I loved the short film. This film has a great message and it delivers it with intensity. It talks about how our perception of beauty got so distorted. The movie shows the transformation of a woman into something which is not realistic to the common man. The beauty ideal talks about the increasing standards and pressures which have been set for women. The short film hits the point making all of us realize that what we see in movies and television is all fake.
We are very influenced by the media, and we have started to idolize the celebrities for the wrong reasons. From this movie we should realize how easy it is for a person to have a temporary make-over. I have generally thought that we should be strong within ourselves and not be moved. But I realize that this has crept into many forms of society and we have become accustomed to certain things. As long as it doesn’t harm the general population it seems to be fine.
But we never know of the individuals who may be affected by the peer pressure of having to look up to date in all terms. But I will not agree to the fact that corporations and money making organizations have created perfect looking individuals to affect us. I think it’s a joint effort, weakness and domination, like yin and yang.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Critical Response #2
Critical Response #2
Gender is an important aspect of a person’s identity, shaping social life and informing attitudes, behavior and the individual sense of self. The author goes ahead to say that gender is a social script shaping the qualities of femininity and masculinity. Therefore, I think culture has a significant role in the gender attributes which have accumulated over the evolution of time. Simply put, gender is the social organization of sexual difference (biological and cultural). Sex has two meanings. The first is the act of intercourse between two individuals and the other is determination of the gender. According to me gender and sexuality, share many different relationships. By this I mean that sexuality generally means sexual orientation. If we consider gender as the attributes of a particular sex, generally the sexual orientation and the attributes of gender favor heterosexuality and especially men in heterosexual position compared to people in other categories. Hence, gender and sexuality impose limitations towards any direction a person wants to act or behave towards. This is one of greatest problems we face as a society with development at such rapid scale in all segments.
I’m not sure if I understood your question about explaining at least three different frameworks of making sense of gender, but my understanding is that on what grounds is gender justified into being biased or directed towards a particular gender. Social construction is based on previous experiences of different cultures. Another aspect is biological differences of man and woman. The biology of man supports the strenuous physical labor which is endured for the particular jobs. The third aspect would be giving in to the mass mentality. Many of us may have felt the bias towards a particular side, but we are afraid to go against it as we feel we will seem the odd one out.
I have a personal example to explain why I feel gender is socially constructed. (Just a recap) I am an international student from India who joined VT at the age 18 in fall’03. I was in a serious relationship since 3 years before with Sneha who was 4 years older to me(when I joined VT). During that time her elder cousin told her to reconsider our relationship. Her basis was that even when I graduate I would not be on my feet (monetarily independent from my father irrespective of him being able to take care of me till much later). Her cousin thought that the future with someone who is dependant on his father will not be helpful for her in the long run. I view this as the society around her who is cautious irrespective of the emotional attachments around us and has chosen to take the safer way out. This stands out more for me because the cousin was in an emotional relationship and chose the safer route out.
After reading “ Gender in A Transnational World I would prefer to answer the following questions from my personal perspective. Regarding the relationships between science/technology and sex/gender according to me are that, primarily the internet allows one to be transparent. By this I mean that we control most of the attributes we give out online regarding behavior or actual orientation. Therefore, we can view the internet as more open and flexible to one’s orientation or situational behavior without imposing a judgment with a final conclusion.(I am not sure if I have clearly answered the questions you posed. If you feel that I am going in the wrong direction to what you require I shall correct and repost my entry with the correct modifications.)
Gender is an important aspect of a person’s identity, shaping social life and informing attitudes, behavior and the individual sense of self. The author goes ahead to say that gender is a social script shaping the qualities of femininity and masculinity. Therefore, I think culture has a significant role in the gender attributes which have accumulated over the evolution of time. Simply put, gender is the social organization of sexual difference (biological and cultural). Sex has two meanings. The first is the act of intercourse between two individuals and the other is determination of the gender. According to me gender and sexuality, share many different relationships. By this I mean that sexuality generally means sexual orientation. If we consider gender as the attributes of a particular sex, generally the sexual orientation and the attributes of gender favor heterosexuality and especially men in heterosexual position compared to people in other categories. Hence, gender and sexuality impose limitations towards any direction a person wants to act or behave towards. This is one of greatest problems we face as a society with development at such rapid scale in all segments.
I’m not sure if I understood your question about explaining at least three different frameworks of making sense of gender, but my understanding is that on what grounds is gender justified into being biased or directed towards a particular gender. Social construction is based on previous experiences of different cultures. Another aspect is biological differences of man and woman. The biology of man supports the strenuous physical labor which is endured for the particular jobs. The third aspect would be giving in to the mass mentality. Many of us may have felt the bias towards a particular side, but we are afraid to go against it as we feel we will seem the odd one out.
I have a personal example to explain why I feel gender is socially constructed. (Just a recap) I am an international student from India who joined VT at the age 18 in fall’03. I was in a serious relationship since 3 years before with Sneha who was 4 years older to me(when I joined VT). During that time her elder cousin told her to reconsider our relationship. Her basis was that even when I graduate I would not be on my feet (monetarily independent from my father irrespective of him being able to take care of me till much later). Her cousin thought that the future with someone who is dependant on his father will not be helpful for her in the long run. I view this as the society around her who is cautious irrespective of the emotional attachments around us and has chosen to take the safer way out. This stands out more for me because the cousin was in an emotional relationship and chose the safer route out.
After reading “ Gender in A Transnational World I would prefer to answer the following questions from my personal perspective. Regarding the relationships between science/technology and sex/gender according to me are that, primarily the internet allows one to be transparent. By this I mean that we control most of the attributes we give out online regarding behavior or actual orientation. Therefore, we can view the internet as more open and flexible to one’s orientation or situational behavior without imposing a judgment with a final conclusion.(I am not sure if I have clearly answered the questions you posed. If you feel that I am going in the wrong direction to what you require I shall correct and repost my entry with the correct modifications.)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Activity 3
I was not surprised with the results which were moderate association of male with career and female with family. This is true. I do feel the need of myself to have a stable career and would like my future partner to take care of the family. But, importantly I have absolutely no restriction if this scenario never happens and my future partner is a workaholic (I could enjoy this too).
This was a great exercise to start the class because this test is targeting the subconscious. The interesting aspect is that we may feel we are liberal or believe in equal rights, but this test can give us an indication about our subconscious which makes us realize how we think about the issue. I am not surprised by the results in which moderate association is there with most people.
It is very important to think about our biases because they cause narrow-minded thinking. With biases we are not able to view things as they are or are not able to learn more or go in depth into a particular matter. Yes, I have come to notice from person to person people are alright with certain prejudices but not with others. I think this is very variable and completely depends from person and situation and cannot be generalized.
Additionally I took the sexuality and skin-tone test. I faired moderately towards its prediction.
This was a great exercise to start the class because this test is targeting the subconscious. The interesting aspect is that we may feel we are liberal or believe in equal rights, but this test can give us an indication about our subconscious which makes us realize how we think about the issue. I am not surprised by the results in which moderate association is there with most people.
It is very important to think about our biases because they cause narrow-minded thinking. With biases we are not able to view things as they are or are not able to learn more or go in depth into a particular matter. Yes, I have come to notice from person to person people are alright with certain prejudices but not with others. I think this is very variable and completely depends from person and situation and cannot be generalized.
Additionally I took the sexuality and skin-tone test. I faired moderately towards its prediction.
Activity #4
Kate Bornstein is woman (she underwent male-to-female sex change oper.) who is a lesbian feminist writer among other things. Her aim is to break the gender system. She does not view gender by any biological factor. She does not like the restrictions posed to a particular gender.
After taking the test I was not surprised with the questions she asked. My result was Novice which shows that I’m flexible in most areas and reserved in certain. Some of the questions regarding falling in love with a same sex individual or a person with a sex change were asked to see if society perspectives affect our normal course of falling in love. I understand that she is getting down to the basic of a particular feeling and hopes that the feeling not get affected by social norms and thoughts. She feels that discovering one’s gender is a powerful path to enlightenment (from article).
This test was made to test how we are affected by gender assumptions and our gender role. More than the inference of the test I think the important thing is start of questioning within ourselves.
After taking the test I was not surprised with the questions she asked. My result was Novice which shows that I’m flexible in most areas and reserved in certain. Some of the questions regarding falling in love with a same sex individual or a person with a sex change were asked to see if society perspectives affect our normal course of falling in love. I understand that she is getting down to the basic of a particular feeling and hopes that the feeling not get affected by social norms and thoughts. She feels that discovering one’s gender is a powerful path to enlightenment (from article).
This test was made to test how we are affected by gender assumptions and our gender role. More than the inference of the test I think the important thing is start of questioning within ourselves.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Critical Response Journal No.1
Critical Response Journal No.1
I am going to begin this journal by explaining the concepts of the material I have understood in this class so far. The women’s movement began in the early 1900’s. During that time there were few women who were able to make an impact. In the 1970’s the feminist movement started picking up significant momentum. During this time the concern regarding the ill-treatment and the absence from powerful positions came to light. Because of this reason people from various fields concurred to start the Women Studies Department in many college campuses. I think at that time there was visible inequality in many aspects of life amongst men and women. Feminism refers to the equality and justice of women. From the 1970-1990’s there very various rebellions by the feminists in many different aspects of society. One of the most important changes can be noticed in the field of education. Chapter 2 starts with explaining the underlying racist factors in our society. These subtle acts of racism which happen are part of our daily lives. The chapter elaborates how white men, institutions favor the male gender over female. I don’t agree with the author over here. I think she is being very strict and expects a high level of perfection on how organizations should treat women fairly. I am not against fair treatment at all but not all organizations can change as quickly as women changed their position in society. I also did not agree with the author by hinting that the English Language is racist. It is not the language which is racist, but by people long time ago who started using a particular phase (in their time it could also be justified). We have chosen to continue to use that phrase because it has become a trend. I know I have stressed on trends many times but I think that they hold important information on the general pattern of behavior of a similar group.
In the “F Word” activity I stated that I was a postfeminist. I stand by that because I think that no inequality exists. But I have realized I yet can’t say that equality among men and women exists. I think that the issue about inequality should be looked at very seriously in the developing and under-developed countries. For highly-developed countries the problem should be tackled by changing the mind-set of the future population. Something the author has not pointed out so far is that in many situations the woman is incapable of becoming independent and due to that reason is suffering ill-treatment. The support required should be available to women with this kind of need. In my personal experience, I have tried to closely observe many of my female friends when we talk about women. It tends to get very sensitive if the topic is about any bias shown towards women at the workplace. I have always disagreed with them. I am not narrow minded but I believe that one can’t have everything. My conversations with them have revolved around different salaries for the same job or more opportunities for a male colleague. These differences arise because as human over the years we have evolved by forming many biases (many of which are subconscious) and have become accustomed to many trends. This is not an excuse to not looking at a situation equally but the realization of the cause should be used to tackle these kind of thoughts.
The relationship between the person’s situation and their perspective is a very important factor. I come from India, where there is inequality among the sexes. I have witnessed 13-14 year old girls who are married off by their parents. But I think it very helpful that highly-developed countries are devoting efforts towards women studies. The reason is because nations all over the world can look at the model nation and hope to imbibe its changes.
I am going to begin this journal by explaining the concepts of the material I have understood in this class so far. The women’s movement began in the early 1900’s. During that time there were few women who were able to make an impact. In the 1970’s the feminist movement started picking up significant momentum. During this time the concern regarding the ill-treatment and the absence from powerful positions came to light. Because of this reason people from various fields concurred to start the Women Studies Department in many college campuses. I think at that time there was visible inequality in many aspects of life amongst men and women. Feminism refers to the equality and justice of women. From the 1970-1990’s there very various rebellions by the feminists in many different aspects of society. One of the most important changes can be noticed in the field of education. Chapter 2 starts with explaining the underlying racist factors in our society. These subtle acts of racism which happen are part of our daily lives. The chapter elaborates how white men, institutions favor the male gender over female. I don’t agree with the author over here. I think she is being very strict and expects a high level of perfection on how organizations should treat women fairly. I am not against fair treatment at all but not all organizations can change as quickly as women changed their position in society. I also did not agree with the author by hinting that the English Language is racist. It is not the language which is racist, but by people long time ago who started using a particular phase (in their time it could also be justified). We have chosen to continue to use that phrase because it has become a trend. I know I have stressed on trends many times but I think that they hold important information on the general pattern of behavior of a similar group.
In the “F Word” activity I stated that I was a postfeminist. I stand by that because I think that no inequality exists. But I have realized I yet can’t say that equality among men and women exists. I think that the issue about inequality should be looked at very seriously in the developing and under-developed countries. For highly-developed countries the problem should be tackled by changing the mind-set of the future population. Something the author has not pointed out so far is that in many situations the woman is incapable of becoming independent and due to that reason is suffering ill-treatment. The support required should be available to women with this kind of need. In my personal experience, I have tried to closely observe many of my female friends when we talk about women. It tends to get very sensitive if the topic is about any bias shown towards women at the workplace. I have always disagreed with them. I am not narrow minded but I believe that one can’t have everything. My conversations with them have revolved around different salaries for the same job or more opportunities for a male colleague. These differences arise because as human over the years we have evolved by forming many biases (many of which are subconscious) and have become accustomed to many trends. This is not an excuse to not looking at a situation equally but the realization of the cause should be used to tackle these kind of thoughts.
The relationship between the person’s situation and their perspective is a very important factor. I come from India, where there is inequality among the sexes. I have witnessed 13-14 year old girls who are married off by their parents. But I think it very helpful that highly-developed countries are devoting efforts towards women studies. The reason is because nations all over the world can look at the model nation and hope to imbibe its changes.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Hello,
I interviewed two of my roommates as I just found how to go about completing the assignment. I will try and find one more person to complete the survey.
Advit Duddhu (Friend)
(Q1) His first reaction was ‘are you gay?’ Later he said he’s glad that I want to learn about women.
(Q2) His first reaction was feminist sounded like a negative connotation. He thinks women use themselves to their advantage in good and bad ways.
Prachi Sharma (friend)
(Q1) Her first reaction was surprised.
(Q2) She thinks feminism is about politics. She has a neutral opinion regarding me being a feminist or having those thoughts.
I do not consider myself as a feminist, My friend Advit and Prachi have similar views for different reasons. Advit’s reaction saying that I was gay was surprising but it was his original reaction. He did not mean it in an offensive way. I really respect that Prachi being a woman knows how feminism is blown out of proportion.
I don’t believe equality can exist or that we can get everything we want. When we combine these two factors, I feel we reach a pointless struggle towards one’s right of being able to rebel or revolutionize.
My concern rises when I think about how the different cultures of the world treat their women. This does worry and affect me. But this does not mean that the most developed countries in the world cannot debate about feminist issues.
I am waiting to read more about the issues involved with feminism.
Speak to you guys soon.
I interviewed two of my roommates as I just found how to go about completing the assignment. I will try and find one more person to complete the survey.
Advit Duddhu (Friend)
(Q1) His first reaction was ‘are you gay?’ Later he said he’s glad that I want to learn about women.
(Q2) His first reaction was feminist sounded like a negative connotation. He thinks women use themselves to their advantage in good and bad ways.
Prachi Sharma (friend)
(Q1) Her first reaction was surprised.
(Q2) She thinks feminism is about politics. She has a neutral opinion regarding me being a feminist or having those thoughts.
I do not consider myself as a feminist, My friend Advit and Prachi have similar views for different reasons. Advit’s reaction saying that I was gay was surprising but it was his original reaction. He did not mean it in an offensive way. I really respect that Prachi being a woman knows how feminism is blown out of proportion.
I don’t believe equality can exist or that we can get everything we want. When we combine these two factors, I feel we reach a pointless struggle towards one’s right of being able to rebel or revolutionize.
My concern rises when I think about how the different cultures of the world treat their women. This does worry and affect me. But this does not mean that the most developed countries in the world cannot debate about feminist issues.
I am waiting to read more about the issues involved with feminism.
Speak to you guys soon.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Intro for WS class
Hey
My name is Anay Choksey, and I am an International Student from Bombay, India.
I came to VT in Fall’03 to pursue Industrial & Systems Engineering.
I’m not the typical engineer type; I only chose this major as it’s the least technical and associated to management, business, optimization (my fav.) and ergonomics.
I plan to join my father’s business (manufacturing of executive chairs and modular kitchens) after getting some work experience with furniture companies in Europe.
I am taking two other courses and staying in Blacksburg.
The two things I’m most passionate about are film direction and cooking. There is a European Lebanese chain which I want to bring to India besides starting a small restaurant in Bombay. I love cooking (especially when one has the freedom to be creative), so please let me know if you want me to prepare anything from Indian to Thai.
Now coming to WS, I am interested in the history of changes which have taken place regarding the treatment of women. I also want to know how different cultures have treated women in the past (Middle-East, Jewish, African Tribes). When it comes to equality, I have a lot of different thoughts which I'm sure we'll discuss soon. I am also eager to understand the reasons and issues associated with feminism.
My email id is anay@vt.edu and my MSN id is anaychoksey@hotmail.com.
This class is going to be fun. Speak to you soon guys.
Anay
My name is Anay Choksey, and I am an International Student from Bombay, India.
I came to VT in Fall’03 to pursue Industrial & Systems Engineering.
I’m not the typical engineer type; I only chose this major as it’s the least technical and associated to management, business, optimization (my fav.) and ergonomics.
I plan to join my father’s business (manufacturing of executive chairs and modular kitchens) after getting some work experience with furniture companies in Europe.
I am taking two other courses and staying in Blacksburg.
The two things I’m most passionate about are film direction and cooking. There is a European Lebanese chain which I want to bring to India besides starting a small restaurant in Bombay. I love cooking (especially when one has the freedom to be creative), so please let me know if you want me to prepare anything from Indian to Thai.
Now coming to WS, I am interested in the history of changes which have taken place regarding the treatment of women. I also want to know how different cultures have treated women in the past (Middle-East, Jewish, African Tribes). When it comes to equality, I have a lot of different thoughts which I'm sure we'll discuss soon. I am also eager to understand the reasons and issues associated with feminism.
My email id is anay@vt.edu and my MSN id is anaychoksey@hotmail.com.
This class is going to be fun. Speak to you soon guys.
Anay
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