America is not just predominately one culture. As many people have referred to America in the past as "The Melting Pot" we see that this country is made up of many cultures. We have African Americans, Jews, Hispanics, Native Americans, and so much more to offer. This complexity of cultures provides us with many stereotypes that sometimes people expect all of the people in the given culture to participate in. But as the saying goes "don't judge a book by its cover" I think the same thing applies for people; "don't judge a person based on their stereotype".
Each culture that is represented with in the United States has a stereotype. Native Americans are seen as lazy, drunks that smell bad and misuse the governments money and land that was given to them. African Americans are see as lazy people that eat chicken and drink purple drink. These people have hops and are good at basketball. Jews have big noses and are really great at saving their money. They all have long beards, they wear yamika's, and they read in Yiddish from the Talmud. Hispanics are dirty and they provide cheap labor, you know yard work. They steal American's jobs.They are all illegal and they crossed the border with twenty other people in the small five seat car that they took over. All they ever eat is burrito's, taco's, rice, and beans and they smell like grease. Mormons are crazy. They have lots of kids, they worship Joseph Smith, they coupon cut, have massive amounts of food storage in case of an emergency, they don't drink or smoke, and they never have any fun. Asians are super smart and they all like Hello Kitty. Having said this do you feel as though your culture has been misinterpreted. These stereotypes that we place on people are not limited to that culture nor do they represent each culture in any way. Not all Mormons have fifteen kids. Not all African Americans like to eat fried chicken. Not all Hispanics are illegal. But each of these harshly stereotyped cultures are unfairly judged because of their background and others beliefs everyday.
Each of the cultures represented and more have helped shape our country today. They all play an important role in making our country what it is today for the better. Just look at the world around you. For years African America's were slaves and they were oppressed but today an African American man leads our country. Native Americans are seen as lazy drunks that we killed and pushed off their own land and that we shipped into camps and oppressed but some of their people have helped in many medical advances of our day. Hispanics are seen in almost the worst light. We expect them all the be illegal drug dealers who hopped the border but many of their people are striving for a better education that they can use to better our people. Without all of the many important represented cultures that America has to offer would would not be the same amazing country that we are today. We have grown technologically, medically, governmentally and so much more for the better of this country with each culture that takes part in it.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Material World
"Most of us have more pleasure and less discomfort in our lives than most of the people most of the time in all of history (Twitchell 392). As Americans it is the norm for us to "consume and consume, with no thought of where it all comes from and where it all goes," says Ben Lee. Many people refer to this on going "trend" as "keeping up with the Jones's". Its almost a common theme as a person in general to want something that they don't have. Its almost ridiculous to try and keep up with all of my wants and needs on top of the new fads that come out weekly. Is this need for materialistic things good? Bad? Healthy? Honestly who really knows.
Opinions, people, trends, and so much more are in one day and out the next. The American way teaches us that we deserve what we want and when we work hard we have earned it. In the early 1940s a new thing called credit rolled out and tons of people put themselves over their heads in debt because they bought things that they couldn't afford on credit. Clearly very few people were taught to live within out means. This has transcended down through the years to today where people are still not living within their means and are putting ridiculous purchases of junk that they don't need on their credit cards until the limit on the card is up. This foolish way of living has caught up with us yet again. Our country is suffering because too many people chose not to live within their means and they are now suffering the consequences of losing everything. All for material things. As the saying goes "you can't take it with you." I believe this to be true to a certain extent. I believe that having a decent sized savings and being good about your money is what is important.
Personally, I love material things. So why not spend money you can't take with you on things that you can't take with you. Yes, everyone should have a little in savings but spending a little money is always a good idea. Everyone could use a few material, worldly, comforts like a bed and food. Isn't the American Dream to own a house and a car? Without credit used wisely and built up I would not be able to own my pretty car or my beautiful home. Two worldly possessions that are almost impossible to live without. So find joy in the journey now but be smart. Save a little, spend a little and live a little because as the saying goes "you can't take it with you."
Opinions, people, trends, and so much more are in one day and out the next. The American way teaches us that we deserve what we want and when we work hard we have earned it. In the early 1940s a new thing called credit rolled out and tons of people put themselves over their heads in debt because they bought things that they couldn't afford on credit. Clearly very few people were taught to live within out means. This has transcended down through the years to today where people are still not living within their means and are putting ridiculous purchases of junk that they don't need on their credit cards until the limit on the card is up. This foolish way of living has caught up with us yet again. Our country is suffering because too many people chose not to live within their means and they are now suffering the consequences of losing everything. All for material things. As the saying goes "you can't take it with you." I believe this to be true to a certain extent. I believe that having a decent sized savings and being good about your money is what is important.
Personally, I love material things. So why not spend money you can't take with you on things that you can't take with you. Yes, everyone should have a little in savings but spending a little money is always a good idea. Everyone could use a few material, worldly, comforts like a bed and food. Isn't the American Dream to own a house and a car? Without credit used wisely and built up I would not be able to own my pretty car or my beautiful home. Two worldly possessions that are almost impossible to live without. So find joy in the journey now but be smart. Save a little, spend a little and live a little because as the saying goes "you can't take it with you."
WEEK 10 BLOG REVIEWS
Darien Allen,
I really liked your post on popular music. I think its totally true that corporations have a huge influence on the media that we see! They brainwash us! I really enjoy your style of writing and the way you share your opinion. You don't push it on anyone but you let us know what you think. Have a great week!
Jessica Chee,
I really enjoy your style of writing. You have a way of sucking the reader into your story as though they are sitting right next to you suffering through your new home drama. Your sequence of bad day events was hilarious and at the same time I felt empathy for what happened to you. I also enjoyed your piece on music on pop culture. You are a great writer! Keep up the great work!
I really liked your post on popular music. I think its totally true that corporations have a huge influence on the media that we see! They brainwash us! I really enjoy your style of writing and the way you share your opinion. You don't push it on anyone but you let us know what you think. Have a great week!
Jessica Chee,
I really enjoy your style of writing. You have a way of sucking the reader into your story as though they are sitting right next to you suffering through your new home drama. Your sequence of bad day events was hilarious and at the same time I felt empathy for what happened to you. I also enjoyed your piece on music on pop culture. You are a great writer! Keep up the great work!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Music and Dancing
As time has gone by music has progressed and become something so different than what it was decades before. People that lived the the 1940s opposed the hip swinging beat of rock and roll. Today these people would be truly offended with the music that we listen to today. Music has certainly taken on a who new beat and meaning than that of the 40's. Each decade seemed to get a little more edgy. The wholesome lyrics that started out then became offensive and vulgar. This is what we listen to today. Granted I love music. Music is what keeps me going from my day to day. Music helps my mood and gets me through workouts. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with music or the music that I listen to. What I'm saying is music has certainly changed and is more widely accepted in all of its forms today than decades in the past. Having said this do women use this music as affirmation and power with their sexuality that is expressed in the music and is created in men?
Honestly I see it both ways. So women using their sexuality in music. We see this everyday. Sex sells. Lady Gaga and many other very successful female artists prove this everyday. They sell their bodies on their albums and they talk about sexual actions in their music. How else would they sell albums? Their music videos are images of them half naked and dancing sensuously. They create a rise out of these men and they draw them in with their sexuality. Their intoxicating lyrics put with a fun beat to create this catchy tune that draws you in. You want more. Before you know it you find your self swinging your hips with the beat and singing along with the music. These women draw men and women in with their sexuality. Think about it. Katy Perry sings the song, "I Kissed A Girl." The lyrics talk about something that many men fantasize about, the music video is scandalous, and the song is catchy and before you know it this song has you singing along and drawing you in with Katy's sexuality. These women draw men in with their sexuality and with a simple beat.
Ok so yes sex sells. Women use this to their advantage. To be brutally honest there are plenty of female artists that do this everyday. But there are also many very talented females that sell music with out selling their bodies. You also have a choice in everything that you listen to, watch, and purchase. You can choose to buy music and movies that are not targeted to the sex drive and that represent real women. There is so much more out there than the popular music that draws you in with sex and a catchy tune. Men can choose to be unfazed by the media that portrays women as sex icons. Woman can also choose to not portray ourselves through our sexuality. The argument can go both ways. You have a choice in the media that you purchase and partake in but women totally manipulate the way men think and what they see through the media that they choose to portray.
Honestly I see it both ways. So women using their sexuality in music. We see this everyday. Sex sells. Lady Gaga and many other very successful female artists prove this everyday. They sell their bodies on their albums and they talk about sexual actions in their music. How else would they sell albums? Their music videos are images of them half naked and dancing sensuously. They create a rise out of these men and they draw them in with their sexuality. Their intoxicating lyrics put with a fun beat to create this catchy tune that draws you in. You want more. Before you know it you find your self swinging your hips with the beat and singing along with the music. These women draw men and women in with their sexuality. Think about it. Katy Perry sings the song, "I Kissed A Girl." The lyrics talk about something that many men fantasize about, the music video is scandalous, and the song is catchy and before you know it this song has you singing along and drawing you in with Katy's sexuality. These women draw men in with their sexuality and with a simple beat.
Ok so yes sex sells. Women use this to their advantage. To be brutally honest there are plenty of female artists that do this everyday. But there are also many very talented females that sell music with out selling their bodies. You also have a choice in everything that you listen to, watch, and purchase. You can choose to buy music and movies that are not targeted to the sex drive and that represent real women. There is so much more out there than the popular music that draws you in with sex and a catchy tune. Men can choose to be unfazed by the media that portrays women as sex icons. Woman can also choose to not portray ourselves through our sexuality. The argument can go both ways. You have a choice in the media that you purchase and partake in but women totally manipulate the way men think and what they see through the media that they choose to portray.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Manic Monday
Last Monday was probably one of the most frustrating days of my life. After going to bed exceptionally late the night before I forgot to set my alarm and was late to work the next morning. As I walked into Lifetime Fitness to open Fall Break Kids Camp I realized that someone had misplaced the table that I needed to put up in the gym to check the children into camp. I gave up my search after the first child came in and wanted to play with a jump rope. Luckily one of the workers in the hall found me a table and I was finally all set up for camp. By 8:30 that morning we had 40 kids and most of my staff we're missing or sitting in the corner talking. I quickly lost control of the campers and just as I had hit the height of my stress a very hard to handle autistic child that takes every bit of my patience walked into camp and proceeded to pants the shy child in camp. Time flew quickly after that and before I knew it camp was done for the day and I was off the go workout and go on with my day.
While I was half way through my workout my roommate called to tell me that APS had just turned off our power. So I hopped in the car and pulled into the APS parking lot only to find out that they were closed for lunch from 1-2 and it was 1:02 so I hauled back to my car and drove to the Jiffy Lube down the street to get the oil in my car changed. While waiting for the oil change I called my father to ask if I could borrow some money for the power bill. As soon as I was done I went to my parents house for money and then back to APS to figure out the bill and why they had shut us off. At APS I was informed that I needed to pay a reconnection fee of $70 on top of a few other fees that added up to $700. I paid the bill and then proceeded to go home.
On my way home my back left tire blew out so I called my dad for more money and then I met him at the tire place where he proceeded to pay to get me all new tires. As soon as I was finished there I jetted back to the gym to pick my little sister up from work and then the two of us headed home where I realized that I had two tests and a paper due the next day. So I got my butt in gear and proceeded to write my paper and study until my brain turned to mush. By midnight I still hadn't showered for the day and I still needed to eat and get ready for the next day. When I finally climbed into bed at 2 AM I was grateful that my crazy day was finally over.
While I was half way through my workout my roommate called to tell me that APS had just turned off our power. So I hopped in the car and pulled into the APS parking lot only to find out that they were closed for lunch from 1-2 and it was 1:02 so I hauled back to my car and drove to the Jiffy Lube down the street to get the oil in my car changed. While waiting for the oil change I called my father to ask if I could borrow some money for the power bill. As soon as I was done I went to my parents house for money and then back to APS to figure out the bill and why they had shut us off. At APS I was informed that I needed to pay a reconnection fee of $70 on top of a few other fees that added up to $700. I paid the bill and then proceeded to go home.
On my way home my back left tire blew out so I called my dad for more money and then I met him at the tire place where he proceeded to pay to get me all new tires. As soon as I was finished there I jetted back to the gym to pick my little sister up from work and then the two of us headed home where I realized that I had two tests and a paper due the next day. So I got my butt in gear and proceeded to write my paper and study until my brain turned to mush. By midnight I still hadn't showered for the day and I still needed to eat and get ready for the next day. When I finally climbed into bed at 2 AM I was grateful that my crazy day was finally over.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Week 8 Blog Reviews
Morgan Paulson-
I enjoyed your posts this week. You have a very unique way of writing and getting your point across. I really liked opinion about love and marriage. Can't wait until I get to read your next post.
Rick Kriebel-
Rick I really enjoy your posts. I liked how you pointed out that part of making love is being in love and creating a new life. I also liked your citation from the bible. The only complaint I have is to watch your grammar. Sometimes you use the incorrect form of a word without realizing it.
I enjoyed your posts this week. You have a very unique way of writing and getting your point across. I really liked opinion about love and marriage. Can't wait until I get to read your next post.
Rick Kriebel-
Rick I really enjoy your posts. I liked how you pointed out that part of making love is being in love and creating a new life. I also liked your citation from the bible. The only complaint I have is to watch your grammar. Sometimes you use the incorrect form of a word without realizing it.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Nature and the Natural Instinct
As society has evolved our perceived norm has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Our society has accepted and published many things that might not be seen as natural or that people would have never dreamed would become acceptable. Society has evolved. Having said this some accepted human behaviors that we see from the day to day are still seen as unnatural. But who are we to judge or say what is natural or unnatural?
The word natural is used everyday in many conversations. People have many different views of what they think is natural. In Europe it is natural to put jelly and cheese on toast for breakfast where as Americans might find it more natural to have a bowl of cheerios. Many human behaviors are seen as natural to some and unnatural to others. Marriage between a man and a women is a very natural aspect of life to many. A dog is a man's best friend is a very natural relationship between many men and their dogs. The way women gossip to their best friend is also another very common relationship to many women. Sneaking around, drinking, and partying is a stereotypical teenage behavior to many parent child relationships. Fortunately we cannot base what is natural to one person as natural to another or even correct behavior. Just because it is natural does not mean that is it right. The same goes for things that are unnatural. Just because it is not normal does not mean that it is acceptable or unacceptable to every or any person. Who are we to judge what is right for one person and wrong for the next?
When you talk to someone about the aspect of a homosexual relationship the word natural or unnatural can come up quite frequently. This practice can be seen as unnatural by many people. Homosexuals are not able to do all of the things that heterosexual couples can. In many states they cannot be married and they cannot create life without the help of science or the opposite sex. This unnatural union is sometimes justified by the fact that many animals in nature are naturally homosexual. That they preform or participate in homosexual relationships that are perfectly acceptable in their culture and environment. I agree with the text when Bagemhil says," we shouldn't have to look at the animal world to see what is normal or ethical" (Kluger 339). Although I don't believe that homosexual relationships are correct and that they don't deserve some of the rights that heterosexual couples are given I do believe that they should not be looked at different or discriminated against in the work place or in general. I also believe that this is a very true statement. We cannot take our opinions and beliefs from the example of animal world and apply it to what is correct, ethical, or natural in our lives or our society. All people are different and they see things differently, therefore one persons opinion should not affect everyone elses opinions and actions.
The word natural is used everyday in many conversations. People have many different views of what they think is natural. In Europe it is natural to put jelly and cheese on toast for breakfast where as Americans might find it more natural to have a bowl of cheerios. Many human behaviors are seen as natural to some and unnatural to others. Marriage between a man and a women is a very natural aspect of life to many. A dog is a man's best friend is a very natural relationship between many men and their dogs. The way women gossip to their best friend is also another very common relationship to many women. Sneaking around, drinking, and partying is a stereotypical teenage behavior to many parent child relationships. Fortunately we cannot base what is natural to one person as natural to another or even correct behavior. Just because it is natural does not mean that is it right. The same goes for things that are unnatural. Just because it is not normal does not mean that it is acceptable or unacceptable to every or any person. Who are we to judge what is right for one person and wrong for the next?
When you talk to someone about the aspect of a homosexual relationship the word natural or unnatural can come up quite frequently. This practice can be seen as unnatural by many people. Homosexuals are not able to do all of the things that heterosexual couples can. In many states they cannot be married and they cannot create life without the help of science or the opposite sex. This unnatural union is sometimes justified by the fact that many animals in nature are naturally homosexual. That they preform or participate in homosexual relationships that are perfectly acceptable in their culture and environment. I agree with the text when Bagemhil says," we shouldn't have to look at the animal world to see what is normal or ethical" (Kluger 339). Although I don't believe that homosexual relationships are correct and that they don't deserve some of the rights that heterosexual couples are given I do believe that they should not be looked at different or discriminated against in the work place or in general. I also believe that this is a very true statement. We cannot take our opinions and beliefs from the example of animal world and apply it to what is correct, ethical, or natural in our lives or our society. All people are different and they see things differently, therefore one persons opinion should not affect everyone elses opinions and actions.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
All You Need is Love
What is love? Chemistry and biology are the two factors that are focused on but are they truly the real reasons people fall in love? Chemistry and biology certainly have a huge effect on our ability to fall in love. Without chemistry we would not be able to feel that spark for that person. The pull of attraction that drags you to that person and has you thinking, dreaming, talking, and wondering what they are doing and when will you see this person next. The physical attraction to a person is what initially brings you to them and after that the chemistry will keep you smiling when you see them. Chemistry is a huge factor. But biology? What is biology? I believe that it is the cycle that we are expected to follow. The pattern outlined in the reading. Biology is the way a person pulls you in, their flirting style, and their body language. Without these two crucial steps people might never fall in love.
How do these two factors change our preconceived notions about love? Is love meant to be? Can you truly fall in love? Is marriage for everyone? Is it all about physical attraction? Is courtship and dating simply a ploy for sex? I believe that many of these notions are unrealistic. Love is not simple or easy. You can't pull the definition of love out of the air. It is not explained and it is different for every person. Love is how you view it. If that means that you never get married and your still happy then so be it. But by no means does that mean that there is only one person out there that is meant for you. The odds of finding this one perfect person are impossible and unrealistic. There are too many people and chances for happiness for anyone to be looking for that one person. How will you know that you found them? Even then you could still be searching, unhappy with what you have. By all means I am not saying settle with what you have. I'm saying that love is imperfect and difficult and that life is too short to search for the perfect person and that in reality we should be happy and life in the moment. Granted if it is meant to be then it will certainly be. Not only that but dating can be simply for sex but in reality we are all looking for our match or our mate that we try to spend the rest of our lives with in happiness through our old age.
I believe that the way we see love is greatly influenced by our culture, time, beliefs, behavior, and institutions. The way that one person sees love can be completely different than the way your best friend views it. A great portion of this is based off of our beliefs and the way that we were raised. This is a huge influence on the way we think. If you were raised in the belief that someday you will find your true love and be married and love happily ever after than this would be your basic outlook on love; but if you were raised to believe that love is just a hoax then you would see love and relationships in a whole new light. I think that our culture of America greatly influences our beliefs. In other countries marriages are arranged but here we almost frown upon it. Not only that but the way people view love and marriage is very different than the way it was viewed in the 1940s and in every decade. Love is different for every person everywhere.
Love is complex. But without that excitement and without the drive many of us would not be here today. So live life and love fully; take chances and tell everyone around you that you love them because life is too short to not take advantage of what you have and life it to the fullest. Publish your beliefs and let everyone know how you view love and why.
How do these two factors change our preconceived notions about love? Is love meant to be? Can you truly fall in love? Is marriage for everyone? Is it all about physical attraction? Is courtship and dating simply a ploy for sex? I believe that many of these notions are unrealistic. Love is not simple or easy. You can't pull the definition of love out of the air. It is not explained and it is different for every person. Love is how you view it. If that means that you never get married and your still happy then so be it. But by no means does that mean that there is only one person out there that is meant for you. The odds of finding this one perfect person are impossible and unrealistic. There are too many people and chances for happiness for anyone to be looking for that one person. How will you know that you found them? Even then you could still be searching, unhappy with what you have. By all means I am not saying settle with what you have. I'm saying that love is imperfect and difficult and that life is too short to search for the perfect person and that in reality we should be happy and life in the moment. Granted if it is meant to be then it will certainly be. Not only that but dating can be simply for sex but in reality we are all looking for our match or our mate that we try to spend the rest of our lives with in happiness through our old age.
I believe that the way we see love is greatly influenced by our culture, time, beliefs, behavior, and institutions. The way that one person sees love can be completely different than the way your best friend views it. A great portion of this is based off of our beliefs and the way that we were raised. This is a huge influence on the way we think. If you were raised in the belief that someday you will find your true love and be married and love happily ever after than this would be your basic outlook on love; but if you were raised to believe that love is just a hoax then you would see love and relationships in a whole new light. I think that our culture of America greatly influences our beliefs. In other countries marriages are arranged but here we almost frown upon it. Not only that but the way people view love and marriage is very different than the way it was viewed in the 1940s and in every decade. Love is different for every person everywhere.
Love is complex. But without that excitement and without the drive many of us would not be here today. So live life and love fully; take chances and tell everyone around you that you love them because life is too short to not take advantage of what you have and life it to the fullest. Publish your beliefs and let everyone know how you view love and why.
Week 7 Blog Reviews
Ricky Kriebel
I enjoyed reading your posts this week. The way that you think and see things is a new perspective than I do and it is always good to see a new side of things. I thought your post on marriage was interesting. I agree with a lot of what you said with the sex drive and disregard for even knowing the person. I found your view on marriage very different and the new natural relationship interesting. Although I believe differently, your view was well thought out and constructive. Can't wait to read what is next!
Morgan Paulson
I love reading what you write. It is always a fresh new perspective that I haven't seen yet. I like how you put that having a different type of marriage or commitment for humans. I completely agree. I also enjoyed your post about communication. It is always nice to know that I'm not the only one have communication problems!
I enjoyed reading your posts this week. The way that you think and see things is a new perspective than I do and it is always good to see a new side of things. I thought your post on marriage was interesting. I agree with a lot of what you said with the sex drive and disregard for even knowing the person. I found your view on marriage very different and the new natural relationship interesting. Although I believe differently, your view was well thought out and constructive. Can't wait to read what is next!
Morgan Paulson
I love reading what you write. It is always a fresh new perspective that I haven't seen yet. I like how you put that having a different type of marriage or commitment for humans. I completely agree. I also enjoyed your post about communication. It is always nice to know that I'm not the only one have communication problems!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)