Talking Points

I can’t believe this semester is coming to an end. We’ve definitely have talked about many subjects and I have to say I learned a lot. I decided to put the following links so you guys can view. Overall we as society have to realize that when you are a teenager you are at the most important and influential stage of life whether it’s going to shape your life for good or will take you to some bumps on the road.

http://youtu.be/UP42v07aGUw     TEENS AND DEPRESSION

http://youtu.be/gGZcE7w74bQ     How the media affects young women

Glee-Full Images of Teenagers

I never followed Glee TV series but it doesn’t mean I didn’t heard about it; it was interesting seeing these 3 episodes and how they portrait teenagers in “high school”, a lot of rivalry and competiveness take place not just with girls but guys too. But one of the main focus of the last two episodes was bullying in this case is Kurt who is being bullied by Karofsky because he is gay. Bullying is a big issue taking place in our schools especially among teenagers; unfortunately we’ve seen more and more cases ending in suicide of these young victims. But what are we doing as a culture, is there true consequences for the one’s harassing?

Anyone who pretends that our culture is not feeding this rash of suicides is deluded. We still have national politicians calling gay people abnormal, and as evidenced in these comments, there are clearly still parents teaching their children that being gay is one of the worst things one could be. That kind of "teaching" does not go unnoted. Just look at the gang in the Bronx that targeted three gay people for brutal torture...bet they started by bullying kids in school. I am always surprised when people think this issue is a new one; Homosexuality and bisexuality are older than human civilization. The ancient Greeks, for example, were notorious for their varying sexual practices. Furthermore, it requires the schools to respond differently. It's important for parents to know if the school doesn't respond, they can file charges with the state's department of civil right. One the positive side is that now is more organizations promoting bullying awareness and guidance to parents on knowing how to respond if his/her daughter is being a victim.

 

Hip-Hop Wars by Tricia Rose

I was not born in the United States I came here when I was 13 years old so I basically don’t have a more real understanding when it comes to Hip- Hop music meaning that I really never care for it or affected me on any way. I have to say coming to the United States opened my eyes to see how much diversity and culture is all over and for my personal experience I learned to embrace and respect everyone not because I “had to” but because I in some way felt alienated (language barrier, no friends, starting all over again and so on) but you cope with it. When it comes to Dr.Tricia’s argument about the wrong perception of Hip-Hop meaning it is accused of glorifying crime and sexism. I liked how she gave a brief history of how Hip-Hop originated in New York around 1970’s, it was a form of self-expression of the people of the poor, struggling communities, and it was a form of an outlet for them and also creativity. Within the upcoming years it has become just more commercial and losing the real “essence of Hip-Hop. She mentioned on the Time Entertainment article: “Look, I don't want it to seem like I'm bashing everything about Lil Wayne and Jay-Z, because I'm not. I think they're both very talented. If you look at the metaphors Lil Wayne produces, they're amazing; they're very creative. It's the substance. What are you making metaphors about 24 hours a day? Same thing with Jay-Z. Even he has acknowledged that he's "dumbed his music down" so that he can sell records. This economic imperative has had more of an impact on hip-hop than [on] rock or soul or R&B”. Hip-Hop “was mostly for fun and for play. It wasn't primarily an economic industry, where people got involved more for money than for creativity”

 
Probably everyone heard that most parents blame “this music” for their children’s bad behavior such as being disrespectful, bad grades, the baggy pants. Is it really the music? It is something to really think about.

Masculinity and Teen Violence Post # 8

Kimmel makes really good points on trying to explain why  men in “general” are more aggressive and I have to agree that it’s not biology (testosterone)  to blame is the environment boys are raised and how can really shaped their lives. One of his quotes is “There is no question that there’s a boy crisis. Virtually all the books cite the same statistics: boys are four to five times likely to kill themselves than girls, four times more likely to be diagnose as emotionally disturbed, three times more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, and 15 times more likely to be victims of violent crimes”. (pg. 1).But why is this happening? It is alarming seeing that all these characteristics are applied to boys because as we all know that each person is different regardless of their gender or beliefs. It’s all about social construction boys unfortunately are thought not to show or express their feelings and emotions “that is a sign of weakness”, the famous phrase “boys don’t cry”. This horrible thing to do to a child everyone should be able get their feeling out; it’s the best way to take care of oneself and your overall wellbeing. Girls are socialized to be less aggressive than boys are. In connection girls are supervised more closely than boys are. Males are more likely to display physical aggression, while females display relational aggression.

Females fear that anger will harm relationships, and males are encouraged to react to anger with moral outrage; in addition to blaming other's for their discomforts. Females are also more likely than a male to be targets of sexual abuse and physical abuse.

The "boys" part has a kind of a sexist connotation, it implies that boys will be mischievous, childish, and wild and there's no use trying to change or deny this innate tendency. (“Boys will be boys”) as if they can't control their actions. So, not only should we accept their negative behavior, we should sigh & smile knowingly & appreciate that their misbehavior is actually part of their charming "male" personality.

We as society are ok with this concept. Kimmel makes the reference of some books written by Gurian and Biddulph that are blaming “feminist” for the “boy crisis”. Kimmel concludes that they are “the real male bashers”. “Feminists imagine, and demand, that men (and boys) can do better. Feminism offers the possibility of a new boyhood and a new masculinity bases on a passion for justice, a love of equality, and the expression of full range of feelings”. (pg. 3.).  This great way to see feminism, it’s all about individuality and equality.

Cinderella Ate My Daughter & Brave

                                                     

I will start with Orestein’s statements on how Disney Princesses influence little girls. She explains even though she tried not to expose her daughter to this “ideology”, somehow it was almost impossible to avoid it because she will be taught by her school friends, or other girls of her age just by playing.  But who doesn’t know about Snow White, Cinderella, Bella, ect?, it is part of our “culture” a secret education. Orenstein states that “Princess has not only become the fastest-growing brand the company has ever created, it is the largest franchise on the planet for girls ages two to six”. (Page 14).  She points out how gender roles are portrait by these princess characters such as the need for girls to look pretty and focus on their appearance over their overall potential as human beings; meaning that girls expectations or ultimate goal of life is to be beautiful, feminine, passive and wait for the prince charming who is going to take care of her forever after.  Julie mother of one of Daisy’s classmates was one among the moms that joined Orestein’s chat about princess culture she said “I want my daughter to have a strong identity as a girl, as a woman, as a female. And being pretty in our culture is very important” (page 19). Furthermore she stated that she had a son too and that he embraces him differently “encourage his intelligence” and on the other hand her daughter gets rewarded by telling her she is “pretty”. Orestein’s main point is gender role is such an important concept not just on Disney’s princesses but our overall “society” these include all media, merchandise (clothes, toys etc.). She just wants her daughter to be a unique individual and reach her potential not to do what it is expected from our society.

Brave: It was the first time seeing this movie and I loved it, you can see how Disney is trying to have a different approach of what “beautiful” means.  Merida was not the stereotypical “princess” she was tomb shish, was an expert on archery. She didn’t want to be like her mother; she wants to be in charge of her own life and not follow their tradition of marrying one of her father’s allies’ sons. This movie does not focus on looks but rather the inner strength of a woman.

Final Project Ideas

Like everyone is saying this semester is flying... well I don't have a group yet so I have basically no idea how this final project is going to turn out but I think I can still make the effort on researching some interesting topics. I read some of my classmates post and I like Celine's and her group’s topic (BODY IMAGE). Furthermore I've been thinking about doing my final on BULLYING why? I think it would be interesting digging a little more about this delicate subject and maybe been able to find some explanation on what is causing this epidemic.
What makes a Bully is it media? I guess I will find out.

Another topic I found interesting is parenting meaning how today's parents deal with teenagers "Nowadays" has it changed from the previous generations? Or parents have to cope with teenagers hectic lives?

Mid-Term Post

I'm working in a group with Eian, Tyne, Missy we decided to do #3 from the project prompts. I will be working on Teenagers are Not Some Alien Life Form one of the course themes with Missy but unfortunately Missy is a little sick. !!Hope she gets better!!!. So far we had a plan on posting videos or use material from our blogs but it's till debatable. See you Tuesday

From Knowledge to Knowledge –able

From Knowledge to Knowledge –able

by Michael Wesch

Michael Wesch used the World on fire environment metaphor (The little bird that saved the world and all hope is not lost) I quote. Using this in order for “us” the audience to understand how the media and the tools we have today can be used in a positive an in a productive way not just a form of entertainment. It was interesting how he described his students and explained how the media affected them in class not in a good way somehow; he said many of today’s young population are still seeking for the “meaning of life and recognition”. Wesch points out how media is mainly commercial and the young are the main target.  “Media is not just tools or means of communications. Media changes the way we communicate”. He gave the TV example and how it is a one way communication but now that we have all these tools (Technology); media can be used in a positive way. Demonstrating that global conversations can be made and how easily it can be spread.

 Media can be distracting in many ways, he mentioned how many of the students in his class were affected and that they were not knowledge-able. Wesch decided to ask his students the following question “What does it feel to be a student today”, some the answers were:  classes are too big, some teachers don’t even know their student names, “I’m browsing the internet checking Facebook etc. Ultimately explaining that is hard to connect with people.

He teaches his students to be knowledge able meaning learning how to:

• Connect
• Organize                                                                                  
• Share
• Collect
• Collaborate
• Publish all together

 For many students like me who just came back to school after a while it is a different experience I came to RIC in 2004 and finish almost 2 years and I just came last year as a part time student to finish my degree and I definitely see the difference from almost 10 years ago. I have to say that the technology incorporated in some of the classes freaks me out a little bit not because I’m not capable but the fact that I have to learn to adjust to a different kind of learning environment  from what I was used to.  The new generation of College students have more tools when it comes to learning and Wesch wants us to understand that Technology is not just great way of communication and accessibility but we have to learn how to use it to make a positive impact in our world and be Knowledge-able.

Knowledge –ability is practice”.

The Rise and Fall of the American Teenager

                                                

The Rise and Fall of the American Teenager

 

By Thomas Hine

 

                                                         http://youtu.be/tlyOSRTxglA

 

REFLECTION:

          It was refreshing reading about Thomas Hine views regarding teenagers; he made excellent points of how the American teenager has been labeled from a century ago and now. Taking us going back on time and reminding us that during the ’industrial time in America” there were “teens” and children that had to work to provide financial support to their families and this was expected of them. Teens are “all the same” according to our society there is no individuality, and value or agency when it comes to someone who is in time of experimentation, transition. Therefore “All of them according to our society are basically experiencing the same things’. The word “teen” has some interesting obsolete that seem to echo faintly today. For seven centuries “teen” meant a source of anger, irritation, or anxiety. It also meant barrier. I quote.

 

            But why this hasn’t change is it because we don’t want or we are just use to it in other words is it our IDEOLOGY  or Consent described by Gramsci (MEDIA and IDEOLOGY as “something that is won; ruling groups in society actively seek to have their worldview accepted by all members of society as the universal way of thinking”. Examples: schools, religion and of course the media given to us. Adults fear that teenagers will go totally out of control. The teenage years have been defined as, at once, the best and freest of life and a time of near madness and despair. Hine calls it “teenage mystique  Hine is trying to open our eyes and to be more understanding of what teenagers are going through and embrace their potential and individuality and not to alienate them. Keeping in mind that they are our future and they are the ones who eventually while be in charge.

      

A Double Take

A Tangle of Discourses: Girls Negotiating Adolescence

By Rebecca Raby

                                                                 

QUOTES:

1.      Vivian Burr notes ‘A discourse refers to a set of meanings, metaphors, representations, images, stories, statements and so on that in some way together produce a particular version of events’ (1995, p. 48). It may also produce a version of things or people. Privileging one set of representations over another, discourses tend to claim the status of truth”.

Response: Raby explained how she used the “disclosure method” on her interviewees, in order to have a better understanding or closure of how teenagers or adolescences are viewed from generation to generation. For example Jan (grandmother) and Jess (granddaughter) interview’s Rebecca’s question was: there used to be stereotypes that teenagers are moody, emotional, or going through a phase … What do you think of that? I quote. Jan said that all teenagers are “self-centered” which I found interesting how easy was her to say that statement (is it because that’s how “all teens are perceive this way by older generation or is this her personal experience with teens”? but when it came to Jess her response was a little more expressive meaning that she explained how much she has to do to prove herself as a adolescence and as Raby explained this question was harder for Jesse to answer. “Teenagers are not some alien life form”

 2.      As Hudson illustrates:…”the problem of adolescence for teenagers is that they must demonstrate maturity and responsibility if they are to move out of this stigmatized status, and yet because adolescence is conceived as a time of irresponsibility and lack of maturity, they are given few opportunities to demonstrate these qualities which are essential for their admission as adults”. (1984, p. 36).

Response: As a young independent woman I do agree with Hudson statement (I’m talking through my personal experiences growing up) I was raised by a single mom and a brother and I remember everybody (family) telling me you better be good because your mom is sacrificing so much for the two of you and growing up that was a big weight on your shoulders. I have to start working as soon as I turn 16 “I have to help, it was my responsibility” I did not have time to “socialize” as much as I wanted but it was something I decided to do and not “rebel” and that does not mean I did not enjoy my teenage years, I believe it helped me be more responsible. My point is that everyone is unique and you can choose their own path, regarding age, social class, race etc. Been judge or labeled is something we all cannot escape.

3.      “While teens are often stereotyped as troublemakers, ‘troublemakers’ are also stereotyped as teens or as kids”

Response: The most common label for teens today is “teens have no respect for adults” “they are trouble makers” just keep in mind that this is a form of stereotyping a whole community (teen community) Each teen needs to be looked at as an individual before any assumptions can be made. In most cases the majority of teens would prove to be responsible, caring people.   The kind of future leaders we need for our society.

Unlearning the Myths that bind us by Linda Christensen

Linda Christensen explored more deeply on how children’s entertainment affects their view of the world around them.  I have to say I never thought about the influence cartoons gave to me until now.  As a little girl I taught “if is made for children it has to be good and educational”, but never realized how unconsciously can shape your way of thinking growing up; especially when you are a little girl. For example watching Cinderella, Snow White, just to mention a few, portraying beauty as being good and the ugly as being  bad (physically).  Like this situation, most children are likely to imitate what they see on television because children tend to think that their favorite characters are heroes or role models at some point, so they want to act and speak like them. Applying the: "monkey see, monkey do" analogy. Christensen points out Tatum’s research suggestions: “the stereotypes and worldview embedded in the stories become accepted knowledge”.

Furthermore, we can’t forget that there are movies and cartoons that have a good moral to the story, and children can learn about numbers, letters, colors and shapes by watching quality educational programs; such as Sesame Street and Blues Clues, it seems as though they are geared toward teaching the viewer’s skills and overall about social interaction.

Another point I will like to make is that nowadays, most parents work, so they do not have enough time to be with their children and play with them for most of the day; which inevitably most children spend time watching cartoons in other words “too much TV and not enough family time”.  This can lead these children to be exposed to advertising that can lead on making the wrong choices. 

As parents our future ones we are the responsible ones on how we going to “educate and raise our children” also remembering the famous concept of “Nurture vs. Nature”. 

It's all about Entertainment

Reflection: Unlearning the Myths that bind us

By Linda Christensen

Linda Christensen explored more deeply on how children’s entertainment affects their view of the world around them.  I have to say I never thought about the influence cartoons gave to me until now.  As a little girl I taught “if is made for children it has to be good and educational”, but never realized how unconsciously can shape your way of thinking growing up; especially when you are a little girl. For example watching Cinderella, snow white, just to mention a few, portraying beauty as being good and the ugly as being  bad (physically).  Like this situation, most children are likely to imitate what they see on television because children tend to think that their favorite characters are heroes or role models at some point, so they want to act and speak like them. Applying the: "monkey see, monkey do" analogy. Christensen points out Tatum’s research suggestions: “the stereotypes and worldview embedded in the stories become accepted knowledge”.

Furthermore, we can’t forget that there are movies and cartoons that have a good moral to the story, and this.  Children can learn about numbers, letters, colors and shapes by watching quality educational programs; such as Sesame Street and Blues Clues, it seems as though they are geared toward teaching the viewer’s skills and overall about social interaction.

Another point I will like to make is that nowadays, most parents work, so they do not have enough time to be with their children and play with them for most of the day; which inevitably most children spend time watching cartoons in other words “too much TV and not enough family time”.  This can lead these children to be exposed to advertising that can lead on making the wrong choices.  As parents our future ones we are the responsible ones on how we going to “educate and raise our children” also remembering the famous concept of “Nurture vs. Nature”. 

Comment:  Childhood is the most imprtant and most beautiful chapter of our lives.