What Does Uni Need to Do Better?
First and foremost, Uni needs to do a better job of using people’s correct pronouns. There has been an issue with people, especially teachers who do not put in the effort to finding out and using student’s correct pronouns. Giving and asking for pronouns should be as normal as asking for someone’s name and saying your own. Although it takes minimal effort to call people the correct name and pronouns, it can make a big difference in someone’s life when people respect who they are. There is no reason to not ask for people’s pronouns and this small act can make a huge difference.
The next thing that needs to happen at Uni is that both teachers and students need to make fewer assumptions about people’s sexuality. When I came out, I heard that some people were surprised and had assumed that I was straight. I do fit the stereotype of a straight person because of how I dress and the activities that I do, but I don’t think that straight should be the default. I also noticed a subtle change in how some straight boys talked to me. They seemed to see me as more of a “bro” and not only were more willing to talk to me but our relationship almost shifted when I came out. They would also ask me for advice in a way that they hadn’t before.
Next, I think that Uni Students and Teachers need to have conversations about the culture around math and science at Uni and around the world. Boys are seen as better at math or STEM purely because of their gender which pushes out girls from these programs. We need to normalize everyone doing STEM regardless of gender and more based on interest. In terms of school, I think that Uni needs to get rid of the double standard for boys and girls. Boy’s sports are cared about more and more people attend their games. In addition, boys are seen as generally smarter and more competent.
Another interesting thing was an article written by Rithika Patnam about how often Uni Students Cry. In her article, she cites research that she conducted about how often students cried based on gender and grade. On average, girls cried much more often than boys. I wonder if this is because boys were unwilling to admit how often they cried or if boys genuinely cried less often than girls. Either way, I think that Uni needs to have a serious conversation about crying and expressing stress, anxiety, and sadness through physical reactions and how that intersects with gender.
Patnam, Rithika. "A look into how often Uni students cry." Uni High Gargoyle,
Mar. 2020, gargoyle.uni.illinois.edu/4487/features/
a-look-into-how-often-uni-students-cry/. Accessed 5 Nov. 2020.
You've made some really great points Madeleine! I agree that Uni needs to do a better jobs in all those aspects and I especially like how you said, "Giving and asking for pronouns should be as normal as asking for someone’s name and saying your own," and that is something we should definitely work towards normalizing at Uni.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great blog post, and it perfectly lays out some of the big things that uni needs to do better. There are recurring instances of homophobia and transphobia at uni, whether it's more explicit or more passive, but it happens much to frequently which is absolutely unacceptable. I hope that all of our field projects can help try to combat these things, and if nothing else, bring awareness. Sexism particularly in STEM classes is also something that I and so many other students experience frequently, and it needs to change. Great post!
ReplyDeleteYou're totally right in the ways that Uni could improve! I especially thought your comment about Rithika's survey was interesting because I know that a lot of my guy friends are kind of afraid to show their emotions. It's not until those "late night talks" or when no one else is listening that they're willing to open up and be vulnerable, and even then, it's limited. I think there's definitely a stigma around boys crying both at Uni and in society and I think having a discussion around emotional outlets is much needed at this school.
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