Sunday, March 27, 2011

Prostitution

This past week we read some information about prostitution in "No Turning Back."  The book claims that prostitution is "according to the concept of 'necessary evil,' society had to tolerate the existence of prostitutes because they siphoned off male lust."  They then go on to states that Brothels are " 'necessary in ministering to the passions of men who otherwise would be tempted to seduce young ladies of their acquaintance.'"  This makes men seem as though they are not human, they need sex, and they are not held responsible for their actions if they go after a women because of the NEED for sex.  This just is not a reality!  This justification to me seems ridiculous.  On another note, I went to Aruba this winter where prostitution is absolutely legal and it is not seen in the same light as we do.  They have specific institutions set up for the business.  They also have laws stating that the prostitutes have to get regular check ups for diseases and if they do not pass then they can no longer proceed with the business until they are completely cleared by medical personnel.  This goes back to what we talked about in class about choice.  These women are not looked down upon like they are in the united states for making the choice, mainly because it is a legal business and they cannot be arrested for doing it.  Just thought that it was some food for thought to think about how different places view this issue, job, profession, or whatever you would like to call it, because it is not the same everywhere around the world.

Metro-sexual..or..Gay?--why is that always the progression?

So last week I was watching Kourtney and Kim take New York (judge me if you want haha) and I couldn't believe that one of the main story lines in thier newest episode dealt with Kim mistaking a straight "metro-sexual" man for gay.  She then proceeded to try and set him up with her other gay friend.  Because she thought that he was gay she let him see her in the dressing room and he helped her dress.  She based her idea that he was gay based on nothing but stereotypes!  And then from there is got even more awkward when to guy had to tell Kim that he wasn't gay and she was shocked.  It is crazy how the crap that is on television (yes it is crap even though I do watch it) perpetuates societal problems on a daily basis.  Why does that guy have to feel guilty and feel like he needs to justify why he spends a bunch of time on himself and why he takes pride in how he presents himself. Who decided that it wasn't "masculine."  Just thought I would bring this up with the idea that we shouldn't take what we see on television as strictly entertainment, we should think about it in other peoples perspectives and be critical of what we are seeing.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Reflection on Presentations

I thought that for the most part all of the Presentation topics have been very interesting.  The one that stood out to me however, probably because of the vivid quotes that were extracted, was the one on the topic of incest.  This is a very taboo topic in our society.  It is funny, even if someone says that they are going out with their 16th cousin, we are quick to judge and think it is disgusting.  Years ago it was more than acceptable to marry a cousin, but we couldn't even imagine that being acceptable now a days.  It was very interesting when we brought up the fact that people could fall in love and not even know they were related until it was to late and the feelings were to strong.  I want to say that it should be acceptable, but because I have been socialized to think it is wrong, I guess I can't look past it.  However in today's society between adoption, loss of family closeness, or any other reasons, it may not be as easy as it sounds to know ones whole family tree.  For instance I was watching the top chef the other night and there were five people left, and they found out their family history, and two of the five people who were left were actually cousins and they didn't even know it.  So it is definitely possible, and I as well as others need to start pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable, I guess.