HW10: The Modern Era

Before, men have more opportunities than women. Women are not allowed to join in any politics or to go to school because of the tradition that women is just a support for males and that they are only tied to the house to do households while men are the ones' prioritized because culture dictates that men should be the provider and protector of women. However because the change in culture, our gender roles is also affected.
 

According to the article http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/02/womens-pay-packets-shift-domestic-order by Liza Mundy, in the US, part of the cause of the role-shift was the recession, which has seen more men losing jobs than women. At the same time, in the US and elsewhere, younger women are outstripping men academically and are more likely to enter higher education. Many are graduating and getting higher-paying jobs than men are. But women and men rarely talk about how this is impacting on their lives and their relationships.

In my understanding of her statement, women are more interested in studying compared to men. I think this is because women are now grabbing all the opportunities that will really and finally prove her worth in the society she belongs. Education is the only way to prove it.

Based from a 25-year old engineer interviewed she said, "I think that most of the women I run around with are not necessarily looking for someone who makes a comparable income, but someone who has a comparable education level, or at least comparable ambitions."

For me, I agree with what the woman said because nowadays, many countries are experiencing financial crisis. Because of that, women are looking and needing more intelligent and wise partner who will help her survive whatever it is may come. This simply means that the world tells one to be wise in making decisions and consider not only the heart but also the MIND. Actually, it is a priority or necessity that one must have a good education. In the Philippines, many Filipino families are too large but the parents does not have a good job to sustain the needs of all the family members that is why, many street children are found stealing, asking moneys in outside churches and some who uses drugs. This is also I think is the reason why gender reversals is happening in that it would be more effective if both partners are working. Right now, what our country needs are educated people that would rise up our nation.

Liza also mentioned that others are finding subtle ways to restore an old-fashioned sense of courtship. According to one young Atlanta woman that she also interviewed, she owns a car, while her boyfriend does not. When they go out on dates, she drives to his place, hops out and gets into the passenger seat. "I let him drive my car, hand him the concert tickets, I do little things that make him feel – does this make sense? – like he's in charge … When we get gas, he pumps the gas, but it's my credit card."

This scenario may be compared to the modern courtship in the Philippines. Before, Filipina women are the one being courted through "harana" or serving the parents of the girl. But due to the change in culture, this practices are being change in that there are some women who courts the guy. This may look ugly but it does happen especially if the guy is too shy to express his feelings to the girl, the girl gets embarrassed so she now makes the first move. Actually, I do not accept this because no matter what happens it must always be the guy who courts the girl. On the other hand, this affects the pride of men.

In my point of view, the change in gender roles of men and women give both of them an enlarged sense of purpose and identity. Men in many cases are doing an able and generous-minded job of redefining themselves, expanding the notion of "provider" to mean not just providing economically, but emotionally and logistically. Both gender experiences a new challenging role that enables one to discover more about him/herself and go beyond what is expected of them. In a family setting, the stay-at-home dads are given the chance to get closer to his children while women are grabbing the chance to be recognized.

Since role reversals is already happening,I think the only solution for it to have a good outcome is for men and women to help each other out. Its like they must just do what is right. Gender role reversal is a good thing on both genders if one will look at the reasons deeply on why such happens.

HW9: Interview Report

As I am working with my paper, I found some limitations in my research study. Although my resources provide sufficient information regarding my topic, I still need to confirm those data. In order to satisfy these necessities, I conducted an interview to some adults and anime fans. All of the interviews were conducted through internet which lasted for about 10-15 minutes. 

The summary of the interviews are the following: 

1. What can you say about women protecting men in anime? 

In this question, 9 out of 12 said that women protecting men is rare in real life but it happens given the right circumstances . They said that it can be a motivating factor for women in real life do the impossible and protect the men. 

2. As a man/woman, do you agree with the changes happening among the gender roles?Why or why not? How does it affect you? 

In this question, 2 out of 6 men did not agree for it affects his pride and masculinity. On the other hand, the 4 agreed because according to them, it is somehow nice that they give authority to women becoz there are things men can do that woman can.Also, it adds point to their masculinity. 

From the 6 women interviewed, 5 out of 6 women agreed that the role reversals today lift their spirits up. It was an awakening for women that women can also do some things that men can. They are given the chance to prove that women can live without men. In terms of security, many women are also police and military officers whoe are even higher ranked than some male officers. On the other hand, interviewee #2 did not agree because women is too fragile to be the one protecting men. 

3. What do you think are the similarities between gender role reversals in anime and in our society? 

From the 12 persons interviewed, 1 out of 6 women and none of the men did not find any similarities. On the other hand,the rest did come up with the same observation. According to them, both genders are treated equally. Both are capable of doing the works in opposite gender. 

4. What do you think will be the outcome if such change continues? Can it truly change our tradition? How did you say so? 

In this question, majority answered that the outcome is simple. We would never look at a woman the same way we look to them ever again.. As for our traditions, it would change drastically in a way that would greatly affect our lives forever like households, jobs, value, and everything will change in some way or another. Based from the answers gathered, I found out that although there are still some who does not agree with the changes, generally it is still accepted now in the Philippines. Another thing I have founded out is that role reversals does empower women for it only shows that women can also do something for our society. They can be a mother and at the same time could also be a leader.

On the other hand, I have founded out that role reversal does not really affect the machismo image of man even though it affects somehow. The reason is that giving authority to women is a part of their masculinity. 

HW8: Chapter 3

Chapter 3 

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS 

AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

SUMMARY 

          This paper attempted to determine the effects of gender role reversal featured in anime cartoons in the Philippine society. 

       The research design used in this study is the descriptive research method wherein data from articles gathered and interviews conducted are compiled to answer the research question posed. The research findings are the following:

1. Culture shapes one’ behavior in that it mandates males to be “masculine” and female to be “feminine”. 

2. Philippines is also mandated by its own standards towards masculinity and feminity which came from the Spanish influence that invaded Philippines in the past years which eventually became a part of our culture. This includes Filipina being viewed as the “ilaw ng tahanan” who were seen as a support for males and their roles were exclusively for housekeeping and child nurturing while men are viewed as the “haligi ng tahanan” whose role is to provide for the needs of his family, dominant and a protector of women.

3. The traditional gender roles are being reversed in anime actually based from the Japanese culture that are being appraised through its content and character portrayals which results on women being empowered and the masculinity of men being affected. 

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. Gender role reversals are generally accepted now in the Philippines.

2. Role reversal does not really affect the masculinity of men, besides; it adds point to their masculinity. 

3. The role reversal is favorable for women for it is an awakening for them that women can also do some things that men can. 

RECOMMENDATIONS

After drawing the conclusions of the study, the researchers hereby make the following suggestions/recommendations:

1. In identifying the effects of role reversals in a certain society, it is better that one has insights into the changes that happen in culture as years passes and taking into consideration the culture before instead of immediately jumping into the present. 

2. Researchers should make a research on other possible future effects that may arise due to the ever changing culture that redefines our roles as it change. 

REFERENCES: 

A. Electronic Media 

“Cultural connections: The roles of men and women.” Retrieved October 13, 2012 from http://www.philippines.com.au/travel/channels/business/rolesofmenwom.htm. 

 Wagner, Beth. Switching gender roles in manga: Men as women and women as men. Retrieved October 20, 2012 from http://www.mythandmanga.com/2010/04/switching-gender-roles-in-manga-men-as.html. 

“Rizal, the romantic.” Retrieved October o2, 2012 from http://www.blogger.com/http/www.joserizal.ph/lv01.html. 

NOVEL: NOLI ME TANGERE BY JOSÉ RIZAL. Mandirigma.org. (Accessed on 14 June 2011).

“The trend towards gender role reversal.”Retrieved December 9, 2012 from http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/02/womens-pay-packets-shift-domestic-order

“The 12 essential roles of culture in society.” Retrieved November 24, 2012 from   (http://www.preservearticles.com/201102214077/what-are-the-12-essential-roles-of-culture-in-society.html)

Rubio, R. J. (2011, October 1). Culture, Society and Masculinities. Retrieved November 10, 2012 http://www.readperiodicals.com/201110/2493441911.html#b#ixzz2BwGDI3Te.

Palafox, Queennie(2012). Girl power: The women of malolos. Retrieved October 25, 2012 http://www.nhcp.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=636&Itemid=3 

HW7: Chapter 2-Discussion

Chapter2

Discussion

What are the effects of gender role reversals featured in anime cartoons in the Philippine Society?

Gender Role Reversal Definition 

 
Gender role reversal is the act of doing the role of another person in a way that men behave like women and women behave like men. It make one discover a new personality that it makes a person experience a behavior from the other side. Women are given the chance to prove their worth in the society that they could do men’s work while men are also given the chance to show that from being dominant; there is other side of them that is not far off from women. They could also do household chores and care for the children. Men as well can cry when needed because like women, men also are emotional being. Through role reversal, one is able to come out from the long years of being stuck in the old idea and gives one the opportunity to know, witness, or discover oneself. However in actuality, what shapes our gender roles is our culture.
 

 CULTURE

Culture exists from the moment we are born. It governs our lives throughout our existence which vary among different cultures. It sets values and attitudes towards lives and dictates one to behave according to its expectation. These societal expectations and values mandate males to be “masculine” and females to be “feminine”. Culture sets what man and a woman should be. Generally, men are viewed as active, strong, brave, courageous, dominant as to making decisions and aggressive when it comes to women while women are viewed as submissive to men, nurturing, and adaptive to her environment. These standards limit one’s ability to experience new things.
 

Philippines also follow its own standards. These standards came from the influence of the Spaniards which invaded Philippines in the past years which eventually became a part of our culture. This includes Filipina being viewed as the “ilaw ng tahanan” wherein they were tied to the house and their roles were exclusively for housekeeping and a support to males. She is responsible for nurturing the children while her husband is at work and submissive to men. Women are prohibited from going to school and to work. They are not allowed to participate in politics because it is a man’s work. 

On the other hand, men face more opportunities than women. Men are more prioritized in terms of education and work opportunities. They are viewed as the provider of the family and protector of women. But because of the gradual changes in culture, one is given the chance to bloom. However, according to the article Culture, Society and Masculinities, the prevailing tradition is that Filipino men are expected to be the “ama ng tahanan” and the satisfactory performance of this role is the ultimate indicator of a truly masculine male.

One model of a traditional Filipina is Maria Clara of Noli Me Tangere. She was the faithful and obedient daughter of Capitan Tiago who was represented as the weakest woman in the novel setting. Despite having all the characteristics of being an ideal woman that every man wished to have, she does not have the power to impose her will. She is submissive and cannot decide of her own. She honors her parents too much that she follows their will even if she does not want to. She had never loved anyone except for Ibarra. Rizal had shown Maria Clara as the symbol of purity and innocence of a sheltered native woman during the time of Spanish occupation (NOVEL: NOLI ME TANGERE BY JOSÉ RIZAL.).
 

On the other hand, one traditional Filipino male model is Jose Rizal. He possessed the trait of being a brave hero who kept and fight for his ideals up to the end to speak for his country even if it would cost his life. He also possessed the trait of being active and aggressive when it comes to women or what is termed as “babaero”. According to the article Rizal, the Romantic, there were at least nine women linked with Rizal namely Segunda Katigbak, Leonor Rivera, Leonor Valenzuela, Leonora Consuelo Ortiga, O-Sei San, Gertrude Beckette, Nelly Boustead, Suzanne Jacoby and Josephine Bracken. Leonor Rivera Leonor Rivera was his near-cousin and childhood playmate who had played the greatest influence in keeping Rizal from falling in love with other women during his travel. Unfortunately, their relationship did not last because of the disapproval of Leonor’s mother. However, Rizal found his heart on an orphan who was rumored to be a whore and allegedly a spy for the Spanish named Josephine Bracken.
All of these characteristics are what defines male to be masculine and women to be feminine which was being reversed in anime that are based on the Japanese culture. This practice is now common in Japan which also influences Filipino culture through the use of anime.

2 Factors Appraising Role Reversals Featured in Anime

A. Content 

According to an article, content is one factor that appraises gender role reversal. The symbolic content of a certain TV commercial or show has the potential to strongly influence the audience which could also be found in the context of anime where stories are sometimes made realistically that enables one to keep in touch. Commercials use certain strategies to catch the attention of the viewers to patronize a product. Similarly in anime, it contains plots that are similar in reality like Slamdunk which portrays team work that can be seen in real life sports competition. It work on a level that is universal in that most people around the world despite cultural and traditional differences can recognize and identify with a story imported from another culture. This simply means that through the content, anime has the potential to open us into a new idea of gender roles. 

B. Characters 

Character is another factor that appraises gender role reversal. It influences a person through the depiction of similar role in reality. For example is the portrayal of the female character Kaoru of Samurai X, a kendo teacher who owns a dojo and upon the continuation of the story met 3 men whom she treated as a family and allowed them to stay in her place wherein she portrayed a woman being the breadwinner. She was the one working despite the fact that she lives with 3 young men. This character portrayal does contribute in influencing our own culture.

Effects of Role Reversals Featured in Anime in the Philippine Society

A. Empower Women 
 
For the past centuries, women have been deprived of many privileges or rights in the due to the standards set by our culture. They were neglected in terms of education and work. They were viewed as someone who was just a support for male and a housekeeper. But due to the role reversal featured in anime, women are being empowered because they are being viewed in a different perspective. They are being recognized as someone who can also protect. They are given the chance to prove themselves that they are not just for housekeeping but they could also be a leader. Some Filipina women who became leaders are former presidents Corazon Aquino and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. 

Traditionally, the woman exchanges her submissiveness in exchange for protection which the man can provide but as women become more educated and successful, they are empowered and it is these changes that dislocate men from their gendered place in society. Thus, men have to redefine their roles by encompassing housework to re-assume a degree of balance in their partnership (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/02/womens-pay-packets-shift-domestic-order).

Based from the interviews conducted, 8 out of 10 women agreed that the role reversals today lift their spirits up. It was an awakening for women that women can also do some things that men can. They are given the chance to prove that women can live without men. 
 
B. Destroy “machismo” image of men 
 
The definition of the word “macho” is a debate. For some, it evokes great male pride and for others, it reeks of negativity and abuse. According to a research study What is a “macho” man? By Emiliano Diaz de Leon, macho only means to be a “male”. The traditional notion of masculinity displayed in the role of a father is “limited to protecting and providing for children”. Such masculinity is dependent on not doing the things that mothers do. A true macho is a man of his word and has a sense of responsibility for his own well-being and that of others. He is like a mirror, reflecting support and clarity to one another. Some women prefer macho men but some do not because they often think of macho men as uncooperative, unsympathetic, aggressive and disinterested in parenting. New research suggest that women from countries with healthier populations prefer more feminine-looking men while in countries where poor health is particularly a threat to survival, women leaned toward “manlier” men. (http://online.wsj.com/article/ ). 
 
Gender role reversal does affect the macho image of a man because it puts man secondary to women. It affects their pride that from being dominant, they were now being viewed as equal to women. Some male characters are being protected by female characters. They are the one being saved instead of them saving which sometimes make the character irritated because he cannot accept being defeated by women. An example is Tate Yuuichi of Mai-Hime wherein despite his kendo skills; he is still being beaten by women. However, according to a research, the machismo of men is not measured physically but by how he shows himself. This only proves that when men are seen crying in public does not mean they are not men. They are just being real to what they feel because men are emotional beings too. 
 
Based from the interviews conducted, 7 out of 10 men have accepted the role reversals happening today as part of a change in our culture. Although it somehow affect their masculinity, they accepted the fact that there are things that only women can do and men cannot. They do not find it as an issue because giving authority to women is part of their being a gentleman. Actually, some of them hated being served by women because it seem to appear that women are really more knowledgeable than men where in fact, they can do it on their own. This means that this role reversal is a positive factor for men for it adds points to their masculinity.