11 Apr. 2012

The people here are real something, I mean the general population of the classroom seemed to share certain values of open mindedness that in a stark contrast to what you'd expect from a well to do suburban town smack darn middle of a collar county.

In class, we've discussed the differences between sex and gender and of the roles in which the later is expected to take part. We've discussed the unforgiving nature of the 'boy box' and of the roles and streotypes the society insists us guys play. Apparently, the guys can either be one or the other, those who don't play the game are branded rejects and are much more prone to becoming victims of bullying or even suicide.

Back where I am from, the box is a lot tighter. For one, when a guy turns 18, he is drafted to serve in the military at least for two-three years. Not only is this service mandatory, it is encouraged and embraced by most of the public. My dad served his years and so did all his buddies. With many good reasons, some money and lots of paperwork, one can technically avoid serving, but those that do basically become some sort of social pariahs. While I was there, I never wanted serve but I never admitted so because I was afraid that my peers, teachers, parents and whatnot would think me gutless. I mean I had my reasons to thank and love my country but not enough to risk my neck in for you know? I don't know.

A question came up, "would you let your boy wear a dress?" I said no, I mean the world knows I ain't exactly the man's man but there are lines, whether societal or otherwise. Even if the society in the future successfully were to have taken steps towards favoring a blurred division in gender expectations and to the point where this boy would not be made fun of for wearing as such, I can't imagine me letting my boy wear a dress.

Funny how when I'm pushing the box I'm easy to justify myself but when my hypothetical son is hypothetically doing it, I can't.

I'm going to make a great dad.

I'm making you because I love you, my little Inita.