"This just in...Gender dichotomy solidified by soap."

For all of you that are unaware, last year I obtained my Bachelors in Psychology and Social Behavior. Once my necessary courses were completed, my next interest was that of the Women's Studies field, because at the time I reasoned, "I'm a woman so that should be easy."

What I did learn, other than such cool and useful words as "dichotomy," was how to use it properly in a sentence. Like, "The dichotomy between men and women as exemplified in the media."

Now that I have taken those courses and feel quite well-read in the area of critical thinking, I can't help but notice how many traditional male/female gender roles are solidified in commercials, and consequently how much it infuriates me. I never claimed to be a feminist, in fact I used to call myself an anti-feminist because I believed feminist were hypocrites. This was because of my so-called "feminist" friends who would want equality amoung the sexes, except when it came to such issues as dating practices like paying, opening doors, making first moves, etc.

Is this reaction normal? When I see a commercial of a man calling, from the office, to his wife, at home, or a commercial of a woman cleaning and the man sitting on the couch or standing by the sink, I become so angry. Or the commercials when the mom saves the day with the KFC. Or when the woman is so excited that she has a new Febreeze smell in her Tide, obscenities forcefully escape my lips.

Even not in commercials, this reaction of mine is present. Like when I noticed dish soap developers inventing all these delicious smelling scents. So that time spent at the sink is as enjoyable and pleasant as possible, I can only assume.

To which I ask, how much time do "women" spend at the sink that an absolutely invigorating scent is warranted? Where is my place in all this? Will I ever be the type to be complacent with spending so many hours at the sink that the most exciting part of my day will be the new kiwi/lavender scent I picked up with a coupon at the local Albertson's? Breathe.

I sure hope not. But if it is, I can only hope it is because what I really want. Not just because Dove, Tide and Cascade told me so.