Stereotypes have existed forever, but society has started to fight back against these social constructs in modern times. Authors Jamaica Kincaid, Joanna Fragopoulos, Katha Pollitt, and Claire Cain Miller examine in their texts the deep-rooted social constructs plaguing our society; yet, they are hopeful that stereotypes can be changed to create an inclusive society. Using education and messages to influence kids’ perception of social roles and norms, we can create a society that allows everyone to be themselves. Indeed, stereotypes have been a major influence on society, creating many deep-rooted social constructs that still beset humanity. The articles “Why Boys don’t Play with Dolls” by Katha Pollitt and “GIRL” by Jamaica Kincaid explore …show more content…
The inheritance of these stereotypes is examined in “Young Men Embrace Gender Equality, But They Still Don’t Vacuum” by Claire Cain Miller. In her article, Miller discusses that “if young people can't even envision a model of what men’s time at home might look like, that’s evidence that our beliefs about gender are really strong and sticky”. The first step to equality is to plant the idea in the minds of the youth and if they can't even imagine a life where equality is possible, then stereotypes will continue to persist. The social norms kids have been taught since birth are “strong and sticky”. Without actions to break the cycle, stereotypes will remain ingrained in society. The youths’ “attitude about gender roles [hardly] evolving” proves the uphill battle society has to break the cycle of social constructs (Miller). But the authors are hopeful that the battle can be won. Joanna Fragopoulos discusses one way forward in her article “Embracing Gender Fluidity in Advertising Internally & Externally”. Fragopoulos proposes the use of advertising as “it is a significant way culture is defined and perceived”. Using advertising as a tool, we can spread a message of equality to the youth. This is already being done to great effect, allowing “girls to feel empowered to pursue STEM or dismantle unhealthy body images” (Fragopoulos). Using the many tools at our