Gender Stereotyping and the Manners of Discussion: insight from the GAP Ad Celebrity vs Geneticist Piece

Just wanted to let folks know that the "Gap Ad Celebrity Speaks to a Geneticist" piece is getting some good discussion going on. Specifically related to issues of gender sterotyping - here's part of the dialogue I wrote:

Still, I think the "lightening up" aspect merits more discussion. Whilst you are aggravated by [the piece], it would be interesting to see whether others feel the existence of such a conceit is wrong. To be honest, I'm not so sure myself.

I guess there's two things at play here: those being (i) the issue of stereotyping itself, and (ii) the manner in which you broached the dialogue. It's great that we can engage in the first, but your tone does happen to be aggressive or "heavy" as someone noted.

Myself, I think that such confrontational stances (subtle though they may be) certainly have their place, but I'm also vary that they may actually do more to alienate folks with otherwise good intentions than contribute to a possible solution. And here, it happens to be used right out of the gate.

Anyway, what do others think? This is great, by the way. We have an interesting and worthy query to ponder. Who knew Madonna could be so deep?

So, what do you think? Go here to voice an opinion, and if you can, bring others to the dialogue.

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when it comes to sexism, zuska has 100% specificity and 0% senstitivity. she's like a guard dog that barks every time a leaf flutters in the wind; it's amazing she continues to function in a society where men exist--every glance, every word, every mention of women holds the potential for triggering an apoplectic seizure.

By just a guy (not verified) on 18 Jan 2007 #permalink