Main Entry: gender role

Definition: a set of behaviors that indicates one's gender, specif. the image projected by a person that identifies their femaleness or maleness; an overt public presentation of gender identity
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Here is what I have to say about this image:

This is a self portrait.
I am a female. I am NOT a feminist and I'm not trying to make some sort of intensive statement.. this is an experiment.

If you are viewing this image you probably will not like it at all. I know this because you could possibly be American or from another country where it is considered disgusting or unhygienic by social standards for women not to shave their body hair. You are used to seeing women wear makeup and shave their underarms, cook in the kitchen and raise children.

Here is what I have noticed so far:
I am more comfortable not shaving my underarms. Most people who have seen them don't mind because they are my immediate family or best friends and don't really care about it. If I showed it to a complete stranger, I have no doubt they'd think I were disgusting just because they've never seen a woman with underarm hair.

I'm also comfortable wearing pants, making my boyfriend cook for me, going without makeup most of the time, burping in public... I have no interest in raising children, getting married or playing housewife. I am an independent, and most of the time, confident woman. I can throw my gender role out the window most days.

Moving on, the Mustache was a split second idea that popped into my head. For a couple of months now I have had an image in my mind that I would put on lipstick and look very glamorous but create confusion and controversy with the viewer by raising my arm. But I decided it would be even more controversial if I cross dressed. Not to mention, who would deny cross dressing can be fun?

Whatever you take from this image, take it with a grain of salt. Please do not flame me for this although I will not be surprised if some arrogant, insecure person does. Man or woman I have already seen how uncomfortable somebody can be just because of a little hair.

Consider this a social experiment.
Like it or be Disgusted by it. It's all about how you were raised, where you grew up and what kind of mental conditioning you have been put through.

© Jessica Walker 2008
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