Opposite vs Other

In our world today, people seem to think they're defined by their sex. So next time you're out, ask someone what they are and see if they don't respond with "I'm a guy" or "I'm a girl" or something to that affect, I think you get my drift. When first in foremost what are we before we're a male or a female? -We're Humans! When it boils down to it, we're all humans first. So as "humans" we should ALL be treated equal regardless of gender, because it's not a factor. Since we're all humans- Why do men refer to women, or women refer to men as the opposite sex? Sure we have opposite body parts, and different features. Other than body parts what's so opposite about us? Girls are emotional, and guys aren't? Society throws us into these categories as soon as we're born. "What are you having, a boy or a girl?" Then they further this separation of gender when they define us with colors! (Boys = Blue, Girls = Pink) We're conditioned to behave in these "boy" or "girl" ways not only by society, but by our parents, friends, teachers, and various different resources. There is subtle reinforcement everyday through some form of media, or in general living that tells boys and girls how they're supposed to act or behave. Why as a society do we place such a distance between boy & girls, when we're actually just them same. We all have to have the same supplements to survive, we all breathe the same air, We all have the same feelings, We all walk, talk, run, and jump the same. It's basically a pre-existing problem that is called Racism. So would we call this Genderism? Think about this, what has distancing characteristics of boys and girls done for us as a society relationship wise. It's created a sense of entitlement for males, and a sense of subordinacy for Women. I'm a strong believer in Language has a lot of power, and we need to reconstruct our everyday language to help create a change in social norms. So I'm writing this blog to proclaim that the "Other" gender will no longer be referred to as the "opposite" by me. I can't find much about us that is “opposite” and “other” leaves room for all the ways we're alike rather than different. Take some time to examine your own use of words and create a solution to make change. Changing the usage of words is an easy and powerful way to create change in gender difference! Think about it! Let's reduce violence in every way possible, no more demeaning, degrading words, and no more making something as serious as Violence or Sexual Assault funny! It normalizes it, and helps perpetuate the cycle. Be Positive, Be Cognitive, and Be Accountable! Step Up!

Jeremy
10-9-09