Gustavo Rodriguez: Gender in the South

The discussion of gender Roles in the South brings up alot of debate. In the reading of "The Hunting Years" by Tom Franklin we find an individual who is trying to fit the role of a hunter in Alabama. For the sake of confirming his southern acceptance. Unfortunately for him due to his lack of interest and skill he isn't able to fit the mold of his surrounding. Often questioning his manhood and lashing out his frustrations on himself. He wants to make his father proud of him. Who is a skilled hunter in his own regard. By being a hunter like his father Tom hopes to be a Man. This will be his coming of age to adulthood. Ultimately, Tom's father is proud of him but, tells him that being a man is more then killing a 8 point buck. On the other side of the fence in the reading " Confession of a Failed Southern Lady" King explains what the proper role is for a lady in southern Virginia. Her family comes from prestige and heritage tied to the land. Grandmother is trying to make her child to fit a role that isn't true to herself. She is often shown behaviors that exhibit more masculinity rather then femeanlity such as playing softball and hanging out with the boys. Grandmother is frustrated by the lack of female pose in her daughter. So much so that he looks to replace Mother with a different daughter that fits her idea of a women. Both of these stories represent two individuals who are fighting against the norm of what there environment or society demands correct. No matter how much they fight the outside influences they can't escape who they truly are inside. King and Franklin have realized that gender shouldn't define the person. There actions make up who they really are inside no matter the stereotype or role they are set with.