Ebonics in Language

I acutally wrote a research paper on this for another class and found that Ebonics was actually declared a language. In some areas, standard english just isn't as common and the teachers in a school disctict in California had to adjust to the fact that they're students were doing so poorly because they're first language was Ebonics. As far as translators, that seems a little sketchy to me. I mean most people think of it as slang and I do also. I don't think that Ebonics is so complex that we need translators for it though. I'm not black but my husband is and I grew up in a black community. Learning standard english was never an issue for myself or any of my friends. They chose to speak in Ebonics depending on their environment. I think what I don't like most about the idea of "Black English" is that one assumes Ebonics is a lower standard of english, when really it's more of a community thing. People from the south say "ya'll" all the time, I know I do and we don't have our own language for terms like that. It's just something that's common in our area and doesn't mean that southerners are any less intelligent. The same goes for Ebonics and its use by African Americans.

Raised by Nannies?

Nannies are a lot more important in some households than they used to be.  One of the main advantages of having a nanny is that your child has the opportunity to learn a second language which is so important now a days.   I was a nanny for 2 years and the family I worked for had children who were all fluent in spanish. Even their 5 year old didn't have any problem speaking to me in spanish. I think that in the long run, having a nanny that speaks a second language will definately benefit a child. With the competative job economy, speaking a second language is definately a plus to employers. I speak some spanish to my daughter and she learns a lot from some of the TV shows she watches like Dora. It surprises me how much young children are like sponges. They can absorb any language at early ages. Having a bilingual nanny has it's advantages and I think the benefits outweigh the consequences.

Marriage in Hollywood

I guess one thing I don't understand is how men can cheat on these extremely successful Hollywood actresses.  I mean who cheats on Halle Berry?? I think some of these men think they're entitled to successful women.  Granted some of these men are actors themselves; that shouldn't prompt them to run around and do whatever they want.  Frustrates me.....

Child Stars

I saw Miley Cyrus recently in the news smoking a bong.  What's going on with these teenagers? Granted that I think she's legal now (maybe).  The success and stress of being a super star gets to these kids I think.  There's no outlet for them and they're forced to deal with the issues that most kids their age don't have to deal with.  I think there should be an age limit on how young you can be to work in show business.  It's hard to punish your child when they make 100 times more than you do.

What's the True Meaning of Christmas?

WIth days like Black Friday and other shopping specials, I think we're losing touch with what the actual reason for the season is.  I hear so may people talking about what the want and how much money they spent when Christmas is supposed to be a religious holiday.  I wonder at what point America forgot about that and it became about fruit cakes.  Just remember to count your blessing and be thankful for what you have.  Happy Holidays!!

Dealing w/Stress During Finals

This last week has been one of the most trying for me in a long time.  I take 15 hrs at school and work around 45 hrs a week.  I'm sure there are other students like me who deal with trying to finish school and other issues.  One of the things that really helped me was making sure I got enough sleep.  I studied like a mad person this past week but had to make sure that I had enough sleep.  I'm like a zombie without it!  Also, don't overdue the all nighters.  I pulled a few all nighters but had to make sure that I had someone to watch my daughter so I could sleep the next day.  Now that it's over I feel so much better as I'm sure most of you do.  Good luck with next semester everyone!!

The Interpretation of Marriage and the Influence of the Media

The sanctity of marriage has always been an issue among popular conversation.  The opinion of marriage varies with age, religion, and even political views.  It’s no doubt changing in a progressive world.  Media has had a large impact on the views of marriage whether it’s a happy one, a divorced family, a gay marriage, or pretty much any type of marriage or relationship you can think of.  Some people argue that gays are making a mockery of marriage; when in actuality; most gays that marry were previously in loving and long term relationships.

            Think of all the marriages we see on television between heterosexual couples.  Majority of them won’t make it past a few years if that.  How can a society idealize and condone quick Hollywood marriages, but refuse to recognize or accept marriages that will last?  Failed heterosexual marriages are grossly over publicized while we never hear much about gay marriages in Hollywood.  There’s no entertainment or money to be made while publicizing a happy marriage which is why failing heterosexual marriages are so popular.  Most gay marriages in Hollywood have lasted and are rarely publicized because there is no juicy gossip there.  Gay actors and actresses face the same career challenges as straight actors and actresses yet their marriages seem to be having a much more noticeable success rate.  In an article titles “The Sanctity of Marriage is Already Ruined,” the author compares celebrity marriages to swapping husband and wives like handbags.  Traditional families have changed from mom and dad to mom’s house or dad’s house.  There is no longer a large presence of “traditional family.”

            Religious factions and other prop 8 promoters contradict their very own beliefs.  Marriage is between a man and a woman, not two men or two women they claim.  They would prefer to accept an unhappy or failed heterosexual marriage before they would accept a successful gay marriage. 

            Media in every medium has tamed the sanctity of marriage.  Part of the reason for the increase in failed marriages is attributed to what we as a society are willing to promote and accept.  Much like in “Dreamworlds,” media is a virus to marriage on more than just the Hollywood level.  The media changes how one views marriage and also the effort they are willing to put into it.  This translates from the “Dreamworld” into the real world.  Men and women are now openly seeking relationships outside of marriage.  (Dreamworld) Websites like www.ashleymadison.com are easily available to access and are creating a gate of temptation similar to what celebrities might experience in life due to their social status.  (Oprah)  We are strangely more accepting of celebrity mistakes than those of people we know or our own husbands and wives.  Why do Americans focus on what could be a successful marriage negatively?  Why do we not go after those who are the creators of paths that will end marriages?  Marriage is about love, the parties in a marriage shouldn’t matter.  After all, how can gays destroy marriage when it’s clearly a joke to majority of those in the limelight that we idealize and strive to be like?  Conservatives are apparently afraid of gay marriage not because it could hurt its meaning, but because gays might just show us what the ideal marriage should look like.

Television shows and magazines only show either the happy beginning of a relationship or the tragic ending of it.  They fail to show the work and issues that lead the end of a marriage.  Magazines are constantly contradicting themselves.  They pull you in as a reader giving you a five page layout about a new beautiful celebrity couple, then they pull it right out from under because of who is spotted with who and where.  It’s been a while since Ellen was on the cover of a magazine fighting with her wife.  There’s no story there for readers which is why the vision of a happy gay marriage is never brought out for the public to see. 

The reasons for banning gay marriage are getting slimmer and slimmer.  It’s apparent that a new excuse comes to light every other week.  In an interview with Bill O’Reilly, he was asked what is it exactly that the conservatives want regarding gay marriage and why are they getting so involved in religious matters.  O’Reilly answered completely contradicting himself that conservatives want to stay out of religious decisions but yet they want tradition.  Since tradition is an every changing entity, there’s really no way for him to declare marriage between a marriage and a woman tradition.  Traditionally one thousand years ago, kings and rulers were allowed more than one wife.  That’s not the case today at least in America because traditions change.  Everything changes over time and conservatives are running out of reasons why marriage laws shouldn’t. 

Marriage is between whatever God you pray to, your partner, and your family.  It’s not a base for world discussion.   There are somewhere around 18,000 couples who were legally married in California before the rights of gay marriage were revoked.  There’s no way to void those marriages so why would anyone try to stop something that’s clearly already well on its way to establishment?  Gay marriage has its foot in the door and there’s no shutting it now.  If anything, all the uses of media are helping the development and public opinion of gay marriage.  When you watch commercials on voting for different propositions involving gay marriage or if you were to go to a site where protesting was taking place; you would see the types of people who are actually extremely opposed.  They’re not the same happy and smiley people you see in the commercials.  Most of them are also involved in the hating of other races and even religious groups.  They jump on the hate bandwagon that suits them best.  So this means that the type of people portrayed as loving families between a man and a woman are not necessarily the type of people you see fighting for the denial of a right that has nothing to do with them.  People that organize these commercials are trying to present the cleanest cut, religious involved message that they can to sway the opinion of individuals while failing to show the real story of those who are full of hate and resistance for their fellow man.  A previous representative of California in the Miss USA pageant voiced her opinion on her opposition of gay marriage.  It was strange that she would choose to represent a state that was very famously known for its liberal and accepting views on marriage. (The Caucus)  She was slammed as the campaigned to protect marriage and many were outraged at her very open statement.  The media of course ate it up and created once again, a large spectacle of marriage.  By focusing on what marriage shouldn’t be, they lose sight of what marriage should be.  It’s easy to point the finger at others but what one fails to realize is that when you point one finger at someone, all the others are pointing back at you.

Marriage is a private issue that should be recognized because of the love it declares and not because of the media or argument it will bring.  Media is making a mockery and perversion of marriage by placing constant negative views on it.  If the divorce rate is fifty percent between heterosexual couples, maybe there’s a secret that gays have that would enlighten us.  The influence of the media further propels hatred and the lack of understanding when it comes to gay marriage.  As we have discussed in many lectures, we are what we see and our influences come in a variety of media.  Our identity comes from what we piece together based on the actions of others.  The sooner we realize that just because something is one way doesn’t mean it can’t change the better.  Two hundred years ago it was normal to own people; not much longer before that it was okay to cut off the hand of a thief.  Things change, times change, the world around everything must also change with it.

The Evolution of Marriage

            The traditional idea of marriage has changed over the last few decades.  In 2004, U.S. residents spent $469.5 million on online dating and personals. (www.newsdial.com)  More and more people are beginning to find love in chat rooms and through websites instead of in public places.  Though online dating has taken the awkwardness out of first dates; it has also been the catalyst for many divorces.  While making it easy to find your “soul mate,” online dating has also made it easier to cheat.  The evolution of technology has had a direct impact on the effort we put into establishing relationships.  It has also made it easier for those who might not be as outgoing to meet people.  It’s a give and take relationship one could say.  Online dating has its ups and downs but one thing is for sure, it has definitely made an impact on our perception of how to go about finding a mate.

            Online dating has enhanced the chance of finding a mate for those who otherwise might not have had the time or courage to look.  Instead of wasting time with someone who might not have any of the same interests; dating sites allow people the chance to find others that share common ground.  This leads to better relationships and more open lines of communication. (Hickson)  Getting to know each other through interests helps the person to feel more comfortable, allowing the relationship to progress.  There’s also the advantage of having more choices of who you can meet and also being able to deny the requests of those you aren’t interested in, all while remaining anonymous.  The internet has completely revolutionized how we approach relationships and eventually marriage.  There is no longer a fear of rejection which would more commonly be associated with face to face meetings.

            Along with the ups, there are also the negative aspects of technology being used to find partners.  On most dating websites men outnumber the women and are also more likely to be looking for a physical relationship.  People also aren’t always who they claim to be which leads to short term relationships.  There are often misrepresentations presented to some members; whether it’s their job, kids, education, or even their relationship status.  Some people also use dating websites as an easy means for infidelity.  They often benefit from being able to meet people without disclosing a large amount of personal information. 

Sites also often misrepresent their statistics of success.  They measure success by their number of members who get married which is sometimes misleading.  The promotion of unrealistic expectations creates the idea for most members that they will find their “perfect match” without the hard work it takes to maintain a relationship.  This sends the wrong message to online daters.  It creates the mindset that happiness is only defined by marriage in an already divorce saturated society.  The tests used to measure compatibility aren’t always as accurate as the sites claim they are.  The tests do not guarantee a soul mate which some members believe.  (Tracy)  Online daters tend to lose sight of the hard work that having a relationship actually is.  Having a search engine find a mate for you creates this illusion that relationships are easy and you shouldn’t have to work for them.  The benefit of a traditional relationship leading to a marriage is that you actually get to know that person in every light; flaws and all.  A relationship that stems from an online encounter often has trust issues.  (Vyhmeister)   Most people who are members of online sites interact with more than one person so the thought of logging on is always there even while in a relationship.

            Using technology to find a mate brings back the feeling of being wanted for those who use it.  There’s always someone who will be matched to you and with so many people online, you’re bound to meet someone even if they’re the wrong person for you.  This brings back the fun of dating by allowing you to browse many profiles without the fear of rejection.  (Reeves)  Many use online dating sites to bring back the excitement into their lives even if they’re already in a relationship.  By looking for other people online, they’re cheating without physically cheating but it still has the same mental effect.   Even sites like ashleymadison.com are making it easier for two people to cheat who are in marriages or long term relationships.  There was an interview on the Dr. Phil show where the creator of ashleymadison.com explained why he created his site.  Users of the site were also on the show and claimed that through the site, they were able to save their marriage because they had an outlet.  It made them appreciate their partner more because they felt better about themselves.  In a way, you can say that some people gain their self-esteem and self-worth back by using these sites; despite the fact that the end result of these rendezvous could be devastating.

            Actually going to a place to meet people is becoming a thing of the past.  People are too busy in this day in age to take the time to find a partner.  Traditional relationships are too much work for some and intimidating to others.  The stories of people meeting in college or in the grocery store are becoming obsolete.  Online dating has made it easy for people to find someone with minimal effort.  This cripples some users though, when they do have the opportunity to meet a great person they’ll lack the social skills to maintain interest.  Think of it as being married for twenty years and now all of a sudden you’re back on the market.  That could be compared to being a thirty year old businessman who has always looked for dates online.  When he’s confronted by a woman who is interested in him one would assume that the meeting would be very awkward.  Without being able to sit and think of the next thing to say he’d probably come off as goofy or weird.  Using chat rooms doesn’t prepare you for real life conversation.  You have to think on your feet instead of googling a clever quote from a poem.  Technology has made many things obsolete.  We are in a world where without everything being a click away we’d be lost.  This is sadly also becoming the case with relationships.

            The use of online dating as a means for marriage has created this idea that the person you meet is “the one.”  People jump into marriages not really knowing the person they actually met; this adds to the rising divorce rate.  The perception of a traditional marriage is completely different from fifty years ago. Technology has completely changed what we deem acceptable as far as finding a mate is concerned.   It was once taboo to talk about meeting someone online.  Many would make up stories about how they met.  Just like all things evolve, so do relationships and the methods we use to find and maintain them.  The use of online dating sites to find someone is going to be around for a while.  The use of sites is increasing every year and now that it’s acceptable, more and more will look to this method in the future.  Without it, the divorce rate would probably be lower.  Research shows that the divorce rate is at an all time high and that has to be at least in a small part a result of marriages from online relationships.  The next evolutionary step is not as widely used for websites, but video chatting with software like Skype could be the next step for dating websites.

            There are many happy marriages that started from online dating sites.  There are also many marriages that ended because of them.  There’s a check and balances that comes from dating sites.  The people whose marriages ended because of dating sites will be the same ones who log on to find a date.  It’s an endless circle which is what keeps these sites afloat.  The idea of traditional marriage is becoming more and more obsolete every day, but everything must progress.  We’re living in a society where everyone wants to do the next “IT” thing.  As far as relationships go, online dating has certainly made its presence known.

Dreamworlds

The movie Dreamworlds presented to us what our culture has come to deem acceptable behavior.  The musicians in the music videos used women as sex objects and unfortunately the women were also happy to partake in the production.  Behavior like this creates the idea that women want to or are happy be treated that way and that men are entitled to treat women how they see on TV.  The message Kenneth Burke was showing to us is that we glorify and even praise these men who treat women like garbage; the result of their influence can be very detrimental to society.

            Burke presented two different views of reality by showing an actual music video and playing the same song during a riot that broke out in Central Park.  As the music video plays, Burke narrates that women are portrayed as wanting sex all the time and should give it up upon request.   The same music is played as the video switches back and forth between rappers spraying champagne on women and women running away from men spraying water on them in Central Park.  Burke asks us to look at these women’s faces.  He goes on further to infer that these men are just doing what they see and don’t understand how to separate reality from TV.  Women are shown crying and screaming for the men to leave them alone while their clothes are being ripped off or sprayed with water.  The men obviously feel a sense of entitlement to these women and hardly anyone tries to stop the riot.  What would usually be totally unacceptable behavior is somehow okay for some of these men.  The idea of the mob is more powerful than the individual and unfortunately, weak minded people will fall into line with those around them.

            In another scene of the documentary, Burke compares the movie Birth of a Nation with the music video Tip Drill.  He shows how Birth of a Nation portrayed African Americans as ignorant fiends chasing after white women.   This movie controversially promoted white supremacy and idealized the Knights of the KKK as heroes.  The same is being done with women by labeling them as a tip drill.  Women in the video have no problem being labeled as a woman that will sleep with man after man for money.  African American women are being reduced to literally one asset.  The focus of these videos is always on their ass; sometimes their faces aren’t even shown.  This music video creates the idea that women are only defined by their sexuality and are always ready for sex.  The difference between soft core porn and the women in these videos is becoming more and more difficult to separate.  Birth of a Nation is an inaccurate movie that defined African Americans as whites viewed them, much like the women in these videos are defined by the views of men.  Both forms of entertainment are meant to appeal to a certain group of people in order to make money.  The influence that media has, unfortunately can sway the opinion of most people and creates a false sense of reality.

            Women are not only for show; apparently they can complete household chores while wanting to have sex.  Burke narrates as women in skimpy clothes are washing cars.  He speaks about how else they are useful besides just being “sex toys.”  The music in the background is replaced with Burke’s voice.  Women are viewed as always ready for sex whenever a man wants it, regardless of what they’re doing.  Even a completely non-sexual act is twisted into the message that women are good for nothing else but pleasing a man.  Men are always shown as the dominant force that women can’t live without.  Burke described how in Justin Timberlake’s video Cry Me a River, it was okay for Justin to stalk who was presumably his ex.  He explains how men refuse to accept rejection and can sometimes be controlling.  The behavior of men throughout Burke’s presentation for some reason is seen as acceptable by some men.  They even strive to one day achieve what they see on TV, not realizing that it’s a dream world. 

            Reality is skewed for some weak minded individuals.  They don’t understand how to separate entertainment from real life.  Some men live in their own dream world; where they think of women as disposable and for their own personal needs.  Kenneth Burke used everyday entertainment to show us the messages and harm that can be done if one cannot separate reality from fantasy.  Unfortunately this happens to more people than we realize.

Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell placed a spin on what we saw with our eyes and what our mind was allowing us to think.  Visually, Major Kasanagi was made in the image of a woman and at first glance one would expect her to act in that manner.  As the movie progressed, Kasanagi took on more masculine and aggressive roles.  This influenced the idea of identifying gender in that we could actually tell both male and female were merged.  One could also say that there was no gender what so ever, being that she was a cyborg.  The year is 2029 and we are post-gender during this time.  The female that we see is a metaphor for establishing the idea of womanhood or femininity in the future.  Although she appears to be a woman, she possesses masculine qualities that are very present and open in the movie.  During one scene she goes from a soft feminine figure, to bulging muscles.  Her partner is more aware of the gender differences in them.  He turns his head when she changes and covers her up when she’s nude.  It’s a possibility that Kasanagi was a man before being placed in a female shell.  Kasanagi has no problem stripping down in front of anyone as if she was in a men’s locker room. 

Besides the theme of gender roles, there’s also the idea that we are all just ghosts or robots for the use of others.  A man working as a trash collector is brain washed into thinking he has a family so that he can carry out illegal acts for a group of people.  His previous memory can’t be recovered.  That leaves the question of who are we really, wide open.  We are easily brainwashed into believing what we see on TV or hear on the radio.  We are also just shells to be filled with advertisements and catch phrases.  A message of the movie could be that we are all here to be programmed for the use of others.  How do we know that we haven’t had our minds erased?  Or that we are even who we think we are?  We live in a world much like the movie, where we carry on day to day unaware of the dangers around us.

The movie’s use of voices and switching of shells is somewhat confusing.  The puppet master is a deep male voice in the body of a Nordic looking woman.  We wouldn’t expect this normally but from the movie, we come to understand that the body is just a shell and the mind is a separate entity.  At the end of the movie when Kasanagi must change shells, she has merged with the puppet master.  At first we see a young girl and Kasanagi even speaks in a young voice.  As the movie comes to an end, we hear Kasanagi’s voice which helps to understand that she places no importance on her shell but on her intelligence. 

The probability of cyborgs running the world is far fetched, but we fail to realize how much we actually use objects as an extension of ourselves.  We have become accustomed to using tools and objects to help us in everyday life.  Cyborgs aren’t whole beings but with the help of a shell, are able to go through life with little difficulty.  The objects that we use for example, crutches, a wheelchair, a power drill, or screw driver are extensions that help us through life.  We are also starting to blur the lines of gender roles.  One hundred years ago, gender roles and boundaries were clearly set.  In 2010, I see more and more everyday men and women switching roles.  Women are out in the work place while men stay home with the children.  Cyborgs might not be in our future, but as we evolve so does technology.  How long will it be before technology takes over?

You hit like a girl.....

Gender norms have changed a lot over the last few decades.  I think the line between being masculine and feminine is very blurred.  I know a lot of guys that are way more feminine and aren't gay; it's just their style.  I think they wear tighter jeans than I do also.  I've also always been more of a tomboy I guess you could say.  Maybe it's because I was always taller than all the girls and boys for that matter.  I even wanted to play football in middle school but my dad was the coach and wouldn't let me.  I'm not restricting my daughter to "girl" toys.  She plays with whatever she wants and is actually choosing toys that are more gender neutral.  She likes things she can color with or mold into shapes, things like that.  Although I'll admit that I do buy her princess stuff and she does like to dress up.  She has a good balance though as far as her gender identity goes.  It's funny because she likes to copy me and when we leave to go somewhere she has to grab her purse.  I think our gender identity has a lot to do with what we're raised around. I had 2 younger brothers and they're the only ones I really ever played with so we did things that boys liked to do.  My mom isnt' really super girly so I think that also had something to do with me being more relaxed and not super uptight about my hair or anything like that.  Well that is all..........

That's Gay

I've heard the word gay used millions of times and each time it wasn't used for what it actually means.  I'll admit I'm guilty of saying it and my brother and I actually answer to that instead of our names.  (Horrible I know) But we never mean anything by it.  I mean I have a gay uncle, cousin, my best friend is gay so I've never meant anything negative by it.  I'm trying to get out of the habit of using it so much.  Some people take offense to it and some don't care but I don't think it's very tasteful to use.  I think at 24 it shouldn't be used so loosely in my vocab.  I think it has just become part of language.  I'm taking a linguistics class and we were talking about how words don't mean the same things anymore.  Gay for instance used to mean happy; now it's used as a sexual orientation and when some thinks something is dumb.  The last part sounds bad but most people I know that are gay don't take any offense to it.  Well that's my 2 cents.....spend it wisely!!

Music and its hidden messages

I was thinking about Dreamworlds the other day and how the message it gives men creates entitlement.  Since women are so ready to strip down and shake their ass for men in videos why wouldn't they do it for any other man right?  Wrong!! I read this book called Confessions of a Video Vixen and the author SUPAHEAD (funny name right!)  went on and on about how hard her life was and how many men she slept with.  (Eww)  I think some men actually think that all women are like her.  That we all want to be taken advantage of and have someone rip our clothes off, no thanks.  I wish some man would run up to me pullin on my clothes! He'd get a swift kick to the jaw!  Some men don't understand that music is just that, music.  It doesn't mean that I want you to run up behind me everytime I start dancing.  I listen to hip hop and after seeing that documentary it really made a lot of sense on how men think they're entitled to whatever we have to offer.  Craziness.....when will men learn???

I wanna be an individual just like her

Isn't it funny that some people want to be their own person yet they conform to a certain group.  I always thought it was funny to see a group a goth kids who refused to conform to society, yet they were part of a group.  There's pretty much a group for everything so unless you are from Mars you're more than likely going to be associated with somone!  When I was in high school, the rebellious thing for us to do was to get our tongues pierced.  I have to admit that at 15, not wanting to be like everyone else, I went with a group of friends to get my tongue pierced.  Ironic right??  I had it for a year and when literally everyone of my friends had it done, I took it out.  Seemed pointless to have if it was the norm.  I won't say that I was always trying to be different from everyone.  I had just got to a new high school so I wanted to fit it.  But I also wanted to stand apart from the "good kids" at school.  Unfortunately, with the "good kids" being the minority, I ended up being part of a large group of kids who all wanted to stand apart from the norm.  Too bad we became the norm.  Tragic lol......

Can a Marriage Last?

I think being married totally changes your view on how to maintain a marriage.  I've been married for 2 years and while we've always had a good relationship, I've always felt that something was missing.  We never actually had a ceremony where we stood up before God and our families as husband and wife.  We're planning to have an actualy wedding ceremony next December.  I think that incorporating God into your relationship is a very important part of making it last.  I'm not at all trying to preach to anyone and I don't go to church every Sunday or anything like that.  However; as of lately and now that my daughter is getting to where she kind of understands things, I've been wanting to get back to being part of a church.  I was raised Catholic and pretty much went to church every Sunday with my family until I moved to Dallas.  I completed all my Sacraments at a young age and would like my daughter to have the chance to do the same. 

People that run off to Vegas and get married seem to have a much harder time maintaining it.  I'm sure that not everyone who gets married in Vegas met there on the strip lol.  To be successful in anything there's usually a higher power you need to respect or answer to.  Whether it's your boss at work, your coach if you play a sport, or in my case, God.  No offense to anyone but I'm not a holy roller or anything like that (hate to use that phrase but you get the idea).  With all the corruption in the world and all the home wreckers running around everywhere, there needs to be something in the back of your mind to keep all the negativity away.  Well I've rambled long enough........but my artifact was marriage in the media so I figured I should blog about it at some point this semester..................MUAH!!!! 

Identizine

This is one of the projects that I really liked.  I've been going over and over who I am now as a person and how different I am now that I'm a mom.  If you would've asked me 4 years ago to make a magazine cover of how I portrayed myself it would've been a lot different!  Everything I do now revolves around my daughter.  It's like when I found out I was pregnant a switch was flipped from wild to responsible.  I learned something about myself in getting everything together to present.  I'm more dedicated to finishing school than I ever was before I had her.  I want to be able to give her whatever she needs and wants.  I'm not trying to spoil her, but a little extra never hurt anyone right? :-) I also feel fortunate that I'm with a man who loves her and I so much.  My husband's a great father and partner.  I think we've overcame a lot being that he was 18 and I was 20 when we met.  Most men now go around populating the Earth without thinking what the consequences are for these children.  He stuck by us through everything and he was a big part of my project as well.  We don't want to be statistics; we want to be the exception.  Like I said in my presentation, I have never taken time off from school and I even went back to play another season of college volleyball after I had her.  My husband also played basketball while we had her so we've been super busy for the last few years.  I think all of this has made me a better person though.  You learn through experience and I've got plenty of it!

Random Gossip

I heard this on the radio this morning and thought it was interesting.  So apparently nude pictures of Miley Cyrus were leaked to the public.  Her and her boyfriend were "sexting" which is super weird enough because he's like 23 and she's 17.  So if these pictures are a year old making her 16 isn't that child pornography?  Just because she's a super star does that make her immune to the laws that everyone else must abide by?  If this was a normal everyday couple, the boyfriend would be locked up by now.  It's funny because when they started dating, she swore up and down that they weren't having sex (LIE!).  I also find it weird that her parents are cool with it but I guess given her rocker mom's groupie-like attitude I can see where she gets it from.  I think I heard she and Billy Ray are divorcing over her cheating w/Bret Michaels?  Maybe I made that up, but I'm pretty sure that's right.  (But I could be wrong) .....maybe.  I wonder what kinds of messages these young stars are getting from previous teen sensations like Britney Spears who had the worst psycho-meltdown ever.  Personally as a parent, I don't care how old my daughter is, if she's underage and I find out she's messing around with an adult, that's lights out end of story for both of them.  He's goin to jail and she's goin to forget what life outside of school and our house is.  I think parents lack the discipline their children need now a days.  I'm not saying beat your kids, although 30 years ago the line between child abuse and spankings was a little blurred so I hear, but they do need to have some sort of fear in you.  Even if it's just the fear of disappointing you, not fearing you because you're going to beat them or anything.  My daughter already knows that if she does something she knows is wrong she's getting a spanking.  You'll never see her screaming in line at Walmart or at the mall.  If you love your child you discipline them.  Not by necessarily spanking but whichever way works for you as a parent best.  But kids can't just have the run of the town because they have money.  That's just my personal opinion but to each his own.

Are we cyborgs?

Ok, I'm gonna take it way back to the Ghost in the Shell movie we watched.  Should've kept up with my blogging (oops).  I think a lot of times we're all just going through the motions like a cyborg.  We're probably not too far off from the government placing chips in our brains anyways.  We talked about the idea of a neutral gender and I think we see more and more of that now a days.  There were a few of my classmates who spoke about how they don't try to fit into any certain gender identity; they're just them.  Which I think is great, we shouldn't try to mold ourselves into something we're not just because society thinks that's what we should do.  In a world that preaches gender equality we should expect that the lines between gender identity will be blurred as well.

We also talked about the idea that using tools as an extension of our bodies made us cyborgs.  That's kind of a weird idea but it makes sense I guess.  We've become super lazy as a society because of it though.  Think about everything you use to assist you with something daily.  Your phone, car, remote, computer, anything really.  What if everything electronic suddenly stopped working? I wonder what we'd do as a society.  I assume life as we know it would be at a stand still lol.