Watching Miss Representation and reading Breslin's article brings about new insight on this raging battle among girls and women of all ages. What I recall most strongly is the diction used in articles to explain a woman's reaction (ie, she "complained" about an issue) versus a man's reaction (he "stated"). Why are verbs with negative connotations used to reveal a woman's thoughts? Why did people yell at Hillary Clinton to iron their shirts? And honestly, why is this such an issue? Didn't we take care of this decades ago? Women have been part of the work force for a long time and men clearly know that we are not going anywhere. The sexualization of young girls, on the other hand, is definitely an issue that needs to stop. I remember hearing about the push up bikinis for young girls and thinking, "Are you kidding me?" Who do young girls need to impress?! The young boy who's probably to busy with his sand castle to even notice her!?! I think another issue is that girls feel the need to show more skin out of competition against those girls who are "confident" in their bodies and do show more skin and receive more attention from guys because of it. And then the battle of dressing to impress and dressing like a slut comes into play. It never ends.
I think being in a single-sex environment at such a crucial age really does play a part in gender and identity formation. I hate it when girls pretend to act stupid to "impress" guys because quite frankly, I don't know how stupidity impresses guys. I've been able to voice my opinion without feeling judged or being berated, and I think a single-sex education provides a solid foundation for girls to transform into women. It enables women to hold their ground and not to be intimidated by a little challenge.
I hope to be a physician and honestly, I don't think my gender will affect my work because as health professionals we would all have the same job: promoting patients' health and saving lives. It's my job to do my job and do it to the best of my abilities, not to be better than the male doctor next to me. It's my job to work with him to provide patient care. Being surrounded by plenty of female physicians, I haven't heard anything about a woman being degraded because of her field.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Vocation
In Parker Palmer's excerpt, he uses the personal example of his granddaughter to talk about vocation: he delves into watching his granddaughter grow and examines what she does and doesn't like and how this may mold her future vocation. Palmer defines vocation as a voice that comes from inside that tells you to "be the person you were born to be." He also uses the example of his senior year in high school: he had initial plans of being a naval aviator and then an advertising man. Neither of these plans worked out, but Palmer describes this as his vocation. He found his passion that was subliminally hidden: writing and creating books. This was his vocation. This was who he was called to be.
On the other hand, Father Jim Martin opens up the discussion stating that there has been a stereotype of vocational calling, that it is something reserved for religious people. But he says that married couples were called to be married and to find their vocation together. Father Jim Martin also states that vocations come from deepest desires and that the biggest struggle is being who we actually are and not being someone else. Father Jim Martin uses examples of famous people, like Mother Teresa.
When people use the word "calling" to describe vocation, it imbibes a religious connotation which I don't like. Neither do I like the word "destined." Because stating that you are "destined" to be something, I feel, puts an external pressure. Maybe looking back on your life you can say that you were destined to be something, but as a seventeen year old, I don't know what I'm destined to be. But I know what I want to be. But I do like Father Martin's statement of finding your deepest desires, which could maybe show what your vocation could be. And, similarly, Palmer's way of finding his vocation that was hidden. I think vocation holds a different definition for everyone.
On the other hand, Father Jim Martin opens up the discussion stating that there has been a stereotype of vocational calling, that it is something reserved for religious people. But he says that married couples were called to be married and to find their vocation together. Father Jim Martin also states that vocations come from deepest desires and that the biggest struggle is being who we actually are and not being someone else. Father Jim Martin uses examples of famous people, like Mother Teresa.
When people use the word "calling" to describe vocation, it imbibes a religious connotation which I don't like. Neither do I like the word "destined." Because stating that you are "destined" to be something, I feel, puts an external pressure. Maybe looking back on your life you can say that you were destined to be something, but as a seventeen year old, I don't know what I'm destined to be. But I know what I want to be. But I do like Father Martin's statement of finding your deepest desires, which could maybe show what your vocation could be. And, similarly, Palmer's way of finding his vocation that was hidden. I think vocation holds a different definition for everyone.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Identity
As trite as it sounds, the Mount has been a huge factor in the making of my identity. These past four years have allowed me to explore who I am and to step out of my comfort zone. I have held leadership positions at the Mount that I would not have even imagined I would do. I made friendships that I truly believe that will last a lifetime. Because of the Mount community, I was able to turn from a shy fourteen year old to an outgoing, independent seventeen year old.
In addition, my parents have instilled many traits that contribute to my identity. Coming from difficult backgrounds and gaining the courage to move to a new country, my parents gave my brother and me the opportunity of a lifetime to learn in the schools we have went to. Because of their hard work, they have instilled a strong work ethic in me. I am motivated to succeed only because of them. They have given me a sense of responsibility, independence, and maturity.
Finally, being Indian is a huge part of my identity. Sometimes I struggle with two worlds: either being too Indian in an American society of too American in an Indian society and it's difficult to find a balance. Nevertheless, many aspects of my culture have influenced my identity: respect, aspirations, and values I try to find in other people. "The Mindy Project" is a show that revolves around Mindy Kaling, who plays an Indian physician, and delves into all the trouble and mayhem and fun she has. Seeing her gives me a sense of pride and has made me even more proud to be who I am.
In addition, my parents have instilled many traits that contribute to my identity. Coming from difficult backgrounds and gaining the courage to move to a new country, my parents gave my brother and me the opportunity of a lifetime to learn in the schools we have went to. Because of their hard work, they have instilled a strong work ethic in me. I am motivated to succeed only because of them. They have given me a sense of responsibility, independence, and maturity.
Finally, being Indian is a huge part of my identity. Sometimes I struggle with two worlds: either being too Indian in an American society of too American in an Indian society and it's difficult to find a balance. Nevertheless, many aspects of my culture have influenced my identity: respect, aspirations, and values I try to find in other people. "The Mindy Project" is a show that revolves around Mindy Kaling, who plays an Indian physician, and delves into all the trouble and mayhem and fun she has. Seeing her gives me a sense of pride and has made me even more proud to be who I am.
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