X by Lois Gould
Create your own groups and answer the following questions in full sentences:
1. Why did the scientists name the new baby "X"?
2. Why were so many people turned down as possible parents for baby X?
3. How did people react to baby X? Give specific examples from the text; in other words, quotes (WITH in-text citations).
4. Why were the Joneses especially worried about X starting school?
5. Eventually, the other children began to act more like X. Why? Provide two examples from the story; quotes with in-text citations.
6. Why were most of the other parents upset by the way their children were acting after coming into contact with X?
7. Why do X's parents read him/her stories such as "Sleeping Handsome"?
8. Explain what the children mean when they say, "by the time it matters which sex X is, it won't be a secret anymore" (Gould 6).
The scientists named the baby “X” to conceal its sex and conduct a scientific experiment on gender neutrality.
Many people were turned down as potential parents for baby X because they couldn’t commit to raising the child without knowing its sex and adhering to the experiment’s guidelines.
People reacted to baby X with confusion and curiosity. Neighbors whispered, "“What is X?” they’d ask each other. “Boy or girl?”” (Gould 1). The store clerk asked, ““Little boy or little girl?” “It’s an X,” Ms. Jones said firmly. “I want a doll,” X announced. “Okay,” said Mr. Jones, looking bewildered. “And a fire engine,” X added as an afterthought. “Okay,” said Ms. Jones, faintly” (Gould 2).
The Joneses were especially worried about X starting school because they feared the other children would be cruel or ostracize X due to its ambiguous gender.
The other children began to act more like X because X’s behavior challenged traditional gender roles and offered them more freedom. For example, the girls started wearing overalls and playing with trucks (“Soon, all the children were wearing overalls—except the former sissies, who wouldn’t give up their frills entirely” (Gould 4)), and the boys started playing with dolls (“Then the former bullies started bringing dolls and dishes and toy sewing machines to school” (Gould 4)).
Most of the other parents were upset by their children’s behavior changes because it challenged their traditional views on gender roles and parenting.
X’s parents read stories like “Sleeping Handsome” to expose X to a variety of gender roles and avoid reinforcing stereotypes.
The children’s statement, “by the time it matters which sex X is, it won’t be a secret anymore” (Gould 6), means that they believe X’s biological sex will eventually become apparent through natural development, regardless of societal expectations or labels. They suggest that focusing on gender identity before puberty is unnecessary.