European Gender, Sexuality, and the Borders of Tolerance: 1914-2020

Introduction

This tutorial explores the key themes and discussions from the video "European Gender, Sexuality, and the Borders of Tolerance: 1914-2020." By examining historical perspectives on gender and sexuality, particularly through the lens of renowned historian George L. Mosse, we can gain valuable insights into contemporary issues of masculinity, femininity, and societal tolerance. This guide aims to provide an organized framework for understanding these concepts and their historical origins.

Step 1: Understand the Historical Context

• Familiarize yourself with the timeline of gender and sexuality discussions from 1914 to 2020.
• Recognize significant events that shaped societal views on gender, such as:
  • World War I and II
  • The rise of fascism
  • The feminist movements of the 20th century
• Consider how these events influenced stereotypes of masculinity and femininity.

Step 2: Explore Key Concepts

• Investigate the idealized concepts introduced by Mosse:
  • The "New Woman": A symbol of modernity and liberation for women in the early 20th century.
  • The fascist "New Man": A representation of traditional masculinity that emerged during times of political turmoil.
• Analyze how these archetypes reflect societal values and tensions regarding gender roles.

Step 3: Engage with Scholarly Frameworks

• Read Mosse’s classic book "Nationalism and Sexuality" to understand his arguments in depth.
• Consider how contemporary scholarship relates to Mosse's ideas by exploring:
  • Gender theory
  • Queer studies
  • Nationalism and its impact on gender perceptions
• Attend lectures or discussions featuring contemporary experts who expand on Mosse’s work.

Step 4: Reflect on Modern Implications

• Discuss how historical stereotypes of gender and sexuality inform today’s social dynamics.
• Identify ongoing challenges related to tolerance and acceptance of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
• Consider how these discussions apply to current events and societal movements in Europe and beyond.

Conclusion

This tutorial provides a structured approach to understanding the evolution of gender and sexuality from historical and contemporary perspectives. By engaging with the foundational concepts introduced by George L. Mosse and relating them to ongoing discussions in scholarly circles, you can deepen your comprehension of how the past shapes today's societal attitudes. As a next step, consider participating in related courses or discussions to further explore these important topics.