The paradox of self-discovery
The role of parents in educating young girls on what to expect as they grow is overlooked, as depicted by Kobabe. While growing up, Kobabe learned everything the hard way through sexually explicit experiments to discover her sexuality. The irony shows the failure of society to prepare girls for maturity because much attention is given to the boy child.
The satire of role models
After starting her studies, Kobabe starts to identify herself with role models to help her define her sexuality and destiny. Paradoxically, the available heroes and models are predominantly males, such as Weir and Oscar. The missing of female heroines to act as Kobabe's role models is a paradox because, in a competitive society, there should be a balance between genders to promote equality.
The irony of gender-based confusion
Ender confusion emerges as both a major theme and irony in the entire memoir. The whole book is about Kobabe’s experiences as a woman trying to discover her gender identity. Together with her peers, Kobabe gets involved in unsatisfying sexual experimentations to prove that they are female. Consequently, the gender spectrum and lack of information is a paradox that contributes to gender confusion that girls go through in their lives.
