Moderate Sartre's Views On Gender Differences

1. The primary limitations that we have talked about in class are mainly physical or genetic. We mentioned that in order to be a successful surgeon, you need to have steady hands. For some of us, it is not physically possible. Another example that we mentioned was professional athletes. No matter how bad someone wants to be a professional athlete, there is a certain level of skill that may not be able to be reached due to genetic traits. Perhaps their parents are small or uncoordinated. The person is simply out of luck. I think a good example would be someone who wants to become a drummer. Some simply have more rhythm and natural musical abilities than others. Regardless of how enthusiastic or determined one is to be the “best”, their genetics may crush their dreams. I believe that Sartre’s example would be similar to this. Now what about the free choices of others? Can that possibly limit us in crafting our essences? Many would argue that other people’s freedom causes interference. In class we talked about male nannies. For most males, nothing physically or genetically would disrupt their dreams of being a “manny.” However, societal norms and people’s freedom can have a major impact on this. Parents are a lot less likely to hire a male nanny over a female nanny. It is not
that males would not be good at the good, it is simply because society views this idea as disturbing and uncomfortable. I believe that how gay people are treated is similar. Most gay people are just as talented when it comes to a specific job, but again much of society would not hire them simply because of who they are.

2.
I think the perfect example of someone who exemplifies the Moderate Sartre ideals is Lady Gaga. It is not unusual to find her in a meat, yes meat, costume, a sixties disco outfit, or nothing at all. She is one who truly expresses her freedom in the most bizarre ways. She talks and dresses how she wants rather than how she thinks society wants her to be. Her music is also very different, which makes her that much more expressive. In the previous question I mentioned that people who vary from the norm in life are viewed in a negative manner by society. However, she is so far from the norm that it has made her popular. Her fans are always anxious to see what she will be wearing or singing
next.

3. Does an obligation to promote freedom enhance freedom, or limit our own freedom? Without a doubt I believe that it limits our own freedom. The key word to me is obligation. If someone feels like they have to promote the idea of freedom, then they are in turn restricted from their own freedom. Freedom is the power to act in a way without hindrance or distraction. The obligation in fact violates this power. If everyone had this obligation, all anyone would ever talk about is freedom. So if everyone is talking about freedom, they are no longer free because they aren’t freely talking about freedom. Nobody should feel any obligations whatsoever when it comes to freedom. Freedom should be what you want it to be, and empower those around us rather than act as a barrier to itself.