Reading 12: Laurel Richardson, “Gender Stereotyping in the English Language”

In several situations, women have been referred together with men. However, the converse is not true. The term “man” has been used to denote humanity. This is a fact that cements the notion that women do not exist independently, but rather as a part of man. Words like chairman, caveman, mankind, et cetera are used to relate to both male and female genders. However, there is no situation where a woman is used to refer to the male population. Words like “girl talk,” “she is easy,” “mistress” et cetera gives a negative meaning whenever they are uttered. Moreover, women are described in virtue of how desirable they are sexually. For instance, words like “dog, broad, and chick” are used to describe women’s sexuality.

Language has a lot to do in a person’s behavior, for instance, the word “girl talk” means that women act like children. When such a mentality sticks in a society, then women will be treated as children. All their activities are expected to be filled with childishness. On the other hand, the grammar used in relation to men, such as mister, portray them as responsible and is expected to be leaders in the community. Language is the primary determinant of gender and the activities that each gender is expected to carry out. This means that the non-sexual use of language will reduce these expectations and the belief based on genders. This will enable one to carry out their activities about their skills and ability and not gender.

Reading 15: Debra Gimlin, “Cosmetic Surgery: Paying for Your Beauty”

The doctor will choose those patients whose surgeries have been successful. Moreover, the doctor may exploit the desperation for the surgery exhibited by some women. The fear that Dr. Norris might “weed them out” before the perfection of the surgery makes the women talk well about the surgery with the expectation of favors from the doctor.

The women who have surgery are disappointed with their bodies. A person’s perception of oneself has an effect on their self-esteem. It is not automatic that they hate womanhood because they just hate how their bodies and faces have been structured. However, some women undergo surgery because they dislike their skin color. Others do it to removewrinkles, which mean that they dislike aging. The situations and reasons these women turn to surgery cannot be generalized because each has a different reason.

Expound on the topic