Today’s class discussion about gender roles in society, specifically, Lorber’s belief that gender is a system of stratification, caused me to reflect upon how gender roles have personally affected me. As I stated in class, I am a cadet in Air Force ROTC and am proud to one day commission into the U.S. military. Overall, my experience with the program has been a positive one and I have already learned valuable leadership and problem-solving skills, as well as many others.
In the past year, it has become clear that my role as a woman has had a profound impact on my view of military life, compared to that of my male counterparts. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Air Force and am confident in my decision to join it. However, I have felt at times that simply being a female in a male-dominated institution has made certain tasks and exercises more difficult. On a social level, I have experienced a range of reactions from people when they learn that I am a cadet. Some people have said that what I have chosen to do with my life is inspiring and are very supportive. Others are simply surprised and unsure how to react. “You’re in ROTC? Can you even do a pushup?” The truth is, I have consistently been ranked as a top cadet in the detachment in terms of physical fitness and can score higher than a number of my fellow male cadets on the physical fitness assessment. My point is that my performance as a cadet, both physically and as a leader, has absolutely no relation to the fact that I was born a female and played with Barbies growing up.
There’s this stereotype that little boys who watch G.I. Joe and play war are the most qualified to protect our country. Of course, there is nothing wrong with fitting classic mold of a military officer-male, tall, strong build, hardened bearing. Yet, I wish that society would give a little more credit to the proud women risking their lives to defend this country. We deserve just as much respect and recognition as any other military personnel.
In reference to equal treatment and preserving the inherent differences between women and men, it’s a tricky balancing act. Should females be given just as much opportunity to move up the ranks as males of the skill level? Absolutely! Should we be able to enter any drop field we so desire? Of course! Are there certain circumstances that these beliefs would not be appropriate if applied? Possibly. In terms of women in combat, I feel that a woman has just as much of a right to fight as any man. On the other hand, I am aware of certain risks involved, such as female soldiers being captured, raped, and tortured by the enemy. The following is a link to an article describing how this law is currently in the process of being changed.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41083172/ns/us_news-life/t/military-commission-lift-ban-allow-women-combat/
This is only one example of issues females in the military face and I continue to be indecisive on whether or not I completely agree with every aspect of the decision. I’m not asking for sympathy or trying to put a negative light on the military that I completely support. I simply felt the need to illustrate society’s expectations of genders and its effects on a personal level.
سباك و فني صحي بالاحساء
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