The World “Acts”

Babies are treated differently from the minute their sex is identified. People act differently, lower or raise their voices, hold them differently. The culture is preparing them for their assigned gender role.

We teach young boys how a boy is supposed to act – what he is supposed to do. And we teach young girls how to act like a girl. The world is alert to deviations. These role models can be hard to shake, even when a culture tries to introduce new expectations.  

We all can act. We all can learn and follow the protocol. Having predefined ways of handling situations can be good. It can bring order. But do we want to? Why should we? What’s at stake is belonging.