Virtual Cross Dressing Debate
Who is responsible for creating this cross dressing norm going on in todays MUDS? Men and women are both responsible and have admitted to this form of cross dressing for reasonings ranging from equaling gender ratios in the chat to self exploration. The most interesting topic in the Turkle writing surrounded around the topic that gender switching online is not easy. Consider the following:
"To pass as a woman for any length of time requires understanding how gender inflects speech, manner, the interpretation of experience. Women attempting to be men face the same kind of challenge." (Turkle, p213)
This point does represent how I feel about "cross dressing" online. I do not feel that I have understanding of how to communicate like a man, nor do I find an interest or desire to do so. I think the objectivity of sex in normal communication minimizes this desire, in this manner I do not have the desire to talk with women other than a woman-to-woman. Rather if I found myself intimately interested in communication with women, maybe I could forsee the challenge of becoming a virtual man.
I also respect the statement that the character Corey stated in the Turkle reading, "I also think the neutral characters are good." (Turkle, p212) Being a young female entering the business world my communication via the internet or live is slanted to being gender neutral on the basis of fairness and respect. I want to be treated with respect online whether I am female or male. I want to be treated like a human being, not a sex object. I want to be treated like a business professional and not a cyber buddy.
Responding to the question How does this ability influence our actions in digital space?
I personally believe that individuals should act ethically and respectfully about their online identities. In this manner I believe it is ethical to reveal your true gender. If I truly believed people followed a sort of online code of ethics I would be more trusting of MUDS and other cyber communities. Because I do not feel safe about the true nature of online identies I feel less willing to participate in online relationships.
Global Network
Comments
I understand the reasons you choose to be neutral with your gender. However, I wonder if that even helps the situation. I think as long as its an option to fill out on an application its going to be looked at and weighed, in an employment decision. Do you think women become more objectified online than in reality?
Posted by: Mills | February 7, 2007 8:38 PM