Music has always been a grave part in shaping my personality and gender. It was the start of middle school when I first picked up the bass guitar for the sole reason that my 17 year old neighbor looked cool playing it. I remember going to his band's shows and being absolutely star-struck in an audience of about 15 people. For me, this is what defined being a boy: playing the guitar, making songs to swoon girls, and having a reckless youth. Yet what is most significant in my story with music, was where it took me next: a place and change many could refer to as 'feminine'.
As high school began, I realized how ridiculous and artificial my passion for music was. I wanted a change; I began researching and listening to music that I actually enjoyed, rather than listening to bands other cool-looking skateboarding males did. I found myself conversing with teachers and other female friends about music and art preference rather than attending concerts and doing the same with my other male friends.
What I take from this experience is how my parents never strongly emphasized a gender norm. Sure there were the baseball and basketball teams to keep me active, but it was the choices I made independently--like music--that shaped who I am today. Another important lesson from my story is how a gender norm may not always be for you just because you are male or female. I can safely say that pursuing the path my middle-school-idol and many other males took would shape me into a person I would not be happy with today.
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Here's a song I think relates to many of my experiences and decisions when I was a child.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcMGACqsg5A