English Homework

Name: Kezia Natania Santoso

Grade and Section: 12D
Date of submission: 1st November 2020

One of the most influential preconceptions in human history is the concept of

gender stereotyping. Text 1 illustrated its prevalence in the society that we live
in. The text type is a comic strip written by Cathy Guisewite; presumably
obtained from a newspaper called ‘Universal Uclick’. The comic strip was
generally intended to reach out to individuals who were generally interested in
reading comics. Although, its specific audience are readers of ‘Universal
Uclick’. In order to convey the message and appeal to the audience successfully,
the cartoonist employed numerous stylistic devices and techniques. The comic
strip was published on the year 1986, making it of contemporary relevance as
gender stereotyping still exists until today. As a result, the readers would feel
more inclined to read the text as attention is sustained.

The comic strip exemplified the situation where there is an occurrence of gender
stereotyping in order to achieve the text’s purpose. This is done in order to
inform and influence the audience of its significance in the present time. One
reason that could have influenced the cashier lady’s ideas was the fact that the
comic strip was published in an era where there is a fixed perception on gender
roles, which is reflected in people’s attitudes. The idea of gender stereotyping
roots from seemingly functional beliefs that assigns individuals specific
attributes solely based on their gender. There were definite ideas and beliefs of
how women and men should be. Thus, the text demands kairos as gender
stereotyping is still as relevant in the present time; as It directly draws out the
commonality and unbudging attitude of the society.
 Likewise, the writer utilized words such as ‘strong fist’ and ‘mischievous
sparkle’ which explicitly implies to the perception of men having strong ,
masculine physical attributes and filled with self-confidence and leadership
qualities. This accentuates the idea of gender roles in the society as it gives
evidence of how individuals perceive and expect of men. For the purpose of
heightening audience appeal, the columnist harnesses stylistic devices in the
text. The writer employed plewds to indicate that the mother was shouting;
expressing how intense and deeply passionate she became when her baby was
labelled as a boy. This usage of emanata indicates the psychological state and
effect that she was in after her baby was gender stereotyped. This can be
contrasted to the lady, as her uniform facial expression implies that she is
emotionally detached in the conversation.

Throughout the text, rhythmic words such as ‘little’ and ‘strong’ are juxtaposed
as they create a contrast that makes the distinct characteristics for each gender.
The writer utilizes words like ‘strong, kicker’ to describe the boy. On the other
hand, the word ‘little, dimple’ was used to describe the girl. This highlights the
fact that the lady associates boys with strength and masculinity; while girls are
associated with inferiority and femininity. This can be interpreted as the
society’s consistent and unwavering perception on gender roles. Similarly, the
baby’s unvarying facial expression may indicate how it is unaware and ignorant
towards the situation; due to the baby’s age. Due to the situation of the text, the
tone of the text is conversational which makes the ideas delivered in a more
effective manner. The mood of the text is initially hopeful; and transforms to a
tense and critical one, as the mother displays her anticipation for the lady’s
judgement on her baby which contributes to the audience appeal. The overall
alteration of the mood of the text can be observed from the mother’s changing
facial expression, which expresses her disappointment.

At the very outset, the writer selects words deliberately in the phrase ‘totally
free from sex stereotyping’. The usage of alliteration in ‘ sex stereotyping ‘
contributes to drawing the attention of the reader. In a way, the phrase is
immediately highlighted in the reader’s mind and overshadows on what will
happen next in the text. There is a sense of irony in the text, as the mother says
“she’s a tough strong girl” , as she stereotyped her own baby and indirectly
agreed with the lady’s phrase of ‘strong fist’. This also can be connected to
where the mother initially wishes for her baby to be free from stereotypes.
Epiphora is also employed when the mother asserts the word ‘girl’ thrice, which
automatically grasps the audience attention as the writer puts emphasis on the
baby’s gender. The author employed simple language as it is essentially two
individuals conversing. This is due to the simplicity of the purpose of text,
which is to inform and highlight the occurrence and commonality of gender
stereotyping. The simplicity of the language also aids in understanding of the
reader.

Furthermore, through the structure of the comic strip, it can be observed that
there are four equal panels. This shows the author’s intention is to give equal
importance to all panels, provided that each of them contributes in playing a
role to the meaning of the text. In addition, the presence of solely four, short
panels demonstrates the straight-forwardness of the matter and entertains the
audience, as it makes it easier to read. It can also be associated with how quick
and easy it is for individuals to create judgements of someone’s gender through
their physical attributes. Accordingly, the creator opts for a black and white
scheme in order to accentuate the images, as well as expounding the emotions
of the characters more vividly.

In essence, Cathy Guisewite utilizes various stylistic devices in order to enhance

the delivery of her ideas through the comic strip. The usage of rhetorical
devices, emanata, and simple language all contribute to achieving the author’s
underlying purpose. Hence, the comic strip appeals to the reader as it actively
engages with the reader, sustaining interest and attention throughout the whole
text.