Heteronormativity: an epidemic

Heteronormative Education can be defined as "a defective educational system that ignores LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) historical issues while tolerating homophobic behavior that corrupts a learning environment for ALL students"… Many educational institutes (predominantly high school) unknowingly participate in such program by depriving their students of basic LGBTQ knowledge and history. As a proud advocate of LGBTQ,I am able to first handedly voice the many negative effects derived from heteronormativity. The volatile learning environment I was submerged in, lead to several reflective feelings such as: self-hatred, depression, insecurity, and worthlessness.  As I recently reminisce over my high school years, I realize that the educational system is flawed and should take action to correct itself in order to establish a healthy and tolerant environment for both faculty members and students. Surprisingly enough, several higher-education institutions have become "gender neutral" by establishing co-ed dormitories, providing co-ed washrooms, and eliminating a dress-code policy.


Gender-neutral dormitories were originally created by students who were "transgendered" or    "gender non-conforming" (gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.). By allowing students to choose their compatible roommate, universities are one step closer to providing a safe, inclusive, and most importantly SUPPORTIVE environment/ learning experience for all students. Individuals whom may find their selves at a disagreement should realize that gender-neutral dorms are not intended to promote "couple housing". These dorms serve the purpose of giving the opportunity for a student to choose whom they would feel most comfortable living with. 


Along with gender-neutral housing, more and more universities are building/ converting restrooms into co-ed  washrooms. Many school officials seem to have a problem with this however I think it is no different that a "family changing room". The washrooms serve the same purpose as the dormitories. Several individuals who are "gender non-conforming" or "transgendered" have expressed to a great deal that they don't feel comfortable choosing which bathroom to use. When choosing one over the other, individuals have been harassed and bullied. Having a co-ed washroom on campus would be beneficial by advocating diversity throughout campuses across the country.


K-12 dress-codes are the most discriminatory policies ever known to man kind. Several negative effects of enforcing a strict dress-code include the depravity of self-expression. While dress-codes serve the purpose of prohibiting students from overly sexualized apparel, I believe that such codes fall within the heteronormative matrix. [SHOCKER] ...Thus being said, University institutions are more likely to relax their dress code. Doing so, has caused "gender non-conforming" or "transgendered"  students to openly express themselves however they should choose. As a college student, seeing another man on campus wearing make-up/ high-heels is far from abnormal because of the gender-neutral environment on campus. 


References: 


http://www.housing.umich.edu/gender-neutral
http://gaylife.about.com/od/gayteens/a/genderneutral.htm
http://www.martindale.com/education-law/article_Fisher-Phillips-LLP_886558.htm

Adderall? Absolutely!

On Thursday, March 22^nd 2012, a group of CSU students discussed and debated the usage of Adderall amongst boys and girls during their early childhood educational years (K-12). I was surprised of the number of students who viewed Adderall in a negative limelight. The majority of the students blamed the pharmaceutical industry for their manipulation of “mental sicknesses" and/ or made a reference to the usage based on race.  After hearing the harsh and premature personal views against the drug, I realized nearly all of the individuals were not diagnosed with ADHD. To finalize and clarify the debate, I would like to enlighten those who detest ADHD medication in an educational/ work environment.

            During the first few years of middle school, my parents received several complaints against my unusual behavior in class.  My parents reacted appropriately by assuming my intolerable behavior was inflected by my poor choices… This was not the case. Instead of meeting with a counselor for observation, my parents grounded me constantly grounded me in hopes of a better behavior. To their dismay, my behavior (condition) only worsened.  Finally, after I was stripped of my freedom and friends, I was appointed a Doctor to run several tests. At 13 years old, I was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  Instead of becoming prescribed to a stimulant such as Adderall, my parents took matters in their own hands and decided to ignore my prognosis. After a while, my behavior defiant behavior patterns changed but my academia was still in jeopardy.

 

            Once enrolled in college, I took initiative and sought for a cure- Adderall.  Immediately I saw an almost indescribable change in my grades, thought process, behavior, intrapersonal communication skills, etc. In other words, a light had been finally turned-on. I no longer felt disconnected from life. Instantaneously the fog cleared and became a brighter day.  As it appears, the decisions my parents made for me were obviously not the best. Whether or not they were in denial or against the use of such medication was their prerogative. However, after experiencing my first  17 years of life without any sense of motivational direction, I can stand-up and advocate ADHD medications in educational/ work environments. While my circumstance may be one in a million It is important to know that I was able to make the comparison and contrast  of what life was without Adderall versus life on Adderall. 

Gendered Society

 Let me be the first to say that growing up in a “gendered society” is bullshit.  With the mixed information from various influences, I have always struggled with properly defining my gender within society.  During my early stages puberty, I was  under the impression that if you’re born with a penis, naturally you would grow up and become masculine. However, due to my sexual orientation of being a homosexual, society has alienated me from the stereotypical gender roles. The moment I stepped out of the closet was the moment society no longer viewed me as “normal”.

            It was during my middle school years when I discovered that society was solely based on gender roles. At age 12, I was placed under a microscope as all my actions and behavior were carefully examined. During this period in my life my friends/ peers/ classmates began to question my reasoning for acting feminine…I didn’t have an answer. It wasn’t too long before rumors sprung that I was a homosexual. Interestingly enough, those rumors weren’t far from the truth. It wasn’t so much the rumors that bothered me; it was the accuracy of the stereotypes and generalizations. Ultimately society studied my gender behavior and automatically classified me as a homosexual.

            The author of Gendered Lives indicates,  “Parents and stepparents are a primary influence on gender identity” (Woods, 161). In my case, this was false. I was very fortunate to have loving and accepting parents to allow me to discover my true gender without their influence.  My parental figures were no longer a factor during my developmental stages as they were viewed as gender neutral. From my standpoint, there were pros and cons of the absence of my parents influence. Primarily, I was allowed to gain independence and make decisions for myself at a very early age.  However, I quickly became a very indecisive. As I look back, I realize that I am currently 21 years old, taking a class in Gender & Sexual Communication, and I am STILL trying to differentiate between what is masculine and what is feminine. Most days I’m grateful for allowing my parents to give me the independence to choose for myself; however, the lack of my parents influence has caused me to improperly identify my gender role within society.





REFERENCES


Wood, J. T. (2011). Gendered lives, communication, gender, and culture. (Ninth ed. ed., pp. 118-130). Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co..