Mike's General Comments

I enjoyed hearing the different presentations, experiences, and lessons learned from each person's project involvement. Additionally, I added my experiences at the end of class.

I also wish everyone a safe and enjoyable upcoming Independence Day weekend. Take a moment to reflect upon the sacrifices made by members of the US military that keep America safe.

Mike

POST Baghdad Burning HERE

Bagdad Burning Blog

Reflection:
Monday, January 05, 2004

We can automatically notice that Riverbend isn't too excited about the new year. With the present situation in her country, 2004 feels just like the year before, 2003. In the midst of it all, we can see how she always finds something positive to say. She is now aware that families find themselves closer together. Family togetherness during that time was viewed as a positive advantage in Riverbends eyes. Unlike new years eves before, this one was different. Riverbend describes new years 2004 similar to a family reunion. We can see in her blogs how much she cares about her family. Although she is enjoying her time with her family; she cant ignore whats going on around them. They can still feel the blast that shook the whole area. Situations like that one make Riverbend aware of her reality. The reality that her country faces isn't changed with the arrival of a new year.

Mike Vinson's--Baghdad Burning Blog

Baghdad Burning Blog For Friday, April 30, 2004, “Those Pictures…”

Description: Riverbend described the mental anguish she experienced while the American military occupied Iraq. She felt that her fellow imprisoned Iraqi citizens had been intentionally mistreated by their American captors. In the back of Riverbend’s mind, the prisoner could be a family friend, a parent, a doctor, or a total stranger that would receive their subjugator’s angry wraith and were powerless to stop them. Additionally, she revealed her inner feelings of helplessness and outrage at a scandal that involved the American military’s inhumane treatment of Iraqi prisoners at an infamous prison outside Baghdad (258).

Example: To the embarrassment of the US Government officials and American Army generals, the American news media outlet ABC (American Broadcasting Corporation) and several Arabian television stations reported on horrific treatment of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers at the infamous Abu Ghraib Prison located in Baghdad, Iraq. Prior to the American invasion, this penal complex was used by Saddam Hussein to imprison, torture, and execute his political prisoners. After the Iraqi military forces were defeated in 2003, the Army used the Abu Ghraib top-security prison to imprison captured prisoners-of-war. American soldiers had done some of the following: starved prisoners, used military working dogs to intimate prisoners, took digital pictures of their prisoners in humiliating situations for their personal amusement, and American prison guards used “water board torture” to interrogate prisoners for American military intelligence gathering purposes. Instead of educating the American soldiers about the Geneva Convention, enforcing proper prisoner humane treatment procedures, and teaching Iraqi culture classes, the Army’s silence about the scandal, until it was announced by the press, fueled further Iraqi anger and outrage directed at the American occupation.

Reflection: Riverbend was furious when she heard about the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. Although she was quite upset, she continued to maintain her moderate views of America. Rather than calling for revenge attacks on the American forces, she documented the historical event perpetuated by their foreign military occupation. On behalf of the Iraqi prisoners, she sought to become their collective voice announcing their horrific treatment at the hands of the American captors and to increase the public’s awareness of prison’s illegal practices. When I read about the American forces’ scandal, I wondered why the Army’s chain-of-command tolerated their solders’ unethical behavior. As for President George W. Bush’s lack of actions, I perceived he condoned his troops’ actions. When I heard about the scandalous story in an ABC television news report in 2003, I felt anger and sense of powerlessness. Furthermore, I wanted those responsible officials to be held accountable for their actions. Even more so, I sought a cessation in the inhumane treatment of Iraqi prisoners. As for the American military service members in Iraq, I imagine each person worried about revenge suicide attacks by insurgents or being kidnapped by fanatical fundamentalists groups to be exploited for their religious and propaganda purposes. These reports of inhumane Iraqi inmate treatment may be used to justify retaliatory attacks upon US military installations, personnel, and sympathetic Iraqi civilians. Just because Riverbend is not able to immediately obtain justice against the American perpetrators does not mean that justice will not occur at a time in the future.

Works Cited
Riverbend. (2005). Baghdad Burning. New York, NY: The Feminist Press.

A suggestion for Reflections Exercise

If anyone has a "writer's block" with the assignment, then consider going to the Writing Center at the main campus. I use the Writing Center frequently to review and critique my assignments. The tutors offer meaningful advice or suggest new web sites that improve the quality of writing. Don't worry about paying for the service: it is already included in the course tuition you pay for.
Mike

Mike's final comments

Well, we had our last "official" class today. We have shared our views, experiences, and feelings with all on very diverse issues. As the only male student, I offered one perspective of many that builds upon the views, perspectives, and feelings of others.

Of all the classes I have taken so far at UCF, this is the first course where the teacher knew my name and took an active interest in me. With other instructors, I am a body in the classroom for the semester and have little knowledge, save for the teacher's expertise, that I learn about the facilitator.

Additionally, I did new activities that I had not previously considered such as the "Gender Busting" exercise. Getting to write the experience was exciting as well as expanding my perspectives.

I wish everyone success in their professional, social, and private pursuits

Regards,
Mike

My WISH TO MY STUDENTS-

• This is my wish to you ALLA-

In this life journey “being a woman” is defined by only you. Embrace all the aspects of your gender, mind and body. Understand that others might not follow your lead all the time but remember that you can and should lead your own life every day.

• This is my wish to you MICHAELA-

Every conversation, every decision of your day is seen through the eyes of gender.
I hope this class gave you strength, empowerment and resolution to be you and only you. Continue living life to the fullest and experimenting with motherhood. Enjoy all life can bring to you and the choices you have as an intelligent, capable and strong woman.


• This is my wish to you WANDA-

Although I know you are strong I also know you are living in two worlds every day. I hope your strength moves other Latinas to understand the beauty of loving self before loving another person. I trust this class gave you a glimpse of many other alternatives and possibilities. Use your intellect, strength and conviction in everything you do.

• This is my wish to you NICOLE-

I think your sense of pride and bravery is outstanding. Every day is a different challenge in a gender busting society. Keep your ground and stay strong. I hope you continue your journey knowing that being a woman is a complex and exciting proposition.


• This is my wish to you MIKE-

In this world of oppression and solitude your presence in class brought a ray of hope for the rest of men out there. I hope the readings and the discussion made you more aware of how complicated and beautiful is to be a woman. My wish for you is to live by example as a feminist.

• This is my wish to you DEANDRA-

I hope you explore life to its fullest potential. Discover other stories and realities in our society. All the experiences you started in this class can continue out of the classroom. Enjoy being a young, strong and intelligent women, who can think and decide by herself.

Mid-term test successful????

While everyone in the class wrote diligently answering our mid-term questions, we wrote as many answers as possible in the alloted time. Should we be using Microsoft Word next time to answer the questions? That way, I can type much faster. We would also save some paper as well.

Gender-based wage disparaties

In seeking to rectify gender-based wage disparities, faculty rely mainly on two federal laws: the Equal Pay Act (EPA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Executive Order 11246, which President Lyndon Johnson issued in 1965, also prohibits discrimination by federal contractors, which includes many colleges and universities. In addition, many states and some localities have antidiscrimination laws and "baby" EPAs.

The EPA bars gender discrimination in wages, requiring equal pay for equal or "substantially similar" work in public and private institutions. To establish a claim, a professor must prove that a university or college pays a higher salary to a colleague of the opposite sex for performing work that is, as the U.S. Supreme Court has explained, equal in "skill, effort, and responsibility, and which [is] performed under similar working conditions." At the same time, the law allows for salary differences between women and men based on a number of "affirmative defenses," including merit, seniority, and factors "other than sex."

Title VII protects individuals from discrimination by an employer, including most colleges and universities, on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or religion. The law specifically prohibits discrimination "against any individual with respect to his compensation . . . because of such individual’s . . . sex." The U.S. Supreme Court has explained that Title VII bars "not only overt discrimination, but also practices that are fair in form, but discriminatory in operation." The Bennett Amendment to Title VII incorporates the EPA’s affirmative defenses into Title VII’s prohibition against wage discrimination based on gender.

Recent litigation brought under these laws has highlighted the challenges involved in achieving salary equity in higher education. To whom, for example, is an allegedly underpaid female professor to compare herself? What is the proper role of market forces in setting salaries? Can merit-pay and promotion systems be "infected" with gender discrimination? Are public colleges and universities "immune" from claims by individual professors under federal antidiscrimination laws? When might "reverse discrimination" claims by male professors lead to salary-equity adjustments?

Mike Vinson's Assignment--Quitting Smoking Article

Mike Vinson's Assignment--Quitting Smoking Article

Some of Patricia Nicholson's main points are dealing with tabacco and various methods of quitting smoking. Tabacco, which is used in cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos, is a highly addictive substance. As a result of the dopamine "rush," which comes from smoking, the smoker experiences a short-term sense of pleasure and calm. Rather than continue to experience a prolonged period of calm after smoking ends, the user is likely to be irritable, may have an increase in appetite, and or could have difficulty focusing.

To address the unwanted side effects and increase chances of successful tabacco withdrawal, the article offers several suggestions available to the consumer. An end user may consider using some of the following: nicotine patches and gums; nicotine inhalers; lozenges; and nasal sprays. Along with using the nicotine replacement products readily available for doctors, local department stores, and internet web sites, a person increases the chances of success when using a support group.

An astute reader notices that Nicholson's article is gender neutral. I feel this is a weakness, especially since this information is posted on a women's health web site. Additionally, Nicholson says that "almost five million Canadians are smokers"; however, she fails to break down the figures of women and men. Men and women should be included because this information is beneficial for both genders struggling with tabacco addiction.

Recently, I talked to my 65 year old mother named Beate who has been smoking most of her life. When I told her about the prescription drugs Zyban and Champix to help her stop smoking, she ignored my advice. "I can quit anytime I want to," or "I do not smoke that much," responds my mother. I felt the effort to inform and persuade was futile. Although I am frustrated and disappointed with her indifference, her subsequent actions show the strong addictive nature of tabacco she struggles with.

Although not all of them apply to my mom, there are some suggestions for a smoker to consider along with prescription medications and support groups. The committed person can turn to a group physical exercise program such as step aerobics, yoga, or dance lessons to focus attention on fitness rather than smoking. Rather than concentrating on the next use of tabacco, another option to consider is to use a personal trainer while lifting weights at a local gym. Along with physical exercise, a person can also explore alternative medicinal means such as acupuncture, acupressure, meditation, or natural remedies, an individual may experience relief without unwanted side effects. An additional consideration is to enroll at a local community college or public university to expand a person's knowledge about tabacco's adverse effects. Lastly, one can investigate the opportunity of consulting a professional mental health specialist to increase chances of smoking cessation.

By discussing my mom's struggle with tabacco addiction, it is my hope that she and others will benefit from the suggestions presented to stop smoking.

Works Cited

Nicholson, Patricia. Butting Out: Help is Available for Smokers Who Want to Quit. Women's Health Matters Network. 28 May 2010. Web. 7 Jun 2010.

Women's Health Homework

Women’s Health Homework

· Students please go to http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/

1. Smokers who want to quit at http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/resources/show_res.cfm?ID=44036

2. Sleep apnea at http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/resources/show_res.cfm?ID=44030

3. Mindful eating at http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/resources/show_res.cfm?ID=44028

4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome at http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/resources/show_res.cfm?ID=44027

5. High Blood Pressure at http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/resources/show_res.cfm?ID=44024

6. Heart Disease at http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/resources/show_res.cfm?ID=44023

7. Menopause at http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/resources/show_res.cfm?ID=44018

8. Promoting Pap Tests for Queer Women and Trans Men at http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/resources/show_res.cfm?id=44012

9. Domestic Abuse look out at http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/resources/show_res.cfm?ID=44006

10. Why men matter preventing abuse against women at http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/resources/show_res.cfm?ID=44001

Instructions-

· Please read one feature article from the above list.

· Discuss main points

· Discuss any possible recommendations or solutions given in the article

· Share the information with someone you think needs to hear this message: Give name, age and relationship to you.

· Discuss your observations about sharing this information-

· This exercise should take one page

· Post your assignment on our blog

Mike's suggestion

If you want a second opinion about a written assignment before posting it to the blog, then consider visiting the Writing Center. They will give helpful feedback on the story. I use the writing center on a regular basis.
Mike

The Outrageous Act as Gender Busting Wanda M.

My outrages act was to attend lunch on Saturday afternoon with my girlfriends, dressed in a manner that is not typical of me. I will not be caught dead in publc with my friends without makeup and underdressed. I guess as a hispanic woman I have been thought to dress my best and dress to impress. Dressing up to be the contrary of who I am was outrages not only to my friends but to myself as well. I was challenging the stereotype that in social situations females are supposed to always be presentable and dressed beautiful. The setting of my act is the Cheesecake Factory and the audience was 3 of my girlsfrinds from childhood. As I got ready or therefore "lack of getting ready", I was expecting my friends to be shocked and confused about my appearance. I learned that I am very femine and very concerned about what people think when it comes to my appearance. This act of being "bummy" out in public brought out very intense feelings such as my lack of self esteem. A lot of old feelings surfaced, these feelings dealt with insecurities about my outward appearance. My friends looked confused when they saw me. They of course were dressed nice and had makeup on. They kept on asking me why I was looking so "casual". I know they were trying to be nice. In a nice way they were trying to say that I looked like a bum. I learned about myself and my friends. I learned that my outer appearance does affect my mood and self worth. I carry myself differently when I feel "pretty". I am more confident and secure when I look my best. As a feminist I know that my self worth is not based on how I look or what im wearing but its also hard to deny the influence our society and culture has on our persona. My friends were shocked to say the least. Although they were shocked I learned that they still love me and enjoy my company regardless of that im wearing. Most importantly I learned that gender stereo types are hard to ignore. As much as I know who I am and can finally say that I am proud of the woman Ive become, gender stereo types are still part of out lives. I am a feminist and still struggle with gender stereo types. One might say, "you're affected by gender stereotypes because your not a true feminist". That is not the case at all. I am just a feminist who lives in a world and society that needs to change. That is what I learned, there is nothing wrong with me or my feminist views on gender, its just the society we live in that needs to change.

Advertising Analysis Assignment

One can easily figure out what type of product is being sold, teen's magazine. Seventeen magazine is a very well known and popular teen magazine in the United States. The advertisers are trying to promote a "happy"feeling or appeal by casting a beautiful female on the cover. The advertisers are trying to appeal to teenage girls by emphasizing on body image topics. The appeal of the cover of this product is intended for young girls who might struggle with self- esteem and therefore look up to beautiful actresses such as the one on the cover who seems to be "perfect". The famous actress affects the interpretation of the ad. She represents what is "beautiful" in America which still is white, blue eyes & blond. She appeals to the majority of teen girls who read the magazine because they aspire to be what is considered beautiful in this country. If the actress was of a different race or gender she wouldnt appeal as much to the teen fan base. Why is that? That is based on the stereotype of what beauty is in this country. Women of color or ethnic women are not the majority and seen as too exotic. Women who arent white do not fit the "mold" society has constructed over many years. Gender also comes into play. A young guy wouldnt appeal to teen girls because of socialization. Boys aren't supposed to worry about body image or clothes. At least that's what our society tells us. Therefore a young guy would not market or appeal well to young females. The add grabs the readers attention by making the beautiful actress the center point of the magazine. The young actress is the focus of the magazine. The magazine also displays bold and bright text. Those bright text are used to catch the readers attention and make the reader ponder on whats inside the magazine. The bold text in a way is a teaser to the reader, the reader wants to know more. I do not feel this product is aimed towards myself. This product is aimed at young teen girls between the ages of 12 to 15. Also the magazine targets the majority in this country. In this case the majority is white teenage girls.
This ad is significant because of its impact on young girls and their self image. The author, Jean Kilbourne touches on this very subject in the article, "The More you Subtract the More you add". She acknowledges how we live in a society that values woman based on their body. We live in a society that believes that woman most always look beautiful. At a young age girls are given mostly compliments on the way they look. For example, "well isnt she beautiful". While boys are praised and complimented on other attributes such as, "he is so smart". Therefore from a young age girls are being constantly feed the message that their importance is superficial. Kilbourne states, "Primarily girls are told by advertisers that what is most important about them is their perfume, clothing, bodies, & their beauty" (Kilbourne, 232). We see these types of messages over and over again in the media. The message that women are only as good as they look. Society continues to embed in our young girls that women are supposed to be just beautiful beings and nothing more. Its time that this message changes and our society accepts how we damage our own future, that is teen girls.

Misc Comments from Mike

Nicole, I enjoyed your lecture. As a result of your lecture today, I can see how your feminist studies courses and philosphy will make you successful in the future. You raise issues, as well as ask tough questions, that make one reflect upon one's views, beliefs, and perspective. By facing the challenges, we grow from the encounters.

Alla, congratulations on your part time job. I am happy that you received a job offer. Sounds like you have a good work environment. Of course, you will learn more while on the job and will meet new people.

Mike

Friendly reminder about assignments

Remember to post your assignments by the expected due dates. If the assignment is posted late, then the teacher will penalize you. We enjoy our lectures, discussions, and learning from each other; however, we also need to meet our deadlines.

I want all to receive good grades in this course.
Mike

Advertising Analysis Assignment

This Victoria Secret as portrays the message of “thin is in” while also perpetuating the societal construction of womyn as submissive but overtly sexualized. In the essay “The More You Subtract, the More You Add,” Kilbourne deconstructs the effect of mass media on grrls and womyn to demonstrate how womyn adopt these patriarchal ideals of femininity. “They must be overtly sexy and attractive but essentially passive and virginal” (Kilbourne, 232). Also, this ad is focused towards womyn who need to appear thin to exert attention from others. But the effect this has on young womyn is to try dieting to match such impossible thinness. At least a third of grrls that are between the ages of twelve and thirteen are starting diets to lose weight because of what mass media depicts as a “womyn” (Kilbourne, 233).

Victoria Secret is a hot commodity when it comes to what womyn should appear like. This ad presents a message that is ridiculously absurd by showing womyn that thinness is always good. One hardly sees “plus” size models wearing Victoria Secret’s lingerie, bathing suits, underwear, etc. Also, the ad is mostly aimed at white wealthy womyn who have the access to spend the money on such revealing clothing. For example, this bathing suit is forty-three dollars and hardly uses any material. At this point the question lies in, “what exactly am I paying for?” Thus, the mannerisms of the model intertwine with the nature/cost of the bathing suit in how she seems submissive by bowing her head, turning away from the camera, but is slowly taking the bathing suit off. This ad perpetuates sexuality norms for womyn by the model playing coy while always seeming to be sexually ready. It solidifies the message that womyn may say no to men but there is a possibility that she is just being coy, shy which leads to womyn being sexually assaulted and/or raped.

The product that is being sold is easily identifiable (for once) because of the beach scene behind the model. I believe though if the beach was not somewhere in this picture I would have no idea what was being sold because it could be the jewelry on her wrist or her hair color or skin bronzer. The general mood of the ad demonstrates “fun in the sun.” Any ad that has a serene landscape of a beach in the background always makes the audience (well, at least me) happy and clam, almost as if one is at peace by the beach. My interpretation of the ad is that this bathing suit is particularly made for wealthy white womyn who has the time to be poolside or at the beach. If a womyn of color were the model, I believe my interpretation may be even more skewed. For instance, the way womyn of color are depicted in mass media makes them, womyn of color, appear socialized by Western, or Greek, aesthetics especially pertaining to hair. I would be even more skeptical at who the commercial’s audience was if they added a womyn of color. I believe this ad aesthetically appeals to the audience by the beautiful ocean backdrop provided. It may also be the case that this ad is appealing because of the eloquence the model has in correspondence to the backdrop. This ad most definitely appeals to the rich/middle class of white womyn who are within the age range of 18-24. This is demonstrated by the “youngness” the model exemplifies. Also, I deem the ad’s audience is white middle/wealthy class womyn because the landscape backdrop offers to the audience that the model is on a boat near a sandbar. Not most individuals of color have the luxury of being on a boat, or being on a boat out by a gorgeous sandbar. The ad would definitely not be just as effective if it was just black and white text on the screen. Society, Americans, is obsessed with taking the easy road out. My observations show that people rather look at pictures as opposed to reading text. Thus, there message (in black and white) would not sell the product if Victoria Secret did not have a model to show their product. The fashion industry relies heavily on pictorial messages rather than textual ones for making money.