I was reading an article (in the Dallas Morning News 11/22) about former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor….interesting. Her husband, John O’Connor, has Alzheimer’s. It has progressed so much, he doesn’t have a memory of his life with Sandra at all. She said she wants him to be happy and if his new girlfriend makes him happy, then she is happy. Wow, don’t know if I could do that…that would be sooo hard. A psychiartrist said, young love is when you are happy, old love is when you want someone else to be happy.
Prevent Rape: Be Safe! November 9, 2007
I’m a….surivivor, I guess, of rape. It’s been two years now and I think I’m doing pretty good, emotionally. I have dated a few people, but nothing serious. The thing I wanted to say, is be careful.
I thought he was my best friend. I trusted him. Trust can be blind and stupid, I didn’t realize I was making myself vulnerable. I was at his apartment with a bunch of friends playing poker and drinking a little. Next thing I knew I was naked and sore. I stumbled around to find my things and put some clothes on, the room was spinning, my body hurt and I couldn’t think. I got into my car and drove home. No matter how many times I bathed, I still felt dirty. I tried to keep it a secret, because I felt stupid, dirty, and ashamed. How could I let this happen, what was I thinking, it’s my fault, I must have said it was okay, me! me! me! I spent the next year thinking that I asked him to drug and rape me, and since I didn’t fight back, I was saying yes.
Fight back. Don’t forget that men have urges, so stay out of harms way. Also, it might be hard to talk about it, but it’s a good thing. Talking to the police will keep it from happening to someone else, you can still fight back. Just be aware of your surroundings……
Gender, Folklore, and Changing Military November 9, 2007
Wow!!! I had no idea these types of events occured in our American military system. I was shocked to read the detailed stories of accepted and encouraged abusive behavior in the military. If you haven’t read this story, it’s quite the eye opener. There was discussion about the strange activities a soldier would complete to be fully accepted into thier company. I didn’t know that after a soldier gets thier wings, they have a seperate ceremony among thier soldier buddies. They place the wing pendant on the soldiers chest, unclasped, and take turns punching the pin. With each punch, the pendant sinks farther and father into the soldiers skin. Also, the sailors practice a kind of hazing as well. Their initiation includes crawling through a giant tube, filled with rotting food, to replicate a wales poop shoot. Talk about crass and disgusting!!!
I can’t believe that the commanding officers allow this type of behavior. Its no wonder people change when they join the military, even the ones that don’t go to war.
Domestic Violence: The Silent Destroyer November 9, 2007
Referring to the class discussion about domestic violence…..what the heck?! Why is this behavior not taken more seriously? Sometimes I think it is encouraged….boys are taught to be tough and masculine, how else can a boy prove his manly-hood, but to belittle someone else? Right? Isn’t that what boys are being taught today in America?
I have witnessed domestic violence first hand and I can only remember one time when there was legal action taken. I think the MAIN reasons that keep these silent predators safe from legality, is fear and acceptance. Fear, the reason why these abused women won’t turn in their abusers. They fear for their lives and their children’s lives. They fear further abuse and financial depravation. Acceptance; the media, fathers, coaches, and others pervert the view of true masculinity.
The boys in America are being trained via the internet, video games, television and comic books to become strong, controlling, demeaning and abusive partners in their future relationships. America needs to reverse this abusive downward cycle, by taking proactive steps towards harmony and respect; in the schools, the media and in the homes of these abusers. The current male predators need to be dealt with accordingly, so these boys understand the ramifications of their actions and this influence will no longer be present.
Some Fairy Tales Aren’t What They Seem….. October 6, 2007
Once upon a time…….. In a land far away,
~~~~~~~~
A beautiful, independent,
Self-assured princess
Happened upon a frog as she sat
Contemplating ecological issues
On the shores of an unpolluted pond
In a verdant meadow near her castle.
The frog hopped into the princess’ lap
And said: ” Elegant Lady,
I was once a handsome prince,
Until an evil witch cast a spell upon me.
~~~~~~~~
One kiss from you, however,
And I will turn back
Into the dapper, young prince that I am
And then, my sweet, we can marry
~~~~~~~~
And set up housekeeping in your castle
With my mother,
~~~~~~~~
Where you can prepare my meals,
~~~~~~~~
Clean my clothes, bear my children,
~~~~~~~~
And forever feel
Grateful and happy doing so. ”
~~~~~~~~
That night,
As the princess dined sumptuously
On lightly sautéed frog legs
Seasoned in a white wine
And onion cream sauce,
~~~~~~~~
She chuckled and thought to herself:
I don’t freakin’ think so.
Red Head Discrimination September 30, 2007
Discrimination happens to everyone, not just women. Wendy’s fast food restuarant has really taken red head discrimination to another level. Not all red heads look like Wendy. Watch this video and see for yourself.
Eating Disorders September 30, 2007
Writing the magazine paper got me thinking about the media and how it pretty much dictates how women should act, talk and think. As a woman, sometimes I feel like this is a dictatorship and not democracy. We live in a world where women are fed this unachievable goal of perfection since the day they are born and given a Barbie doll. This video hits this message out of the ballpark!
Gittup & Go! September 26, 2007
That was a fascinating film in class today (9/26)….ummmm.
Is the media the culprit for the unbeknownst self-objectification of women throughout all walks of life? Do women emotionally and physically stumble because of an unfeasible ambition of sexuality?
I think that mass media, cultivated by the economy, has grown into a civilization of unattainable standards; resulting in medical complications, self preservation, seclusion, excess sexual stimulation, youth infiltration and a plethora of subversive and undesired outcomes. As a society, we need to learn from the past, acknowledge the present, and prepare for the future; not only our own, but the future lives and aspirations of our youth, our children, siblings and future generations. We need to rise up and say ‘no’ to the American mass media. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, we need to get into the game. How can we object to these inhumane allegations of femme perfection, while continuing our everyday ignorance of action?
All I’m saying is, we cannot pick a side and remain still. You have to step forward or backward……..you choose…
My First Blog September 17, 2007
I found some funny quotes by women and I thought about the class
. “Whatever women must do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.“-Charlotte Whitton
“If high heels were so wonderful, men would still be wearing them.“-Sue Grafton
“When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country. “-Elayne Boosler
“In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man- if you want anything done, ask a woman.“ -Margaret Thatcher
“I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man I keep his house.“ -Zsa Zsa Gabor
“Behind every successful man is a surprised woman.“ -Maryon Pearson
“A gynecologist is like a mechanic who never owned a car.“ -Carrie Snow
I was looking in my dictionary for definitions of femenism, lesbians, masculinity, homosexuality, normality and so on. The words weak and inferior kept coming up. I think what Eleanor Roosevelt says below is profound and brilliant. Why survive a life of inferiority when we can live a life of equality!
“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.“ -Eleanor Roosevelt
