Even though this article doesn't fully address the issue of a double standard, I feel like an important thing to bring up when discussing society's views on both genders, it's important not to forget this strict "rules" and "labels" society has placed on each gender. Yes, boys are supposed to be tough, protective, the provider; girls on the other hand, sweet, sensitive, and "pure". To me pure means simple and untouched. So, how does this gender stereotype go hand in hand with Jessica Valenti's article "The Cult of Virginity", it rewards boys of any age for achieving any sort of sexual act. In fact, it often defines them. Any man who is a virgin is looked at as weak, and unworthy of a girl. In turn, any sexual act performed by a girl is anything but positive, whether sex or not, for a girl after performing a sexual act you are now labeled a slut, one with low self-esteem, a person who deserves less respect than that of a "pure" girl? Now why is this, to be honest I can't fully answer this question myself but I feel Valenti makes strong arguments in her article.
First, what exactly is the definition of "sex" or "virginity"? If everyone considers these words to have various, different meanings than how is it possible that we all have the same labeling system? It's so easy to ignore the issue of actually understanding these words, and instead give into society and label any women physically active a whore, while any man is looked at as hot and manly. With that being said, I actually like Valenti's friend, Kate's definition to sex and virginity. And it intrigues me to realize that medical records really don't show or define what these words mean. To me, this is a big deal, because how can we live in a world where we judge someone based on something we are still struggling to find the definition of?
- Jess Wabuda
I agree with you completely, if we don't have an actual definition of something how can we label someone with that word? Also, the double standards placed on women about sex and being sexual is ridiculous. No one can live up to those standards without being on their toes about every decision that they make. And if they do that, then are they really being themselves or just who they think society wants them to be?
ReplyDeleteGood points, Jess (?). I like that you point out Valenti's friend's definition of virginity. How does that definition get around some of the problems of relying on heteronormative and medical definitions of sex and virginity? Do you think it is important to have a definition of virginity at all? What does Valenti say about this?
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