addictinginfo.org
Staff, Curbed. “It’s Time to Stop Describing Spaces as ‘Masculine’ or ‘Feminine'” Curbed. Vox Media, 15 Dec. 2014. Web. 21 Feb. 2016. <http://www.curbed.com/2014/12/15/10012002/masculine-feminine-design-decor-writing>.
Comparing the reading summaries of the positive light feminine architecture, this article is portrayed in the exact opposite tone where they say that the gendered labels on modern architecture degrades the feminist movement. The article sets examples of how feminine pieces of design in interior decor is deemed as frivolous while the masculine features of decor is portrayed as staple pieces of the interior built space. Having the dichotomy of the masculine and feminine features, the article paints a great image of how the interior space is built and how the submissive tone of the feminine features plays a vital role in demoralizing the importance of the feminine movement. The article also shows that in order to have the certain labels of ‘feminine’ and ‘masculine’ there has to be stereotypes set in place and thus furthers the negative connotations of feminine features. Perpetuating the traditional gender roles, labeling the interior space also builds up more of the lackluster status quo that this modern age is already breaking down. This article is relevant since we spoke about the built environment and how the feminine architecture movement is showing great strides in feminist movements. And even though the two articles don’t share the same sentiments, we can see both perspectives on the issue making a wider picture for us to draw information on.
Steinmetz, Katy. “The Gender-Neutral Bathroom Revolution Is Growing.”Time. Time, 11 Jan. 2016. Web. 22 Feb. 2016. <http://time.com/4175774/san-francisco-gender-neutral-bathrooms/>.
This is another article that debunks the greatness of a gendered society but dives into the specifics in the fashion world and how the subsequent marketing is also being influenced by the labels of gender roles. This article also follows on the idea the other article showed of how the labels of gender idealize the masculine features yet still ignoring the more prominent feminine features. When the article said that there are many instances of androgyny in the fashion industry but most likely featuring manly features while juxtaposing only with frivolous feminine features. They say that they see many manly built females promoting menswear yet there is not androgyny with curvier women promoting the same menswear since that doesn’t sell. The article also highlights how the fashion industry uses these blurred gender lines only to market the controversy and not the actual design of the clothes. This is another article that shows the other side of the reading we did in class as well as showing the other perspectives in different realms other than architecture.
Krentcil, Faran. “Here’s the Problem With Fashion’s Androgyny Obsession.”ELLE. N.p., 02 Sept. 2015. Web. 21 Feb. 2016. <http://www.elle.com/fashion/a30209/the-problem-with-fashions-androgyny-obsession/>.
Time wrote this article to highlight the great strides and influence San Francisco is having with gender neutral bathrooms. They are passing bills to make many of the city’s single occupancy bathrooms into non gender specific bathrooms and therefore they are causing great influence to other city’s as well as colleges and public schools .Safety is also another main idea in this article in which they highlight the dangers transgender people face in order to attain a basic necessity like the bathroom. This article touches on the ideas we spoke about on the importance of a comfortable shared space like the bathroom to people who are not gender specific or transgender. However this article brings a new light on the other positive influences a non gender specific bathroom can bring like a mother with a son or a caretaker. These other examples helps to connect the transgenders’ issue with the shared space with those within the community who can benefit from these open, comfortable, and safe space.
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