The Cross-Dresser in All of Us

Occasionally you might run into a man dressed up as a woman walking down the street, or see a man in a dress, but this is certainly not a normal sight. However, there is no denying that men and women adopt the others genders characteristics to get ahead in certain situations.

In the business world, women who demonstrate assertiveness can sometimes be labeled as a bitch. However, a man who displays similar behavior is called a good businessman. One might question why a woman would attempt to mimic a man’s behavior knowing this. The answer to this question lies in how a woman is treated in the work world without mocking a man’s behavior.

I have had limited experience in the work world but my internship does give me a little bit of insight. Starting at the end of my spring semester sophomore year I was lucky enough to land an internship with a nationally respected company. Going in on the first day I was nervous and intimidated. I figured that working hard and being myself would hopefully be enough to get through the workdays. I smiled a lot, and was helpful to my co-workers.

Looking back I realize that my relationship with my co-workers was not ideal. Yes they enjoyed my company and knew I was a hard worker, but I’m not sure if they had complete faith in my abilities. I was often called “sweetie” and other endearing terms. At the time this didn’t bother me, I actually appreciated it because it made me feel more welcome in the office. I realize now that if I would have been more assertive I might not have been the “little sister” of the office and would be thought of as more of an equal.

Parental Control

As we see in Charlotte Temple’s tale, even those coming from caring parents concerned with their child’s well being, are still in danger of falling victim to betrayal. It almost seems like no one is safe. The question then becomes what can a parent possibly do to protect their children when simply caring about them is obviously not enough.

When considering this question I began to think of the way and myself my parents raised me. The more I think about it the more I realize that my parents never flat out said “no” to me. This wasn’t because they were laid back and this certainly wasn’t because I was an angel growing up. My parents were on a level of parenting others may never reach.

My parents raised me in way to know the right thing to do without having to ask. They never had to prevent me from running away with a rake because I have been taught to not be attracted to these types of men. I would never try to leave the house in an outfit that maybe be considered less than tasteful because my parents taught me to have a more wholesome style.

Now, looking back on all this I feel almost manipulated! How dare they raise me to be a levelheaded woman!

Thinking back to your question on how contemporary parents can save their sons and daughters from a “treacherous heart” I would have to they should do exactly what my parents did. By teaching their sons and daughters morals a parent can relax and know that when faced with tough decisions, their children will know the right one to make.

THE cause of female depravity

Right before I sat down to write this post I watched the most recent episode of “Gossip Girl”. Every time I see that show I am absolutely disgusted at the behavior of the characters, but for some reason, I continue to tune in every week. There is something about their manipulative and conniving behavior that attracts me. Its difficult to admit but part of me even thinks that living this bitchy lifestyle could be pretty entertaining. (Luckily I have been raised with good enough morals to keep me from doing this)

There is no doubt in my mind that if the author of “The Cause of Female Depravity” was to pick a subject from modern times to write about, “Gossip Girl” would surely be it. I know that what the characters are doing on the show is wrong. They betray trust, lie, hurt people, and are extremely materialistic. However, the show idolizes this type of lifestyle and transforms it into something that seems so glamorous. They make underage drinking and relations with members of the opposite sex look completely normal for highschoolers, when in fact they are not only too immature to handle these things, but it is also illegal.

Therefore, I believe the author would consider this show, which convinces its viewers to see this sort of behavior as anything other than wrong and pathetic, to be the cause of female depravity.