Gender Stereotypes are Constantly Changing

We do not often reflect on what the appropriate roles for female and male are. For instance: boys should be soldiers and engineers while girls should be mothers and nurses.

Quite interestingly, in western culture, the stereotype that women receive is much more pleasant than that of males. Males tend to be characterized as Violent, controlling and logical whereas females are characterized as nurturing, soft and emotional.. Louis XV (a man) in 1712, wearing the customary baby clothes of the time, would be considered "cross-dressed" in the 21st century.cross-dressed Is this a male or a female? From a rich family or poor family? Is it strange for you?

Interestingly, in this age of technology and constant change has disturbed some of these predetermined ideas about the nature of the sexes.

In World War II due to a shortage in labor as many men were in the army, women had to take on a more masculine role in society. In the case, women were needed to do work in the factories and operate heavy machinery. A job usually for males

We can see here that the nature of the economy is a major contributing factor that determines and helps establish our ideas as to the appropriate roles for men and women. That is, as women are needed to join the work force “women” are considered to be like males (that is, logical, active and professional).. Rosie the Riveter: "We Can Do It!" - Many women first found economic strength in World War II-era manufacturing jobs. Do you have many women like this in Taiwan? What jobs do they do?

Who do you think this is? (she is a female)

When the Khans ruled in China during the Northern Wei dynasty, Hua Mulan, a Chinese girl who had no brothers to draft as a soldier, dressed as a man in order to save her ill and aged father from fighting in the war started by the Khan. Her legend was recorded in the famous Ballad of Mulan. Northern Wei dynastyHua MulanKhan What problems do you think she may have in ancient China?

What do you think these men are doing? Why are they doing this?

Men here are opposed to women gaining the right to vote

Should women just stay at home and have babies?

Today our economies are not based on the need for more babies; rather, our economies are based on creativity and high education. Therefore, it is more suitable for today’s economic realities for women to be studying and working rather than being only encouraged to stay in the home. Condoleezza Rice Hilary Clinton

What are these women famous for? Are these the usual roles for females? Condoleezza Rice Hilary Clinton

Part Two: The story of Joan of Arc

Joan the Farmer’s Daughter Joan of Arc's birthplace is now a museum. The village church where she worshipped is on the right behind several trees.

English Invasion of France Joan of Arc, also known as Jeanne d'Arc, (c.1412 – 30 May 1431) was a national heroine of France and is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. She asserted that she had visions from God which told her to recover her homeland from English domination late in the Hundred Years' War May1431 heroineFrance saintRoman Catholic ChurchGodEnglishHundred Years' War

Help the French King Joan of Arc changed the fortunes of King Charles VIIKing Charles VII What kind of personality…? Nice guy…? Arrogant …?

Capture The castle in Rouen where she was imprisoned during her trial has become known as the Joan of Arc tower. During one of her escape attempted to jump out of a similar towerRouen

Trial The trial record demonstrates her remarkable intellect. The records show a famous conversation. "Asked if she knew she was in God's grace, she answered: 'If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me.'"

Clothing Try to make Joan a female?

Joan Probably Looked Like a Male  After being captured by the English, she was burned at the stake upon being convicted by a religious court, with the act of dressing in male clothing being main reason for her execution. A number of people, however, said that she had said she wore male clothing because she feared the guards would rape her at night. execution

Burnt as a Witch? Why do they burnt “witches”?

Visions Joan of Arc's religious visions have interested many people. The agreement among scholars is that her faith was sincere. She identified St. Margaret, St. Catherine, and St. Michael as the source of her revelations. Roman Catholics belive her visions are divine inspiration.St. Margaret St. CatherineSt. Michaelrevelations

The signature of Joan of Arc: an educated women She was a very intelligent women who wrote many letters. Was this also a reason for her being burnt as a witch?