The minute you were born, you were exposed to gender stereotypes.
You probably were either wrapped in a blue or pink blanket and automatically, your parents associated these colors with the gender you are. As you age, you pick up many other beliefs about how girls are boys are "supposed" to act and what is socially acceptable.
For example, girls play with dolls and make-up while boys play with cars and trucks. Even as you enter your teen, young adult and adult lives, you will be constantly confronting gender stereotypes and social mysteries.
Your social-circle of friends, your peers, your siblings and the mass media will all offer many different views of gender identity and development. Some of these influences will demonstrate positive theories and some negative stereotypes, but it's your choice to decide what's right. Because our modern culture is more open to change, a lot of stereotypes like, men go to work and women stay at home are being broken.
These thoughts have been inspired by my latest read, Cycler, by Lauren McLaughlin. Cycler tells the exciting story of a teenage girl who morphs into a boy four days out of the month and is a completely different person. Jill and Jack's journeys both focus on typical things that occur during the adolescent years, and also show how teenage boys and girls socially interact.
Now I'm looking for thoughts from you! What are some of the gender stereotypes you've been confronted with? How are you looking to fight them? Do you notice any gender stereotypes mentioned in Cycler? Do you think any of the characters fought any stereotypes?
