As I have journeyed through these 20 years and 4 months, I have realized that my calling or mission has a lot to do with children. I grew up in a small town and I know the struggle of being a young African American female in a predominantly white school and I just want to tell my story to the next generation. I want to help them become more aware of the "better" things in life. I love my hometown, but the disadvantages outweigh everything there. So, when I thought of my focus for this essay, I thought of President Barack Obama. One of his main focuses is on Education and not just any education, but education in the "public" schools. He knows of the struggle and hardship, the disadvantages and unwelcomed issues and the minority opinion that is never taken seriously. I like how he is taking care of the problem.
I read an article the other day titled, "Stimulus Dollars to be Released for Schools." It talked about how his plan for public education funding is double of what Bush's was. He released some money to the schools here, recently. I like how he wants to build up the education system in all areas. Everyone deserves the same education! Here is a small excerpt from the article:
the administration wants to do more than save teachers' jobs. Obama wants to transform the federal government's role in education. His administration views the stimulus bill as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put lasting reforms in place.
"The administration wants to do more than save teachers' jobs. Obama wants to transform the federal government's role in education. His administration views the stimulus bill as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put lasting reforms in place. In their applications, states must show improvement in teacher quality, data systems, academic standards and tests and supporting struggling schools."
My future involvement with this plan has been put into action already. I am a part of the Summer Youth Program that keeps young people off of the streets in my hometown and geared more towards Education. I know that this is a small step towards the cause, but I know that if I can make a difference in just one young person's life, than my mission would not be in vain.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Reading Gender: Castellanos
Shirlanna Little
April 12, 2009
Women’s Studies
Professor Pendley
Reading Gender: The External Feminine
A lot of the gender perceptions, throughout Act I, were very surprising to me. Even with it being in the late ‘80’s, I would not have expected all of the events that were portrayed in this play. It was very interesting.
From the beginning, whenever the Salesperson was giving his “salespitch,” I could tell that he was using a lot of mannerisms to try and bring the woman, (Owner), more in touch with his product. His attitude with the Hairdresser was very inappropriate. I believe he treated her that way because of her gender and that, in turn, is terrible. The Hairdresser made great points. She was just trying to see what the Salesperson was selling and trying to get to the root of his “salespitch.” I feel that with the Owner showing off her more passive side to the Salesperson, he wanted to take advantage of that because women are seen as the weak, passive type. One other part in the beginning that bothered me was when he asked the Hairdresser for Tea. Is she suppose to be a maid at the Hair Salon? Is brewing Tea and running errands part of her job description? I think I missed that part of the story. The Salesperson put more focus on getting the Hairdresser away from his conversation with the Owner than actually selling the project, himself. So, I questioned if the Salesperson saw that the Hairdresser was out of her element?
As I read on through the Act, I was just surprised at the treatment of the females throughout. Also, I wanted to touch on the dream of Lupita. As she dreamed of her honeymoon, her marriage, etc., once again, she, as the woman, was seen as passive and very weak. Her husband, Juan, asked questions and demanded answers, cheated and expected Lupita to be submissive in every way. So, the story portrays that Lupita was not any bit of successful or independent until Juan parted ways. My question was, does a man really have to be dead or non-existent in women’s lives in order for women to actually appreciate the independence God has given them? That was deep, but something that needs to be pondered. Society today has the majority believing that women are in need of a man to keep them in line. Yes, the Bible says that “he who finds a wife, finds a good thing” and a “man shall love his wife as Christ loves the church,” but there has to be a happy “medium” there. I am a Christian and I follow the plans laid out through the Bible for men, women and children. I understand how it is important for a man to actually be a man and take care of his household, but that does not mean that the woman is treated like she does not have an opinion. It is as if they interpret it in another context than for what it really is. In my opinion, Society needs to work on the perception of men and women. How should the “average” wife act towards her husband? This is the basic question that needs an answer. Castellanos wants the reader to think about these issues in a bigger script. We see actions of the individual everyday that may be sexist or gender challenged, but we keep our mouth closed and fall in line. So, if we looked at certain situations in a different light, will we actually have an opinion? I believe Castellanos is trying to teach a lesson through the writings of the play. Personally, it made me take a step back and see what I was doing wrong, as a woman, and see if I am being too passive or submissive to the leading man.
Castellanos, Rosario; “The External Feminine”; 1988
April 12, 2009
Women’s Studies
Professor Pendley
Reading Gender: The External Feminine
A lot of the gender perceptions, throughout Act I, were very surprising to me. Even with it being in the late ‘80’s, I would not have expected all of the events that were portrayed in this play. It was very interesting.
From the beginning, whenever the Salesperson was giving his “salespitch,” I could tell that he was using a lot of mannerisms to try and bring the woman, (Owner), more in touch with his product. His attitude with the Hairdresser was very inappropriate. I believe he treated her that way because of her gender and that, in turn, is terrible. The Hairdresser made great points. She was just trying to see what the Salesperson was selling and trying to get to the root of his “salespitch.” I feel that with the Owner showing off her more passive side to the Salesperson, he wanted to take advantage of that because women are seen as the weak, passive type. One other part in the beginning that bothered me was when he asked the Hairdresser for Tea. Is she suppose to be a maid at the Hair Salon? Is brewing Tea and running errands part of her job description? I think I missed that part of the story. The Salesperson put more focus on getting the Hairdresser away from his conversation with the Owner than actually selling the project, himself. So, I questioned if the Salesperson saw that the Hairdresser was out of her element?
As I read on through the Act, I was just surprised at the treatment of the females throughout. Also, I wanted to touch on the dream of Lupita. As she dreamed of her honeymoon, her marriage, etc., once again, she, as the woman, was seen as passive and very weak. Her husband, Juan, asked questions and demanded answers, cheated and expected Lupita to be submissive in every way. So, the story portrays that Lupita was not any bit of successful or independent until Juan parted ways. My question was, does a man really have to be dead or non-existent in women’s lives in order for women to actually appreciate the independence God has given them? That was deep, but something that needs to be pondered. Society today has the majority believing that women are in need of a man to keep them in line. Yes, the Bible says that “he who finds a wife, finds a good thing” and a “man shall love his wife as Christ loves the church,” but there has to be a happy “medium” there. I am a Christian and I follow the plans laid out through the Bible for men, women and children. I understand how it is important for a man to actually be a man and take care of his household, but that does not mean that the woman is treated like she does not have an opinion. It is as if they interpret it in another context than for what it really is. In my opinion, Society needs to work on the perception of men and women. How should the “average” wife act towards her husband? This is the basic question that needs an answer. Castellanos wants the reader to think about these issues in a bigger script. We see actions of the individual everyday that may be sexist or gender challenged, but we keep our mouth closed and fall in line. So, if we looked at certain situations in a different light, will we actually have an opinion? I believe Castellanos is trying to teach a lesson through the writings of the play. Personally, it made me take a step back and see what I was doing wrong, as a woman, and see if I am being too passive or submissive to the leading man.
Castellanos, Rosario; “The External Feminine”; 1988
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Globalization
The Non-governmental Organization that I came across was H.O.T.G.I.R.L.S, (Helping Our Teen Girls In Real Life Situations, Inc.) and it was very interesting. It is based in Atlanta. This Non-Profit Organization was founded by Dr. Carla Stokes on November 21, 2001 while she was in graduated school at the University of Michigan.
They described their commitment as follows:
"We are committed to defining what it means to be a 'hot girl ' for ourselves, while challenging sexualized and denigrating perceptions about black women and girls. In the words of the girls served by our program, "we're hot because we're on fire" (we are doing 'good in the hood' and promoting self-empowerment among marginalized girls of color....and we can't be stopped)."
I believe this organization is worth giving money to because of it's purpose. Here is an organization that is not trying to force a change in music or image of the African American young lady, but they are providing a different view or aspect of the "hip-hop" generation. In my opinon, they are giving these young ladies a chance to make a positive influence, not only on their own lives, but on other individuals, as well. I support this group, 100%. If you would like further information on this Organization, I encourage you to follow the link, below:
I believe this is a gender issue because if we need a specific group, just for young females to become young ladies, then something is wrong with the world we live in. It used to be that a "Community/village raises a child." I truly believed that. That's how my siblings and I grew up. I do know that this organization is a great step in a positive direction for young ladies and I support it in any way possible.
In Response to the readings, I wanted to comment on ONE statement that was enhanced throughout the chapter. "Privileged-class white women swiftly declared their "ownership" of the movement, placing working-class white women,poor white women and alll women of color in the position of followers." I believe this statement is true, but as I started thinking about it. When African Americans were mentioned they were referred to as "All Women of Color." Not the "working-class women of color" or the "poor Women of color," but ALL women of color. That just amazes me. There could have been anyone in that crowd that had the potential to maybe get the Women's Suffrage Movement going a little faster. You never know.I don't agree with many choices made, but I do understand it was a different time frame and different people. I just sometimes, sit back and wonder "What if?"
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