So I've been reading this book on Cultural Psychology and its been really interesting, especially the topic of gender stereotypes across cultures. It reminded me of this discussion session we had at college once about how what defines "homosexual behavior" can be so miscontrued across cultures. What is socially acceptable as normal behavior in one society can be see as being overtly homosexual in another. Does this mean that if you're "heterosexual" in one culture you can become "homosexual" in another.
What really is the basis of these so called labels on behavior.
the thing is we've all been guilty of it, even me on numerous accounts. One's personal preference in music, aesthetic beauty, and such interests should not be what defines them as a certain "sexual stereotype". Sexual preference has nothing to do with whether you find a perticular person good looking or happen to like a specific style of music.
It seems that society over the ages has over the years tried to further and further make definitive segretions among itself, which is causing even more self confusion. Back in the times of the ancient greeks/romans, or even in present times amone the Asian and European societies. we see that there isn't a severe distinction between male-male , male-female and female-female interaction. Though predominately it seems that such stereotypes seem to affect the male population a lot more severely. Its ok for a man to wear tight matching clothing, or listen to "girly music", to walk arm in arm, even kiss, and still be considered a " full fledged male". If that is the case, why is there such fear of the same in the US? why is it the need men feel they need to be macho and tough. Its ok to cry, its ok to have emotions and express how you feel.
Ultimately what its important is the your role in attaining what you want to achieve out of life. Not of your physical perception by others. WE should cultivate our relationships and lives by what makes us happy, gives us pleasure. Feelings which cause us to act upon them define who we are. Feelings which are caused as a direct product of our society or simple thought do not define who we are. Just because you think that you are something doesn't necessary mean you are. I can think all I want that I am the most intelligent person in the world, but it wouldn't make me so. I need to act upon that emotion and cutivate it to make it happen. Also what we must see is that beyond all this there definately is a greater unknown force which is driving us, be it alternate universes, "M" matter etc.
Hmm more thoughts on this, as I continue to read this book further.
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