Racquel A. Francis

City College of New York

ENGL 21003: Writing for the Science

Professor Sonja Killebrew

May 21, 2020

Abstract

The focus of this paper will be the gendered language within biology and the understanding of both masculine and feminine energy to dismantle gender norms. This is important because biases can affect the quality of research and misinform readers, and it upholds patriarchal norms.

All individuals embody feminine and masculine energy, however, masculine traits are considered more favorable than feminine ones. Within patriarchal societies power is associated with masculinity, while weakness is attributed to femininity. This is reaffirmed within modern practices and institutions in subtle ways that we naturally embody as a driving force within our subconscious. Thus the narrative of gender roles gives more agency and a larger voice to individuals that fit into this mold and reduces those who are not, and this negatively impacts women. It is important to create narratives that embody different perspectives and deconstruct aspects of biology and sexuality to properly inform and uplift women.

Whilst describing the discourse of the biological system the roles of the female and male gametes reaffirm gender norms in regards to reproduction. Reproductive organs, the egg and the sperm act as models of the viewpoints of genders. Within the passage “The Egg and the Sperm”, the egg is described as inferior, wasteful, and passive. While the sperm is described as a savior, strong and active, it is clear that these descriptions uphold the values of patriarchal society regarding masculinity. Egg production is inferior because it is completed at birth in contrast to sperm being produced from puberty to senescence. On average women will produce 300,000 eggs and release between 400-500 in a lifetime, the menstruation of the egg is deemed wasteful and the egg’s shelf life degenerates. However, the sperm is spared this negative connotation despite producing 1 trillion sperm cells in a life which is 200,000 times the amount of eggs produced. Far more sperm cells are produced within a lifetime that will never be used to fertilize eggs in the reproduction system but the ability to produce so many is an accomplishment not waste. It is evident that the female reproductive system is denied positive narratives and illustrations because of the masculine qualities attributed to the male reproductive system. Within the 1950s and 60s when the narrative began to shift to describe the egg with an active role it was described with negative stereotypes and dependency for the sperm. It is discovered that the sperm’s tail is not strong enough to burrow inside of the egg once in contact but instead the egg “traps” sperm with adhesive molecules and digestive enzymes break down the zona. Wassarman describes the egg having receptors that act as a lock and the sperm as the key that allows for one sperm to infuse with the egg’s inner sphere. He changes the language and the role of each gamete for the egg has binding proteins called “ligands” which sperm act as a receptor to. Despite the role of each cell this scientist’s diction is skewed in favor of the sperm, which misinforms readers and reaffirms gender norms. The egg is also described to have a “ sophisticated biological security that screens sperm…and selects only those compatible for fertilization. This description frames the interaction between the cells in the manner of courtship and not as the naturally occurring system that it is. It is valuable that within biological practices that these cells and reproductive organs are not gendered, this is a process that simply needs to be neutral to properly inform readers. The illustrations described in the passage suggest that even in a process that requires a male and a female without the active role of a man’s sperm the passive egg is wasted by a woman’s body. It is reinforcing an inferiority complex as opposed to illustrating the miraculous process of procreation that requires male and female cells to actively recognize and fuse together. 

To properly inform women we have to analyze how our sexuality is framed to be negative, restrained and something to be protected much like the passive role of the egg in Martin’s reading. Within, “Thinking with Pleasure”, Yusuf highlights the importance of erotic agency, pleasure, and desire in regards to patriarchal domination. My first attempt at reading this text was difficult because I was unable to receive her message of changing the narrative of sexuality and not putting fear at the forefront. I was jaded by my experiences with sexual assault and could not understand the power of aligning with the origin of sexual pleasure. Now reading it for the second time I understand the importance of changing the narrative because it allows for sexual exploration and portrays true experiences.  It is clear that sexual pleasure does not align with the erosion of social justice, equity, or ends domination but expands the analysis of pleasure. All things within this world have dual perspectives that act as a balance. Therefore it is crucial to truly allow agency for women’s sexuality to create narratives that embody the good and the bad. Yusuf is not indicating that changing the narrative about sexuality prevents sexual abuse but instead provides a dual identity of it without allowing negative factors to be the forefront. She compares it to focus on the death of a loved one as opposed to allowing the memory of their presence to echo through your heart and understand the feeling of loss being finite. Without realigning with a positive frame of pleasure and getting in tune with the erotic we prevent sexual exploration, “historically, physically and socially”. An example of this within the studies of Christianity; the birth of desire through Eve was never accepted as an archetype in our societies. Sexual agency is excluded because it would provide women the power to resist male supremacy that patriarchal societies embody. This frame of mind allows for an abundance of erotic agency because you are in tune with your subconscious mind and spiritual plane. It is important to exercise this pleasure because when you allow pleasure you are joyful which means it is filled with love; this essence allows for freedom. In this state, you are embodying the erotic and you are less likely to be controlled or manipulated by societal norms. You are capable because you can align your past with your actions and define your present, this is the power of the erotic. This affirms that we as women play a role with precognitive communication as the subject and an active position to respond to these messages to properly portray a range of experiences.  

Although it is important to highlight the roles of gametes exclusively based on sex, however it is imporant to not uphold gendered norms within a practice of science. Especially regarding conception because it requires male and female to sustain life on Earth. This is important because regardless of gendered language used in biology in order to truly understand and come upon new discoveries, scientists have to engage with male and female species. Overall the discoveries and processes documented within science should  remain strictly factual, and social beliefs such as patriarchal norms should not intertwine with the research.

When in tune with the erotic women have the choice to consume and embody false narratives of our sexualities or diminish them and create space for sexual agency and exploration. There is a vast amount of power once you can recognize the patterns that patriarchy has normalized to limit agency. Through the understanding of this, we can truly empower and properly inform one another.