Enrique Irizarry
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
April 20, 2010
Activism Blog #9:
Up to this point our team seems to be moving in the right direction. Our goals are being met. As of now, we are currently working on table ling at the University of Central Florida. We have been able to gather some recruits to help us; the NOW organization at the university. The members that are available to attend will have lab-tops ready for anyone who would like to sign up for the petition. The students will be informed of what our goals are and what their signatures mean to our petition. Unfortunately, I will not be able to meet during these times specified for table ling due to my work schedule. Yet, I am still spreading the word to multiple people online.
I do believe that table ling will definitely help spread our message. Many students will be astonished to discover who Alice Paul is and what the women’s movement was really about. To this day, as I substitute countless students, I ask if any of them know who Alice Paul is, and they still give me blank stares. Table ling with further allow us to reach people who may not be able to have access or knowledge of our movement, and from there they can tell their friends about our message and the petition. By table ling at the University, we are becoming what Megan Seely noted about third wavers and how, “We don’t want to be expected merely to show up for events but rather want to be included in the design and creation of the event. We don’t want to be considered the future of the movement; we want to be part of the movement today and help build for the future(71).” We are taking these such actions to one day change the way students are learning history. We want people to learn and realize what struggles women had to face like other groups in history. As third wavers, we want recognition for what everyone has done to contribute to history and not just a select group of people that may be considered more important than another. Our ultimate goal is to gain enough recognition to make changes in the way we look at women and their contributions to history and this country.
Our actions speak louder than our words and as a group, we still have one more week to continue to spread our message and be active. Also, throughout the remainder of the week, our group will discuss how we will present our project to our classmates. Everything from timelines, to face book, to emailing, will be discussed in regards to the proper presentation of our project.
Works Cited:
Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Enrique Irizarry
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
ABSTRACT:
Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power
“To encourage excellence is to go beyond the encouraged mediocrity of our society. To go beyond the encouraged mediocrity of our society is to encourage excellence.”
-Audre Lorde
In her essay titled, “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power,” Audre Lorde points to the importance of the erotic while clearing up the mainstream idea of what the erotic is and what it is not. Lorde emphasis what the erotic is not. The erotic is not a mindset that women have, which allows them to want to be engaged in sexual activity such as pornography or anything related to obscene material. What the mainstream idea believes the erotic is made of is completely contradictory to what it actually is. According to Lorde, the erotic is a state of mind and realization that women reach within themselves and bring outward in order to finally live their lives to the fullest. With this newly found discovery of the true erotic come benefits. Audre Lorde states some of the benefits from the erotic that she experiences are as follows: the erotic allows women to have the power to share deep information, for any reason, with another person. Second, the erotic allows Lorde to share any information of joy through all forms such as: physical, emotional, psychic, or intellectual. One of the biggest ways the erotic helps Lorde is through the “fearless” odyssey of searching for joy. Furthermore, the erotic is the capacity for feeling which does not necessarily have to come with strings attach. One of the most profound findings of the erotic is the ability to experience joy without such add-ons as marriage, an after-life or any other external sources. Unfortunately, as Lorde also indicates, the journey of the erotic is an internal struggle. Lorde notes that most women who live under the typical European-American male tradition find it hard to reach their full scope as women and the erotic. In the patriarchy system that many of these women live in, most are bombarded with fears of not believing in such a life style due to racism and anti-erotic societies. For many women it is hard to be alone, but, with isolation there comes definition of oneself. Finding the individual erotic test the norms of many societies and requires women to move beyond traditional ways. Lorde also mentioned that the erotic makes women fearless and powerful and this is precisely the reason why most men, who support and provide favor to the patriarchy societies, reduce women and their erotic only as far as the bedroom . The erotic is a power, and once found, can lead to good and bad consequences depending on one’s perspective. As Lorde also states, the erotic is being misused for the benefit of men and until women discover it within themselves then nothing will change.
Works Cited:
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. Print.
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
ABSTRACT:
Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power
“To encourage excellence is to go beyond the encouraged mediocrity of our society. To go beyond the encouraged mediocrity of our society is to encourage excellence.”
-Audre Lorde
In her essay titled, “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power,” Audre Lorde points to the importance of the erotic while clearing up the mainstream idea of what the erotic is and what it is not. Lorde emphasis what the erotic is not. The erotic is not a mindset that women have, which allows them to want to be engaged in sexual activity such as pornography or anything related to obscene material. What the mainstream idea believes the erotic is made of is completely contradictory to what it actually is. According to Lorde, the erotic is a state of mind and realization that women reach within themselves and bring outward in order to finally live their lives to the fullest. With this newly found discovery of the true erotic come benefits. Audre Lorde states some of the benefits from the erotic that she experiences are as follows: the erotic allows women to have the power to share deep information, for any reason, with another person. Second, the erotic allows Lorde to share any information of joy through all forms such as: physical, emotional, psychic, or intellectual. One of the biggest ways the erotic helps Lorde is through the “fearless” odyssey of searching for joy. Furthermore, the erotic is the capacity for feeling which does not necessarily have to come with strings attach. One of the most profound findings of the erotic is the ability to experience joy without such add-ons as marriage, an after-life or any other external sources. Unfortunately, as Lorde also indicates, the journey of the erotic is an internal struggle. Lorde notes that most women who live under the typical European-American male tradition find it hard to reach their full scope as women and the erotic. In the patriarchy system that many of these women live in, most are bombarded with fears of not believing in such a life style due to racism and anti-erotic societies. For many women it is hard to be alone, but, with isolation there comes definition of oneself. Finding the individual erotic test the norms of many societies and requires women to move beyond traditional ways. Lorde also mentioned that the erotic makes women fearless and powerful and this is precisely the reason why most men, who support and provide favor to the patriarchy societies, reduce women and their erotic only as far as the bedroom . The erotic is a power, and once found, can lead to good and bad consequences depending on one’s perspective. As Lorde also states, the erotic is being misused for the benefit of men and until women discover it within themselves then nothing will change.
Works Cited:
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. Print.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Activism #8
Enrique Irizarry
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
April 13, 2010
Activism Blog #8:
As noted by one of our petition signers, Paula Hampton, signer number 201, "This is very important, especially since all efforts towards getting the Equal Rights Amendment to become a reality have taken a back seat in the public's conscienceness in this new millenium. We women need to take up this issue again and run hard with it! It's the right thing to do for ourselves, for our children, and the next seven generations that come after us. This could have profound effects on the fututre of those generations."
Although I am very pleased that our petition seems to be moving in the right direction, I somewhat wish that Paula Hampton would have chosen her words more carefully. Basically, I wish that she would have took the time to notice that this movement isn't just about women acting for change, but men as well who support this movement, like me:) Furthermore, Megan Seely stated it clearly when she said in her text, "Fight like a Girl," "Men are not the enemy. They, too, are at a disadvantage in a patriarchal soceity. Men in the feminist movement can take a stand against gender-based oppression and speak out about the cult of masculinity that boxes them into a very narrow accepted norm(81)."
Also, as I watched the movie, Bridge to Terabithia, I thought it was funny how Jess Aarons thought is was weird that Leslie Burke could build things so well. Leslie came back and noted, how was it possible for a boy, like himself, to not be good at building, but draw well as an artists? This is precisely the reason why this movement affects both men and women, boys and girls. Although there may be some discrepencies, I am happy to note that there are people willing to help with their signatures.
Also, I am happy to say that I have successfully emailed all of my organizations and all of the colleges that I was designated to contact via email. This was perhaps that most challenging task. Emailing all the college from the states of Hawaii to Maryland was nothing easy, but our group has enjoyed success. Just recently, the head coordinator/chair at Western Illinois University already made contact with us and noted that she will pass on the word. Overall, this past week has been a success.
Work Cited:
Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
April 13, 2010
Activism Blog #8:
As noted by one of our petition signers, Paula Hampton, signer number 201, "This is very important, especially since all efforts towards getting the Equal Rights Amendment to become a reality have taken a back seat in the public's conscienceness in this new millenium. We women need to take up this issue again and run hard with it! It's the right thing to do for ourselves, for our children, and the next seven generations that come after us. This could have profound effects on the fututre of those generations."
Although I am very pleased that our petition seems to be moving in the right direction, I somewhat wish that Paula Hampton would have chosen her words more carefully. Basically, I wish that she would have took the time to notice that this movement isn't just about women acting for change, but men as well who support this movement, like me:) Furthermore, Megan Seely stated it clearly when she said in her text, "Fight like a Girl," "Men are not the enemy. They, too, are at a disadvantage in a patriarchal soceity. Men in the feminist movement can take a stand against gender-based oppression and speak out about the cult of masculinity that boxes them into a very narrow accepted norm(81)."
Also, as I watched the movie, Bridge to Terabithia, I thought it was funny how Jess Aarons thought is was weird that Leslie Burke could build things so well. Leslie came back and noted, how was it possible for a boy, like himself, to not be good at building, but draw well as an artists? This is precisely the reason why this movement affects both men and women, boys and girls. Although there may be some discrepencies, I am happy to note that there are people willing to help with their signatures.
Also, I am happy to say that I have successfully emailed all of my organizations and all of the colleges that I was designated to contact via email. This was perhaps that most challenging task. Emailing all the college from the states of Hawaii to Maryland was nothing easy, but our group has enjoyed success. Just recently, the head coordinator/chair at Western Illinois University already made contact with us and noted that she will pass on the word. Overall, this past week has been a success.
Work Cited:
Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.
Blog #8-"Just close your eyes, but keep your mind open"-Leslie Burke
Enrique Irizarry
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
April 14, 2010
Blog #8
As stated by the Fray, “Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend somewhere along in the bitterness and I would have stayed up with you all night had I known how to save a life.” After viewing the movie, “Bridge to Terabithia,” these lyrics by the Fray struck my mind. When Leslie Burke past away she left her mark on Jess Aarons. Leslie meant more to Jess than anything else in the world and Jess admired her just as much. Yet, more than their wonderful relationship with each other, it was their passion for adventure in a place once forgotten by many kids today, nature. Leslie and Jess went on numerous odysseys. Nature was the driving force behind their escape from society and the everyday culture that they lived in, school. This movie has depicted images that many people may see as different. Jess was the artist, while Leslie was the adventurer. It was amazing to see this in the characters since in today’s view of nature, boys are usually the warriors and girls are characterized as being soft and dainty, or the artist. Furthermore, the image of nature has played a major role in consecrating the importance of cherishing the outdoors. From an environmental justice standpoint, to a delocalization view, nature is seen as the binding between relationships of family members and friends in Bridge to Terabithia.
Leslie said it perfectly when she stated, “You’ll see, just close your eyes and keep you mind open.” When people begin to cherish the wonders of nature, magic happens. As Kirk and Okazawa-Rey mentioned, “Nature is not something far away, to be encountered on weekend hikes or occasional camping trips. Everyone is connected to the natural environment in the most mundane but profound way: through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, as embodied human begins in a continuum of life.” This is precisely what Leslie has emphasized and shown Jess to do, to think about nature and its wonders because it’s everywhere.
Leslie and Jess are constantly harassed by other students because of their relationship with nature. Leslie has no t.v. because her father believes that it kills brain cells. This is similar to what Elizabeth, in Gaia Girls-Enter the Earth, goes through at her home. Elizabeth watches “Tree T.V.” Tree t.v. is watching nature at work and admiring the beauty that takes place when a tree falls and nature takes over.
Jack Aarons, Jess’ father, said, “She brought you something special when she came here, didn’t she? That’s what you hold on to. That’s how you keep her alive.” Just like Elizabeth in Gaia Girls, series one, Jess must learn to embrace what Leslie has marked on him, the fascinating world of nature and imagination. Nature was depicted as both scary and hurtful at times, but with the right mind set anyone can see that nature is always on your side.
Works Cited
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. Print.
Welles, Lee, and Ann Hameister. Gaia Girls: Enter the Earth. White River Junction, Vt.: Chelsea Green Pub., 2006. Print.
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
April 14, 2010
Blog #8
As stated by the Fray, “Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend somewhere along in the bitterness and I would have stayed up with you all night had I known how to save a life.” After viewing the movie, “Bridge to Terabithia,” these lyrics by the Fray struck my mind. When Leslie Burke past away she left her mark on Jess Aarons. Leslie meant more to Jess than anything else in the world and Jess admired her just as much. Yet, more than their wonderful relationship with each other, it was their passion for adventure in a place once forgotten by many kids today, nature. Leslie and Jess went on numerous odysseys. Nature was the driving force behind their escape from society and the everyday culture that they lived in, school. This movie has depicted images that many people may see as different. Jess was the artist, while Leslie was the adventurer. It was amazing to see this in the characters since in today’s view of nature, boys are usually the warriors and girls are characterized as being soft and dainty, or the artist. Furthermore, the image of nature has played a major role in consecrating the importance of cherishing the outdoors. From an environmental justice standpoint, to a delocalization view, nature is seen as the binding between relationships of family members and friends in Bridge to Terabithia.
Leslie said it perfectly when she stated, “You’ll see, just close your eyes and keep you mind open.” When people begin to cherish the wonders of nature, magic happens. As Kirk and Okazawa-Rey mentioned, “Nature is not something far away, to be encountered on weekend hikes or occasional camping trips. Everyone is connected to the natural environment in the most mundane but profound way: through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, as embodied human begins in a continuum of life.” This is precisely what Leslie has emphasized and shown Jess to do, to think about nature and its wonders because it’s everywhere.
Leslie and Jess are constantly harassed by other students because of their relationship with nature. Leslie has no t.v. because her father believes that it kills brain cells. This is similar to what Elizabeth, in Gaia Girls-Enter the Earth, goes through at her home. Elizabeth watches “Tree T.V.” Tree t.v. is watching nature at work and admiring the beauty that takes place when a tree falls and nature takes over.
Jack Aarons, Jess’ father, said, “She brought you something special when she came here, didn’t she? That’s what you hold on to. That’s how you keep her alive.” Just like Elizabeth in Gaia Girls, series one, Jess must learn to embrace what Leslie has marked on him, the fascinating world of nature and imagination. Nature was depicted as both scary and hurtful at times, but with the right mind set anyone can see that nature is always on your side.
Works Cited
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. Print.
Welles, Lee, and Ann Hameister. Gaia Girls: Enter the Earth. White River Junction, Vt.: Chelsea Green Pub., 2006. Print.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Road Trip-Blog #7
Enrique Irizarry
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
April 4, 2010
Road Trip
By Riverbend
“We heard the usual instructions before we left- stop at checkpoints, return before dark and if anyone wants the car, give them the keys- don’t argue, don’t fight it.” This is the personal reflection of Riverbend on a “Road Trip” to an aunt’s house. Her reflection of this day was descriptive of the usual day spent in Iraq since the war started. Nothing has been the same. Riverbend notes that “Being out in the streets is like being caught in a tornado. You have to be alert and ready for anything every moment.” It is sad to read how much a country has changed and the people within the country. In this particular blog entry, Riverbend wants to educate readers on the realities of everyday life in Iraq. As her and families members try to travel through the streets of Iraq, terror strikes and lurk everywhere. Riverbend also expands and informs readers of the creation of gangs. Many people have organized and recruited people into gangs in order to obtain power and gain the scarce resources left. These gangs thus form borders that tell people living in certain district where to go, what is safe, and where not to cross. Gloria Anzaldua reflects on similar images when she notes that, “Borders are set up to define the places that are safe and unsafe, to distinguish us from them (393).” Anzaldua also states that borders are, “…a constant state of transition (393).” This is exactly what Riverbend is speaking of, a constant state of transition where there is frequent hostility and a constant state of alertness. Riverbend wants readers to understand “The ride that took 20 minutes pre-war Iraq, took 45 minutes today.” Her life, and for the lives of those around her, is no longer what it used to be, and danger lurks even with the countenance of one’s face upon another.
According to Kirk and Okazawa-Rey on Globalization and Militarism, “In the current war on Iraq, a key issue is access to oil to supplies.” Furthermore, as Riverbend mentions herself, “Gasoline lines drive people crazy because, prior to the war, the price of gasoline in Iraq was ridiculously low. A liter of gasoline (unleaded) cost around 20 Iraqi Dinars when one US dollar equaled 2,000 Iraqi dinars. In other words, 1 liter of gasoline cost one cent! A liter of bottled water cost more than gasoline. Not only does it cost more now, but it isn’t easy to get. I think they’re importing gasoline from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.”
In conclusion, Riverbend notes the everyday struggles that are prevalent. From picking up gas, to travelling to an aunt’s house, nothing is the same with new foreign and domestic hostilities. Riverbend aspires to inform readers of personal reflections that go sometimes un-noticed by people who are not on “that side of the border.”
Works Cited:
Riverbend. "Road Trip." Web log post. Baghdad Burning. Blogger, 30 Aug. 2003. Web. 4 Apr. 2010..
Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
April 4, 2010
Road Trip
By Riverbend
“We heard the usual instructions before we left- stop at checkpoints, return before dark and if anyone wants the car, give them the keys- don’t argue, don’t fight it.” This is the personal reflection of Riverbend on a “Road Trip” to an aunt’s house. Her reflection of this day was descriptive of the usual day spent in Iraq since the war started. Nothing has been the same. Riverbend notes that “Being out in the streets is like being caught in a tornado. You have to be alert and ready for anything every moment.” It is sad to read how much a country has changed and the people within the country. In this particular blog entry, Riverbend wants to educate readers on the realities of everyday life in Iraq. As her and families members try to travel through the streets of Iraq, terror strikes and lurk everywhere. Riverbend also expands and informs readers of the creation of gangs. Many people have organized and recruited people into gangs in order to obtain power and gain the scarce resources left. These gangs thus form borders that tell people living in certain district where to go, what is safe, and where not to cross. Gloria Anzaldua reflects on similar images when she notes that, “Borders are set up to define the places that are safe and unsafe, to distinguish us from them (393).” Anzaldua also states that borders are, “…a constant state of transition (393).” This is exactly what Riverbend is speaking of, a constant state of transition where there is frequent hostility and a constant state of alertness. Riverbend wants readers to understand “The ride that took 20 minutes pre-war Iraq, took 45 minutes today.” Her life, and for the lives of those around her, is no longer what it used to be, and danger lurks even with the countenance of one’s face upon another.
According to Kirk and Okazawa-Rey on Globalization and Militarism, “In the current war on Iraq, a key issue is access to oil to supplies.” Furthermore, as Riverbend mentions herself, “Gasoline lines drive people crazy because, prior to the war, the price of gasoline in Iraq was ridiculously low. A liter of gasoline (unleaded) cost around 20 Iraqi Dinars when one US dollar equaled 2,000 Iraqi dinars. In other words, 1 liter of gasoline cost one cent! A liter of bottled water cost more than gasoline. Not only does it cost more now, but it isn’t easy to get. I think they’re importing gasoline from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.”
In conclusion, Riverbend notes the everyday struggles that are prevalent. From picking up gas, to travelling to an aunt’s house, nothing is the same with new foreign and domestic hostilities. Riverbend aspires to inform readers of personal reflections that go sometimes un-noticed by people who are not on “that side of the border.”
Works Cited:
Riverbend. "Road Trip." Web log post. Baghdad Burning. Blogger, 30 Aug. 2003. Web. 4 Apr. 2010.
Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.
Activism log #7
Enrique Irizarry
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
April 4, 2010
Blog #7:
This past week has been composed of gathering information from schools and organizations. This is taking longer than expected because there are many schools with Women’s Studies departments. Getting the individual information of the schools to email our letters of awareness to them has been the most laborious work in our activism, to me at least. I do have most of the schools information with who I need to contact, but I’m still working on getting the rest. I have been slowly sending emails to the schools whose information I do have. Furthermore, I have also gathered a list of organizations that I will soon be sending emails out to. In the upcoming weeks our group will have accomplished the following: petition, emails to organizations and schools and representatives, and tabling. I petition has also been set up. I am proud to say that my name is the third one on the petition. This is another outlet for our project and our awareness. Now, with the use of the online petition and the face book, we are bound to get more support than in previous weeks. Here is the link to our petition just in case you would like to sign it! http://www.petitiononline.com/w2238868/petition.html
Up to this point in our project I am starting to see things evolve. A couple of weeks ago I believe that our group did feel inclined to making changes but we were somewhat at a standstill. Now that were moving and taking action, our project is more of a reality. As Megan Seely noted, “Listen. Read. Support. Advocate (67).” These words express exactly what we as a group are doing to bring awareness to everyone who feels the need to get such a movement going until it is enacted. Without a pure impulse of starving for change, I don’t think that I would have managed to get this far with a mission like ours. To conclude, from the words of Seely, “Get honest with yourself and about your actions.”
Works Cited
Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
April 4, 2010
Blog #7:
This past week has been composed of gathering information from schools and organizations. This is taking longer than expected because there are many schools with Women’s Studies departments. Getting the individual information of the schools to email our letters of awareness to them has been the most laborious work in our activism, to me at least. I do have most of the schools information with who I need to contact, but I’m still working on getting the rest. I have been slowly sending emails to the schools whose information I do have. Furthermore, I have also gathered a list of organizations that I will soon be sending emails out to. In the upcoming weeks our group will have accomplished the following: petition, emails to organizations and schools and representatives, and tabling. I petition has also been set up. I am proud to say that my name is the third one on the petition. This is another outlet for our project and our awareness. Now, with the use of the online petition and the face book, we are bound to get more support than in previous weeks. Here is the link to our petition just in case you would like to sign it! http://www.petitiononline.com/w2238868/petition.html
Up to this point in our project I am starting to see things evolve. A couple of weeks ago I believe that our group did feel inclined to making changes but we were somewhat at a standstill. Now that were moving and taking action, our project is more of a reality. As Megan Seely noted, “Listen. Read. Support. Advocate (67).” These words express exactly what we as a group are doing to bring awareness to everyone who feels the need to get such a movement going until it is enacted. Without a pure impulse of starving for change, I don’t think that I would have managed to get this far with a mission like ours. To conclude, from the words of Seely, “Get honest with yourself and about your actions.”
Works Cited
Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Activism log #6
After numerous attempts of trying to get another official meeting with our group leader, we were able to get together. This meeting has been very crucial for our success and our gains in bringing out awareness of a Women's National Holiday here in America. We establish we is going to do what and when we have deadlines to turn things in to our group leader. We are going to be reaching out to all 50 states with universities/colleges who have a women's studies departement. Our letter is ready to be sent to each and every one of these schools. Furthermore, I will be working on gathering feminists organizations so that I may also let these groups know of what are goals are so that we can get more support. We have also come up with a date so that we can table and reach out to the students locally at UCF. Our petition will be under way as well. We will create petitions through our facebook so that our fans, and perhaps, other potential fans can support this cause. This last meeting has really put us in a great direction and I believe our group will make significant gains from here until the end of the semester.
Activism log #5
Our project seems to be at a stand-still. We are still waiting for our final draft of our letter to send out to the various states and organizations. We continue to get fan support with our facebook. I do believe that we need to address our fans on our facebook page with greater insight of what we are actually aiming for because our goal seems clouded to some. The following things are left on our "to-do" list: petition, gathering up state university's, tabling at school for awareness. We do not seem to have much time left so we will continue to look foward and address our goals.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Activism Blog #4
We are still in the process of setting up our petition. There is still no progress on our letter, since it is still under review. Our group is somewhat at a standstill. We are still maintaining our facebook page and still informing our supporters about our goal and keeping them updated in regards to where we are and where we are going with this project. We will continue to plan our strategic ways that would be best to create a petition. Through personal or online vote/signature, we will spread the word in order to gain popularity.
Activism Blog #3
The facebook page has grown in fast numbers but has recently slowed in new members. Our group has decided to take the approach of redirecting our facebook page so that it represents our original plan of Alice Paul. What we wanted to do is create a page by letting people know and understand that Alice Paul is one of the biggest reasons why feminist are where they are today. She was the spark that lit the fire, especially in regards to gaining the right to vote in the year 1919, the 19th amendment. The people who did not show much respect for our page are not very prevalent since we stopped the quotes. Our next step will be do create a petition and send our letter to our activism leader to look over.
Activism Blog #2
After making details to our project, we were able to upload our proposal and sucessfully start our facebook page. Or facebook page is mainly geared to enhance our opportunity in addressing and spreading the word of our project, the first ever National Women's Holiday. We did have some trouble early on. We all became administrators in our projects in order to update our page and make it as diverse as possible, along with adding quotes. Early on our quotes that we enacted had the sole purpose of sparking discussion and awareness about our goal. Yet, after some controversial quotes, we stopped putting them up since we all felt that they were causing a distraction and chaos. Many people who were in support and especially those people against our purpose felt really distracted and hurt by some of the quotes. We decided to slow down the process of the qoutes and redirect our facebook page to a more positive image, Alice Paul, our original plan.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Cost of Being a Mother
Enrique Irizarry
Jeanina Perez
March 17, 2010
WST 3015
Blog Entry #5:
Megan Seely in, “AT THE TABLE,” describes how many women have benefited from Title IX. Seely states, “Our work has not always been publicly recognized, valued, or paid. But our work has always contributed to the economic health of our families and our nations (99).” Also, Ann Crittenden had this to say about the view of women in America, “In…the United States, the official message is caveat mater, or ‘mothers beware’: you’re on your own.” Ultimately, what both these feminists are stating is true. Women have always worked hard to care for their families, while at the same time competing with men in order to have a stable, financial life, all with little or no support from their spouse. This leads me to the analysis of Lois in the sitcom Family Guy during season titled, “Go Stewie.” In this episode Lois is confronted by her husband, Peter, who states that, “She ain’t what she used to be…once you get these pants off its like two saggin’ pressed hams and a slice of pizza.” Her daughter, Meg, further says to her mom, “Look as you, your old, your nothing.” Lois has been bombarded in the episode by being fed negativity based on her age. Yet, the deeper meaning behind this situation of Lois and her age and beauty has to do with “The Cost of Being a Mother,” as stated by Crittenden (340). Crittenden notes that many women in the United States have to choose between being a mother and pursuing their careers in a competitive world where men are the majority in top position of most professions.
Like Lois, many women opt to become mother and have children before setting in on a good career. Yet, even with a college degree, many women make significantly less than women who do not have children. As Crittenden stated after leaving the New York Times, “My annual income after leaving the paper has averaged roughly $15,000, from part-time freelance writing (338).” Crittenden left a great career where she made a year salary of approximately $50,000. This is a tough decision for many women like Lois. Like many mother, Lois decided to give up a great career to take care of her family. With that in mind, becoming a housewife is a tough job that requires much sacrifice, even of the physical self. Her husband Peter is ignorant of the fact that Lois may not have much time to fix herself up all the time. This episode pushes the envelope about mothers and aging. Lois is depicted as a mother who cheats on her husband with her daughter’s boyfriend because of the entire toll that comes with caring for a family and playing the motherly role. Although not all mother and wives may demonstrate this harsh behavior, I do believe that many women, who realize that financially they are not contributing as much and they are not getting any younger, may sometimes feel inclined to prove that they have still “got it.” In conclusion, the disparities between men and women in this country are great. Women, who take similar educated goals as some men, still earn less than their male counterparts and have the pressure of maintaining their physical self. For some women this task is too much to bear when presented with a family where, at times, she may be the only care giver, as is the case of Lois.
Works Cited:
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. "The Mommy Tax(2001)." Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. 337-45. Print.
Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.
Jeanina Perez
March 17, 2010
WST 3015
Blog Entry #5:
Megan Seely in, “AT THE TABLE,” describes how many women have benefited from Title IX. Seely states, “Our work has not always been publicly recognized, valued, or paid. But our work has always contributed to the economic health of our families and our nations (99).” Also, Ann Crittenden had this to say about the view of women in America, “In…the United States, the official message is caveat mater, or ‘mothers beware’: you’re on your own.” Ultimately, what both these feminists are stating is true. Women have always worked hard to care for their families, while at the same time competing with men in order to have a stable, financial life, all with little or no support from their spouse. This leads me to the analysis of Lois in the sitcom Family Guy during season titled, “Go Stewie.” In this episode Lois is confronted by her husband, Peter, who states that, “She ain’t what she used to be…once you get these pants off its like two saggin’ pressed hams and a slice of pizza.” Her daughter, Meg, further says to her mom, “Look as you, your old, your nothing.” Lois has been bombarded in the episode by being fed negativity based on her age. Yet, the deeper meaning behind this situation of Lois and her age and beauty has to do with “The Cost of Being a Mother,” as stated by Crittenden (340). Crittenden notes that many women in the United States have to choose between being a mother and pursuing their careers in a competitive world where men are the majority in top position of most professions.
Like Lois, many women opt to become mother and have children before setting in on a good career. Yet, even with a college degree, many women make significantly less than women who do not have children. As Crittenden stated after leaving the New York Times, “My annual income after leaving the paper has averaged roughly $15,000, from part-time freelance writing (338).” Crittenden left a great career where she made a year salary of approximately $50,000. This is a tough decision for many women like Lois. Like many mother, Lois decided to give up a great career to take care of her family. With that in mind, becoming a housewife is a tough job that requires much sacrifice, even of the physical self. Her husband Peter is ignorant of the fact that Lois may not have much time to fix herself up all the time. This episode pushes the envelope about mothers and aging. Lois is depicted as a mother who cheats on her husband with her daughter’s boyfriend because of the entire toll that comes with caring for a family and playing the motherly role. Although not all mother and wives may demonstrate this harsh behavior, I do believe that many women, who realize that financially they are not contributing as much and they are not getting any younger, may sometimes feel inclined to prove that they have still “got it.” In conclusion, the disparities between men and women in this country are great. Women, who take similar educated goals as some men, still earn less than their male counterparts and have the pressure of maintaining their physical self. For some women this task is too much to bear when presented with a family where, at times, she may be the only care giver, as is the case of Lois.
Works Cited:
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. "The Mommy Tax(2001)." Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. 337-45. Print.
Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
97 Bonnie and Clyde
Enrique Irizarry
Jeanina Perez
March 8, 2010
WST 3015
Blog Number 4 Entry
The song titled, “97 Bonnie and Clyde,” by Eminem, creates graphic images of the artist killing his wife and his wife’s boyfriend and son. Eminem writes such lyrics as, “It’s just a little scratch-it don’t hurt, her was eatin dinner while you were sweepin and spilled ketchup on her shirts...,” while talking to his daughter who he names Hai-Hai in the song. With this song, Eminem perpetuates violence toward women who may have possibly cheated on their husband and who are trying to move on with their lives. Eminem and his wife were once intimate, but somewhere along the lines of their relationship they hit rock bottom. As mentioned in the textbook, “Women’s Lives,” “According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, ‘Every year, as many as 4 million American women are physically abused by men who promised to love them (260).” Eminem was perhaps who of those 4 million American men who promised to take care of and love his wife, but his wife did not feel that way so decided to move on without him.
With lyrics such as, “No more fighting with dad, nor more restraining order No more ste-da-da, nor more new brother…” are words that just strike terror among women who have been through similar situations or know of women who are in such problems. From my opinion, this song tends to stir up violence against many women who may not feel safe in their relationship and who may want a better situation for themselves and their family. Furthermore, according to professor of political science and women’s studies Jean Grossholtz, at the micro level of such problems, there stems “unhealthy relationships.” We can see in this song with words such as, “She’s takin a little nap in the trunk…” clearly depict that something was wrong in Eminem’s relationship also noted here when he stated that, “…mama was real real bad, she was bein mean to dad and made him real real mad, But I still feel sad that I put her on time- out…” I also believe that this song brings awareness of violence among women in heterosexual relationships. This song is controversial depending on where people are judging the song from.
From a women’s point of view, most women would agree that the lyrics and story created by the song are mostly true, that women do get beat by their husbands if they are caught with another man or are caught trying to run away from the relationship. Women, who fear, never come back easily. As Carlton Leftwich, an interviewee noted from a John Stoltenberg interview title, “I Am Not a Rapist,” he mentioned, “Your sense of security is gone, and once you lose your sense of security you’re never going to get it back.” Many women could agree with this when the level of violence is so high. Yet, many men could also say that even though these lyrics depict images that could be true, I believe that most men could argue that these lyrics cannot be generalized because not all men act in the same fashion with this particular situation.
Citation:
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. "Violence Against Women." Women's Life: Multicultural
Perspective. 5th ed. New York: McGrawHill, 2010. 257-75. Print.
Hedges, Warren, Andy Moose, Carlton Leftwich, and Erick Fink. "I Am Not a Rapist!" Interview by John Stoltenburg and Jason Schultz. Print.
Jeanina Perez
March 8, 2010
WST 3015
Blog Number 4 Entry
The song titled, “97 Bonnie and Clyde,” by Eminem, creates graphic images of the artist killing his wife and his wife’s boyfriend and son. Eminem writes such lyrics as, “It’s just a little scratch-it don’t hurt, her was eatin dinner while you were sweepin and spilled ketchup on her shirts...,” while talking to his daughter who he names Hai-Hai in the song. With this song, Eminem perpetuates violence toward women who may have possibly cheated on their husband and who are trying to move on with their lives. Eminem and his wife were once intimate, but somewhere along the lines of their relationship they hit rock bottom. As mentioned in the textbook, “Women’s Lives,” “According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, ‘Every year, as many as 4 million American women are physically abused by men who promised to love them (260).” Eminem was perhaps who of those 4 million American men who promised to take care of and love his wife, but his wife did not feel that way so decided to move on without him.
With lyrics such as, “No more fighting with dad, nor more restraining order No more ste-da-da, nor more new brother…” are words that just strike terror among women who have been through similar situations or know of women who are in such problems. From my opinion, this song tends to stir up violence against many women who may not feel safe in their relationship and who may want a better situation for themselves and their family. Furthermore, according to professor of political science and women’s studies Jean Grossholtz, at the micro level of such problems, there stems “unhealthy relationships.” We can see in this song with words such as, “She’s takin a little nap in the trunk…” clearly depict that something was wrong in Eminem’s relationship also noted here when he stated that, “…mama was real real bad, she was bein mean to dad and made him real real mad, But I still feel sad that I put her on time- out…” I also believe that this song brings awareness of violence among women in heterosexual relationships. This song is controversial depending on where people are judging the song from.
From a women’s point of view, most women would agree that the lyrics and story created by the song are mostly true, that women do get beat by their husbands if they are caught with another man or are caught trying to run away from the relationship. Women, who fear, never come back easily. As Carlton Leftwich, an interviewee noted from a John Stoltenberg interview title, “I Am Not a Rapist,” he mentioned, “Your sense of security is gone, and once you lose your sense of security you’re never going to get it back.” Many women could agree with this when the level of violence is so high. Yet, many men could also say that even though these lyrics depict images that could be true, I believe that most men could argue that these lyrics cannot be generalized because not all men act in the same fashion with this particular situation.
Citation:
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. "Violence Against Women." Women's Life: Multicultural
Perspective. 5th ed. New York: McGrawHill, 2010. 257-75. Print.
Hedges, Warren, Andy Moose, Carlton Leftwich, and Erick Fink. "I Am Not a Rapist!" Interview by John Stoltenburg and Jason Schultz. Print.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Service Learning Proposal
Community Partner: The National Organization for Women, UCF Chapter
Contact: Jeannina Perez
Community Partner Mission Statement: According to their website, NOW’s mission is “…to take action to bring about equality for all women. Now works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control, and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism, and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.”
Political and/or Social Basis for Organization: NOW is formed on the basis of equality, freedom from sexism, racism, homophobia, and all other types of discrimination. Our view is that the utter lack of any holiday recognizing the fight for women’s rights is a form of discrimination, and as such, falls under the aims listed in NOW’s mission statement.
Memorandum
TO: Jeannina Perez
FROM: Rachel Collins
Jessie Gereno
Adam Green
Enrique Irizarry
Kelly Quintero
DATE: 2/3/10
RE: Proposal to Write a Feasibility Report for the effort to create a national women’s holiday.
This proposal aims to outline the needs, reasons, and feasibility for a service learning project with the intent to create a national holiday for a woman influential within the women’s right movement. Contained within is background on the needs for and benefits of a national women’s holiday, an outline of the work we plan to accomplish, justification for its inclusion in WST3015, and a proposed timeline. This proposal may need to be adjusted after we begin the project, and also needs to be flexible in order to meet the needs of both the project and our community partner.
Need for a national women’s holiday: This project does not have a community partner in the same way that others do. Our community partner is our professor, and our effort spans from student organizations to national organizations and politicians. However, the need for the proposed holiday is clear. There are holidays recognizing many historical and influential figures, such as Martin Luther King Day, yet there are no holidays recognizing women, particularly those who fought and died to secure basic rights of citizenship for women. Such a holiday would promote awareness of the heroic sacrifices of such women, and would demonstrate a movement of our society toward equality and equal recognition.
Plan Proposal: We propose that we will carry out our plan to create a national women’s holiday by formulating a letter detailing our rationale, and send it to student organizations, local, state, and national politicians, national organizations, etc. We will base the letter on legislation that created other similar holidays, such as MLK day. By doing this, we will raise awareness among the community of the need and lack of such a holiday recognizing women. This increased awareness will, we hope, lead to a grassroots effort to create this holiday.
Rationale for Women’s Studies: Women’s studies is concerned with both looking to and shaping the future of the struggle for equality, and honoring and recognizing the contributions and sacrifices that have been made in the past. The holidays recognizing public and historical figures that exist today inspire education because they make common the knowledge surrounding that figure. The fact that there is no such holiday recognizing women such as Alice Paul mean that far too many people in our society are utterly unaware of this crucial knowledge about the progression of women’s rights. Our efforts for the future must be based firmly on a critical understanding and full appreciation of the repercussions of past events.
Action: To begin, Rachel will write a letter detailing the rationale and necessity of this holiday. All other group members will then read and contribute to this letter, and then this letter will be read and finally edited by you, our professor. The rest of the group will be looking up national, state, and local governments, politicians, and student organizations. We will create a Facebook page to promote awareness of our cause. We will then collaborate to distribute our letter to all of these places. We can use the unlimited printing in the honors computer lab to print the letters that we need.
Timeline:
Meet with Nina to discuss the plan on 2/1.
Turn letter in to Nina on 2/5/10.
Create Facebook page – 2/5/10.
Establish definitive list of organizations to send letters to by 2/17/10, then email the ones that we can and send letters to those we can’t by 2/22.
Turn in completed reflection paper on 5/3/10.
Contact: Jeannina Perez
Community Partner Mission Statement: According to their website, NOW’s mission is “…to take action to bring about equality for all women. Now works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control, and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism, and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.”
Political and/or Social Basis for Organization: NOW is formed on the basis of equality, freedom from sexism, racism, homophobia, and all other types of discrimination. Our view is that the utter lack of any holiday recognizing the fight for women’s rights is a form of discrimination, and as such, falls under the aims listed in NOW’s mission statement.
Memorandum
TO: Jeannina Perez
FROM: Rachel Collins
Jessie Gereno
Adam Green
Enrique Irizarry
Kelly Quintero
DATE: 2/3/10
RE: Proposal to Write a Feasibility Report for the effort to create a national women’s holiday.
This proposal aims to outline the needs, reasons, and feasibility for a service learning project with the intent to create a national holiday for a woman influential within the women’s right movement. Contained within is background on the needs for and benefits of a national women’s holiday, an outline of the work we plan to accomplish, justification for its inclusion in WST3015, and a proposed timeline. This proposal may need to be adjusted after we begin the project, and also needs to be flexible in order to meet the needs of both the project and our community partner.
Need for a national women’s holiday: This project does not have a community partner in the same way that others do. Our community partner is our professor, and our effort spans from student organizations to national organizations and politicians. However, the need for the proposed holiday is clear. There are holidays recognizing many historical and influential figures, such as Martin Luther King Day, yet there are no holidays recognizing women, particularly those who fought and died to secure basic rights of citizenship for women. Such a holiday would promote awareness of the heroic sacrifices of such women, and would demonstrate a movement of our society toward equality and equal recognition.
Plan Proposal: We propose that we will carry out our plan to create a national women’s holiday by formulating a letter detailing our rationale, and send it to student organizations, local, state, and national politicians, national organizations, etc. We will base the letter on legislation that created other similar holidays, such as MLK day. By doing this, we will raise awareness among the community of the need and lack of such a holiday recognizing women. This increased awareness will, we hope, lead to a grassroots effort to create this holiday.
Rationale for Women’s Studies: Women’s studies is concerned with both looking to and shaping the future of the struggle for equality, and honoring and recognizing the contributions and sacrifices that have been made in the past. The holidays recognizing public and historical figures that exist today inspire education because they make common the knowledge surrounding that figure. The fact that there is no such holiday recognizing women such as Alice Paul mean that far too many people in our society are utterly unaware of this crucial knowledge about the progression of women’s rights. Our efforts for the future must be based firmly on a critical understanding and full appreciation of the repercussions of past events.
Action: To begin, Rachel will write a letter detailing the rationale and necessity of this holiday. All other group members will then read and contribute to this letter, and then this letter will be read and finally edited by you, our professor. The rest of the group will be looking up national, state, and local governments, politicians, and student organizations. We will create a Facebook page to promote awareness of our cause. We will then collaborate to distribute our letter to all of these places. We can use the unlimited printing in the honors computer lab to print the letters that we need.
Timeline:
Meet with Nina to discuss the plan on 2/1.
Turn letter in to Nina on 2/5/10.
Create Facebook page – 2/5/10.
Establish definitive list of organizations to send letters to by 2/17/10, then email the ones that we can and send letters to those we can’t by 2/22.
Turn in completed reflection paper on 5/3/10.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Princess Diaries
Enrique Irizarry
Jeanina Perez
February 17, 2010
WST 3015
Jeanina Perez
February 17, 2010
WST 3015
Princess Diaries:
“Shut-up!” These are the words of Princess Amelia, or Mia for short, as she realizes that she is the heir to the throne of Geneva. She is shell shocked and realizes that the implications are far too great to handle. As she stated, “I am only fifteen.” Mia disregards her grandmother’s wishes about running the country of Geneva not realizing the social benefits that come with power and inner-beauty, hence, the erotic.
After failing to address her fellow classmates about the importance of uniforms and how they bring about “equality” among the students, Mia realizes that she does not have the courage or beauty ideals needed to possess change, let alone run a country. Mia is a spear headed women who is active on issues that deal with equality and diminishing the stereotypes at school. One of Mia’s greatest challenges is based on the double bind, which society and her Geneva kingdom requires of her. As Jean Kilbourne mentioned in reading twenty-six of “Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspective,” titled “The More You Subtract, the More You Add,” “Somehow girls are supposed to be both innocent and seductive, virginal and experienced, all at the same time (236).” Furthermore, Kilbourne also states, “…at the same time there is relentless pressure on women to be small, there is also pressure on us to succeed, to achieve, to ‘have it all (235).’” And, “Most tragically, they are told they have to give up each other (237).” To follow such harsh standards, like Seventeen Magazines 1997 ad, “The more you subtract, the more you add,” is nearly impossible for Mia. She lost ties with her Geneva heritage after her mother moved away from a life of riches in order to keep Mia safe. Safe from the pressures of having to constantly perform and demonstrate how a lady should look and act. Mia grew up with a mother who demonstrates that being powerful and outspoken are important attributes, and following stereotypical norms of “femaleness” do not necessarily contribute to a happy life. As Audre Lorde stated of women and the erotic in her essay, “Uses of the Erotic,” “The erotic is a measure between the beginnings of our sense of self and the chaos of our strongest feelings (161).” Mia was intertwined from multiple sources. As her grandmother attempts to transform her from everything that is not princess like, Mia is struggling to keep a stable relationship with her best friend Lily who indicates that she is a sell-out and she is contradicting everything that they stand for.
As the movie progresses, Mia begins to transition herself from an inward to an outward self, as she eventually stands up against the popular cheerleader and starts to notice her true power. Audre Lord Description of the erotic describes perfectly what Mia has discovered. “…when we begin to live from within outward, in touch with the power of the erotic within ourselves, and allowing that power to inform and illuminate our actions upon the world around us, then we begin to be responsible to ourselves in the deepest sense.” The realizations of becoming what other people want you to become hit Mia hard, but she learns to make the best of her situation by continuing to carry herself through her unique erotic.
Works Cited:
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. 5th ed. New York, New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. Pp140, pp231. Print.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Activism Blog Reflection #1
The purpose of my group’s activism project is to create a women’s national holiday. We would like the world to recognize the significant roles that women have played in making history and in pursuing meaningful ways to equality. During our first couple of meetings, our team established norms and goals. Our norms, in regards to communication, would be through email and through face to face discussion in order to address current issues.
Our goals were also established during our first couple of meetings. Various group members are working on different parts of our activism project in order to expand this message of creating a women’s national holiday. From contacting major organizations, to researching the steps in creating a national holiday and starting a face book page for awareness are some of the goals that have been established and are currently in progress. As of now, we have approximately 550 fans following our face book page which has been awesome. Through this face book page our project and message is spreading faster than ever. Yet, with this quick spread of awareness, our group has had to come across many people, in particular men, who do not seem very polite about our message. Our group has managed to stop certain people from posting inappropriate messages while at the same time, addressing those people from an academic point of view why it is we are spreading such a message. We will continue to address and clear any misunderstandings about our project, while at the same time providing meaningful information that will further provide our fans and others the opportunity to gain a more focused meaning behind our goal.
Our goals were also established during our first couple of meetings. Various group members are working on different parts of our activism project in order to expand this message of creating a women’s national holiday. From contacting major organizations, to researching the steps in creating a national holiday and starting a face book page for awareness are some of the goals that have been established and are currently in progress. As of now, we have approximately 550 fans following our face book page which has been awesome. Through this face book page our project and message is spreading faster than ever. Yet, with this quick spread of awareness, our group has had to come across many people, in particular men, who do not seem very polite about our message. Our group has managed to stop certain people from posting inappropriate messages while at the same time, addressing those people from an academic point of view why it is we are spreading such a message. We will continue to address and clear any misunderstandings about our project, while at the same time providing meaningful information that will further provide our fans and others the opportunity to gain a more focused meaning behind our goal.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Wounded Erotic
As Audre Lorde states, “When I speak of the erotic…I speak of it as an assertion of the life-force of women: of that creative energy empowered, the knowledge and use of which we are now reclaiming in our language, our history, our dancing, our loving, our work, our lives.” Furthermore, Lorde also states, “Recognizing the power of the erotic in our lives can give us the energy to pursue genuine change within our world.”
An article by Julia Dinardo, of SyleList, posted “Chanel Iman Talks’ Valentine’s Day Fashion Week and Her Underwear of Choice,” which speaks of model Chanel Iman and her services to L.e.i: Life, energy and intelligence. Iman is a judge for the Model Citizen contest, which is searching for young women ages 15-21, who model the Life, Energy, Intelligence style. In this article, Iman shows that models are being proactive and demonstrating to young women the positives of modeling and living a high-quality lifestyle.
I believe, from an analytical standpoint of a feminist, this article reflects a positive image of women who are empowering themselves through their physical and mental features to achieve success. As opposed to simply focusing on looks, as many success stories in modeling have followed, this article reaches and strives to select young women who are more than just looks. The article, as Audre Lorde mentioned, is searching for women who are embracing their erotic. I, like many Americans, thought of the erotic as dealing with only women’s sex attributions, but, as Lorde also indicated, “…U.S. culture takes a limited and distorted view of the erotic, reducing it to sexuality, and restricted notions of sexuality at that.”
Yet, this article depicts what the erotic truly is, and that is women who are striving for success through the use of their subtle and not so subtle features, their bodies and their minds. Searching for young ladies that are full of Life, Energy, and Intelligence are pivotal in this contest and is a great way of truly showing that women are more than what the myths of the erotic usually state. Even the image that is used of Iman, the Victoria Secret model, shows a woman who is proud, free and confident.
Jean Kilbroune states that the ads used of women’s bodies typically to sell products are also selling heterosexuality. As mentioned in the Women’s Lives text, according to Gwyn Kirk and Margo Okasawa-Rey, “As sex objects, women are commonly portrayed as child-like or doll-like playthings. These images flow from and reinforce macro-level patriarchal construction of gender and sexuality…” which is based on assumptions. This is not the case in this article where women are encouraged to show their true erotic and create a stance of true beauty through mind and soul.
In closing, I believe this article was very powerful in such as way that enticed young ladies to strive for success for all the right reasons that are not alienated by a heterosexual standpoint. I believe in what Aurora Levins Morales says about women’s inner drive, that it is “the wounded erotic.” Julia Dinardo wrote an article that stems away from typical storied articles that rarely embrace women with their bodies and mind. As Lorde already mentioned, I believe that Iman is showing that women are taking back the erotic and making a statement about what it really means. Clearing up the “bad air” of the erotic is done in a very creative manner in this article.
Citation:
Seely, Megan. FIGHT LIKE A GIRL: How to be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York University Press, 2007. 40. Print.(citations from various researchers and other feminist can be found within the article)
URL:
http://www.stylelist.com/2010/02/07/chanel-iman-talks-valentines-day-fashion-week-and-her-underwear-of-choice/
An article by Julia Dinardo, of SyleList, posted “Chanel Iman Talks’ Valentine’s Day Fashion Week and Her Underwear of Choice,” which speaks of model Chanel Iman and her services to L.e.i: Life, energy and intelligence. Iman is a judge for the Model Citizen contest, which is searching for young women ages 15-21, who model the Life, Energy, Intelligence style. In this article, Iman shows that models are being proactive and demonstrating to young women the positives of modeling and living a high-quality lifestyle.
I believe, from an analytical standpoint of a feminist, this article reflects a positive image of women who are empowering themselves through their physical and mental features to achieve success. As opposed to simply focusing on looks, as many success stories in modeling have followed, this article reaches and strives to select young women who are more than just looks. The article, as Audre Lorde mentioned, is searching for women who are embracing their erotic. I, like many Americans, thought of the erotic as dealing with only women’s sex attributions, but, as Lorde also indicated, “…U.S. culture takes a limited and distorted view of the erotic, reducing it to sexuality, and restricted notions of sexuality at that.”
Yet, this article depicts what the erotic truly is, and that is women who are striving for success through the use of their subtle and not so subtle features, their bodies and their minds. Searching for young ladies that are full of Life, Energy, and Intelligence are pivotal in this contest and is a great way of truly showing that women are more than what the myths of the erotic usually state. Even the image that is used of Iman, the Victoria Secret model, shows a woman who is proud, free and confident.
Jean Kilbroune states that the ads used of women’s bodies typically to sell products are also selling heterosexuality. As mentioned in the Women’s Lives text, according to Gwyn Kirk and Margo Okasawa-Rey, “As sex objects, women are commonly portrayed as child-like or doll-like playthings. These images flow from and reinforce macro-level patriarchal construction of gender and sexuality…” which is based on assumptions. This is not the case in this article where women are encouraged to show their true erotic and create a stance of true beauty through mind and soul.
In closing, I believe this article was very powerful in such as way that enticed young ladies to strive for success for all the right reasons that are not alienated by a heterosexual standpoint. I believe in what Aurora Levins Morales says about women’s inner drive, that it is “the wounded erotic.” Julia Dinardo wrote an article that stems away from typical storied articles that rarely embrace women with their bodies and mind. As Lorde already mentioned, I believe that Iman is showing that women are taking back the erotic and making a statement about what it really means. Clearing up the “bad air” of the erotic is done in a very creative manner in this article.
Citation:
Seely, Megan. FIGHT LIKE A GIRL: How to be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York University Press, 2007. 40. Print.(citations from various researchers and other feminist can be found within the article)
URL:
http://www.stylelist.com/2010/02/07/chanel-iman-talks-valentines-day-fashion-week-and-her-underwear-of-choice/
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
"A vote is a fire escape"
Megan Seely said it clearly, “Winning the right to vote is a cornerstone to the women’s movement because it gave women political power through representation for the first time in modern history.” Whether in Iron Jawed Angels or Mary Poppins, gaining the right to vote through the First Wave was something like a fire escape. A vote gave women a voice that only men and some women could appreciate until the adoption of the 19th Amendment. Furthermore, with the power to vote, women now had the opportunity to escape numerous inequalities that were unfair to all women. Just as important to the 19th Amendment was the struggle and process to gain those rights to vote. The movies, Iron Jawed Angels and Mary Poppins, depicted the First Wave of women and the right to vote, each with their unique interpretations.
Mary Poppins illustrates images of the women’s movement, early in the 1900’s, in a very subtle manner in comparison to Iron Jawed Angels. Although the mother in Mary Poppins does indicate that she is a woman who strives for the feminist movement, through her parade, song and dances, she seems to easily take a step back when her husband enters the room. The women in Iron Jawed Angels are also proactive in the women’s movement; however, the women in this movie do not back down for fear of being punished. From the opening scene, to the hunger strikes and beat downs during their picketing, the women in Iron Jawed Angels shows resilience and strength in comparison the one women in Mary Poppins.
Mary Poppins depicted women in the movement as somewhat passive. The mother did not seem very determined to provide much help on the front lines; it was almost as if she was taking the movement as a way to get out of the house in order to simply do something. In Iron Jawed Angles, most of the women were willing to pour their hearts out and did not care to go to jail. The movement was not a joke or a laughing matter for the women in Iron Jawed Angels. They were as focused as the men entering World War I, ready to strive and fight for what is right regardless of the outcome. In Mary Poppins, these actions were not taken to the same extent.
For both movies, the images of a red rose and the association of red was evident. Before his trips to work, the father in Mary Poppins would have his wife hand pick and cut a fine red rose for him to where in front of his suit. This red rose, which is associated with people who are anti-feminist, was easily seen throughout the movie.
In closing, both Mary Poppins and Iron Jawed Angels had meaningful images of the First Wave of women and the right to vote. I believe that Iron Jawed Angels did a great job in providing clear, not subtle, pictures of what women had to do in order to create a sense of justice and to have a voice in a country that had ignored them for far too long.
citation:
Seely, Megan. FIGHT LIKE A GIRL: How to be a Fealess Feminist. New York: New York University Press, 2007. 40. Print.
Seely, Megan. FIGHT LIKE A GIRL: How to be a Fealess Feminist. New York: New York University Press, 2007. 40. Print.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
All about me
First and foremost, Happy New Years to everyone. My name is Enrique and I am currently a senior at UCF. I am from the Central American country of Panama. I was only born there, but I have been living my whole life in Central Florida. I enjoy maintaining my grades and going out with anyone willing to have a good time. I really love competition in sports, but recently I have been hindered due to major injuries. I have had three knee surgeries, related to the meniscus and the ACL, and I have dislocated my shoulder three times which resulted in surgery. All for the love of sports, mainly track and field.
Time has passed by very fast and hopefully this coming December I will graduate with a Bachelors of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. My areas of study are computational science and humanities. Within Humanities I will focus on womens studies. My minor is math education, because I want to teach and I enjoy helping young students. I am currently a substitute teacher. This is perhaps the best job that I could have because it exposes me to the education field from the best point possible, the teachers. From elementary to high school, I am gaining plenty of experience. Yet, one of the reasons I am very greatful for having this job is the exposure to the administration. From principles to deans, I am networking and making a name for myself and creating a positive image among the people that I could one day be working with.
My story with womens study is somewhat different. Ever since I graduated college I knew that I wanted to major in a couple of things, but I did not want to take on the work load or sacrifice so much time. It was not until last December that I realized that Interdisciplinary Studies was perfect for students like me who wanted to graduate with various backgrounds in multiple fields of study. After choosing my minor and my first area of study, computational science, I did not know what else to do with my life. Yet, after thinking about it and after considering different factors and benefits I chose womens studies for a couple of reasons.
I believe that taking this course and others that follow, will show me more about the "other side." The other side to me is a completely different world. I want to better understand the perspective of women and really get to grasp how they think and why they think in that fashion. As of now I can not specifically say what benefits will come out of this course, but I think that is the beauty of it. I am sure that whatever I recieve from this class, it will enable me to understand things that I could have not even come across. The little bit that I know about women, from an educational standpoint, is from developmental psychology. It has been through developmental psych that I have learned that from the time that children are little, boys play with trucks and girls play with dolls and begin life long relationships through talk and dialogue, that this is where men and women begin to think differently.
To conclude, I know that by the end of this course I will have gained more knowledge about women and the feminist movement than I would have ever though possible. However, one of the things that I am most curious about, and hopefully this course will tell me, is, "why is it that so few males are enrolled in a class like this?" Of course I am only saying this because my current class has a few males, but I believe that even in the large scale there are still very few men taking this course. I have always wondered why is it that men are not inclined to a course like this. To me, this seems like a great opportunity to learn about women and break down barriers or myths to better establish a world of equality.
*I have read and understand and agree to the terms of the course syllabus and the blogging protocols.
-Enrique Irizarry
Time has passed by very fast and hopefully this coming December I will graduate with a Bachelors of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. My areas of study are computational science and humanities. Within Humanities I will focus on womens studies. My minor is math education, because I want to teach and I enjoy helping young students. I am currently a substitute teacher. This is perhaps the best job that I could have because it exposes me to the education field from the best point possible, the teachers. From elementary to high school, I am gaining plenty of experience. Yet, one of the reasons I am very greatful for having this job is the exposure to the administration. From principles to deans, I am networking and making a name for myself and creating a positive image among the people that I could one day be working with.
My story with womens study is somewhat different. Ever since I graduated college I knew that I wanted to major in a couple of things, but I did not want to take on the work load or sacrifice so much time. It was not until last December that I realized that Interdisciplinary Studies was perfect for students like me who wanted to graduate with various backgrounds in multiple fields of study. After choosing my minor and my first area of study, computational science, I did not know what else to do with my life. Yet, after thinking about it and after considering different factors and benefits I chose womens studies for a couple of reasons.
I believe that taking this course and others that follow, will show me more about the "other side." The other side to me is a completely different world. I want to better understand the perspective of women and really get to grasp how they think and why they think in that fashion. As of now I can not specifically say what benefits will come out of this course, but I think that is the beauty of it. I am sure that whatever I recieve from this class, it will enable me to understand things that I could have not even come across. The little bit that I know about women, from an educational standpoint, is from developmental psychology. It has been through developmental psych that I have learned that from the time that children are little, boys play with trucks and girls play with dolls and begin life long relationships through talk and dialogue, that this is where men and women begin to think differently.
To conclude, I know that by the end of this course I will have gained more knowledge about women and the feminist movement than I would have ever though possible. However, one of the things that I am most curious about, and hopefully this course will tell me, is, "why is it that so few males are enrolled in a class like this?" Of course I am only saying this because my current class has a few males, but I believe that even in the large scale there are still very few men taking this course. I have always wondered why is it that men are not inclined to a course like this. To me, this seems like a great opportunity to learn about women and break down barriers or myths to better establish a world of equality.
*I have read and understand and agree to the terms of the course syllabus and the blogging protocols.
-Enrique Irizarry
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