When reading this article, I was reminded of an enlightening conversation I had with a colleague a few years ago. I was totally clueless to what “male privilege” was and needed help understanding. She, in a simple yet profound way, explained to me that after class, she takes the train to Brooklyn alone. She often sits as still and quietly as possible, often looking as focused as possible at her book or phone but, all the while being keenly aware and watching the other men that are riding the subway with her.

Reason being, she knows that she can be approached by, or even worse, harassed or attacked by a man simply because she, a woman, was traveling alone. “That Joseph, is what male privilege is”, she ended with. It was at that point that I saw it clearly. As Johnson describes the history of gender roles within the article, the constant description is clear, men are to be dominant, aggressive and therefore – “manly”. Women, being the opposite sex, are to be the opposite; demure, submissive, therefore, feminine. When either strays from the societal expectations of this gender role, they are looked upon in a not so negative light. What was most interesting and I can agree totally with, is when Johnson discussed how when woman doesn’t follow the roles associated with woman, they tend not to be challenged as harshly as a man challenging the norms associated with men. Because when aligned with the patriarchy, it is easier to accept than say, a man who rejects the norms put upon them in this patriarchal society.

In this chapter, it can be safe to say that the ideas of sexuality has been normalized in neighborhoods, towns, and the cities; all throughout westernized nations. In certain nations, there are areas containing the “red light district” or any other alias for some street prostitution; whether illegal or not. Sex can even happen in the streets, parks, flats, saunas, and brothels.  In Japan, there are even places called “Love Hotels”, for people to have intimacy elsewhere other than their homes. The point is that sex is normalized and can happen anywhere, specifically in private homes where couples enjoy their moments. The chapter also talks about gender roles when it comes to a marriage. The female are often expected to do the chores, raise the children’s,  cook food, while the male just provides and  feeds the family. However, its been stated that lesbians and gay couples most of the times share these tasks. It also talks about the dangers of sex which includes rapist, pedophiles, and incest. It was stated that some English Market residents feel that unaccompanied male refugees can be potential rapists. The introduction of the Megan law and the Sarah law was a turning point for pedophiles, which made people more aware of sex offenders that are living in their neighborhoods. In addition to this, it also mentions how household characteristics has been built on the assumption of heterosexuality. But as time passes and the city progress, the household characterizes is built towards single people, and also for lesbians and gays. In some cities, there are even “gay” or “lesbians” villages meant for these people and these households compared to other areas may have a notable difference.

Johnson explains that biological differences between males and females allows society to judge people, and place a social standard between masculinity and feminine traits and roles in society. I agree with this because as he stated women are often expected to be submissive and feminine as their traits, and other hand, males are expected to be confident, decisive, and assertive. In relation to this, this shapes society into a patriarchal  world where women are often tasked with the submissive and easy roles, and men are tasked with the assertive, physical workloads, and being the boss. Johnson explains that this incorrect because he explains how there are many factors such as the environment and setting. Johnson explains that biological differences between males and females allows society to judge people, and place a social standard between masculinity and feminine traits and roles in society. I agree with this because as he stated women are often expected to be submissive and feminine as their traits, and other hand, males are expected to be confident, decisive, and assertive. In relation to this, this shapes society into a patriarchal  world where women are often tasked with the submissive and easy roles, and men are tasked with the assertive, physical workloads, and being the boss. Johnson explains that this incorrect because he explains how there are many factors such as the environment and setting. He states that a man can become assertive and dominant if the setting is at home with his wife and/or children. But when the setting changes to the workload and he becomes an employee, he becomes submissive because he has to follow and listen to his employers given tasks. I can strong connect with this because I believe there are many factors that place a role. I may feel more confident and assertive around certain people and yet feel less confidence around others. Maybe a toxic shame can be a factor that shapes our feelings and personalty too. In other words, our “behaviors and feelings” are shaped through the interactions of other people in certain social settings.