Ernie Abreu Nelson Veras Girlfight Ernie Abreu Nelson Veras

Tomboys “Gender conformity is pressed onto all girls, not just tomboys, and this is where it becomes hard to uphold the notion that male femininity presents a greater threat to social and familial stability than female masculinity” (p. 358).

Discussion Questions Because of her tomboyish features, did you automatically assume that Diana was a lesbian? Who do you believe will be more acceptable by society, a heterosexual masculine female or a heterosexual feminine male? Do you think male femininity presents a greater threat to society than female masculinity or vice versa?

Dirty Diana “During the whole movie Diana is trying to change the gender norms and understanding of masculinity and femininity and after all she successfully does so. Her violent actions, her physical appearance speak for themselves - those are the things that get her into gender trouble. But she stands clearly against the idea that human being are divided into two clear-cut groups - women and men. By the end of the movie she had already found, formed and chosen her own individual identity.” What do you think the author meant by “found, formed and chosen her own individual identity”? Do you think that Diana’s mother’s death has a direct impact on her individual identity? How?

Male Femininity (Tiny) Art School Scholarship Discontent with boxing “what boy doesn’t like boxing?” Feminine characteristics such as, timid, submissive, soft, fearful

Discussion Questions Does the relationship between Tiny and his father relates to any other father/son relationship we have seen or read about in the past? What are some similarities and/or differences? Do you agree with Diana and her father that boys need to learn how to protect themselves is more important than accepting a scholarship for academics?

General Discussion Questions Was it fair for the League to allow males and females to compete against each other? Do you feel that Adrian truly “gave it his all” in his last fight against Diana? Did he lose purposely to save his relationship with Diana? Do you find it ironic that Diana’s father is heavily construed into gender social norms, yet both his children behave opposite to their gender norm? What does that say about his skills in raising his children?

General Discussion Questions Do you think that because Diana lived in a household full of males, this had an impact on her masculine dominant behavior? Does he fit the stereotypical role of masculinity after losing his fight to Diana? Do you feel that the social impact of female boxing would have been affected if the female not Latina?