Sunday, May 13, 2012
Film Review 1: Middle Sexes
1. The main thesis of the film Middle Sexes: Redefining He and She is about the individual lives of intersex and transgendered people, as well as individuals who come out of societies set gender roles. In the film we see the challenges and struggles of transgender and intersex people and the similarities of it around the world.
2. Some arguments to support the thesis of the film come from personal opinions and stories told from transgendered and intersex people. We get to see how their experiences are with their lifestyle and how they fit in society. The western world other religious cultures look upon this in a negative way. Transgender and intersex individuals face challenges from family and friends as well. In the film, Noah’s parents are scared for him because they are afraid of what society might do to harm him. One example from the readings is in Robert Saposky’s Testosterone Rules where he mentions interesting facts about testosterone, gender studies and aggression in males. In relation to the film, Noah is depicted as having less masculine characteristics about his self than other boys. Just because he feels this way does not make him less of a male. Noah is young and simply likes what he likes.
3. The thesis of this film related to the course in many ways because we have been discussing gender and biology. One of the main focuses has been on how people identify themselves. This film gives good information as to how intersex and transgender individuals live and deal with society.
4. What I found most convincing is how transgender and intersex people are treated in other cultures. In Thailand, the Koata are often found in what our society considers to be prestigious jobs, such as modeling and the entertainment industry. The intersex and transgendered felt excepted and not demonized I Thailand by society. For years I thought intersex and transgendered individuals were demonized everywhere in the world. This documentary proves to me that this is not true.
5. The arguments I found least convincing were not many. I found that some of individual feelings and opinions on the issue was something that people really believed to be natural. The people made it clear on how they felt and why it is they felt that way.
6. An argument or point I would focus is why the film does little to bring attention to or address why western society has the views it does towards transgendered and intersex people. I would have liked t see more insight on history, policies or legislation that has been set in place, and see what society can do to break the social barriers that are in place currently. In Michael Kimmel’s book The Gendered Society he discusses the relations between biology and gender. Kimmel says “There are many problems with biological research on bases for gender difference and more and greater problems with the extrapolation of those differences to the social world of inequality.” In relation to the film, there is no biological explanation on why these individuals are like this or feel this way. But society should not show animosity towards people like this.
Work Cited
Kimmel, Michael. 2011. “Ordained by Nature: Biology Constructs the Sexes.” Pp. 21-57 in The Gendered Society, 4th edition. NY: Oxford University Press.
Sapolsky, Robert. 1997. “Testosterone Rules.” Pp. 22-26 in The Gendered Society Reader, 4th edition. edited by Michael Kimmel and Amy Aronson. NY: Oxford University Press.
Film Review 1: Tough Guise
1. The main thesis of the film Tough Guise addresses how American society has built sociological and cultural ideas about what it is to be masculine, and how a man should be. The media enforces a false representation of a man, which inquires always being strong, tough, and independent. If the male is seen not having these characteristics then his will be made fun of by others. Being seen as weak, fragile, feminine and getting called a “faggot” are some examples. The word “Faggot” can be used by others, not only to reference sexual preference, but to put a person’s masculinity to question.
2. Some of the main arguments to support the thesis were present throughout the movie. Guys were being asked what they consider to be a man or masculine. It is known to many that men do participate in violence most of the time simply to show their masculinity. The examples in the movie did anything it they could to depict and scare those who are not more masculine. In Paul Kivel’s article The Act-Like-a-Man Box he brings interesting focus to the topic of masculinity. Kivel mentions that men feel the need to stay in this box of masculine characteristics to keep from being verbally or physically abused by others (Kivel 14). In relation to the film, guys are programmed to stay inside this box or notion. This is the misconception taught by media and society.
3. This course is all about masculinity and men’s issues, and how people perceive men as the dominant gender in the society. I think this film is related to the course by how we construct gender in society. The film really sheds light on the misrepresentation of how it is to be a man and how society has shifted our thought process.
4. What I found most convincing in the film is that the social institutions should re-consider the idea of masculinity and focus on a less violent approached to these issues. Since we were kids in this society our families started shaping us to become independent, strong and successful at a young age. But not every individual is equal or the same, therefore not everyone should be expected to act the same way. This film made me thinks of how the world is ruled today. It is about man power, who is strong and who is not. From a privilege and race stand point, Jewel Woods brings up interesting things on black males and privilege in his article The Black Privilege Checklist. Woods mentions how the black male is privileged in our society and how it differs for that of white males (Woods 26). He also mentions that there are many similarities between men than there are differences (Woods 26-27). In relation to the film, black men are held to same stereotypes of what it means to be masculine as well. Identifying myself as bi racial, I find this to be true.
5. What I found least convincing is with the notion that violent creates more violent. It is this idea of masculinity that is embedded in us. If we can change what society valued and change the concepts and ideas surrounding masculinity we may help change the behaviors of some individuals.
6. I would conduct an experiment on how the impact of television, movies, and video games has influenced violent behaviors in teenagers and young adults. I would conduct this by having two groups of teenagers and two groups of young adults. Group one will be exposed to sports, country or classical music, and social activities. Group two will be exposed to violent behavior through television, video games, and movies. After a few months I would record all the group’s behaviors by observation, and how they socialize with other groups accordingly.
Work cited
Kivel, Paul. 1984. “The Act-Like-A-Man Box.” Pp. 14-16 in Men’s Lives, 9th edition, edited by Michael S. Kimmel and Michael A. Messner. NJ: Pearson
Woods, Jewel. 2004. “The Black Privilege Checklist.” Pp. 26-31 in Men’s Lives, 9th edition, edited by Michael S. Kimmel and Michael A. Messner. NJ: Pearson
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Offensive Words
Words can be powerful. They can change lives and societies. There are many ways that words can be used. Words can be used out of its original context in ways that can offend or hurt people. Words hold weight in ways that many people cannot imagine. In today’s society many people call each other names and using words without knowing its true meaning and how a word evolved to its so called “new meaning”. The words I decided to focus on are commonly used in our society and can be offensive to many: retard, faggot, or fag. I chose these words to shed light on how they are used, taken out of context, and inconsiderately neglected by how others abuse its terminology.
What’s a retard? The word ‘Retard’ is used to mean relatively slow in mental, emotional or physical development. This word appeared first in Middle English in 1400 (dictionary.com). This word has changed between 1400 and now in a way that is used to demean a person’s character and mind set. What is interesting about the use of the word retard or retarded is that it commonly used in society and has in some cases has become the word of choice within many individuals speech. Frustration of having to take an exam or talking about people is usually attached with using this word out of context, which is pointless and offensive. The fact that this word is said regularly toward and amongst individuals brings my attention to Labeling Theory. According to Howard Becker he says “The deviant is one to whom that label is successfully been applied; deviant behavior is behavior that people so label” (Becker, 1991, 39). If a person says something or acts in a certain way that is frowned upon by another person, they can be labeled. A person who is most likely to use the phrase ‘retard’ or ‘retarded’ is someone who is ignorant and thoughtless to those who have disabilities. The underling construction of the word retarded is that people are mentally slow and incapable of doing something that others are able to do. The word is in many ways compared to being called dumb or stupid because it also gives the label that one is incapable or lacks an ability to do certain things (The Power of Words, Blog 3, 2012).
The community impacted by the “r word” is those who are considered physically or mentally challenged. Being called retarded is also similar to the phrase “That’s gay”. Another theory that comes to mind in relation to this issue is the Shaming Theory. A person can be perceived as deviant because of an act or behavior, which is tied into stigmatization. John Braithwaite mentions that shaming means all social processes of expressing disapproval that has the effect of provoking remorse in the individual being condemned by others who become aware of the shaming (Braithwaite 1989,34). Many people view this community as “retarded” and “stupid” automatically when that is not the case. The clip below shows how offensive words can be and how we need to be careful of the words we choose to use when speaking to or around other people. The members of the relevant community show that this word needs to stop being used.
I personally have grown to understand that being called retarded or retard is not acceptable to this community, even though society may view them that way. I have a relative who is a part of this community (The Power of Words, Blog 4, 2012). And I can say he fits in just fine with society without a needing label. The norms that are socially constructed in this country have made individuals think ignorant, selfish and careless. That way of thinking does not make issues better. A message from Wanda Sykes brings attention to this. The clip below relates to this issue also, though it is another phrase commonly used. Not realizing what we say is insulting to other individuals. Case and point, phrases like “That’s so retarded” or “What a retard” are phrases that hurt people’s feelings and put them down (The Power of Words, Blog 4, 2012). . People need to watch their words and think of those they will affect before they say it.
The other word I wanted to focus on in depth is the word ‘Fag’ or ‘Faggot’, which refers to a homosexual male. Now it is a generic term of contempt, roughly equivalent to, "I'm a better man than you are and, on a side note, you look somewhat effeminate!" (UrbanDictionary.com). I regard to the history of this word, the origin of faggot, the word for a bundle of sticks, is unknown (UrbanDictionary.com). The English word comes from the French fagot and there is a cognate in Italian fagotto, so there may be some common Latin root (Wordorgins.org). But if so, it has been lost (Wordorgins.org). The current connotations of this word are to either put down a male who is seen as acting to feminine or acting in a way that is not masculine enough for certain individuals. Many people can use this word offensively towards others who consider themselves to be gay or lesbian. Those who are more likely to use the word out of context are heterosexual males and even females who hate or dislike homosexuals and those who prefer a certain life styles. To shed some insight on how this word and how it can be used in certain ways, below is a video clip of comedian Chris Rock. Chris Rock gives a humorous but honest example on the context of how the word ‘fag’ can be used and how people need to watch what they say and how they say it. The underlying social constructions of this word as mention before are aimed at individuals who are homosexual or even straight heterosexual men who act feminine, and may tend to like or do things that are not considered masculine. This reminds me back when I was in high school where name calling and joking with others was common. There were many students who were careless about others feelings and were disrespectful to people who were considered outcasts. I can remember there being one fight about every two weeks in my school. Something that has stuck with since high school was when my friend Andrew was called multiple names by other male students during gym class. Not very many people knew he was gay, and those that did kept quiet. Andrew was not the best athlete, but he caught on to sports very quick. That day in gym we were playing basketball and Andrew had cost his team the game. Because of this he was called a fag, a queer, and pussy for his style of play. I will never forget the look on his face when he was called all those names. I can tell it tore him up inside. A few days later I noticed Andrew had not been in class for a few days. When he eventually returned to class and the same guys made fun of him after another loss while playing a competitive sport. I can remember these guys calling him the same names as before. Unexpected, Andrew stood up to the guys and simply said he was comfortable with who they said he was. The response was priceless and something I will never forget. It was like he was completely at calm with who he was and did not care about what others thought anymore. I say that to say this, words to have an affect on people. Andrew’s situation can easily be related toward Labeling Theory. Instead I feel that Michael Kimmel and Matthew Mahler’s article What Triggers School Shootings relates to this as well. Kimmel and Mahler mention some interesting problems that kids face, and what causes kids to lose it. Kimmel and Mahler say “The impact of homophobia is felt not only by gay lesbian students but also by heterosexuals who are targeted by their peers for constant harassment, bullying, and gay baiting. In many cases, gay baiting is “misdirected” at heterosexual youth who may be somewhat gender nonconforming. This fact is clearly evidenced in many of the accounts we have gathered of the shootings”. (Kimmel, Mahler, 2003, 78). Even with being called names and being harassed Andrew kept his calm and accepted what he was despite what others thought of him. The communities who are impacted by the word faggot are the LGBT community, and even heterosexuals. There has been some debate over the use of the word from the LGBT community. According to Mara Keisling and Randall Jenson in their debate If LGBT Community Should Use Words Like 'Faggot' And 'Tranny', they mention “While some maintain that the words should be avoided at all costs because of how stigmatizing and demoralizing they can be, others believe that the words lose their negative associations and become empowering when they are reclaimed by LGBT people”. (Huffington Post, 2012). This is very typical for both sides of the argument. Some people want to not use the words and others do not find anything wrong with using it. This also is in many ways related to race and the use of the ‘n’ word among African Americans. I consider myself to be African American, and when it comes to the ‘n’ word I choose not to use it because I feel that there is no reason for its use. My parents did not raise me to use such words. I grew up in a strict Christian home and that had an influence on how wisely I chose to speak my words. My cousins and black friends use the word all the time and it never offends me because I know not to perceive it as aimed directly towards me. On the other side of using this word, other individuals may use it as a way of expression. If a white person says the word it is viewed as racism or it can also be taking into the context of trying to act black. When black people use the word it can be taken as an expression or offensive term depending on how it is said. Both words are offensive to many but others people do not see the harm in calling an individual this name because of choice. To illustrate what I mean, below is a clip from poet Julian Curry on the ‘n’ word. Curry breaks down the use of the word in many forms and how it has shaped America and the African American culture. Another clip that I came across is one opinion of a person who opposes the use of the word gay and faggot. He explains the reasons why it should not be used. In conclusion, I chose to research on the two words retard and faggot because I never knew the history, extent, and full context of how the word can be used. There is no doubt that these words are powerful and impact lives people are careless to consider. Let us remember that people have been murdered, harassed, bullied, beat up, demoted, discharged, fired and emotionally traumatized because of the use of the words in which we speak. This country has had a history of troubled times which has shaped who we are as a nation. It is important to know the history of where words originally come from and focus on how they became a different meaning in society today. These words can be meant to target deviant behaviors and the characteristics of individuals who do not fit the norms of this society. In the film Tough Guise, Jackson Katz does a great job discussing the differences and changes in the true meaning of what it means to be masculine. He also goes further to mention that society and media place a standard on males to put pressure on other males to maintain their masculine standard. The beginning of this film starts out by showing what happens to guys if they do not meet masculine standard. They guys all responded by saying they would be called names. The weight of words has become controversial and can become a problem for all those who are offended no matter what sexual orientation or race you are. If we all stop and take a moment to understand that words are powerful, and watch what it is we say, the problem may improve. Word Count: 2079 Work Cited/ References Becker, Howard S. Labeling Theory. Chapter 7. Readings Deviant Behavior. Calhoun, Conyers and Thio. 2010. Pearson Education Inc. Boston, MA. Braithwaite, John. Shaming Theory. Chapter 6. Readings Deviant Behavior. Calhoun, Conyers and Thio. 2010. Pearson Education Inc. Boston, MA. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/retardation http://www.wordorigins.org/index.php/more/285/ http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fag Jhally Sut, Katz Jackson. Tough Guise (Unabridged) Violence, Media & the Crisis in Masculinity, 1999). Lightner, Rod. The Power of Words, Blog Post 3, 2012. Keisling Mara, Jenson Randall. If LGBT Community Should Use Words Like 'Faggot' And 'Tranny'. Huffingon Post. 2012. Kimmel Michael and Mahler Matthew. Chapter 13, What Triggers School Shootings. Calhoun, Conyers and Thio. 2010. Pearson Education Inc. Boston, MA
I personally have grown to understand that being called retarded or retard is not acceptable to this community, even though society may view them that way. I have a relative who is a part of this community (The Power of Words, Blog 4, 2012). And I can say he fits in just fine with society without a needing label. The norms that are socially constructed in this country have made individuals think ignorant, selfish and careless. That way of thinking does not make issues better. A message from Wanda Sykes brings attention to this. The clip below relates to this issue also, though it is another phrase commonly used. Not realizing what we say is insulting to other individuals. Case and point, phrases like “That’s so retarded” or “What a retard” are phrases that hurt people’s feelings and put them down (The Power of Words, Blog 4, 2012). . People need to watch their words and think of those they will affect before they say it.
The other word I wanted to focus on in depth is the word ‘Fag’ or ‘Faggot’, which refers to a homosexual male. Now it is a generic term of contempt, roughly equivalent to, "I'm a better man than you are and, on a side note, you look somewhat effeminate!" (UrbanDictionary.com). I regard to the history of this word, the origin of faggot, the word for a bundle of sticks, is unknown (UrbanDictionary.com). The English word comes from the French fagot and there is a cognate in Italian fagotto, so there may be some common Latin root (Wordorgins.org). But if so, it has been lost (Wordorgins.org). The current connotations of this word are to either put down a male who is seen as acting to feminine or acting in a way that is not masculine enough for certain individuals. Many people can use this word offensively towards others who consider themselves to be gay or lesbian. Those who are more likely to use the word out of context are heterosexual males and even females who hate or dislike homosexuals and those who prefer a certain life styles. To shed some insight on how this word and how it can be used in certain ways, below is a video clip of comedian Chris Rock. Chris Rock gives a humorous but honest example on the context of how the word ‘fag’ can be used and how people need to watch what they say and how they say it. The underlying social constructions of this word as mention before are aimed at individuals who are homosexual or even straight heterosexual men who act feminine, and may tend to like or do things that are not considered masculine. This reminds me back when I was in high school where name calling and joking with others was common. There were many students who were careless about others feelings and were disrespectful to people who were considered outcasts. I can remember there being one fight about every two weeks in my school. Something that has stuck with since high school was when my friend Andrew was called multiple names by other male students during gym class. Not very many people knew he was gay, and those that did kept quiet. Andrew was not the best athlete, but he caught on to sports very quick. That day in gym we were playing basketball and Andrew had cost his team the game. Because of this he was called a fag, a queer, and pussy for his style of play. I will never forget the look on his face when he was called all those names. I can tell it tore him up inside. A few days later I noticed Andrew had not been in class for a few days. When he eventually returned to class and the same guys made fun of him after another loss while playing a competitive sport. I can remember these guys calling him the same names as before. Unexpected, Andrew stood up to the guys and simply said he was comfortable with who they said he was. The response was priceless and something I will never forget. It was like he was completely at calm with who he was and did not care about what others thought anymore. I say that to say this, words to have an affect on people. Andrew’s situation can easily be related toward Labeling Theory. Instead I feel that Michael Kimmel and Matthew Mahler’s article What Triggers School Shootings relates to this as well. Kimmel and Mahler mention some interesting problems that kids face, and what causes kids to lose it. Kimmel and Mahler say “The impact of homophobia is felt not only by gay lesbian students but also by heterosexuals who are targeted by their peers for constant harassment, bullying, and gay baiting. In many cases, gay baiting is “misdirected” at heterosexual youth who may be somewhat gender nonconforming. This fact is clearly evidenced in many of the accounts we have gathered of the shootings”. (Kimmel, Mahler, 2003, 78). Even with being called names and being harassed Andrew kept his calm and accepted what he was despite what others thought of him. The communities who are impacted by the word faggot are the LGBT community, and even heterosexuals. There has been some debate over the use of the word from the LGBT community. According to Mara Keisling and Randall Jenson in their debate If LGBT Community Should Use Words Like 'Faggot' And 'Tranny', they mention “While some maintain that the words should be avoided at all costs because of how stigmatizing and demoralizing they can be, others believe that the words lose their negative associations and become empowering when they are reclaimed by LGBT people”. (Huffington Post, 2012). This is very typical for both sides of the argument. Some people want to not use the words and others do not find anything wrong with using it. This also is in many ways related to race and the use of the ‘n’ word among African Americans. I consider myself to be African American, and when it comes to the ‘n’ word I choose not to use it because I feel that there is no reason for its use. My parents did not raise me to use such words. I grew up in a strict Christian home and that had an influence on how wisely I chose to speak my words. My cousins and black friends use the word all the time and it never offends me because I know not to perceive it as aimed directly towards me. On the other side of using this word, other individuals may use it as a way of expression. If a white person says the word it is viewed as racism or it can also be taking into the context of trying to act black. When black people use the word it can be taken as an expression or offensive term depending on how it is said. Both words are offensive to many but others people do not see the harm in calling an individual this name because of choice. To illustrate what I mean, below is a clip from poet Julian Curry on the ‘n’ word. Curry breaks down the use of the word in many forms and how it has shaped America and the African American culture. Another clip that I came across is one opinion of a person who opposes the use of the word gay and faggot. He explains the reasons why it should not be used. In conclusion, I chose to research on the two words retard and faggot because I never knew the history, extent, and full context of how the word can be used. There is no doubt that these words are powerful and impact lives people are careless to consider. Let us remember that people have been murdered, harassed, bullied, beat up, demoted, discharged, fired and emotionally traumatized because of the use of the words in which we speak. This country has had a history of troubled times which has shaped who we are as a nation. It is important to know the history of where words originally come from and focus on how they became a different meaning in society today. These words can be meant to target deviant behaviors and the characteristics of individuals who do not fit the norms of this society. In the film Tough Guise, Jackson Katz does a great job discussing the differences and changes in the true meaning of what it means to be masculine. He also goes further to mention that society and media place a standard on males to put pressure on other males to maintain their masculine standard. The beginning of this film starts out by showing what happens to guys if they do not meet masculine standard. They guys all responded by saying they would be called names. The weight of words has become controversial and can become a problem for all those who are offended no matter what sexual orientation or race you are. If we all stop and take a moment to understand that words are powerful, and watch what it is we say, the problem may improve. Word Count: 2079 Work Cited/ References Becker, Howard S. Labeling Theory. Chapter 7. Readings Deviant Behavior. Calhoun, Conyers and Thio. 2010. Pearson Education Inc. Boston, MA. Braithwaite, John. Shaming Theory. Chapter 6. Readings Deviant Behavior. Calhoun, Conyers and Thio. 2010. Pearson Education Inc. Boston, MA. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/retardation http://www.wordorigins.org/index.php/more/285/ http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=fag Jhally Sut, Katz Jackson. Tough Guise (Unabridged) Violence, Media & the Crisis in Masculinity, 1999). Lightner, Rod. The Power of Words, Blog Post 3, 2012. Keisling Mara, Jenson Randall. If LGBT Community Should Use Words Like 'Faggot' And 'Tranny'. Huffingon Post. 2012. Kimmel Michael and Mahler Matthew. Chapter 13, What Triggers School Shootings. Calhoun, Conyers and Thio. 2010. Pearson Education Inc. Boston, MA
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Film Review: Live Nude Girls Unite
The main thesis of the film Live Nude Girls Unite is about a group of exotic dancers who fought for fair wages and better working conditions by forming a union. Their work was not seen as meaningful and they were not treated fair. The assumption that there work was not real work was part of their argument. The women in the film showed that they were hard working and deserved the same rights and protection just as any other occupation would give.
The main argument to support the thesis in the film was about the workers being treated fair in an establishment called the The Lusty Lady in San Francisco. The workers argued that their privacy was being taken advantage of, the wages were unfair, and that discrimination and bad working conditions needed to change. The worker received help from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The SEIU helped the workers through the process by making agreements and negotiations with the employer. The worker got what they wanted and it had such an impact that other exotic dancers unionized.
The film relates to the course by showing how society can treat people who are labeled deviant based off what they do for work. Author Jennifer K. Wesley of Exotic Dancers: “Where Am I Going to Stop” explains some of the key factors and realities that relate to exotic dancing. Wesley says “An exotic dancer’s success is measured by the amount of money for a nights work” (Calhoun, Conyers & Thio, Readings in Deviant Behavior p.210). Wesley also mentions how this kind of work can relate with identity conflict. The woman is seen an object and not seen for who they really are. Society makes it seem that working in the sex industry is so horrible and they do not deserve the stigmatization. In the film The Codes of Gender it discusses on how the treatment of women in any industry are seen as weak, powerless, and unequal compared to a male.
One of the arguments that I found most convincing was that women are treated unfair in the sex industry. Their work is hard and at times dangerous to do. The rights they fought for to have a better working atmosphere was needed. Many of these dancers are smart and educated, and they said they were in it for the extra money. Some were also single moms who needed the extra income. If I were to conduct a study, I would study where the exotic dancers see themselves in 10 years. I would also study the changes dancers think might happen over the years in this industry, if any. It would be interesting to see how the industry is 10 years from now, even though money is always the key factors of these businesses.
The main argument to support the thesis in the film was about the workers being treated fair in an establishment called the The Lusty Lady in San Francisco. The workers argued that their privacy was being taken advantage of, the wages were unfair, and that discrimination and bad working conditions needed to change. The worker received help from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The SEIU helped the workers through the process by making agreements and negotiations with the employer. The worker got what they wanted and it had such an impact that other exotic dancers unionized.
The film relates to the course by showing how society can treat people who are labeled deviant based off what they do for work. Author Jennifer K. Wesley of Exotic Dancers: “Where Am I Going to Stop” explains some of the key factors and realities that relate to exotic dancing. Wesley says “An exotic dancer’s success is measured by the amount of money for a nights work” (Calhoun, Conyers & Thio, Readings in Deviant Behavior p.210). Wesley also mentions how this kind of work can relate with identity conflict. The woman is seen an object and not seen for who they really are. Society makes it seem that working in the sex industry is so horrible and they do not deserve the stigmatization. In the film The Codes of Gender it discusses on how the treatment of women in any industry are seen as weak, powerless, and unequal compared to a male.
One of the arguments that I found most convincing was that women are treated unfair in the sex industry. Their work is hard and at times dangerous to do. The rights they fought for to have a better working atmosphere was needed. Many of these dancers are smart and educated, and they said they were in it for the extra money. Some were also single moms who needed the extra income. If I were to conduct a study, I would study where the exotic dancers see themselves in 10 years. I would also study the changes dancers think might happen over the years in this industry, if any. It would be interesting to see how the industry is 10 years from now, even though money is always the key factors of these businesses.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
What about Autism?
There are many diseases and disorders that seem to be developing at a rapid and unexplained rate in this society. Many Americans perceive these to be an illness or a deviant condition. One of the “illnesses” that is very common in our society today is autism. What is autism? How and why has it developed? According to the Autism Science Foundation (ASF), autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication skills, as well as extremely challenging behaviors. The behaviors include repetitive motor behaviors like, hand flapping, body rocking, insistence on sameness, resistance to change, and in some cases self-injury or aggression. Many individuals with ASD have impairments, although some have low or even above average IQ’s. Thirty to Fifty percent of people with autism also have seizures (ASF.org). Dr. Leo Kanner first described autism in 1943. He reported on children who showed a lack of interest in other people, but they had a highly unusual interest in an inanimate environment (ASF.org). At the time autism was thought to be an early form of schizophrenia. This led to the belief that its onset could be caused by bad parenting or a negative experience ASF.org. Studies have shown this is not the issue. Looking into to autism and the disorders, there are five autism spectrum disorders. These are sometimes called Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD). The disorders are pervasive developmental delay, autism; which is sometimes referred to as classic autism, childhood autism or autistic disorder, asperger syndrome, rett syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder (ASF.org).
What causes autism is uncertain. What is supposedly “certain” is that most autism can be detected in infants as young as six to eighteen months (ASF.org). However, in an article by Jeremy Minyard called The Autism Information Epidemic, he says “There are no reliable biological indicators in most cases of autism. Behavioral symptoms vary widely and often overlap with other neurological disorders. The initiative of parents in identifying these symptoms in their own children, and encouraging a doctor to do the same, makes diagnosis of the disorder much more likely”. Many scientists have determined autism comes from genetically based conditions according to the ASF. Scientists are unsure if any environmental triggers may be the cause or the main factor involved with this condition (ASF.org). There are also theories that have become popular in recent years. One of the theories is that autism is due to what is put in a child’s vaccine and food. In the two video clips below, highly rated talk show host Alex Jones breaks this issue down by using declassified government documentation, and reasons behind this issue. In these alarming videos Jones tries to make it clear to your attention. After watching these video clips or reading this blog, I highly recommend that you research and follow up on what Alex Jones is discussing. Most importantly, research the issue of autism. You can also visit infowars.com for further information. Caution, you may receive an awaking.
According to the ASF, autism is four times more likely to affect boys than girls. This is also found in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. In an article by Michelle Diament called Minorities Show More Severe Signs of Autism, it mentions that it is unclear exactly why children from minority backgrounds are diagnosed with autism later. The researchers from this article say it could be related to cultural differences in how people perceive development as a child. Another interesting point mentioned in Diaments article from researchers says “They could not rule out the possibility that there may be biological differences in the manifestation of autism among different ethnic groups contributing to the more pronounced delays observed in children from minority backgrounds”. In relation to deviance, this is an underlining social construction that impacts this illness and perception. Minorities should not be automatically labeled deviant because of a perception or sign of autistic symptoms.
One of my brother’s friends is an African American living with autism. You would not know it if you met him. Throughout the ten years I have known him; he eventually came out and told his friends he was autistic. At first we laughed in disbelief thinking there was no way he could have been autistic. One night I asked both of his parents about his condition and found out it was a fact. For having autism, his IQ is fairly high. He is a graduate of the University of Washington. This is a prime example of the misconceptions about autism. Society has this belief that those living with this condition are not able to do what others can. The reality is, as we learn more about autism truth gets revealed.
Word Count: 784
Work Cited:
http://contexts.org/discoveries/the-autism-information-epidemic/
http://mtdiablosped.blogspot.com/2012/02/minorities-show-more-severe-signs-of.html
http://autismsciencefoundation.org/
What causes autism is uncertain. What is supposedly “certain” is that most autism can be detected in infants as young as six to eighteen months (ASF.org). However, in an article by Jeremy Minyard called The Autism Information Epidemic, he says “There are no reliable biological indicators in most cases of autism. Behavioral symptoms vary widely and often overlap with other neurological disorders. The initiative of parents in identifying these symptoms in their own children, and encouraging a doctor to do the same, makes diagnosis of the disorder much more likely”. Many scientists have determined autism comes from genetically based conditions according to the ASF. Scientists are unsure if any environmental triggers may be the cause or the main factor involved with this condition (ASF.org). There are also theories that have become popular in recent years. One of the theories is that autism is due to what is put in a child’s vaccine and food. In the two video clips below, highly rated talk show host Alex Jones breaks this issue down by using declassified government documentation, and reasons behind this issue. In these alarming videos Jones tries to make it clear to your attention. After watching these video clips or reading this blog, I highly recommend that you research and follow up on what Alex Jones is discussing. Most importantly, research the issue of autism. You can also visit infowars.com for further information. Caution, you may receive an awaking.
According to the ASF, autism is four times more likely to affect boys than girls. This is also found in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. In an article by Michelle Diament called Minorities Show More Severe Signs of Autism, it mentions that it is unclear exactly why children from minority backgrounds are diagnosed with autism later. The researchers from this article say it could be related to cultural differences in how people perceive development as a child. Another interesting point mentioned in Diaments article from researchers says “They could not rule out the possibility that there may be biological differences in the manifestation of autism among different ethnic groups contributing to the more pronounced delays observed in children from minority backgrounds”. In relation to deviance, this is an underlining social construction that impacts this illness and perception. Minorities should not be automatically labeled deviant because of a perception or sign of autistic symptoms.
One of my brother’s friends is an African American living with autism. You would not know it if you met him. Throughout the ten years I have known him; he eventually came out and told his friends he was autistic. At first we laughed in disbelief thinking there was no way he could have been autistic. One night I asked both of his parents about his condition and found out it was a fact. For having autism, his IQ is fairly high. He is a graduate of the University of Washington. This is a prime example of the misconceptions about autism. Society has this belief that those living with this condition are not able to do what others can. The reality is, as we learn more about autism truth gets revealed.
Word Count: 784
Work Cited:
http://contexts.org/discoveries/the-autism-information-epidemic/
http://mtdiablosped.blogspot.com/2012/02/minorities-show-more-severe-signs-of.html
http://autismsciencefoundation.org/
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Film Review 4: Generation Rx
The film Generation Rx is an informative film about the result of medication and the effect they have on children in our society. According to the film the marketing of prescribed drugs had a 400% increase in mood altering. America is also the largest supplier of Ritalin and other prescribed drugs in the world. Billions of dollars were given to pharmaceutical companies to drug children. This film takes a look into how this epidemic occurred and the consequences brought on the American society.
The main argument to support the thesis of this film is that the chemicals that are in these drugs are blocking and damaging the normal functions of how the brain is suppose to work. One other point mentioned in the film was that these drugs were never meant to be for or inside children.
This film relates to the course because the class has been discussing deviant minds. In the film, deviant minds are considered the children with ADHD. In the early findings of ADHD it was not considered a disease but rather a kid being a kid. Decades later this diagnosis became common psychiatric problem among children America. Kids with “considered” disorders or behavior problems are labeled as deviant in society and are presumed not to have brighter futures.
The argument I found most convincing children and committing suicide and have violent behavior problems. Another fact that from the film was the effects in had on both children and adults. The FDA did a poor job in finding out what the causes of the effects were. In a short time of taking the drugs people would get awful thoughts and nightmares.
There was nothing I felt that was least convincing in this film. Parents have to ask themselves “Do I really need to get my child on a drug to get his/her mind functioning like other kids?” It is not only the prescribed drugs in America that is harming our society; it is also what is in our food.
I would study the FDA council and find out what is really going on. I would do this by focusing on the studies conducted, where money has gone, and how and why these drugs are still being prescribed. The end result would need to indictments and prison sentences. There is no excuse for drugs to be placed on shelves or behind counters without clear and sufficient studies on the effects they have. This is big business created by the “elite” above government to defuse and betray the American people.
The main argument to support the thesis of this film is that the chemicals that are in these drugs are blocking and damaging the normal functions of how the brain is suppose to work. One other point mentioned in the film was that these drugs were never meant to be for or inside children.
This film relates to the course because the class has been discussing deviant minds. In the film, deviant minds are considered the children with ADHD. In the early findings of ADHD it was not considered a disease but rather a kid being a kid. Decades later this diagnosis became common psychiatric problem among children America. Kids with “considered” disorders or behavior problems are labeled as deviant in society and are presumed not to have brighter futures.
The argument I found most convincing children and committing suicide and have violent behavior problems. Another fact that from the film was the effects in had on both children and adults. The FDA did a poor job in finding out what the causes of the effects were. In a short time of taking the drugs people would get awful thoughts and nightmares.
There was nothing I felt that was least convincing in this film. Parents have to ask themselves “Do I really need to get my child on a drug to get his/her mind functioning like other kids?” It is not only the prescribed drugs in America that is harming our society; it is also what is in our food.
I would study the FDA council and find out what is really going on. I would do this by focusing on the studies conducted, where money has gone, and how and why these drugs are still being prescribed. The end result would need to indictments and prison sentences. There is no excuse for drugs to be placed on shelves or behind counters without clear and sufficient studies on the effects they have. This is big business created by the “elite” above government to defuse and betray the American people.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Film Review 3: Tough Guise
The main thesis of the film “Tough Guise” is the men need to be masculine, tough and violent to be recognized as a real man. Anything feminine or gay is to be hated and looked down upon in order for the male to prove what it take to be a man in society, One other feature of this film that is boldly emphasized is the male body and physical strength a man must have in order to gain respect. In many ways this is through violence.
The main arguments to support the thesis were in the opening minutes of the film when a group of men were asked the meaning of a real man. Many of them said the same descriptions, like tough and masculine. The men were then asked the consequences that come with not being masculine or fitting the male perception. They said words like “Soft, fag or pussy” would be used to describe the male not fitting the perceptions.
This film relates to the course because we have continually discussing deviance and deviant behavior. In the book Readings in Deviant Behavior there is a section called “What Triggers School Shootings?” which covers the bullying of homophobic people in high schools. In this chapter it mentions that most violence is committed by men. In relation to the film and the course, it gives the notion that men need to be a certain way because that is how society wants it. What we see in media and advertising really hints that this is the ways things are supposed to be when in fact they aren’t.
The point I found most convincing was action figures scene. They compare 40 years of masculine development to action figures like, GI Joe, Batman and Superman. It is impossible to the male figure to look like that. It shows the deception in sizes and ability which gives a false perception to boys that that’s how a man looks and acts. This relates the class discussion about deviant bodies and how society views people based on their size and ability. What I found least convincing was that movies and music were the problem. They do contribute very little in part to the problem. Not all movies and films are impacting the society.
If I were to conduct a study around this I would conduct it around boys aged 5 -18. I would study the young boy’s perception of a “real man”. Then study their perceptions when they become 18. I would like to see the differences on the issue of masculinity. The age difference and years of being in this society should make the study more legitimate.
The main arguments to support the thesis were in the opening minutes of the film when a group of men were asked the meaning of a real man. Many of them said the same descriptions, like tough and masculine. The men were then asked the consequences that come with not being masculine or fitting the male perception. They said words like “Soft, fag or pussy” would be used to describe the male not fitting the perceptions.
This film relates to the course because we have continually discussing deviance and deviant behavior. In the book Readings in Deviant Behavior there is a section called “What Triggers School Shootings?” which covers the bullying of homophobic people in high schools. In this chapter it mentions that most violence is committed by men. In relation to the film and the course, it gives the notion that men need to be a certain way because that is how society wants it. What we see in media and advertising really hints that this is the ways things are supposed to be when in fact they aren’t.
The point I found most convincing was action figures scene. They compare 40 years of masculine development to action figures like, GI Joe, Batman and Superman. It is impossible to the male figure to look like that. It shows the deception in sizes and ability which gives a false perception to boys that that’s how a man looks and acts. This relates the class discussion about deviant bodies and how society views people based on their size and ability. What I found least convincing was that movies and music were the problem. They do contribute very little in part to the problem. Not all movies and films are impacting the society.
If I were to conduct a study around this I would conduct it around boys aged 5 -18. I would study the young boy’s perception of a “real man”. Then study their perceptions when they become 18. I would like to see the differences on the issue of masculinity. The age difference and years of being in this society should make the study more legitimate.
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