Gender Stereotypes In The Harlem Dancer

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English IV: Gender Essay Gender dictates various components of American life: political quarrels, typical company employee hierarchies, social norms, the list continues. This year’s presidential election proves this statement to be true; as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump bump heads against notions of foreign policy and tax reform, American voters have divided themselves into a category of either for or against women’s equality. Trump’s recent rape allegations has portrayed him as sexist, allowing Clinton to make arguments against him and advocate for women’s rights. Besides politics, gender guides child development, teaching children what “roles” both men and women must play in order to be deemed acceptable. This is why the term “CEO” …show more content…

Men and women both have a long list of duties to fulfill, whether that be as a spouse, parent, or single being trying to make ends meet. Men, especially are expected to be the breadwinner of their families, providing the dominant source of income, while women are expected to stay home, cook and watch the kids. In his poem, McKay captivates the struggle of the working woman, who is subjected to demeaning work and sexual objectification--a narrative that too many women know too well. McKay describes the Harlem dancer as “half-clothed” and “falsely-smiling”, alluding that she was not content with her job, yet pretended to, so that her audience would be satisfied. The following quote contrasts the Harlem dancer’s grace to coins, “Profusely fell; and, tossing coins in praise.” Because the audience is tossing coins at the dancer she is seen as an object and a mere means of entertainment. Thus, “The Harlem Dancer” conveys gender obligations such as financial duties through the objectification of …show more content…

Quindlen compares the gender chasm to the awkward split between young girls and boys at a middle school dance in the gym. Quindlen states: “And then something happens, a little thing usually, and all I can see is that great shiny space in the middle of the dance floor where no one ever meets.” This quote means that there are some things that Quindlen cannot see men and women concurring to, or will not understand. As an example, Quindlen mentions a time of confusion and frustration between her family (all males) and herself; she grew perturbed as her son and husband questioned her placement of an amaryllis bulb in their bathroom. However, Quindlen also claims that the sexes can manage to coexist: “ It’s the dance that’s important not the difference…” Moreover, both sexes could not imagine a world without the

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