Summary
Introduction
Orenstein in this piece of writing have expressed the feminine gender to be rooted and based on the physiology of the female sex. Her argument of relating the lives of women to the feminine gender was cause by breast cancer struggles she went through. The author has generalized personal experiences to reflect the lives of all women in the society which is the reality of life therefore may not be practical especially in the modern world. She expressed the biological identity of women really shapes and affect the lives of women.IN real life the biological identify makes no big difference in achieving goal sand performing extra tasks in the lives of human beings. Sex or gender does not make much impact on the ability to perform various tasks on the day to day lives of human beings.
In my opinion being a female have no natural impact or force that dictates that it is impossible to perform some activities due to the inborn characteristics or traits. The vibrant forces or the personal ambitions as well as motivation are what shape the ability of the human beings to perform various tasks and activities in life. The argument of Orenstein therefore is shallow and may not reflect the reality of life but it is just a personal experience which was as a result of various environmental, cultural and health issues that reduces or affect the performance of the individual. The notion of women being weak or undermine is usually caused by the societal norms which convinced many of the m that that they cannot perform superior tasks like the men do.
Orenstein argues that femininity influence the social identity of women in the society claiming that their natural and innate traits are common to many women and they shape their lives as well as their ability to perform various goals and tasks in life. Gender is therefore not a determinant of the capabilities of the person but the internal self-drive and motivation influence and shapes the lives of individuals irrespective of their gender differences. The sexual or biological identity of women is not what makes them to be women but it is the innate and self-drive as well as personal motivation which shapes the ability of an individual woman or person to perform various tasks or activities in an outstanding manner.
Chabon, "Faking It":
Chabon have elaborated various aspects that challenges various stereotypes attached to manhood where men are always associated with ability to perform tasks in a superior way. Chabon challenges the behavior of men of appearing superior in performing various tasks as well acting in a manner of knowing all things. The men are viewed to be efficient in doing things and cannot make mistakes. Men hide their weaknesses and inefficiency in order to fake the identity of being superior and efficient in performance of their activities. He also argues that men should not fake their identity by appearing ideal and always correct rather they should reflect their weaknesses and problems that they face in order to get assistance or help to perform such tasks instead of making such high risks of doing things unknowingly.
Chabon reflects the fact that men cannot even ask for simple things like direction due the belief that they will be viewed to be inferior or weak as well as being regarded as feminine in nature. They believe that asking for direction will make them inferior. Men believe that action and bravery in facing tough challenges is their duty and tasks which are not easy to perform in an ordinary manner because this will make them appear superior and extraordinary. Men therefore show confidence in doing things such that they appear to know everything.
Chabon challenges the notion of men to possess the knowledge and capability which in reality they does not possess. He argued that it is not reasonable to claim the authority or knowledge that you do not have in reality. It is in order for men hide their uncertainties or doubts because they will stay in the dark for long without making constructive clarifications especially in matters of more importance or essence .He strongly disagreed with this stereotype of dominance and ignorance because it may cost them in making crucial or sensitive issues.
The stereotype that surrounds the extraordinary strength and ability of men are basically meant to create a sense of security and dominance by appearing to know many things. This notion is not practical because one cannot be able to perform all things and this may lead to performing activities recklessly leading to poor results especially sensitive or delicate matters which need care and attention in handling them.
Works Cited
Chabon, Michael. Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son. New York: Harper, 2009. Print.
Orenstein, Peggy. Flux: Women on Sex, Work, Kids, Love and Life in a Half-Changed World. New York: Doubleday, 2000. Print.
