Rich's "Compulsary Heterosexuality Lesbian Existance." Quotes

“I am concerned here with two other matters as well: first, how and why women's choice of women as passionate comrades, life partners, co-workers, lovers, community has been crushed, invalidated, forced into hiding and disguise; and second, the virtual or total neglect of lesbian existence in a wide range of writings; including feminist scholarship”

This quote is relevant to the text because Rich is describing how women in all type of different groups are all affected in the same way becuase they are part of the lesbian community.  She is saying that these women whom are lesbians are normal just like any other women aside from the part that they have their heart set on other women.  She is saying that it is wrong and a crime for society to look at a women co worker different just because she has a relationship with a women.
"A woman's choice to be with a woman in any kind of passionate relationship is not accepted; seen as wrong; forced to go away."

This quote goes directly with the idea of compulsary heterosexuality.  She says that basically from the time we are babies to the time we grow old and wrinkly we are pressured and forced to be heterosexual, in fact in her opinion there is no other option or no way to fight it.

"This heterosexual preference and taboos on homosexuality, in addition to objective economic dependence on men, make the option of primary sexual bonds with other women unlikely."

I believe this is the most heavy and important quote of the three.  In this sentence Rich is implying that until we as a society have a great epifany or decide to change the world will continue to be the same.  Because most of society is heterosexual the homosexual and lesbian community will continue to suffer.  Society needs to recognize that there is nothing wrong with a woman loving another woman or a man loving another man and in fact there is nothing more that seperates a heterosexual to a homosexual other than their sexual preference.  Rich main idea is that she wants our society to understand and realize that Lesbians too exist and it is not just a bunch of taboo.  We need to treat them with respect, dignity; just how we treat everyone else.

My comment for the class is that I as a heterosexual male will make more of a concerted effort to be more attentive to homosexuals and their feelings.  I admit at times like most of the world can be a bit homophobic, but after reading Adrienne Rich write about her feelings and how we should everyone no matter what their sexual preference the same and I buy into this.

Orenstein's "Cinderella Ate my Daughter" Hyperlink

After reading Peggy Orenstein's "Cinderella Ate my Daughter" and hearing about the issues she raised regarding gender roles and sexism in children's toys I could not help but to take a trip down memory lane.  As a kid I loved all Disney movies and felt that it was a real positive part of my upbringing.  The fact that the hero always beat the villan and came away the princess allowed all of us young boys to dream that one day we could do the same.  I can't help, but to think now that maybe who I am today was determinded by gender roles that I got accustumed to seeing in some of my favorite movies.  I beleive that my sports wallpaper, power ranger toys, violent video games, and love of Hercules may have been nothing short of  assigned gender roles as well as a seperation from "girly"  kind of things.  Would I be a different person now if my favorite movie was "Snow White" as oppose to "Hercules?"  How bout if i played with Barbie dolls instead of Ninja Turtles?    Would I be a sissy of my toys had said beautiful, smile, and happy instead of power and hero.  I don't know the answer to these questions, but what I do know is that I was never given the option.  I was always reinforced to watch and play with certain toys by my friends, parents, and sometimes soceity (advertising commercials).  I beleive that Orenstein's article focuses to a "T" on this very broad idea of "Feminism."

Like I mentioned before we all know that Disney and Toy companies try to program this idea of gender roles to our kids, but what I found extremely interesting was how blatent and obvious it is.  Here is a video of scenes from a ton of different Disney Movies that showcase masculinity and sexism.  One part shows a scene from the movie Mulan where they talk about what their ideal women will look like.  One character says "I don't care what she looks like as long as she can cook."  These frightening statements and subliminal messages in Disney movies back up Orenstein's problem with gender roles.  What is a little girl to think that one day all she will be expected of from a man is to cook?  She has to be as pretty as a Princess?

My comment for the class is that I have found a new and sincere appreciation toward all women who are part of a feminist movement.  Watching that video I posted is truly disgusting.  The things that the Disney directors get away with is nothing short of a crime against humanity (mostly young girls who do not know any better).   I think it is absolutely amazing that women are as sane as they are today after growing up in this society where it is an absolute norm to be sexist.

*Barbara Smith's "Racism and Women studies" Connection

I made a mistake by calling my last post a reflection.  I meant to make it a connection response.

Barbara Smith's "Racism and Women Studies" Reflection

After reading Barbara Smith’s “Racism and Women’s Studies” there was a particular quote that caught my eye.  The quote seems to be an underlying theme so far according to our readings and class discussions.  Her quote is as follows.  “What is your fault is making no serious effort to change old patterns of contempt- to look at how you still believe yourselves to be superior.”  This goes hand and hand with Johnson’s idea that “we are all part of the problem” when it comes to dealing with racism and oppression.

In the eyes of the author’s Smith and Johnson not talking about the issue of racism does not make this huge issue go away; it is still as Johnson would say the “elephant in the room.”  Barbara Smith says that this is not a “guilt trip,” but rather a “fear trip” simply because it is not an issue that most feel comfortable discussing. Just like Johnson, Smith is not afraid by any means to bring to the surface the issue of racism and oppression.  In fact, she is even more willing to convey her opinion as well as relate to the subject at hand due to the fact that she is an African American woman.  Johnson mentioned in his article that he felt “awkward” and “could not relate” to the African American woman he had lunch with.  Barbara Smith would not at all be surprised with a statement like this because she feels that white people have been “raised not knowing how to talk to Black women, not knowing how to look us in the eye and laugh with us.”  According to her, being “polite and civil” to Black women does not mean that a person is not racist.

All in all what impressed me the most about Smith and Johnson was their ability to shed light on an ongoing problem that the world and our country can’t seem to fix.  Although Johnson was a bit more conservative in his approach I think it is good to hear and learn about individuals like Smith’s experiences.  Maybe the more information we get regarding the emotions of those affected by racism will help us to learn about more about ourselves and how we can shake the fact that we “are part of the problem.”

My question for the class is how do we stay away from being part of the problem?  What actions can we take as a group?  What can we say?  Are there any signs of encouragement?  I believe there is progress being made, but after reading Barbara Smith’s work maybe there isn’t

Allan G. Johnson Privelage, Power, Difference

  Reflection

Allan G. Johnson's "Privelage, Power, and Difference" forces it's readers to reflect upon how sometimes we can all be so ignorant and blinded from the constant oppression that goes on in our country.  Racism and sexism truly is the "elephant" in the room except instead of the room it is society.  We all see it, but no one wants to address it.  However, Johnson is not at all afraid to address it, in fact he is more than willing to talk about his own experiences.

After reading the part when he talked about the awkwardness during a lunch he had with an African American woman I could not help, but to think of how the same sort of thing has happened to me.  I have always felt since a young age that I could talk and relate to anyone it didn't matter what race they were.  However, what I feel that sometimes goes forgotten is the fact that although I may be able to talk and joke with a minority for a few moments our places in this "powerful" society are so different.  I know that I am a "privelaged" person and sometimes I tend to take it for granted. 

Comment for tommorow's class
We all grow from our expereinces; postive or negative there is always a lesson to be learned.

The first post

My name is Ethan Smith and I am currently a junior at Rhode Island College.  Over break I had time to hang out with friends who are home for break as well as spend time with my family for the holidays.  When I am not in class I am usually at the gym working on my fitness, playing sports, or eating.  I am taking this class to stay busy over my break so my school skills do not get rusty.  I also am in dyer need of some more credits.  I look forward to the next few weeks of class!