What They Are Really "Selling"

The popular designer Dolce and Gabanna is world renowned for their clothes,shoes, and celebrity following among other things.
Dolce and Gabbana, even if I found a way to afford it, will never get a cent from me. There clothes are fine, there bags are nice, but there advertising on the other hand is absolutely disgusting. In my journalism class I was shown a picture from a spring 2007 Dolce and Gobbanna add campaign that was widley spread over many european countries. This image was supposedly advertising the Spring 2007 "clothing collection".
Look at this image for a couple seconds.
What did you think of?
When I saw this image "fashion" is the last thing that came to mind, for me it brought ideas more along the line of "gang rape".
The majority of Dolce and Gabbana's consumers are women. The same group of people the company blatantly disrespects in many of there advertising campaigns. This ad in particular glamorizes the idea of men forcibly imposing sexual advances on a woman which is what all of us in the real world would usually call "rape". There is nothing beautiful, artsy or fashionable about this. Why a woman would ever choose to spend any money on items this company associates with is mind boggling. This type of marketing is a personal insult to any self- respecting person, not only females.
Eventually the designer opted to pull the campaign because of the large amount of complaints they recieved from "special interest groups".
If you are a D&G shopper, or ever considered being one think twice. As long as people continue to financially support companies that perpetuate sexist stereotypes they will never go away. It's not just about hot shoes and cute handbags anymore.

ATTENTION WAL- MART SHOPPERS: The High Cost Of A "Happy" Holiday.

The Friday proceeding thanksgiving has always been know for crazy traffic, long lines and of course even better sales. This year the words "Black Friday" have taken on a whole new meaning.
At a Wal- Mart on Long Island a man was trampled to death by holiday shoppers attempting to be the first in the store.
A crowd waiting on line outside of the Wal-Mart broke down the door crushing the man, and proceeded to run over him.
All of us need to recognize what an atrocity this event was.

I don't care how bad the economy is,how awesome the DVD sales were, or that no one cares about the real meaning of the holidays anymore, but when people stop recognizing the importance of human life we have a problem.

This "man" was a person. With a name, a family, a life. He like the rest of us, was working hard probably in order to buy some gifts this season as well. I'm sure his family wouldn't mind being gift-less if they knew what price they were going to pay. Because sale or no sale, he is dead. No digital camera will hug them, No xbox will fill the hole they have in there hearts and Nothing, not even a Wide Screen HD TV will bring him back.

It's our duty to make sure this incident which should have never happened in the first place never happens again.

When you hear this story it's obvious that "things" just aren't that important.
We need to top defining our self worth by the items we posses.
We need to recognize people love us because of who we are not what we buy and that life is a gift in and of itself.

I've decided to start giving thanks for "who" I have, instead of "what" I have, because the "what" doesn't seem so important anymore.

Jack's Mannequin.

This Saturday I attended the Jack's Mannequin Concert at the Blender Theater on East 23 in Manhattan. In case you've never heard of the band, there a piano based alternative rock group. I've listened to the band before, but until I saw the concert I was never truly a fan. This band really knows how to put on a show. I've never seen a piano player rock out as much as lead singer, Andrew McMahon. He banged on the piano, rarely looked at the keys, and sung completely on pitch the entire time. They covered the Bruce Springsteen Song "I'm On Fire". It was original and mainly focused on the piano part, Jack's did the song justice, Bruce would have been proud. McMahon spoke about his battle with Leukemia and his non- for profit organization called" The Dear Jack Foundation", which raises money for cancer research. The band dedicated the song "Caves", from there new album "Glass Passenger" to all of those still struggling with the disease. The song combines a classical piano part, with a rock bass drum and guitar part. Compared to earlier songs, Jack's has come a long way musically. Now, the music is much more logistically complex, and sounds much more sophisticated. They played some of there earlier songs such as, "Dark Blue" and "The Mixed Tape", which are easier to sing along to. One of McMahon' songs which remained off Jack's Mannequins newest CD, titled "hey, hey, hey, We Are All Going To Die", was thematically out of character for the group. It's a good thing the pessimistic not- so creative song, stayed off the record, it probably shouldn't have seen the stage either. Aside from one musical mishap the show was amazing. The crowd was pumped, The band didn't miss a beat and they seemed to really enjoy playing. If you like piano, or are looking for a new sound definitely give Jack's Mannequin a shot.

India Arie is a great artist. If you haven't heard her, it's time to start.
Some quotes I heard from her today really struck a chord with me.

" There is a blessing in every lesson"

" A girl isn't what she wears she's what she knows"

" The next time the radio tells you to shake your money maker, shake your head and tell them your a leader"

She has got the right idea.
Go listen.

Is Chivalry Sexist?

Chivalry. We often hear it's dead or dying, and I have been considering wether or not it is bad thing? I consider myself a feminist. I believe that men and women should be equal, all the time. So does that make a man holding a door, pulling out a chair, or giving up his seat for a woman against my beliefs? Not at all.

I feel that we were all created equal, and should be treated as such, but I realize that men and women are different. When you look at a male or female, there are obvious differences,physically, mentally, emotionally, and I recognize that. But that does not mean, that my brain or abilities are any less than a guy.
I believe women deserve equal pay in the work force, equal recognition in government, and the opportunities to do whatever we choose without gender coming in to question, I also believe that Chivalry has a place in society.

Chivalry by definition is: The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women. There aren't too many mid-evil Knights in Philly, but unfortunately the principals of "courtesy, honor and gallantry towards women" are almost as difficult to find. Although Chivalry is nearly extinct in my generation, I believe it's a courtesy that is important.

I believe that men and women can be equal, while still showing manors and appreciation towards the other sex. Opening a door for a girl, is a nice way of showing her, that you appreciate her. It sounds sexist right? Maybe it is. We need to consider then, if women wearing heels and make-up supports sexual oppression, because they choose to dress differently than a male, simply because of their gender.

When a man acts this way towards a woman he is not, diminishing her importance. rather, he is displaying his appreciation for her. I don't think that these manors should be a one way street. Females in a relationship should also show respect for there partner by treating them courteously. As long as both member of a relationship act accordingly, I do not believe Chivalry promotes sexism.

Chivalry isn't necessary, but it is nice. I can open a door for myself, pull out my own chair and what not, but I expect such treatment from any man I date. Is that contradictory to all my other beliefs?

Is it sexist, or respect?


picture provided by:http://www.theartiststudio.com/3d/HTML/man%20and%20woman%20in%20red_std.jpg

Check This Out.

link:
http://thinkagain.theatlantic.com/

This is really awesome. Good questions to Think about, funny answers.

The Tall Skinny Girl Named Beautiful

Models, the modeling world, and the fashion industry are often scrutinized. Wether the models chests are too big, hips are too round, face is too "pretty", not "pretty enough", bodies are too thin, too fat or the new favorite "skinny-fat", the industry, and society places enormous pressure on models, to appear a certain way.

Beauty is a word that cannot be defined by anyone one mind, one person, or one appearance. We have all heard the arguments that surround the fashion industry, including the idea that they are projecting an un-realistic, depiction of what a beautiful body looks like. The size 00" 6'4 girl that can be seen on every runway, arguably makes "average" or "normal" girls feel in-adequate, or ugly. The discussion of weight is not new, and isn't going anywhere. But what about height?
Height, is not a physical attribute most women spend a lot of time thinking about. Compared to weight, a female's stature is almost never discussed. However, to the fashion police, height is essential. How tall, or short someone may be, is not based on a decision they made. It is the same as race, hair color or gender. Is there a such thing as height discrimination? Decide for yourself:

According to the National Center for Health Statistics the average American female is 63.8 inches or 5.32 feet tall.
According to Americas next top model, fashion week, or any fashion magazine, a woman this height doesn't exist at all.


So why can't short girls be models?

Well, on the hit television show "Americas Next Top Model", hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks there has been African American, Caucasian, Asian, Indian," Plus Size" and even transgender candidates. Despite the show's diversity, there has never been a "short" contestant. Probably because if a person is under the height of 5"8 they are ineligible to even audition. Luckily my short statured self, has never aspired to become a model, but if I did, I would be straight out of luck. I could gain or lose tons of weight, have a perfect walk, and take great pictures, and never even receive an audition, much less an actual job.Tall and thin is beautiful, I'm not debating that, but so is short, curvy and everything in between."America's Next Top Model " did not create, this requirement. They simply followed the standards established by the modeling world.

The idea that a certain height is a requirement, not a suggestion for this career is slightly absurd. The job of a model is to walk down a runway wearing clothes, and possibly be photographed. I'm not saying that doing the job well is easy, but being "tall" certainly is not necessary to complete either of those tasks. The argument that "there are no short basketball players", or "tall jockeys" is invalid. First of all, in these sports height may effect a persons ability to correctly perform, which is not the case for models. Besides that fact, there are short basketball players, and jockeys. For example, Muggsy Bouges, a point guard for the NBA, was only 5'3 or Louise Moeller a Danish horse jockey stands 6'1 tall. It's obvious that height is not a solution-less situation unless your on the catwalk.

Why do fashion companies get to define just how tall beauty is? Are short girls, un-worthy of runway glory because of an attribute they cannot change? Is the average american woman too-short to be attractive? Am I less beautiful than a 5'8 girl?
Is it wrong that I enjoy being "short"? Should I be aspiring to gain a few, inches? Maybe I'll just wear stilettos every day, and stand up straight so no one will notice.
Or Maybe not.
The fashion industry needs to stop trying to fit beauty into super skinny, extra long containers that look exactly the same.

My Name is Grace, I'm 5 feet 2 inches tall.
My Name is Grace, I'm not a size zero, or even a two.
My Name is Grace, and I am beautiful.



Picture Provided By: http://www.ethicsinbusiness.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/sickly.jpeg
Statistic Provided By:http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/bodymeas.htm
Info on NBA stats:http://www.nba.com/playerfile/muggsy_bogues/index.html
Jockey stats: http://www.jockeysroom.com/LouiseMoeller.htm

Freedom Of Speech, Freedom Of Religion, Freedom Of Protection?

Birth control. It's an issue that effects, our government, families, and obviously the population.
Birth control. It's essential.
Birth control, unfortunately, not all of us have access to it.
Condoms, as pre-teens we are taught that ultimately they get the job done. They keep us safe from diseases, and for females unwanted pregnancies. Anyone can buy them, they are cheap, and easy to acquire. So, what's the problem?
Well, ultimately it's all up to the male partner to not only wear one, but to put it on correctly. In the end he is the one who gets to control the situation. I'm by no means condoning the idea that sex without a condom is a good idea. I'm simply stating that double protection couldn't be a bad thing. So why not?

Well' first of all many states do not allow females to acquire birth control without parental consent until they are 18. I'm talking female contraception in the form of pills, shots or other prescribed protection. Some argue that if females of any age had access to contraception, it would encourage sexual promiscuity. This is an invalid argument. If that was the real concern then why is there no age required to buy condoms? I'm 100% sure teenage boys are no less interested in sex then their female counterparts. Females carry the baby for nine months, females should have the opportunity to protect themselves.

It is irresponsible of state governments to prohibit teenage females from receiving birth control without parental consent. Many of these states, have strict abortion laws as well. Maybe if, more girls had access to birth control there would be no need for abortion at all.

If a teen wants to have sex they will. As a society we need to begin making sure everyone has the option to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy and disease, rather than trying to stop something that has been around forever and isn't going anywhere. A condom,is extremely important especially, because it is the only method of birth control that protects from STD's, but it should not be a teens only option. Female contraceptives, are not a substitution for a condom rather, they should be used as extra protection. It is strikingly obvious that prohibiting teen females from receiving birth control they can monitor is irresponsible and unfair. It's time the girls had a say.




Think about it.

Belief.

"Let no one be discouraged by the belief that there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the world's ills -- against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence... Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation...
It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man (or a woman) stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he (or she) sends a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
-Robert Francis Kennedy, speech at Day of Affirmation, University of Capetown, South Africa

More Than Just a Cat and A Hat.

Dr. Seuss, the children's author has come up with some great advice in his books. The famous tales we were all raised on may serve a greater purpose than purely entertainment. These books discuss, ideals and morals many "grown-ups" have too quickly forgotten. The imaginary communities Seuss discusses bring to light many "real-life" problems facing our world today. The only difference is, at the end of the story, the characters in his books make the right, ethical decision, regardless of the situation. Children, automatically accept the idea that every story ends happily, because they are too young to comprehend a reason it wouldn't. Their outlook has not yet been colored by negative outside experience, or pessimism. They, do not yet doubt the idea that all people, are good people. If we thought more like children, and assumed people would do usually do the right thing, is it possible that they could? Maybe we should start living more like doctor Seuss advises. If you read carefully, it's clear that these stories are not just for youngsters. Here are some quotes I found surprisingly compelling:

And today the great Yertle, that Marvelous he,
Is King of the Mud. That is all he can see.
And the turtles, of course...all the turtles are free
As turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be.
Yertle the Turtle (1958)


Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It's not.
The Lorax (1971)

Don't give up! I believe in you all
A person's a person, no matter how small!
And you very small persons will not have to die
If you make yourselves heard! So come on, now, and TRY!
Horton Hears a Who! (1954)


"This," cried the Mayor, "is your town's darkest hour!
The time for all Whos who have blood that is red
To come to the aid of their country!" he said.
"We’ve GOT to make noises in greater amounts!
So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!"
Horton Hears a Who! (1954)


Dr. Seuss should've ran for president. He would have had my vote.



Quote provided by: http://www.quotegeek.com/index.php?action=viewcategory&categoryid=1063

Liberty, and Justice for All.

"Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place." — Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president.

On Tuesday night, Barack Obama was elected to be the next president of the United States. This article isn't about, what his administration will do, why I believe he was the most appropriate candidate,or how I feel about republican ideals. It's about change.
We all know this has been Obama's key word throughout the election, but I'm not talking about his campaign. I'm talking about the change, our country has just enacted. The United States of America, abolished slavery only 143 years ago,placed Japanese- Americans in internment camps until about 63 years ago, and supported segregated schooling for African American and Caucasian students up to 53 years ago. The same country, our country just elected a Kenyan, English, Irish Man to be president.
This is a miracle. Wether you voted for Obama or McCain, regardless of your race, religion or gender this is miraculous. Obama's election is the ultimate, story of hope. Not because Obama personally, thats another topic in an of itself, because of humanity. Despite what television, the news and sometimes our own brains tell us, people have shown again that they have the ability to make change, that they cannot be held down, and they should not be underestimated. Young people, Latinos, and African Americans voted in record numbers this election, and proved that they do care about our government. Americans have overcome oppression, and expanded their thinking enough to accept a person who doesn't fit the image of every other president we've had. Change isn't coming, it's here. If the population of our country has evolved so quickly from where we once were in our thinking, and action,the question to ask yourself is, What can't we accomplish?
Nothing Is impossible.


Picture Provided by:http://www.thresholdinitiative.com
Quote Provided By:http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/05/america/US-Elections-World-View-Quotes.php

BUDDHA:
If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.

Phillies Madness!

Marry Rich.

In case you didn't read my description, I am a journalism major. What does this mean? That in todays job market, the chances of me ever finding a solid, high paying position are slim to none. Am I alright with this? NO, But I can only do what makes me happy and as of right now journalism does just that. 

When talking to fellow students, about our current job predicament many of them have responded similarly. What is the solution? Well many males and females alike seem to think that it is "Marrying someone rich". 

I don't mean to sound bitter but I find this answer extremely insulting. It's a response that completely demeans my intellect, and value in the work force. There is nothing wrong with being a stay at home mom or dad, but there is something wrong with assuming that because I am a woman,  I should find a man to take care of my financial needs. When has a man ever been told "marry someone who can support you?". Why is it still assumed that a man will have a higher paying more successful career than me? 
These answers came from other college students, people who are receiving an equal education to my own, journeying into to the same distressed economy as my self. The way things are looking finding anyone "rich" is going to be next to impossible. So, for all you girls out there that have written this concept into your life plan, good luck because I promise it will be less rewarding, and much harder to find than a job in journalism. For everyone, boys girls or monkeys that think this is good advice, it's not. So consider carefully before saying this to anyone. It's the 21st century now. women can vote, and Surprise! they're even allowed to wear pants so, please save your breath.  

I'm unsure of what my career will be in the future  or how much income I will attain. But I do know one thing, I will never need a man to take care of me. So please do not assume just because I am a chick that I will settle for a job any less significant, or lucrative than my counterparts. 

Start recognizing my brain over my breasts.

Homogenous Barbie, And Her Look- Alike Friends.

Barbie. Shes about as American as Thomas Jefferson, Fords or plastic surgery. She is one of the first, toys every little girl is given. For decades Barbie has reigned supreme and remained popular despite fluctuation in the economy, technology, or pop culture. Barbie is a little girls best friend, and more importantly a role model. Surprisingly, this seemingly harmless play- thing may be sending a a terrible message to the little ones who adore her.

I'm not talking about the obvious issue of body image, that is often discussed in regard to Barbie. I'll save that discussion for a later date.

I'm talking about Racism.  

Unfortunately this is another all-to farmiliar part of American society. It is an issue that despite the advancement of our culture, we can not seem to overcome this social obstacle. Although as humans our DNA is 99.9% identical we focus hours of time fighting, over What? The color of our skin. The .1% that determines the amount of melanin in our bodies,(which is the determining factor in skin color) divides families, friends,cities,and our entire country. The fact that this is still such an issue is disgraceful. But what does racism have to do with Barbie? A couple days ago I would have said nothing. Than, I took a trip to McDonalds.

Sunday, me and a friend walked over to the local McDonalds to get lunch. I'm a vegetarian, and not too hot on the food so while my friend ordered I walked over to the display of "Happy Meal" toys. This month the toy for girls, is miniature Barbies. As I looked at the display of 10, I was automatically drawn to the brunette, the only one of her kind. Being of the brown- haired persuasion I automatically searched for the doll because, she most closely resembled my own appearance. My young- adult self still looked to find a Barbie, I could aesthetically identify with.   

 

The first thought that entered my head was "why is there only one brunette, thats not fair!" Then I realized something even more shocking. The little girl behind me who was,(unlike myself) an appropriate "happy meal" age, wouldn't be able to find a single doll who resembled her. This McDonalds, in the middle of Philadelphia, a predominantly Black area, didn't display, a single Barbie of color. 

What message does that send every young girl who enters McDonalds? 

It impresses upon them that the definition of beauty is a blonde Caucasian woman. 

A woman they will never be.

 

I am White, because of this I  had never given much thought to the idea that there are very few Black Barbies and baby dolls. But when I asked several of my African American friends how they felt about this clearly prejudice situation. One said "that's how it's always been". Both of them spoke about remembering their first Black Barbie, and how special that was. It's crazy to think that an extreme shortage of interracial Barbies, has been and continues to be "normal". This year Mattel, (the maker of Barbie) came out with a line of fairy barbies, Flinstone barbies, and "Hard Rock Barbie", three "minority" groups that are clearly less prevalent in the in the U.S than African Americans. Hispanics, or Asians. Unless of course you live in "fairyland", "Bedrock" or "Barbie Mariposa"(the place where fairy barbie lives). The "Barbie Mariposa" line offers 12 doll options, which include one with pink,blue and green hair but not a single dark skinned barbie. I'm not a fairy expert, but I'm pretty sure they aren't all white. This type of marketing is detrimental to society as a whole, black white or fairy and it needs to stop. The fact that hundreds of black girls receive only caucasian barbies throughout their lives is shameful.

Popular toys, reflect a countries societal values, and according to Barbie ours aren't looking so good . The "one color- fits all" barbie selection is telling of a major societal flaw. As a country we have evolved from where we once were but we must not fool ourselves into thinking racism is gone. We have the ability to think for ourselves, and teach young people that white,black or purple everyone is beautiful.
Shame on Barbie, but mostly shame on us.

As a culture we need to start recognizing that beauty isn't skin deep.

The Phillies and a Long Islander, A Love story.

"The Phillies." Four months ago I wouldn't have been able to tell you anything about them, or even that they were a baseball team. Shameful, I know, now that I'm living in Philadelphia I'm beginning to understand that The Phillies, aren't just a baseball team at all. 

I'm from Long Island. My entire life I've been surrounded by Yankees fans and the occasional Mets- lover, but never in my life have I actually felt a close connection to a baseball, or any sports team what so ever. I'm unsure if it's because I was never good at them, or that I have no idea what is going on. 

Anyway, I have finally discovered what is so awesome about our Great American Past time, and it has nothing to do with balls, bats, over priced peanuts, or chewing tobacco.

Philadelphia, is the city of brotherly love, and that is exactly the reason The Phillies win was so phenomenal. I was sitting in my room late on a week night when I heard howling from the street. I looked out my window expecting to see something terrible, maybe an accident?Or worse was some one hurt?  I rushed to the street to find out what all the noise was about. That's when I heard the big news, The Phillies had made it to the World Series. Soon after I dared utter the words "What's the big deal", I was quickly met with shocked faces and disgusted answers.  Apparently, this was the first World Series for the Phillies in an excruciating fifteen years, and Philly was ready for a win. 

The crowd grew until people were hanging from light poles, hugging police officers and running from one end of our enormous campus to the other screaming for their beloved Phillies.  Hundreds of zealous students and myself walked over thirty blocks to city hall, in order to watch the action closer to the stadium. In my entire life, I had never seen such excitement, it was if the entire city had just won the lottery. 

A few days later, the world series began. Everyone squished themselves around the biggest TV they could find in our tiny dorms , to watch the game. Phillies fever swept the school, every class discussion inevitably turned into baseball conversation, every student, employee, and even the homeless painted themselves in red to show support for the team.

Then came the moment of truth, the game that would end them all, we sat on the edge of our seats, crossed our fingers,and then... it rained.

For Two days all of Philadelphia had one thing on there minds. The anticipation was almost to much to handle, even for people like me who are not baseball fanatics, or sports fans at all.

And then the time finally came, we would know if the curse was broken, if our Phillies would bring home the title, and most importantly if we would have classes the next day.

We held hands screamed,yelled, hugged and yes, in case you weren’t lucky enough to hear it so eloquently stated by Chase Utley, The Phillies are World Champions. 

I ran down eleven flights of stairs surrounded by every other elated Temple students and eventually reached broad street. I quickly realized I wouldn’t be running much longer. 

Broad Street is the Main street throughout all of Philly that runs from one end to the other. As I looked towards South Philly I could not see any of the road. Instead I saw millions, yes millions of people headed to City Hall. The Phillies Bliss was shared by all on the walk to Center City. Temple students, police officers, Philadelphians and even the residents of the local homeless shelter were in the streets celebrating together. 

EVeryone was high-fiving, patting each other on the back, and hugging. For a few hours everyone loved everyone, as long as they weren’t rays fans of course.  Black and White didn’t matter as long as you wore red, and every homeless person was just another member of the crowd rather than the outcasts they often are. In a city often full of violence and great divide everyone found understanding in the strangest of places, baseball. For a few hours everyone loved everyone, as long as they weren’t rays fans of course. It was that night, the city of brotherly love. It’s amazing that such enlightenment and compassion could be found through baseball. Is that all it really takes? Maybe we aren’t all as different as we think. As a society we spend hours,days,years searching for a solution to problems like racism, stereotyping, gang violence and hate crimes.  Is it possible that a solution could be a simple as baseball?

I’m not sure that baseball, or any sport for that matter will be the remedy for the cultural afflictions the world faces but, the fact that such a simple, care-free past time could break down social barriers for even short period of time goes to show that these ailments are not incurable. 

As people we need to realize that the problems that consume our society, have been created by people and can be fixed by them as well. The Phillies jubilation is proof that in the end, race, gender and economic status aside, we are people. We have the power to  cast aside the social boundaries we so frequently allow to run our lives. We all do have things in common, and it is not as difficult to get along as we all believe.

If The Phillies won the playoffs everyday, the world would be a better place. Until that day happens I will remember that understanding is not impossible, and that the Phillies are number one.