According to the editors of Rereading America, “we may be born female and male, but we are made women and men” precisely because our cultural myths “shape the roles men and women play in our public and private relationships.”
They argue that history shows us that “our gender derives from cultural myths about what is proper for men and women to think, enjoy, and do” and that “the apparent ‘naturalness’ of gender has been used to regulate political, economic, and personal relations between the sexes” (Colombo, Cullen, and Lisle 376-77).
Considering these ideas about gender, write an essay that answers one of the following questions:
What point do you think Butler is making in “Bloodchild” regarding the role that gender plays in becoming an adult?
What point do you think Butler is making in “Bloodchild” regarding the relationship between gender and love?
What point do you think Butler is making in “The Book of Martha” with respect to the role that gender plays in how people view their gods?
According to “The Book of Martha,” does a person’s gender affect the way that person imagines utopia?
While you may cite outside sources, your essay must cite at least three of the secondary readings that we discussed in class (i.e., the essays by Octavia E. Butler, Shaheen Borna and Gwendolen White, Libby Copeland, Suzy Khimm, and Mimi Schippers).
Your essay must also be four to six pages in length, typewritten, and double-spaced with 1-inch margins and 12-point font (preferably, Times New Roman). In addition to these requirements, your citations and Works Cited page must be formatted according to MLA documentation style. Finally, late essays will only be accepted with a credible and verifiable excuse. Good Luck!!!
