Reading - Latterell pgs2-48

What do the two episodes she relates reveal about the ways cultural assumptions shape or affect an individual's gender identity?

Women have been constantly reminded, that if they want to be fit into the image of what a "real" woman looks like, they have to wear make up, wear clothes that accentuate their curves, act like a lady (whatever that is), and have hairstyles that undoubtedly shows people that she is a female and proud of it.
Personally, unless I 'm at work, where business casual is required, I feel most comfortable with nylon Adidas pants and a sweatshirt, complimented by a baseball cap. Which has caused a few people at drive thru restaurants to call me "sir".
What amazes me is, that no matter how little money someone may have, they will find a way to purchase "beauty" items. As if going a day or two without eyeliner or shaving is going to totally bring chaos to their persona.
Another revelation that I've made is how the type of outfit and hairstyle we choose, automatically makes people assume whether you are gay or straight, rich or poor, and promiscuous or "Mrs. Olsen". We have made ourselves accept certain looks for different types of people (male or female).
If males can have long hair (Kid Rock), and not be called "girlish", why can't females shave their heads (Sinnead O'Connor) without being told they look like a boy. Unfortunately, not all females have the ability to grow long, shiny and highlighted hair. This is where extensions become a profitable item. If you don't know what extensions are, here's a synopsis: the adding of hair, synthetic or human, in order to maximize length. These extensions come in a variety of styles, textures and colors, and of course, nothing makes you feel more like a woman than long flowing hair.
We spend a lot of time and energy proving to the world that we are feminine/masculine, when in the end, the world creates its' own opinion on whether we fit the criteria.
Maybe a tattoo on our foreheads will cut back on the confusion. Not !