#nlb75

[drcknowledgeandpower]

Plenary#5

The last plenary held at the chapel today was lead by the TAs.  They started off by holding a debate where they discussed some serious topics such as Islam-America relations and discussed how when people spread hate of Islam and call people “terrorists” it actually makes it easier for them to be recruited by ISIS, because they can feed off of that Anti-American attitude.

Next, we began to discuss the idea of microaggressions, which are small subtle comments or actions directed at a minority that are typically based off of a stereotype. We then opened into a discussion where students where able to share some of their experiences with microaggressions.  Some of the aggressions discussed were the “good hair” vs “bad hair” argument, racism to towards black people, stereotypes that immigrants cannot speak English. I enjoyed hearing different micro aggressions that people had overheard or been a part of.  

I find it crazy that we are all so different, coming from different backgrounds, environments, countries, and opinions yet we all experience the same ignorance, whether it is towards our gender, race, sexuality, immigration status, or whatever else. I personally believe that we are all minorities in some way.  Whether we are physically minorities, or mentally minorities, we all have parts of us that are not the “norm” and not socially accepted.

[drcknowledgeandpower]

Feminist Technology Project

I found this project difficult, because it forced me to look at technology in a way I had never looked at it before.  I never before questioned why things are the way they are or how everything always seems to cater to a white men, with women, minorities, and immigrants always cast to the side.  This project taught me that we need to inquire about these appropriations and not just accept things for being the way that they are.   Gender-neutral video games, transportation, make-up, and other technologies need to become mainstream and an easily found alternative to these sexualized products.  

We also need to boycott these products and educate people against buying them, as oppose to buying ten year-olds Grand Theft Auto to teach them that women are promiscuous, half-dressed beings that should be glorified as such.  If adults chose to give children these games and different technologies, they need to make sure children know the difference between these games and reality, and understand that they need to be mature enough to not engage in this type of demeaning behavior.  

In society girls are taught not to get raped, when in reality boys should be taught not to sexualize girls and degrade them in the same manner they see everyday in technology.    

[drcknowledgeandpower]

Intersexion

This morning, instead of our usual plenary at the chapel we met at Loree Hall to watch a film called Intersexion.  I liked changing it up and watching a movie instead of of just listening to a speaker.

The film was really powerful, and something I think all people should have to watch.  I feel like part of the reason people are so un-accepting and rude towards intersex people is because they do not know better.  Even as I sit here and type this, my computer does not recognize “intersex” as a real word.  

Growing up I have never heard anyone talk about intersex people, met anyone will different body parts or listen to someone talk about how they feel trapped in the wrong body, and I believe it is safe to assume I am not the only one.

People need to know that these people exist and it is okay to accept them and treat them just like everyone else in society.  I think it is also important for parents of intersex children to know that is it okay that your child is different, and they can be loved and nurtured into a normal life.  While doctors may push people into thinking surgery is the only option, it is not.  Surgery may be the “scientifically” correct option, but it is not the ethically right one.  These children need to grow up feeling special and talented and loved, and have the chance to grow into their gender instead of bring surgically maneuvered into it.

[drcknowledgeandpower]

Plenary 3

 Yesterday’s plenary was a pleasant surprise.  I expected speaker Bobbie Ridgely to discuss many complex issues regarding the STEM field and discuss her career in a way that would not be relatable or understood by a lot of the people attending the plenary, but she did not.

My favorite part of talk was a discussion she shared with us about a conversation with her father.  She said that when you was younger and using her father’s pickup truck to do chores, she crashed his truck.  She went to go tell him the bad news, and he asked her two questions. 1) “Are you hurt?” She said no.  2) “Can you keep working?”  She said yes.  He responded ”Okay, then finish what you were supposed to do.”

Now in college as a mechanical engineer major, she failed her first exam.  She was distressed and called her dad and he asked her two question.  1) “Are you hurt?” She said no.  2) “Can you keep working?”  She said yes.  He responded “Okay, then finish what you were supposed to do.”

I thought this what a very empowering story & good advice.  Sometimes it seems like you reach a point where something bad has happened and you don’t know what to do, when in reality it is not as bad as you may think.  You have the power to keep going and accomplish whatever you want.