The new “beauty” movement, seems to be leading women to pursue drastic procedures such as plastic surgery, unhealthy eating habits and reach their maximum workout capacity—all the while dulling the lure of their psyches. The ‘soul and mind’ appeal, for many, is being replaced with ambitions to become the new and unrealistic image of grandeur. A beauty that is getting seemingly more extreme and harmful, as though a communal agreement amongst celebrities and the media has been made: To push unrealistic physical attributes upon the viewers/consumers, with many having little choice to ignore the images of naked icons such as Kim Kardashian (who has people drooling at her feet and wanting to draw inspiration from or mimic her glorified body). There’s no denying that the famed Kim Kardashian is nothing short of beautiful, but in no way does this mean that women taller, shorter, skinnier or fatter are any less than the same. America’s mass opinion on what is and is not stays ever changing and pushed upon us. Although, we often fail to recognize that we have the power to change that.
Instead of having a national view of what is attractive, I believe that the most powerful message we can provide is that healthy is beautiful, a look that may take on many different forms. A co-worker suggested I read a quote by Tina Fey summing up my views very nicely, “Now every girl is expected to have Caucasian blue eyes, full Spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall ass, long Swedish legs, small Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, the hips of a nine-year-old boy, the arms of Michelle Obama, and doll tits. The person closest to actually achieving this look is Kim Kardashian, who, as we know, was made by Russian scientists to sabotage our athletes.” As they say, trends come and go. Maybe tomorrow having no ears will be seen as the new appeal, but that’s not to say we should all go deaf. Love yourself for what you are today.
--Mare
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
Rape Culture and the Media
Rape accusations generally go beyond just the seemingly simple process of reporting and investigating, followed by a court trial. This is the process we’re accustomed to hearing about. The whole affair can get rather messy, especially when celebrities and media add their commentary into the mix.
On my commute downtown today I was reading through the Metro, a free daily newspaper dispensed throughout the city, and I came across two separate reports on issues pertaining to sexual maltreatment. One of those articles detailed the rather disputed allegations being brought upon the 77-year old comedian, producer & educator, Bill Cosby. These attacks come after comedian Hanniball Buress’ sting, saying, “Yeah, but you rape women, Bill Cosby, so turn the crazy down a couple notches. 'I don't curse onstage.' Well, yeah, you're (a) rapist, so I'll take you saying lots of m*****f*****s on 'Bill Cosby: Himself' if you weren't a rapist." At this moment, there have been at least 15 women who have come forward to incriminate the TV dad of sexual misconduct. Included in the 15 supposed victims is former supermodel, Janice Dickinson who adds disturbing details to the night of her assault in 1982 after a dinner. To date, Cosby hasn’t given any discourse as to the validity of these accusations. There have been several different stances on the issue: some say he is being ruthlessly stormed, while others agree that it’s only right that the public knows whom they have grown up watching. He doesn’t deserve any special treatment due to him being a celebrity.
The latter article announced the University of Virginia’s suspension of all fraternities and associated parties until the beginning of January after rape allegations against Phi Kappa Psi came about. A first year student had reported her gang rape to Rolling Stone magazine after receiving a lack of cooperation from the university’s staff. This victim isn’t the only student in which a school fails to aid in bringing justice to these sufferers. There are currently 86 colleges and universities under investigation regarding how their administration handles such allegations. Another student from the University of Virginia has also reported a similar account of a separate rape incident, carried out by the same group. There still hasn’t been any formal police investigation or legal charges brought against any members of the fraternity thus far.
What I desire to bring forward is the failure of both media and people of authority to handle these cases in a serious, stern and cautious manner. Either rape turns into juicy gossip or seemingly disappears with time. Both outcomes strike me as problematic and disturbing.
--Mare
On my commute downtown today I was reading through the Metro, a free daily newspaper dispensed throughout the city, and I came across two separate reports on issues pertaining to sexual maltreatment. One of those articles detailed the rather disputed allegations being brought upon the 77-year old comedian, producer & educator, Bill Cosby. These attacks come after comedian Hanniball Buress’ sting, saying, “Yeah, but you rape women, Bill Cosby, so turn the crazy down a couple notches. 'I don't curse onstage.' Well, yeah, you're (a) rapist, so I'll take you saying lots of m*****f*****s on 'Bill Cosby: Himself' if you weren't a rapist." At this moment, there have been at least 15 women who have come forward to incriminate the TV dad of sexual misconduct. Included in the 15 supposed victims is former supermodel, Janice Dickinson who adds disturbing details to the night of her assault in 1982 after a dinner. To date, Cosby hasn’t given any discourse as to the validity of these accusations. There have been several different stances on the issue: some say he is being ruthlessly stormed, while others agree that it’s only right that the public knows whom they have grown up watching. He doesn’t deserve any special treatment due to him being a celebrity.
The latter article announced the University of Virginia’s suspension of all fraternities and associated parties until the beginning of January after rape allegations against Phi Kappa Psi came about. A first year student had reported her gang rape to Rolling Stone magazine after receiving a lack of cooperation from the university’s staff. This victim isn’t the only student in which a school fails to aid in bringing justice to these sufferers. There are currently 86 colleges and universities under investigation regarding how their administration handles such allegations. Another student from the University of Virginia has also reported a similar account of a separate rape incident, carried out by the same group. There still hasn’t been any formal police investigation or legal charges brought against any members of the fraternity thus far.
What I desire to bring forward is the failure of both media and people of authority to handle these cases in a serious, stern and cautious manner. Either rape turns into juicy gossip or seemingly disappears with time. Both outcomes strike me as problematic and disturbing.
--Mare
"A Call to Men"
My thoughts and reaction towards the video “Call To Men” by Tony Porter are that he is very thoughtful and well spoken. It’s good because I see him understanding how men see less of women and see that women are less powerful. I love how Tony Porter states his opinion that it’s unfair how men think it’s ok to take advantage of women. I also loved when he states that it’s ok for men to cry, to express their feelings and emotion; that it doesn’t matter because it doesn’t make them weak to show how they’re feeling. Men are taught as they are growing up that that they have to do everything and take charge of everything. Men and women are equal in my opinion and I feel that it’s completely wrong that some men think that they’re better and more powerful than women. I agree with every single thing Tony Porter stated in this video. http://www.ted.com/talks/tony_porter_a_call_to_men?language=en
--Briana
--Briana
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