Ana Burenkova, Porcelain Blades (Student (2018))

In today’s society, it has become apparent that once an individual begins to associate themselves with a field dominated by the opposite sex, they are then expected to uphold the characteristics and roles of the dominating gender. Since the number of male dominated industries far surpasses those dominated by females, this concept is more so apparent in situations in which females have chosen to do a job, sport or hobby seen to be male centric. Being a young woman who collects tactical weapons and engages in the typically masculine activity of knife throwing, I was intrigued by the preconceived ideas that our society holds, regarding the way in which women are seen once they have associated themselves with a male dominated activity or industry. Although I would not describe myself as being inordinately ladylike, I still consider myself to be rather feminine. I for one have not subdued my femininity because of the activities that I engage in. However, the view I have of myself has not prevented others from perceiving me as unfeminine. This inaccurate, yet common perception is due to the activities that I am involved in. It has inspired me to challenge these expectations, as well as to contemplate the right that women have to engage in stereotypically masculine activities, whilst still preserving their femininity.

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