Throughout most of American history, boys and girls have generally
been steered into fields thought to be most appropriate for their sex. Boys
were typically driven into business, science, and technology, while girls were largely left
to service industries and support roles. Today, anyone can pursue their preferred
profession without regard for their sex. That said, many biases remain seemingly ingrained
in our culture. A female pilot today, for example, still faces an uphill
battle. So, too, does a man hoping to teach preschool.
For this assignment, you must:
- Conduct an interview with a person with a job that is
traditionally held by members of their opposite sex (e.g. a female personal
trainer)
- Shape the contents of that interview into a magazine-style
profile
In writing a magazine-style profile, strive to tell a narrative.
In other words, what is your subject’s personal story? How did he or she come
to this profession? What challenges does he or she face? What do they uniquely bring
to the job as a man or a woman?
Being that this is magazine-style writing, the format it takes
is up to you. However, keep in mind that your subject’s answers should be
embedded into the narrative, not separated out:
Q: How do people treat you
at work?
A: Generally, my coworkers are very nice.
As this is NOT a
traditional essay, pay special attention to structure; an nontraditional form
may serve you best. Also, it is up to you whether or not to interject yourself
into your profile (e.g. “It’s only fitting that I met Joan McCann on a rainy
and windy December morning.”).
Additional sample profiles from the New York Times:
Requirements:
- MLA Style
- Approx. 750 words
Due: Wed 2.7/Thu 2.8: DRAFT 1; BRING 2 COPIES; Wed 2.14/Thu 2.15: FINAL DRAFT 1
