Soc 38
Spring 2014
Professor Better

Final Paper

Sex and gender have been theorized in a variety of ways. As we know, one way gender can be theorized is as a socially constructed set of rules and norms in society. Simone de Beauvoir’s infamous quote “one is not born, but becomes a woman” highlights this way of understanding gender (de Beauvoir 1952:249). In this view, the process of gendering is a social process.

In this assignment, you will closely examine a text for meanings related to gender. Beginning by looking at de Beauvoir’s standpoint, you will argue that gender is (or is not) a social construction. To do this you will analyze lyrics from the Dar Williams song When I Was a Boy. By engaging with the lyrics of this song through close reading you will create your own analysis about gender.

Do you agree that gender is a social construction in the way the songwriter has written? To deeply analyze this text you will apply (at least) five course readings we have discussed in class to the song lyrics.

You will formulate a thesis that persuasively and coherently connects the theoretical paradigm(s) introduced in class to your close reading of the lyrics. You must support this thesis with solid examples drawn from the lyrics and texts you are discussing.

To do this:
First, you will need to do a close reading of the song lyrics. You will then work to connect these lyrics directly to the course readings. In your essay, you will use the course readings to support your analysis of the song. Your essay needs a clear point of view, starting with a thesis statement or question that guides and structures your essay.

All papers are to be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced, with one inch margins, and stapled. Page numbers should appear on each page. The paper must have a title that reflects its contents and a works cited page. All quotes must be cited.
When I Was a Boy
Dar Williams
1993

I won’t forget when Peter Pan came to my house, took my hand I said I was a boy; I’m glad he didn’t check. I learned to fly, I learned to fight, I lived a whole life in one night We saved each other’s lives out on the pirate’s deck. And I remember that night when I’m leaving a late night with some friends And I hear somebody tell me it’s not safe, someone should help me I need to find a nice man to walk me home. When I was a boy, I scared the pants off of my mom, Climbed what I could climb upon And I don’t know how I survived, I guess I knew the tricks that all boys knew. And you can walk me home, but I was a boy, too. I was a kid that you would like, just a small boy on her bike Riding topless, yeah, I never cared who saw. My neighbor came outside to say, “Get your shirt,” I said “No way, it’s the last time I’m not breaking any law.” And now I’m in a clothing store, and the signs say Less is More More that’s tight means more to see, more for them, not more for me That can’t help me climb a tree in ten seconds flat When I was a boy, See that picture? That was me Grass-stained shirt and dusty knees. And I know things have gotta change, They got pills to sell, they’ve got implants to put in, they’ve got implants to remove But I am not forgetting…that I was a boy too. And like the woods where I would creep, it’s a secret I can keep Except when I’m tired, except when I’m being caught off guard. I’ve had a lonesome awful day, the conversation finds its way To catching fire-flies out in the backyard. And I tell the man I’m with about the other life I lived And I say now you’re top gun, I have lost and you have won And he says, Oh no, oh no, can’t you see When I was a girl, my mom and I, we always talked I picked flowers everywhere that I walked. And I could always cry, now even when I’m alone I seldom do And I have lost some kindness But I was a girl too. And you were just like me, and I was just like you.