What does a “gay lifestyle” entail? How would someone living a “gay lifestyle” live? There are those who are struggling with same-sex attraction and are trying to not act on that and then there are those who are celebrating it, who are intentionally living that lifestyle and feeling accepted by God. Many people perceive a “gay lifestyle” as unhealthy. This is untrue. According to Faucault, “Heterosexuality does; instead presents the freedom, and the challenge, to develop a meaningful lifestyle.” Pg. 142

The reason why I wanted to discuss this controversial topic of gay lifestyles is because I have a friend who is struggling to come out of the closet and is scared to tell her family members. She has a very good support group of friends who accept her for who she but she is nervous her family will think differently of her. I feel bad for her because I think she is confused and on one hand, wants the society norm (husband and wife) but on the other, I believe she is truly attractive to girls. She told me once that she will not tell her family because she is waiting for the right “girl” to come along and actually make it worthwhile. I wonder how she is feeling about living this double life?

SELK'S FOUCAULT ON POWER

 

I am currently an Athletic Administrator’s intern at The Prairie School under the direction of Athletic Director, Sandy Freres.  Referring to Foucualt’s theory on power he states, on page 128 that, “Power is not an asset which a person can have; rather, power is something exercised with interactions.” This phrase most definitely describes Sandy Freres. She is the type of person who takes charge/dominate in a conversation, is very opinionated, and has the most to say. Her co-workers and she admit that she is the most powerful one while interacting with others through conversing. I have great excitement to pursue high school athletic administration; hence, my internship. However, is this trait that is the most beneficial or can this characteristic hurt herself while building a relationship with others??

Food for thought,

 

This is kind of an outside posting. Nothing to do with the book about Foucault and his theory on power, but I would like to address one thing. I was wondering how the males in this Communication class think and feel. I feel like each and every example we explain perceives a bad impressed on the male gender. Or describe a situation where a male has acted poorly or behaved inappropriately; however, that is not the case for all men. There are some men out there that are true gentlemen and are professional. I think we should start putting a positive spin on the male/female gender. But is there a positive approach to this specific topic? Females have been fighting for our rights for a very long time. Will there ever be gender equity?

After venturing into Target’s toy section I was amazed to see the layout of the section and the design of packages the toys were found in. I am use to just shopping and looking for items, but playing the role of the observer I did notice HUGE gender separation! Simple things such as the wallpaper used or the words printed on the box can tell a great deal about the way our society perceives the personalities of boys and girls. These generalizations could be progressing the vicious cycle of standard roles held by mothers and fathers of a family. Today, I want to talk about how toy manufacturing companies perceive gender differences. First, for example, an Easy Bake oven which is located in the girls area of the toy store. On the box of the Easy Bake oven is a picture of a girl baking and a boy eating the cookies. This illustrates gender roles and also the expectations associated with each gender. Women in this situation are taught to do what they can to please the men in their lives. I thought this was very traditional; however, it is very common in households today that the men do the cooking. On the other hand, in the boy’s section holds the toys for “little engineers” and the Handy-Man doll, teaching that boys should be using their minds to build and construct. Referring to chapter 11, Exploring Identity Stories, in Gauntlett’s book, on page 259, he claims that, “Lego Serious Play improves and develops problem-solving and team building tools at a young age. The gender roles that control our society today are so difficult to overcome because they are taught by the toys that toddlers are playing with. So why are girls more likely to choose the Easy Bake oven, and boys more likely to choose the building blocks and Legos?

Furthermore, continuing with chapter 11, Exploring Identity Stories, reflection upon identity can we started and created at a very early age.  Many people have different childhood stories which has mold them and give people opportunity to communicate in various ways. In the same manner, social experiences later in life also create your identity.  Can identity be built permermently at a young age while playing with certain toys? Or is there a chance to change your identity as you grow up and face life itself? I just think you will always have that piece of memory for your childhood that you will cherish and do on to your own children.