A place for ESL students and teachers to communicate with one another about any issues related to English language learning, CESL, the University of Arizona, and living and working in Tucson.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Film Reflection
This week, we viewed the film "Women: A True Story - The Gender Tango". Please post your thoughts on one of the women or female societies portrayed in the film.
People usually choose their spouse from opposite sex. This is so natural that nobody questions it. They believe marriage is complete only when a male and a female meet. However this is not always true. A woman named Dorothy Tipton pretended to be a man to play jazz which wasn’t allowed for women in her time. She got married to a woman who had traumatic rape experiences. Thus, they both could avoid having sexual relationships. Billy, Dorothy’s new male name, had a great marriage with her and their two adopted children. They didn’t have any problem because of their gender. This story got over the person’s prejudices on the gender division. People’s roles shouldn’t be divided by gender. They have to consider individual characteristics, abilities and preferences more than their given gender. As a conclusion, everyone has freedom to choose their life, such as their career and love, based on this.
Born as Dorothy Tipton, Billy Tipton’s story is very funny, at least for me. However, I can’t judge what Dorothy was feeling when she wanted to play jazz, but she was not allowed. These are different times, and there is a gap between the 1930’s and the 21st Century. I think she must have been very brave to leave her life as a woman and to transform into a man, but I can’t even think what she felt being a man when she really wasn’t. I mean, she got rid of everything and changed it for her music, not because she was gay. How did she handle her sexual needs? She probably just conformed to the idea of being a man without actually being one. However, this just shows how attached she was to her music and how people are able to do whatever they want to do when they are really committed to their beliefs. It must have been shocking for Billy’s family found out the truth. They always thought that Billy was a man, but suddenly they found out after his death that he was a she.
In general, People thought women cannot work as well as men. Even though, women can work more than men. Actually, a lot of women can work hard and well. Billy was a victim of women discrimination. Billy could not say that she was a woman. If she says that, she will probably lose the job, and people criticize her. She probably had stress, but she could not consult about this problem. Women was limited a lot of things by discrimination in that age. At that time, Japanese women also suffered women discrimination. Most of Japanese women had to be submissive house wives because most of companies did not employ them. Japanese men thought that men work in the companies, and women work in the houses. If they have a job, they cannot get high salary. Women can get jobs more easily nowadays in Japan and U.S.A. A lot of women have as high salary as men because men understand women have ability as well as men. Some countries still have women discrimination. They should consider how important women are.
Every scene from the America beauty pageant portion of the film seems to be totally gross for me. I’ve seen these kinds of girls, and I can anticipate what those babies will be in the future. Mostly, because they are fully prepared and surrounded by everything beautiful, they will not be independent and realistic. What their parents are doing is just creating another spoiled dumb girl who only cares about herself or her appearance. For me, any girl who only relies on a boy to support her is horrible. Moreover, one of the moms in the videotape was irritating because she doesn’t realize what she did was feeling a result of her dissatisfaction of her unfulfilled desire towards her own beauty. All of those were just disgusting. They should seek real beauty, one’s inner beauty.
When I think about men and women, there are some stereotypical ideas according to the social system. Since I was really young, I am used to acting like a girl because I was taught to behave like a woman. Nobody taught me how to play soccer or how to climb up trees or how to fight with guys, but people taught me how to talk, eat, cook, and behave femininely. In general, all societies to a certain effect expect people to behave or act how they are supposed to do, based on their gender. For example, in Korea, men are supposed to go out, make money, and take care of family financially. On the other hand, women are supposed to stay home, take care of house chores, and raise a family. Of course, these old-fashioned ideas have been changing a lot, but the sexual expectations still exist everywhere. surprisingly, there is as ideal island which is called Trobrian. This island has a matriarchal society, so women are regarded to be dominant, powerful, and important. In this tribe, men usually spend more time taking care of children, while women work for living. What I was surprised about is this reversed gender role. In general, men are supposed to work outside, and women are supposed to stay home for taking care of family, but because of this reversed gender expectation, this island seems more peaceful and happy. There are no certain gender expectations. Everyone is treated the same, and they do not expect gender obligations. Trobriand's children feel totally comfortable being with their fathers, which weird for us, and people respect old people as knowledgable about everything. Moreover, there is no violence in this tribe because everyone treats others with respect. For me, the Trobriand Island seems like a utopia. If I get a chance to go there, it will be a great opportunity to experience the future ideal society.
Reflection of American Beauty Queens There are many contests for baby girls in the United States. Many mothers participate in American beauty contests. They strive to make a beauty queen out of their babies, and they want to be ahead of others in contests. Also, entry mothers are willing to sacrifice in order to get a prize. Mothers who take part in contests have to pay the host organization. Mothers must pay them a lot of money, and they have to buy costly dresses for their babies. Promoters and participators seem to believe that these beauty contests are going to make the woman, and the babies have a more power in the future. Moreover, many baby girls can control their body after contests; they will exercise every day to avoid getting fat. In my country, we have similar contests for babies, too. The contests are held under the auspices of many companies, such as the toy, diaper, and baby food companies. These companies give prize money or they give other prizes. Companies give a free their baby food, diapers and toy during one year or more. Besides, if a baby wins first prize, many parents think that their baby will be an actor or an actress because these companies give a chance to be a performer. As I said, participants have to pay the host companies and they have to buy expensive clothes too. Maybe the participants think that it is more opportunity for their baby and they think that it is good experience for their baby. However, it can give to companies’ commercial benefit because of propaganda effects. Babies who take part in contests probably do not know anything, and they just follow their parents. When I saw the video of American Beauty Queens, I felt sick because the babies did not know about purpose and reason, they also seem to be tired, and some of them were asleep. I have two lovely babies. If I had a chance to participate in a contest, I would never go to there. Also, I am not going to recommend to anyone because it will be severe and harsh to our babies.
In general, People thought women cannot work as well as men. Even though, women can work more than men. Actually, a lot of women can work hard and well. Billy was a victim of gender discrimination. Billy could not say that she was a woman. If she said that, she would probably lose her job, and people would criticize her. She probably had stress, but she could not consult about this problem. Women were limited to many things by discrimination during that time. At that time, Japanese women also experienced gender discrimination. Most Japanese women had to be submissive housewives because most companies did not employ them. Japanese men thought that only men should work at a company, and women should work at home. If women have a job, they cannot get a high salary. Women can get jobs more easily nowadays in Japan and U.S.A. A lot of women have as a high salary as men because men understand women have the same ability as men. Some countries still have gender discrimination. They should consider how important women are.
When I started writing this reflection, it was not my intention to respond to the New Guinean tribe terrible documentary, for I have so much to say in other areas. However, the images keep popping in my head and are really bothering me. The only statement I can now think about is "Thank God for the culture in which I was raised" I fully understand that cultures and traditions differ from one area to another, and that we have to respect all kinds of customs and avoid judging them without studying the roots from where these acts originated. But what I saw was disturbing and inhuman. Because I grew up in a society where women are put on pedestal and are given a degree of sacredness, I felt lucky yet responsible of the treatment those New Guinean women are getting. Gender roles have always been and will always be different between men and women. In our beliefs [Islam] these roles are divided "equally" between genders according to their creation, physical as well as emotional. Woman and men both have rights and duties towards one another, and this is the environment I am used to considering the norm. Therefore my feelings were intense when I was exposed to the Sambian tribe way of thinking, including all the abusing, raping, and aggravation women were treated with. I don't think these kinds of acts can be ignored for the sake of cultural respect because there are human beings (Sambian women as well as children) who are being abused by such rules! Personally, seeing this and not doing anything about it is making me feel as guilty as these male abusers from the New Guinean tribe.
Among the elements Americans consider to be part of courtesy, some are common to other cultures such as saying say hi to others or thanking them after receiving a gift or a satisfying service. What I have learned in Tucson, and which is very different from my country, is to say ‘’hi’’ to the bus driver or even thank him while getting off the bus. In my country, in Ivory Coast the bus drivers are not supposed to talk. In general the customers ignore them. I remember having talked to the bus driver only to ask for a direction as I was getting on the bus. Ivorians usually talk with taxi drivers because the size of cars allows interactions between people. I like to interact with bus drivers and what surprises me, they also like that. They usually ask me where I come from because of my accent. Furthermore, another common question is about my hair style. Now I pay attention to always give a smile even if I do not know the driver. As well, Americans always add “please” to their requests, and this means that they care for the other person’s availability. Finally, the amazing thing is the courtesy services. For example, “Safe Ride” provides courtesy shuttles to university students. From these facts, it is obvious that courtesy is intensively part of procedures and habits of Americans.
Among the elements Americans consider to be part of courtesy, some are common to other cultures such as saying say hi to others or thanking them after receiving a gift or a satisfying service. What I have learned in Tucson, and which is very different from my country, is to say ‘’hi’’ to the bus driver or even thank him while getting off the bus. In my country, in Ivory Coast the bus drivers are not supposed to talk. In general the customers ignore them. I remember having talked to the bus driver only to ask for a direction as I was getting on the bus. Ivorians usually talk with taxi drivers because the size of cars allows interactions between people. I like to interact with bus drivers and what surprises me, they also like that. They usually ask me where I come from because of my accent. Furthermore, another common question is about my hair style. Now I pay attention to always give a smile even if I do not know the driver. As well, Americans always add “please” to their requests, and this means that they care for the other person’s availability. Finally, the amazing thing is the courtesy services. For example, “Safe Ride” provides courtesy shuttles to university students. From these facts, it is obvious that courtesy is intensively part of procedures and habits of Americans.
Nowadays, in America, girls tend to have more opportunity to dance and do many other things. Their mothers let them join a beauty competition which is called “American Beauty Queen”. In this competition, the youngest girl is only six months old. A journalist asked a little girl that what does she want to be in the future, and the girl said: “Firefighter” which means the girl only do things as their mother’s mind. In addition, the clothes and ornaments which are worn by the girls cost a lot of money. For example, a dress would cost six hundred dollars, and the entry fee costs one thousand dollars. To conclude, American mothers care more and more about their girls’ beauty and attractiveness. In China, we also have a competition like “American Beauty Queen”, but it is called “Super Girls”. The competition is held for people who want to become famous, and usually, the people who join this competition are above 18. Also, it is voluntary. I am amazed by the “American Beauty Queen” because the youngest girl in this competition is only six months old, which means they are forced join this competition. In brief, I think American mothers should think more about what it is that their daughters want to do. If a person is forced to do something by another person, they never do better than a person who really wants to do it on their own will. On the other perspective, the girls might hurt by force to do something.
Chair of English
Higher Colleges of Technology
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Ph.D. candidate in
Second Language Acquisition and Teaching
University of Arizona, Tucson
14 comments:
People usually choose their spouse from opposite sex. This is so natural that nobody questions it. They believe marriage is complete only when a male and a female meet. However this is not always true.
A woman named Dorothy Tipton pretended to be a man to play jazz which wasn’t allowed for women in her time. She got married to a woman who had traumatic rape experiences. Thus, they both could avoid having sexual relationships. Billy, Dorothy’s new male name, had a great marriage with her and their two adopted children. They didn’t have any problem because of their gender. This story got over the person’s prejudices on the gender division.
People’s roles shouldn’t be divided by gender. They have to consider individual characteristics, abilities and preferences more than their given gender. As a conclusion, everyone has freedom to choose their life, such as their career and love, based on this.
Born as Dorothy Tipton, Billy Tipton’s story is very funny, at least for me. However, I can’t judge what Dorothy was feeling when she wanted to play jazz, but she was not allowed. These are different times, and there is a gap between the 1930’s and the 21st Century. I think she must have been very brave to leave her life as a woman and to transform into a man, but I can’t even think what she felt being a man when she really wasn’t. I mean, she got rid of everything and changed it for her music, not because she was gay. How did she handle her sexual needs? She probably just conformed to the idea of being a man without actually being one. However, this just shows how attached she was to her music and how people are able to do whatever they want to do when they are really committed to their beliefs.
It must have been shocking for Billy’s family found out the truth. They always thought that Billy was a man, but suddenly they found out after his death that he was a she.
Billy Tipton Reflection
In general, People thought women cannot work as well as men. Even though, women can work more than men. Actually, a lot of women can work hard and well.
Billy was a victim of women discrimination. Billy could not say that she was a woman. If she says that, she will probably lose the job, and people criticize her. She probably had stress, but she could not consult about this problem. Women was limited a lot of things by discrimination in that age. At that time, Japanese women also suffered women discrimination. Most of Japanese women had to be submissive house wives because most of companies did not employ them. Japanese men thought that men work in the companies, and women work in the houses. If they have a job, they cannot get high salary.
Women can get jobs more easily nowadays in Japan and U.S.A. A lot of women have as high salary as men because men understand women have ability as well as men. Some countries still have women discrimination. They should consider how important women are.
Reflection of Beauty Pageant
Every scene from the America beauty pageant portion of the film seems to be totally gross for me. I’ve seen these kinds of girls, and I can anticipate what those babies will be in the future. Mostly, because they are fully prepared and surrounded by everything beautiful, they will not be independent and realistic. What their parents are doing is just creating another spoiled dumb girl who only cares about herself or her appearance. For me, any girl who only relies on a boy to support her is horrible. Moreover, one of the moms in the videotape was irritating because she doesn’t realize what she did was feeling a result of her dissatisfaction of her unfulfilled desire towards her own beauty. All of those were just disgusting. They should seek real beauty, one’s inner beauty.
Reflection of Trobrian Island
When I think about men and women, there are some stereotypical ideas according to the social system. Since I was really young, I am used to acting like a girl because I was taught to behave like a woman. Nobody taught me how to play soccer or how to climb up trees or how to fight with guys, but people taught me how to talk, eat, cook, and behave femininely. In general, all societies to a certain effect expect people to behave or act how they are supposed to do, based on their gender. For example, in Korea, men are supposed to go out, make money, and take care of family financially. On the other hand, women are supposed to stay home, take care of house chores, and raise a family. Of course, these old-fashioned ideas have been changing a lot, but the sexual expectations still exist everywhere.
surprisingly, there is as ideal island which is called Trobrian. This island has a matriarchal society, so women are regarded to be dominant, powerful, and important. In this tribe, men usually spend more time taking care of children, while women work for living. What I was surprised about is this reversed gender role. In general, men are supposed to work outside, and women are supposed to stay home for taking care of family, but because of this reversed gender expectation, this island seems more peaceful and happy. There are no certain gender expectations. Everyone is treated the same, and they do not expect gender obligations. Trobriand's children feel totally comfortable being with their fathers, which weird for us, and people respect old people as knowledgable about everything. Moreover, there is no violence in this tribe because everyone treats others with respect. For me, the Trobriand Island seems like a utopia. If I get a chance to go there, it will be a great opportunity to experience the future ideal society.
Reflection of American Beauty Queens
There are many contests for baby girls in the United States. Many mothers participate in American beauty contests. They strive to make a beauty queen out of their babies, and they want to be ahead of others in contests. Also, entry mothers are willing to sacrifice in order to get a prize. Mothers who take part in contests have to pay the host organization. Mothers must pay them a lot of money, and they have to buy costly dresses for their babies. Promoters and participators seem to believe that these beauty contests are going to make the woman, and the babies have a more power in the future. Moreover, many baby girls can control their body after contests; they will exercise every day to avoid getting fat.
In my country, we have similar contests for babies, too. The contests are held under the auspices of many companies, such as the toy, diaper, and baby food companies. These companies give prize money or they give other prizes. Companies give a free their baby food, diapers and toy during one year or more. Besides, if a baby wins first prize, many parents think that their baby will be an actor or an actress because these companies give a chance to be a performer. As I said, participants have to pay the host companies and they have to buy expensive clothes too.
Maybe the participants think that it is more opportunity for their baby and they think that it is good experience for their baby. However, it can give to companies’ commercial benefit because of propaganda effects. Babies who take part in contests probably do not know anything, and they just follow their parents. When I saw the video of American Beauty Queens, I felt sick because the babies did not know about purpose and reason, they also seem to be tired, and some of them were asleep. I have two lovely babies. If I had a chance to participate in a contest, I would never go to there. Also, I am not going to recommend to anyone because it will be severe and harsh to our babies.
Billy Tipton Reflection
In general, People thought women cannot work as well as men. Even though, women can work more than men. Actually, a lot of women can work hard and well.
Billy was a victim of gender discrimination. Billy could not say that she was a woman. If she said that, she would probably lose her job, and people would criticize her. She probably had stress, but she could not consult about this problem. Women were limited to many things by discrimination during that time. At that time, Japanese women also experienced gender discrimination. Most Japanese women had to be submissive housewives because most companies did not employ them. Japanese men thought that only men should work at a company, and women should work at home. If women have a job, they cannot get a high salary.
Women can get jobs more easily nowadays in Japan and U.S.A. A lot of women have as a high salary as men because men understand women have the same ability as men. Some countries still have gender discrimination. They should consider how important women are.
Reflections
(New Guinea: Sambia Tribe)
When I started writing this reflection, it was not my intention to respond to the New Guinean tribe terrible documentary, for I have so much to say in other areas. However, the images keep popping in my head and are really bothering me. The only statement I can now think about is "Thank God for the culture in which I was raised" I fully understand that cultures and traditions differ from one area to another, and that we have to respect all kinds of customs and avoid judging them without studying the roots from where these acts originated. But what I saw was disturbing and inhuman. Because I grew up in a society where women are put on pedestal and are given a degree of sacredness, I felt lucky yet responsible of the treatment those New Guinean women are getting. Gender roles have always been and will always be different between men and women. In our beliefs [Islam] these roles are divided "equally" between genders according to their creation, physical as well as emotional. Woman and men both have rights and duties towards one another, and this is the environment I am used to considering the norm. Therefore my feelings were intense when I was exposed to the Sambian tribe way of thinking, including all the abusing, raping, and aggravation women were treated with. I don't think these kinds of acts can be ignored for the sake of cultural respect because there are human beings (Sambian women as well as children) who are being abused by such rules! Personally, seeing this and not doing anything about it is making me feel as guilty as these male abusers from the New Guinean tribe.
Among the elements Americans consider to be part of courtesy, some are common to other cultures such as saying say hi to others or thanking them after receiving a gift or a satisfying service. What I have learned in Tucson, and which is very different from my country, is to say ‘’hi’’ to the bus driver or even thank him while getting off the bus.
In my country, in Ivory Coast the bus drivers are not supposed to talk. In general the customers ignore them. I remember having talked to the bus driver only to ask for a direction as I was getting on the bus. Ivorians usually talk with taxi drivers because the size of cars allows interactions between people.
I like to interact with bus drivers and what surprises me, they also like that. They usually ask me where I come from because of my accent. Furthermore, another common question is about my hair style.
Now I pay attention to always give a smile even if I do not know the driver. As well, Americans always add “please” to their requests, and this means that they care for the other person’s availability. Finally, the amazing thing is the courtesy services. For example, “Safe Ride” provides courtesy shuttles to university students. From these facts, it is obvious that courtesy is intensively part of procedures and habits of Americans.
Among the elements Americans consider to be part of courtesy, some are common to other cultures such as saying say hi to others or thanking them after receiving a gift or a satisfying service. What I have learned in Tucson, and which is very different from my country, is to say ‘’hi’’ to the bus driver or even thank him while getting off the bus.
In my country, in Ivory Coast the bus drivers are not supposed to talk. In general the customers ignore them. I remember having talked to the bus driver only to ask for a direction as I was getting on the bus. Ivorians usually talk with taxi drivers because the size of cars allows interactions between people.
I like to interact with bus drivers and what surprises me, they also like that. They usually ask me where I come from because of my accent. Furthermore, another common question is about my hair style.
Now I pay attention to always give a smile even if I do not know the driver. As well, Americans always add “please” to their requests, and this means that they care for the other person’s availability. Finally, the amazing thing is the courtesy services. For example, “Safe Ride” provides courtesy shuttles to university students. From these facts, it is obvious that courtesy is intensively part of procedures and habits of Americans.
Nowadays, in America, girls tend to have more opportunity to dance and do many other things. Their mothers let them join a beauty competition which is called “American Beauty Queen”. In this competition, the youngest girl is only six months old. A journalist asked a little girl that what does she want to be in the future, and the girl said: “Firefighter” which means the girl only do things as their mother’s mind. In addition, the clothes and ornaments which are worn by the girls cost a lot of money. For example, a dress would cost six hundred dollars, and the entry fee costs one thousand dollars. To conclude, American mothers care more and more about their girls’ beauty and attractiveness.
In China, we also have a competition like “American Beauty Queen”, but it is called “Super Girls”. The competition is held for people who want to become famous, and usually, the people who join this competition are above 18. Also, it is voluntary. I am amazed by the “American Beauty Queen” because the youngest girl in this competition is only six months old, which means they are forced join this competition.
In brief, I think American mothers should think more about what it is that their daughters want to do. If a person is forced to do something by another person, they never do better than a person who really wants to do it on their own will. On the other perspective, the girls might hurt by force to do something.
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