Grace Kataoka Maria Cochran Composition 04 September 20XX Rhetorical Analysis Let’s be honest, everyone knows someone who has dated a jerk and just thought, “Why him?” Especially when there are significantly better options in close reach. Julie Serano goes into great depth in her essay, “Why Nice Guys Finish Last” to explain this very idea. Serano has a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biophysics from Columbia University. She is also a writer/author, activist, and a recurrent speaker on transgender and LGBTQ+ issues. Serano effectively argues with personal experiences and logical arguments, and her expertise on gender dynamics informs readers on how society incentivizes heterosexual men to become “bad boys” to win the attention of women. …show more content…
She argues that this standpoint is based on entitlement, with these guys believing that being polite should be rewarded with women's affection and attention. Serano distinguishes between genuinely kind people, who give without expecting anything in return, and “nice guys,” who use niceness as a transactional technique for romantic benefit. She points out that when “nice guys” don't get what they believe they deserve, they frequently grow bitter, blaming women for preferring “jerks” to them. Serano adds that this viewpoint objectifies women by treating them as prizes for good behavior, rather than independent individuals with their preferences and desires. The essay also criticizes the societal narrative that portrays romance as a contest with no winners, in which males fight for women's attention. Serano suggests that this approach reinforces gender stereotypes and fosters detrimental expectations. Genuine relationships, on the other hand, are based on mutual respect, consent, and understanding rather than fulfilling preset roles. Finally, Serano's essay questions the entitlement behind the "nice guy" character and promotes self-awareness and genuine generosity without expectation of