Egg and the Sperm:

1. According to Martin, how does scientific language (the language of biology textbooks) reflect
and reinforce cultural stereotypes?
The language used in biology textbooks to describe female reproductive organs are words
commonly associated with women in culture, and in a derogatory way. Eggs are described as
wasting away and shedding, which implies that they are worthless and degrading, while sperm
is produced, which implies it is a commodity. Eggs are also heavily associated with passiveness,
while sperm are active and “save” the egg by fertilizing it. Despite using science and biology, the
themes applied to the cells are based in cultural values of men and women.

2. What does she mean by this statement: “Part of my goal in writing this article is to shine a
bright light on the gender stereotypes hidden within the scientific language of biology. Exposed
in such a light, I hope they will lose much of their power to harm us.” What does she mean by
“harm”?
The fact that cultural views of women can trickle down to something as empirical as science
means that much of the knowledge we consume is biased towards viewing women as lesser.
When we are unaware of this fact, we passively consume content that steers us to believe in
this idea, even if it is unconscious belief. This is the harm that the stereotypes cause; a
widespread and normalized mindset of viewing women in a passive and inferior manner.

3. What are some examples of the language used and how does this language contribute to
gender inequality according to Martin?
To describe eggs: “debris”, "ceasing," "dying', "losing," "denuding," "expelling”, “sheds”, “a
scarred, battered organ”, "a dormant bride awaiting her mate's magic kiss, which
instills the spirit that brings her to life”
To describe sperm: “manufacture”, “produce”, “feat is accomplished”, “activate”, “strong”
“"mission”
The words associated with eggs are all negative and imply that women are wasteful and full of
excess, to the point where eggs are not as valuable, due to their overproduction so quickly (at
birth). The egg is also described with words like “passive” and “dormant” which imply that it
simply sits and waits for a man, which is heavily based in culture.
The words associated with sperms are all positive and imply that men are creating and and
producing a valuable and needed amenity. The sperm is also described as strong and taking an
active role, which again is rooted in cultural values.

Simmons: Odd Girl Out

1. What is the point of the article?
To highlight how women are, especially by other women, bullied into being more passive and
submissive, and are hated for being outgoing and strong-willed.

2. What does the author propose as the reason for why girls construct the "all that" girl?
First, it's a scapegoat for women to project onto, but also, because it defines confidence by
giving it a physical manifestation that women can tear down in order to maintain their ideal of
femininity and passiveness.

3. What does "all that" mean?

“All-that” fluctuates, but it in essence is a woman who is confident, assertive, and independent.

4. How do girls view the ideal girl and the anti-girl?

Thin, pretty, popular, dependent, passive, ultimately shallow and stupid, seductive, wealthy,
indirect and manipulative; mean, ugly, gay, manly, strong, serious, opinionated, seductive,
independent, atheltic, smart

5. How does the role of femininity contribute to girls' behavior?

Women have historically been designated as passive and dependent on men, which are
characteristics that women idealize in themselves and punish others for not displaying.

6. How does girls' behavior reflect their early experience in play?

Women prioritize games that involve intimacy and connections, instead of boy’s games, which
involve hierarchy and action

7. What is the “culture of indirection”?

The contradictory ideas that are forced on girls: that they can be anything they want, but
powerful women are cold hearted. They must be modest and unsexual, and yet need “perfect”
bodies underneath. They must be passive and yet need to manipulate and gain power.

8. KNOW THE FINE POINTS AND DETAILS OF THE ARTICLE.

9. How does the phrase “All That” contribute to gender inequality?

The phrase alienates women and pits them against each other, by specifically demonizing
“undesirable” traits in women that allow them to express their individuality.

10. How does language contribute to this conditioning? (Specific examples)

Many words that describe a sexually empowered woman have extremely negative connotations:
slut, skank, flirt
Words like “girly” and “femininity” inherently mean passive and weal to many people
“Aggressive” and “assertive” and “opinionated” are not considered complements for women, but
they are for men.

11. What are code words and what are some examples?
“Flirt”: code for “a girl was seen interacting with a guy I like and I’m upset that he is giving her
more attention than me, regardless of whether or not it's platonic.”
“Slut”: code for “a girl is attractive and is receiving male attention and I’m upset that she is able
to express herself like that, regardless of whether or not she wants the attention.”
“Fat Talk”: code for “I’m not an All That girl; I think I’m unattractive. Please compliment me and
say I’m not fat. Also, if I’m fat, than anyone fatter than me MUST be fat.”

12. THINK ABOUT THE VIDEO WE WATCHED IN CLASS ABOUT GENDER AND PAINT
CHOICES (HOME DEPOT)