As it was expressed through the speech “I’m a Feminist” written and performed by Emma Watson at the United Nations Headquarters, our gender affects our identity because it forms idealistic views of how our gender is meant to be. She begins by discussing how society affects one’s gender, which affects one’s minds, which then affects one’s identity. The mind is trained to intercept the gender norms, created by society, in a way that tells one that they are not allowed to like and adhere to the opposing gender: “I’ve seen my father’s role as a parent being valued less by society despite me needing his presence as a child” (Watson, UN). The stereotypical roles do not only affect one’s way of living but also their health: “I’ve seen young men suffering from mental illness’ unable to ask for help for fear that it would make them less of a man. – In the uk, suicide is the biggest killer of men” (Watson, UN). Emma also addressed the unpleasantry that is connected to characteristics that are often linked to women. She states that gender norms can be breached if people start to view gender as a “spectrum” and not two “opposing set of ideals”. Together it must be apparent that “both men and women should feel free to be sensitive, both men and women should feel free to be strong ” (Watson, UN). Our Gender affects our identity because it creates many mental health issues, especially for men. It makes them feel that they are un able to seek help. This is due to the lack of love for more stereotypical feminine attributes, such as: emotional, creative and soft. Through this speech, it is learned that not one characteristic is superior to the other, not one gender is superior to the other and we as humans are equal counterparts in a world that must come together to love the differences.

Watson, Emma. “Emma Watson to United Nations: I’m a Feminist.” HeforShe. United Nations Headquarters, New York. 20 Sept. 2014. Youtube.com. Web. 10 Jan. 2017.

“Boys’ Mental Health Concerns.” Pinterest. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017.