white privilege

I thought the author's stance and perspective on white privilege was very interesting. I knew it existed, but i could never put my finger on exactly how. She shows 50 literal "ways," most of them completely seperate from each other, that white privilege plays out. undeniably i found myself unconsciously guilty of many. I disagree that this privilege is racism itself though. There are basic cultural differences between different races. (race defined as the social grouping of individuals based on similar behavior patterns and notable physical characteristics) Some races' behavioral patterns are more similar then others, therefore, more respect and understanding exists between those races then others. Because of its origins, the majority of America's leaders (in both government and corporate settings) have been "white", therefore, the "white" race has had more opportunity in countless fields, giving them the power to carry on throughout history "on top." This is still in effect, to a degree, today. The white privilege McIntosh speaks of is the "white" race, who maintains most of the power, having more respect and understanding for those who behave and look like what they find acceptable. nothing more, nothing less. I dont know what will bridge the gap between polar races, but until this takes place, change. we cannot.

Iron Maiden

I had mixed emotions about this essay. I believe it is dead on in its analysis and essesment, but i stuggle because i know, as angry as it makes me to be shoved into the iron maiden, i support the existance of her by not speaking up and demanding a change in our cultural way of thinking. I think it is human nature to be compelled towards and gaze at lovely things. And the human body is not exception. A fit healthy person's anatomny is lovely, and people, women and men alike, will wonder at it. The fault it not found in looking at the magazines, it is in letting the writers and photographers and producers place fraudulent men and women in them, and placing the bar at hypocrisy. Letting them lie to us and sell us discontentment by purchasing the magazine in such volgar condition. What right does another man or woman have to tell me i am not lovely? what right does anyone have to definewhat is lovely and what it is not. No one is born with that right, but those who cant look in the mirror and see beauty in it's rawest form purchase those "self-destruct" books and give them that power. I feel it is a perpetual and devistating cycle of the public's wants and needs, against and for marketers and futile products. round and round we go. what will it take?

The runaway's and others.

I saw the runaways live in the backdoor playhouse. The were very entertaining. The opening band was far from impressive, in fact, it was carried by the violinist; her solos made it almost worth it. The solo female artist was colorful. Her persormance was spoty, but it was creative and it included the crowd. Every time she messed up, she spoke to the crowd, like pausing to share secrets. Her voice was beautiful and so was she, so her repeated faux pa's were acceptable. The runaways took a very long time to come on stage, for a band without a strong fan base, this could have been a costly mistake. luckily for them, due to a lack of on campus happenings, i believe most of their audience devoted their evening to their main event performance. If there had been other functions pulling on the crowds attention span, i dont think the seats would have been full by the time they decided to grace us with their presence. But they were fun and unabrasive.

essay's response.

I was absolutely appalled at the picture of Kanye West posing as Jesus Christ. The fact that West thinks he is anywhere in proximity of comparison is appalling. Quite frankly it’s a joke. For a beautifully hand crafted, meticulously painted pot to feel comparable to its maker is the equivalent of that monstrosity of an assessment. The picture was insulting and blasphemous to say the least, and his reflection morbid and conceded. Nothing about Kanye West says saint, he is selfish, arrogant, flashy. Historically none of the traits can be found in saints. He gives far less then he could and represents far from Christ-like standards. I agreed and was impressed by Blingin Saintood. The writer did his or her research and confidently conveyed their point. I liked that the paper was not only based on the picture and the writer’s opinion, but also included writing from other affected sources. The vocabulary was good and syntax was sufficient. There might have been a few too many passive verbs, but a good paper none the less. I was however disappointed with the title. It was weak and tacky, not reflecting the body at all. Beckham Beckons was a far better title. I did exactly that, I felt drawn in. It is interesting that she choose a character whose very name draws enough interest to read the article. The paper was good, but I don’t think the author did enough research. There were several statements regarding beckham’s sainthood that are rather debatable. There were enticing verbs and adjectives that brought the reader farther into the analysis and made them feel almost like they were watching beckham rather then reading about him, or even looking at the photograph of his face. The thinking process throughout the paper was impressive. The author took his or her readers by the hand and walked them through beckhams advertisement.