Gender Roles

Until recently i hadn't given much thought to the idea of gender and gender roles in society. However, it seems like every time i go somewhere this subject pops up. For example, yesterday i was watching the show 30 Rock, in case you haven't seen it, the main character Liz is very socially awkward. At one point in the show Liz sees a mother who is pushing her baby in a stroller. She goes up to the baby, leans over and says "Well aren't you adorable, you're going to grow up to be a big strong man." then she pauses and says, "or a beautiful woman, if thats what you decide." After she says this, the mom, like most people today probably would, looks at her strangely and storms away. At first this is a very funny scene but if you think about it, its pretty difficult. As talked about in class, gender roles in society are concrete and if you break them you're looked at as strange, weird, or different. The mom in this show obviously felt that way and may have even been offended at what Liz said. I just think this is a perfect example of how gender is looked at in society today. There is someone (Liz) who is completely open to the idea that the person can make a choice. On the other hand there is the mom who is offended at the idea that her baby boy may grow up to relate to being a woman more than a strong masculine man.