Max

Hilary Clinton’s Makeup is a Thing?

 Posted by on Sun, 11/27 at 11:43pm  ideas  No Responses »
Nov 272016
 

In media there is a noticeable movement including women like Alicia Keys who have decided not to wear makeup to important pop culture events. This is a laudable ideal, for they often receive a copious amount of criticism for not appearing ‘looking their best’ for not wearing makeup. Many critics have complained that properly grooming themselves for their appearances is their job, or that these events require them to present themselves as if they are proud to be there—apparently the lack of mascara causes members of the press to forget about their talent that got them there. While I understand the importance of empowerment of personal beauty without additional paint, I feel that many people immediately judge an individual by their appearance… and that is exactly what the article from slate does.

I’m not going to elaborate that all the presidential hopefuls wore makeup, even the men. I would like to focus more on the fact that the writer of the article disses Clinton for wearing makeup during her campaign, then praises her for not wearing any for her speech. The writer is pontificating exactly what she attacks other reporters of doing. This brings to light that as a woman, Hilary Clinton cannot win. No woman can win. Makeup can be seen as empowerment in itself for women—it can literally be armor for them to face never-ending challenges to come. On the other hand, it can be seen as vanity or presenting themselves as something they are not. Honestly, maybe the women who do or don’t wear makeup just like the way it makes their face look—simply that. As a man, I don’t get criticized for having a beard. I don’t have it because I want to be perceived a particular way, or I’m because lazy. I just feel that my face looks weird without it.

Maybe Clinton just wasn’t feeling her foundation that day. Does the fact that she spoke for such a great cause without makeup make her seem more empowered? It’s a prevalent topic, and she has always been an advocate for children. The passion is hers. If she wore makeup would that have discredited her years of championing for children? If she was smoking during an anti-tobacco speech it would be news worthy. Makeup has nothing to do with the topic. It’s madness. This woman seems to creating a gap between women, opposed to allowing each woman to choose how they would like to present themselves.

Hilary Clinton’s Makeup is a Thing?

 Posted by on Sun, 11/27 at 11:40pm  reading  No Responses »
Nov 272016
 

Hilary Clinton’s Makeup is a Thing?

There was recently an article published on Slate, which explains the importance of Hilary Clinton not wearing make-up when giving a speech for the Children’s Defense Fund. The article explained that the prior presidential nominee was forced to walk a tightrope, to properly express her femininity while appearing to be a competent presidential hopeful. The article relates her lack of makeup to a more stern approach and not attempting to meet the expectations of potential voters and politicians. It was noted that she has been more harshly judged than her male counterpart and was often the target of sexist ideals. Headlines not only commented on her not smiling enough and even to what she was wearing.

With her recent appearance was hailed for appearing as a natural woman that was properly expressing her age who was impassioned and keen on the issues at hand. Her appearance was seen as a pivotal change in not only her appearance, but gave the writer a reminiscent glean of her realness in relation to prior issues and speeches she has made.  The writer applauded her powerful speech and her ability to bring attention to important issues at hand.

Summer Reading

 Posted by on Fri, 11/18 at 2:23am  artifact networks & relationships  No Responses »
Nov 182016
 
  1. The artifact I have chosen is a summer reading list.
  2. The artifact can be classified as Education Literature.

Summer reading lists are selected texts that are approved by schools that the students must read over their break—the students must create connections with these texts and synthesize into projects. Cannon literature covered during the school year are also preselected texts, but they are often more homogenous and there is less choice and variety of what is to be read. Summer reading lists tend to cover more diverse authors and topics.

  1. In relation to cosplay, these individuals (students) are meant to share their interpretation of what is read and create a final products that is personalized. However, cosplay allows an individual to have freedom of what they wish to produce and something they have already found a connection to.
  2. Metaphor/Analogy.

You allow a friend to choose where to eat for lunch and they choose a vegan restaurant. You could probably benefit from a healthy meal, but it is not your first choice. You will remember how much you hated this experience and make excuses not to go out to eat with this friend if they are choosing the restaurant.

  1. How is your artifact characterized?

Teacher- A preselected list of approved literature that a student can choose from to do a project on. The product will introduce the teacher to the students’’ capabilities and self-efficacy to complete projects without direct intervention.

Student- Required homework during their break that they may find disinteresting, and cause a definite amount of animosity for reading. The list is a preview of the texts that they will be reading during their school year that may create preconceived notions.

Parent- A dreaded task to force them to go to a book store to purchase a book that their child may not even read and cause annoyance that their child isn’t offered the autonomy to choose something that may be interested in.

  1. Cultural Narrative.

Safe and approved literature that is grade level approved for students to read to gage a student’s placement and ability during the school year. The texts chosen are meant to engage students and challenge them to the correct degree.

  1. Assumptions/Sterotypes/Habits/Institution

Engaging list of relevant texts for students to select what they find most interesting, and will encourage students to choose something they may normally not read.

Homogenous lists that are slowly including more diverse choices and works—while schools are growing more diverse at a much faster rate.

A mandatory assignment when students are not even present at school to be properly directs. Students will burn up scramble to complete the task last minute, sometimes not even reading the text—or parents completing the project for them.

  1. Artifact affect culture, and culture your artifact.

Summer reading lists give students an idea of what texts actually matter in the western world today. The texts are also sculpting students ideas of race, gender role and can produce negative conceptions about their potential. The exclusion of less diverse works can leave students lacking in their awareness of other ideas, cultures and places.

Culture is slowly shaping what texts are appropriate to be read by the students. Example- Exclusion of Harry Potter. The importance of minority authors being included in summer reading lists. The misconception that reading is a miserable experience.

 

LGBTQ Inclusive Exclusion

 Posted by on Fri, 11/18 at 1:28am  proposal  No Responses »
Nov 182016
 

It is notable that the LBGTQ has made strides to become a relevant group to provide a sense of community for a group of individuals that feel under-represented and lacking a sense of belonging as well as safety in mainstream culture. However, this group is made up of several different orientations of individuals, and among those groups there is still dissension. This dissension revolves around dominance within the group and a questioning of hierarchy within the group that promotes exclusion opposed to the inclusion that had been gained after movements to gain equal rights and respect within their communities in relation to heterosexuals.

For a such a large movement that encourages inclusion and the promotion of tolerance members of the community can often be left feeling displaced and uncomfortable being members of such an expansive niche group. Intolerance within the group causes strife and often fighting between members—and members can be placed on different levels of importance. While disasters stitch the group back together, strides must be made to unify this diverse group of people without hate and distaste of its own members.

In particular, there is discord between members by specific orientation, bisexuals are often questioned by those who define themselves as homosexuals—either they are pretending or in the midst of transitioning to become a gay. There is also a stigma to being the less dominate individual in a same-sex relationship, they are often labeled in a negative manner and are considered less effectual as individuals and gender shamed. There is dissension not only caused by how a member self-identifies, but how they act as person—if they are too straight acting or overly queer.

In order to stand united the group needs to focus on creating bridges and identifying negative stereotypes that are perpetuated within their own community. There is only so much strength and credibility that can be supplied when the group questions one another’s status and denies acceptance of its members.

Power Posing and Testosterone

 Posted by on Sun, 11/6 at 11:24pm  ideas  No Responses »
Nov 062016
 

I thought it was quite interesting that it was widely accepted that the way you stand could produce a chemical difference. We all have heard fake it and make it. However, it seems unlikely that mentally you could change your chemical levels in some manner, without an outside or direct internal stimuli. Despite the acclaim that Cuddy’s TED talks had received, and what seemed back peddling, she created a positive movement. A kind of mental preparation that allowed a personal to feel more confident by simply standing in a different manner. This in itself is a sort or personal therapy that can help an individual succeed in any situation. What is bothersome is though is the connection to testosterone– which males normally produce more of. Also, that this posture is defined as masculine.

This comments on society itself. That an individual must compensate for what they are lacking– that cannot be changed. This is especially disconcerting for women, it reinforces that they are genetically wired in a manner that they are more submissive and may not compare to men… or they need to present themselves as more masculine than they actually are? Then there are men who do not present themselves as masculine enough? Power posing is not simply standing up straighter, but appearing more aggressive in order to seem confident. This raises question to why being more aggressive would you make you more successful or important. It also seems to be changing for the fact that more recent generations find this behavior pompous or discomforting. Being outspoken in a negative manner or aggressive physically is slowly becoming more criticized. Differences are becoming more accepted and these differences are often over looked– if not even noticed, for it’s normal to be different.

 

Power Posing and Testosterone

 Posted by on Sun, 11/6 at 11:08pm  reading  No Responses »
Nov 062016
 

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2016/11/power_posing_s_real_problem_is_with_hormones_not_data.html

This article examined the correlation of hormones with power poising, which caused a stir after a study linked confidence with testosterone that could be founded by body posture. The idea was introduced by Amy Cuddy and her findings were shared on TED talk. The idea rapidly the spread, causing inspiration to many individuals and many studies to follow up on the findings. The initially study composed of men and women who were asked to stand in larger postures, and postures that they made them seem diminutive. There appeared to be a correlation between the amount of testosterone in the saliva and the body posture the individual held for two minutes.

The article continues to evaluate the difference between cortisol which effects mood and normally fluctuate depending on time of day and immediate occurrences that may last up to an hour. These occurrences can be both psychological, and physical. For example acing an exam or completing a run. However, testosterone rarely fluctuates during immediate activities—changes in testosterone can occur from long term exercise or long term psychological changes.  Furthermore, the majority of female mammals will not have increasing testosterone levels, despite attempting exercise its growth.

After further reading the article devaluates the results, explaining that the study did not record the gender and the differences of testosterone, it was a small sampling and the examination of cortisol was not implemented as it should have been. The results that were provided were inconclusive and seemingly rigged to make a faux movement.  Generally speaking, in the animal hierarchy, males that produce more testosterone are more aggressive and are found in the upper levels of their hierarchy. The males are more likely to reproduce, especially with more submissive females. They are also more likely to maintain their territory and have more sway over their lessers.

The article concludes that these stances that have had a powerful sway of individuals, is mental and how others precise them. It is more like a therapy opposed to a chemical change. This also brings into question if some individuals are genetically more prone to come into positions of power. This may be particularly true, but humans (although part of the animal kingdom) have evolved, and nuanced specific behaviors receive mixed reviews. Each specific individual has traits that make them more or less desirable—but taste is variable.

Artifacts of Evolving Families

 Posted by on Sun, 10/23 at 10:09pm  artifact ideas  2 Responses »
Oct 232016
 

I would like to follow a theme about children and families for my artifacts—I would like to include Modern Family (the show), a Cheerios commercial feedback (Facebook), and a summer reading list for a middle or high school.

-Modern family hits on some key topics that are integral in the current societal norms featuring very disparate families that are currently becoming more prevalent. This contains a gay couple with very different demeanors, a biracial couple with a contrasting age difference and a couple that interchanges their normative gender roles. The show also paved the road for other family sitcoms centered on minority families.

-General Mills was one of the first companies to air a commercial featuring a biracial couple to have a child. The amount of press this commercial received was alarming—especially since much of it was negative. Others noted that they don’t see color… but they realize what the upset of the commercial is about—so color blind is not a thing. This can also bring into question what people are comfortable writing online, but wouldn’t consider articulating.

– I would like to find a summer reading list of a school where the majority of the students are minorities. I imagine the books will hold the typical cannon literature. However, maybe I’ll be surprised. I think this could provide some interesting rhetoric to why the mismatched texts are chosen for students who will struggle to make connections to the works that they probably won’t find interesting. These lists are often dreaded by both parents and children.

Man Complains about the Cost of a C-Section

 Posted by on Mon, 10/17 at 11:38pm  ideas  No Responses »
Oct 172016
 

The tone of this article was interesting, especially how the writer can speak both as a doctor and mother. It should also be pointed out that fortunately,this family had insurance, so they were not put into substantial debt for the birth of their child. Clearly, the family was prepared for the coming of their child—as if anyone is ever totally prepared for this moment. It is unclear if the C-Section was necessary, or if a natural birth was an option. The point being is that these fees could have possibly been avoidable, they may have opted to have a home birth or a cheaper alternative. This is undoubtedly one of the most stressful imminent dates for excepting parents, but the hospital bills are expected. A service is going to be provided, and it will be expensive.

This article could have offered a dialogue for how the confliction that was caused by how she viewed this as a doctor and mother who had also undergone a C-Section. The individuals in the hospital are trained professionals. In particular, those who are undergoing a backbreaking amount of course work to become doctors—who will have massive debt accumulating without government aid through this time. Once their undergrad, med school, residency, and fellowship are finished they may have given up to 15 years to perform a pertinent function in society. These individuals are questioned by patients who research their possible diagnosis through WebMD, have friends with similar symptoms, or have watched a commercial on T.V. Patients may also disregard advice, lie or even die—this will all weigh on a single individual.  There is also a resentment for the cost of these visits that the doctors do not fully receive—but appear to live sensationalized lives due to media.

However, visiting a hospital for a relatively mundane process like child birth can leave a patient dumbfounded with the bill. Pregnancy just happens. This normally results in a child. How can it be reasonable that this procedure can be so expensive? It does come across as ridiculous. Especially for the charge of laying a tiny human you created on your flesh—which has shown in studies as ridiculously important… you would be an awful parent to not engage in this opportunity (your child may harbor inner resentment forever). This conversation could have opened doors into open and real communications with doctors and patients. There is a lot of distaste and notable aversion to this dialogue. Both parties spend an exponential amount of money to be in this position and no individual is really winning.

Man Complains about the Cost of a C-Section

 Posted by on Mon, 10/17 at 11:35pm  reading  No Responses »
Oct 172016
 

The article is written a woman OBGYN-OP and discusses the complaints of a new father, who was charged 40 dollars for himself and his wife to hold their newborn during a C-Section procedure. The article openly explains how costly this procedure could seem, and how the bill reads can often be a PR nightmare. There is also coverage of how the cost of birthing a child has increased exponentially—it is jokingly mentioned that inflation is awful. The article considers the relations between hospitals and those that they serve, and how they are providing a service which is a transaction. She touches on possible need for CT scans, sedatives, staffing and after care, which ultimately adds to the hospital bill. In this specific case, the request for skin to skin contact with the child added the forty dollar fee—and this is for the extra nurse who was there as support staff to ensure the baby was unharmed. The child could have easily been dropped, smothered or handled poorly due to the mother being inebriated because of the drugs that had been used. She contemplates that as a mother and a doctor she has conflicted feelings on the charges that a visit like this can ensue. There is often a tenuous relationship with patients and their medical care, and that both sides often left unsatisfied with the outcome. The article featured a picture of the bill that has gone viral through social media, as an outcry to what has occurred. The man cannot contest the bill since this was a viable cost to the hospital, but it increases awareness to these charges for those who have not had this experience.

Over the Counter Pharmacist

 Posted by on Mon, 10/17 at 11:34pm  ideas  No Responses »
Oct 172016
 

This article presents an interesting perspective for the use of medication to deal with symptoms—we are living in a fortunate time where there are a vast amount of options to lead a pain-free life style. However, this brings into question how knowledgeable are we about the products we are using and the possible side effects. The mentality of this article also causes the reader to consider, why are these headaches occurring, why my nose is running and why am I suffering from gastric distress. This comments on who we are as consumers, and the risks we are willing to take to avoid preplanning and taking the time to take initiative into caring for ourselves. While these are over the counter medications the side effects often don’t seem severe as prescriptions, like have a stroke from birth control or blood thinners. There are obvious effects like liver damage or more subtle results like drowsiness. Just as the article explained, why use Sudafed when you could take non-name-brand pill that is weaker and does not have this effect. Because as consumers, we see a name brand and assume it works better and we feel that we are more knowledgeable about the medication. Which we aren’t. There is also the fact that we are feeling under the weather for specific reasons—if we keep covering up out body’s communications, what good are we doing? If you have a headache you should take into consideration if you are drinking enough water, smoking too many cigarettes or are you not sleeping enough. If your stomach is upset, what did you eat—this is your body explaining that you need to not eat at the same restaurant, you need more fiber or you cannot process lactose. If you feel muscle pain, are you exercising enough, or even too much? Many of these ailments are caused by lifestyle choices that need to be remedied in order to be healthy. There are natural ways to stop these conditions—not huffing lavender oil, but simply making better choices. As life can be stressful and is often moving faster than we are these medications are a god save, but it seems flippant to not take into consideration what caused the discomfort and attempt to fix it.

 Older Entries