His and Hers- Reading Summary

In her article, “His and Hers: Designing for a Post-Gender Society,” Suzanne Tick expresses her idea that “we are living in a time of gender revolution.” Currently, our society faces several proactive changes in our views on gender and sexuality. Now that we have begun the transition of acceptance, we need to look at the modernistic frame work of our society and see if it still accommodates our rapidly changing world.

 

Tick addresses the dominating presence of male influence on our society’s structure. Having been previously monopolized by men, the structure of the business world is heavily influenced by the male presence; however, according to the author, “recent events point to a new wave of feminism.” With equal rights weighing in heavily in politics and mass media, currently more and more people are transitioning to a more gender neutral society. Business offices and other historically male dominated spaces, are becoming more femininely influenced. Women hold more prominence in the work place than before. Tick even reveals the changing influences in fashion having things like cosmetic products tailored to men and more masculine fashion wear for women.

 

Gender norms are becoming less and less normal now, according to Tick. It is now far less taboo to openly have a gender identity different from the sex in which you were born with. In regards to college students and their gender identification, Tick explains, “They are standing up to institutions and saying that they don’t want to be identified as one or the other.” The significance of this progress is huge. According to the author, “In the past, transgender people were viewed as outcasts;” however, now it has been brought to attention that in the United States of America, the highest paying executive position in which a female holds, is in fact held by a woman whom was born biologically male. Her name is Martine Rothblatt. Tick quotes her in the article saying, “There are five billion people in the world and five billion unique sexual identities.” This idea focuses on each person as an individual rather than singling out a group of people for their differences as well as pointing out the idea that as individuals our sexuality differs even within our own orientations.

 

Tick then states, “Corporations have taken note, and bathrooms have become the focus of this change.” Large companies have noticed the trend, and have quickly worked to accommodate their employees through the installment of gender neutral bathrooms. While bathrooms are just one small aspect of gender neutrality, the author does correctly point out that they are “spaces that are sensitive to such personal issues.” The goal is, according to the article, “to allow all individuals to feel comfortable, safe, and included—and not have to choose a gender while in the workplace.”

 

Individuality is key to this subject. Whether it be within their sexual orientation or just the personality type, by allowing a person to comfortably exhibit their individualism and live comfortably, we will create a society in which happiness becomes much easier to obtain. Tick posits, “Having safe places for anybody to function and do what they need to do, no matter who they are, should be our first step.”

His & Hers: Designing for a Post-Gender Society” by Suzanne Tick http://www.metropolismag.com/March-2015/His-or-Hers-Designing-for-a-Post-Gender-Society/