"Throwing Like a Girl"

[Mikki Franklin]

In the reading by Iris Young, she talks about what she believes is feminine and how some women can become the exception to the rule. They are able to transcend what Young defines as  femininity. “It is possible to say that some women escape or transcend the typical situation and definition of women in various degrees and respects” (pg 165) My question is what makes these groups of women able to become the exception. Is it due in part to their biology (that they happen to be like that) or does it have to do with the way they were brought up?

[vegliam]

I believe that both factors must be considered when trying to determine the reasoning behind why a woman may not fit the perceived stereotype. As Young states on page 171 that, " [...] nor are they encouraged as much as boys are to develop specific bodily skills." Young exclaims that the way in which some women are raised plays a large role in their sense of self later in life. The more a young girl hears that she should be careful and that she is fragile the more that same girl, now I women, will be careful in different life situations. Although, upbringing plays a very clear and very large role I also believe the outcome is specific to each woman and who they are naturally. Young also states on page 165 that, "[...] it is not necessary that any woman be 'feminine'-that is, it is not necessary that there be distinctive structures and behavior typical of the situation of women." This means that there will be exceptions, and I believe that a combination of a woman's upbringing and personality will determine whether or not they follow Young's stereotype.

[xiey]

In my opinion this kind of exception has more to do with the way they were brought up, because the article mentioned that there is experiment being done showing that boys and girls are actually not that much different on physical movement and reaction when they were little. Therefore the growing process would be the key factor to consider. Women are often taught to be careful and cautious in life, so it is naturally for them to form some kind of timidity in their personality. Those exceptions might not fit into this usual growing situation, for example, their parents may be more open-minded, and they may have very unusual experience when they attended school compared with other girls’ way of growing up which we traditionally tend to consider as normal.

[crooksk]

This is the classic "nature vs. nurture" debate. I believe, and some research has proven, that it is a combination of both biological hormones and upbringing and the culture in which a child is raised.  Femininity, as well as masculinity, is on a spectrum and is never a black and white concept. Young points out a specific aspect of femininity in throwing a ball, but the fact of the matter is that some females throw "like girls" as she would say, but some females throw more powerfully on the other side of the spectrum.  Due to a combination of nature and nurture, an individual is placed on the spectrum of femininity.

[marchellos]

I agree with everything that has been said so far.  I believe that the answer is not one or the other, but a combination of both.  The way an individual is brought up is different from another individual, everyone is taught different things while growing up.  From the biological standpoint, people are different shapes and sizes.  Therefore, individuals are made different and some individuals perform better at one thing than another.  Young states on page 166, "... we often lack confidence that we have the capacity to do what must be done."  Not every woman lacks the confidence to do what must be done so women can escape the typical stereotype. 

[sarverk]

I agree that feminism is part of both. I think that it's part biology and part socialization. I think it all depends on the individual person, and what they were exposed to as a kid. I think exposure is the limiting factor, though. You are who you are; your environment just proves that to you. 

I really wonder how this could ever be actually answered, though. There's no way I can think of, anyway.

[henshawb]

What could you be outside of your environment?  If a person was born in a vat and never exposed to a single thing would/ could they be anything?  Could they even be considered a person?  I would say no.  Personhood is a social concept.  No amount of "biological knowledge" can create/define/explain personhood.  The "fact" that "males" and "females" have "biological" differences might as well be coincidental.  I had this argument the other day with one of my friends who claimed that hormones could control a person's masculinity or femininity.  I replied that maybe how a person is treated and grows up affects their hormone levels.  Perhaps being called "boy" or "girl" can affect hormone levels.  The possibilities for how identity is formed are infinite, and it is ridiculous to claim that biology could be the single answer.  It is sort of ridiculous to claim to have an answer at all. 

[Katherine]

I believe that it could be either one, either it could be their biology (as we saw in the film we saw yesterday in class) and anatomical make up, or it could be the way they were raised, in a more masculine household. Women will always be considered physically women, but I believe that it is because of their upbringing, biology and their personal state of mind that is able to transcend the idea of femininity. 

[Daniel Yarnell]

I agree that both nature and nurture have a tremendous effect on an individual. I believe that nurture and life experiences that an individual has undoubtedly shapes their identityy, but having said that I believe that nature is more prevelent in how indivuals are. I think that people are born that way they are. For example, do you think that a gay man is homosexual because of his nurturing, or is it just natural?

[Aleasha Andrews]

I feel woman can escape this idea of femininity due to the evolved equality we have between men and woman. Although this equality is not at its prime, woman is still able to move out of the public sphere. When a woman is allowing herself to become more independent, she is placing herself in the public sphere, which portrays a more masculine outlook because of the social construction of public belonging to the male recipient. Opening that distinction will allow more intersex qualities of femininity and masculinity.