[Deborah]

I really think your question is interesting. I grew up in a whites-only school and I always found it strange that girls who would never want to be confused as being non-white would still spend good money to lie in these microwave things. I’ve seen the case where a Caucasian female got so dark she couldn’t find a makeup shade that would match her new coloring except makeup formulated especially for African American females. But to speak to your question, I believe the answer goes back to feudal Europe when the only people who had suntans were those who had to work in the fields (both men and women), so paleness of skin was seen as a sign of nobility and status–you never had to go outside and perform labor. As the years went on, however, new modes of transportation allowed (those who could afford it) the ability to travel, perhaps to the seashore or to other countries. From then on, having a suntan meant that you could afford to go on these excursions. By the way, I’ve heard several evolutionary biologists say (in regards, I think, to Caucasian women) that men find those with tans more appealing because they look healthier, and can possibly be a better breeding partner. These are just some things I’ve heard or read.

User Detail :  

Name : Deborah, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, Age : 23, City : Starkville, State : MS, Country : United States, Occupation : Grad student/researcher, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Deborah]

I know just what you mean about getting depressed when looking at all the pink vs. blue in stores. As a child, I would have loved some Legos but was told they were ‘boys’ toys. In my opinion (as a sociology student), the reason behind all these gender-specific toys is that these children are being socialized to accept the positions they are expected to fulfill in later life. When I say ‘gender’ instead of ‘sex,’ it is intentional. There is nothing inherently biological in the choices children make regarding toy preferences. It’s all a social construction that tries to dictate what people should act like, and this gets indoctrinated into the children at an early age. Girls get baby dolls while boys get trucks, and that sort of thing. There’s actually been research that says in some stores (such as Walmart) the female toys are actually placed closer to the housewares section of the store. There’s nothing wrong with children playing with toys that are ‘supposed’ to be for the opposite sex. If a little boy gets a toy airplane and gets to run around yelling with it, wouldn’t a young girl also love to get out her energy by running around, too? It really has nothing to do with sex, but it’s gender (a social construction) that determines the shame that is placed on children who want to play with toys geared toward the opposite gender.

User Detail :  

Name : Deborah, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, Age : 23, City : Starkville, State : MS, Country : United States, Occupation : Grad student/researcher, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Author]

Posts