A project that covers a lot of ground. Explores how young girls are often ridiculed in our own culture for their likes and passions while boys and men are idolized.
Learning Outcome: Explore gender differences that may limit girls from pursuing their hobbies and personal likes as well as introduce the idea of "Cultural Capital" and who in our society holds it. This lesson also aims to explore the alternative -- when men can break through toxic masculinity and embrace more feminine pursuits.
Materials:
Computer to show videos/slides
Paper/pencils for list making
Discussion questions (for student leaders reference -- written below. Also linked in this separate document is needed to be printed out: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tkBdSUIqwnrNvqUOObvFvWAesH5xmBt86_QMzDTIVx0/edit?usp=sharing )
Step #1:
Watch “The Man” lyric video by Taylor Swift's newest album "Lover".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cghqcP0ey7I (clean version)
Step #2:
On looseleaf paper, have the girls make a list of 10 things that they would do if they were a boy that they can’t do as a girl. Then, discuss!
Consider...
What are some things that you put on your lists?
Why do you think it’s okay for boys to do these things but not okay for girls to do these things?
Can you think of some examples where it is harder for women to achieve the same success as men when they are doing the same exact work?
Why do you think that is?
Step #3:
Watch this clip from popular youtuber Best Dressed’s youtube channel. Although the video title may seem irrelevant, from 5:16 to 7:08 she discusses “cultural capital” and how we’re trained to think of young and teenage girls in society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goWx7gZ44FA&list=LLrLI2CjBLzNXgGz4UOrv32A&index=26&t=0s (5:16 -- 7:08)
LANGUAGE WARNING: “b*tch” and “b*stard” referenced in how society views girls vs. boys.
Step #4:
Discuss the Best Dressed video:
What is Cultural Capital?
Why do you think girls are teased/bullied for doing things like Tik Tok dances?
Why do you think we appreciate boy/male contributions more than female contributions?
Have you ever been embarrassed to share one of your hobbies/likes because you know how people will react?
Step #5:
Open up the slideshow for the activity (linked above). Show the girls some examples of men and women that are breaking gender stereotypes. Talk about what you see in each picture, what they're challenging, and what they think.
Step #6:
On a new sheet of paper, have the girls make a NEW list of 10 things that YOU think are ‘cool’ regardless of their femininity or masculinity in the eyes of society. Ex) One Direction music; wearing dresses; painting your nails, doing TikTok dances, etc.
This step will be outlined on the last slide of the slideshow to use as a visual aid for describing the project as well.
Step #7:
Finished with a relaxed discussion! The girls are welcome to share their lists, or share what they learned, or simply have a conversation!