Turkey Day Thoughts

I really enjoyed LaDon's talk with the class on Monday. I am from Houston so growing up diversity was never an issue. Her stories from Mart were quite shocking. Everyone in my part of town is so integrated that the things LaDon talked about reminded me of our discussions on racism. How desegregation can happen physically, but not mentally is scary. A part of me felt naive to think that perhaps racism could be eradicated, and maybe perhaps it can be, but I don't feel like it would be anytime soon.

Being inside the "UT bubble" and my "home/neighborhood bubble" I never really think about these extreme cases of racism. Yes I've seen and experience racism and I know it exists, but its a case of "out of sight, out of mind" for me sometimes (is that bad to say?). Between the papers and all the exams, I forget real world problems. I like LaDon's talk because it reminded me that these old traditions and beliefs still exist. I see this in some of my family members to be honest. Mostly its the older generation in my family, they have grown up with preconceived notions of what each race "is" and have carried with them as they moved to the states. I remember one time my cousin brought his girlfriend, who was white, to last year's family Christmas party. His parents acted differently than they would have if compared to someone that would have been within their own race. It wasn't upfront, but I could tell they were guarded.

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I had a very terrifying experience tonight. I am just going to go straight into it since it is still fresh on my mind. The escalators at the grocery store I was at was designed so that the carts would stay still and not roll down. Anyhow, there was an elderly couple, a guy (with a cart), and three women in front of me. As we were as standing on the escalator waiting for the belt to bring us down, the elderly woman falls down the end! She got stuck at the end and the cart was being pushed into her body. I had no idea what was going and neither did anyone else until the guy in front of us fought his hardest to get the cart off of her. Things were flying everywhere and everyone behind the elderly woman had to walk backwards because the belt was feeding itself to the end.

We all were freaking out and there was a silent fear of what was going to happen. Fortunately the guy was able to pull the cart off the woman and get her up. I couldn't describe to you how I felt. I saw a fragile hand go up to signal that she was okay, but I was so scared. I have never been so scared for someone I did not know. As we all we down everyone had a sigh of relief. I wanted to thank the guy, but I was too shaken up. Her shoe was on the floor, but as I walked by I couldn't get myself to pick it up. I froze. My brain could not process what just happened and what would have happened if it were not for that guy. It happened so fast, but so slow. As I watched that guy throw his stuff on the floor, I noticed how his face showed so much compassion for this woman's well being. It was very humbling. Perhaps, I am reading into this too much, but I am so glad she is okay.

I apologize for the random chunks of thoughts, I am still trying to get over my food comas. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and happy shopping!

"Age is of no importance unless you are cheese!"

When I think of ageism I have to be honest, I don't know where I would place myself. I just turned 20 years old about four months ago, so I still see myself as a teenager. It's weird when other people see or refer to me as a young adult. I associate it negatively, from a selfish standpoint of course. I think of bills, stress, and being on my own. I came to college when I was 17 years old, so I've pretty much been in this 'adult' world for a few years now. I don't have any family in Austin so when I first moved to Austin I was terrified, but strangely excited. It's funny, when I was younger I couldn't wait to grow up! Now that I am all grown up, I want to be 'young' again.

I turned the list under "Internalized Ageism" in to reversed form from what the opposite end would feel like. Maybe some people don't feel this way, but I have experienced this. It seems like both ends of the spectrum have a lot in common.

• We do not have as much life experience as the people around us
• We are not taken seriously
• We do not feel as if older adults want to hear what we have to say
• We are flattered to be called "mature"
• We like that we are able to be to do certain things (drinking, driving, etc.)
• We are pressured about our future

The real list has a lot of negative point on there. Feelings of devaluing, irritation, and a lack of self worth was very prominent. I think this could quite possibly stem from the fact that the older generations are being put out of their jobs. I read an article saying that factories and jobs are starting to hire younger people because the work can be done faster and at a cheaper rate. I think that is wrong because older people have more experience and knowledge. The work might be slower, but could it be that the quality would be higher?

In my culture, the older generation is at the top while the younger generation is at the bottom. You take care of your grandparents and you parents before you take care of yourself. When I meet any of my parent's friends I have to address them with a proper greeting before saying anything else. When I speak to anyone older than me in my native language I say "Yah" before every sentence, which reflects respect. Which is why the "Elder Abuse" part of the reading was super upsetting for me.

"1 million to 3 million Americans sixty-five and older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depend for care or protection."

This.is.social.injustice. That is a horrible statistic to read! That is also unacceptable. I use to volunteer at a nursing home and I see how the job can be stressful, but whatever the case, it is never okay to injure, exploit, or mistreat someone who is at your mercy.

War Heroes

This week's discussion on ableism was an eye opener for. Carol, you are truly inspiring. I don't think I have ever met a more passionate person than you :)

"Mass Psychiatric Casualties" by Dave Grossman pointed out a type 'disability' that plague those who are usually seen as brave and strong. This specific article made me think of my friends who are currently serving, so I associated this small portion of the text to the post traumatic stress disorder that some soldiers get after coming home from the combat zone. It is normal to feel scared, frightened, or sad, but if these feelings are not addressed properly they can manifest themselves into severe emotions that can be potentially dangerous. Replaying over and over unpleasant memories, PTSD can affect everyone, but for a soldier the feelings of safety and security are especially absent. If severe enough, most cannot live a normal life.

I found a very powerful (and tearful) story about a solider, Brandon Garrison, who tells his story of having PTSD. Let me know what you guys think.

http://www.military.com/news/article/a-soldiers-struggle-with-ptsd.html

It's a disorder most of us cannot comprehend because we are not in those shoes. Back in 2009, 245 soldiers took their own lives. I personally think that's 245 too many. In the first half of 2010, 145 soldiers took their own lives. There is a heavy stigma that comes along with mental health, which leads most to negatively associate it with getting the right services. There is an army suicide prevention hotline, but is that enough? It was only three decades ago that PTSD was recognized, and in 1980 it was formally in the DSM as an illness. And recently it was through past wars that the awareness has just started to make an impact. During June of 2010 last year, Senator Kent Conrad marked June 27th as PTSD awareness day, a big step in the process of healing. As unfortunate as it is, I feel as if there should be much more that we can do. With the billions of dollars going towards the entertainment industry and other miscellaneous forms, do you think it would be possible for society as whole to recalculate our money and put it towards where it should be going? Not only towards the educational system or the welfare system but, also specifically to those who risk their lives for us?

Edit: 11/16/11

I love dogs, so I just wanted to share this awesome picture! Always there for us; "Angels with fur"

Sexual Orientations

What intrigued me the most about this week's reading was the list of "Heterosexual Privileges". After reading the entire list I realized how many privileges I have as a straight woman. I realized that I take for granted many of the rights on this list as compared to the short list I had when it came to my religion. This list is so much longer than the list that was in the readings for "Christian Privileges". But, I think the difference between religion and sexual orientation is that sexual orientation is a very public and social aspect of our lives. When you find love you want to share it with your friends, your family, and the world. It is a big element of who we are and how we decide to live our lives.

The Loving vs. Virginia case proves how there are always people out there who are constantly policing other's lives. I thought to myself "Aren't there criminals the police should be catching?!" Anna Quintan's quote "Why does all the worst stuff get done in my name?" (God's name). Most times when you hear a group advocating against homosexuality, God's name is thrown in there. Sometimes I wonder if that is the justification of hate against a group of people.

When I read the articles I immediately thought of "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry". I love that movie. With comedy, the movie puts to the forefront the problems gay/homosexual couples face. There is a part in the movie where a group of church goers say the word "faggot". The movie gives the viewer a different perspectives of what it is like to constantly be evaluated in terms in their sexual orientation, even if it was a fake marriage.

Homosexual lifestyles are hard for people to accept. Religion plays a big role in this, and many people truly believe that it is wrong to be gay, which is where it gets tricky. A man and a woman, that's the principle that many people have grown up knowing. Being that this country is Christian dominated, it is hard for people to change their views without having constant reminders reinforcing them what is 'right' and what is 'wrong'. I learned a quote in my psychology book and it was "Live and let live".

I believe in this quote. But I also believe in being passionate in something you feel strongly about, which is why I'm having a really hard time with this blog. Its a matter of strong beliefs that drives the madness between what is 'right' and what is 'wrong'.

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Switching over to transgenderism.. I wanted to mention David Reimer's case.

David Reimer was born a healthy male, but a botched circumcision lead doctors to convince his parents to raise him as girl, alongside his twin brother. It was a case of Nature vs. nuture, where nature eventually won. David Reimer was born Bruce, later Brenda, and then David, faced the problem of "knowing" he was a boy, but was confused by his environment. In his case, being transgender was not a choice, but simply thrown on him. What do you guys think of this? Opportunity for an experiment?

Wasteland

'Wasteland' is definitely one of those movies that make me look at the things I take for granted. I put myself in their shoes and I can honestly say that I would not be able to do what they do. I remember being in Vietnam and seeing a site that was the same as Jardim Gramacho. I saw a lot of kids my age with younger siblings.

What really touched me was the community within Gramacho. I found myself giggling at many of the kind and joking gestures they made at each other, despite their situations. I could see the hope they were all holding onto. The hope that their children will have better and one day they will not have to do what they are doing. Rather than going to drugs and prostitution, their honest form of living and working is absolutely admiring. I think the movie scratches only the surface of these types of stories, but it was inspiring nonetheless.

The artworks represented beauty, dignity, and respect, a reflection of all those at Gramacho. I'm pretty sure I almost cried when Isis was talking about how she never wanted to return to Gramacho. I could feel the frustration and sadness coming off the screen. I was glad that a project like this was done. Art is amazing. Art doesn't just have to be pretty, perfect, or appropriate. It can be dark, different, or controversial. As long as a meaning was taken from the art, then I think that is the most important thing. I think art is a great medium for better understanding. It was through Vik Muniz's artwork that the picker's stories were understood. It told a stories of dedication, hard work, and dignity.

An Adele Attitude Filled World

"I love seeing Lady Gaga's boobs and bum," she says. "I love seeing Katy Perry's boobs and bum. Love it. But that's not what my music is about. I don't make music for eyes. I make music for ears." -Adele

*Ahem* I love Adele. I think she is so beautiful. I absolutely adore her and everything she stands for. Her music represents everything that our hearts can't quite seem to articulate. When I read Caroline Heldman's "Out-of-Body Image" article I think of how famous people are always under scrutiny. There are a lot of negative comments on Adele's weight, mostly out of influence from the media. I love that quote and how she basically says "Screw you guys!"

Self-objectification hurts self-esteem, academics, and affects a huge part of a woman's mental aspect. I think the most concerning part about this is how fast it is reaching the younger generations. Teenagers? Okay, maybe,... Any younger? Okay, no, red flag. I think the idea of beauty has become so skewed that young girls are starting to become more concerned about how they look rather than playing and coloring. You see it for movies, burgers, shoes, deodorant, light bulbs, band aids, dust pans.. Apparently, and unfortunately, sex sells. I wouldn't quite consider myself a feminist, but I am all for women's rights and equality. I agree that we should boycott all the products that promote these kind of images, but realistically I don't think that would be possible. The entertainment industry and advertising businesses make so much money off of us that a little girls poor self-esteem is not going to side track them. Remember those "Truth" commercials for smoking and tobacco? I think there should be similar commercials that recognize what these images are really doing to young girls and women.

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Random thought: Judith Lorber's article really made me think of my dad. I remember my dad made me wear turtle necks until I was about 15 and would not allow me to do girly things like paint my nails or pluck my eyebrows. He got so upset when he saw my fingernails were purple.

"Wash that off!" He would say.
"But there's no nail polish remover.." I would hesitantly reply.
"Use water, I don't care. Throw away that stuff." He would say, freaking out.

I wouldn't go so far to say that my dad was dismissing gender reinforcements. I think he had that "dad thing" going on where he didn't want any of his daughters to dress a certain way or do certain things that would create certain attitudes and beliefs. But I thought it was interesting how different people have different ways of expressing themselves when it comes to gender and the influences it can bring. I'm pretty sure my dad's a feminist!

Here's article called "How to Talk to Little Girls". I loved reading this, and it was kind of like the activity we did in class when we had to replace all the words that were related to gender. Lisa Bloom talks about how the first thing we mention are looks and elements that reinforce gender identity and the negativity that comes long with it.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-bloom/how-to-talk-to-little-gir_b_882510.html

P.s.- sorry for the sloppy transitions, I am having major writer's block!

Tan Hong Ming

I love this video, it is so cute. Just thought I would share it with you all.