The Controversy of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Yes, I am posting about Star Wars. Surprised? You shouldn't be.
But I'm not going to talk about how amazing Boba Fett is, or how Kylo Ren is clearly not a trained Sith.

I'm going to talk about an issue that appeared recently.
It focuses on this amazing fellow:

John Boyega plays a new addition to the Star Wars universe: A former Stormtrooper of the First Order  (designation FN-2187)
As you can see in the picture, He uses Luke Skywalker and Anakin Skywalker's Lightsaber to fight the main villain, Kylo Ren. (shouldn't have that much trouble defeating him, after all Ren seems to be a fan of the wide-arm tactic. Looks intimidating, but really doesn't work.

(screams internally)

The problem is that people are offended for some reason that one of the main characters is black.
What? Why is that a problem??
1. you guys need to stop being upset about things that you really shouldn't be upset about
2. He's not the first black main character in Star Wars!! What about this dude:

I cannot comprehend why people are upset that John Beroya is in Star Wars. If it's because he's not white, well did you forget all the green people?
People who are mad Beroya is in Star Wars are not true fans.
The only reason to be mad about Episode 7 is if JJ Abrams completely ruins it (petition to call him Jar Jar Abrams?)

What if Bears killed one in five people?

This video was recently uploaded by College Humor to talk about Sexual assault and harassment.
Do you think it is effective?
Is it too much or is it perfect?

Stereotype - Definition

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of stereotype is “to believe unfairly that all people or things with a particular characteristic are the same.” I think this video is a great example of stereotypes, we even heard similar stereotypes when asking people to fill out our survey. It’s clearly a problem that people are so unfairly judged just because of a characteristic. Do you think there is a way to end stereotyping?

The Truth About Smoking

This commercial is from The Truth About Smoking. Do you feel that this commercial is effective? Have you seen a similar commercial on television?

'Kouchtown" Sit down or get out of the way

On the subject of advertising, I would like to bring attention to a show called 30 rock, which is coincidentally another product of Tina Fey's genius.
There is a particular episode where Jack Donaghy is trying to make and sell couches made in america. The couches are a disaster, better fitted for CIA torture chambers than living rooms.
The ad he has shown is such a desperate attempt to hide how bad they are, and still tries to convince consumers to buy it by using american stereotypes.

Mean Girls - Stereotypes

In the movie Mean Girls, Cady Heron is the new girl at school. She first befriends Janis and Damian, two people who don’t belong to a specific clique. As Cady is walking in the cafeteria towards Janis and Damian, a clique called The Plastics invite her to sit with them. They eventually invite her to sit with them for the rest of the week and teach her the rules of being “plastic”. Some of these rules include wearing pink on Wednesdays and only wearing your hair in a ponytail once a week. Gretchen, a member of The Plastics, even explains that “Ex boyfriends are off limits to friends, that’s just, like, the rules of feminism.” Cady is at first reluctant to continue sitting with The Plastics, but eventually gives in when Janice explains it could be perfect sabotage to get back at Regina, the leader of The Plastics.

One example of a racial stereotype in the movie Mean Girls is when Ms. Norbury introduces the new girl from Africa. She automatically assumes it is the black girl in class, but instead the girl is from Michigan. Cady Heron is really the girl from Africa and is white.

Another example of stereotypes are the cliques at school. Some of the cliques include “Cool Asians”, “Unfriendly Black Hotties”, “Girls Who Don’t Eat Anything”, and “Burnouts”.This displays both gender and race stereotypes.

Mean Girls has many examples of stereotypes, as mentioned in the article Stereotypes & Gender Roles.

Bigotry = Normalcy

When Mr. Inloes said that bigotry might be a better word than "racism", I am inclined to agree.
the definition of Bigot is :

 a person who strongly and unfairly dislikes other people, ideas, etc. : a bigoted person;especially : a person who hates or refuses to accept the members of a particular group 

(such as a racial or religious group)

I think this really is an accurate word to use in modern times. Hatred has gone beyond just race, to anyone who you can't describe as "normal".
Normal is, in itself, a hateful word when used to describe a person. There is no such thing as a "normal" person, but somehow, people see it as an ideal, and something that all humans should aspire to be.
And anyone who doesn't is cast out in most societies.

There are little to no cultures in present day that do not have traditional ways of thinking or societal rules of how to dress or act.

When I tried to search for a culture that did revere non-conformity, all that showed up in my search engine was essays and articles about how conformity crushes us.

One particular article caught my eye. It was from Psychology Today, a magazine for all of us psych lovers.
The title was a rather accurate description of todays world: "How Cultures Make People Conform".

Reading it, I was rather disturbed because, when I had hoped to find an example of a counterargument of my statement, I instead found pages verifying my thoughts.

This is one of the many times I wish I was wrong.

Normalcy, Traditions; these are words that add fuel to the fire created by bigots. They are used as weapons to beat down the unique ones and tell us to be ashamed of it, and we should strive to be "normal, even though many of us know that "normal" doesn't exist.

The Simpsons - Malibu Stacy

 

When Lisa heads into the ‘Valley of The Dolls’ with Marge, she warns her mother that it can get dangerous. Lisa automatically starts fighting with the other girls over different dolls, specifically Malibu Stacy. But when Lisa gets home, she is disappointed with her new doll. She is trying to give an address, but all Malibu Stacy has to say is “Let’s bake cookies for boys”, “I’m just a girl”, and “Thinking too much gives you wrinkles”. Lisa knows that Malibu Stacy is sexist and should not be a role model for girls.

Lisa tries to visit the Malibu Stacy plant and voice her opinion about the sexist views of the doll, but when she asks a question she receives no answer. There is even sexual harassment at the Malibu Stacy plant between the female tour guide and one of the workers.

Lisa eventually designs her own doll, Lisa Lion Heart, with the “real life” Malibu Stacy. The doll says positive quotes and looks like a “normal” girl. The doll is popular for a few days until a new Malibu Stacy is released.

Lisa tried extremely hard to voice her opinion that Malibu Stacy is sexist and should not be a role model for girls. Unfortunately, the doll was too popular and the executives at the Malibu Stacy plant did not listen to her.

Any comments on this article?

There are a lot of chef stereotypes that are tossed around in the service industry. Some are real and others couldn’t be further from the truth. Here is a list of some super common chef stereotypes, which ones do you agree with?

10. Chefs are picky - Yes, chefs can be picky, but this is only because they know what a good dish looks and tastes like and they want to get their moneys worth.

9. Chefs are bad spouses - Non-chefs can also be bad spouses, am I right? The only reason for this stereotype is because chefs work long hours and take no time off. The job requires them to dedicate a majority of their time to the kitchen, leaving less quality time for their loved ones.

8. Chefs have bad tempers - Professional chefs may have bad tempers but this is only because they are passionate about their craft and want to make sure everything that leaves the kitchen is perfection. When busy chefs have to repeat directions constantly to those around them you may see a temper rise.

7. They are all overweight - True for some, but not for all. The title “Chef” usually implies that they make good food so some of them indulge in their creations and sometimes they may indulge a little too often. Othertimes chefs are overweight because they have no time to themselves to cook good wholesome meals, so they end up eating a lot of fast food and takeout.

6. All chefs smoke cigarettes - Not all stereotypes are false… Just kidding, I guess there are those rare souls out there who have never touched a cigarette.

5. They are all alcoholics - I wouldn’t go as far as to say they are all alcoholics, but boy can they drink.

4. They have good taste and only eat the best - There are a lot of chefs out there who cook good food all day and then order pizza when they get home. For many chefs, the last thing they want to do when they get home is cook after a 12-15 hour workday.

3. They are territorial over the kitchen - The kitchen is a very sacred place to most chefs where they expect to be able to stay focused and go unbothered. If someone gets in their way, you might witness a territorial chef, so know your boundaries and you won’t feel the wrath of the head chef.

2. The best chefs are men - Yes, there are many great chefs out there who are men, but there are also a ton of killer lady chefs out there. Does the name Julia Child ring a bell? Women may approach cooking differently, but that is what’s exciting about all different types of chefs.  

1. They are arrogant - They may come off as arrogant but this is only because they are seasoned professionals and they know that most people could not handle what they do. They put in more time and effort than most people working in the restaurant, plus they NEVER take sick days.

source: http://www.shiftgig.com/articles/10-common-misconceptions-about-chefs

gender discussion

Personally i feel gender influences on body image can play a huge role. I grew up in a household where you had to suck it up because no one is going to help you. Now if i really injured myself bad that’s a slightly different story then i’d be told not to cry . It made me brush off pain no matter what. Being hurt makes me want to say something but it is natural for me to hide it for fear of being less of a man.Growing up with more of this gender role discussion is slowly helping me think it’s okay to show emotion and show that i care about people even if it makes me sound "not tough".

Fahrenheit 9/11

Described as “a man who is trying to unseat a presidency” by Entertainment Weekly, it’s quite obvious that Michael Moore was not a fan of George W. Bush. In previous documentaries and in Fahrenheit 9/11, Moore has used rhetorical moves. He has a biased approach and even talks for people. One example is when he stated thoughts that he believed were going through George W. Bush’s head when it became known that the US was under attack on 9/11. Moore doesn’t tell the real story, but instead gives his own biased opinions.

In Fahrenheit 9/11, Moore continuously talked about George W. Bush’s vacation time. He even used country music in the background when Bush was seen on a farm, which can cause one to interpret Bush as the all American guy.  The beginning of the documentary shows Bush and other political leaders having their hair brushed and makeup applied, implying that they are pretending to be something they’re not. Bush and the other political leaders are no longer sincere, and the rhetoric device calls for sincerity.

Although Moore isn’t seen that often in the documentary, he is talking throughout most of it. The voice-over in documentaries usually state true facts, but Moore’s voice-over states personal thoughts. This is a rhetoric device because most people would not question the facts, or in this case thoughts, of Moore.

On Native Soil

It is still surprising to see videos on 9/11. I was too young to remember what happened that day or what i was doing;although I didn't see the terror that day, I saw it growing more and more the older I got. The shivers sent down my spine when I think about it. The people jumping from the burning buildings, the wailing heard in the streets from the footage. listening to the survivors talk about the events on 9/11 are really real and you can see the expression on their faces makes someone who was dazed wake up and wish they could help. for the longest time i strayed away from asking if anyone in my family was hurt during this event for the sole purpose of not bringing the sadness out locked away like a suppressed memory. I can’t wait for the day that some people who were really affected by 9/11 don’t assume just anyone with darker skin color or a certain religion could potentially terrorists.

On Native Soil - Information Before 9/11

In 1995, the CIA was told about possible hijacking of planes that would head for the World Trade Center, the White House, and the Pentagon. The US knew about Islamic extremists and even ignored the Phoenix Memo, which stated that Al Qaeda was taking flight lessons in America.

        

After 9/11, the families that had lost their loved ones wanted to know the truth. They tried for a commission, but were denied by the White House. After gaining support from John McCain and Joe Lieberman, the families tried again for a second commission and finally received it.  

        

The families found the testimonies hard to believe. Both the FBI and CIA denied hearing anything about planes or bombs. It became known that airports received 12 warnings from the FAA about hijackings. But the airports were not given the tip off list from the FAA, which included some of the names of the hijackers.

        

Had the FBI and CIA listened to the warnings and information they received, there could have been investigations on Al Qaeda and other possible terrorists before 9/11 happened. During the commission, the FBI, CIA, FAA, and airlines should have told the full truth. While I believe that there should have been investigations, I do not believe that the US should have targeted all Middle Easterners and gone to war with Iraq.

Post on 9/11 film On Native Soil

I don't really remember September 11th, 2001. I was only four at the time and was more focused on what type of snake was in the back yard than I was about terrorism. I do have flashes of the day: the news showing footage of the buildings collapsing, and my mother crying while she talks to my father on the phone, afraid that his LA office building might be attacked as well. I remember there was no school that day and my dad came home from work because anyone working in buildings near airports were given the day off, just on the off chance that it would be hit. At the time, I didn't understand what was happening. I was not affected by the attacks.


On Native Soil brings me back to that day. But this time, I am fully aware of what is happening. My heart pounds in my chest as the planes hit their targets, and I bite back a scream of horror. I put myself in the minds of the victims, trapped in the building. Their fear washes over me and I see myself in the hallways filled with rubble and flames, the smoke and debris in the air choking me as I struggle towards the stairs. I can feel blood running down my temple and arms and the dust settles in the open wounds. I can hear the screams of my co workers as they panic. Fear makes them forget any sort of logic. I see my assistant jump out the window. We are on the 85th floor.


I feel tears forming as I come back to the present.
I cannot think of a way to conclude it. Normally I am not very emotional, but the footage has shocked me into silence and added a tremor to my voice.
Even after all this, I still believe going to war against Iraq was incredibly wrong. War in general is.
The people who did this did need to answer for it.
What upsets me that somehow most of the Middle East had to as well.
This was one group of people attacking a country. The US should have just gone after the terrorists, and left innocents unharmed.

Being LGBT

I am not straight. I haven't been for a long time. I identify as pansexual. First let me answer to some rather rude comments I have heard:
1. I am not attractive to pans.
2. No I am not attracted to everyone.
3. No I am not sexually promiscuous
Pansexual is derived from the greek prefix "Pan", which means all. Again, I am not attracted to everyone. What it means is I am attracted to all genders, be it female, male, transgender, gender fluid, agender, etc. To boil it down, I do not like one gender more than another. I am attracted to people.

But enough about me.

Sexuality and Gender is a hot topic right now. Sure the Supreme Court made gay marriage legal, but that doesn't mean we are out of the woods.
If anything, it has gotten even more difficult to be LGBT.
Kim Davis and other Americans have reacted in the only way they can: laying on the floor like a petulant child, screaming and crying while saying "It's not fair!"
They are like toddlers, upset that they didn't get their way.
Every day on Tumblr and Facebook, I see my fellow LGBT friends being attacked with arguments that make no sense. Even then, they still hurt.

I went on a crusade last year to try and reason with a homophobic Facebook page. All I got was insults, which kept filling up my notifications till I was curled up in a ball, willing back tears. I was never going to let them know they succeeded in hurting me. I was blocked by them, and amazingly did not care.
Even though they thought they had gotten rid of me, I still took a screenshot and revealed their immaturity to the world.
But these small victories only help short-term. The next day, they go back to spewing their hatred and condemning anyone who sees that to be successful is to accept that there are people who are different, and that it is ok.
The neanderthals can keep whining. The intelligent people will shoot them down again and again until there is finally equality.
Who knows when that will be? One year? Two? Three? Twenty? We don't know. But one thing we do know is that we will win someday.
-Freddie