Dominique Moore
Intro into Gender Studies
Summer Course
6/22/06
What does it mean to be human?
What does it mean to be human is often asked, yet it is clearly defined. However with discussions in class we do not take the straight path on the definition of a “human”. We took what it meant to be human and challenged it. Wondering if an animal could be considered a human, or does it just have human like qualities. We looked at who decides this. Can it be changed? Questions were asked that mostly skimmed the surface not really getting down deep. We maybe do not go deeper with the fear of not being considered human if we did not find something about being human to be right. The definition of a human is clearly defined and those who do not want to rock the boat accept it. Those who think deeper upon the situation ask the question. What does it mean to be human?
When looking from a biological point, humans are considered to be a part of the animal kingdom. Yet, we do not look as animals with that sense of respect. We are in the same family with similar qualities yet considered to be on two different spectrums. We are part of the great ape family. Humans are 98.5% the same as an ape. Yet we still consider them to be wild animals but yet we are human. This brings up the question on what does it mean to be human.
According to Dictionary.Reference.Com the definition of a human is A Person. However how does one know what a person or a “human” is really considered to be? Since a young age we have been told a human is a man or a woman. A human has feelings and takes care off their offspring. To be human is to be judged, stereotyped, talked down upon, and when stepping out of the “norm” being human is to be weird. These ideas of being human are demonstrated on Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The men who were men, but happened to dress like women, act like women, and one actually turning himself into a woman knew what is was like to be human. They had the feelings. They were judged by those who did not accept them. They were considered to be weird for stepping out the norm.
Emotions are a big part of being human. Women show their emotions much more openly then a male. They could be sad, angry, depressed, or compassionate. Displaying these feeling are considered to be normal and human. However when I man wants to display the same type of feelings is he still considered a male human? Men are not supposed to show their emotions but yet it is human like to have such emotions. If a man were to openly display his feelings he might be looked at as less of a man and a human. Male humans are strong. Their purpose is not to be weak but the protectors.
Knowing what it is to be human has me question the idea that when someone is not acting human-like they are considered to be an animal. Yet animals contain man of the same human like qualities as a “human”. What does it mean to be human is the question, but I see it more as who decides we are human, and or how we should behave. Stepping out of the norms can make one not feel human, but if to be human means to be judged, or critizes for your ideas, style, or looks. To be shot down because of the type of human you are, or considered to be. Then to be human is to be stuck in a world where u do what is thought of as right and not what u think of as a free soul.
An online dictionary used to get definitions quickly from the web. Used the site to find the definition of a human.