On Gender and Clothing

I related quite a bit to the message in "Exchanging Hats." I, for one, have thought for a long time about the ridiculousness of having clothing be gendered. It's literally cloth that you wear on you body. There is nothing about it that should be "for boys" or "for girls." If girls can wear pants and that's totally socially acceptable, then why can't boys wear skirts, dresses, or high heels? This is rooted in the patriarchal idea that femininity is bad unless you are a female, at which point it is required. This humor is also reliant on the assumption that there are only two genders, which is problematic in itself. 
I never found it funny when characters in television shows and movies wore clothing that was "supposed" to be for the opposite gender. It's an out-of-date, lazy joke that takes no comedic effort to make. More and more people are also not finding it funny as they too become aware of the damaging effects it can have on people, especially children. Schoolchildren have been ridiculed by both other kids and staff for carrying lunch boxes that are "supposed" to be for the opposite gender. No child should have to feel ashamed of what they enjoy. 
I completely relate to the "unfunny uncle" that Bishop mentions in her poem. From what it sounds like, the speaker of the poem cannot voice her opinions toward her aunts and uncles that are acting ridiculous.  I know exactly what it's like to have to deal with family members making offensive jokes, and not really being able to say anything. I have had to sit through family gatherings with gritted teeth because I can't call them out, because they're my family. So, like the speaker of the poem, I write about it.
Change is happening, though. Like what Bishop states in the last stanza of the poem, there is slow change. People are becoming aware of and challenging the traditional gender roles that still plague our society. It's definitely nice to see a little bit of change, and I think Bishop would agree.