For me gender means the set of notions of being attributed to our physical sexual identity. For me, gender is closely related to the individual's physical gender. Indeed, the identity that comes from being a specific gender is one that serves to provide meaning to the individual in everyday life. Being a man means that I exist in a position of privilege and preference simply because of my gender identity and my collusion with that identity. Specifically, being a man means to me that I shouldn't be afraid to walk alone at night, I should be able to open jars on my own, and that I don't need to rely on the help of others in most situations. I compete with other males in our society to assert my masculinity by being self-sufficient, knowledgeable, and able to take on responsibilities. These are not exclusive statements, because I don't think adhering to these principles means that as a woman I wouldn't do it. However, I see myself following the path of least resistance in my life, and internally accepting patriarchal responsibilities. and the roles that patriarchy creates for men. I see the ridiculousness of the system that defines me as a man while also condemning femininity, and I realize that I want to be able to rely on, depend on, and have mutually beneficial relationships with women while still trying to assert my gender identity as a man as defined by patriarchy. I realize that calling myself a man means that I have internalized the norms of patriarchy including the feeling of need for autonomy and independence, yet I feel the pull of healthy relationships and friendships with the opposite sex. My definition of man is also linked to the reaction to this contradiction and my response to the system... at the center of the paper... to the system, which includes school, church, youth group and family. I was taught to be in control, to carve out an identity based on the approval of the larger group, and to seek the approval of the general population first in whatever group I am a part of. In conclusion, my gender identity is completely a product of the “path of least resistance” idea. I have existed for most of my life simply following the trends and norms around me. This has resulted in my relative inability to describe my gender identity beyond the stereotypes and norms that society imposes on all of us, such as dominance, assertiveness, and the need to control our surroundings and situation. However, through the studies I am pursuing during this course, as well as the studies related to the Sociology specialization, I am increasingly becoming an agent of resistance and change..