Am I Not Valid? The Constraints Placed on Female Masculinity by Mis Ali

what is "masculinity"?

missyali123_ — 2023-12-05 21:03:21 UTC

Conventional definitions for masculinity have morphed into a description for an individual who displays "qualities or attributes regarded as characteristics of men or boys." The usage of this term in this manner leads to the parallelism of masculinity and stereotypical traits. These stereotypes include that those who inhibit masculinity are powerful, natural leaders, courageous, and strong.

oh? she's going to stay this way....the threat of prolonged tomboyism

missyali123_ — 2023-12-05 21:29:51 UTC

When does tomboyism present a problem for society? Exhibiting traits of tomboy behavior is disciplined in two instances. Still occurring in the prepubescent stage, the first is when young girls move toward "excessive" male identification. These characteristics may include cutting their hair short, preference for being called a more masculine name/nickname, and heavy disapproval for traditional feminine clothing. The second instance in which female masculinity is frowned upon is when it establishes itself beyond the prepubescent stage into adolescence. Halberstam describes the disciplinary process as "as soon as puberty begins, however, the full force of gender conformity descends on the girl" (Halberstam, 6). It is time for the girl to exhibit womanly traits, as childish behavior is no longer acceptable. Moving into the adolescent sphere of a young girl's life requires gender conformity. You must conform to the societally created feminine mold! What exactly is this feminine mold? Female adolescence requires the adapting of all young girls, regardless of whether they exhibit tomboyism or femininity, into compliant, tame, subdued versions of themselves. The construction of gender roles requires the performance of gender. Girls, once reaching the age of puberty, must now exhibit femininity through their appearance and demeanor. Your performance will be policied, and if done incorrectly, will be met with violence, harassment, and looming societal disapproval.

prepubescent tomboyism

missyali123_ — 2023-12-05 21:53:28 UTC

Categorization of masculinity and femininity into components assigned to a specific gender is inherently false. In "Female Masculinity" Jack Halberstam discusses how female masculinity sits at the antithesis of the dominant form of masculinity. Not fitting the conventional definitions that inherently link masculinity to maleness, those who present female masculinity are disregarded. Their masculinity is less valid. Female masculinity may first present itself in tomboyism. As Halberstam states, tomboyism "describes an extended childhood period of female masculinity" (Halberstam 5). This form of female masculinity, in its prepubescent form, is acceptable by the larger society. Parents like mine are not alarmed by their daughter presenting herself in this manner because she is far too young. She wants to have the same freedoms as boys her age. That is normal! They allow her to wear a suit to her fifth grade picture day, as it is not yet a threat to her womanhood.

let us live

missyali123_ — 2023-12-06 23:23:53 UTC

Congrats! Even though you have dealt with societal pressures, intimidation, and forced conformity, you made it to the other side. You are a masculine woman! Masculinity in the female realm does not have to coincide with lesbianism. Female masculinity can and does persist in the heterosexual matrix. As there is no correct way to perform gender, there is no standard way to perform female masculinity. Female masculinity exists on a spectrum. There are numerous variations, and you are valid in your masculinity. You figured it out! But wait! You continue to be looked down upon. Through the lens of the dominant culture, the heterosexual sphere, and even homonormative culture, female masculinity is an indication of misidentification. Instead of possessing their masculinity, women who inhibit masculinity beyond the acceptable age are seen as infiltrators. When viewed through this lens, masculinity is tied to maleness rather than ownership. Something is wrong with you. Why haven't you grown up? Why do you want to be a man? Why do you still desire to have power or reach a pedestal that will always be beyond your reach? To this, I say, break the binaries, break the stereotypes that coincide masculinity with the desire to have power over others. Stop suppressing our masculinity. Let us live.

the masculine - the powerful

missyali123_ — 2023-12-06 23:42:03 UTC

Dominant masculinity is referred to as and constantly seen in the white, cis, heterosexual, able-bodied, affluent man. Analyzing masculinity only through this lens allows for the constructions of who is powerful and who is legitimate to be sustained. To examine how the social construction of masculinity presents itself, why are we still evaluating the standard mold? We must look beyond our conjured-up notions of masculinity. For this, we turn to female masculinity.