It's A Wrap

Well, summer 1 has flown by! I want to thank everyone for some of the best posts that I have read in my three years of teaching this course during summer 1. They were smart, insightful, creative, humorous and illustrated a strong motivation for the discovery of "gendered moments". I have been impressive by your intelligence and emotional sensitivity to the topics covered this semester. I hope in some way that you have gained a new perspective and will continue to journey down a path of discovery for new gendered moments while setting examples for others in promoting acceptance and equality and kindness no matter what your preference.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer break! It's a wrap!

Reality TV? Week 6

Do certain reality TV shows give women a "bad rap"? Are there any reality shows that portray women in a good light? There seem to be many of them these days that sensationalize the stereotypical behavior of women as 'bitches" or "inferior" and a promote women as needy for a man to love or support them. Are there any shows that depict women as strong, self sufficient and smart...why do so many people tune into New Jersey Housewives or any of these Housewives series? I had to turn it off last year. I turned it on to see what all the talk was about but felt very comfortable watching women living superficial lives and only concerned with buying material things and partying...they had no concern for others except to gossip. What do you think? Does TV reflect reality? Does TV hinder our strives to recognize as intelligent and capable? Why do so many people enjoy watching women act so superficial and behavior so badly?

Check out this article.

Gay Adoption ?

Are you considered a bigot or intolerant if you don't agree with Gay Adoption. Should everyone regardless of their lifestyle, single, married, gay, old, young, etc. be allowed to adopt a child? Is this a topic that you have to have a side? Or, should it be a case by case decision? Use the link below and check out this video from early last month (May 2010). What are your thoughts on Gay Adoption?

Mike Huckabee vs. Rosie O'Donnell

I will share my thoughts after I hear from GND 311 Summer 2010 students.....

Anybody else watching "Glee"?

Okay, so this post might make you think twice about me but, yes, I have a guilty pleasure....I watch "Glee". I sit there and think as a grown women and a college professor why am I so hooked on watching these high school students singing like it's high school musical three or something...(which I could never make it through each time my niece visits!)

I bring up my secret tv watching because an interesting relationship is being explored on this show regarding a young man coming out. The fear and threats of violence and uncomfortable feelings that it is forcing others to explore about themmselves is quite interesting to see on a television show. I don't know if I have ever seen any show actually tackle this issue as a part of an ensemble...we see all the high school romance of the preteen shows found on Disney, etc. But, this show takes of the real issues of high school students, like pregnancy, homelessness, homosexuality, obesity, etc.

I like that this issue is being explored honestly without trying to exploit it for entertainment or hide it but, to frankly look at it as a real issue that exists in today's youth in high schools. I like the idea of teaching acceptance by exploring through his experiences the pain and other issues that he goes through in high school on a daily basis. The show is silly and full of singing but, to see real characters and real issues of high school students gives me hope that we are moving towards acceptance and tolerance for others.