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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 6 page research paper that discusses gender expectations as reflected in the American culture of the first half of the twentieth century. Numerous examples are cited and discussed, such as the Native American custom of berdache; the romance between Margaret Mead and Ruth Benedict; masculinity in Death of a Salesman and the portrayal of women in film noir. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
6 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khsexper.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
most part, in deviation from societal norms in regards concepts of sexuality and gender had to remain covert as this could ruin careers and lives if it became known. The
following examination of expectations of gender and sexuality examines several aspects of American culture during this time, which, in general, indicate the degree of the societal pressure placed on individuals
to conform to perceived societal norms. The Houghton Mifflin Encyclopedia of North American Indians (ENAI) indicates that Native Americans did not "conceive of humanity as being sharply divided into
two genders." The term coined to describe cross-gender behavior among Native Americans is "berdache," which generally refers to a individual with a male body preferring to participate in traditionally female
roles within the Indian community; however, it is believed that there were also Native Americans who biologically female who preferred to act in male roles (ENAI). These individuals were honored
among Native American societies as it was believed that they were in touch with sacred powers (ENAI). As contact with European-derived society increased, berdaches were forced "to go underground," altering
their appearance and appearing to fit to white societal norms so as to avoid ridicule and possible persecution by whites (ENAI). It is difficult to say what offended white
observers of Indian culture more, the implications of homosexuality inherent in the berdache tradition or the idea that individuals are not limited to biologically determined societal roles. As this suggests,
the expectation that individuals will accept their prescribed gender roles and the specter of homosexuality appear to have always been linked in American social consciousness. Periodically, authorities have felt
compelled to investigate during this period to ensure that sexual norms were being followed. In the spring of 1919, naval brass at the Newport Naval Training Center in Rhode Island,
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