Um, maybe you shouldn't say that?

So this week we've talked a lot about race and our society.

The thing that always comes into my mind when this subject comes up is my Dad's Father.

I don't really know why, but he is incredibly racist and has never hid it. I'm sure when I was younger I didn't really notice or understand, but as I've gotten older it's been hard for me to sit and listen to him sometimes. Every time I heard him say the "N" word I can't help but cringe. I understand it's somewhat of a generational thing, but I'm a little white girl from Provo Utah and it still hurts me to hear him say it. I credit my parents for teaching me that having those feelings and saying those things is completely unacceptable.

I've also wondered why the black community feels it is OK to use that word amongst themselves. I would want my friends calling me a bitch over and over because I think it's demeaning and I think it almost has the same connotation to me as the "N" word has to black people. Maybe not, I don't know. Either way, I don't really this it's OK to do that. But then again, I'm not black so I can't exactly speak for any black person. Which is fine. Just a lot to think about I guess.

Couldn't pay me to do it again!

So in talking about Advertising this week, my mind kept wandering back to my high school days. We have been talking so much about body image, and back then thoughts about my weight literally consumed every day of my life. Today, I weigh about 112 lbs and I'm 5'1. The heaviest I have ever been was in high school my sophomore year at 136 lbs, and was around 4'11 until I was about 17 (the fact that I remember that so distinctly should tell you something). It may not sound like much to you, but on a smaller frame that weight had less places to go.

Every day I woke up wishing I were someone else because I didn't want to be "fat." The weird thing is, I was active. I was a competitive ballroom dancer since I was 9 and was even a cheerleader. Although, I think that made things worse for me. All I saw around me were these little tiny girls getting thrown in the air, and chicks in these fabulous dresses with even more fabulous frames to display them. I felt so out of place and thought, "If only I were skinny like them I could be happy."

It has just made me think that although all the friends I had had these "perfect" bodies, there were influences from the media dismorphing my body image as well. I remember watching The Real World even back then and thinking I could never be on that show because they only cast girls who looked hot in bikinis. I looked disgusting in one. I would never get boys to like me because I didn't look like my sister who was tan, blond, 5'7, and 98 lbs with a C cup.

What I've realized since then is that not being them, not being this perfect stereotypical cheerleader, I had to rely on other things. I had to rely on being smart, making people laugh, being witty, and using my personality to get recognized as opposed to my boobs. It's made me a much better person than I ever would have been had I been than barbie girl.

I guess ultimately I want to teach my children that beauty is so ambiguous. YOU are PERFECT EXACTLY the way you are. It doesn't matter what size your jeans are.... you still matter. You still can make a difference and you can be important even if the scale tips a little bit. It is so hard in our society to believe that because we are getting sent SO many messages which most of us will never live up to. But, that doesn't mean we should let it get the best of us. All we can do is be a part of the change.

This is my Junior year. I'm the one on the front left. I have tiny legs, but there is a reason I'm bending over. I'm also wearing a body slimmer underneath my uniform ( I don't think I've ever told anyone that!)

Shaving cream anyone?

This week we have been talking a lot about feminism, burning bras, not wearing make-up etc. Before I get into it, it's not that I don't have respect for what women were trying to do by expressing themselves this way. I get that. But is it really THAT bad shaving your legs?

Personally, I'm cool with being able to wear make up, dress up and wear high heels, and shave my freakin legs. I don't think it's demeaning or sends a message that I'm trying to please some creepy old man, I just feel better about myself when I don't roll out of bed for the day and go!

It also seems like chicks who DO want to do these things (make up, heels, etc.) are seen as "conforming to the man." Whatev guys. If being into shopping and buying cute dresses makes me an evil man pleasing whore, then fine. At least I'm cute while doing it.

Gross.

Let's talk about Sex

This week we have been more focused on woman and sexuality in our society.

As I was reading in the Douglas book, I could find myself getting as little defensive to her thoughts and sediments. I felt like not only was she angry at the media with regards to her sexual ideals, but that if you were a woman who DID want to wait until marriage to have sex, you were jaded and weren't making the decision for yourself. I can see after our discussion that maybe her intentions were just to show the confusion and frustration for many women as the media portrayed sex in contrasting lights.

Ultimately, this made me think about my own values and ideals on sex. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and my religion teaches that premarital sex is in violation of sacred Gospel principles. However, that does not mean that sex in itself is a horrible and sinful thing.

I've noticed that for my generation, sex is more of an open subject with regards to the LDS faith. I have talked about it with my friends and have had leaders and teachers discuss it in classes. I know that I will enjoy sex with my future spouse. I would consider myself a very sexual person, but I have chosen to wait and have those experiences until I am entered into a bond of marriage. I know that sex is for procreation, but I also believe it is an expression of love between two people and is meant to be enjoyable. Otherwise, why would we do it?! For those reasons, I do consider it sacred and will hold to that belief.

That choice I've made is my own, and I don't feel it makes me a "bad" or "good" girl. I've made mistakes and stupid decisions that would label me as bad, and done great things that some might label me as good. I don't think that one particular area of my life, such as sex, can define who I am. I think these are choices every person needs to make after careful consideration of the consequences to their actions.

P.S. I would marry this guy tomorrow if I could! Yummy....

I'm a chick...and I'm down with that!

In reading the first chapter of the Douglas book I noticed myself getting increasingly anxious. It was frustrating to read as well as a little bit eye opening. My mind shifted to thinking about women and young girls in other countries, wondering if they had the same self esteem issues as American women always seem to posses (being that in they most likely did not share the same media influences). It really is all about self esteem you know. The only reason we sometimes want to bring down others is to feel good about ourselves. I do think this is something we have learned through the media and our environment. HOWEVER, I don't think that should be an excuse.

I have always been someone that does what I want. I hate people telling me what to do; I do things because I feel it's what is best for me. I don't want to be tied down to what the media or society tells me what I am. I honestly think it's sort of a cop out. Having worked in the corporate world for a couple years, there were times when I was treated stereotypically. That doesn't mean that I responded stereotypically. No matter who we are or how people treat us, we have a choice. We have a choice to become invaluable. If my boss can't afford to lose me because of the work I produce, he won't fire me because I'm a women. I believe this goes for any race or sex. We are people. People are assets.

Of course there will always be people who are close minded and accept stereotypes as realities. But if we don't succumb to that and continue to work and provide to the best of our abilities, eventually even their mind can be opened. It takes time, it's not easy. But that doesn't mean it isn't possible. I think Douglas has a bitter taste in her mouth and seems to be playing the blame game right now. I just won't play with her.

On another interesting note, check this chick out:

She is another Real World cast member this season...and I bet you wouldn't have guessed that she is Transgendered. Meaning, she was born a dude. I seriously cannot even seem to grasp this concept yet, it is completely out of my realm of understanding why anyone would do this, but I think maybe as we study more about gender vs. sex I can understand what the heck is going on with her. Maybe.

Learned my Lesson

I really wanted to post about something I care about. Nothing seemed to click for me this week in all our discussions about stereotypes and even listening to the civil rights panel, I just couldn't quite connect with my inner careness level (I cared, just not enough to blog).

So last night, around 11 I'm watching the new season of The Real World. I love love TV, totally not ashamed mind you, but The Real World has never been on my list of must-sees. However, this season they have this LDS guy named Chet. So I'm like, hey I'm LDS, I'm interested in seeing how this guy represents my "culture".



So as I'm watching the show, all I can think about is what a tool he is. Seriously, I don't think I would ever choose to be friends with him. He doesn't seem to have any tact and half the time sounds like he will be the first one back (to douchebagastan).

And then it hit me. I was totally stereotyping what he would be like. I assumed he would be this clean cut missionary esq down to earth dude. In all honesty, I hoped he would be the "stereotypical" non crazy respectful Mormon guy, but instead...we got Chet. CLEARLY, I was way off base. Totally my bad for assuming anything!

Personally, I hope I never run into anyone that asks if I'm LDS and then stereotypes me as Chet's counterpart. Hopefully in realizing I've made a mistake in stereotyping him, I won't get the icky Karma that will send Chet hating people my way. Cheers to realizing stereotypes are NOT right, and here's to hoping Chet doesn't continue being an idiot.

Welcome!

Hello!!

So here is my new blog dedicated to thoughts and inspirations derived my from Communications 2010 class. I hope this blog to be of benefit to my ever increasing drive for knowledge and learning. I welcome any and all opinions and comments with exception to those who resist class and taste. Lets keep it classy people!

For a little taste of what I plan to write, check this out: http://www.inquisitr.com/14604/porn-bailout-larry-flynt/. Can you believe it?! Honestly, I can. Giving every other industry in America a free handout, why not adult entertainment?

Ugh. I have NEVER agreed with any bail out plan, and I certainly will not add my name to any list of supporters for this one. By shoving loads of money to failing companies we send the message that mistakes are acceptable. Drove your company into bankruptcy? No problem, the federal government will get out its tax payer check book and all of your problems will be solved.

Take some responsibility people!!! Clear out all greedy dirty evil socialist company owners and lets get some fresh blood in there! People with a sense of direction and innovative ideas are what this country needs-Not a government promoted sex handout.