Our latest in class film revealed explosive tension within a Northern Montana community and truly made me question the nation in which we live. Here in California I feel sheltered to many of the racial and social tension experienced in other environments around the United States. One thought that stuck with me throughout the day connects our right as a citizen to the freedom of speech with a climate of fear and discrimination- are we free where hate exists?
The actions and choices of others are outside each of our personal control, however we do have the power to react independently. We can control our own behavior. This fact doesn't change with geography; however it is essential to acknowledge that we often lose the ability to choose the environment or community in which we live. Often people are deeply rooted to the community due to economic needs such as career stability or family ties. I find it problematic that there are people who feel unsafe inside their community but are unfortunately unable to escape. In such a circumstance, where the climate of fear and hate reign- is anyone truly free?
One Native American family choose to leave the community because of extreme racism in the classroom and local government. Although they each possessed the right to speak their mind, their freedom of speech did not solve their very real problems. The parents did not wish to raise their daughter in a town where hate speech was not only common but embedded within the town's very infrastructure. Many choose not to accept hate speech and stood up, spoke out and were quickly intimidated and threatened. This damaging cycle serves no reasonable purpose or objective. How then, can this community progress when the communication lacks ethical responsibility or accountability by its members. Change must be made and my last question remains...HOW?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Beauty and the Beast
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, how is it possible for art to be defined under one strict system of guidelines or principles? Beauty can be discovered under a vast myriad of unique perspectives. Art is controversial and will remain so as long as it exists in our world. If this line of thinking is true, then how do we step forward as a culture without becoming beasts of censorship?
One solution would be to separate the private and public sectors. If an art museum is privately owned it can show absolutely any piece its director or artist deems "art". Anything! When the museum is public and funded by tax payers, then accountability must exist. How that accountability would be regulated I dare not fathom, but it is indeed necessary.The people can decide what is art and what is not. If an individual or community feels uncomfortable about a showing of controversial pieces, then they are not obligated to attend the show or step one foot inside the museum. This way, the art can be showcased and viewed by those who are interested without intruding into the daily lives of those who wish not see it.
Protecting children from exploitation is also essential when exploring this issue. Children are not to be exploited under the name of "art". Using the lable of art as a protection is absolutely cowardly when it comes to photographing children in any nature (sexual or otherwise) with or without their consent. I believe this is a standard we must uphold and protect in any case.
Balancing artistic expression with the need for decency is certainly challenging and I look forward to learning how others view this sticky topic.
One solution would be to separate the private and public sectors. If an art museum is privately owned it can show absolutely any piece its director or artist deems "art". Anything! When the museum is public and funded by tax payers, then accountability must exist. How that accountability would be regulated I dare not fathom, but it is indeed necessary.The people can decide what is art and what is not. If an individual or community feels uncomfortable about a showing of controversial pieces, then they are not obligated to attend the show or step one foot inside the museum. This way, the art can be showcased and viewed by those who are interested without intruding into the daily lives of those who wish not see it.
Protecting children from exploitation is also essential when exploring this issue. Children are not to be exploited under the name of "art". Using the lable of art as a protection is absolutely cowardly when it comes to photographing children in any nature (sexual or otherwise) with or without their consent. I believe this is a standard we must uphold and protect in any case.
Balancing artistic expression with the need for decency is certainly challenging and I look forward to learning how others view this sticky topic.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Sex and the City
Today our nation is immersed in a culture of pornography. After listening to our class discussion I have found my mind spinning into the potential social realms affected by this controversial issue and began considering popular culture and the beauty industry.
As a loyal viewer of the HBO series, "Sex and the City" I have come to realize the power of unleashing sexual taboos to a wide audience. I love the show because of the friendship, fashion and laughter; however the show itself is a sexual political statement. Although I am Pro Life and conservative on many issues I can still appreciate the humanity and controversy the show brings to life. Both heterosexual and homosexual relationships are portrayed while the empowered female protagonists discuss their professional careers, neurosis and hot topics. Three of the four main characters openly discuss their experience with abortion. Two of the characters experiment with bisexuality while all share the details of what goes on behind bedroom doors. Reaction to the show has been intense. While many appreciate the honesty and reality behind the program, others view the series as a threat to social values.
After six seasons the show has ended, but the debate behind sexuality is only just beginning. I believe freedom of expression is healthy and essential for community growth and human understanding. To build walls and close communication is dangerous and counter productive. Our nation has the opportunity to create progress if we only keep the conversation alive.
On a different note, the rise of porn culture has also created controversy in the realm of beauty. Many women feel that the blonde, big breasted, stick skinny stereotype of beauty is only further promoted within the porn industry. The "Dove Campaign for Real Beauty" has taken action with an overwhelming response from both the national media and consumers. Dove advertisements now feature real women of all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities in their print and television ads. This move was so controversial Oprah featured Dove on her popular program to discuss the power and potential of recognizing authentic beauty in our lives. I myself began buying Dove lotion and soaps because I appreciated their vision and wanted to support the idea that beauty surrounds us and does not fit simply into a single skin color or cup size.
To possess sexuality is healthy and natural. While I do not myself find pleasure from viewing porn I do not feel comfortable judging those who do. We are all responsible for our own choices in life and limiting sexual expression will not solve our social problems. Effectively communicating our ideas will make an immense impact and my hope is for all people to have the opportunity to engage in this thread of dialog.
As a loyal viewer of the HBO series, "Sex and the City" I have come to realize the power of unleashing sexual taboos to a wide audience. I love the show because of the friendship, fashion and laughter; however the show itself is a sexual political statement. Although I am Pro Life and conservative on many issues I can still appreciate the humanity and controversy the show brings to life. Both heterosexual and homosexual relationships are portrayed while the empowered female protagonists discuss their professional careers, neurosis and hot topics. Three of the four main characters openly discuss their experience with abortion. Two of the characters experiment with bisexuality while all share the details of what goes on behind bedroom doors. Reaction to the show has been intense. While many appreciate the honesty and reality behind the program, others view the series as a threat to social values.
After six seasons the show has ended, but the debate behind sexuality is only just beginning. I believe freedom of expression is healthy and essential for community growth and human understanding. To build walls and close communication is dangerous and counter productive. Our nation has the opportunity to create progress if we only keep the conversation alive.
On a different note, the rise of porn culture has also created controversy in the realm of beauty. Many women feel that the blonde, big breasted, stick skinny stereotype of beauty is only further promoted within the porn industry. The "Dove Campaign for Real Beauty" has taken action with an overwhelming response from both the national media and consumers. Dove advertisements now feature real women of all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities in their print and television ads. This move was so controversial Oprah featured Dove on her popular program to discuss the power and potential of recognizing authentic beauty in our lives. I myself began buying Dove lotion and soaps because I appreciated their vision and wanted to support the idea that beauty surrounds us and does not fit simply into a single skin color or cup size.
To possess sexuality is healthy and natural. While I do not myself find pleasure from viewing porn I do not feel comfortable judging those who do. We are all responsible for our own choices in life and limiting sexual expression will not solve our social problems. Effectively communicating our ideas will make an immense impact and my hope is for all people to have the opportunity to engage in this thread of dialog.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Who Decides?
The seminar today was fantastic! Our group was creative, respectful of unique perspectives and stayed on topic throughout our discussion. There are so many questions, concepts and ideas to consider with this issue. The issue being, when it comes to educating our children- who decides?
Social issues such as family dynamics certainly deserve to be explained to our children, however the question remains one of responsibility. In my mind, I feel parents must be responsible and accountable for their actions. Some spiritual parents will teach one set of values to their children, while parents with a different moral compass may teach their children another idea of values. While it is recognized that not all families have open lines of communication with their children, this does not diminish the fact that I don't want my children being taught about gay marriage in a kindergarten class. It is generally agreed that there is a time and place for everything and I feel this topic is a crazy Pandora's box just waiting to explode!
Am I alone, or do you have questions of your own too!?
Social issues such as family dynamics certainly deserve to be explained to our children, however the question remains one of responsibility. In my mind, I feel parents must be responsible and accountable for their actions. Some spiritual parents will teach one set of values to their children, while parents with a different moral compass may teach their children another idea of values. While it is recognized that not all families have open lines of communication with their children, this does not diminish the fact that I don't want my children being taught about gay marriage in a kindergarten class. It is generally agreed that there is a time and place for everything and I feel this topic is a crazy Pandora's box just waiting to explode!
Am I alone, or do you have questions of your own too!?
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