Ugly Betty

I really enjoyed the pilot for Ugly Betty. I thought it was a very funny sitcom and it may even be masked behind a layer of feminism, but I think really when it came down to it, it wasn’t very feminist at all. First, the main character is not ugly. She does not have nice clothes and has braces and is chubby. But she is not ugly. She is probably still thinner then the average American women and her face is very pretty. Braces are something that will be removed and do not determine a persons beauty. The main character is probably at worst, average (that is in the normal world not the fashion world). But the show is not called Average Betty. It’s called Ugly Betty. Doesn’t this further serve to make women feel as though they to are “ugly” even if they are actually average like Betty? I think this goes hand in hand with the beauty myth. If you aren’t a super model (tall, super thin, young) then you just aren’t pretty. There is no recognition of what is actually average/normal and what is inordinate (i.e. 115 pound, six foot tall super models).

Aside from perpetuating the beauty myth I think the show also portrays powerful women is very mean, ruthless, bitches. For example, the woman who was next in line to be the head of the magazine does horrible things to try and sabotage the company. Many television shows, movies, and other media like to portray any women that have power as cut throat bitches. I think this image gets carried over into real life as well. One example that comes to mind is the constant jokes and stabs being made at Hillary Clinton. She is a very powerful women. She is also very smart, well educated, and does actually have work experience to back up her positions in power. But I think she is generally portrayed as a bitch. If men are powerful they are decisive. If women are powerful they are bossy. If men get to the highest levels of their field then they are self made men. If women do so then they were cut throat to get there. I think this is an unfair double standard and I don’t think Ugly Betty does anything to debunk this stereotype. It may be a really funny show but I don’t think it’s making any great strides for women’s equality.

Gender Traits in Minority Report - paper 2

During the class discussion on minority report when were comparing the story and the film I had a thought. It didn’t really occur to me until that day, even though I had seen the film and read the story, that essentially the film split the Anderton character from the story into two separate characters. Anderton and Lamar Burgess. I decided to develop this idea into my second paper but thought it was a kind of interesting take on how gender can be played with even without changing the characters actual sex (i.e. male to female). Here is the idea behink my paper:

In the film adaptation of Minority Report, Anderton’s character is in essence split into two separate characters of himself and Lamar Burgess to resolve the issue of this “doubleness” that is faced in the story version of Anderton. The book creates a very complex and dualistic Anderton while the film creates two separate characters to minimize this duality and show the internal complexity of the Anderston character externally through two separate people.

In the film, Anderton and Burgess possess certain distinct and opposite characteristics of the story version of Anderton. The film version of John Anderton is the “masculine” side of the story’s Anderton character. His character is based around stereotypically “masculine” traits such as high levels of self confidence, action oriented and physically demanding solutions, and self preservation over self sacrifice for the group. In the movie, Burgess encompasses the more “feminine” characteristics of constrained confidence, less physical and action based solutions, and prioritizing the pre-crime system and the safety of other citizens over his personal well being. Splitting of the Anderton character for the film simplified the main characters and resolved some of the “doubleness.” This film version allowed for a hyper masculine Anderton and a more action based plot in addition to making the characters less complex for mass consumption.

The idea here is that they author and the directors were able to play with gender traits (masculine versus feminine) and yet all of the character were of the same gender. It was interesting for me when I was analyzing these characters to decide which characteristics were socially assigned to “masculine” and which were assigned to “feminine.” Also, how they were able to incorporate these characteristics into characters that were all of the same gender. I really liked writing this paper because it allowed me to look at gender in terms of traits rather then actual genders (i.e. male or female). It also allowed me to look more in depth at characteristics that were not as blatant as some of the things we had discussed in other books such as in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof and her desire to have children to be truly feminine or in Maurice and the struggle between being a man/masculine and needing to get married to fit into society and being gay.

Boo Disney

After the presentation on the little mermaid I started to think back on all of the Disney films. Wow they are sexist. I never really noticed. You idealize and love them so much as a child that even when you grow up and become more educated and aware of things such as sexism you still neglect to see them in the films that you loved so much as a kid. I think it is kind of like finally figuring out that your parents are real people and have faults like everyone else. It takes a while to figure it out because as a kid you thought they were the all knowing, perfect parents (or at least I did). Then one day when you are older you figure it out and it’s a bummer. Same thing as the Disney movies. Ignorance is bliss. Now how am I ever going to watch Cinderella wish for her prince without thinking “why does she need a prince to be happy” or watch the Lion King and not think “Why is Mufassa the king of the land and not Simba’s mom (which I don’t even know her name)?”

Then I think about the Shrek movies and how they actually openly mock Disney’s choice to portray most of the female characters as helpless young ladies in need of saving. In their films they have the princes ninja fighting. I can’t wait to see Shrek 3 and see what other social commentary they make on things I neglected to see as a child and maybe chose to ignore a little as an adult in Disney films.

Oh Kate

Another fantastic quote by Kate (nothing really to do with the class I just thought it was interesting):

An interesting way to negotiate a truce in the “war between the sexes” in the U.S. would be to mandate not an increase in wages for women, but rather a decrease in wages for men to the level of any woman holding a similar position. Use the money thus saved to repay the U.S. deficit. I wonder how far that would fly in a male-dominated Senate and House of Representatives? (Pg. 108)

When we were discussing Transamerica in class the book Gender Outlaw by Kate Bornstein got brought up. I had read it about a year ago in another class and I remember it being a really interesting book that was actually a fun read. It is about Kate, who went from male to female, but more then that it is about her argument that gender isn’t rigidly defined. Its fluid. There is a spectrum of genders not just a man or a women, but there can be things in between. I decided to re-read the book after it got brought up in class (seriously I am that big of a dork that I actually did this). One of my favorites quotes from the whole book is this:

One Answer to the question “Who is a transsexual?” might well be “Anyone who admits it.” A more political answer might be, “Anyone whose performance of gender call into question the construct of gender itself.” (Pg. 121)

It kind of sums up her entire point. Gender is a performance. Gender traits are made up by society and assigned as either male or female. Gender is socially constructed not biological or anything else. You can perform whatever gender, or in between gender you want.

I think this point was well illustrated during the FABULOUS presentation on “America’s Next Top Model” and the discussion surrounding Miss Jay. Miss Jay is one of the main judges on the show. He is biologically a man. Sometimes he dresses in drag, sometimes in man’s clothing, and sometimes in a sort of in between realm; some men’s items, some women’s, etc. Yet he is the runway walk coach. A runway walk is supposed to be an exaggeration of a women’s walk. Miss Jay has one of the best runway walks ever. Some of the female contestants have some of the worst runway walks ever. It is Miss Jay’s job to teach them how to do the women’s walk. The fact that A.) this is something that can be taugh B.) there are traits that determine a “man’s walk” and a “woman’s walk” and C.) that a man can teach women how to walk as such just emphasizes the point that gender and gender traits are socially constructed.

The Little Mermaid

- I was going through and looking at my Blogs and realized for some reason my last blog was from Fight Club and my last two never posted on Ugly Betty and The Little Mermaid. I remember this happened to someone else before, it was really weird and for some reason I guess it never went through, so here they are:

I am doing my presentation on The Little Mermaid on Thursday and I was surprised to find there was so much more behind the movie and story than I thought. I found the article by Laura Sells on The Little Mermaid really fascinating. She brought up so many points refuting what feminists for many years have argued. Although Ariel is just another Disney princess, with a Barbie like body there is actually a lot about her in the story of her trying to get away from patriarchy. That the under the sea world that her father rules represents patriarchy. That Ariel is held down by her fins that constrain her and limit her mobility. Ariel has the desire for knowledge, freedom and mobility that she sees the “human” world can give her. This was all brought up within Sell’s article.

When seeing these new views of the movie that I never I thought about, I begin to think about the affect on little girls today. I know I used to watch The Little Mermaid when I was little; it was one of my favorite movies. I saw Ariel as independent and although yes marrying the prince made her fulfilled I never really thought much of it as a girl. When I was little I always just assumed you grow up and get married, I always thought I would and still even today still hope I will. I think her desires to have more and know more was taken from the movie, her adventure and not necessarily that marriage makes women complete. I don’t look as marriage as the end of a women’s life, yet the beginning of a new part of it. After reading Sell’s Article and reading more into movie and watching it again, I think there are a lot of positive aspects to the movie for young girls to look up to.

Ugly Betty

I really enjoyed doing Ugly Betty. It happens to be a show I already watch and to be able to relate it to our class was really interesting. One of the things said in class that I found really interesting was that the actress that plays the part of Ugly Betty was told that she was too pretty to play the role. That they had to make her ugly or what the show portrays is that in a way she is normal. It was brought up in class that if she is what society is “normal” why did they call the show Ugly Betty? I think they had to name the show Ugly Betty because no one wants to watch a show called Normal Betty, it’s a catch phrase. I think the show does a good job of showing that she is what is “normal” in a society or culture that has expectations that are not “normal”. In a way the show is making fun of the high fashion society, showing that it is somewhat ridiculous. By making Betty a Hispanic and of lower class shows other struggles that she has, making the show more dramatic. The majority of world is lower class; it’s a struggle that many women or men have, getting a job and trying to follow their dreams while still having to support themselves or a family.

I love how the nephew is gay or very feminine. I think it shows a lot about society, how it is becoming more accepted. Showing that is it ok for a boy to be feminine. If you think about it, it’s ok for a girl to be “masculine”, for her to be a tom-boy, but until recently it is not seen as ok for a boy to want to do “girl” things. I think the show is showing what “normal” is really. That it is normal to not be a size zero, be able to wear and afford clothes that are in style and for a boy to be feminine. Although Normal Betty may not sell, I think it’s what it’s really showing.

Little Mermaid = Entertainment

When discussing the Little Mermaid in class, I agree that female and male stereotypes are highlighted and played on to make the story enjoyable for the audience. But I also think that this movie wouldn’t be a Disney Classic if these themes were not an integral part of the plot because these stereotypes are the basis of our present day culture. I think people can criticize the movie, and I do see that Ariel is the stereotypical good-figured, beautiful, submissive girl, but in watching and liking the movie, the audience also has to agree partially that they are ok with passing on this stereotype. Because in order for our children to understand this movie, they will have to have the same gender stereotypes in their minds as we do today. I don’t think these stereotypes are going anywhere, or that our culture will go through a sudden change in our beliefs, so our children will definitely have the same stereotypes in their minds. In criticizing the Little Mermaid, or other typical Disney movies, we can point the finger at the horrible views of our culture but there is no short term way to change them. Beliefs and cultural thoughts have to be gradually erased from society, which will probably not happen in our lifetimes. So does that mean we just submit to the common way of thinking; that women are based on physical beauty and more submissive, and that men are dominant and controlling? I think we need to take what we read, see, and watch and take it all with a grain of salt, and teach our children to do the same. What we see on TV is not real life, especially not what is found in Disney movies. They are for entertainment.

Transamerican Transexual

Transamerica was not what I expected going into watching the film. I had previous encounters with transsexual individuals, about four years ago, which made me question whether sex-change operations were justifiable. I had a hard time believing that wanting to change your sex was not a sign of illness. At my high school, we had a day of presentations regarding rights and equality in treatment of gay, bisexual, and transsexual people. We had a transsexual who introduced herself as Sophie and then later explained why her birth certificate identifies her as Robert. Her childhood could have been the plot of a top-selling novel. The amount of abuse she took as a child, then a boy, specifically from her father and uncle, gave me goose bumps. The way she was treated by her family and her town in general was absolutely disgusting and disturbing. She failed through school and could not make it to college. A part of me at then end of her presentation could not help but wonder if she would have made the decision to become female if she was raised under “normal” and civil circumstances. She explained how she never felt normal as a child, and was never comfortable with her genitals. I do not know if I would be comfortable with my genitals had my own father and uncle sexually abused me almost on a daily basis. For that reason, I went on and carried that notion towards transsexuals ever since that day. After having finished Transamerica I am not so sure I still feel that way assuming that Bree is similar to other transsexuals in regards to personality. Overlooking the fact that she took estrogen pills, her personality was completely feminine to me. Even the way Bree interacted with her son was feminine as she was very motherly. That may be a controversial point, but I cannot help being biased based on the way I was raised. My dad was a man of few words who never showed much emotion on a daily basis, while my mother was very protective and never stopped trying to take care of me. The way Bree interacted with her sister also gave me that impression. I never spotted any masculinity in the she interacted with anyone. She nurtured herself in her secluded life as well as her son when she was forced to find him. Right now I feel that everyone holds the right to be whatever they want, and if changing sex really makes a difference in how comfortable you are with yourself then no one has the right to stop or criticize you.

a little bit about "the beauty myth" and a lotta bit about "the porn myth"

I don’t understand how so many people in this class can say they do not ‘buy into’ Naomi Wolf’s, “The Porn Myth.” Much like our discussion about “The Beauty Myth,” individuals in this class have looked at “The Porn Myth” one-dimensionally without much evidence to back up their claims. You can’t have an opinion unless you know what you’re talking about. The conversation we had about “The Beauty Myth” shifted entirely to a conversation about media image as opposed to what it was really trying to say: that women have the importance of beauty pushed so far down their throats that goals involving intelligence are not something their told to reach for. Take Hilary Clinton for example, she is criticized for not trying to be a beautiful woman (and that’s it). However, if she were to beautify herself, no one would take her seriously. Just because you think women do not have to look at media images or be affected by them, does not mean you do not ‘buy into’ “The Beauty Myth.”

I feel I can state my opinion on “The Porn Myth” because have done extensive research into pornography and how it is harmful to women and our society as a whole. I have found quotes from actual men who have said that they have become so attached to porn that it is now difficult for them to perform with a real women. (Check out the book- Pornified: How Pornography is Transforming Our Lives, Our Relationships, and Our Families) Wolf doesn’t just get her ideas from her imagination. She has real evidentiary support. Read that book and then get back to me and tell me that Wolf’s claims are bogus.

Pornography is an epidemic that is slowly eating away at our society. In 2006, pornography revenues rose up to an astonishing 97.06 billion dollars: of that, 13.33 billion was graciously donated by the United States. In the U.S., over 3,000 dollars are being spent every second on pornography. That is seriously insane. But if that’s enough for you… The revenue of the pornography industry is larger than those of the top technology companies, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo!, Apple, Netflix and EarthLink combined. Moreover, “[United States pornography] revenue exceeds the combined revenues of ABC, CBS, and NBC.” But no, pornography isn’t an epidemic, of course not! Before I am criticized for being a conservative (something I definitely am NOT!)… I want to say I am neither anti-sex nor afraid of sexual expression. I am not a Republican for censorship of “dirty pictures.” I am simply for our humanity. I do not want to contribute to the continuing decline in this country’s moral and ethical standards.

Decades ago, pornography may have had good intentions, seeking to liberate women’s sexuality by displaying their formerly sheltered bodies in glossy centerfolds. Currently, however, “the majority of men… [do] not consider Playboy—once the epitome of the genre—to even be pornography at all, because it doesn’t depict actual sex acts” (Paul 5). Pornography’s heavy integration into nearly every aspect of our consumer culture has gained it increasing social acceptability. The existence of sexually explicit material in mainstream society has caused a desensitization to centerfolds, pin-ups and TV and movie nudity. Presently, because of this desensitization, the pornography industry continues to push the limit on extreme sex further and further. They always try to create original images that shock. It is for this reason that the industry has created the “gonzo” genre of pornography. For those of you who do not know, gonzo is mainstream porn’s roughest, fastest-growing genre and is most popular because its films have no storylines, presenting sex almost without interruption. As an avid pornographer viewer states, “no longer [does] the pornoholic have to fast forward through 10 minutes of inept dialog to get 5 minutes of sex” (Pornoholic). In this genre, women are aggressively “throat-fucked” and experience triple-penetration by many men. Gonzo stresses “sex that is structured on a dynamic of domination and subordination” (Jensen, “Just”).This genre is not only obscene, but is also degrading, abusive, inferiorizing and harmful to women. It causes men to fail to see the divide between violence and sexuality. The link between pornography and real life provides self-validation and social justification for men to abuse, sodomize and rape women. Pornography perpetuates the primal, Neanderthal belief that females should be sexually dominated, which helps maintain the second-class social status of women.

In my research, I viewed pornographic images (of women giving oral sex) that were very unsettling. I saw male performers prying female performers’ eyes open, while smudged eye make-up, tears and semen ran down their faces; female performer’s eyes being covered with black electrical tape so that she could not see what was happening to her; male performers repeatedly banging their testicles against the females’ eyes and nose, to prevent them from breathing; a male performer forcing his penis into the female’s mouth and closing his fingers on her nostrils while taunting her. Some female performers, who are forbidden to use their hands while giving oral sex, were handcuffed. Worst of all, one of the female performers was forced to wear a wooden vise and kneel, while the male thrusted repeatedly into her mouth. What I just described to you is in the mainstream section of adult video stores across the country, which means it has been normalized and socially accepted. It would surprise me if you did not find those images degrading. Men see these images and masturbate to them; it sends the message “women are for sex, and women like sex this way” (Jensen, “Just ”). In fact, studies show that men learn from and emulate what they see in pornography; experts refer to this as exemplification theory: ‘Each and every sexual act portrayed in pornography is treated as an exemplar of sexuality. . . .Thus, to the extent that pornography shows almost all women screaming ecstatically when anally penetrated, for instance, exemplification theory projects the generalization that almost all women outside of pornography will do likewise.’ In other words, men learn that what goes on in porn, goes on in the real world” (Paul 18). And that doesn’t make you, Citizen Z, feel threatened by pornography? You might claim that there those men who are only masturbating to a fantasy, but in reality, the men masturbating to orgasm are not a fantasy. They watch real women being sodomized, abused or sometimes raped and the result is a real orgasm. “In this culture, men are masturbating to orgasm in front of television and computer screens that are presenting them with increasing levels of callousness and cruelty toward women” (Jensen “Cruel”). Men see this degrading, gonzo pornography and become sexually aroused; they find the infliction of pain on women during sexual activity to be an enhancement to their ability to achieve orgasm and not an obstacle.

Wolf states, “The porn loop is de rigueur, no longer outside the pale; starlets in tabloids boast of learning to strip from professionals; the “cool girls” go with guys to the strip clubs, and even ask for lap dances; college girls are expected to tease guys at keg parties with lesbian kisses à la Britney and Madonna.” These girls are the stupid ones who will do anything to get a guys attention. They think lowering themselves to men’s standards will help them get the guy, but in reality, those girls are just impeding women from being taken seriously in a “man’s world."

Where I found the porn statistics:

http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-pornography-statistics.html

Transamerica

Transgender is one issue that I can in no way relate nor understand. Growing up, I would say that I was more of a "tom boy" than a "girly girl" but I never wished I was a boy. Maybe when I was going through puberty I wished I was a boy so I wouldn't have to deal with all the changes, even though boys go through changes too. But I never desired to actually have a penis. And I was a male, I don't think I would desire to get rid of my penis. I just find it odd to what to add or change body parts, especially if you are changing them for parts that are not fully functional.

What did people who wish to have these changes do when we weren't so advanced with technology? I think watching Transamerica was a good experience for me because I was able to view it as more "normal" seeing how it effected both Bri and her friends and family.

Transamerica.

I loved transamerica. I feel that it was done very well, and that Felicity Hoffman did an absollutely amazing job playing Bree. To be honest, when i first saw the movie i had no idea who Felicity Hoffman was. I truly thought that the person playing Bree was a man. Someone mentioned that the only reason why transamerica was so highly praised was due to felicity hoffman's fame, i would disagree, because i didnt even know who that was when i first saw the movie. I think what really drew me to the film was the kind nature and awkwardness of Bree. Even though she was transgendered, i think that alot of people could look through that and actually try to see the sweetness of Bree as a person, rather than whether or not she were male or female. The movie collection at my house consists of what many may call weird movies. I really believe that movies like these help us see the good in everyone, even in the not so obvious places. Transamerica shows a transgendered person just struggling with everyday life. Everyone can relate to Bree, and you do not have to be a transgendered person to do so.

Personally, i do think that body dysmorphia is a mental disorder. However, the term "mental disorder" has such a negative connotation. When someone thinks of people with mental disorders, they think of crazy, beligerant, loud, manic, depressed, violent, dumb, or schizophrenic. However transgendered people are just like everybody else. They arent bouncing all over the walls, thinking that the FBI is after them, or thinking that they are god. Alot of the time, its almost impossible to pick them out of a crowd. I do think that transgenderedness is is a mental disorder because it is abnormal wanting to cut off body parts, however if only the word "mental disorder" did not have such a negative connotation, perhaps these people may have more respect, and not put in to the same categories with the catatonic schizophrenics. They are just like you and i, just a bit different in their sexual orientation.

Transamerica

Felicity Hoffman is a talented and beautiful actress who played Bree/Stanley well, but I will not watch Transameria ever again. The subculture comprised of people who are transgender, transvestite, and crossdressing is one that I accept but do not agree with.

I repeat, I ACCEPT them but I do not agree with the way they are dealing with their disorder.
-Men are men and women are women.
-Our sex is biologically determined.
-Using surgery and hormone therapy to change ones sex is against nature. The results are only superficial.

A person who is disgusted by their own penis (as in Stanley) breasts, or vagina is not mentally stable. A guy willing to cut off his dick is no real man. I love my penis, and everyone NORMAL guy out there does so as well. The phallus is a symbol of masculinity and manhood. As a gay male, I am offended that homosexuals are compared to these people.
-Homosexuality is genetic.
-Wanting a sex change because you feel like you should be the other sex is physchological.
-The two cannot be compared.
-Gay men are men who like men.

As for crossdressing, our culture agrees that if done as a joke (i.e. halloween) it's funny. If it's done seriously, than that person is sick. It's not normal for a reason.

A couple of years ago, a good friend of mine took me to see a drag show and within minutes of being there I was sick to my stomach. I had to leave, but he didn't want to, so I punched him as hard as I could in the chest and knocked the air out of him.

A year ago, I found out that the person I was dating had done drag for 4 months, I went off on how much he disgusted me, made him cry, and ended our relationship over it.

Transamerica

I have always believed that a person can be born in the wrong body. The movie Transamerica tells the story of a man who becomes a woman because he feels like he identifies with the gender and sex of a woman. I think that wanting to be another sex or gender is not a mental disorder, as a scene in the movie labels it, but more of a genetic trait. There have been numerous stories told on television shows such as, Oprah where the guest says they knew from a young age that they weren’t supposed to be in their body. In the movie, Bree tells the doctor that he/she is disgusted by her/his penis. This shows that there is something more than a mental issue because it is something that she feels she should not possess. Like homosexuality, transgender people suffer the issues of whether or not their lifestyles are nature or nurture. Personally, I feel it could be a little of both, but I do think that people are born with an indication that they are either gay or should be of a different sex or gender. It is not hard for someone to dress as the opposite sex, what people refer to as a transvestite, but it is a whole other issue when someone takes drastic measures to transform their body by eliminating their symbol of sex. The movie was able to illustrate the struggles, both emotionally, physically, and personally of a person going through a transgender identification.

During our class discussion yesterday, people brought up many point that’s I had previously thought about. When I first saw TransAmerica in theatres, I did not know what it was about going into the movie. While watching the movie I was in shock of what was happening. To me it was an eye opener because I have never really thought about the complex lives that transvestites carry. I obviously knew people wanted to be an opposite sex of what they were, although I never realized how serious it is or the extreme levels that people take it to. After seeing the movie, I felt a bit shelter and in my own bubble. It showed me how complex peoples lives are, and how often times people “seem much happier than they really are”. The relationship between Toby and his mom/dad was something that I could have never imagined. The movie really showed me more about relationships between men and women, men and men, and family members. Not everyone has to be perfect, and often times families aren’t perfect, but I never saw such a graphic picture of how messed up home lives can be for some people. I think this movie is really good and allows people to look at the world in a different way and see another perspective on how some relationships work.

Transamerica vs. Boys Don't Cry

Our class discussion yesterday about the film Transamerica was very interesting and insightful. In class, the film Boys Don’t Cry was also mentioned. I find it quite interesting that the public seemed to respond to each of the films in different ways, despite their very similar content and subject matter. Both Transamerica and Boys Don’t Cry were critically acclaimed, capturing several award nominations and wins. However, it seems to me that Transamerica was much more mainstream and popular than Boys Don’t Cry. When Transamerica came out, it some how seemed to be more accepted by a wider audience base, while Boys Don’t Cry was more of a cult film, appealing to independent film viewers. In my opinion, this difference is to due to the women who played the trans-gendered individuals in these films. Because Felicity Huffman, who played the lead role in Transamerica, had already established herself as a beautiful, feminine woman in her hit show Desperate Housewives, in my opinion, the public felt more comfortable watching her portray a male to female trans-gendered person. The audience knew who Felicity Huffman really was and could differentiate the actress from the role. In contrast, Hilary Swank who stared in Boys Don’t Cry was relatively unknown. This was her first large role and, in my opinion, the public did not know how to respond to her. They felt uncomfortable not knowing quite how to identify Hilary Swank and this discomfort turned many people away from watching the film. As we discussed in class yesterday, in our society, we use a dual gender system of male or female classification to categorize and identify people. When we are unable to identify individuals using this system, we typically find ourselves in a state of confusion and uneasiness, completely out of our comfort zone. Essentially, in my opinion, this is what occurred with the film Boys Don’t Cry; unable to categorize Hilary Swank, the public felt uncomfortable with the film.

transamerica

I really like the movie Transamerica because I think it sheds a positive light on being transexual, a sexuality that makes most people uncomfortable. First, I have to say that there is a difference between gender and sex, gender being a sexual identity and sex being biological. Therefore, I think gender can cross boundaries since it is a social construct. Gender is defined by terms of feminine and masculine rather than male or female (which is biological sex). We learn gender from society, and how as a male or female we are supposed to have certain characteristics and traits. If someone crosses those boundaries, then they are cross gendered. In class today, we discussed the actual operation of changing your sex and how that sheds light on gender. I think if someone sees themself as more of a women or more of a men then despite their genitalia they should be able to change. The way a man acts or the way a female acts is socially constructed and if you want to fully be the other gender then why not? It can make someone feel more complete.
Another interesting point that was brought up in class is the point of having to identify people. If we don't know what gender a person is we become very uncomfortable and really want to know. There is a performance artist named Adrian Piper who was an african american female who identified herself as black. She was, however, very lightskinned so everyone thought she was white. She frequently had people exchanging racist comments in front of her because they thought that she was white. Her performance art was to pass out calling cards to those people who made rascist comments, exposing her ethnic background. Her point was that people always have to categorize and identify others into certain groups. Piper didn't think it mattered that we don't exactly know someones race, and called attention to other peoples racism to make them uncomfortable and see the point. Now this can be related back to Transamerica, which brings up the same point that we need to identify people into gender groups. If someone is bi-gendered then we get really uncomfortable with the fact that they can't be both. I think gender can be very flexible and have imbetween roles. Who cares if someone wants to change the gender boundaries or even their sex for that matter.
I also thought that Transamerica is very interesting when juxtaposed with Fight Club, where they are striving to be as masculine as they can be in order to be happy. Here a male is trying to be happy by being the opposite of masculine...some people just want to be reconditioned

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We had an interesting talk about Transamerica and transgender in today's class. I looked up the definiton of gender dysphoria and it said it is, "literally being uncomfortable with one's assigned gender." In the DSM there are five criteria in order to be diagonosed with Gender Dysphoria. I think it is interesting that Gender Identity Disorder is still in the DSM while homosexuality was taken out. Stanley or Bree was just trying to find an identity and did not feel right in her body so in order to find his identity he changed he transformed. Self actualization is the need to strive and become the best that they can be with their abilities. The most interesting part in the film Transamerica, to me, was when the little child asked Bree if he was a man or a woman. The girl saw through Bree and made Bree doubt herself because she thought she looked like a woman except for her penis. She had the breast implants, long hair, makeup and polished nails but the little child could still see the in between of man and woman in Bree. I also thought it was interesting how they made Toby look like a bisexual becuase it did not seem like he mined when he hustled guys for money. Toby was also accepting when he found out that Bree had a penis. Transamerica is an interesting film that deals with transgender, and homosexuality.
I read Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid and was surprised how different it was from the film. I liked how he had that when the youngest princess' fins turn into 2 legs it hurts when they change and when she walks. I also liked how the grandma said to the mermaid, "you must put up with a good deal to keep up appearances" after the little mermaid said, "that hurts" when the grandmother was putting on the eight big oysters to the princess' tail. I think that is true for women in society; beauty can hurt. Especially for models because they have to be so skinny, sometimes wear very tight and uncomfortable clothes, in addition women put on makeup like mascara which can hurt the eyes, have bikini waxes, and in some cases electrolyosis. Some women even go to the extreme of plastic surgery which is risky, complicaitons could occur, and does not feel well. In addition, men and women are putting poision in their face (Botox) in order to decrease wrinkles which I think is dangerous and crazy. THere are also many other differences in the story by Anderson and the Disney movie including the ending and the princess in Anderson's story had no name. I agree with Laura Sells article, "Where Do the Mermaids Stand" because she had good points, Ariel was the first women Disney role model, and Ariel did not seem to have ambitions instead she just wanted to marry the Prince. Many gender issues were addressed in Anderson's story, Sells' article and The Little Mermaid.

Gay Marriage Debate

Along with “gator,” I also attended the Gay Marriage debate. I believe it to be an issue of grave relevance to our society because soon, every state may very well prohibit gay marriage. I am personally in favor of gay marriage. I believe every man and woman should be treated equally under the eyes of the law and there should be no restrictions on civil liberties pertaining to marriage. Forbidding people from marrying the partners they love is preventing autonomous human beings from having rights. The audience asked the question, “Should the majority rule the minorities’ rights?” In our country this is the way things are administered. Homosexuality is said to be a social injustice and a representative of weak moral standards. However, who ever established this to be true? One word: Paternalism. The government does not have the right to decide what is morally fitting for our society. Additionally, I do not believe our country truly has separation of church and state. A large majority of those individuals against gay marriage are up-tight religious nuts who want to censor our society and inculcate moral values. The same goes with abortion laws; most bible huggers want to make abortions illegal.

In the battle against gay marriage, we are constantly told we must be a model to other countries. Shouldn’t that include being open minded and accepting of others? If we were supposedly a model for other countries, we would be passing a law which allows gay marriage and we would also have troops stationed in Darfur aiming to put an end to the genocide.

In arguing against gay marriage, the opposition stated that if we are to nationally legalize gay marriage, this opens the perpetual gate for more new laws to be introduced. Nevertheless, as we move into the future, maybe it’s time to establish these new laws. The debater said we made laws, such as polygamy, illegal even though some individuals may have wanted the law to remain. However, polygamy and gay marriage are two entirely different arguments considering polygamy amplifies the subordination of women and there are no valid, acceptable reasons to prohibit gay marriage.

The only arguments made against the installation of gay marriage are as follows:

1) Marriage is an institution between one man and one woman (it doesn’t have to be)

2) Marriages are for procreation and the continuation of the human race (adoption)

3) Gay relationships are immoral (Says who? The bible?)

4) Same-sex couples aren't the optimum environment in which to raise children. Also, children will be taunted or assaulted by their peers (even though the children will grow up in a house will love and care and will most likely be even more egalitarian.

5) Socio-economic factors- because our society is based on the structure of the nuclear family, it is difficult for some same-sex couples to earn money at a livable wage.

During the debate someone said that “marriage is the basis of our society.” However, I disagree because the patriarchy is the fundamental basis of our society. I believe it is for this reason (men in serious denial of their homophobia) men want to ban gay marriage. A child having either two mothers or two fathers will not likely grow up under the patriarchal social structure. In prohibiting gay marriage, the government is imposing certain historical morals on relatively new and modern terminology (considering the terms homosexual an heterosexual have not been around for very long).

In pondering and debating the issue of gay marriage, we must all remember that these are real, individual human beings we are dealing with and they and their relationships should be protected by the same rights which you and I are. Besides, how would you feel if the law forbid you to marry the man or woman you loved.

Americas Next Top Model

Americas Next Top Model (ANTM) is sincerely one of my favorite reality television shows. Tyra Banks is sensational and hillarious. The cast is always delightful.

Based on the conversation around the clips shown in class I have come up with a list of of the main points. I am only speaking from my own perepective(which I define as modern, realistic and masculine). Also, I completely disagree with both the beauty and porn myths.
-models are tall, thin and gorgeous
-models have to be tall, thin and gorgeous
-not everyone looks like a model
-the majority of americans are fat
-being fat is ugly
-most americans are average looking

-why be average?
-with dedication, time, and hard work anyone can look their best
-being thin usually reflects being healthy
-everyone should want to be healthy
- being lean and thin adds to a persons self-esteem

-there were 2 plus sized models on ANTM this season
-ANTM will be tall, thin and gorgeous...America and the glocal fashion world will never accept overweight models
-overweight means you weigh more than you should
-male models are thin as well
-everyone should be thin
-i borrowed a pair of size 0 pants for halloween two years ago
-commericial fashion is not the same as high end fashion


-beauty is power
-pursuit of beauty is a long honored tradition
-our culture praises beauty
-there are ideals for both male and female forms

-the gay guys on ANTM are not stereotypes just highly experienced people doing a great job
-homosexuals are diverse
-the fashion world is dominated by women and gay men

Thats everything I wanted to say.