is this a good thing or a bad?

For the first time in what feels like forever, I’m actually getting the majority of what is being said in the articles for this theory. I also think this is perhaps the easiest to grasp theory. That may be because we have a tonne of knowledge to build from now or it’s because our society is so used to this theory. It’s sad to think that or society is so used to racist ideas, whether we support them or not, that this is the theory that is easier to grasp. On the other hand, it could have something to do with the fact that this theory is based in history and facts. You would think that I would be thrilled about actually getting this theory, but it’s just so sad. Like that article Dr. Pound read us today broke my heart. I don’t really even know what to say on that subject, just that it was heart wrenching.

I was talking with another member of the class and she brought up how the new movie Avatar fits perfectly into this model, and she is so right! That movie is exactly what Europeans have done to other continents. When I was sitting in the movie theatre I thought that this could have taken place in the early Americas. Another movie that portrays these ideas really well is District Nine. My boyfriend said I would love the movie, yeah, well, I didn’t. I could not believe how real it was (not to mention pretty gross). The thing is, the conditions are like refugee camps, the aliens that are being experimented on are like prisoners of war; it’s so real.

I know this is an intellectual setting, and some might say I should be looking at this at a more detached point of view, but it is so hard not to feel with this theory.

life isn't fair...among other things

My thoughts from today…

A) I think this is one of the hardest classes we’ve every had. Not that I didn’t enjoy it, because I did, but when talking about race the proper terms become so important. When referring to other races it’s socially important to be politically correct, and sometimes that is easier said then done. When you think about it, if we did not grow out of a racist society the terms wouldn’t matter. People would be people and they would not get offended by what someone is calling them. It would make life so much easier if there was not such a harsh line between races. Not that we should all be the same, but if there was a better understanding among us all.

B) Even today, in movies and books, or just in reference, what race is most accossiated to gang life and slums? It’s sad to say that it is still African-Americans. I think this grows from the lack of education these people had (as talked about in class). This also enforces that race is cultrally constructed. If the media did not portray these ideas, you can bet they would be less wide spread.

C) I wonder what kind of racism goes on in other countries, is it possible that what Dr Pound said, people of colour will never experience what white people do (not word-for-word), does not exist or exists less in other countries? Like Africa or China. Does it differ due to what nation you’re in? I hope it does, I think it is a sad thing that the whole world revolves around one race.

D) When Dr. Pound started of class today with the statement “Life is not fair” it reminded me of my dad. Whenever my brother or I would say that growing up the response from my dad was “Who said life is fair” (always in a joking tone). I don’t know what relevance this has, except that even children realize the world is not a fair place to be.

E) Finally I was reminded of the movie, “Grand Torino” with Clint Eastwood. For some odd reason my boyfriend was convinced I would love this movie. Well, needless to say I did not. It portrayed perfectly the issues of race, in a very graphic and brutal way.

Well that’s it for today’s class, tata for now!

becoming a cyborg

I was thinking about the different ways I could be classified as a cyborg and the list is pretty endless. I would also argue that by the definition we talked about in class there are very few people left in this world who would not be concerned a cyborg. In taking medicine alone that’s a tonne of people. Then there are hearing aids, mobility aids, visual aids, entertainment aids and the list goes on and on. I actually think that it is quite sad that we have become so modified. I wonder if we have it a wall when it comes to evolution. Maybe we can’t evolve anymore or maybe society has become too impatient for these things to occur and have taken matters into or on hands.
Regardless I found the whole topic to be clearer after Tuesday’s class! I really enjoyed this passed class, and I think it had something to do with the discussion going on. It was very thought provoking, with the most back and forth discussion I think we have had. Also, this week’s article was so impossible to get to; I was so relieved that Dr. Pound addressed it in class, especially with the upcoming essay. This is another matter entirely, for some reason this assignment feels more daunting than others. I can’t quite put my finger on why that is, perhaps its a case of rusty pen and confusing readings.
With the talk of the Olympics, I was wondering if all equipment could make people into cyborgs? Though the swim suits is the most prominent issue that I can think of, this argument could be applied to any number of sports. The sails used in the summer Olympics, the skies in the winter Olympics. Each piece of equipment has the potential to become an extension of the athletes’ body, and therefore become a controversial issue. Perhaps the committee should start looking at this as a reality and put restrictions or allowances in all areas, just like in drug use. Either that or I’m worried there will be a free for all.
I think that’s all I’ve got for today, I am feeling much less inspired then I did last week...hopefully next week is more insightful, tata for now!

Bro Code, Paper Bag Princess and Cosmo

Here are some of my thoughts that I have acquired from the last two classes…

First off I thought I was a feminist. If I lived back in the day I would have been an advocate for women’s right to vote and I have always loved stories with female protagonists. However, after reading the articles for this week I think I’ve changed my mind. I find many of the readings to the extreme and I know understand what Dr. Pound meant when he said women would say “I’m not a feminist, but”. I think I would say “I’m not a feminist, but I’m an equalist”. There are some aspects of feminist that I can appreciate and some others that I can agree with, but I can’t agree with all the ideas, therefore I don’t think I fit under the title of Feminist.

Next thought…

My boyfriend (Evan) came up for a visit over the Christmas holidays and through some series of discussions he and my 17 year old brother (John) both understood what the “bro code” is. Apparently it’s this list of rules that guys are supposed to follow. Evan lives in Alberta and John lives in T Bay, so this code is significant enough that it transcends provinces. While we were at Chapters Evan found the book Bro Code and bought it for John. When I asked about it I was told that in the code it states you are not allowed to talk about the code to your significant other. (kind of like Fight Club). The point of my story is, women don’t have anything like the code and I found the whole thing rather odd. But in a patriarchal society this kind of code fits. I am determined to read it.

Another thought…

I remember reading an article in” Cosmo”. It had something to do with what a women wore and why you aren’t attracting the guys. Apparently there are two different kinds of cute, boy cute and girl cute. Clothes like baby-doll shirts and boyfriend jeans fall under girl cute. But skinny jeans and low cute shirts fall under boy cute. Even though the majority of boy cute clothes are less comfortable the article was saying this is what you had to wear to get noticed. It goes along with what Dr. Pound was saying about men symbolically dismembering women. Boy cute clothes are more sexual and allow men to take the women wearing them apart. I’m not saying these clothes are bad, we all wear them. When I read the article I thought it was pretty pointless. However, with the knowledge gained from these classes this kind of article does fit into what feminists are saying of our society.

My final thought is that the Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munch is an excellent example of a story that feminists would like. Most of the story follows the traditional Princess and Prince Charming story. Except the Princess goes off to save the Prince. In the end the Prince doesn’t want the Princess because of her clothes; she is too dirty. So the Princess leaves him with the dragon ( I think), and goes off on her own adventures. All in all this is a great story that is a positive story for young girls.

That’s all folks!!