choose to join.
- TheAdamAndChe 9y ago> Couldn't we promote this 'aggressive' ideology as genderless? In an ideal world that might work, but it seems like everywhere that makes gender inclusivity a priority always ends up losing its masculine traits. I just don't see why there can't be some boys-only organizations and girls-only organizations anymore.
- alehul 9y agoI understand the plight and I think that has certainly occurred in some instances, however, in reaching the ideal, the importance seems to be inclusiveness yet straightforwardness in purpose. We should aim to promote gender inclusivity, but not stigmatize traditional gender mindsets, i.e. 'aggressiveness', as negative in the process. If an institution starts accepting females and then (oftentimes purposely) loses that common mindset, it simply reinforces gender stereotypes.
- TheAdamAndChe 9y ago> it simply reinforces gender stereotypes I have a serious question, and this arises from my mentality that we should be accepting of aberrations from the norm, but that doesn't mean we should hurt the majority in the process. Why are gender stereotypes bad? If we understand that men and women are different overall, and that those differences lead to a bimodal distribution with gender traits something like this[1], then wouldn't stereotypes naturally emerge? Should we be punishing behavior that large chunks of people align to? [1] https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMOXSZ4aTmg/Vwf79cRcjOI/AAAAAAAAORg/KdIWYI__SqUFj7zjELQqvv_PncqvzNWGA/s1600/bimodal.png https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YMOXSZ4aTmg/Vwf79cRcjOI/AAAAAAAAO...
- kd5bjo 9y agoGender stereotypes, when applied to individuals instead of large populations, severely punish anyone that falls on the "wrong" side of the median.
- maruhan2 9y agoYup I agree with this. People who are not in the norm will struggle moving forward because they'll always be judged by the cover. There's also the non-scientific stereotypes. "Girls are worse at math" for example.
- alehul 9y agoI agree with that mentality! In regards to gender stereotypes: children are very impressionable, and we should encourage the ideology that people of either gender can have any combination of personality traits, interests, and so on. If gender stereotypes are naturally disassembled to an extent, I think the world would be a somewhat better place. The only point of contention I have is when people begin to associate the personalities involved in gender stereotypes with the negative connotation of gender stereotypes, and thus discourage those personalities. We shouldn't try to remove all gender stereotypes with punishment, as you said; some are natural. We should just aim to remove restrictions on personalities as much as possible, and see what the effects are.
- photojosh 9y agoThis is the right answer. The GP comment made me angry with its absolute generalisation about "the mind of a man." Being a non-aggresive guy sucked growing up when you get bullied for not meeting this gender stereotype for males. I also really enjoy outdoor adventuring, like many of the activities provided by Scouts. Is it because I'm aggressive? No, it's because I enjoy the calm and serenity that the outdoors provides.