To address this social science discussion question, you’ll want to select three quotes from Sherry Ortner’s “Is Woman to Man as Nature is to Culture” and combine them with insights from Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl.” Then, you can use these quotes and insights to discuss how the readings have affected your understanding of gender, self, and the concept of the “other.” Consider the historical context in which these works were written and how they relate to contemporary perspectives on gender. Here’s a structured approach to answering the question:

Introduction:

• Briefly introduce the two readings: Ortner’s “Is Woman to Man as Nature is to Culture” and Kincaid’s “Girl.”
• Mention that you will choose three quotes from Ortner’s work and relate them to Kincaid’s piece.
• Provide an overview of the main themes and concepts in the readings.

Body:

1. Quote 1 from Ortner and its relation to Kincaid:
   • Select a quote from Ortner’s essay that highlights the distinction between gender roles or the concept of women as closer to nature.
   • Explain how this quote relates to Kincaid’s “Girl.” Does Kincaid’s work reinforce or challenge this idea?
   • Reflect on your personal reaction to this comparison and how it influences your perception of gender.
2. Quote 2 from Ortner and its relation to Kincaid:
   • Choose another quote from Ortner’s essay that explores the relationship between gender and culture.
   • Discuss how this quote connects to Kincaid’s depiction of gender roles or cultural expectations in “Girl.”
   • Reflect on how this comparison has made you reevaluate your assumptions about gender and culture.
3. Quote 3 from Ortner and its relation to Kincaid:
   • Pick a third quote from Ortner’s essay that deals with the concept of “othering” or the construction of gender differences.
   • Analyze how this quote can be applied to Kincaid’s portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship in “Girl.”
   • Share your thoughts on how these readings have influenced your understanding of the “other” in the context of gender.
4. Historical Context and Contemporary Perspective:
   • Discuss the historical context in which Ortner’s and Kincaid’s works were written. How did the social and cultural norms of that time influence their perspectives on gender?
   • Examine how these writings can still provide valuable insights into contemporary discussions about gender roles, identity, and the “other.”
   • Reflect on whether the concepts discussed in these readings are still relevant today and how they contribute to our understanding of gender.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the key takeaways from your analysis of the selected quotes and their relation to Kincaid’s work.
• Reiterate how these readings have challenged or reinforced your assumptions and perceptions of gender, self, and the “other.”
• Conclude by discussing the significance of learning about gender in today’s context and how these writings continue to illuminate our thinking about gender.