The inspiration for this project took shape from some feelings of anger: anger at people who looked at me funny when I told them I didn’t want children, anger at both male and female friends who scoffed at the idea of being a feminist, anger at people who say sexism no longer exists. That anger led me to this exploration of female gender roles- how they are constructed, who and what influences them, and the implications it has on women’s perceptions of themselves. As a test subject, I chose to study myself by examining the different influences in my life that have contributed to my identity, and I have used this tree model to function as a mode of organization for the different categories:

 

I. The roots are representative of the history that influences me- my heritage, the institutions that I have grown up with and the traditions that still influence me today. These may appear seemingly less influential given the years that separate them from me; however, as a history major, I can say with absolute certainty, that history always matters.

 

II. The trunk is representative of the myriad forms of media that have influenced me throughout my life. Whether these are books, television, movies, commercials, or magazines, the effect of their message cannot be oversimplified.

 

III. And finally, the leaves are representative of the people in my lives. Groups of individuals that I have chosen to interact with or coworkers from the multitude of job positions I have held throughout the years. These people have some of the most obvious impact, but while the influence itself may seem apparent, what exactly that influence is might not be.