Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don't have that problem.
--Ronald Reagan--
A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living.
--John F. Kennedy--
From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants and patriots.
--Thomas Jefferson--
War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it, the crueler it is the sooner it will be over.
--William Tecumseh Sherman--
I'm inclined to think that a military background wouldn't hurt anyone.
--William Faulkner--
And like the old soldier in that ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the sight to see that duty.
--Douglas MacArthur--
My decision to register women confirms what is already obvious throughout our society-that women are now providing all types of skills in every profession. The military should be no exception.
--Jimmy Carter--
“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer.”
--Ralph Waldo Emerson--
“The youth, intoxicated with his admiration of a hero, fails to see, that it is only a projection of his own soul, which he admires."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson--
“To be a hero or a heroine, one must give an order to oneself.”
--Simone Weil--
Monday, May 7, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
JUSTICE Definition: Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be honest with yourself about why you make a particular decision. Avoid favoritism. Try to be fair at all times and treat all things and people in an equal manner.
JUDGMENT Definition: Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can improve your judgment if you avoid making rash decisions. Approach problems with a common sense attitude.
DEPENDABILITY Definition: Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can increase your dependability by forming the habit of being where you're supposed to be on time, by not making excuses and by carrying out every task to the best of your ability regardless of whether you like it or agree with it.
INITIATIVE Definition: Initiative is taking action even though you haven't been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your initiative, work on staying mentally and physically alert. Be aware of things that need to be done and then to do them without having to be told.
DECISIVENESS Definition: Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.
Suggestions for Improvement: Practice being positive in your actions instead of acting half-heartedly or changing your mind on an issue.
TACT Definition: Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.
Suggestions for Improvement: Begin to develop your tact by trying to be courteous and cheerful at all times. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
INTEGRITY Definition: Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be absolutely honest and truthful at all times. Stand up for what you believe to be right.
ENTHUSIASM Definition: Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.
Suggestions for Improvement: Understanding and belief in your mission will add to your enthusiasm for your job. Try to understand why even uninteresting jobs must be done.
BEARING Definition: Bearing is the way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.
Suggestions for Improvement: To develop bearing, you should hold yourself to the highest standards of personal conduct. Never be content with meeting only the minimum requirements.
UNSELFISHNESS Definition: Unselfishness means that you avoid making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. Be considerate of others. Give credit to those who deserve it.
Suggestions for Improvement: Avoid using your position or rank for personal gain, safety, or pleasure at the expensive of others. Be considerate of others.
COURAGE Definition: Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can begin to control fear by practicing self-discipline and calmness. If you fear doing certain things required in your daily life, force yourself to do them until you can control your reaction.
KNOWLEDGE Definition: Knowledge is the understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your unit's policies and keep up with current events.
Suggestions for Improvement: Suggestions for Improvement: Increase your knowledge by remaining alert. Listen, observe, and find out about things you don't understand. Study field manuals and other military literature.
LOYALTY Definition: Loyalty means that you are devoted to your country, the Corps, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates. The motto of our Corps is Semper Fidelis!, (Always Faithful). You owe unwavering loyalty up and down the chain of command, to seniors, subordinates, and peers.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your loyalty you should show your loyalty by never discussing the problems of the Marine Corps or your unit with outsiders. Never talk about seniors unfavorably in front of your subordinates. Once a decision is made and the order is given to execute it, carry out that order willingly as if it were your own.
ENDURANCE Definition: Endurance is the mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. For example, enduring pain during a conditioning march in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership.
Suggestions for Improvement: Develop your endurance by engaging in physical training that will strengthen your body. Finish every task to the best of your ability by forcing yourself to continue when you are physically tired and your mind is sluggish.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Joining the Service
In the past 2 years, I have seriously considered joining the military. Either the Navy or Marines. I like the Marines values, but my abilities are not what I would consider up to par. Plus I have significant background with the Navy. This is a huge decision that I would be making and I need to know it is the correct one.
I have been raised in the Navy. I understand how it goes, how it works. I learned most of my values from my dad's military rules and hanging out with the NJROTC boys. My first date was to a Military Ball. I used to go to visit my dad at work. I played softball on base and went to military concerts. My first celebrity influences were Jimmy Ray and Jay from Eagle 97.3. These men were extremely patriotic and pro-military. I had thought I hated the military because I was angry for my dad never being home and for the below par medical services. But really, I didn't understand. I was a kid. I wanted my daddy and I didn't like doctors. Civilian doctors are no better and my dad didn't miss the most important day of my life...my graduation. He made sure of that. Sure he missed seeing me off on dates, school activities, sporting events. I didn't get to see him everyday and we didn't have much in common. But I am just like him. I always have been. I have his humor, his love of Harley's, impatience, punctuality, smartness, cockiness(or what he calls humbleness). I am politically aware and critical of the government. Our personal opinions may be rather different but we are both so set in our ways that it will never change.
Fall 2010, I was working on the beginning of my Human Relations minor. I had to take the Non-Oppressive Relationships II class. The booklist was 10 Excellent Reasons Not to Join the Military, and The Green Zone. Both of these books are anti military, not anti war, but anti military. I went to class concerned. I got there and though me and the professor shared an animal rights stance, her pacifism was so intense I could feel myself failing if I truly expressed my opinion. There was a man in the class that was in the Reserves, I couldn't tell if he was just playing along to pass or if he actually agreed with her. I dropped that class. And the Human Relations minor. I determined that adding another year to my college career was a better option than compromising my beliefs. Currently I am working on a show called "Talking to Terrorists." Its a docu-drama about terrorism around the world, written from a British perspective. Its a powerful piece. Some parts I don't agree with personally and they give me chills but I accept them as a perspective. The cast at one point was getting into an extremist activist mindset--this happens with young activists--and they start spouting anti-American/anti-military rhetoric. I don't think they all realized the implications of their words but it got me disturbed again. I talked with one of the cast members David, who is older and he assured me that it would pass and that no matter what he was my ally and that I needed to speak up. I did speak up today. I don't think it went well and I feel I may have made a couple of the Kony2012 enthusiasts uncomfortable with me. But I've done this before. This was my major--activism.
I guess what I am saying is that if I get this passionate about the military and the respect they deserve. Why am I not in it?
I have been raised in the Navy. I understand how it goes, how it works. I learned most of my values from my dad's military rules and hanging out with the NJROTC boys. My first date was to a Military Ball. I used to go to visit my dad at work. I played softball on base and went to military concerts. My first celebrity influences were Jimmy Ray and Jay from Eagle 97.3. These men were extremely patriotic and pro-military. I had thought I hated the military because I was angry for my dad never being home and for the below par medical services. But really, I didn't understand. I was a kid. I wanted my daddy and I didn't like doctors. Civilian doctors are no better and my dad didn't miss the most important day of my life...my graduation. He made sure of that. Sure he missed seeing me off on dates, school activities, sporting events. I didn't get to see him everyday and we didn't have much in common. But I am just like him. I always have been. I have his humor, his love of Harley's, impatience, punctuality, smartness, cockiness(or what he calls humbleness). I am politically aware and critical of the government. Our personal opinions may be rather different but we are both so set in our ways that it will never change.
Fall 2010, I was working on the beginning of my Human Relations minor. I had to take the Non-Oppressive Relationships II class. The booklist was 10 Excellent Reasons Not to Join the Military, and The Green Zone. Both of these books are anti military, not anti war, but anti military. I went to class concerned. I got there and though me and the professor shared an animal rights stance, her pacifism was so intense I could feel myself failing if I truly expressed my opinion. There was a man in the class that was in the Reserves, I couldn't tell if he was just playing along to pass or if he actually agreed with her. I dropped that class. And the Human Relations minor. I determined that adding another year to my college career was a better option than compromising my beliefs. Currently I am working on a show called "Talking to Terrorists." Its a docu-drama about terrorism around the world, written from a British perspective. Its a powerful piece. Some parts I don't agree with personally and they give me chills but I accept them as a perspective. The cast at one point was getting into an extremist activist mindset--this happens with young activists--and they start spouting anti-American/anti-military rhetoric. I don't think they all realized the implications of their words but it got me disturbed again. I talked with one of the cast members David, who is older and he assured me that it would pass and that no matter what he was my ally and that I needed to speak up. I did speak up today. I don't think it went well and I feel I may have made a couple of the Kony2012 enthusiasts uncomfortable with me. But I've done this before. This was my major--activism.
I guess what I am saying is that if I get this passionate about the military and the respect they deserve. Why am I not in it?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Androcentric Norms: women vs men
Women are more likely to productively use computers and technology than men and they see it more as a tool than a toy. Men often see the internet as a less exciting video game that they can play for a while and never have to be concerned with the consequences.
Men are also given more chances to work with computers and often are introduced to them younger. Because of the push for boys to do well in math, computers shortly follow. Often times computer science and math majors go together.
How men and women use the web also varies depending on the person and the way they have been socialized. Women are more likely going to use social media sights as a way to connect with one another. Whereas men are more geared towards the technological parts of the internet and computer systems.
Socialization of gender is the root cause in the lack of certain genders in specific fields. Boys and girls are taught that boys are genetically predetermined to be better at math and science and not as good at English. The opposite goes for girls. But there is no real science to back this up. If we give both genders the same opportunity and expectations than we might have a more equal disparity in the gender divide.
Men are also given more chances to work with computers and often are introduced to them younger. Because of the push for boys to do well in math, computers shortly follow. Often times computer science and math majors go together.
How men and women use the web also varies depending on the person and the way they have been socialized. Women are more likely going to use social media sights as a way to connect with one another. Whereas men are more geared towards the technological parts of the internet and computer systems.
Socialization of gender is the root cause in the lack of certain genders in specific fields. Boys and girls are taught that boys are genetically predetermined to be better at math and science and not as good at English. The opposite goes for girls. But there is no real science to back this up. If we give both genders the same opportunity and expectations than we might have a more equal disparity in the gender divide.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Life Resources
Further Education
Currently I am considering two options for my nearing future: graduate school or cosmetology school. If I get a free ride to grad school then I would be stupid to give it up but I do love doing hair. I do not feel that by doing this I am falling prey to societal influences because I have been actively trying to pursue other career options only to come back to the thought that I love hair, makeup, glitter and fashion.
The cosmetology database I found can give me schools in several states so when I move I have options. I want to be able to do what I love for a career and I would love to one day own my own feminist salon. There are a couple of programs that actually teach you how to own a salon. I would want it to be called “the F-Word Salon and Spa” and have a daycare provided so that women can come in and get the services without having to worry about their children and the child area would be pro-woman, feminist friendly. The toys would be gender neutral and the movies would have strong female themes. I would also like to hold workshops through the salon on positive body image for women and teens to help foster a better relationship with the self.
If I do go to grad school, I am looking at Minnesota State University, Mankato because it has a program that is more tailored to individual’s own feminist theories. I would like to be able to do both grad school and beauty school but I don’t think it would be practical to do at once so the decision is up in the air. I only really need grad school if I want to teach, which I do, and then I would have to go on to get my PhD. I have talked with Maria Bevacqua, Gender and Women’s Studies Director at MSU Mankato, and I feel that it might be a good fit since the program has more on queer studies and I could cater it to my interests. She often brings her class up to Minneapolis, MN to visit the Smitten Kitten, a feminist sex toy store. She would be on the more radical side of feminism and I think that that would be a good fit. The program also offers a Graduate Assistantship that could include a stipend and tuition waver.
Family
I do not believe in having children or really a “family.” I never plan on having children because of my personal adversity to men, doctors and any human under the age of 10; but my maternal instincts have manifested in the desire to have a puppy. I will have a puppy, which is similar to a child but without the force on society to gender it appropriately. I am not sure on whether it will be male or female but either way it will be fixed and I am looking at a Pomeranian or Chihuahua. It will be gendered with a feminist/feminine name of “Miss Suzie Bee Stanton” and will be my constant companion.
Career(s)
If I go the route of beauty school, I will need to get a licensure in cosmetology which varies from state to state and you have to have that state’s license to practice. The reciprocity in some states is very good if you got trained in a state with rather high standards. Also a little food for thought, the more conservative states have higher requirements, whereas the liberal states are rather lenient. So that throws out the option of going to a more liberal state and not having as much reciprocity or going to a conservative state and maybe not being able to be as creative due to their “standards.” I am also looking into the idea of national licensure but I have not gotten enough information yet to delve into that.
Along with the beauty school route, I am also an animal rights activist. I was a vegetarian and a member of PeTA for a while but once I could no longer have soy, vegetarianism was out and PeTA's objectification of women and spoof on the transgender population angered me into discontinuing my membership. I strongly believe that it is morally wrong to test on animals (I would prefer to test on prisoners, after all they are still biologically human) and though I do not agree with, I cannot knowingly use products that harmed animals unless there is no other option. Therefore if I work in a salon the salon would have to have a cruelty-free product option.
Hobbies/Activism
Animal rights and feminism go hand in hand since both parties are discriminated against and are often kept pregnant to serve men’s desires. Therefore I joined a group on facebook and replied to a discussion post. I don’t know what will come from it but it should be interesting. There is the comment that Ben & Jerry’s should use human breast milk instead of cow’s milk. Where I get the point of it feminism is my main concern and I feel that would just be another way to keep women down is to make them give birth and lactate for the purpose of human consumption. I will sacrifice my ice cream to not have to birth. It is just throwing women under the same bus we are throwing cows.
Another hobby I have involves the beauty and fashion industries. I think that the narrow ideals of beauty have permeated society to the point of disillusionment to the actual concept of beauty and what it means to be beautiful. Women have not always had to be white, thin, blonde and tall to be beautiful. In different cultures beauty is defined differently. “Pretty” women have more privilege than “not typically defined as pretty” women and are more likely to be hired on to do jobs that don’t even require beauty. But our culture finds the need to sex up little girls and even adult women to the point of ridiculousness just because the male ideal of beauty just so happens to coincide with their sexual arousal.
Currently I am considering two options for my nearing future: graduate school or cosmetology school. If I get a free ride to grad school then I would be stupid to give it up but I do love doing hair. I do not feel that by doing this I am falling prey to societal influences because I have been actively trying to pursue other career options only to come back to the thought that I love hair, makeup, glitter and fashion.
The cosmetology database I found can give me schools in several states so when I move I have options. I want to be able to do what I love for a career and I would love to one day own my own feminist salon. There are a couple of programs that actually teach you how to own a salon. I would want it to be called “the F-Word Salon and Spa” and have a daycare provided so that women can come in and get the services without having to worry about their children and the child area would be pro-woman, feminist friendly. The toys would be gender neutral and the movies would have strong female themes. I would also like to hold workshops through the salon on positive body image for women and teens to help foster a better relationship with the self.
If I do go to grad school, I am looking at Minnesota State University, Mankato because it has a program that is more tailored to individual’s own feminist theories. I would like to be able to do both grad school and beauty school but I don’t think it would be practical to do at once so the decision is up in the air. I only really need grad school if I want to teach, which I do, and then I would have to go on to get my PhD. I have talked with Maria Bevacqua, Gender and Women’s Studies Director at MSU Mankato, and I feel that it might be a good fit since the program has more on queer studies and I could cater it to my interests. She often brings her class up to Minneapolis, MN to visit the Smitten Kitten, a feminist sex toy store. She would be on the more radical side of feminism and I think that that would be a good fit. The program also offers a Graduate Assistantship that could include a stipend and tuition waver.
Family
I do not believe in having children or really a “family.” I never plan on having children because of my personal adversity to men, doctors and any human under the age of 10; but my maternal instincts have manifested in the desire to have a puppy. I will have a puppy, which is similar to a child but without the force on society to gender it appropriately. I am not sure on whether it will be male or female but either way it will be fixed and I am looking at a Pomeranian or Chihuahua. It will be gendered with a feminist/feminine name of “Miss Suzie Bee Stanton” and will be my constant companion.
Career(s)
If I go the route of beauty school, I will need to get a licensure in cosmetology which varies from state to state and you have to have that state’s license to practice. The reciprocity in some states is very good if you got trained in a state with rather high standards. Also a little food for thought, the more conservative states have higher requirements, whereas the liberal states are rather lenient. So that throws out the option of going to a more liberal state and not having as much reciprocity or going to a conservative state and maybe not being able to be as creative due to their “standards.” I am also looking into the idea of national licensure but I have not gotten enough information yet to delve into that.
Along with the beauty school route, I am also an animal rights activist. I was a vegetarian and a member of PeTA for a while but once I could no longer have soy, vegetarianism was out and PeTA's objectification of women and spoof on the transgender population angered me into discontinuing my membership. I strongly believe that it is morally wrong to test on animals (I would prefer to test on prisoners, after all they are still biologically human) and though I do not agree with, I cannot knowingly use products that harmed animals unless there is no other option. Therefore if I work in a salon the salon would have to have a cruelty-free product option.
Hobbies/Activism
Animal rights and feminism go hand in hand since both parties are discriminated against and are often kept pregnant to serve men’s desires. Therefore I joined a group on facebook and replied to a discussion post. I don’t know what will come from it but it should be interesting. There is the comment that Ben & Jerry’s should use human breast milk instead of cow’s milk. Where I get the point of it feminism is my main concern and I feel that would just be another way to keep women down is to make them give birth and lactate for the purpose of human consumption. I will sacrifice my ice cream to not have to birth. It is just throwing women under the same bus we are throwing cows.
Another hobby I have involves the beauty and fashion industries. I think that the narrow ideals of beauty have permeated society to the point of disillusionment to the actual concept of beauty and what it means to be beautiful. Women have not always had to be white, thin, blonde and tall to be beautiful. In different cultures beauty is defined differently. “Pretty” women have more privilege than “not typically defined as pretty” women and are more likely to be hired on to do jobs that don’t even require beauty. But our culture finds the need to sex up little girls and even adult women to the point of ridiculousness just because the male ideal of beauty just so happens to coincide with their sexual arousal.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Feminist Around the World
In the UK women are doing feminism in many of the same ways that Americans are, but focusing on their own agendas. The site is a database for articles on topics of interest. Because of my personal love of fashion, that is what I entered into the search box. Looking at parts of the articles I find that there is a strong intersection of oppression happening in the UK as well, even in the realm of fashion.
The Western world is not exclusive with its feminism. Feminists are alive and well in India as well. These women are not addressing the same issues because the culture is rather different. Instead, on the side panel, is a listing of topics arranged by area. One of the issues that is prevalent in India are acid attacks, which do not tend to happen in the US.
As we venture into Latin America we find that they need a more extreme activist approach to their situation and you are greeted by a "we need help" kind of sign. There is also a picture of women with tape over their mouths to insinuate censorship.
The Western world is not exclusive with its feminism. Feminists are alive and well in India as well. These women are not addressing the same issues because the culture is rather different. Instead, on the side panel, is a listing of topics arranged by area. One of the issues that is prevalent in India are acid attacks, which do not tend to happen in the US.
As we venture into Latin America we find that they need a more extreme activist approach to their situation and you are greeted by a "we need help" kind of sign. There is also a picture of women with tape over their mouths to insinuate censorship.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Where Did Our Little Girls Go?
The sexualization of girls is becoming increasingly more mainstream. Girls are growing up way too fast and in all of the wrong ways. It could start with clothing or with toys but it all ends with an overarching sexualization. This branches into the idea of Lolita. The Lolita effect has to do with men's sexual fantasies of young girls. Whether young girls are dressed to look older, or women are dressed to look like children. Little girls often play dress up wanting to look older--that's fine. But when a ten year old is dressing to turn men on, something is way off. And I don't feel like attacking the parents is the way to go either, since a lot of this is done behind their backs, or without their knowledge. In some regards it may seem innocent until something bad happens. If a child doesn't look twelve, they are not going to be treated as if they were twelve and that can end up being a bad thing if it gets out of control. Not every man is checking the id's of the girls he is hitting on, and if the girl is participating willingly in the flirting, why would he question?
Let's Take a Little Trip
This is not just happening in America. Actually it is happening in other places of the world quite worse. Little girls are sold into sex slavery to pay for food for a family, or because her father cannot afford alcohol and often does not support his own family. Mothers may never see their daughters again and not know of their sale. Sometimes the traffickers will lie and tell them that they will be maids or nannies and then take them to the brothel, where they have to earn their keep as well as make up for what they lost in buying them. Girls and even boys as young as five could be performing sexual acts on middle aged, often American men. This happens because of our culture's value on youth and the sexual attractiveness of young women. To a point pedophiles are made by our culture, they are not always born that way. With this focus, even in modeling, on the uber-thin flat-chested woman could insinuate a sexual desire for adolescent or prepubescent girls. It also could lead many young girls into bad body image, self-hatred, eating disorders and unhealthy sexual relationships. If a girl doesn't feel she measures up, she might just take the first guy who shows her any "positive" attention. This is also not something that these girls can walk out of, and some do not survive because of abuse or diseases. If they are not profitable, then they get killed.
For Children And Why?
There is a growing demand for girls to break out of their prepubescent identities and enter adulthood is blurring the lines between right and wrong. Society is opening doors for pedophiles by encouraging young girls to wear provocative clothing and to dance in ways that signify sexual acts. But where is this need to grow up coming from? Girls are conditioned since infancy to want to mother. They are given baby dolls and playing house so much it becomes second nature.
Some argue that this has to do with girls physically developing younger, but I can't believe that that is true. Women have gone through puberty at varying ages and it does not guarantee, when you will start being sexual. I still feel the need to put the pressure on society and media influence. Girls are told to act more mature, they are given responsibilities mirroring adult tasks, and clothing manufacturers are making sexual clothing. A child may not even know what insinuations that a tee-shirt is making but an adult man might assume that she does.
Padded bras and Thong underwear for 10yr olds?
Young girls think that it is a right of passage to be able to wear a bra, even better if it is padded. And for my own personal research, I ventured into the little girl's section of Target, where I had much difficulty locating bras for children that were not padded. A girl who is a 28AAA does not need a bra, but alas, that is what I found and those sizes seemed to be the most prevalent. And yes, they were padded. Once graduating past the padded bra stage comes the desire for a thong. It has the appeal of being able to wear anything without the fear of the dreaded panty-line. While the eternal wedgie quality of it does deter some, others embrace it and find the fashion freedoms outweighing the discomfort. Those who embrace the dreaded thong are more likely to pull it up high and then wear lo-riding pants to show it off. This is an obvious attempt to gain sexual attention which is seen as rewarding to girls. And a way for girls to feel that they look mature and experienced. In high school I witnessed many guys talking about what color thong a certain girl was wearing that day. Is that really the message that we want to send to men?
Recently Miley Cyrus's little sister, Noah has come out saying that she is starting a lingerie line for children. This ended up not coming to fruition, but it's obviously something that could happen. And from what she wears as a major celebrity and a nine year old is still rather Lolita.
Trick or Treat?
October comes around the corner and candy corn and goblins come out waiting for the 31st. But Halloween isn’t as innocent as it once was. I’m not claiming that the overzealous Christians have a point or anything because for them pumpkin pie could be a sin. But kids costumes are no longer a sheet with two holes in it. For screaming 6 year old's there is the “sexy witch,” the “naughty nurse” and the scarecrow from Wizard of Oz that has a very short skirt. If I remember the movie correctly (and I should, it’s my favorite) the scarecrow never wore a skirt. For boys they can still be a Power Ranger or a Ninja Turtle, or whatever the latest popular cartoon is. Girls are supposed to be Princesses at last resort. And why cant a girl be a doctor or “the Scream,” it seems kind of ridiculous that girls are never supposed to be scary but always scared.
Now add the predatory portion of the holiday. Kids are coming up to doors, many times without parents or even a large group. A pedophile’s dream--kids coming to him, willing to do anything for candy. Plus who’s going to miss a couple kids for a hour or so? And most likely the kid wont remember where he/she was or what the guy looks like. Sometimes depending on the nature of the pedophile, what the kids or what he does wont register to the kids as wrong, especially if they are young or think its okay.
In regards to the Matrix
Women are often objectified to keep them oppressed by men. The men may be perpetuating the Lolita Effect to teach young girls their submissive role. But the girls then oppress themselves by carrying out these sexualized requirements. It is a watchtower concept, where after a while girls start to police themselves and no longer need men to dictate their sexualization for them. If women are oppressing themselves, many believe it is not a problem, but it is more of a problem because this internalization of oppression is harder to fight than the societal oppression.
Let's Take a Little Trip
This is not just happening in America. Actually it is happening in other places of the world quite worse. Little girls are sold into sex slavery to pay for food for a family, or because her father cannot afford alcohol and often does not support his own family. Mothers may never see their daughters again and not know of their sale. Sometimes the traffickers will lie and tell them that they will be maids or nannies and then take them to the brothel, where they have to earn their keep as well as make up for what they lost in buying them. Girls and even boys as young as five could be performing sexual acts on middle aged, often American men. This happens because of our culture's value on youth and the sexual attractiveness of young women. To a point pedophiles are made by our culture, they are not always born that way. With this focus, even in modeling, on the uber-thin flat-chested woman could insinuate a sexual desire for adolescent or prepubescent girls. It also could lead many young girls into bad body image, self-hatred, eating disorders and unhealthy sexual relationships. If a girl doesn't feel she measures up, she might just take the first guy who shows her any "positive" attention. This is also not something that these girls can walk out of, and some do not survive because of abuse or diseases. If they are not profitable, then they get killed.
For Children And Why?
There is a growing demand for girls to break out of their prepubescent identities and enter adulthood is blurring the lines between right and wrong. Society is opening doors for pedophiles by encouraging young girls to wear provocative clothing and to dance in ways that signify sexual acts. But where is this need to grow up coming from? Girls are conditioned since infancy to want to mother. They are given baby dolls and playing house so much it becomes second nature.
Some argue that this has to do with girls physically developing younger, but I can't believe that that is true. Women have gone through puberty at varying ages and it does not guarantee, when you will start being sexual. I still feel the need to put the pressure on society and media influence. Girls are told to act more mature, they are given responsibilities mirroring adult tasks, and clothing manufacturers are making sexual clothing. A child may not even know what insinuations that a tee-shirt is making but an adult man might assume that she does.
Padded bras and Thong underwear for 10yr olds?
Young girls think that it is a right of passage to be able to wear a bra, even better if it is padded. And for my own personal research, I ventured into the little girl's section of Target, where I had much difficulty locating bras for children that were not padded. A girl who is a 28AAA does not need a bra, but alas, that is what I found and those sizes seemed to be the most prevalent. And yes, they were padded. Once graduating past the padded bra stage comes the desire for a thong. It has the appeal of being able to wear anything without the fear of the dreaded panty-line. While the eternal wedgie quality of it does deter some, others embrace it and find the fashion freedoms outweighing the discomfort. Those who embrace the dreaded thong are more likely to pull it up high and then wear lo-riding pants to show it off. This is an obvious attempt to gain sexual attention which is seen as rewarding to girls. And a way for girls to feel that they look mature and experienced. In high school I witnessed many guys talking about what color thong a certain girl was wearing that day. Is that really the message that we want to send to men?
Recently Miley Cyrus's little sister, Noah has come out saying that she is starting a lingerie line for children. This ended up not coming to fruition, but it's obviously something that could happen. And from what she wears as a major celebrity and a nine year old is still rather Lolita.
Trick or Treat?
October comes around the corner and candy corn and goblins come out waiting for the 31st. But Halloween isn’t as innocent as it once was. I’m not claiming that the overzealous Christians have a point or anything because for them pumpkin pie could be a sin. But kids costumes are no longer a sheet with two holes in it. For screaming 6 year old's there is the “sexy witch,” the “naughty nurse” and the scarecrow from Wizard of Oz that has a very short skirt. If I remember the movie correctly (and I should, it’s my favorite) the scarecrow never wore a skirt. For boys they can still be a Power Ranger or a Ninja Turtle, or whatever the latest popular cartoon is. Girls are supposed to be Princesses at last resort. And why cant a girl be a doctor or “the Scream,” it seems kind of ridiculous that girls are never supposed to be scary but always scared.
Now add the predatory portion of the holiday. Kids are coming up to doors, many times without parents or even a large group. A pedophile’s dream--kids coming to him, willing to do anything for candy. Plus who’s going to miss a couple kids for a hour or so? And most likely the kid wont remember where he/she was or what the guy looks like. Sometimes depending on the nature of the pedophile, what the kids or what he does wont register to the kids as wrong, especially if they are young or think its okay.
In regards to the Matrix
Women are often objectified to keep them oppressed by men. The men may be perpetuating the Lolita Effect to teach young girls their submissive role. But the girls then oppress themselves by carrying out these sexualized requirements. It is a watchtower concept, where after a while girls start to police themselves and no longer need men to dictate their sexualization for them. If women are oppressing themselves, many believe it is not a problem, but it is more of a problem because this internalization of oppression is harder to fight than the societal oppression.
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