The Body in Medical, Scientific and Socio-Cultural Discourses

In response to the class handout entitled above.

1. How do I define 'masculinity'/'femininity'? What kind of bodily attributes do I associate with 'masculinity'/'femininity'? I've been brought up in the 'western' world with all of its media influences and accompanying stereotypes. Thus my understanding of the masculine/feminine, would be that firstly, there are the physical attributes--the manliness, the virility; then there are lifestyle considerations like risk taking (eg: extreme sports), male camaraderie that is very different from the feminine equivalent. As for femininity, I see there being a much stronger cultural connection to the acceptable. As far as men or manly men seem to be risk takers, females or femininity dictate the stereotypical nurturing qualities of mothering. As for bodily attributes again I have to defer to the stereotypes that the mass media has pounded into our subconscious. Masculine men are strong, toned, basically eye candy. Feminine women are presented a plethora of media images to pressure them into looking/acting a certain way. Examples, high heels are sexy and glamorous, long eyelashes (how many brands of mascara are available these days), and also plastic surgery to obtain the perfect body.
2. How would I describe myself and body? A young, youthful woman who (on most days) makes the concerted effort not to fall into the 'frumpy mom' look that is so very easy to become a victim of. As for my body, post baby, there are many things I'd like to improve. Breastfeeding is great for the baby, but leaves me purchasing bras at $200 a piece just to look normal. Much of what I am not pleased with I workout to address, but I have not completely ruled out plastic surgery to fix the uneven c-section scar.
   
3. Do I know my body? What do I generally say when referring to my body? Most definitely I know my body. When appropriate I use the proper names for body parts and other times I make use of 'made-up' names. I'm not one to use slang in general so phrases like 'junk in the trunk' don't apply to my lifestyle. However, my son is now becoming aware of his and others' body parts and he notices that Mommy is different from Daddy...so for now I tell him the two pillows he loves to cuddle up to are 'boobies'. He's only two!
4. When I see my doctor the language we use is clinical, I'm fortunate enough to have a female doctor so sometimes I can describe things a little more graphically if need be. There is a sense of appropriate professional detachment, but once the physical exam is over it's almost like having a chat with a good friend. I don't feel there is a deliberate distance in place, she is a professional and thus must conduct herself accordingly. When I had a male family doctor it was definitely more awkward....I usually couldn't wait to leave the office.
5. I have been hospitalized too many time to count! However with the exception of one particular visit, I have been treated very well. Here I can go off on a tangent for my support for two-tier health care, but I shall remain focused. However, I will share that when I had my son, there came a point when they had to break my water...the nurses in labour and delivery were superb, in that the immediately changed the sheets while commenting that some of their colleagues just put some extra towels. Once I was transferred to post-partum ward I recall asking the nurse if she could stay with me while I had a shower and her response was 'you aren't that dirty'. I don't recall asking her opinion on my level of cleanliness....
6. Wow! What do I do for my body? Well, I try to exercise daily at least for an hour, I also like to take pilates, and I try very hard to eat well and to eat small portions. Post baby it's takes longer to see the results, but eventually I do.
   
7. Pleasure for me is decadence....indulgence, really great food, massages, being pampered, and most importantly intimacy...foreplay does not last for two minutes!
8. I am very fortunate to have my husband who is just as comfortable discussing the intimate aspects of our physical relationship. I'm not one for sharing with my friends; however one of my husbands close friends did comment that 'Mona looks like she would be very open to trying new things'. Said friend's wife who is the closest thing to a best friend and I think his basis for that comment was how very 'proper' she is.
9. I'm very easy going...live and let live. There is not much that makes me uncomfortable with the exception of Gay Pride week...I have no problem with their sexuality, and their celebrating it; however is it really appropriate to walk around bare naked (except for shoes and a hat) with a very large piercing dangling from one's penis? Time and place...
10. My body is definitely shaped by genetics...not really knowing my biological father's family very well, I do realize that I carry some of their characteristics. But then again there is my very wonderful mother who is always giving me tips on how to dress, eat, sit, stand etc.... I'm fortunate enough that my body is my own and it is not shaped by confines of religion or cultural influences. I will admit that I prefer to be thinner and more fit....and though I can achieve the fitness, the thinner is always hidden by these massive breast. Once I make a final decision on another baby, they will be reduced!