Midterm Proposal- The way we express sadness should not be determined by GENDER

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My original project was going to be a funny video of what happens when gender roles are switched. I decided to change my project, and instead focus on the psychology behind gender, particularly on the "boys don't cry" cliche.

Over our spring break, I was at my mother's house when I witnessed my niece and nephew being treated quite differently because of their gender. They were outside riding their bikes and collided with each other, both fell to the ground and scraped their knees. Even though my niece Lila is 2 years older than my nephew Marcus, their behavior was quite different due to the reinforcement of my family.

Lila, who is 6 years old, was crying and being consoled with the "it's okay, Sweetie, you're okay," while simultaneously rubbing her head and back, Marcus on the other hand was told "stop crying. BOYS don't cry," and given a hand to help him get up from off the floor.

Why do we teach our children that it's ok for girls to cry, while on the other hand boys are reprimanded for it?  What effects do these teachings have on our children? 

Sadness is an emotion felt by everyone, regardless of their gender, so why do we teach girls to show it and teach our boys to hold it? 

Is this reason why there are high rates of depression among women and high violence rate in men?

-This analysis will take the form of an article, to be published online. 

-The message is that sadness is an emotion felt by everyone. Boys should be allowed to show it when they feel it, and girls should also be taught not to dwell on it.

-The audiece is any future parents.

I understand that this topic is more to the culture side of our Imagery and Culture class, so if necessary, instead of focusing on just the cultural cliche, I will focus on movies/tv shows that depict this way of thinking.

"It is not okay for a grown-ass man to weep in public, in front of a bunch of happy families enjoying pie. If you can't hold it, you take your ass to the men's room and cry in private on the toilet. Like a man!" — Emerson, Pushing Daisies