January 5, 2011 Blog Response Question C

In this video, Kimmel discusses John Gray’s book, Men are From Mars and Women are from Venus. I think he makes several good points regarding gender differences and their impact on society. I agreed with most of his notions, however, he mentioned that it is women that made the whole issue regarding the differences in gender and identity so prevalent. Kimmel points out that women made the whole idea of gender difference visible in the first place, explaining that forty years ago, we never paid much attention to differences in gender and identity, but now we do. I don’t think this is necessarily true. Cultural and societal differences in gender identity are due to all parties involved, including men. I don’t think we should eliminate anyone from being involved in how our identities are shaped and what/why they are the way they are, as we are all human and generally agree with most typical gender stereotypes. However, I believe that even though we didn’t pay much attention to the difference in identity and gender forty years ago it was still a problem, it was just overlooked. I believe it is important that people are aware of this.

Inevitably, men and women are viewed differently. I believe that the two sexes are very different, indeed. However, even though men and women may not be the same, we are still equals, and should be considered human, not gay or straight, black or white, and not male or female either. Regardless of gender differences, our People should fall under one category, human.

I think that the whole notion of gender differences and one’s social construction of their own identity stem much further than women making its undeniable impact known and heard. Women shouldn’t be confined to being a mother and homemaker as they often were forty years ago. Kimmel presented the statistics behind how kids are more likely to be happier, healthier, and do better in school when the father is an active member in the home and children’s lives. Additionally, children are more likely to succeed in school when they have a hard-working, employed mother. I think these statistics are very important for everyone to know, as nature and nurture should be responsible to both the mother and the father within a home.