"R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Find out what it means to me!" These wise words from Aretha Franklin are still relevant, believe it or not.
To me, the color of someone's skin or the religion that they practice couldn't matter less. If they respect me, I respect them. It's kind of hard to come by nowadays. We're all so self-absorbed and we pay too much attention to social media rather than social issues. I'm not perfect, you're not perfect, heck, no one is perfect.
We're told in kindergarten that respect is important, and it's the basis for the Golden Rule. Treat others how you want to be treated? Why does that seem to be so difficult? Everyone has their own motives, their own reason for doing things and a different goal in mind. Does that mean that we have to disregard the feelings and beliefs of those individuals that "get in the way"? No.
You can dislike someone, and trust me, I dislike a lot of people. But that doesn't mean that I'll disrespect them. I try, to the best of my capabilities, to keep my opinions to myself. It's hard sometimes, but you have to think about it this way; if someone were looking you in the face and saying these things to you, how would you feel?
Respect is so many different things, its sincerely and genuinely caring for someone. Checking in on them to see how they're doing, making sure they're okay. It's helping them with any issue they may have, regardless of what it will cost you. You don't have to love someone to respect them, you just have to be a decent human being.
There are a lot of people that I don't see eye to eye with. There's a lot of people that don't see eye to eye with me. That's just a part of life. Not everyone will be in one-hundred percent agreement with each other, and that's totally okay. There are groups, supremacy groups, who don't care about others, they care about their superiority. That's scary and terrifying and unbelievable.
It's so incredibly shocking how little empathy some people can possess. I think of myself as a compassionate person, I think I get along well with others and I identify well with others if they're in need. This is such a huge part of respect. Being able to put yourself in someone else's shoes or seeing a certain situation through their eyes will make life so much easier for you to understand.
"If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die." -Maya Angelou
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Defunding Planned Parenthood Would Be Really Really Stupid
The Senate has recently passed a bill which promotes the defunding on Planned Parenthood clinics throughout the United States. This passed bill will head to the senate for voting, and if passed, will land on the desk of President Obama. Yet another example of old privileged men in Washington D.C. influencing and having say over what women do with their bodies.
Individuals who support the defunding of Planned Parenthood probably don't know what they're actually about. Planned Parenthood is often associated with abortion. Going back to the Colorado Planned Parenthood shooting, the shooter thought that the clinic he was shooting provided abortions, it didn't. Only 3% of all PP health services are abortion services. It's so much more than that. Defunding Planned Parenthood would force over a million women to find a new source of affordable health care.
Here's just a few of the services that Planned Parenthood provides:
Pap smears, breast exams and contraceptive services make up the majority of care provided by Planned Parenthood. Over 2.7 women and MEN have visited Planned Parenthood services for a reliable and safe source of healthcare. Planned Parenthood provides information and answers questions for teens who are uncomfortable or don't feel safe asking these questions to their parents and families. Where will they go if Planned Parenthood is defunded?
Planned Parenthood is centered around women and most often associated with women, but they provide services for men as well (who would have thought?). PP provides information on male birth control methods, information on infertility and precautions and warning signs of testicular cancer which is more common in young men. I didn't know that they were so invested in everyone in the community and not just women.
Planned Parenthood is also focused on educating the public, in all areas. Information on birth control, abortion, healthy relationships and even body image. I wasn't aware of all the work they do to provide each and every individual with the right information they need to lead a healthier sex and overall life. So much work is done by Planned Parenthood staff to ensure the safety of the public.
Last, but certainly not least, STI/STD screenings and treatments are provided by PP. These sexually transmitted diseases and infections are becoming more and more common in today's society, making prevention and education even more important. Sometimes it's too late, and people just need treatment, and PP doesn't judge. They're only interested in helping individuals, regardless of age, with anything they need.
By defunding Planned Parenthood, millions of Americans are affected. Not just women searching for an abortion. Learn more about Planned Parenthood before you agree with the defunding of it. They provide specific and crucial treatment and services for men and women of any age, which is something we can only praise in today's world.
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
Individuals who support the defunding of Planned Parenthood probably don't know what they're actually about. Planned Parenthood is often associated with abortion. Going back to the Colorado Planned Parenthood shooting, the shooter thought that the clinic he was shooting provided abortions, it didn't. Only 3% of all PP health services are abortion services. It's so much more than that. Defunding Planned Parenthood would force over a million women to find a new source of affordable health care.
Here's just a few of the services that Planned Parenthood provides:
Pap smears, breast exams and contraceptive services make up the majority of care provided by Planned Parenthood. Over 2.7 women and MEN have visited Planned Parenthood services for a reliable and safe source of healthcare. Planned Parenthood provides information and answers questions for teens who are uncomfortable or don't feel safe asking these questions to their parents and families. Where will they go if Planned Parenthood is defunded?
Planned Parenthood is centered around women and most often associated with women, but they provide services for men as well (who would have thought?). PP provides information on male birth control methods, information on infertility and precautions and warning signs of testicular cancer which is more common in young men. I didn't know that they were so invested in everyone in the community and not just women.
Planned Parenthood is also focused on educating the public, in all areas. Information on birth control, abortion, healthy relationships and even body image. I wasn't aware of all the work they do to provide each and every individual with the right information they need to lead a healthier sex and overall life. So much work is done by Planned Parenthood staff to ensure the safety of the public.
Last, but certainly not least, STI/STD screenings and treatments are provided by PP. These sexually transmitted diseases and infections are becoming more and more common in today's society, making prevention and education even more important. Sometimes it's too late, and people just need treatment, and PP doesn't judge. They're only interested in helping individuals, regardless of age, with anything they need.
By defunding Planned Parenthood, millions of Americans are affected. Not just women searching for an abortion. Learn more about Planned Parenthood before you agree with the defunding of it. They provide specific and crucial treatment and services for men and women of any age, which is something we can only praise in today's world.
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Silly Trump, The Presidency is for Professionals
One of the most talked about men in the world at this moment is Donald Trump, and unfortunately he's running for the office of the President of the United States. This is going to strictly be an opinion post, so if you love Trump and will be easily offended I don't suggest reading it.
Donald Trump grinds my gears. He's a billionaire who has claimed he'd run for presidency multiple times in the past, and now he's finally followed through with his word. He's extremely wealthy and rude and annoying.
Trump accused Megyn Kelly of having a hormonal imbalance when she asked him questions regarding his treatment of women. Just like a bully, Trump felt offended and resorted to insults to make himself feel better. Politics have always included bickering back and forth, but Trump gets personal and down right mean. Sure he's honest, but do we really want to have a high class butthole representing America? I think not.
However annoying these characteristics may be, the utmost horrific thing I have ever heard regarding Donald Trump is his policy and political views regarding Muslims. Trump is an Islamophobic. He wants to require all Muslims to carry special identification cards. He wants all Muslims who enter the country to be required to stay here for the rest of their lives, essentially holding them hostage. He wants them to be routinely monitored by the government and to travel in groups in special vehicles. He does this in the name of national security. But I see it as radical absurdity. There have been tweets and posts comparing Trump to Hitler. I don't think and I certainly hope that Trump does not plan on eradicating all Muslims. He just hasn't wrapped his head around the concept that not all Muslims are terrorists.
Politics are confusing and so are old white men who believe they are the center of the universe. Whatever your opinion is, I hope you own it. I don't like Trump and that's ok. You may love Trump and that's ok. Differences of opinion are important.
stay peaceful (and open-minded)!!
Donald Trump grinds my gears. He's a billionaire who has claimed he'd run for presidency multiple times in the past, and now he's finally followed through with his word. He's extremely wealthy and rude and annoying.
Trump accused Megyn Kelly of having a hormonal imbalance when she asked him questions regarding his treatment of women. Just like a bully, Trump felt offended and resorted to insults to make himself feel better. Politics have always included bickering back and forth, but Trump gets personal and down right mean. Sure he's honest, but do we really want to have a high class butthole representing America? I think not.
However annoying these characteristics may be, the utmost horrific thing I have ever heard regarding Donald Trump is his policy and political views regarding Muslims. Trump is an Islamophobic. He wants to require all Muslims to carry special identification cards. He wants all Muslims who enter the country to be required to stay here for the rest of their lives, essentially holding them hostage. He wants them to be routinely monitored by the government and to travel in groups in special vehicles. He does this in the name of national security. But I see it as radical absurdity. There have been tweets and posts comparing Trump to Hitler. I don't think and I certainly hope that Trump does not plan on eradicating all Muslims. He just hasn't wrapped his head around the concept that not all Muslims are terrorists.
Politics are confusing and so are old white men who believe they are the center of the universe. Whatever your opinion is, I hope you own it. I don't like Trump and that's ok. You may love Trump and that's ok. Differences of opinion are important.
stay peaceful (and open-minded)!!
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Si Fuera Un Chico
Si fuera un chico, if I were a boy. It's a song, by Beyoncé. A pretty great song that you should check out. I typed it in Spanish because this blog post is stemming from an activity that I did in my Spanish class. We're working with "si" or "if clauses". If this happened, this would happen, pretty radical stuff.
To ensure we knew what we were doing and to practice our speaking skills, my teacher divided the class, boys on one side, girls on the other. We went back and forth saying "If I were a boy I would do this" or "If I were a girl I would do this". Pretty exciting stuff. I know it was a joke and not meant to be taken seriously, but some of the stereotypes that came out of this game stuck in my head.
One of the boys (whom I can't stand, but that's beside the point) said that if he were a girl he'd be a feminist. Me being the crazy feminist that I am proceeded to shout out, "EQUALIDAD." Because that's just how cool I am. Why is feminism so negatively viewed in society. Boys are misogynists and women are feminists. Why can't there be zero misogynists and more feminists? Is that even possible? I cannot stress this enough, feminism is equality for all. Men and women of any race, religion, and sexual preference. Equality!!!!!!!
Another stereotype these boys mentioned, gold-digging. Not all women are gold diggers. A strong independent woman doesn't need to find love solely based on the amount of money in his wallet. I'm not at all saying that gold digging is ok. But 150 years ago women had to look for a husband with wealth if they wanted to survive. The patriarchy didn't allow women to work for themselves and taking initiative in finding their wealthy counterparts was the most control they had in their life.
Stereotypes are annoying and so are misogynists. Feminism is equality for all and the patriarchy started the whole concept of "gold-digging" or finding a husband for money and success.
stay peaceful (and avoid stereotypes)!!
To ensure we knew what we were doing and to practice our speaking skills, my teacher divided the class, boys on one side, girls on the other. We went back and forth saying "If I were a boy I would do this" or "If I were a girl I would do this". Pretty exciting stuff. I know it was a joke and not meant to be taken seriously, but some of the stereotypes that came out of this game stuck in my head.
One of the boys (whom I can't stand, but that's beside the point) said that if he were a girl he'd be a feminist. Me being the crazy feminist that I am proceeded to shout out, "EQUALIDAD." Because that's just how cool I am. Why is feminism so negatively viewed in society. Boys are misogynists and women are feminists. Why can't there be zero misogynists and more feminists? Is that even possible? I cannot stress this enough, feminism is equality for all. Men and women of any race, religion, and sexual preference. Equality!!!!!!!
Another stereotype these boys mentioned, gold-digging. Not all women are gold diggers. A strong independent woman doesn't need to find love solely based on the amount of money in his wallet. I'm not at all saying that gold digging is ok. But 150 years ago women had to look for a husband with wealth if they wanted to survive. The patriarchy didn't allow women to work for themselves and taking initiative in finding their wealthy counterparts was the most control they had in their life.
Stereotypes are annoying and so are misogynists. Feminism is equality for all and the patriarchy started the whole concept of "gold-digging" or finding a husband for money and success.
stay peaceful (and avoid stereotypes)!!
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Mental Health Week
On Monday, I clicked in my little subscription box after pulling up Youtube and Buzzfeed had a multiple Mental Health related videos. This hits home for me. Mass shootings bring up mental health because that is the only time it's "okay" to talk about. Mental health has a huge stigma behind it and I'm sick of that. Why? Not everyone is 100% ok 100% of the time.
Click here to watch their video, 6 Untrue Facts About Mental Health You Probably Believe. I'll give you a couple minutes. Did you really watch it? Really? How many of those "facts" did you believe? Probably more than half, because I did too.
Mental illness is not something we should be scared to talk about. Antidepressants are a thing. Depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder are all things that get shoved under the rug. 1 in 4 people struggle with their mental health. Probably someone, if not multiple people you know. It's scary but true and we need to come to terms with it.
Mental illnesses are different for each and every person that they affect. Sometimes medication works and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes therapy works and sometimes it doesn't. I think mental health is extremely hard to talk about because of the way people look at you and how they react after you've told them what you suffer with everyday. If only I could see your face while reading this blog.
Depression isn't just being sad. Depression is being sad and not knowing why. Not wanting to get out of bed and preferring to stay alone than to interact with people you once loved to be around. Anxiety isn't just worrying about a test. Anxiety is worrying about that test and thinking that if you don't get an A, you won't make it into college.
If you know someone who suffers from any mental illness, talk to them. Let them talk to you. Even if they repeat the same story ten times, it means something. Listening is key. You may not understand what they're going through, but that's ok. Opening you arms and ears will help them immensely.
If you need help understanding mental illnesses and ways you can be there for someone, I strongly suggest checking out Buzzfeed's videos, they helped me and I'm someone that's struggled with anxiety and depression for years.
stay peaceful (and supportive)!!
Click here to watch their video, 6 Untrue Facts About Mental Health You Probably Believe. I'll give you a couple minutes. Did you really watch it? Really? How many of those "facts" did you believe? Probably more than half, because I did too.
Mental illness is not something we should be scared to talk about. Antidepressants are a thing. Depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder are all things that get shoved under the rug. 1 in 4 people struggle with their mental health. Probably someone, if not multiple people you know. It's scary but true and we need to come to terms with it.
Mental illnesses are different for each and every person that they affect. Sometimes medication works and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes therapy works and sometimes it doesn't. I think mental health is extremely hard to talk about because of the way people look at you and how they react after you've told them what you suffer with everyday. If only I could see your face while reading this blog.
Depression isn't just being sad. Depression is being sad and not knowing why. Not wanting to get out of bed and preferring to stay alone than to interact with people you once loved to be around. Anxiety isn't just worrying about a test. Anxiety is worrying about that test and thinking that if you don't get an A, you won't make it into college.
If you know someone who suffers from any mental illness, talk to them. Let them talk to you. Even if they repeat the same story ten times, it means something. Listening is key. You may not understand what they're going through, but that's ok. Opening you arms and ears will help them immensely.
If you need help understanding mental illnesses and ways you can be there for someone, I strongly suggest checking out Buzzfeed's videos, they helped me and I'm someone that's struggled with anxiety and depression for years.
stay peaceful (and supportive)!!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Human Rights Day, Yay!!
Whilst writing my assignments down in my planner this morning, I stumbled upon a fascinating fact. It's Human Rights Day!! Everyday should be Human Rights Day but, unfortunately, not everyone has the rights they deserve and not everyone faces the punishment they deserve for their actions.
Human Rights Day commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration of Human Rights is pretty self-explanatory. It's many articles state that all human are born equal, have the right to life, property and security, cannot be enslaved and no one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, degrading punishment.
This declaration may seem like a lot of common sense. But not everyone has picked up on this easy lesson. Many individuals are still held as sex slaves and sold for profit. Hate crimes still exist, crimes against an individual based on their religion, sexual orientation, race or gender identification is still not acceptable.
This year's Human Right's day is devoted to year of honoring the 50th anniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Both of the covenants are pretty self-explanatory. Stating that each individual has the right to pursue their own social, economic and cultural interests, while respecting the interests of the individuals around them. The Covenant on Civil and Political Rights focuses on the duties of the state and other political figures and officials to protect the right to life that each individual human being has.
Let December 10th be a reminder to us to recognize the rights that each and every one of us has. But let everyday be Human Rights Day. Every single day we should work together to make the world more peaceful for everyone.
"On Human Rights Day, let us recommit to guaranteeing the fundamental freedoms and protecting the human rights of all." United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
stay peaceful!!
Human Rights Day commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration of Human Rights is pretty self-explanatory. It's many articles state that all human are born equal, have the right to life, property and security, cannot be enslaved and no one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, degrading punishment.
This declaration may seem like a lot of common sense. But not everyone has picked up on this easy lesson. Many individuals are still held as sex slaves and sold for profit. Hate crimes still exist, crimes against an individual based on their religion, sexual orientation, race or gender identification is still not acceptable.
This year's Human Right's day is devoted to year of honoring the 50th anniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Both of the covenants are pretty self-explanatory. Stating that each individual has the right to pursue their own social, economic and cultural interests, while respecting the interests of the individuals around them. The Covenant on Civil and Political Rights focuses on the duties of the state and other political figures and officials to protect the right to life that each individual human being has.
Let December 10th be a reminder to us to recognize the rights that each and every one of us has. But let everyday be Human Rights Day. Every single day we should work together to make the world more peaceful for everyone.
"On Human Rights Day, let us recommit to guaranteeing the fundamental freedoms and protecting the human rights of all." United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
stay peaceful!!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Melanie Martinez Is Pretty Dang Awesome
My taste in music is so various it's kind of crazy. One day I'll listen to Frank Sinatra and Country music, and the next day I'll get my jam on and listen to Halsey and Melanie Martinez. We listen to music that connects with us and has a specific message that sticks in our minds for a multitude of reasons.
Case in point, this morning I was listening to Melanie Martinez, an incredibly talented singer and songwriter who first appeared on The Voice. She's edgy and her own person, which I absolutely love, and you can definitely tell from her music. But she also writes and sings songs that can be interpreted different ways by different people. Which leads me to one of my favorite songs of hers, Mrs. Potato Head.
Mrs. Potato Head deals with body image and how girls of any age worry about their looks. I think everyone deals with body image issues. Boys may feel the need to get big and have huge muscles, have an eight pack and melon sized biceps. That's not realistic. Girls may want to have a tiny waist with perfect hair and flawless skin. This may sound cheesy and cliché, but everyone is beautiful.
Mrs. Potato Head focuses on girls body image issues more than boys, and I think that is solely because Melanie Martinez is a girl. In the song, Melanie is talking to little girls and then she's talking to Mr. Potato Head. Asking him if he'll still love his wife after she's aged and may not be considered as beautiful as she was.
Here's some pretty awesome lyric clips from the song that stick out to me.
"
"Don't be dramatic, it's only some plastic. No one will love you if you're unattractive." This stuck out to me because it digs into the normalization of plastic surgery to cover up what we don't like about ourselves. I'm not saying that people who have plastic surgery procedures are unconfident, but I wonder if they had waited a little bit longer to have their operation, maybe they would've been able to find a way to be comfortable in their own skin.
"But little girls are learning how to cut and paste. And pucker up their lips until they suffocate." This again ties into how we are perceived on social media. So many kids are getting social media and with each year, the minimum age seems to drop. If social media is something they want to have, go at it. But I think we need to teach kids that beauty isn't an Instagram filter.
If you like alt-pop and liked Mrs. Potato Head, I definitely recommend Melanie's debut album, Cry Baby. The music beautifully written and sung, and we can jam out together if you like it as much as I do. I'm always down for a dance party.
For anyone who may possibly be reading this, you're beautiful. Beauty is not pain, beauty is confidence. Beauty is the way you smile when no one is watching, beauty is all of the things you do in a day to improve your life and the life of others. Love yourself and love everyone around you to the highest of your capabilities.
Case in point, this morning I was listening to Melanie Martinez, an incredibly talented singer and songwriter who first appeared on The Voice. She's edgy and her own person, which I absolutely love, and you can definitely tell from her music. But she also writes and sings songs that can be interpreted different ways by different people. Which leads me to one of my favorite songs of hers, Mrs. Potato Head. Mrs. Potato Head deals with body image and how girls of any age worry about their looks. I think everyone deals with body image issues. Boys may feel the need to get big and have huge muscles, have an eight pack and melon sized biceps. That's not realistic. Girls may want to have a tiny waist with perfect hair and flawless skin. This may sound cheesy and cliché, but everyone is beautiful.
Mrs. Potato Head focuses on girls body image issues more than boys, and I think that is solely because Melanie Martinez is a girl. In the song, Melanie is talking to little girls and then she's talking to Mr. Potato Head. Asking him if he'll still love his wife after she's aged and may not be considered as beautiful as she was.
Here's some pretty awesome lyric clips from the song that stick out to me.
"
"Don't be dramatic, it's only some plastic. No one will love you if you're unattractive." This stuck out to me because it digs into the normalization of plastic surgery to cover up what we don't like about ourselves. I'm not saying that people who have plastic surgery procedures are unconfident, but I wonder if they had waited a little bit longer to have their operation, maybe they would've been able to find a way to be comfortable in their own skin.
"But little girls are learning how to cut and paste. And pucker up their lips until they suffocate." This again ties into how we are perceived on social media. So many kids are getting social media and with each year, the minimum age seems to drop. If social media is something they want to have, go at it. But I think we need to teach kids that beauty isn't an Instagram filter.
If you like alt-pop and liked Mrs. Potato Head, I definitely recommend Melanie's debut album, Cry Baby. The music beautifully written and sung, and we can jam out together if you like it as much as I do. I'm always down for a dance party.
For anyone who may possibly be reading this, you're beautiful. Beauty is not pain, beauty is confidence. Beauty is the way you smile when no one is watching, beauty is all of the things you do in a day to improve your life and the life of others. Love yourself and love everyone around you to the highest of your capabilities.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
How Many Mass Shootings is Enough?
Last year, the police office at my school came into my Spanish class and taught us what to do if there was ever to be a school shooting. You hear it on the news, "many wounded in mass shooting". Whether it be at a movie theater, a community building or an elementary school, it's still traumatizing.
Last night, when I got home from teaching five year-olds how to be big siblings, I turned on the news to heard about the San Bernardino shooting. Fourteen people were killed and another seventeen while they were supposed to be attending a holiday work event. A happy and exciting party turned traumatic and extremely sad in a matter of seconds.
Last week there was the Colorado Planned Parenthood shooting. The shooter, 57 year old Robert Bear was believed to be motivated by pro-life and anti-abortion political views. These beliefs do not give him any right to walk into a health clinic and open fire. Killing a police officer and terrorizing women who were solely seeking health care. Ironically enough, Bear targeted the clinic with anti-abortion motives and no abortions were performed at this clinic. This specific Planned Parenthood clinic was solely used to provide women with counseling and certain medical services like birth control and STD screenings.
There have been 355 mass shootings in the United States so far this year. 355 mass shootings in 337 days. That's horrific and heart-wrenching. While watching the news last night, they shared a father's story. His daughter was in the community center during the San Bernardino shooting. His daughter had texted him saying there was a shooter in the building, that she loved him and wanted him to pray for her and the other victims in the building. This man broke down in tears because he daughter was safe. Tears of joy, celebrating the fact that his daughter will be coming home for Christmas, but tears of sadness for the families of the victims who were killed, they will never hear their son or daughters voice again.
Mass shootings are horrific events that need to be controlled, and can easily be reduced with some gun control. This may be controversial, I'm not bashing the second amendment, but I think there should be more control. More check-ups and re-screenings of gun owners to ensure they are still mentally and physically able to own and shoot a gun. That's my two cents, but I think we can all agree mass shootings need to come to an end.
stay peaceful (and thankful for your beautiful life)!!
Last night, when I got home from teaching five year-olds how to be big siblings, I turned on the news to heard about the San Bernardino shooting. Fourteen people were killed and another seventeen while they were supposed to be attending a holiday work event. A happy and exciting party turned traumatic and extremely sad in a matter of seconds.
Last week there was the Colorado Planned Parenthood shooting. The shooter, 57 year old Robert Bear was believed to be motivated by pro-life and anti-abortion political views. These beliefs do not give him any right to walk into a health clinic and open fire. Killing a police officer and terrorizing women who were solely seeking health care. Ironically enough, Bear targeted the clinic with anti-abortion motives and no abortions were performed at this clinic. This specific Planned Parenthood clinic was solely used to provide women with counseling and certain medical services like birth control and STD screenings.
There have been 355 mass shootings in the United States so far this year. 355 mass shootings in 337 days. That's horrific and heart-wrenching. While watching the news last night, they shared a father's story. His daughter was in the community center during the San Bernardino shooting. His daughter had texted him saying there was a shooter in the building, that she loved him and wanted him to pray for her and the other victims in the building. This man broke down in tears because he daughter was safe. Tears of joy, celebrating the fact that his daughter will be coming home for Christmas, but tears of sadness for the families of the victims who were killed, they will never hear their son or daughters voice again.
Mass shootings are horrific events that need to be controlled, and can easily be reduced with some gun control. This may be controversial, I'm not bashing the second amendment, but I think there should be more control. More check-ups and re-screenings of gun owners to ensure they are still mentally and physically able to own and shoot a gun. That's my two cents, but I think we can all agree mass shootings need to come to an end.
stay peaceful (and thankful for your beautiful life)!!
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Pro-Choice Doesn't Mean Pro-Abortion
The recent Planned Parenthood shooting has made think about abortion, and made me realize that many people don't understand the Pro-Choice stance.
I'm Pro-Choice, but I'm not Pro-Abortion. This may be difficult for some people to understand, but I really don't know why. I believe any woman has the right to control what she wants to do with her body. Abortion is a choice, a very difficult choice that about 3,300 women will make today. There are many different situations where a woman may choose to have an abortion.
Rape and incest are common reasons for abortion. If it's not the right time of life for the woman, she may get an abortion because she doesn't want to raise a child in a stressful situation. Some people may say adoption is the answer for these situations. However, I believe adoption may be just as difficult as choosing to get an abortion. Having to physically give away your baby after you've spent hours in labor bringing it into this world would be absolutely heartbreaking.
With today's increasing medical technology there are tests that are completed to make sure babies will be as healthy as possible when they are born. If a mother receives test results that conclude a stillbirth or a painful birth for the baby that will result in instant death, it is her choice whether she wants to watch her newborn suffer and be put through pain or if she will have an abortion to save the potential pain that the baby would have suffered.
Any consideration of abortion is painful and emotionally wrenching. I, personally would not have abortion. I don't think I'd be able to live with myself. I'm not saying that women who receive abortions are heartless or that they don't love kids. I'm saying they are most likely stronger than me. They're able to go through something so emotionally wrenching and heartbreaking, and for some women it may be an easier choice than it is for others, every woman and every woman's body is different.
The main point of this blogpost was that I personally would never get an abortion, and don't "endorse" it, but what right do I have to tell another woman that she can't have one? In fact, what right does some privileged white male in Washington D.C. have to tell a woman she can't control her body?
The pro-life viewpoint, however, doesn't give anyone the right to control a woman's decisions or body.
stay peaceful (and considerate)!!
I'm Pro-Choice, but I'm not Pro-Abortion. This may be difficult for some people to understand, but I really don't know why. I believe any woman has the right to control what she wants to do with her body. Abortion is a choice, a very difficult choice that about 3,300 women will make today. There are many different situations where a woman may choose to have an abortion.
Rape and incest are common reasons for abortion. If it's not the right time of life for the woman, she may get an abortion because she doesn't want to raise a child in a stressful situation. Some people may say adoption is the answer for these situations. However, I believe adoption may be just as difficult as choosing to get an abortion. Having to physically give away your baby after you've spent hours in labor bringing it into this world would be absolutely heartbreaking.
With today's increasing medical technology there are tests that are completed to make sure babies will be as healthy as possible when they are born. If a mother receives test results that conclude a stillbirth or a painful birth for the baby that will result in instant death, it is her choice whether she wants to watch her newborn suffer and be put through pain or if she will have an abortion to save the potential pain that the baby would have suffered.
Any consideration of abortion is painful and emotionally wrenching. I, personally would not have abortion. I don't think I'd be able to live with myself. I'm not saying that women who receive abortions are heartless or that they don't love kids. I'm saying they are most likely stronger than me. They're able to go through something so emotionally wrenching and heartbreaking, and for some women it may be an easier choice than it is for others, every woman and every woman's body is different.
The main point of this blogpost was that I personally would never get an abortion, and don't "endorse" it, but what right do I have to tell another woman that she can't have one? In fact, what right does some privileged white male in Washington D.C. have to tell a woman she can't control her body?
The pro-life viewpoint, however, doesn't give anyone the right to control a woman's decisions or body.
stay peaceful (and considerate)!!
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Islam in the United States
Stereotyping happens everyday. Unfortunately since 9/11, Muslim individuals and followers of Islam are faced with harsh prejudice and injustice in everyday life.
Islam is a peaceful religion. They believe in Judgement Day, in which Allah, or God, will decide if they are allowed into Paradise for living a caring and peaceful life. Taking care of others, and providing for those who need help is also a large principle of Islam. You cannot be allowed into Paradise if you have not given to those in need.
Each person has their own separate beliefs and follows a certain religion to their own liking. Take me as an example. I'm a catholic and recently got confirmed. However, I support Gay marriage, I think love is love. I am Pro-Choice because what right does a senator have to tell a woman what to do with her body? We all have different beliefs and interpret religious practices differently.
Unfortunately we deal with terrorism in our world. Last week the terrorist attacks in Paris occurred and ISIS is threatening another attack on the United States. It's scary, but we need to realize that the Islamic groups claiming responsibility for these attacks are the EXTREMISTS!! I cannot stress this enough. I've heard multiple people commenting that "Islam is a messed up religion" or that "Muslims shouldn't be allowed in the country." How can you call yourself a true American if you're not willing to open your arms to our Muslim brothers and sisters who are facing prejudice for a small percentage of people who follow the same religion as them?
There's been multiple stereotypes on the way people treat Muslims. There was an episode of ABC's What Would You Do? where a man says that he's not going to buy snacks from a man wearing turban. He yells rude and derogatory things at this man until a soldier tells him to stop. Watch the video below for yourself!
Islam is a peaceful religion. They believe in Judgement Day, in which Allah, or God, will decide if they are allowed into Paradise for living a caring and peaceful life. Taking care of others, and providing for those who need help is also a large principle of Islam. You cannot be allowed into Paradise if you have not given to those in need.
Each person has their own separate beliefs and follows a certain religion to their own liking. Take me as an example. I'm a catholic and recently got confirmed. However, I support Gay marriage, I think love is love. I am Pro-Choice because what right does a senator have to tell a woman what to do with her body? We all have different beliefs and interpret religious practices differently.
Unfortunately we deal with terrorism in our world. Last week the terrorist attacks in Paris occurred and ISIS is threatening another attack on the United States. It's scary, but we need to realize that the Islamic groups claiming responsibility for these attacks are the EXTREMISTS!! I cannot stress this enough. I've heard multiple people commenting that "Islam is a messed up religion" or that "Muslims shouldn't be allowed in the country." How can you call yourself a true American if you're not willing to open your arms to our Muslim brothers and sisters who are facing prejudice for a small percentage of people who follow the same religion as them?
There's been multiple stereotypes on the way people treat Muslims. There was an episode of ABC's What Would You Do? where a man says that he's not going to buy snacks from a man wearing turban. He yells rude and derogatory things at this man until a soldier tells him to stop. Watch the video below for yourself!
There have also been many social experiments conducted in which women wear hijabs to see how they will socially be discriminated against. In a video I watched a couple of weeks ago, many women were stared at more than if they hadn't been wearing the hijab. They receive dirty looks and are stereotyped all for a piece of fabric that they choose to wear to be modest.
We're in America. It's 2015. Why are we still stereotyping against a religion? If we took time to actually learn the basic principle of Islam instead of jumping to conclusions, we would realize it's the extremists who are using violent means to portray their interpretation of Islam. Learn more about a person and their beliefs before you stereotype them.
stay peaceful (and inclusive)!!
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Syrian Refugee Crisis
The Syrian refugee crisis has been an issue since early 2012. The country's brutal dictatorship led it's citizens to form peaceful protests in hopes of a shift in power and organization. Like what happened in Ukraine, the government used force to try to stop the protests. Government militia shot protestors and killed children, they had no mercy. Civil war broke out, thus causing people to flee the country.
Where do these refugees go? Most have fled to Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. Refugee camps in these countries are reaching their capacity. Refugee's are hoping to come to the United States. Many state governors oppose the entrance of refugees to their country due to the risk of terrorism.
In the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, one of the suspects crossed country lines while pretending to be a refugee. Some government officials fear that by allowing refugees to the United States, we may be increasing the risk of terrorist activists and ISIS sympathizers coming to the states.
I heard something on the nightly news that sickened me, because I feel like in America, in 2015 we should not be religiously stereotyping a group of people. On ABC Nightly News, I heard that some republican representatives want to only accept Christian refugees. This is absolutely ridiculous. Not all Christians are good people, and only the EXTREMISTS of Islam, or any religions pose as a threat. Islam is a peaceful religion, and by stereotyping refugees based on how they choose to worship, we are only showing how little progress our country and our society has made over time.
Women, men and children are being killed. Yes, there was a terrible unjust committed in Paris less than a week ago, but that does not mean we have to allow an injustice to keep occurring in Syria. Security is important, but only allowing Christian refugees into the country is discriminatory and unjust. It goes against everything the United States should stands for.
I believe in equality for all, and I believe in the United States doing everything they can to show compassion and love to those who need it most. Extend a helping hand when you can. Get involved and show love to those who are in need. I know you may not be able to directly help a Syrian refugee, but keeping them in your thoughts (and prayers if you're religious) is just as great.
stay peaceful (and compassionate)!!
Where do these refugees go? Most have fled to Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. Refugee camps in these countries are reaching their capacity. Refugee's are hoping to come to the United States. Many state governors oppose the entrance of refugees to their country due to the risk of terrorism.
In the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, one of the suspects crossed country lines while pretending to be a refugee. Some government officials fear that by allowing refugees to the United States, we may be increasing the risk of terrorist activists and ISIS sympathizers coming to the states.
I heard something on the nightly news that sickened me, because I feel like in America, in 2015 we should not be religiously stereotyping a group of people. On ABC Nightly News, I heard that some republican representatives want to only accept Christian refugees. This is absolutely ridiculous. Not all Christians are good people, and only the EXTREMISTS of Islam, or any religions pose as a threat. Islam is a peaceful religion, and by stereotyping refugees based on how they choose to worship, we are only showing how little progress our country and our society has made over time.
Women, men and children are being killed. Yes, there was a terrible unjust committed in Paris less than a week ago, but that does not mean we have to allow an injustice to keep occurring in Syria. Security is important, but only allowing Christian refugees into the country is discriminatory and unjust. It goes against everything the United States should stands for.
I believe in equality for all, and I believe in the United States doing everything they can to show compassion and love to those who need it most. Extend a helping hand when you can. Get involved and show love to those who are in need. I know you may not be able to directly help a Syrian refugee, but keeping them in your thoughts (and prayers if you're religious) is just as great.
stay peaceful (and compassionate)!!
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
The Suffragette
The Suffragette is a recently released movie starring Carrie Mulligan, Meryl Streep and Helena Bonham Carter. These leading ladies act with such vivacious attitudes, portraying the fight that true suffragettes had to endure. I saw maybe two commercials for this movie, and I wasn't surprised. This seems to be the first "major" motion picture that has focused on a women's rights issue.
Suffragettes fought for women's right to vote. It was believed that if women had the right to vote, social chaos would break out and society would become unorganized. They fought for their mothers, sisters and future daughters rights to vote and be independent women. These women were seen as social outcasts. Their only job was to be a seamstress or launder, and go home and take care of their husbands. They were viewed as property and subordinate individuals without any thinking capabilities.
The Suffragette focuses on the suffering that women faced if they involved themselves in the movement. Peaceful protests turned into violent riots as women tried to avoid being beaten by police. Women were imprisoned, but sometimes prison was avoidable because the police knew husbands would teach their wives a lesson. Women went on hunger strikes and were force fed through a nose tube. At the end of the film, one of the Suffragettes, Emily, dies for the movement. She represented a martyr for the movement, which sparked an uproar of support for women's suffrage.
This movie did a great job of portraying the battles that women of the past have endured for women of today to be able to have basic liberties. Saudi Arabia just recently allowed women to vote, in 2015. Twelve months ago, women in Saudi Arabia did not have the ability to affect social change through a ballot. That is unacceptable.
The movie had only been out for three days when I went. It was a Sunday afternoon, a good afternoon for a movie. There were five other people there, five. They were all women. A couple middle aged women, a grandmother and a granddaughter, and my friends and I. I don't expect many men to attend this movie, most men don't even think feminism is a necessity in today's world.
The Suffragette should be seen by everyone. It shows the bravery that Suffragette's fought with, the blood, sweat and tears that they shed to change the lives of the millions of women that would come after them. Watch the movie, it's 106 minutes that you won't regret!
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
Suffragettes fought for women's right to vote. It was believed that if women had the right to vote, social chaos would break out and society would become unorganized. They fought for their mothers, sisters and future daughters rights to vote and be independent women. These women were seen as social outcasts. Their only job was to be a seamstress or launder, and go home and take care of their husbands. They were viewed as property and subordinate individuals without any thinking capabilities.
The Suffragette focuses on the suffering that women faced if they involved themselves in the movement. Peaceful protests turned into violent riots as women tried to avoid being beaten by police. Women were imprisoned, but sometimes prison was avoidable because the police knew husbands would teach their wives a lesson. Women went on hunger strikes and were force fed through a nose tube. At the end of the film, one of the Suffragettes, Emily, dies for the movement. She represented a martyr for the movement, which sparked an uproar of support for women's suffrage.
This movie did a great job of portraying the battles that women of the past have endured for women of today to be able to have basic liberties. Saudi Arabia just recently allowed women to vote, in 2015. Twelve months ago, women in Saudi Arabia did not have the ability to affect social change through a ballot. That is unacceptable.
The movie had only been out for three days when I went. It was a Sunday afternoon, a good afternoon for a movie. There were five other people there, five. They were all women. A couple middle aged women, a grandmother and a granddaughter, and my friends and I. I don't expect many men to attend this movie, most men don't even think feminism is a necessity in today's world.
The Suffragette should be seen by everyone. It shows the bravery that Suffragette's fought with, the blood, sweat and tears that they shed to change the lives of the millions of women that would come after them. Watch the movie, it's 106 minutes that you won't regret!
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Thoughts and Prayers to Paris
I'm sad, and my heart hurts. My heart hurts because while I was screaming in excitement for my school's football team, France was screaming in terror. Millions were grieving over the horrific attacks that occurred this past Friday, the thirteenth of November.
This attack represents one of the worst terror attacks since September 11th, 2001. At least 153 people are dead after terrorists unleashed coordinated attacks of gunfire on hostages, suicide bombs and grenades. This attack was planned and it was executed with the utmost determination.
One of the attacks was located at the Bataclan music venue, where gunmen reportedly dressed in black opened gunfire on the concert attendees. Eyewitnesses have reported accounts of attackers shouting in Arabic, but no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Bombings were reported near the Stade de France football stadium where a friendly match between French and German national football teams was going on. President Hollande of France was at the football game when word of the attacks arrived.
The attacks did come with immense support from the entire world. President Obama said the attacks were an "attack on humanity and the universal values we all share." The one good thing to come out of these attacks is a united world. That's what we need right now. We need to support our French brothers and sisters who are grieving and dealing with an immense loss. We need to support France as a country, only 10 months ago they suffered from a terrorist attack that killed seventeen people.
Why must there be terrorism? Why can't we have a world free of war and terrorism, and rich in love and respect for all. I know it's too much, but think about it. If we "failed forward" and learned from the many mistakes that each country has been through in history, maybe these attacks wouldn't have happened. It's a long shot, but I hope one day, we will be able to have a country that is not in a state of emergency. A country without war and suffering.
I'm sad for Paris but I'm so incredibly proud of the world. The way we came out to support our brothers and sisters shows terrorists that can intimidate us, but they will not shake the love that we have in our hearts for everyone. Suffering is unfortunate, but if we can learn one thing from this horrible November night, we can learn to stand by each other and that support is the best thing we can provide.
Keep Paris in your thoughts and prayers, please.
stay peaceful (and supportive)!!
This attack represents one of the worst terror attacks since September 11th, 2001. At least 153 people are dead after terrorists unleashed coordinated attacks of gunfire on hostages, suicide bombs and grenades. This attack was planned and it was executed with the utmost determination.
One of the attacks was located at the Bataclan music venue, where gunmen reportedly dressed in black opened gunfire on the concert attendees. Eyewitnesses have reported accounts of attackers shouting in Arabic, but no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Bombings were reported near the Stade de France football stadium where a friendly match between French and German national football teams was going on. President Hollande of France was at the football game when word of the attacks arrived.
Why must there be terrorism? Why can't we have a world free of war and terrorism, and rich in love and respect for all. I know it's too much, but think about it. If we "failed forward" and learned from the many mistakes that each country has been through in history, maybe these attacks wouldn't have happened. It's a long shot, but I hope one day, we will be able to have a country that is not in a state of emergency. A country without war and suffering.
I'm sad for Paris but I'm so incredibly proud of the world. The way we came out to support our brothers and sisters shows terrorists that can intimidate us, but they will not shake the love that we have in our hearts for everyone. Suffering is unfortunate, but if we can learn one thing from this horrible November night, we can learn to stand by each other and that support is the best thing we can provide.
Keep Paris in your thoughts and prayers, please.
stay peaceful (and supportive)!!
Friday, November 13, 2015
Gender Norms are Stupid
Gender norms are stupid. It's as simple as that. In today's society so many things are oriented towards men or towards women. Why? It's hard to believe that in 2015, in the United States no less, we're still deciding what kids and adults should like based on their anatomy.
One of my favorite YouTubers, Manny MUA, is a beauty vlogger. This may offend people, but I really don't understand why. Manny is so good at makeup, and it's something that he loves. Just because he can grow a beard and has a penis doesn't mean he can't wear mascara and a bold lip on a regular basis. Makeup may be more oriented towards women, and it has been for years, but many more men are stepping into the makeup scene. Patrick Star, Manny, and Jeffree Star are all breaking gender norms and deserve a huge round of applause.
I also commend Kayla, a girl in my orchestra. At each formal concert our orchestra performs, the girls have to dress up in long black dresses and boys have to wear a multiple-piece suit. Kayla doesn't like dresses (but I mean, who really likes the orchestra dresses?) and wanted to try something new. She decided to wear a suit. When I first saw her, I'll admit I was surprised. I had never seen a school activity in which someone was "breaking" a gender norm. She definitely got some weird looks from the boys and girls in our orchestra, but she was brave and was able to break out of her shell to make sure she was comfortable while doing an activity that she loves.
This blog post was inspired by a recent family dinner. "Pinterest isn't really a boy app." What? I didn't know that we were assigning a gender to a certain number of gigabytes on a phone. I got kind of mad. I'm tired of people being judged for what they like or who they are based on the gender that is typically associated with those things. There are so many more girls playing video games and boys who like makeup or princess costumes.
There is one thing I'd like to point out. If a boy goes against gender norms, I think it's more difficult for them to be accepted in society than if it was a woman breaking gender norms. Women are typically seen as more "dainty" and "fragile" and when we break gender norms, and we act a little bit tougher, some guys might find it attractive. However, if a man was to break gender norms, and wear makeup everyday I'm worried that he would be harassed. There's more of an expectation that follows boys around. I think they're expected to be manly and strong.
This sweatshirt in the right adds comedy to a real issue. Feminist Apparel has great clothes that share a great message! Look into their merchandise if you want to help spread the importance of feminism and other social issues!
In conclusion, gender norms are stupid. Girls can play video games and be engineers, boys can wear makeup and be stay at home dads. Everyone is different, and if you can't comprehend that, get over yourself.
stay peaceful( & open-minded)!!
One of my favorite YouTubers, Manny MUA, is a beauty vlogger. This may offend people, but I really don't understand why. Manny is so good at makeup, and it's something that he loves. Just because he can grow a beard and has a penis doesn't mean he can't wear mascara and a bold lip on a regular basis. Makeup may be more oriented towards women, and it has been for years, but many more men are stepping into the makeup scene. Patrick Star, Manny, and Jeffree Star are all breaking gender norms and deserve a huge round of applause.
I also commend Kayla, a girl in my orchestra. At each formal concert our orchestra performs, the girls have to dress up in long black dresses and boys have to wear a multiple-piece suit. Kayla doesn't like dresses (but I mean, who really likes the orchestra dresses?) and wanted to try something new. She decided to wear a suit. When I first saw her, I'll admit I was surprised. I had never seen a school activity in which someone was "breaking" a gender norm. She definitely got some weird looks from the boys and girls in our orchestra, but she was brave and was able to break out of her shell to make sure she was comfortable while doing an activity that she loves.
This blog post was inspired by a recent family dinner. "Pinterest isn't really a boy app." What? I didn't know that we were assigning a gender to a certain number of gigabytes on a phone. I got kind of mad. I'm tired of people being judged for what they like or who they are based on the gender that is typically associated with those things. There are so many more girls playing video games and boys who like makeup or princess costumes.
There is one thing I'd like to point out. If a boy goes against gender norms, I think it's more difficult for them to be accepted in society than if it was a woman breaking gender norms. Women are typically seen as more "dainty" and "fragile" and when we break gender norms, and we act a little bit tougher, some guys might find it attractive. However, if a man was to break gender norms, and wear makeup everyday I'm worried that he would be harassed. There's more of an expectation that follows boys around. I think they're expected to be manly and strong.
This sweatshirt in the right adds comedy to a real issue. Feminist Apparel has great clothes that share a great message! Look into their merchandise if you want to help spread the importance of feminism and other social issues!
In conclusion, gender norms are stupid. Girls can play video games and be engineers, boys can wear makeup and be stay at home dads. Everyone is different, and if you can't comprehend that, get over yourself.
stay peaceful( & open-minded)!!
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
For the Last Time: No Means No
For my AP Language and Composition class I have to read 100 pages a week out of a book picked from a reading list that our teacher provides. The book I am reading at the moment is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I've actually grown quite fond of the book, but that's a different story. This blog post is to talk about the seriousness of the phrase, "no means no."
I recently read an excerpt from P&P and it struck a nerve.
"'Really, Mr. Collins," cried Elizabeth with some warmth, "you puzzle me exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my refusal in such a way as may convince you of its being one."
In this passage, Mr. Collins has proposed to Elizabeth, but she has refused the proposal. However, Mr. Collins does not register the rejection and keeps persisting with his proposal. Not surprising, men during this era had little regard for women and their opinions. I'm just upset at how little thing have changed.
No means no, it's pretty simple. Stop means to quit doing what you're doing, it's either annoying me or making me uncomfortable. Many boys and unfortunately many men as well consider no to be an invitation to try again, or to keep persisting. No means no, and yes means yes. There is a pretty thin line between yes and no.
Whether it be the 1800s or 2015, women's opinions and views have been pushed onto the back burner and are repeatedly ignored. This post was more of a rant than anything, but it ticks me off when people don't understand the meaning of the word no!
stay peaceful (and respectful)!!
I recently read an excerpt from P&P and it struck a nerve.
"'Really, Mr. Collins," cried Elizabeth with some warmth, "you puzzle me exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my refusal in such a way as may convince you of its being one."
In this passage, Mr. Collins has proposed to Elizabeth, but she has refused the proposal. However, Mr. Collins does not register the rejection and keeps persisting with his proposal. Not surprising, men during this era had little regard for women and their opinions. I'm just upset at how little thing have changed.
No means no, it's pretty simple. Stop means to quit doing what you're doing, it's either annoying me or making me uncomfortable. Many boys and unfortunately many men as well consider no to be an invitation to try again, or to keep persisting. No means no, and yes means yes. There is a pretty thin line between yes and no.
Whether it be the 1800s or 2015, women's opinions and views have been pushed onto the back burner and are repeatedly ignored. This post was more of a rant than anything, but it ticks me off when people don't understand the meaning of the word no!
stay peaceful (and respectful)!!
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Winter On Fire: Ukraine's Fight For Freedom
If you watch only one more thing on Netflix, watch Winter On Fire. This documentary about Ukraine's fight for freedom will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions. I never knew I could feel so many different things in only one hour and thirty-eight minutes. I felt anger at the Ukrainian government. I felt sadness for the pain and suffering that these peaceful people went through. But I also felt a lot of anger towards myself. Why didn't I know about this? It only happened two years ago.
In 2004, Viktor Yanukovych, a pro-Russian candidate ran for the Ukrainian presidency and won. After questioning the trueness of the election, the Orange Revolution succeeded and got him withdrawn from office. However, Yanukovych was not done and ran again in 2010 and won the nomination. Yanukovych won the election by promising to make Ukraine part of the European Union, however, he was untrue to his word. This is where the revolution begins.
Instead of signing an agreement with the EU, the Ukrainian government began negotiations with Russia, basically signing away the future of Ukraine. Maidan was formed. Maidan stands for independence. What started as a peaceful protest in a city square quickly turned into a full fledged war in a matter of months. Maidan quickly became a fortress of people unified against the government.
Berkut, the military forces in Ukraine, were dispatched to disband the protestors. Keep in mind, these protestors were peaceful. They were only holding sign, not weapons. I had to cover my eyes while watching this documentary too many times. I can't watch violent situations. I couldn't keep my eyes on the screen while seeing Berkut attacking individuals with iron sticks. People who only wanted freedom and equal opportunity. I saw too many puddles of blood, battered faces and crying people. It was even speculated that the Berkut hired antagonists to pose as protestors and attack police officers and military officials. These antagonists would give the "law enforcement" workers a reason to "defend" themselves against the protestors.
One of the most horrific things that saw in this documentary were groups of Titushky men. Titushky men are violent men, mostly ex-cons. The government releases these men and pays them (PAYS THEM) to beat protestors.
The government had no mercy. As some protestors stated, "they were not acting like human beings."
Religious officials who were only praying were shot at and attacked. Red cross workers who only wanted to help injured people were shot in the leg.
All of this suffering and injustice was thankfully worth something. In February of 2014, Yanukovych is seen fleeing Ukraine and seeks asylum in Russia (surprise, surprise). Ukraine still suffered afterwards. Putin and Yanukovych worked together to build Pro-Russian troops that have worked to take over Crimea. They've also began invading Eastern Ukraine, killing nearly 6,000 people.
The fight in Maidan is over, but Ukraine's fight for full independence is definitely not. Civil rights are not being recognized for millions of people. This needs to stop. Why do we keep trying to resolve our issues with violence and guns?
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
In 2004, Viktor Yanukovych, a pro-Russian candidate ran for the Ukrainian presidency and won. After questioning the trueness of the election, the Orange Revolution succeeded and got him withdrawn from office. However, Yanukovych was not done and ran again in 2010 and won the nomination. Yanukovych won the election by promising to make Ukraine part of the European Union, however, he was untrue to his word. This is where the revolution begins.
Instead of signing an agreement with the EU, the Ukrainian government began negotiations with Russia, basically signing away the future of Ukraine. Maidan was formed. Maidan stands for independence. What started as a peaceful protest in a city square quickly turned into a full fledged war in a matter of months. Maidan quickly became a fortress of people unified against the government.
One of the most horrific things that saw in this documentary were groups of Titushky men. Titushky men are violent men, mostly ex-cons. The government releases these men and pays them (PAYS THEM) to beat protestors.
The government had no mercy. As some protestors stated, "they were not acting like human beings."
Religious officials who were only praying were shot at and attacked. Red cross workers who only wanted to help injured people were shot in the leg.
All of this suffering and injustice was thankfully worth something. In February of 2014, Yanukovych is seen fleeing Ukraine and seeks asylum in Russia (surprise, surprise). Ukraine still suffered afterwards. Putin and Yanukovych worked together to build Pro-Russian troops that have worked to take over Crimea. They've also began invading Eastern Ukraine, killing nearly 6,000 people.
The fight in Maidan is over, but Ukraine's fight for full independence is definitely not. Civil rights are not being recognized for millions of people. This needs to stop. Why do we keep trying to resolve our issues with violence and guns?
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
Saturday, November 7, 2015
It Gets Better
Being gay in today's world is scary. It's common sense to know the struggles that these individuals face and suffer when they come out. People of all ages come out to their family and friends each and every day. These brave people may be welcomed with open arms, and others are disgraced. Turned away from their families and abandoned because they're viewed as an embarrassment.
I'm so excited to blog about the It Gets Better Program, which I recently learned about. It Gets Better is a project organized to communicate to lesbian, gay and transgender youth that it does get better. This program is so inspiring and uplifting for many teens that consider suicide as the only way out. PFLAG NYC states that gay teens are 8.4 times more likely to report having committed suicide and 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression when compared with teens that have not been rejected by their families.
It Gets Better Program posts videos from celebrities, employees of major companies and everyday people who upload their videos themselves. These videos have personal stories with messages that it gets better, and overall messages of support. Watching these videos was eye opening. Gay youth go through so many emotions. Worrying about what their friends will think, if their parents will support them and having to deal with bullying from classmates. I hear things in school I wish I didn't. Derogatory words intended for gay individuals and it angers me. Why is it so hard for us to accept other people for who they are?
It Gets Better is not just a resource for LGBTQ+ youth, it is a resource for all ages, races and sexual orientations. By watching these videos I had a better idea about the struggles youth face everyday. I know I can be more supportive. No one can do it on their own. They need a strong emotional support system behind them that tells them to keep going.
There are also so many ways to can get involved with the It Gets Better program. You can donate, buy a (super cute vintage) shirt which proceeds all go to helping youth. You can also take a pledge to help the LGBTQ+ community and even record your own video. By sending out a message of support to anyone that needs it, who knows how many people you may have just saved?
The bottom line is that we need to get involved. There's an alarming suicide rate amongst gay teens that needs to drop. Suicide is unbelievably hard on families, and tortures the individuals that are considering it. By spending ten minutes to record a video of love and support, you can save thousands of lives. Get involved, donate, buy a shirt, and make a difference!
LGBT Youth Hotline: 1-800-246-PRIDE (7743)
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
To learn more and help make a difference visit itgetsbetter.org
stay peaceful (and supportive)!!
I'm so excited to blog about the It Gets Better Program, which I recently learned about. It Gets Better is a project organized to communicate to lesbian, gay and transgender youth that it does get better. This program is so inspiring and uplifting for many teens that consider suicide as the only way out. PFLAG NYC states that gay teens are 8.4 times more likely to report having committed suicide and 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression when compared with teens that have not been rejected by their families.
It Gets Better Program posts videos from celebrities, employees of major companies and everyday people who upload their videos themselves. These videos have personal stories with messages that it gets better, and overall messages of support. Watching these videos was eye opening. Gay youth go through so many emotions. Worrying about what their friends will think, if their parents will support them and having to deal with bullying from classmates. I hear things in school I wish I didn't. Derogatory words intended for gay individuals and it angers me. Why is it so hard for us to accept other people for who they are?
It Gets Better is not just a resource for LGBTQ+ youth, it is a resource for all ages, races and sexual orientations. By watching these videos I had a better idea about the struggles youth face everyday. I know I can be more supportive. No one can do it on their own. They need a strong emotional support system behind them that tells them to keep going.
There are also so many ways to can get involved with the It Gets Better program. You can donate, buy a (super cute vintage) shirt which proceeds all go to helping youth. You can also take a pledge to help the LGBTQ+ community and even record your own video. By sending out a message of support to anyone that needs it, who knows how many people you may have just saved?
The bottom line is that we need to get involved. There's an alarming suicide rate amongst gay teens that needs to drop. Suicide is unbelievably hard on families, and tortures the individuals that are considering it. By spending ten minutes to record a video of love and support, you can save thousands of lives. Get involved, donate, buy a shirt, and make a difference!
LGBT Youth Hotline: 1-800-246-PRIDE (7743)
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
To learn more and help make a difference visit itgetsbetter.org
stay peaceful (and supportive)!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
"I agree with feminism, but I'm not a feminist"???
What? Maybe I heard you wrong? Oh I didn't? That doesn't make any sense? How can you follow and agree with feminist arguments, but not call yourself a feminist?
This is so confusing to me. I'm a feminist, I agree that everyone should be equal. EVERYONE. Transgender individuals, gay individuals, people of color, people of different religions, and get this: men and women. Feminism is not the idea that men should be "destroyed and gotten rid of". Feminism is the radical notion that women are people.
I think women, and men are afraid to identify as feminists because of the stereotypes that society has developed. Some stereotypes surrounding feminism include hairy arm-pits, anti-femininity, man-hating, angry individuals. Some feminists may have hairy arm pits, be masculine and tough individuals. "Man-hating" feminists don't follow the true meaning and message of feminism.
Feminists like these, that nit-pick what to follow give the movement a bad rep. You cannot only support your cis siblings, you must support your transgender siblings as well. You cannot only support white individuals, you must support every race and color of skin to be a through and through true feminist.
If you don't fully understand what feminism is, look it up. My biggest pet peeve is when someone disregards and "bashes" someone else's beliefs before they truly understand what they stand for and actually believe. Understand what feminism is and be proud to be a feminist. You're following in the footsteps of hundreds of brave women who fought and died for you to vote. Most of them didn't see the successes of their work, it took years for policy to change, and only later women got to reap the benefits that their blood, sweat and tears helped to grow.
stay peaceful (and proud)!!
This is so confusing to me. I'm a feminist, I agree that everyone should be equal. EVERYONE. Transgender individuals, gay individuals, people of color, people of different religions, and get this: men and women. Feminism is not the idea that men should be "destroyed and gotten rid of". Feminism is the radical notion that women are people.
I think women, and men are afraid to identify as feminists because of the stereotypes that society has developed. Some stereotypes surrounding feminism include hairy arm-pits, anti-femininity, man-hating, angry individuals. Some feminists may have hairy arm pits, be masculine and tough individuals. "Man-hating" feminists don't follow the true meaning and message of feminism.
Feminists like these, that nit-pick what to follow give the movement a bad rep. You cannot only support your cis siblings, you must support your transgender siblings as well. You cannot only support white individuals, you must support every race and color of skin to be a through and through true feminist.
If you don't fully understand what feminism is, look it up. My biggest pet peeve is when someone disregards and "bashes" someone else's beliefs before they truly understand what they stand for and actually believe. Understand what feminism is and be proud to be a feminist. You're following in the footsteps of hundreds of brave women who fought and died for you to vote. Most of them didn't see the successes of their work, it took years for policy to change, and only later women got to reap the benefits that their blood, sweat and tears helped to grow.
stay peaceful (and proud)!!
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Halloween
I hate to say it, but slut-shaming and Halloween go hand in hand. I'd like to think that I don't judge someone based on their costume, but I do, and I did last night. Mostly because it was 40 degrees outside and there were girls without pants on. But who am I to judge them? If they want to kill it in their baseball jersey or be cat for Halloween, my opinion doesn't matter.
In one of my classes the other day, I overheard and conversation, no I was not eavesdropping. What I heard made me mad. A girl in my grade wasn't invited to a party because the party thrower thought she would "dress like a slut, like always."
First off, it doesn't matter what she wears, if she's comfortable and wants to show off her features that make her confident, she can. She doesn't need anyone's approval of her Halloween costume. Any and every costume is up for criticism on Halloween. Last night I went as Rosie, and I trick-or-treated for UNICEF. There were definitely some people that took a second look at my costume. But I'm a feminist and I chose a strong and independent woman to dress up as.
Why do we slut shame anyways? Some people do it to feel better about themselves, which they shouldn't. All too often in society women are shamed for being sexual. Men can be sexual and they get high fives from their "bros", but when women are sexual, people get uncomfortable.
We can't get mad at girls for dressing the way they do on Halloween, when all the costumes advertised are "sexy". I recently went to Halloween store to look for costumes for my dogs, yes I am that person. There was a full wall with pictures of costumes on it, once you found one you liked you told the worker the number and they would get you the costume. All I saw up on that wall were leather cat costumes and costumes where the butts hang out.
I hope next Halloween you'll think differently about the costumes that everyone wears. They obviously chose that costume for a specific reason. It may represent something they believe in, or characteristics that they already possess. Be careful of what you think as well. Try not to judge a book by it's cover, we all need to work on that!
stay peaceful (and open-minded)!!
In one of my classes the other day, I overheard and conversation, no I was not eavesdropping. What I heard made me mad. A girl in my grade wasn't invited to a party because the party thrower thought she would "dress like a slut, like always."
First off, it doesn't matter what she wears, if she's comfortable and wants to show off her features that make her confident, she can. She doesn't need anyone's approval of her Halloween costume. Any and every costume is up for criticism on Halloween. Last night I went as Rosie, and I trick-or-treated for UNICEF. There were definitely some people that took a second look at my costume. But I'm a feminist and I chose a strong and independent woman to dress up as.
Why do we slut shame anyways? Some people do it to feel better about themselves, which they shouldn't. All too often in society women are shamed for being sexual. Men can be sexual and they get high fives from their "bros", but when women are sexual, people get uncomfortable.
We can't get mad at girls for dressing the way they do on Halloween, when all the costumes advertised are "sexy". I recently went to Halloween store to look for costumes for my dogs, yes I am that person. There was a full wall with pictures of costumes on it, once you found one you liked you told the worker the number and they would get you the costume. All I saw up on that wall were leather cat costumes and costumes where the butts hang out.
I hope next Halloween you'll think differently about the costumes that everyone wears. They obviously chose that costume for a specific reason. It may represent something they believe in, or characteristics that they already possess. Be careful of what you think as well. Try not to judge a book by it's cover, we all need to work on that!
stay peaceful (and open-minded)!!
Hollywood Is Listening
It's no surprise, one look at cast lists and scripts will show you how male oriented Hollywood is. But it seems like they're learning something.
On this morning's airing of ABC's Good Morning America, they revealed a plan for an all female cast of Oceans Eleven. Oceans Eleven is a movie with A-List celebrities like George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt. OE centers around a group of men robbing the Bellagio, a grand casino in Las Vegas. It's exciting to hear of an all female cast for a movie of this genre, because it's not typical. I can only recall one movie where a group of women are stealing a large amount of money. I am in no way encouraging women to go out a steal millions of dollars as a stance for equality, but this sort of story line doesn't typically portray women.
Another movie set to release in 2016 is Ghostbusters, this cast is also all female, with stars such as Kristen Wig and Melissa McCarthy. Ghostbusters will be just as empowering as well, showing strong independent women who "don't need no man" to fight off monsters.
Movies, books, and plays can be tested using the Bechdel Test. The Bechdel tests evaluates an entertainment piece based on how many women in the cast are talking to each other about something other than a man.
I'm not saying every cast needs to be all female, or that movies and tv shows can't have a heavy male presence. I'm just excited about this equal representation that we are beginning to see. I'm excited for the little girls who will watch Ghostbusters (probably not Oceans Eleven) and be empowered. We are influenced so much by what we see as we grow up. I'm exciting for what Hollywood will be able to teach the next generations, and how empowered and well-rounded they will become.
stay peaceful (and go to the movies)!!
On this morning's airing of ABC's Good Morning America, they revealed a plan for an all female cast of Oceans Eleven. Oceans Eleven is a movie with A-List celebrities like George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt. OE centers around a group of men robbing the Bellagio, a grand casino in Las Vegas. It's exciting to hear of an all female cast for a movie of this genre, because it's not typical. I can only recall one movie where a group of women are stealing a large amount of money. I am in no way encouraging women to go out a steal millions of dollars as a stance for equality, but this sort of story line doesn't typically portray women.
Another movie set to release in 2016 is Ghostbusters, this cast is also all female, with stars such as Kristen Wig and Melissa McCarthy. Ghostbusters will be just as empowering as well, showing strong independent women who "don't need no man" to fight off monsters.
Movies, books, and plays can be tested using the Bechdel Test. The Bechdel tests evaluates an entertainment piece based on how many women in the cast are talking to each other about something other than a man.
I'm not saying every cast needs to be all female, or that movies and tv shows can't have a heavy male presence. I'm just excited about this equal representation that we are beginning to see. I'm excited for the little girls who will watch Ghostbusters (probably not Oceans Eleven) and be empowered. We are influenced so much by what we see as we grow up. I'm exciting for what Hollywood will be able to teach the next generations, and how empowered and well-rounded they will become.
stay peaceful (and go to the movies)!!
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Depression is Not a Joke
Depression isn't necessarily a "civil rights" issue, but it's definitely a social issue that needs to be talked about and specified.
Depression hits home for me, and talking about this will be difficult knowing that my classmates will eventually read this, and they may look at me differently, for something they never knew about. I suffer from depression and anxiety, it's nothing to be proud about, but it's my reality. My anxiety and depression has definitely become more bearable in the last year or so, but it still makes an unexpected appearance every once in a while.
Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain that effects the way a person sleeps, thinks and feels about him or herself. Depression isn't the same as feeling sad for a day, individuals suffering from depression can't necessarily "pull themselves together." It can last for years, or even for as little as a day.
My depression and anxiety stems from stress. With my anxiety, I over-analyze and over-think things. I worry too much and don't always know how to calm myself down, but like I said earlier, I've been learning how to control these feelings and how to have more control over my disorder than I ever had before.
Anyone can be suffering from depression, and you could be totally unaware. People are harsh, so it's not easy to talk about. I know when I was first "diagnosed", I thought I was crazy. I didn't fully understand what depression was, and I don't tell many people (until now, obviously) because I'm worried that they'll think I'm crazy. It's easy to be insecure in today's world, so you need, and I cannot stress this enough, you need to be inclusive and understanding of everyone.
I went off on a tangent, but the main point of this post was to talk about the social practices with depression. I see way too many tweets about depression being used as an "aesthetic". It's not. Depression is a REAL disorder that REAL people suffer from.
Depression shouldn't be used to "gain more followers" or to receive attention. This is definitely my biggest pet peeve, to use a disorder or disease as a platform for popularity. Be considerate of others, and what they're going through, because you never really know everyone's full "story."
I think therapists also have a stigma attached with them, and frankly I don't know why. It's easier to talk to someone that doesn't necessarily know you, someone that you don't see everyday. Therapists aren't for everyone, so don't take my word, but if you think it may help you, definitely check them out.
My main message was to be considerate, understand what depression actually is, and be supportive. Support and understanding is the main thing that someone who is suffering from this disorder needs. Trust me, I've been there, and I still am sometimes.
If you are someone who is suffering from depression, and you need someone to talk to, feel free to get a hold of me! I'm here for anyone that needs to vent. Let someone know as well, a parent or other adult that you can trust, they may be able to help you.
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
Depression hits home for me, and talking about this will be difficult knowing that my classmates will eventually read this, and they may look at me differently, for something they never knew about. I suffer from depression and anxiety, it's nothing to be proud about, but it's my reality. My anxiety and depression has definitely become more bearable in the last year or so, but it still makes an unexpected appearance every once in a while.
Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain that effects the way a person sleeps, thinks and feels about him or herself. Depression isn't the same as feeling sad for a day, individuals suffering from depression can't necessarily "pull themselves together." It can last for years, or even for as little as a day.
My depression and anxiety stems from stress. With my anxiety, I over-analyze and over-think things. I worry too much and don't always know how to calm myself down, but like I said earlier, I've been learning how to control these feelings and how to have more control over my disorder than I ever had before.
Anyone can be suffering from depression, and you could be totally unaware. People are harsh, so it's not easy to talk about. I know when I was first "diagnosed", I thought I was crazy. I didn't fully understand what depression was, and I don't tell many people (until now, obviously) because I'm worried that they'll think I'm crazy. It's easy to be insecure in today's world, so you need, and I cannot stress this enough, you need to be inclusive and understanding of everyone.
I went off on a tangent, but the main point of this post was to talk about the social practices with depression. I see way too many tweets about depression being used as an "aesthetic". It's not. Depression is a REAL disorder that REAL people suffer from.
Depression shouldn't be used to "gain more followers" or to receive attention. This is definitely my biggest pet peeve, to use a disorder or disease as a platform for popularity. Be considerate of others, and what they're going through, because you never really know everyone's full "story."
I think therapists also have a stigma attached with them, and frankly I don't know why. It's easier to talk to someone that doesn't necessarily know you, someone that you don't see everyday. Therapists aren't for everyone, so don't take my word, but if you think it may help you, definitely check them out.
My main message was to be considerate, understand what depression actually is, and be supportive. Support and understanding is the main thing that someone who is suffering from this disorder needs. Trust me, I've been there, and I still am sometimes.
If you are someone who is suffering from depression, and you need someone to talk to, feel free to get a hold of me! I'm here for anyone that needs to vent. Let someone know as well, a parent or other adult that you can trust, they may be able to help you.
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Why Meninism Is Unacceptable
Meninism. A squiggly line appears on the bottom of the word as I type. Not surprising, because it's not a thing. Meninism was a "movement" started by a twitter account. Twitter, not blood, sweat and tears.
I am a feminist, and I don't hate men. When I tell people this, they laugh. As if I'm joking. I'm not. Feminism is serious. I believe in equality between the genders, but also equality between all, men and women of color and different religions. Everyone is included in feminism.
Meninism states that they are advocating for the liberation of men. Liberation. What? Men have been patriarchal figures in the house hold, work force, and nearly every other community and have had superior power and influence over women. To hear them say that they need for fight for liberation makes me sick.
Many women have died for the right to vote, the right to an education, and the right to hold a job. These ignorant boys feel the need to joke about that. Feminism is not a joke.
You may think that we don't need feminism is today's world. What do you say to the 62 million girls that will go without an education this year? What do you think about the millions of girls who are sold into sex slavery and young ages? That's right. We all know it's wrong, but I can't understand why men won't get over their big ego and help the feminists of the world make a difference.
I see boys walking around my school wearing meninist shirts. They probably don't know that they are basically slapping their mothers, grandmothers and the entire female population in the face. They're supporting a twitter account that jokes about rape and constantly says that women should, "stay in the kitchen."
The screenshot of the tweet that you see above is only one example of the many horrific things that this account posts. It's not funny, I can't say it enough. It's disrespectful and inhumane to joke about rape. Rape is NOT ok, period. And to know that many men across the country think that this is ok, is terrifying.
I hope you understand the basis of meninism, and know what you're supporting if you think meninism is a real thing.
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
I am a feminist, and I don't hate men. When I tell people this, they laugh. As if I'm joking. I'm not. Feminism is serious. I believe in equality between the genders, but also equality between all, men and women of color and different religions. Everyone is included in feminism.
Meninism states that they are advocating for the liberation of men. Liberation. What? Men have been patriarchal figures in the house hold, work force, and nearly every other community and have had superior power and influence over women. To hear them say that they need for fight for liberation makes me sick.
Many women have died for the right to vote, the right to an education, and the right to hold a job. These ignorant boys feel the need to joke about that. Feminism is not a joke.
You may think that we don't need feminism is today's world. What do you say to the 62 million girls that will go without an education this year? What do you think about the millions of girls who are sold into sex slavery and young ages? That's right. We all know it's wrong, but I can't understand why men won't get over their big ego and help the feminists of the world make a difference. I see boys walking around my school wearing meninist shirts. They probably don't know that they are basically slapping their mothers, grandmothers and the entire female population in the face. They're supporting a twitter account that jokes about rape and constantly says that women should, "stay in the kitchen."
The screenshot of the tweet that you see above is only one example of the many horrific things that this account posts. It's not funny, I can't say it enough. It's disrespectful and inhumane to joke about rape. Rape is NOT ok, period. And to know that many men across the country think that this is ok, is terrifying.
I hope you understand the basis of meninism, and know what you're supporting if you think meninism is a real thing.
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
Saturday, October 24, 2015
How do we Teach History? Is it correct?
Two very interesting articles recently fell into my lap thanks to a recent post on the bloghub. It's not surprise that the United States would tend to brush some of our history under the rug, especially the southern most states, such as Texas. I don't have anything against Texas, but there is something wrong with the way they teach their history courses.
How Texas Teaches History is an editorial that was posted in the New York Times by a Dartmouth writing professor. In this article, Ellen Rockmore analyzes how Texas history books use grammatical and writing skills to perceive slavery as a less traumatic event than it actually was, all to make Texas look better in the eyes of their students.
You have to be a certain type of person to agree with slavery, or to try to idealize it and make it seem less brutal than it truly was. I think I began learning about slavery in elementary school, and even then I realized how inhumane and truly horrible it was.
Five million public schools in Texas are using the same textbooks, with excerpts such as these:
"African slaves brought with them knowledge that helped turn the wild environment into profitable farms."
"The treatment of enslaved Africans varied. Some slaves reported that their masters treated them kindly."
These sentences may have some truth to them, not every slave owner was brutal, but a majority of them were not kind men who smiled and helped the slaves. Slaves also brought with them knowledge, but not the right tools for a totally new environment. The word, brought, to me translates planning. Slaves did not get to plan what they would bring with them on their forced migration to the new world.
After this article was brought to my attention I looked at one of the textbooks/resource books we are currently using in my AP United States History Class. This is an excerpt from the AMSCO AP US History book.
"Conditions of slavery varied from one plantation to the next. Some slaves were humanely treated, while others were routinely beaten. All slaves suffered from being deprived of their freedom. Families could be separated at any time by an owner's decision to sell a wife, a husband or a child. Women were vulnerable to sexual exploitation."
I think they did a good job explaining how the slaves suffered, they weren't paid workers, they were forced. And on top of all of that, they were ripped apart from their families, in a new place with no knowledge, and severe punishment from their masters.
Words are powerful, and to use words in a way to diminish the severity and brutality that slaves faced from white Americans is absolutely unacceptable. It makes me angry. We, as a community and world, should realize the mistakes we made and fix them! Education and improvement are the only way to sustain tranquility and as much "peace" as we can.
Take a look at the history books you read, and see if the authors use writing skills to "sugarcoat" horrific historical happenings.
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
How Texas Teaches History is an editorial that was posted in the New York Times by a Dartmouth writing professor. In this article, Ellen Rockmore analyzes how Texas history books use grammatical and writing skills to perceive slavery as a less traumatic event than it actually was, all to make Texas look better in the eyes of their students.
You have to be a certain type of person to agree with slavery, or to try to idealize it and make it seem less brutal than it truly was. I think I began learning about slavery in elementary school, and even then I realized how inhumane and truly horrible it was.
Five million public schools in Texas are using the same textbooks, with excerpts such as these:
"African slaves brought with them knowledge that helped turn the wild environment into profitable farms."
"The treatment of enslaved Africans varied. Some slaves reported that their masters treated them kindly."
These sentences may have some truth to them, not every slave owner was brutal, but a majority of them were not kind men who smiled and helped the slaves. Slaves also brought with them knowledge, but not the right tools for a totally new environment. The word, brought, to me translates planning. Slaves did not get to plan what they would bring with them on their forced migration to the new world.
After this article was brought to my attention I looked at one of the textbooks/resource books we are currently using in my AP United States History Class. This is an excerpt from the AMSCO AP US History book.
"Conditions of slavery varied from one plantation to the next. Some slaves were humanely treated, while others were routinely beaten. All slaves suffered from being deprived of their freedom. Families could be separated at any time by an owner's decision to sell a wife, a husband or a child. Women were vulnerable to sexual exploitation."
I think they did a good job explaining how the slaves suffered, they weren't paid workers, they were forced. And on top of all of that, they were ripped apart from their families, in a new place with no knowledge, and severe punishment from their masters.
Words are powerful, and to use words in a way to diminish the severity and brutality that slaves faced from white Americans is absolutely unacceptable. It makes me angry. We, as a community and world, should realize the mistakes we made and fix them! Education and improvement are the only way to sustain tranquility and as much "peace" as we can.
Take a look at the history books you read, and see if the authors use writing skills to "sugarcoat" horrific historical happenings.
stay peaceful (and informed)!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Believe it or not, Your Vote Matters!
Today's post is going to go off on a bit of a tangent, but I feel that it's necessary.
The youth of America and quite possibly all over the world has been notorious for being lazy, not paying attention to daily news, and disregarding anything that has to do with our society. A majority of young people are not as involved solely because they don't know how much of an impact that they make.
The 2016 election is going to be the first election that I've ever really "engaged" in. I haven't really understood how interested I am in politics and government practices until this year. I will barely be 17 when the elections take place, so unfortunately, I won't be able to vote.
You may ask how this applies to civil rights, but have no fear, I'm here to let you know. This election is very controversial, we have a hard core (big headed) conservative (cough cough Donald Trump) and a socialist. Two female candidates, one for each party, and another African American.
There are multiple issues that are being addressed in this election, such as immigration, gay marriage and gun control. If Donald Trump is elected president, he has made it clear that one of his main goals is to deport all illegal aliens. What Trump doesn't realize is how unrealistic this is, he also wants to force Mexico into building a wall for us, with their own money.
Mike Huckabee has stated that if he is elected president, he will fight to give back the right of marriage laws to the state. This will take away from many gay couples all over the country.
Your vote matters because you have a right to vote for and protect what you believe in. Many candidates don't target the youth in their campaign, we're not reliable. They won't spend millions of dollars on us, when we don't act like we care. The candidates would much rather spend their money on middle aged, and older citizens who pay attention to the news, and are reliable in their votes.
As millennials, we need to step up and create a voice for ourselves. We need to vote for the candidates who most accurately depict the America that we hope for. Your vote matters way more than you'd like to believe.
Keep up with the news, watch debates and keep tabs on your favorite candidates. When the time comes to cast your vote, know that you made a difference, and many social practices can change and improve because of you.
take a survey at https://www.isidewith.com/ to determine which candidates you mostly agree with
stay peaceful (and involved)!!
The youth of America and quite possibly all over the world has been notorious for being lazy, not paying attention to daily news, and disregarding anything that has to do with our society. A majority of young people are not as involved solely because they don't know how much of an impact that they make.
The 2016 election is going to be the first election that I've ever really "engaged" in. I haven't really understood how interested I am in politics and government practices until this year. I will barely be 17 when the elections take place, so unfortunately, I won't be able to vote.
You may ask how this applies to civil rights, but have no fear, I'm here to let you know. This election is very controversial, we have a hard core (big headed) conservative (cough cough Donald Trump) and a socialist. Two female candidates, one for each party, and another African American.
There are multiple issues that are being addressed in this election, such as immigration, gay marriage and gun control. If Donald Trump is elected president, he has made it clear that one of his main goals is to deport all illegal aliens. What Trump doesn't realize is how unrealistic this is, he also wants to force Mexico into building a wall for us, with their own money.
Mike Huckabee has stated that if he is elected president, he will fight to give back the right of marriage laws to the state. This will take away from many gay couples all over the country.
Your vote matters because you have a right to vote for and protect what you believe in. Many candidates don't target the youth in their campaign, we're not reliable. They won't spend millions of dollars on us, when we don't act like we care. The candidates would much rather spend their money on middle aged, and older citizens who pay attention to the news, and are reliable in their votes.
As millennials, we need to step up and create a voice for ourselves. We need to vote for the candidates who most accurately depict the America that we hope for. Your vote matters way more than you'd like to believe.
Keep up with the news, watch debates and keep tabs on your favorite candidates. When the time comes to cast your vote, know that you made a difference, and many social practices can change and improve because of you.
take a survey at https://www.isidewith.com/ to determine which candidates you mostly agree with
stay peaceful (and involved)!!
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Affluenza??
Affluenza, it reminds me of influenza, is it a disease? I typed the word and a squiggly red line appeared beneath it. Strange, huh? Why is this strange? It's strange because it has recently been used to describe the mental state of a Texas teen who recently killed four people while under the influence of alcohol.
It's common knowledge, you don't drink and drive. You don't drink period, until you're 21 (don't count the sip of wine at church every Sunday, that's different.) So I find it incredibly shocking that a teen who was driving while intoxicated kills four people, and doesn't face prison time.
It was June 2013, and Eric Couch and his friends had left his party (no adults were in attendance) to grab snacks at a convenience store. At the same time, Breanna Mitchell who was returning from work had car troubles and pulled off to the side of the road. She stopped in front a house belonging to the Boyles'. Hollie and Shelby, mother and daughter duo, came outside to help Mitchell contact her mother for assistance.
Brian Jennings, a pastor, was returning from a graduation party on that same road. He was traveling with two family friends' kids. Once he saw the car trouble, he pulled to the side of the road to see if he could help, but he told the two kids with him to stay in the car because he would only be a minute.
As all of this good Samaritan work was going on, Couch was flying down the two lane road, going up to 70 miles per hour. Within minutes he would be tipped over in a ditch, three good Samaritans and an unfortunate young lady would have lost their lives. Couch lived, and walked away facing no consequences, except for a session in rehab paid for by his parents.
So what is affluenza, and how did it allow Couch to walk away scotch free? Affluenza, as claimed by the defense in this 2013 case, is the suggestion that Couch was so spoiled by his parents, that he didn't understand right from wrong. I don't know if I'm allowed to curse on here, but I call a bs.
This is not okay!! There's a fine line between common sense and no common sense. It's common sense to not drink and drive, and it's common sense that everyone should face consequences, regardless of their wealth and "social ranking".
Couch should not have walked with only a prescription for rehab, paid for by his parents. Couch was 16 and drinking, which is unacceptable, and he walked away from four counts of vehicular manslaughter.
It's not surprising that parents spoil their kids. And I don't see anything wrong with them having money, they were successful and they worked hard, but Eric Couch did not. I hear to many teens now a day say that they have so much money. They don't! Their parents do.
I find it unacceptable, that in today's day and age, a teen who killed four people while driving under the influence would be able to walk away facing no consequences. Any other teen would have faced consequences, and if affluenza would have been brought up they would have received a laugh in the face from the judge.
Social hierarchy still exists, not as sharply as it has in the past, but it does. It makes me so upset when the rich and the more "well to do" are able to walk away without facing consequences for their actions. I hope we are able to change this. People shouldn't be granted "special consequences" based on their bank accounts.
I hope this brought some more knowledge to you, and I hope you're able to understand that many people receive special privileges based on their social ranking.
stay peaceful!!
It's common knowledge, you don't drink and drive. You don't drink period, until you're 21 (don't count the sip of wine at church every Sunday, that's different.) So I find it incredibly shocking that a teen who was driving while intoxicated kills four people, and doesn't face prison time.
It was June 2013, and Eric Couch and his friends had left his party (no adults were in attendance) to grab snacks at a convenience store. At the same time, Breanna Mitchell who was returning from work had car troubles and pulled off to the side of the road. She stopped in front a house belonging to the Boyles'. Hollie and Shelby, mother and daughter duo, came outside to help Mitchell contact her mother for assistance.
Brian Jennings, a pastor, was returning from a graduation party on that same road. He was traveling with two family friends' kids. Once he saw the car trouble, he pulled to the side of the road to see if he could help, but he told the two kids with him to stay in the car because he would only be a minute.
As all of this good Samaritan work was going on, Couch was flying down the two lane road, going up to 70 miles per hour. Within minutes he would be tipped over in a ditch, three good Samaritans and an unfortunate young lady would have lost their lives. Couch lived, and walked away facing no consequences, except for a session in rehab paid for by his parents.
So what is affluenza, and how did it allow Couch to walk away scotch free? Affluenza, as claimed by the defense in this 2013 case, is the suggestion that Couch was so spoiled by his parents, that he didn't understand right from wrong. I don't know if I'm allowed to curse on here, but I call a bs.
This is not okay!! There's a fine line between common sense and no common sense. It's common sense to not drink and drive, and it's common sense that everyone should face consequences, regardless of their wealth and "social ranking".
Couch should not have walked with only a prescription for rehab, paid for by his parents. Couch was 16 and drinking, which is unacceptable, and he walked away from four counts of vehicular manslaughter.
It's not surprising that parents spoil their kids. And I don't see anything wrong with them having money, they were successful and they worked hard, but Eric Couch did not. I hear to many teens now a day say that they have so much money. They don't! Their parents do.
I find it unacceptable, that in today's day and age, a teen who killed four people while driving under the influence would be able to walk away facing no consequences. Any other teen would have faced consequences, and if affluenza would have been brought up they would have received a laugh in the face from the judge.
Social hierarchy still exists, not as sharply as it has in the past, but it does. It makes me so upset when the rich and the more "well to do" are able to walk away without facing consequences for their actions. I hope we are able to change this. People shouldn't be granted "special consequences" based on their bank accounts.
I hope this brought some more knowledge to you, and I hope you're able to understand that many people receive special privileges based on their social ranking.
stay peaceful!!
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Breastfeeding in Public, What's the Big Deal?
In today's society, nearly everything about a woman is sexualized, especially her breasts. This isn't abnormal, women have been told to "cover up" and to not "not reveal too much skin". So many internet posts tell women to get a man's attention they need to leave something to his imagination.
One thing that shouldn't be left to the imagination of society is the sexualizing of women's organs which they need to reproduce. Breasts are simply used to supply newborns with nutrients that they cannot get for themselves. Bottles are not sexualized, so breasts shouldn't be either. They serve the same purpose. In the United States, it is illegal for a woman to be topless, including breastfeeding, in public in 35 states.
So many people are disgusted by breastfeeding, it's natural! I don't think they were complaining when they were hungry infants. We shouldn't subjugate women to restrooms when they're feeding their babies. It's all about comfort. If a woman is comfortable feeding her child in public, she should be able to.
Women have repeatedly been told to cover up. If your shirt was considered "too low cut" you were required to change into a shirt the school nurse gave you. The sexualizing of breasts could have stemmed from men's desires. (Just typing that sentence makes me cringe) Men were only typically able to see breasts during sexual intercourse and so these female body parts became more mysterious.
Women's wishes for equality have sparked many social movements to gain body equality between men and women. Free The Nipple is a film that you can watch on Netflix that strives to empower women. FTN stands against female oppression and censorship.
The shirt you see to the right is one of Free The Nipples best promotions. I would love to buy this shirt, but I hesitate because I know my mom most likely would not agree with the shirt. The associates at my school would also likely force me to change into something "less vulgar".
These individuals don't understand what Free The Nipple actually stands for. FTN is an equality movement! Why are men, who were not allowed to be topless nearly 60 years ago, able to be topless now? It may not be classy, but they won't be arrested for public indecency.
Another group of individuals that do not fully understand the movement are immature males. These teenagers to twenty something year-olds "support" FTN just because they want to see breasts. They aren't fighting for equality, they're only adding to the fact that breasts are often seen as sexual organs.
One thing that shouldn't be left to the imagination of society is the sexualizing of women's organs which they need to reproduce. Breasts are simply used to supply newborns with nutrients that they cannot get for themselves. Bottles are not sexualized, so breasts shouldn't be either. They serve the same purpose. In the United States, it is illegal for a woman to be topless, including breastfeeding, in public in 35 states.
So many people are disgusted by breastfeeding, it's natural! I don't think they were complaining when they were hungry infants. We shouldn't subjugate women to restrooms when they're feeding their babies. It's all about comfort. If a woman is comfortable feeding her child in public, she should be able to.
Women have repeatedly been told to cover up. If your shirt was considered "too low cut" you were required to change into a shirt the school nurse gave you. The sexualizing of breasts could have stemmed from men's desires. (Just typing that sentence makes me cringe) Men were only typically able to see breasts during sexual intercourse and so these female body parts became more mysterious.
Women's wishes for equality have sparked many social movements to gain body equality between men and women. Free The Nipple is a film that you can watch on Netflix that strives to empower women. FTN stands against female oppression and censorship.
The shirt you see to the right is one of Free The Nipples best promotions. I would love to buy this shirt, but I hesitate because I know my mom most likely would not agree with the shirt. The associates at my school would also likely force me to change into something "less vulgar". These individuals don't understand what Free The Nipple actually stands for. FTN is an equality movement! Why are men, who were not allowed to be topless nearly 60 years ago, able to be topless now? It may not be classy, but they won't be arrested for public indecency.
Another group of individuals that do not fully understand the movement are immature males. These teenagers to twenty something year-olds "support" FTN just because they want to see breasts. They aren't fighting for equality, they're only adding to the fact that breasts are often seen as sexual organs.
I hope this post showed the importance for "clothing" equality!! Spread the word, and fight with us to Free The Nipple and stop the sexualizing of breastfeeding!
stay peaceful!!
Monday, October 12, 2015
Columbus Day, is it Really that Grand?
Columbus day is a day meant to celebrate the discovery of the new world, by who other than Christopher Columbus. This day is filled with furniture warehouse sales and parades all over the country, but there's been some debate in the past few years about whether we should even celebrate it at all.
To some people, mostly Native Americans, Columbus Day symbolizes generations of poor treatment, enslavement, and forced migration across the western plains. In all honestly, Europeans were a bunch of fat white men who thought because they wanted North American land, that they deserved it.
We learn about it in social studies class, and it was the first chapter in my AP United States History text book. The founders of the United States and settlers of North America, brought disease and distress upon the Natives, they even expected them to understand. Native peoples had lived in the Americas for thousands of years, they knew the land and were much smarter than the Europeans gave them credit for.
Native Americans and supporters of Indigenous rights have been protesting Columbus day for years. It's not a new idea to abolish this holiday. Natives want to be recognized, they only hold 2% of the population in the United States today, that's ridiculous. Things need to change before people of different cultures are obliterated.
It's 2015, and I hope most of us can comprehend where our founding fathers went wrong. We should know by now (it's common sense, for goodness sake) that we don't discriminate. We need to welcome everyone into our communities with open arms. We need to show support for different cultures and also bring to light these differences that make us who we are, and create each individual community.
Cities such as Albuquerque, New Mexico, Portland, Oregon and St. Paul Minnesota have celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day, a day commemorating the struggles that indigenous peoples have suffered through.
I'm not saying we should not commemorate the wonderful discovery that Columbus achieved, but we should also commemorate the bravery and strength of the Natives who had their home ripped away from them in wars over land rights and power.
Read more about protests & changes being made Here
stay peaceful!!
To some people, mostly Native Americans, Columbus Day symbolizes generations of poor treatment, enslavement, and forced migration across the western plains. In all honestly, Europeans were a bunch of fat white men who thought because they wanted North American land, that they deserved it.
We learn about it in social studies class, and it was the first chapter in my AP United States History text book. The founders of the United States and settlers of North America, brought disease and distress upon the Natives, they even expected them to understand. Native peoples had lived in the Americas for thousands of years, they knew the land and were much smarter than the Europeans gave them credit for.
Native Americans and supporters of Indigenous rights have been protesting Columbus day for years. It's not a new idea to abolish this holiday. Natives want to be recognized, they only hold 2% of the population in the United States today, that's ridiculous. Things need to change before people of different cultures are obliterated.
It's 2015, and I hope most of us can comprehend where our founding fathers went wrong. We should know by now (it's common sense, for goodness sake) that we don't discriminate. We need to welcome everyone into our communities with open arms. We need to show support for different cultures and also bring to light these differences that make us who we are, and create each individual community.
Cities such as Albuquerque, New Mexico, Portland, Oregon and St. Paul Minnesota have celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day, a day commemorating the struggles that indigenous peoples have suffered through.
I'm not saying we should not commemorate the wonderful discovery that Columbus achieved, but we should also commemorate the bravery and strength of the Natives who had their home ripped away from them in wars over land rights and power.
Read more about protests & changes being made Here
stay peaceful!!
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Sexual Consent Needs to be Taught
Last week California became the first state to require sexual consent classes to be taught in high school. This is a great achievement, and I hope more states across the nation decide to add similar bills.
Sexual consent courses are important because some people still don't comprehend the phrase, "yes means yes and no means no". Young people all across the board, both male and female, are taught about what to do if they're ever sexually assaulted. Young girls are encouraged to join martial arts and self defense classes to fight off any attackers that may come their way. This is terrifying, being told at a young age that you may have to fight off an attacker that won't listen to you.
What scares me the most though, is the fact that we don't have sexual consent lessons. It may be difficult for some to understand the definition of the words yes and no, which is why we need to teach. After all, education is key.
Some Californians oppose the bill because it takes away from students freedoms. I say ba-hum-bug. If learning about sexual consent and possibly avoiding the sexual assault of millions a year takes away from your freedom, by all means, elaborate.
Every 107 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted, and 98% of the attackers never face jail time. That's quite scary as well. You can't just teach little kids how to avoid and fight off attacks, that only helps a handful of individuals. You must try to stop the problem from where it starts and not where it ends.
Some individuals don't know the differences between consent and nonconsensual sex. Todays society loves to twist words, and make them mean something totally different. This is just another reason that we need laws in place to ensure education to everyone.
68% of sexual assault cases are not reported to the police. Victims are scared of being shamed. They're asked questions such as, what were you wearing? Were you intoxicated? Were you flirting? IT DOESN'T MATTER!! Rape is rape. The attacker should be reported, and with classes such as the ones being introduced in California, hopefully victims will be more willing and confident to report their abuse and find justice.
I fully support the introduction of these classes in California! I think consent needs to be taught as a first priority and defense as a last resort. If we can stop and prevent the problem from the beginning, there won't be as big of a hassle at the end.
spread some education and stay peaceful!!
Sexual consent courses are important because some people still don't comprehend the phrase, "yes means yes and no means no". Young people all across the board, both male and female, are taught about what to do if they're ever sexually assaulted. Young girls are encouraged to join martial arts and self defense classes to fight off any attackers that may come their way. This is terrifying, being told at a young age that you may have to fight off an attacker that won't listen to you.
What scares me the most though, is the fact that we don't have sexual consent lessons. It may be difficult for some to understand the definition of the words yes and no, which is why we need to teach. After all, education is key.
Some Californians oppose the bill because it takes away from students freedoms. I say ba-hum-bug. If learning about sexual consent and possibly avoiding the sexual assault of millions a year takes away from your freedom, by all means, elaborate.
Every 107 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted, and 98% of the attackers never face jail time. That's quite scary as well. You can't just teach little kids how to avoid and fight off attacks, that only helps a handful of individuals. You must try to stop the problem from where it starts and not where it ends.
Some individuals don't know the differences between consent and nonconsensual sex. Todays society loves to twist words, and make them mean something totally different. This is just another reason that we need laws in place to ensure education to everyone.
68% of sexual assault cases are not reported to the police. Victims are scared of being shamed. They're asked questions such as, what were you wearing? Were you intoxicated? Were you flirting? IT DOESN'T MATTER!! Rape is rape. The attacker should be reported, and with classes such as the ones being introduced in California, hopefully victims will be more willing and confident to report their abuse and find justice.
I fully support the introduction of these classes in California! I think consent needs to be taught as a first priority and defense as a last resort. If we can stop and prevent the problem from the beginning, there won't be as big of a hassle at the end.
spread some education and stay peaceful!!
Thursday, October 8, 2015
My Appearance, My Choice, NOT Yours.
*Warning* This post will be a rant about the social norms that today's society has imposed on young girls and women.
When you open the twitter app, you're never really 100% sure about what you're going to get. But one thing you can be almost certain to see at least once is a post about someone's appearance. More often than not this post will be regarding a female, her clothes, make up and overall appearance which will be critiqued by her peers who lack respect for her.
It's normal to hear that a girls skirt is short, that's a fact. But to say that, "she has not self respect and only dresses like that to impress boys" is unacceptable. Maybe (be careful this may be too crazy to comprehend) she just feels confident in her outfit choice. What upsets me so much about this topic is that the appearance of the young girl is often interpreted by a young man, or the way he may feel. I recently read in another person's blog post that young girls must dress modestly to protect their reputation, and to appeal to boys.
I could honestly not care less about what a male specimen thinks of me. I'm not worried about that right now, I'm only sixteen. I'm applying to colleges and focusing on getting the education I deserve. But to those young women who do care what boys think about them, if someone ever makes you change, leave. You shouldn't have to dress differently because your boyfriend is insecure when you look good. You shouldn't have to change your clothes because the boy next to you can't focus on his government homework while you shoulders are so exposed.
Another issue we see in today's society regarding female appearance is makeup. Whether it's a little bit of eyeliner or a full out contour, people will assume a female is trying to look good for someone. This isn't true. Makeup is fun to experiment with. You can transform yourself, not necessarily because you are insecure but because you want to bring out the features that you love about yourself.
I love makeup, it's fun to mess around with. I can create a smoky eye if I'm feeling crazy or a bold lip if I want to spice up an outfit. Just because I want to wear a berry lip stick doesn't mean I'm trying to impress Jimmy who sits next to me in math.
A post on the HoustonPress website recently caught my eye. A five year old girl was sent home for wearing a spaghetti strapped dress to school. She was five years old! At this young age we are already imposing the idea that women need to dress modestly to appeal to the needs of the young boys at the school. This is bologna. Why are we already subjecting this little girl to the immense embarrassment that comes from being dress-coded.
What I tried to relay in this blog post was that the societal view of women being modest to appeal to a man's needs is a view that needs to be stopped. We are individuals who have our own aspirations and not all of them are geared towards appeasing men (surprise!!).
Read the post here: http://www.houstonpress.com/arts/the-apparently-immoral-shoulders-of-my-five-year-old-daughter-7372634
stay peaceful
When you open the twitter app, you're never really 100% sure about what you're going to get. But one thing you can be almost certain to see at least once is a post about someone's appearance. More often than not this post will be regarding a female, her clothes, make up and overall appearance which will be critiqued by her peers who lack respect for her.
It's normal to hear that a girls skirt is short, that's a fact. But to say that, "she has not self respect and only dresses like that to impress boys" is unacceptable. Maybe (be careful this may be too crazy to comprehend) she just feels confident in her outfit choice. What upsets me so much about this topic is that the appearance of the young girl is often interpreted by a young man, or the way he may feel. I recently read in another person's blog post that young girls must dress modestly to protect their reputation, and to appeal to boys.
I could honestly not care less about what a male specimen thinks of me. I'm not worried about that right now, I'm only sixteen. I'm applying to colleges and focusing on getting the education I deserve. But to those young women who do care what boys think about them, if someone ever makes you change, leave. You shouldn't have to dress differently because your boyfriend is insecure when you look good. You shouldn't have to change your clothes because the boy next to you can't focus on his government homework while you shoulders are so exposed.
Another issue we see in today's society regarding female appearance is makeup. Whether it's a little bit of eyeliner or a full out contour, people will assume a female is trying to look good for someone. This isn't true. Makeup is fun to experiment with. You can transform yourself, not necessarily because you are insecure but because you want to bring out the features that you love about yourself.
I love makeup, it's fun to mess around with. I can create a smoky eye if I'm feeling crazy or a bold lip if I want to spice up an outfit. Just because I want to wear a berry lip stick doesn't mean I'm trying to impress Jimmy who sits next to me in math.
A post on the HoustonPress website recently caught my eye. A five year old girl was sent home for wearing a spaghetti strapped dress to school. She was five years old! At this young age we are already imposing the idea that women need to dress modestly to appeal to the needs of the young boys at the school. This is bologna. Why are we already subjecting this little girl to the immense embarrassment that comes from being dress-coded.
What I tried to relay in this blog post was that the societal view of women being modest to appeal to a man's needs is a view that needs to be stopped. We are individuals who have our own aspirations and not all of them are geared towards appeasing men (surprise!!).
Read the post here: http://www.houstonpress.com/arts/the-apparently-immoral-shoulders-of-my-five-year-old-daughter-7372634
stay peaceful
You CAN make a difference!!
I'm just one person, how much of a difference can I really make?
You'd be surprised at how much of a difference you, as one person, can make in today's society. The key to making these differences and standing out is involvement! The advancement of social media in the past few years has helped to push education and interaction among a multitude of individuals who would have otherwise remain unconnected.
In the past year I've become more educated on social issues I didn't know I was so passionate about. Feminism, education equality, and a voice for everyone are all issues I hold near and dear to my heart. Without the internet I probably wouldn't be as invested in these rights as I am right now.
One of the first things you can do to help advocate for civil rights is donate. Donate, donate, donate! You don't have to give away all of your money, but selecting a few charities that you find deserving and sincere is a great way to feel like you're making a difference, and it's relatively easy. These donations will go to funding for the project you select or will go directly to individuals who need your money to survive.
Get involved! Join clubs and groups to interact with people that have the same passions and social visions as you. By joining these groups you're able to converse about the ideas you have, with people who support the same things as you do.
If you don't know anyone who is as passionate as you, use your voice. By getting word out and increasing education of others, you are spreading awareness. Whether it be ranting about the issue that makes you so mad (ahem, "Meninism") or writing a complete report on the issue you are helping to make a difference.
Anything you do with a positive attitude to help you movement will make a differences, whether by itself or with the help of millions of others. You are one vital person to the cause you're fighting for.
stay peaceful & get involved!!
You'd be surprised at how much of a difference you, as one person, can make in today's society. The key to making these differences and standing out is involvement! The advancement of social media in the past few years has helped to push education and interaction among a multitude of individuals who would have otherwise remain unconnected.
In the past year I've become more educated on social issues I didn't know I was so passionate about. Feminism, education equality, and a voice for everyone are all issues I hold near and dear to my heart. Without the internet I probably wouldn't be as invested in these rights as I am right now.
One of the first things you can do to help advocate for civil rights is donate. Donate, donate, donate! You don't have to give away all of your money, but selecting a few charities that you find deserving and sincere is a great way to feel like you're making a difference, and it's relatively easy. These donations will go to funding for the project you select or will go directly to individuals who need your money to survive.
Get involved! Join clubs and groups to interact with people that have the same passions and social visions as you. By joining these groups you're able to converse about the ideas you have, with people who support the same things as you do.
If you don't know anyone who is as passionate as you, use your voice. By getting word out and increasing education of others, you are spreading awareness. Whether it be ranting about the issue that makes you so mad (ahem, "Meninism") or writing a complete report on the issue you are helping to make a difference.
Anything you do with a positive attitude to help you movement will make a differences, whether by itself or with the help of millions of others. You are one vital person to the cause you're fighting for.
stay peaceful & get involved!!
Sunday, October 4, 2015
62 Million Girls
School has taught me how to think on my own, provide arguments for decisions I make, and a foundation for the future schooling I will need to become a pediatric oncologist. 62 million girls around the world don't have that chance.
62 Million Girls is an education initiative launched by President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama. It's mandatory and should be a social norm that every girl, and child, get an education. With an education, girls are more successful in life, are able to earn a better living, and raise healthy and successful families. Without an education, girls are most susceptible to HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, and forced marriages.
Let Girls Learn is associated with the Peace Corps. They push for education for girls around the world and ensure a commitment to providing educational supplies and necessities to these young girls, who need it most.
The first step to providing education is to empower leaders. These volunteers are the key to education. They are able to raise gender awareness and increase interaction among different ages. These volunteers will help to get girls excited to learn. I fear that many of these girls have been told that education isn't for them, they've probably been tricked into fearing education. This makes me so incredibly sad.
The second step is involving the community. The community in which these girls live has the highest impact on them. Children follow by example. We follow what our parents do, and what they say, which has a huge impact on our development and overall personality.
The third step is increasing the number of volunteers. Volunteers are what makes this whole movement for educational equality possible. Without volunteers, Let Girl Learn would not be where it is today. We need to get rid of the barriers and fences that hold girls back. We need to empower them to be the best possible person they can be.
I have hope and believe in the project because of the many supporters it has. Search the hashtag 62milliongirls on twitter and you will be amazed. Support, from people all of the United States and the world supporting the necessary movement in equality. Celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Dianna Agron, Usher, and Kerry Washington have tweeted their own stories of education and how 62 million girls deserve the same chance they had.
Some individuals hindering female education say it only benefits women, and will ruin home life. How can education of more girls ruin home life? I can only see the positives. A higher quality of life for families, better job opportunities, which increase income. It doesn't only benefit women, and even if it did, so what? Women have been held back for eternity, subordinate to their husbands, and often getting the short end of the stick when it comes to civil rights and liberties. Education will provide these girls with the gift of thinking on their own, and being their own person.
stay peaceful (and educated)!!
62 Million Girls is an education initiative launched by President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama. It's mandatory and should be a social norm that every girl, and child, get an education. With an education, girls are more successful in life, are able to earn a better living, and raise healthy and successful families. Without an education, girls are most susceptible to HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, and forced marriages.
Let Girls Learn is associated with the Peace Corps. They push for education for girls around the world and ensure a commitment to providing educational supplies and necessities to these young girls, who need it most.
The first step to providing education is to empower leaders. These volunteers are the key to education. They are able to raise gender awareness and increase interaction among different ages. These volunteers will help to get girls excited to learn. I fear that many of these girls have been told that education isn't for them, they've probably been tricked into fearing education. This makes me so incredibly sad.
The second step is involving the community. The community in which these girls live has the highest impact on them. Children follow by example. We follow what our parents do, and what they say, which has a huge impact on our development and overall personality.
The third step is increasing the number of volunteers. Volunteers are what makes this whole movement for educational equality possible. Without volunteers, Let Girl Learn would not be where it is today. We need to get rid of the barriers and fences that hold girls back. We need to empower them to be the best possible person they can be.
I have hope and believe in the project because of the many supporters it has. Search the hashtag 62milliongirls on twitter and you will be amazed. Support, from people all of the United States and the world supporting the necessary movement in equality. Celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Dianna Agron, Usher, and Kerry Washington have tweeted their own stories of education and how 62 million girls deserve the same chance they had.
Some individuals hindering female education say it only benefits women, and will ruin home life. How can education of more girls ruin home life? I can only see the positives. A higher quality of life for families, better job opportunities, which increase income. It doesn't only benefit women, and even if it did, so what? Women have been held back for eternity, subordinate to their husbands, and often getting the short end of the stick when it comes to civil rights and liberties. Education will provide these girls with the gift of thinking on their own, and being their own person.
stay peaceful (and educated)!!
Friday, October 2, 2015
Bryan Stevenson: We Need to Talk About an Injustice
I recently watched a Ted Talk from 2012. We Need To Talk About an Injustice is a shocking and personal speech given by Bryan Stevenson, a human rights lawyer, talking about the struggles that African Americans, and more specifically African American children face in the court system.
Stevenson gives riveting facts about the court and justice system and how the African American race is affected by it. The United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the world, with nearly 2.3 million people in jails and prisons. Nearly one out of every three black men, between the ages of 18 and 30, are in prison, jail or on parole. And in urban communities, such as Los Angeles, Baltimore and Washington, nearly 50 to 60 percent of all young men of color are in jail, prison, on parole or probation.
Stevenson represents children, of all people. He talks about thirteen year-olds being sentenced to life in prison, without parole, for crimes they've committed when their brains aren't fully developed. I understand that a crime is a crime, and consequences are mandatory. But sentencing a thirteen year-old to life in prison comes as a shock to me. My little sister is twelve, I shudder with the thought of only being able to talk to her in a prison visiting room, with guards at every wall. I shudder when I think of how scared she would be, all she would want was to be at home, able to sleep in her own bed.
Race is an undoubtable issue in America today, I feel it always has been. I would like to think, or hope at least, that racism is in the past. But I know it's not. In the 50's, African Americans had to worry about being beaten, lynched or arrested while they were protesting for the right to be equal.
In the talk, Stevenson says that you're 11 times more likely to get the death penalty if the victim is white, than if the victim is black. And you're 22 times more likely to get the death penalty if the defendant is black and the victim is white. This is an injustice!
Stevenson states that, "we have in this country this dynamic where we really don't like to talk about our problems." I wholeheartedly agree with this. Unfortunately, it feels like much of our past and history gets shoved under the rug. We're embarrassed, by our actions, and the actions of our forefathers.
Have you ever done something, something that you know was wrong, even if it's the tiniest thing? It eats away at you, and you can never forget until you just admit what you did was wrong, then you'll be able to move on.
As I've so gracefully stated in a multiple of my other blog posts, education is key to a successful society. When we can acknowledge our wrongs, and plan for better outcomes, the world and the worldly processes with fall into place. Things will be grand and peaceful (as peaceful as they can be) and hopefully we'll all be able to coexist.
I hope you take twenty three minutes and forty one seconds out of your day to watch this inspiring speech, given by an inspiring human being.
"I've come to TED because I believe that many of you understand that the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice. That we cannot be full evolved human beings until we care about human rights and basic dignity. That all of our survival is tied to the survival of everyone. That our visions of technology and design and entertainment and creativity have to be married with visions of humanity, compassion and justice. And more than anything, for those of you who share that, I've simply come to tell you to keep your eyes on the prize, hold on." -Bryan Stevenson
stay peaceful!!
Stevenson gives riveting facts about the court and justice system and how the African American race is affected by it. The United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the world, with nearly 2.3 million people in jails and prisons. Nearly one out of every three black men, between the ages of 18 and 30, are in prison, jail or on parole. And in urban communities, such as Los Angeles, Baltimore and Washington, nearly 50 to 60 percent of all young men of color are in jail, prison, on parole or probation.
Stevenson represents children, of all people. He talks about thirteen year-olds being sentenced to life in prison, without parole, for crimes they've committed when their brains aren't fully developed. I understand that a crime is a crime, and consequences are mandatory. But sentencing a thirteen year-old to life in prison comes as a shock to me. My little sister is twelve, I shudder with the thought of only being able to talk to her in a prison visiting room, with guards at every wall. I shudder when I think of how scared she would be, all she would want was to be at home, able to sleep in her own bed.
Race is an undoubtable issue in America today, I feel it always has been. I would like to think, or hope at least, that racism is in the past. But I know it's not. In the 50's, African Americans had to worry about being beaten, lynched or arrested while they were protesting for the right to be equal.
In the talk, Stevenson says that you're 11 times more likely to get the death penalty if the victim is white, than if the victim is black. And you're 22 times more likely to get the death penalty if the defendant is black and the victim is white. This is an injustice!
Stevenson states that, "we have in this country this dynamic where we really don't like to talk about our problems." I wholeheartedly agree with this. Unfortunately, it feels like much of our past and history gets shoved under the rug. We're embarrassed, by our actions, and the actions of our forefathers.
Have you ever done something, something that you know was wrong, even if it's the tiniest thing? It eats away at you, and you can never forget until you just admit what you did was wrong, then you'll be able to move on.
As I've so gracefully stated in a multiple of my other blog posts, education is key to a successful society. When we can acknowledge our wrongs, and plan for better outcomes, the world and the worldly processes with fall into place. Things will be grand and peaceful (as peaceful as they can be) and hopefully we'll all be able to coexist.
I hope you take twenty three minutes and forty one seconds out of your day to watch this inspiring speech, given by an inspiring human being.
"I've come to TED because I believe that many of you understand that the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice. That we cannot be full evolved human beings until we care about human rights and basic dignity. That all of our survival is tied to the survival of everyone. That our visions of technology and design and entertainment and creativity have to be married with visions of humanity, compassion and justice. And more than anything, for those of you who share that, I've simply come to tell you to keep your eyes on the prize, hold on." -Bryan Stevenson
stay peaceful!!
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