Monday, June 23, 2008
final blog
After completing our final group project, I decided to do my final blog on a family sitcom…The Cosby show….something I can relate to, a show that I watched and loved. It was a groundbreaking American television show of the 1980's, both the mother and father worked, Dr. Huxtable had the job of an obstetrician his wife Clair was a legal aid attorney. They had five children, Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy. The family held values and were proud to show their ethnic and social backgrounds. Bill Cosby’s character on the Cosby show gave new meaning to the traditional father character by him representing an African-American man that was well educated, responsible and employed. The show portrayed positive images of an African-American household, and it focused constantly on a black family thriving on loving interactions between parents and kids and the love of family in general. There was a positive approach to family life, values and standards. The Cosby show represented the professional side of African-Americans in America at that time. Not only did they make an effort to eliminate the stereotypes people saw of African-Americans, but the show created positive roles of them. The Cosby Show changed the stereotypical view of the African-American family on television. Since the Cosby show aired, African Americans were portrayed in a way which was never shown before.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Week 6 response to Brittany
Brittany, I agree with you...I also have learned and been enlightened on new perspectives of the issues women face. It tough...hopefully many others after us will read that epilogue and walk away from the course feeling the same way...every little contribution helps to try and even things out.
June 20, 2008 2:55 PM
June 20, 2008 2:55 PM
Week 6 response to Johanna
Johanna, when I was growing up I was taught that the whole "gay" situation was immoral, and just not thr route to go. I think as we all grow up and develop our own ways of thinking we will choose to do whatever we want to do. Just because I was taught that growing ip doesn't mean that I will judge people who are in same sex relationships now...I personally don't get down like that, but i'm not going to hate you either if you go that route....if that is what makes someone happy, then so be it.
June 20, 2008 2:51 PM
June 20, 2008 2:51 PM
week 6 business post
Throughout this course, we've been discussing various issues with gender. I know it was mentioned before that individuals are timid about their gender status because they fear the outcome. Well, at my place of employment, my ex-boss is a lesbian. I've been working there for 7 years, but she hasn't come flat out and said she was a lesbian, ok, well she was drunk one night at a compnay function and slipped and referred to "Chris" her partner as a she, and not a he. And it was confirmed that "Chris" is a she...Now I have nothing against people dating the same sex, thats their business...but she just won't come flat out and admit that she goes that route. If thats the liftstyle she chooses to live then thats her...? I guess she fears the remarks that will be made from others...I'll never know
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
week 5 response to Tricia
Tricia: I understand what you are saying with the last names...today us women are not anyones property...and from what you said, I've also gathered that your husband made a point of possibly penalizing you because you were a feminist. I definitely believe in many aspects of feminism, but doesnt mean that when I get married I don't want a rock for a ring (lol). I mean in my case, I wouldn't mind taking another last name, but, if I chose not too, and got penalized for it, there would be some issues...(lol).
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
week 5 response to jenai
jenai: Feminism has been an issue for quite some time now. I think that the whole concept is about having freedom, and allowing an individual to make decisions. As we’ve seen already, sports have freed women, and they will continue to free women, from behaviors, laws and customs and from the belief that women can't or shouldn't achieve or compete or win. It seems that the future for women in sports is starting to improve but there are still some flaws. I think some women are empowered by their sporting talent. Another feminist issue long sought after by women has been the right to become educated. Women have made huge strides toward receiving an equal education, but there is still much work to be done. It seems that despite the progress women have made towards equal opportunities in education, the bias in favor of men has not been erased, and even today, women must continue to fight to receive the education they deserve.
shonte
shonte
week 5 business post
I was thinking recently, many women today are facing choices that their mothers never had to face. One of these choices is whether or not to go back to work after having a child. This was practically unheard of in the 1950's. In the 1990's it is not whether the mother will or will not go back to work rather a question of when. When did the choice become set in stone? Why do the mothers of today have to work outside the home versus working in the home, much like their mothers did? When one thinks of the subject of working mothers, many differing opinions come to mind. What will happen to the child, will the mother have sufficient time to bond with the baby, and how will household chores be divided, and so on.
I think the thing is that many women today want and desire careers and a place in this world. They want to stand on their own two feet, to become a self-sustaining individual, free of dependence on another individual. However, when the mother considers the idea of working and raising a family, many things need to be considered. The responsibilities need to be divided evenly if there is a significant other living in the same house to alleviate the stress that will evolve due to all the changes. It seems that for the working mothers, understanding is first and foremost needed in order for the psychological well being to be maintained. They need to feel that their work is important, and necessary, and that they are not sacrificing their child's well being in order to benefit themselves. The danger involved is that the mothers could feel so guilty in working that they feel that they are abandoning their child to the caregivers that they are in contact with daily. I think the working mothers need a support system in order to survive the roller coaster involved when they go back to work. And I wonder, if all these factors are taken into consideration will the transition to working mom will be that much easier for the entire family? And will the child suffer?
I think the thing is that many women today want and desire careers and a place in this world. They want to stand on their own two feet, to become a self-sustaining individual, free of dependence on another individual. However, when the mother considers the idea of working and raising a family, many things need to be considered. The responsibilities need to be divided evenly if there is a significant other living in the same house to alleviate the stress that will evolve due to all the changes. It seems that for the working mothers, understanding is first and foremost needed in order for the psychological well being to be maintained. They need to feel that their work is important, and necessary, and that they are not sacrificing their child's well being in order to benefit themselves. The danger involved is that the mothers could feel so guilty in working that they feel that they are abandoning their child to the caregivers that they are in contact with daily. I think the working mothers need a support system in order to survive the roller coaster involved when they go back to work. And I wonder, if all these factors are taken into consideration will the transition to working mom will be that much easier for the entire family? And will the child suffer?
Friday, June 6, 2008
week 4 response to johanna
Johanna: I definitely know what you are talking about when you say men have too much pride to discuss their feelings. I have had experiences where I just wanted to talk to my boyfriend about certain things and all his answers were so short ended. As women, we tend to express our feelings more and we tend to get closer to one another my communicating...not men. Then I notice that when I do want to discuss serious things with my boyfriend, he thinks I'm arguing or starting something...MEN...can't llive with them, and can't live without them.
shonte
shonte
week 4 reply to jenai
Jenai: I think there is no doubt that we live in society were women are devalued and constantly looked toward as sex objects instead of being viewed as equals. Through the years, we still see the same theme being applied, woman are seen as less important to men. In many movies we see women unimpressive in their roles, therefore enforcing the theme of degrading women. In movies where there are male hero's, we see that the women characters are less important and are only used in roles such as manipulators, sex objects, or just helpless victims. All of these things encourage people to think that women can be treated like this and reinforce stereotyping women as sex objects and thus devaluing their humanity. And not only are we devalued, we are discriminated against in the workplace with work functions….some seem to think women are not as capable as men. It’s sad that we deal with these things as woman….do you think it will ever get any better?
shonte
shonte
Monday, June 2, 2008
week 4 business post
As Wood mentions throughout chapters 8, 9, and 10, women are at a disadvantage in many ways. Overall, I believe the privileges and ranking of women have improved a great deal in the last century, but, gender equality has continued to be threatened. After all the beliefs about women’s roles, I really feel that media should be responsible for the understanding that a lot of us have developed. Some sexist laws are slowly being eliminated, while the public perceptions of women’s roles continue to stand still. For example, a television drama might present women only as housewives and mothers and depict men doing exciting work outside the home, thereby implying that men have no involvement in their homes and families and that women have no interest in the outside world. That whole concept irks me because in today’s society it’s just about the complete opposite, you either have the father home, or the mother works, or both parents work and the child is in daycare.
I have spoke with a few females on this subject matter about their feelings and if they felt they lived in a sexist world. One female felt that sexism put her at a disadvantage of doing what she had wanted with her life, while another spent a lot of time worrying about her capability as a woman, because she was not as skilled in a few things.
All of the sexist things that occur…the unfair portions of duties at home that occur within families when the mother stays home, she is looked upon to be the homemaker, wife, mother…etc. not to mention the fact that it’s really multiple duties for those that choose to take on a job outside the home rather than be a homemaker. Outside of the home, sexist acts occur too…at work. From things with hiring and delegating jobs to underpaying females when they perform the same job that a man does, and overall how women are treated on a day to day basis. Wood mentions on page 245 the concept of “the glass ceiling”…an invisible barrier that limits the advancement of women and minorities, and she mentions “glass walls”…which refers to sex segregation on the job.
Something funny that happened to me at work while I was on the phone with a member and I thought it was very funny. I called a clients home to see if they had flood insurance for their refinance of their mortgage, and the husband answered, and his response was…”I don’t know anything about this, my wife is handling this process…” From the perception of a few men I know and from some individuals in society today, the male would be the ones doing that kind of business, not the wife, because they feel that it’s the man’s job to take care of it.
Even my own experiences, I feel that I have to prove myself because when I am dealing with most men on a day to day basis at work, they tend to classify me and many other women at work in a certain way, and once they see that I’m not as dumb as they originally thought, and they see that I am smart and have some type of brains, and that I can think for myself…after that is accomplished, their whole perception changes. One thing Wood mentions on page 254 is that if we recognize and challenge the inequities and stereotypes, we have the opportunity to contribute to the changes that improve the conditions in which we all live and work.
I have spoke with a few females on this subject matter about their feelings and if they felt they lived in a sexist world. One female felt that sexism put her at a disadvantage of doing what she had wanted with her life, while another spent a lot of time worrying about her capability as a woman, because she was not as skilled in a few things.
All of the sexist things that occur…the unfair portions of duties at home that occur within families when the mother stays home, she is looked upon to be the homemaker, wife, mother…etc. not to mention the fact that it’s really multiple duties for those that choose to take on a job outside the home rather than be a homemaker. Outside of the home, sexist acts occur too…at work. From things with hiring and delegating jobs to underpaying females when they perform the same job that a man does, and overall how women are treated on a day to day basis. Wood mentions on page 245 the concept of “the glass ceiling”…an invisible barrier that limits the advancement of women and minorities, and she mentions “glass walls”…which refers to sex segregation on the job.
Something funny that happened to me at work while I was on the phone with a member and I thought it was very funny. I called a clients home to see if they had flood insurance for their refinance of their mortgage, and the husband answered, and his response was…”I don’t know anything about this, my wife is handling this process…” From the perception of a few men I know and from some individuals in society today, the male would be the ones doing that kind of business, not the wife, because they feel that it’s the man’s job to take care of it.
Even my own experiences, I feel that I have to prove myself because when I am dealing with most men on a day to day basis at work, they tend to classify me and many other women at work in a certain way, and once they see that I’m not as dumb as they originally thought, and they see that I am smart and have some type of brains, and that I can think for myself…after that is accomplished, their whole perception changes. One thing Wood mentions on page 254 is that if we recognize and challenge the inequities and stereotypes, we have the opportunity to contribute to the changes that improve the conditions in which we all live and work.
Friday, May 30, 2008
week 3 response to Sireen
Sireen, I am so glad you brought up Sex in the City...(by the way I can’t wait to see the movie this weekend). Anyhow I love the way the show depicts women to be so independent. The show made its way into the hearts of many females from the way it displays female friendship, and the way that women can get unconditional love from one another. Even though the show is so funny, sexual, and edgy, it expresses the level of sexual confidence that independent women now have without suggesting that they are heartless or out of control.
week 3 response to Johanna
Johanna, thanks for sharing that post with us. I agree with Jenai, that was very personal and I am quite sure it brought back emotions...as Wood says in chapter 12, it's painful to bring up topics like this. I never believed a man had the right to place his hands on any female. Who and what gives them the authority to do so? I must say, I am such a scaredy cat...I never want to go anywhere because I am so afraid of things like that happeneing...Ok so I'm Corny...i just went to a club the first time at age 25 last year...thats so bad for some one my age...everybody tells me i should be partying my life away...lol but I have no desire to do so. I occasionally go out to a lounge or something, but mostly out for drinks with my closest friends or my boyfriend because I am so afraid of what could "possibly" happen. I also can't believe the cops acted that way toward you, I told my boyfriend about it and he is a state trooper, and he was so shocked!! I always hear storied from him about domestic dispute calls he goes to...and most of the time the men end up with a restraining order against them and it's this big long thing. Thank god you and your friends are all ok though and made it away safely.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
week 3 business post
Nowadays the media portrays women to be this thin, beautiful size zero figure. It seems that the whole idea of objectification of women feeds into the thought that, while women are free willed individuals, their free will comes second when put against the ideals of the patriarchal society that we live in. Everyday I’m seeing that beauty has become a key factor when it comes to girls growing up.
The objectification of women is commonly used to refer to the presentation of women in the media as an object. Women's bodies are constantly used as objects to sell various products. In certain pictures women are presented as being helpless and easily overpowered especially in ads were they have on revealing clothing and take on subservient roles. These images are found in music videos as well, where the focus is only a particular body part, and some lyrics to some songs promote bodily objectification as well.
I’ve noticed that in a lot of magazines, their advertisements are often of women that are being viewed as objects rather than human beings. Instead of focusing on the woman as a whole, many ads will just focus on one part of her body. It’s always legs, a neck, or like a headless torso. The ads always seem to show these body parts, but no face. I remember seeing an ad with just a woman’s breasts, no face, nothing else, just her breasts. I’ve also seen ads where they try to advertise jewelry, but they put the jewelry on a size zero girl, and make it seem like that’s the only way to look cool and wear the jewelry. It’s gotten out of hand
The objectification of women is commonly used to refer to the presentation of women in the media as an object. Women's bodies are constantly used as objects to sell various products. In certain pictures women are presented as being helpless and easily overpowered especially in ads were they have on revealing clothing and take on subservient roles. These images are found in music videos as well, where the focus is only a particular body part, and some lyrics to some songs promote bodily objectification as well.
I’ve noticed that in a lot of magazines, their advertisements are often of women that are being viewed as objects rather than human beings. Instead of focusing on the woman as a whole, many ads will just focus on one part of her body. It’s always legs, a neck, or like a headless torso. The ads always seem to show these body parts, but no face. I remember seeing an ad with just a woman’s breasts, no face, nothing else, just her breasts. I’ve also seen ads where they try to advertise jewelry, but they put the jewelry on a size zero girl, and make it seem like that’s the only way to look cool and wear the jewelry. It’s gotten out of hand
Thursday, May 22, 2008
week 2 response to daphne
Daphne: There are alot of individuals these days that still believe in the "traditional way" of living where the man works and the wife stays home and takes care of the house and traises the kids. Some people fail to realize that perhaps both parents may need to work for the better of their family, and although that may not be what tha plan was, it may be whats working best for the family. The gentleman you had the conversation with must have come from a real old fashioned family, to have the family instill these beliefs in him like that. I agree with you, no man or woman should be expected to perform the "manly roles" or "the womanly roles", but unfortunatley there are some individuals still out there that want to love that traditional lifestyle.
week 2 business post
After reading about some of these gender topics, it brings me back to think about some school experiences from many years ago. When in grammar school I remember always getting into trouble for chasing the boys, but the boys never got in trouble for chasing me, and I always wondered why. Now, I understand that the reason why the boys avoided getting into trouble…perhaps it was because they followed the stereotypic role that was set out for them. And on the other hand, I was a girl and was expected to be quiet, not run around etc.
As a younger girl, I think I was pretty well aware that girls got the short end of the stick in many respects. For example, the concept of having girls play indoors is stupid. I don’t know why we weren’t allowed to run around and play outside like the boys. I also remember in third grade for gym, the teacher would always separate the girls and boys according to their physical expectations. The boys would be separated into teams to play a game of basketball, while the girls were given two balls to share among the group to practice shooting baskets one at a time. I disagree, but in Woods text p. 126, it states that sex segregated groups and forms of play remain the norm for the US…I never knew that. Now according to Wood (pgs. 126-127) boys play in large groups, their play is competitive, it involves rough play, and it is structured by goals, rules, and roles…etc.). And girls play (traditionally) in small groups, their games are not structured by goals and rules, and that girls spend more time talking.
Another thing I remembered when I was trying to relate my readings with life experiences was my English teacher senior year in high school, a male, who had the class read certain books coincidently with all male main characters. Maybe he wasn’t aware of even doing this, but a few of us always wondered why every story we read was pertaining to boys. When I think about all of this, it’s a little degrading. I think gender stereotyping is promoted at an early age, and if it’s the norm for the US….it’s still going on.
As a younger girl, I think I was pretty well aware that girls got the short end of the stick in many respects. For example, the concept of having girls play indoors is stupid. I don’t know why we weren’t allowed to run around and play outside like the boys. I also remember in third grade for gym, the teacher would always separate the girls and boys according to their physical expectations. The boys would be separated into teams to play a game of basketball, while the girls were given two balls to share among the group to practice shooting baskets one at a time. I disagree, but in Woods text p. 126, it states that sex segregated groups and forms of play remain the norm for the US…I never knew that. Now according to Wood (pgs. 126-127) boys play in large groups, their play is competitive, it involves rough play, and it is structured by goals, rules, and roles…etc.). And girls play (traditionally) in small groups, their games are not structured by goals and rules, and that girls spend more time talking.
Another thing I remembered when I was trying to relate my readings with life experiences was my English teacher senior year in high school, a male, who had the class read certain books coincidently with all male main characters. Maybe he wasn’t aware of even doing this, but a few of us always wondered why every story we read was pertaining to boys. When I think about all of this, it’s a little degrading. I think gender stereotyping is promoted at an early age, and if it’s the norm for the US….it’s still going on.
week 2 - response to dori
Dori: WOW! Now thats tough. I see where it says that gender constancy can develop around age 3, but wow...I don't know if i would allow my 6 year old child to cross dress in the opposite sexes clothes. The child must be confused to some great extent, and I'm also surprised the school is allowing it, and I;m sure the other kids are wondering whats going on and asking alot of questions.
Friday, May 16, 2008
week 1
As I was reading through your post and everyone else’s in the class, I agree with a lot of things that was said. Now days, it is different than how things were many years ago. In addition to the traditional household (mom and dad/female and male) household, we have same sex households, single parent households etc., things change so rapidly that society can’t adjust quick enough.
Anyone that supports, takes care of, and attends to the need of a child or anyone, should be given credit as being a caregiver, whether you are related or not. I grew up in a somewhat traditional household, I always had both parents, but both parents worked, my mom never stayed home. My mom has really good friends that I call my godparents, when in fact they are not, but we are so close that’s what I refer to them as.
Since today’s society is ever changing, there are more working moms today, so I don’t think you failed as a parent, as long as someone is there to care for your child in your absence. My parents spend a lot of time with my nephew because my sister works a lot, but in her case that’s what’s best for her family so my parent step in sometimes to make sure my nephew gets the attention he needs when my sister is at work so he doesn’t feel neglected.
As far as cards??? I’ve seen many, many cards because I’m the type of person that needs to read every card I pick up in the card store. Sometime I find the perfect card, but sometimes it’s hard because the card says too much or it doesn’t say enough. Today in society everyone thinks what they want and defines things differently as far as providing love and support. Some may only think those cards are for lovers or for just parents or a brother or sister when in fact they can be for anyone. I also noticed, that I always find my self expressing my feelings better on paper than words, so cards really help me out…especially “Between you and me” cards.
Anyone that supports, takes care of, and attends to the need of a child or anyone, should be given credit as being a caregiver, whether you are related or not. I grew up in a somewhat traditional household, I always had both parents, but both parents worked, my mom never stayed home. My mom has really good friends that I call my godparents, when in fact they are not, but we are so close that’s what I refer to them as.
Since today’s society is ever changing, there are more working moms today, so I don’t think you failed as a parent, as long as someone is there to care for your child in your absence. My parents spend a lot of time with my nephew because my sister works a lot, but in her case that’s what’s best for her family so my parent step in sometimes to make sure my nephew gets the attention he needs when my sister is at work so he doesn’t feel neglected.
As far as cards??? I’ve seen many, many cards because I’m the type of person that needs to read every card I pick up in the card store. Sometime I find the perfect card, but sometimes it’s hard because the card says too much or it doesn’t say enough. Today in society everyone thinks what they want and defines things differently as far as providing love and support. Some may only think those cards are for lovers or for just parents or a brother or sister when in fact they can be for anyone. I also noticed, that I always find my self expressing my feelings better on paper than words, so cards really help me out…especially “Between you and me” cards.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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