Morphing Male
There
is a lack of understanding of how males and females are using digital
technologies to construct their identities in positive or negative, expressive
ways. Definitions and conceptions of
sexuality have not changed with the use of computers. Technology is supposed to encourage girls to contribute
ideas and feel comfortable with their ideas, and even provide agency to a more equal
playing field with male age-mates. However,
girls’ identities are underdeveloped in reference to technology due to
male-controlled barriers, and sexuality and gender construction via digital technologies
in a supposedly de-sexualized cyberspace that is disillusioned and saturated with
masculine attributes. Girls still feel
inferior to boys, so to create equal identities, girls assimilate male
characteristics. This may be in the form
of aggressive images, writings, pictures, and or politically charged slogans
signifying a representation of the girl who demonstrates it. Girlhood is further complicated by girls who
construct their identities by dis-empowering their own gender, and wrongfully
feeling empowered by morphing male.
The idea of girls assimilating male characteristics really has me thinking. Do you mean in video games and role playing games, or in societal roles using technology?
ReplyDeleteIt's a great title, and I enjoyed meeting you at the camp.
Colleen
This is an interesting topic. I wonder how you might consider the power of identity play in these spaces - that folks might gain something from playing at other genders and races and cultures, maybe not only in how they are seen by others but in how they see and shape themselves.
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