Writing Assignment

Due Thursday 1/30 by 11:59pm

Points 25

Submitting a file upload

File Types doc and docx

First:

Please watch the brief ad below and think about when was the first time you heard the phrase (“you/he/she ___________s like a girl!”).

Alternately, you can choose to think about the first time you heard the phrase (“you’re/that/it’s/they’re so gay!”)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs&feature=youtu.be

Next:

Describe in one to three paragraphs when you first heard this phrase (whichever you chose “like a girl” or “so gay”). Explain what the situation was, how old you were, whether it was toward you (personally), someone you were with or a stranger. Discuss if it made you feel anything in particular (e.g. good, bad, indifferent).

Then:

Draw from the readings (primarily) and videos (secondarily) to explain how the use of the phrases shapes an individual’s agency, experience, opportunities, desires, sexuality and/or perceptions of themselves or others. Think about “when and how” these phrases became bad/negative/used as insults. When/how did they get so much power? You must cite from the text here (in-text citations, however no reference- end page is needed as we are all working off of the same articles/videos).

Finally:

Discuss how you think we (as a society) and you (as an individual) can combat the use of these phrases in day to day conversation and how we can work to empower “girls” and “gays” in a meaningful, positive way (vis a vis this use of language).

See the syllabus for more details on Writing Assignment expectations. Be sure to edit thoroughly before submitting. You must upload either a .doc or .docx file. If you have questions or issues regarding uploading a file in a particular format, please contact technical support.