I'm looking through CNN.com's top news stories over the weekend and among the most notable articles is the two year anniversary of hurricane Katrina. Please take a few minutes to visit the site, read some articles, view some photos and videos, and follow some links.The difficult situation that the people of the gulf coast are faced with is one example (among many) how our lack of unity as a society contributes to our suffering. And I think that it is would be worthwhile to examine how issues of race and ethnicity, economic and social class, education, and financial viability have influenced the treatment of this situation by the government, the media, and the individuals involved.
Our society is divided along so many lines. Just think about how we divide ourselves in regards to race and ethnicity, political affiliation, economic class, religion, sexual orientation, gender roles, age, education, physical appearance and ability, and issues like the war in Iraq, the war on terror, immigration, health care, gun ownership, abortion, gay marriage, the death penalty, affirmative action, the environment etc, etc, etc.
Some of these divisions are acceptable, promote diversity, and allow for democracy. However, some divisions lead to oppression and violence, and those are the divisions we're going to focus on confronting in the course. I think that we have an obligation to seek for ways in which we can overcome oppressive practices and perspectives and promote unity (while maintaining our diversity).
Here's a fun example.
So, our friend from The Daily Show (which even if you don't enjoy it's political satire, you've got to admit that it can be funny) points out the damage that this particular division is doing to our nation. The problem isn't our contrasting opinions, but rather it's the polarization and oversimplification of political perspectives. John Stewart acknowledges how the media emphasizes and capitalizes on this division. And while The Daily Show may poke fun at political figures and their actions (some more than others), when we see this food-fight-like exchange going on on legitimate news channels and in the actual debates leading up to the presidential primaries, I think there's reason for concern.
Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality
Now, I want the class to be open to addressing all of these divisions, but we are going to emphasize the oppression associated with issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Let's follow some links and check out the definitions of these terms. (Don't skip the links, because its essential that you understand these foundational terms).
Check out the second set of definitions for the term race.
I think all of the definitions of class are helpful in understanding the term and its implications.
Now, check out the explanations for the term gender. Notice how gender, while associated with sex (male/female) and sexual orientation (heterosexual/homosexual/bisexual), is different from these classifications.
And finally the term sexuality, by which we mean sexual orientation.
Now, if you haven't already read Lynn Weber's article on approaching RCGS studies, please read it. Weber discusses at length the importance of cultural studies and she provides 6 points that are really helpful in understanding these issues. (You're going to briefly discuss these points in this week's quiz.)
Remember, though, that while we want to address the oppression present in our society, we must acknowledge the complexity of the issues. Weber is sure to point out how each of us are implicated in these oppressive relationships: "Having students address the simultaneity of race, class, gender, and sexuality can help them to understand that there are no pure oppressors nor oppressed people, and that each of them must reflect on their own privilege as well as on their experiences of oppression. They cannot deny their privilege or claim absolute victim status."
Now these are pretty radical concepts we're discussing (and I mean that both in the Ninja Turtle "radical"-as-"awesome"-sense, as well as the political "radical"-as-"revolutionary"-sense). We're talking about challenging some assumptions and practices and perspectives that lie beneath the surface of our society, and that's a seriously important, difficult task.
Check out what Princeton professor Dr. Cornel West has to say about this task.
"...to leave the world just a little bit better than it was when they entered." That's what we're talking about.
Althusser and Ideology
"...the catastrophic and the monstrous, the scandalous, the traumatic that are often hidden and concealed in the deodorized and manicured discourses of the mainstream." That's what Althusser is talking about.
Louis Althusser is working in the Marxist theoretical tradition, so its helpful to understand a bit of Marx's ideas. Karl Marx was confronted by the division of economic and social class that occurred in Europe during the industrial revolution (the proletariat the bourgeois, and the aristocrats.
In this system of early capitalism, the laborers were reduced to "productive forces" whose sole purpose was to maintain the "material conditions of production" (they were valued not as human beings, but according to their ability to work and guarantee economic progress to the upper class).
However, Marx points out, and Althusser further emphasizes, that in order for these "relations of production" to be maintained, the laborers must be unwilling or unable to challenge their oppressors. So, status quo is maintained by what Althusser terms as Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) and Repressive State Apparatuses (RSAs). (You can find the definitions for these terms in the reading).
Since you've read the article, watch this clip from The Matrix and see if you can determine how this theory proposed by Althusser applies (in a metaphorical sense) to the film's narrative.
Oppressors providing a perceived reality to the oppressed, so that the status quo can be maintained (think ISA). This perception is enforced through violent actions of the "agents" (think RSA). The film has some real application to the issues that we're dealing with.
So, we're taking the red pill, and we're going to see how societally accepted ideologies may perpetuate oppressive relationships. And we're going to examine how American cinema (one big freakin' ISA) plays a part in our perception of these issues.
Next week, we're going to address stereotypes in film. So, we'll discuss how films' often oversimplify and misrepresent cultural groups in their representations of characters. Hopefully, as you complete the assigned readings, reflect on the points brought up here, and begin to write your Filmic Experience paper you can start connecting some dots: the powerful influence film (and the media, in general) is in our lives; the oppression that continues to occur in our society today; and the opportunity we have to confront these issues in real, even revolutionary ways.
Here's a clip from V for Vendetta that could serve as this class's metaphorical "call to arms."
Assignment
Find an article from a legitimate news source (like Katrina articles I posted) that you feel demonstrates a division along lines of race, class, gender, or sexuality in our society. Read the article carefully, 1) create a link to the site* and in a paragraph or two 2) summarize the article and 3) discuss how the article demonstrates an issue we'll approach in the course. The post is due Friday night at 12. No late posts will be accepted.
*You're going to learn some basic Html in this activity. So, visit this link to Blogger help and read the part that says "Here's an example scenario." If you have any questions, email me.
Quiz 1
Discuss the 6 points of Lynn Weber's conceptual framework for addressing issues of race, class, gender and sexuality. Email your quiz response to jmarmston@gmail.com by Friday night at 12. No late quizzes will be accepted.
28 comments:
Iowa gay marriage applications halted
Article.
It seems as if gay couples are struggling to unite more and more everyday. This article tells about a bitter sweet moment in the gay marriage struggle. In Iowa, there was a small margin of time where two gay men were allowed to be legally married because the judge ordered for gay marriages to be accepted. Many other couples were excited when they heard of this opportunity because it was finally their chance to be united and to receive the same rights as a normal couple.
Unfortunately, an hour and half after the judge ordered this, the order was to be sent to the Iowa Supreme Court for reviewing. This pending decision disappointed many but some feel as if it is the right thing to do. Also, it was the judge in Polk County only that declared this order and the whole state of Iowa became concerned. Some people argue that the constitution states that marriage is a legal bind between a man and woman only and there should be no fight to change what is written. Some believe that gay couples already function as legal partners and only want to be married to receive rights. This is a very controversial issue and other states , like Massachusetts have taken action and allowed gay marriage.
The issue of gay marriage is a very unfortunate one because our society is pressured to be a certain way. Many of the issues that were not present or known of in the past are looked down upon today. People believe that a legal marriage is only supposed to be between a man and a woman because it says so in the constitution. Yes, the constitution is the legal base on how our society functions and lives by, but it does not mean what was written back then should totally influence today, things change. Our society is apparent in the films of today. Many films that contain anything along the lines of homosexual topics are deemed highly controversial. Some people will think that the film is brilliant because someone is finally speaking out on an important issue. Some will choose not to see it and criticize the film as if it is a disgrace to society. Many of the films today thrive off of controversial topics and many producers believe that these topics should be a part of the American public. In this course there will be many times when we will observe films that are controversial and it is our job to subtly criticize and respect the films.
1st female Beefeater at Tower of London
Just this year, Moira Cameron became one of only 37 members to join the ranks of the Yeoman Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London—more affectionately known as Beefeaters—making her the first woman in the 522 years of existence of the guard. A respected job of prestige, Moira met the 22 year army service requirement for the job and has already mastered the Ceremony of the Keys, the nightly locking-up ritual, and has won over the respect of not only her fellow Warders, but also of numerous tourists.
The deeply historic site is home to Britain’s Crown Jewels. In its past it served as a coronation site, prison to many infamous persons, including Hitler’s deputy Rudolf Hess, and the beheading site of two of Henry VIII’s wives. Founded in 1485, there was never any formal ban on female beefeaters, mentioned not to belittle Moira’s achievement, for she beat out five other males who applied for the opening.
This article is relevant to the course because it charmingly exposes the way in which the social constructs of our traditional thought, the status quo, is constantly challenged by subordinate, or rather, oppressed groups of society. These challenges in turn direct our society towards a more unified and accepting view of the world.
Andrew Fox
Bishop nixes Trinity Prep play
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/education/orl-play0107sep01,0,2822707.story
As I was looking through my local paper I came across an article that was about my former high school. Trinity Preparatory School, which is a small private Episcopal school in Orlando was going to perform the play "La Cage Aux Folles" at the school's auditorium. This play premiered on Broadway in 1983 and features "a gay couple and actors dressed in drag." This play also turned into the movie Birdcage, which starred Robin Williams. The director of the performance Janine Papin, choose this award winning play so she could give a challenge to her excellent drama students.
Bishop John Howe, who is head of Diocese of Central Florida read about this play in the news paper and then contacted Trinity Prep's headmaster, Craig Maughan and told him that this play was inappropriate due to its sexual orientation. In the past Howe has been opposed to supporting gay rights such as appointing a gay Bishop and same sex marriages.
The cast was told that the play would not be preformed on Friday, hours before the production was scheduled to premier. Many people where shocked when the play was cancelled due to the contents, which are not really sexual. The members of the play are hoping that they will be able to perform the play at an off-campus location.
The issue of gay sexual orientation is a hot topic theses days as more and more people are becoming openly gay and as citizens of the US they too should have the same rights as others. People such as John Howe disagree with gay rights because of something that was written in the bible thousands of years ago. They do not accept the fact that over time society changes and that they too should be open minded to adapt to the changes. To help evoke these changes in society film makers produce controversial pieces that speak their mind.
In this Multicultural film course we will see many movies that are controversial topics. We should be open minded to each of the films, because in this class we are supposed to elaborate and get the purpose of the film and not judge the film to society's norms.
Finally, I think this article fits perfect to this class beucase there will be films viewed during this semester that might be controversial to some groups, but are fine to others.
Dustin Snipes
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20625369/
I wanted my post to deal with racism, because in society in 2007 it is ridiculous that racism still exists in the first place. The article I read has to deal with there overbearing country of Mexico and the U.S. allowing them to have a new program where up to 100 Mexican companies trucking all over the United States. American Truckers are already protesting at border stops in Texas and California.
My question to the truckers is why? Are you scared of unsafe products? Poor driving. Maybe having to pay attention in that Spanish class you took in high school. I know they cannot be worried about losing work because THE TRUCKS ARE COMING FROM MEXICO. The true issue to me is racism and these truckers are threatened by this new program. There should be no reason to. I don't remember the last time I heard of an unsafe product, but I do remember there being one with toys from China. Why aren't you up in arms about this? NAFTA is there for a reason and I hope it's just not to save money. As long as the United States regulates this properly all parties should be fine. I'm sure racism like this will come up plenty of times in this class, specially in Malcolm X.
'I'm a Girl' --
Understanding Transgender Children
Article
This article is about a young girl named Jazz who was born with a penis. However, she is internally a female. Since she could speak, Jazz had preferred a feminine lifestyle. When confronted by her parents as to why this was, she swore that her penis was a "mistake" and that she was really a girl.
Many children are born with this condition every year, and they live uncomfortable in their own skin until they reach an age when they may make the change themselves. Luckily for Jazz, after testing and much talk with Jazz, her parents chose to allow her to be raised as a girl until she may eventually have a sexual reassignment surgery.
I found this story interesting and relevant for two reasons. For one, I was lucky enough to have Jazz as one of my campers and students this past Summer at a theater camp I worked at. I myself wrestled with the concept of a child making this great a decision.
In addition, many films from other cultures as well as our own have tackled the subject of gender confusion. Some notable ones are Boys Don't Cry (Kimberly Peirce, 1999) and Taafé Fanga (Adama Drabo, 1997).
Germany considers increased spying on Muslims
In short, this article leads into the idea of government using race to substantiate internet spying.
In Germany, three Muslim men were arrested as part of their terrorism crackdown. Several other members are also being hunted down by German authorities. The men arrested were making a bomb and living off of government payroll, as they were unemployed. What scares Germany is that the men arrested converted to Islam, and were not born into the religion, and also have German names, living in the country their whole life. The stereotypical bearded, tan-skinned terrorist is becoming less and less true, making it increasingly hard to target potential "homegrown" terrorists.
Germany is proposing that a law be passed allowing all citizens that have converted to Islam have their internet access closely monitored. Now, I feel like this threat has caused voters and lawmakers to take another step closer to allowing this "spying", as the article depicts, to become legal, and I can't say that I blame them, even though this would mean that only Muslims were having their rights infringed upon. I do believe in the greater good and in the ability to stop evil before it makes a move even if a FEW civil liberties are stepped on to make that happen.
Race comes up in a child sex scandal
Here’s the article..
Basically the problem is that two female teachers from Laurens, S.C. The teachers, Wendie Ann Schweikert, and Alenna Williams Ward are both Caucasian teachers and both of them have been charged with having sexual relations with their students. Schweikert taught at the local elementary school, and she is accused of assaulting an 11-year-old boy both on and off the school’s campus. Williams Ward on the other hand, accursedly had relations with at least 5 boys between the ages of 14 and 15. Both were released from jail on bail and are waiting to stand trial for their actions.
Now the question of race comes in because of two issues. First of all, every single one of the boys in question was African-American. This issue was brought up by the local Laurens County minister. He said that he was urged to speak up by one of the victim’s families. Also, the minister said that if the teachers had been black they would still be in jail. This brings up the question of race making there a double standard in society.
I think that the article was a good one because it not only discussed the very prevalent issue of racism in our society, but also it brought up a topic that is not usually talked about very often in the public eye, sexual predators or taking advantage of minors. I think that even though we as an audience may be very opinionated about some of these topics such as racism and sexual predators, but regardless of that we must understand they are tools used in films in order to accomplish a certain goal. For instance in Mystic River, one of the main characters was victim of sexual harassment and throughout the movie, regardless of ones’ own opinion on the matter, the emotions it evoked were pivotal to the message of the film. So all in all this article was important for our film class because we must be able to face these type of issues and be able to extract from them the thematic elements and their purpose within the film and not necessarily whether they are right or wrong or whether they fit into society or not.
Gay Marriage
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/15/politics/animal/main2935044.shtml?source=search_story
This article states that gay rights is one of the largest growing issues in our country. In our society today, we have many gay icons such as Ellen Degeneres, and she is widely accepted in our culture. Also reality tv is crawling with gay cast members. I'm sure all of us have gay friends... I know I have quite a few just from being involved in the pageant industry. So why are we still trying to seperate ourselves from them and their lives from ours?
In the entertainment industry, like I said, there are so many widely accepted gays. Reality tv, talk shows, and movies have all either portrayed some aspect of gay life or starred gay celebrities. So why do people act like this is such a big deal and that it's so shocking to see gays on tv? Two of my favorite movies of all time, The Birdcage and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, are based on homosexuality. It's everywhere, and we are going to come across movies/shows that have these issues in them. We should try to realize that just because they are different to us, we may just be different to them.
USA TODAY
This article is confronting the issue of race. Its main focus is showing how today’s youth has more diverse relationships and friendships with the peers. It explains how “Generation Millennial”, the generation after Generation X, has grown up in a growing community with much more diversity in regards to race. The article starts off by showing a picture of three kids, one which is a black student, a white student, and a Hispanic student. The Hispanic man and the black female are dating. This is proof to how the new generation, Generation Millennial, has a much different perspective on how they look at people of a different race. Not only are kids from all over the world and different races forming friendships, but now there are a numerous amounts of interracial relationships. Interracial relationships are relationships between two people of a different race.
This article demonstrates how race is an issue in the U.S. today. Many of our parents and grandparents were raised to disassociate with people of other races. People of their generation did not even have friends of other colors. My grandparents are from Kentucky and they never even spoke to a black person until they were full grown. This was many years ago remind you. Today, friendships among different races are just the normal way of life. I have many friends of different races. Hell, I’d even date some of these sexy FSU black beauties. (but, that’s off subject haha) I believe this article is very informing and correct on how today’s generation is forming a new era where people of all races interact and commute on a daily basis.
Duke Lacrosse Rape Allegations
Article
My article deals with the Duke Lacrosse Rape allegations. Members of the Duke Lacrosse team were accused in 2006 of alleging raping an African-American stripper and a party. The team and school were both heavily criticized for their response to the investigation and soured the relationship between the university and its hosting town of Durham. Many at the time considered in an example of wealthy upper class athletes being protected from prosecution by the law. While the allegations would later prove to be false and the lead prosecutor in turn would be found guilty of contempt of court and disbarred, much of the public at the time followed the case convinced that the players were guilty.
The Duke Lacrosse Rape allegations brought to light underlying tension in the local community at a class and race level. The lacrosse players accused were white and mostly came from well-to-do families. Duke also is an Ivy League school and like many Ivy League schools stereotyped as catering to wealthy upper class families. The alleged victim was African American and a stripper, a position normally associated with lower class. The status of the alleged victim and the accused created a scenario of white upper class abusing someone that was African American and lower class.
Many films have been made in which class and race serve an important a part in their plot. The theme of class differences often seems to be explored in film through ‘Cinderella’ type stories of a person from a lower station falling in love with a person of higher but also come in many other forms. Race differences often are taken more seriously through films like “Mississippi Burning”, pieces set in a certain time period when racism was more blatantly present but can also be used to reflect on prejudices still in society to this day.
Article
As the democratic candidates saturate themselves in debates of all sorts, one such event stood out as a little different. It was a forum on gay rights. Most of the democratic candidates including Hilary Clinton and Obama stated they were against gay marriage while being for civil unions. An interesting poll result was also given in the article, “A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll released Thursday found that a majority of Americans -- 57 percent -- oppose same-sex marriage. Forty-three percent oppose both same-sex marriage and civil unions, which offer most or some of the protections and benefits of marriage.” Many of the candidates such as Edwards and Hilary also stated that the reason they are against same sex marriage is because of personal reasons. However Edwards also stated during the forum that it was a mistake for him to say that his reasons were religious in nature.
In this article we see many things that are notable to this course. One is the polarization of views in media. We have the division of sexuality between straights and gays, and the differences presented between civil unions and marriage. We can see“oppression” towards the rights our country wishes to grant between people of different sexual orientation. We also see how these views are presented to the American people through television and media, and how this media may trickle down through different outlets including internet to find its way to American viewers and consumers, (Daily Show, Colbert Report for me : )
~Matthew Neal
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/05/12/coakley_to_fight_for_gay_marriage/
This article is about attorney general Martha Coakley's efforts to stop a ban on gay marriage in the state of Massachusetts. The state was contemplating allowing voters to decide whether or not gay marriages should be banned.
Coakley made it quite apparant that if voters were to support a ban, she would back the efforts of anyone who tried to fight the decision. She discussed the ban of same sex adoption by the Catholic church and make it clear that the only ones hurt by this decision are the children who miss out on loving families.
This article falls under the main concerns of this week's reading because our society as a whole cannot be comfortable accepting sexuality that is not the "norm." Although same sex families would provide safe, loving homes to children who need them, the fact that it is not considered okay to be homosexual, both the couples and the innocent children are suffering. Until society can appreciate and accept people for who they are, nothing is going to get any better.
Hey, I just wanted to praise those of you who have posted articles and comments this week. Your articles are interesting and applicative to our discussion. Your comments are informed. You are doing a great job. And remember to create a hotlink, not just post a web address.
Bullard:Green issue is black and white
article
Robert Bullard is a professor at Clark Atlanta University. While surveying waste facilities, he found that the surrounding neighborhoods had a form of discrimination. Many poor people live in the areas around landfills, waste facilities, and chemical plants. There are millions of minorities all over the United States that must live in these conditions because of discrimination and segregation.
Living in these areas cause many serious health problems including cancer, asthma, and others.
This article is relevant to this class because we will be seeing films that deal with all types of discrimination. This article also deals with problems that people must face daily, which is also something I think will be in some of the films we will be seeing.
House votes to cut Cherokee funding
Cherokee funding
An overall summary of this article is that federal funding for the Cherokee Indians will be cut. In a current vote on September 6, 2007, the house stated that if the Cherokee do not acknowledge their former slaves as tribal citizens, their annual funding of $30,000,000 will be cut.
This difference in social class dates back to the 1830’s when the Cherokee Indians were moved from the Southeast to their current domicile, in Oklahoma. They signed a treaty with the United States, stating that the freed slaves will be acknowledged as tribal members and would be able to claim federal funding. Until 1975, the freed slaves were considered tribal members until the tribe agreed to revoke their citizenship. In 2006, the freed slaves citizenship was restored, but on March 3 they were once again up on the chopping block.
The current issue with this is that 2,800 citizens will be removed from federal funding if this vote goes through. Although the Cherokee’s say that this is not a racial issue, it strongly seems as though it is. This shows the division between who is born into a society and who was pulled into it. Although the slaves were a part of the Cherokee civilization, now they are being told that because they are not true Indians they can not claim themselves as one.
In reality, this is an image of America. A huge melting pot of different ethnic backgrounds which forms one nation. If each person was told that they could not be an American because their ancestors were brought here on boats, then there would not be an America. In this class, we will look at race and the different stereotypes that follow along with it. This is often depicted in media as one ethnic group being better then the other. This course will shine light on how media broadcast the spectrum of race, gender, and sexuality through films.
Southwest airlines vs. outfit of college girl
Article
This article is about a twenty three year old college student who, when boarding a Southwest Airlines flight, was approached by an airline employee about the outfit in which she was wearing. They claimed her outfit was too "provocative and revealing." The girl had on a tank top with a sweater and a miniskirt. The employees ostrasized her and told her to go get something else to wear. The girl had to pull down her skirt, close her sweater, and wrap up in a blanket.She felt really embarrassed and humiliated by this.
The girl was wearing this outfit because of the heat outside. Southwest Airlines supported their employees decision and actions and claimed that they did the right thing.
This incident brings forth many different issues. One being the issue of gender. The women could not wear a tank top and miniskirt yet men can wear tank tops and beaters. If they are going to humiliate her for that then they should do it to both genders and should set forth a certain dresscode for which all persons need to follow. Also, this brings up the issue of sexuality. The girl was humiliated and called out because what she had on was what most would call "sexy." Should people ostrasize people for the way they dress? I believe that these issues and situations will come up throughout this class.
Green Issue is Black and White
article
Robert Bullard is a professor at Georgia's Clark Atlanta University, who is seen as a pioneer in environmental justice. In this article he speaks out against what he calls "institutional racism" Bullard cites that he has surveyed chemical plants, waste facilities, landfills, as well as smelters in the United States and they seem to share very similar locations. He sees that the neighborhoods that are so often found around waste faciilities are homes to people who have the least amount of resources to escape. Bullard goes on to say that these people face residential segregation, housing discrimination, and limited incomes, which keep them from leaving their polluted neighborhoods. His study also shows that the people that live in these neighborhoods are predominantly minorities. Pure facts prove this when the articles goes on to say "more than half of the 9 million people living within two miles of the nation's hazardous waste facilities are minorities". The article also shows that in these areas people have experienced abnormal health issues, such as elevated asthma rates and higher cancer rates.
This is unfortunate and it definitely is an issue to be dealt with. Waste facilities are a must for the human race to survive, but that does not mean that we can just put these waste facilities around minority communities because they have the least amount of resources to combat them. This is an issue of indrustries taking advantage of the lack of power minorities have in this country. These people are low income, they lack the resources to fight off these waste facilities, and more often than not their voices go unheard. This trend of waste facilities encompassing communites of minorities has to be examined and actions must be taken. This article dealt with both race and class issues with the minorites and low-come Americans being dumped on.
Affirmative Action
Ever since the founding of this nation racism has always been a prevalent issue. In the past it was always a problem of whites supressing other races and eventhough this is still around today, there are occasions when whites are the ones being discriminated against. Such is the case of one student who applied to the Havard Law School and two others who applied to the undergraduate school, all three of whom were rejected as a direct result of their being white. According to the school their rejection was a result of affirmative action. Admissions to the university relies on a points system where different aspects of an applicants application are given a certain number of points. Out of a total of 150 points possible 20 of those points are based on the race of the student, where a student will recieve more points if he or she is a minority. Personally I feel as though this is not the right way to do things. If an applicant does not meet the criteria for admission then that is it. Race is not a substitute for performance.
Accused 'Joked' After Gay Man's Killing
Article.
Three young men charged in the murder and attempted robbery of a gay man as a hate crime appeared in court today. The victim, Michael Sandy was targeted in an online chat room as an easy target to rob because he was gay. A fourth participant in the attack has plead guilty and agreed to testify against the other assailants. The attack ended with Sandy being struck by a car after fleeing from his attackers; he died a week later in the hospital. The fourth attacker will testify that the others bragged about their past exploits of robbing gay men and how the leader of the group joked about the way in which Sandy died.
After having read Weber's framework for RCGS studies, it is clear who the oppressed and the oppressor are. The dominant White male projective is still very much alive no matter how much those of us who are oppressed fight to earn our rights as equal citizens. Four young white men recognized a well known stereotype and preyed on it as if they were entitled to do as they pleased. It is stories like these that show the dire need for changes on the macro and micro levels of social structure.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/12/08/eveningnews/main659965.shtml
The Article I read was on racism in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The focus was on an african american Mississippi farmer named Eddie Cotton and his unfair treatment from the USDA. Eddie fought in WWII and the Korean War, but now Eddie and many other African Americans are fighting a war with the USDA. After 25 years of watching his white neighbors recieve loans from the USDA, and himself and many others get denied, Eddie and others believe it to be racism.
In 1999 Edie joined a historic cass action suit against the USDA. After the USDA admitted to unfair treatment of black farmers there was a landmark settlement that gave Eddie and others compensation. After many years Eddie is still trying to get his money, but with the repetitive legal paperwork and the bureaucratic bull the USDA is sending him it may never happen.
This aticle is relative to this course because it deals with timeless battle of racism in this country.
Racism has effected our society for centuries and still does today. It has shaped the world of cinema
we know today and will continue to shape it for years to come unless drastic personal changes are made within each and every one of us.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/12/08/eveningnews/main659965.shtml
im sorry i got a new mac three days ago, my link works before i publish it to the blog, but after it doesnt. im sorry ill figure it out for next week, its just ive never had a mac and there sooo different.
article
Gay Marraige
Article
This article states that gay rights is one of the largest growing issues in our country. In our society today, we have many gay icons such as Ellen Degeneres, and she is widely accepted in our culture. Also reality tv is crawling with gay cast members. I'm sure all of us have gay friends... I know I have quite a few just from being involved in the pageant industry. So why are we still trying to seperate ourselves from them and their lives from ours?
In the entertainment industry, like I said, there are so many widely accepted gays. Reality tv, talk shows, and movies have all either portrayed some aspect of gay life or starred gay celebrities. So why do people act like this is such a big deal and that it's so shocking to see gays on tv? Two of my favorite movies of all time, The Birdcage and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, are based on homosexuality. It's everywhere, and we are going to come across movies/shows that have these issues in them. We should try to realize that just because they are different to us, we may just be different to them.
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