A Colorful Outlook

Hey EVERYONE!

Welcome to the year 2009 where gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trans-genders and of course, heterosexual exist. It’s time we face the facts and embrace our multi differences with open arms. The real issue we should concern ourselves with when dealing with gender expression and sexual preference is what is most important to us and that is to love and be loved. Does it really matter who we choose to be with or what in particular are the reason of that choice? As long as we are happy, that is all that really matters. We are all out here together sharing this world searching for happiness or something close enough to make us feel like we were not put here for any reason. We should not have to be afraid of being different or not fitting the stereotypical category of the norms. I never liked being part of the mainstream, anyhow. We are all unique and this is what makes our time here worth exploring. If we cannot accept that life throws challenges at us so they can be overcome we will never grow. Put yourself in an other's shoes and acknowledge that we were not meant to be here alone. We are all human and each individual should be treated with the respect they deserve. Therefore, open your eyes to the world and appreciate what it has to offer.

Peace and love,

-S

Teen Suicide

There is something taboo when talking about suicide and why it happens. Society, people, life (...) do create major pressures for each individual to go through however, the idea of suicide is a difficult concept to wrap your head around. Those who attempt or commit suicide are looking for a quick way out where they feel they simply cannot find any other solution. Its easy for one who does not feel that they could ever attempt it to be defensive and claim that there are no "real reasons" for someone to go that far. It must be identified that those who think about suicide are majorly depressed and in most cases lack sufficient nerves in the brain that give them a "better" outlook on life. Its an increasing problem and it should be taken seriously. Children and teenagers are most likely at risk because of the constant pressures they face. Without significant support they cannot deal with their emotions or troubles on their own. With it comes this sense that no one cares about them so they will not be missed, or they are not a valid part of society and they will be forgotten after they're gone. It is a sad reality that we cannot manage the dangers our children fear. Yes, it is noted that this is a permanent solution to a temporary problem however, this concept is not understood when those who attempt it are in a helpless state. It is even said that though there are as many girls who attempt to commit suicide as boys, boys are more successful. This is because boys use more extreme methods compared to girls who are likely to take a painless way out. As a future educator it's important to note when students display thoughts of suicide as it cannot be taken lightly. Those who usually display thoughts or attempts of suicide are generally crying out for help and need someone to pick up on their cries so they can receive help and in turn feel there is hope for the future. Hence, be aware of the signs and create a positive environment for your students to feel comfortable to come talk to you in time of need.
Keep your heads up kids!
-S

Girl Power -less

Hey girls (and boys),

Media images of what is feminine are very controversial as younger girls today are incredibly media influenced. The images that bombard them daily are representations of "perfection." A goal that is close to impossible which creates a desire to be flawless. They believe they can achieve this with the help of cosmetic surgery, diets (or unhealthy weight loss), spending excessive money to keep up with latest trends or even substance abuse (drugs and alcohol). The icons or celebrities being portrayed as such are a terrifying reality of how manipulated and pressured our society has become. There is almost no place for embracing individuality and beauty in differences. The topic of "girl culture" is an important issue which affects girls between their adolescent years all around the world. The idea that there is one definition of what it is to be female is absurd and one sided. The world we live in today is a good example that there is and cannot be one structured definition. It is important to note that girls displaying this behavior are lacking self confidence, a vital characteristic for one’s own survival in the constant scrutiny of every watchful eye. It is a cultural phenomenon and a world of its own. In sense girls have put this idea in their head that it can make or break you.

The world we live in today is a good example that there is and cannot be one structured definition. It makes girls vulnerable to stereotypes and allows others to take advantage of them in their exposed states. They are being labeled as "sex symbols" to the extent that they become targets and this holds dangerous future consequences. Girls need to be informed of the risks and the perceptions they are projecting on how they are being perceived by the outside world in relation to how they are then going to be treated. Stay true to yourself girls!

-S

Slumdog Millionaire

Hey movie go-ers,
For those of you who have already seen "Slumdog Millionaire" you may already have a better perception of its main idea than me. Do to some time constraints unfortunately I never got the chance to see it. However, the first 15-20 minutes or so that were viewed in class made me think critically on how Indians might have felt in response to the film. The depictions seemed a little too raw and I could very well understand why India would be upset about the film in relation to the harsh representations it holds. Contrary to the trailer (click the Youtube link below to watch) which ultimately glorifies and romanticizes the movie and that is not at all what I took from the short preview. The men in particular are represented as violent, aggressive, powerful, and ruthless while the women are portrayed as weak, quiet, powerless and barely surviving. There are clear lines drawn between equality. There is even a sense of fear for the children (as daring as they may seem) living in these conditions there is an overwhelming feeling that they are never truly safe. The issues this this film projects on India is more fear and disrespect than "controversial." I think India felt threatened and hurt by the director’s representations. It certainly holds a sort of power over India as I'm sure tourists have been a little discouraged to now visit the country. It is not a typical "Bollywood" film and even though Bollywood is known to be quite stereotypical I am more willing to consider its representations over the ones portrayed in Slumdog Millionaire. It just goes to show that one has to be very careful when depicting another’s culture and even though their traditions may differ from ours we should still respect their own way of life. *Keep in mind that I have not seen the entire film therefore, once I do it may change my perception towards the film as a whole.

-S