Question C- Kimmel

The subject on the differences between men and women is one that has existed since the beginning of time and is represented in John Gray’s book “Mars or Venus or Planet Earth”. For many moons the ideas of gender and theologies have been changed, argued over and critiqued. However, Michael Kimmel’s discussion on gender differences and his critique of Gray’s work shows that men and women may not be as different as they seem.

My idea on gender differences started at a young age. I was always the "perfect" role of a little girl. I liked tea parties, dressing up, playing house, etc. My twin sister and I often argued over who got to play the mom because we both wanted too. As I grew older I noticed that most if not all girls seemed to be thinking about their lives, their futures. The small details were important, prom came and went, marriage is slowly coming up, college is almost being finished...everything is thought about over and over again. For men, it seems they also think about all these things, but not to the exact detail that girls do. In this case, I believe they are different. However, the older I get the more apparent it becomes to me that boys and girls, men and women, are really not that different. My boyfriend and I share the same fears and hopes for our future. We rarely argue because are so alike, he understands my wants and needs and I understand his.

What struck me as most interesting is when Kimmel goes on to discuss marriage. Everything he says makes sense, shared household work seems to be incredibly positive. It results in more sex for most couples and improved health in both sexes. The friendship model is an important one, equality within in each other. Shared work, equal chores, equal work, equal.

So in conclusion, it seems that men should want equality within their lives, marriage, etc. It results in everyone being happy and accepting in their roles and shows that our society has come a long way.