My first website is anti-immigration but deals with the more problematic issue of illegal immigration and the continuing security threats along the 2,000 mile long border.
http://www.usborderpatrol.com/Border_Patrol1301.htm
The website deals with illegal immigration more than legal, but I chose to focus on this as I believe that it is due to the illegal population rather than the legal, that American-Latinos or 'Hispanics' have become the majority minority and are expected to make up 50% of the US population in the next 40 years.
This websites interest focuses solely on one of the biggest problems facing America today. The Mexican-US border is one that is constantly under attack from illegal aliens trying to get into the US, drug smugglers attempting to export drugs to the States and the Agents protecting the border are constantly under attack. Very aware of this fact, usbordercontrol.com want to make it absolutely clear of the problems they face from Mexico and the lack of security on the border.
"The flood of Mexican illegal aliens across the United States southern border is wanton, violent, continuous, and unchecked. That is the truth. There is no "alternate" truth."
The website has a variety of different tabs and some lengthy explanations as to what effects illegal immigration has and how underfunded and understaffed the US Border Patrol really is. One point that I picked up on was that any border security (including barriers) is funded entirely by US tax-payers and with no input from the Mexican Government which, needless to say, I found shocking. The website highlights the problems that illegal aliens are causing along the border, and should they break through, in the US. Employment among US Citizen's (particularly those who are white) is dropping due to the cheap labour that is offered by illegal immigrants, particularly in southern states such as Texas and Arizona. The entire website makes for interesting reading, but it is abundantly clear that this is anti-immigration.
My pro-immigration website is http://www.latinospro.org/ which is a website dedicated to making a better life for those wanting to emigrate and those who have already done so, but feel that they are restricted because they are a minority. Clearly a pro-group, Latinos Progresando is based in "Chicago's Pilsen and Little Village neighbourhoods which together is the second largest Mexican population in the country". Aiming to boost the profile of Latino immigrants and present them in a positive light, the website promotes how education is the way forward for the younger generation and although it does not say it so bluntly, I think the main aim is to put forward the school of thought that assimilation is the key, which ironically is what the Latino community of infamous for not doing.
The service they provide is also of that of a legal nature. possibly encouraging those who want to immigrate, to do it through the right channels and not to do it illegally as so many others in the Latino community have done before. Again. it is all to put Latino immigrants in a positive light.
Although the website seems to be aimed at younger people, I think the point the group are trying to get across is one that we hear quite often which is " Children are our future" and I believe that as the future seems to be looking distinctly Latino in the US, action needs to be taken now in order to build safe communities.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Latino Immigration
This link is to the website of a pro Immigration in the sense that it is not anti immigration.
http://www.cjd.org/
CJD or Cassa Juan Diego is an organisation based in Houston that publishes the Houston Catholic Worker. CJD is modeled on the Catholic Workers movement, set up in 1980 by Mark and Louise Zwick CJD "...shares the values of the Catholic worker movement..." and also "...shares stories of the immigrants and refugees uprooted by the reality of the global economy."
The organisation is funded by charitable donation, it has various branches such as Homless centres and medical Clinics. CJD cares for, educates and socializes immigrants legal or illegal.
CJD like the Catholic Workers Movement is a Catholic and pacifist to its roots. This website opposes the traditional conservative notion of survival of the fittest. It opposes Sam Huntington's essay on the protection of WASP- White Anglo Saxon Protestant and the traditional culture.
The Website publicises its liberal beliefs and lives by and provides "Hospitality for the Homeless, exiled hungry and forsaken.
WHAT ABOUT CEYOTES?
http://www.aicfoundation.com/
The AICF website is anti Immigration but by way of procedure, thats to say they are in the fight to campaign against illeagal immigration. Victory to reform current laws would mean that all immigrants are legal and that the quota would fill up quickly as a result reaching a legal limit.
Howvever the initial thought i got when i entered the website is that it seems very aggressive, not racist but very Nationalist and Patriotic. E.g. American Eagle, Star Spangled Banner, Revolutionary militia figure on the page. The website isnt directing anger into anti Latino sentiments but at immigration in general, however Mexican immigration is the highest contribution of migration to the America and with the reform of Immigration laws in debate soon, the focus will most likley be Latino immigration.
Also the AICF is a "foundation" created in 1983 three years after CJD. They both share similarities. Both are non profit groups that are donation relient (although AICF openly admits to accepting Gov funding),
both publish articles or books on there issues of concern.
I think this website is disguising itself somewhat as a group for public concern whilst underneath being more extreamist to a certain degree.
http://www.cjd.org/
CJD or Cassa Juan Diego is an organisation based in Houston that publishes the Houston Catholic Worker. CJD is modeled on the Catholic Workers movement, set up in 1980 by Mark and Louise Zwick CJD "...shares the values of the Catholic worker movement..." and also "...shares stories of the immigrants and refugees uprooted by the reality of the global economy."
The organisation is funded by charitable donation, it has various branches such as Homless centres and medical Clinics. CJD cares for, educates and socializes immigrants legal or illegal.
CJD like the Catholic Workers Movement is a Catholic and pacifist to its roots. This website opposes the traditional conservative notion of survival of the fittest. It opposes Sam Huntington's essay on the protection of WASP- White Anglo Saxon Protestant and the traditional culture.
The Website publicises its liberal beliefs and lives by and provides "Hospitality for the Homeless, exiled hungry and forsaken.
WHAT ABOUT CEYOTES?
http://www.aicfoundation.com/
The AICF website is anti Immigration but by way of procedure, thats to say they are in the fight to campaign against illeagal immigration. Victory to reform current laws would mean that all immigrants are legal and that the quota would fill up quickly as a result reaching a legal limit.
Howvever the initial thought i got when i entered the website is that it seems very aggressive, not racist but very Nationalist and Patriotic. E.g. American Eagle, Star Spangled Banner, Revolutionary militia figure on the page. The website isnt directing anger into anti Latino sentiments but at immigration in general, however Mexican immigration is the highest contribution of migration to the America and with the reform of Immigration laws in debate soon, the focus will most likley be Latino immigration.
Also the AICF is a "foundation" created in 1983 three years after CJD. They both share similarities. Both are non profit groups that are donation relient (although AICF openly admits to accepting Gov funding),
both publish articles or books on there issues of concern.
I think this website is disguising itself somewhat as a group for public concern whilst underneath being more extreamist to a certain degree.
Pro and Anti Latino immigration
http://www.noinvaders.org/
The first website I looked at is called NoInvaders and is against illegal immigrants from Mexico to the U.S. the site basically is a place for people to report employers who employ illegal immigrants, to report broken fences, to report dwellers (people residing in the U.S. illegally) and to report crime. It also allows you post articles on the matter and to write to immigration or congress. The site even has a 'bad employer' directory giving details and photos of store or company owners that employ illegal immigrants. From further investigation to the site I found that the site has a store where you can purchase T-shirts with the NoInvaders logo on...
The site was founded by a man named Jim Wood who was one of the original minutemen and weekly visitor to the Mexican border.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/immigration/2006/05/10_immigration_is_a_good_thing.html
The second website I found is a list of reason why illegal immigration is a good thing called 'Neil Steinberg's Top 10 Reasons Latino Immigration is a Good Thing' that had been posted in a blog but I couldn't find the original source. The number one reason is that they need the people, Neil Steinberg is from Chicago and he states that the city of Chicago has half a million fewer residents than it did in 1940. The list mentions other reasons such as, needing tax payers, workers and culture. Reason number 10 discusses the protests people have for letting in the immigrants and that America is a free society, not just laws, but of reason and justice. He mentions the 'New', new experiences and not the old way of thinking.
The first website I looked at is called NoInvaders and is against illegal immigrants from Mexico to the U.S. the site basically is a place for people to report employers who employ illegal immigrants, to report broken fences, to report dwellers (people residing in the U.S. illegally) and to report crime. It also allows you post articles on the matter and to write to immigration or congress. The site even has a 'bad employer' directory giving details and photos of store or company owners that employ illegal immigrants. From further investigation to the site I found that the site has a store where you can purchase T-shirts with the NoInvaders logo on...
The site was founded by a man named Jim Wood who was one of the original minutemen and weekly visitor to the Mexican border.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/immigration/2006/05/10_immigration_is_a_good_thing.html
The second website I found is a list of reason why illegal immigration is a good thing called 'Neil Steinberg's Top 10 Reasons Latino Immigration is a Good Thing' that had been posted in a blog but I couldn't find the original source. The number one reason is that they need the people, Neil Steinberg is from Chicago and he states that the city of Chicago has half a million fewer residents than it did in 1940. The list mentions other reasons such as, needing tax payers, workers and culture. Reason number 10 discusses the protests people have for letting in the immigrants and that America is a free society, not just laws, but of reason and justice. He mentions the 'New', new experiences and not the old way of thinking.
Latino Immigration to the USA
The issue of Latino Immigration has a mixed opinion. On one hand some love the mixing of cultures. On the other hand, many want the Latinos to stay South of the border.
I began my search for the views on Immigration by first looking for an anti-immigration website. I found what I thought would be the perfect site, unfortunately it had been suspended with no reason as to why; although it is not hard to speculate. The website was called 'sendtheborderjumpershome' a fairly interesting website name, and I'm sure when it was still in use the information it provided would have been... enlightening. However, since I could not use this particular website my search went on and I came across the controversial VDARE website and eventually an article written on http://nrd.nationalreview.com/article/?q=MWFhYjhiODFiOGZmNTc1ZTQxMzlkNjNkNjIzNDg2YWU.
It was written by Alex Alexiev, a writer of extreme tastes and topics. He tackles subjects such as 'The Making of an American Terrorist' and 'A Marriage of Convenience: Obama, the Left and Radical Islam'. The Article written by Alexiev on the topic of Hispanic Immigration is called 'Catching Up to Mexico' written in August 2009, it blames the failing finance of California, not on immigration as a whole, but the poor Hispanic immigrants who make up the vast majority of California. He includes the statistics of the Los Angeles school District with over 300,000 of the 700,000 students being Hispanic 'English Learners', Many of whom will become High School Dropouts who will not benefit the Californian Economy. The Article also states that California is now nearing the bottom of all the 50 States in Maths, Science, Reading and Writing according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Alex Alexiev puts forward the argument that America cannot ride through this wave of immigration like it has with previous waves, as the immigration population is almost double the previous statistics and so America will eventually crumble under the pressure of Hispanic immigrants on the economy and educational systems.
Whilst looking for the Pro Latino Immigration website, I did not expect to find a website that held a story of Heroism and Hope. http://www.immigrationhereandthere.org/2008/03/nuevo_new_orleans_latino_immig.php It tells of the influx of Latin Americans into New Orleans after Katrina to save the city. They did the jobs that were classed as 'dangerous' and many had suffering health because of it. The information put forward by the writer Peter Holderness is that of acceptance. The non-Hispanics of New Orleans accepted the Hispanics and even made an effort to help them in the community. They clearly do not feel that the Hispanics a degrading their society and their economy, instead the Hispanics helped them to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes. There is clearly a difference between the two articles. Both are written in an intellectual style, with the anti-Hispanic immigration article having alot more decorum than I am sure any VDARE article would have. What sets these articles apart are the areas they were written about and the topics within immigration that they decided to argue on. Where the Alex Alexiev argued about the Latinos degrading the system in California, Peter Holderness argues for their sacrifices to help a city that was decidedly un-Hispanic before Katrina.
If what Alex Alexiev says is true of the Latinos and the Californian society, then in the future New Orleans may be in for the same road as Los Angeles. But for the moment, New Orleans is a Pro Latino Immigration City, for whilst others ignored the call for relief, a 'minority' heard it and answered in force.
I began my search for the views on Immigration by first looking for an anti-immigration website. I found what I thought would be the perfect site, unfortunately it had been suspended with no reason as to why; although it is not hard to speculate. The website was called 'sendtheborderjumpershome' a fairly interesting website name, and I'm sure when it was still in use the information it provided would have been... enlightening. However, since I could not use this particular website my search went on and I came across the controversial VDARE website and eventually an article written on http://nrd.nationalreview.com/article/?q=MWFhYjhiODFiOGZmNTc1ZTQxMzlkNjNkNjIzNDg2YWU.
It was written by Alex Alexiev, a writer of extreme tastes and topics. He tackles subjects such as 'The Making of an American Terrorist' and 'A Marriage of Convenience: Obama, the Left and Radical Islam'. The Article written by Alexiev on the topic of Hispanic Immigration is called 'Catching Up to Mexico' written in August 2009, it blames the failing finance of California, not on immigration as a whole, but the poor Hispanic immigrants who make up the vast majority of California. He includes the statistics of the Los Angeles school District with over 300,000 of the 700,000 students being Hispanic 'English Learners', Many of whom will become High School Dropouts who will not benefit the Californian Economy. The Article also states that California is now nearing the bottom of all the 50 States in Maths, Science, Reading and Writing according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Alex Alexiev puts forward the argument that America cannot ride through this wave of immigration like it has with previous waves, as the immigration population is almost double the previous statistics and so America will eventually crumble under the pressure of Hispanic immigrants on the economy and educational systems.
Whilst looking for the Pro Latino Immigration website, I did not expect to find a website that held a story of Heroism and Hope. http://www.immigrationhereandthere.org/2008/03/nuevo_new_orleans_latino_immig.php It tells of the influx of Latin Americans into New Orleans after Katrina to save the city. They did the jobs that were classed as 'dangerous' and many had suffering health because of it. The information put forward by the writer Peter Holderness is that of acceptance. The non-Hispanics of New Orleans accepted the Hispanics and even made an effort to help them in the community. They clearly do not feel that the Hispanics a degrading their society and their economy, instead the Hispanics helped them to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes. There is clearly a difference between the two articles. Both are written in an intellectual style, with the anti-Hispanic immigration article having alot more decorum than I am sure any VDARE article would have. What sets these articles apart are the areas they were written about and the topics within immigration that they decided to argue on. Where the Alex Alexiev argued about the Latinos degrading the system in California, Peter Holderness argues for their sacrifices to help a city that was decidedly un-Hispanic before Katrina.
If what Alex Alexiev says is true of the Latinos and the Californian society, then in the future New Orleans may be in for the same road as Los Angeles. But for the moment, New Orleans is a Pro Latino Immigration City, for whilst others ignored the call for relief, a 'minority' heard it and answered in force.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Hurricane Katrina & African Americans
I found an interesting website, it called 'BlackNews'. Everyting on this website is about black people. There is an article about African-Americans suffer from the Hurricane Katrina. The title of the article is pretty tough Hurricane Katrina Leaves Thousands of African-Americans Without Shelter, Food or Water.
Across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, more than 1 million residents remained without electricity, some without clean drinking water. An untold number who heeded evacuation orders were displaced and 40,000 were in Red Cross shelters, with officials saying it could be weeks, if not months, before most will be able to return.
Emergency medical teams from across the country were sent into the region and President Bush cut short his Texas vacation Tuesday to return to Washington to focus on the storm damage.
Federal Emergency Management Agency director Mike Brown warned that structural damage to homes, diseases from animal carcasses and chemicals in floodwaters made it unsafe for residents to come home anytime soon. And a mass return also was discouraged to keep from interfering with rescue and recovery efforts.
Probably they said this because they were very angry, and probably they were little bit extreme. But they reproted almost the truth. The former President Bush (have to say this right now) were still in his vacation in Texas. And Bush didn't make the correct decision on time. Here is the link of the website: http://www.blacknews.com/pr/katrina101.html.
Here is an another article on FOXNews. 'Katrina Rallies African-Americans'. This article demonstrated to African-Americans, Hurricane Katrina has become a generation-defining catastrophe — a disaster with a predominantly black toll, tinged with racism. They've rallied to the cause with an unprecedented outpouring of activism and generosity.
Blacks who have been touched by the disaster are not only donating money but gathering supplies, taking in friends and relatives, even heading south to help shoulder the burden of their people. However, everyone every life is equale in front of disaster. No one want to lose families, friends. But the disaster had occurred indeed, those people who dead could not be revived. We can only hope something like this will not happen again.
Here is the link of the website: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168861,00.html.
Across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, more than 1 million residents remained without electricity, some without clean drinking water. An untold number who heeded evacuation orders were displaced and 40,000 were in Red Cross shelters, with officials saying it could be weeks, if not months, before most will be able to return.
Emergency medical teams from across the country were sent into the region and President Bush cut short his Texas vacation Tuesday to return to Washington to focus on the storm damage.
Federal Emergency Management Agency director Mike Brown warned that structural damage to homes, diseases from animal carcasses and chemicals in floodwaters made it unsafe for residents to come home anytime soon. And a mass return also was discouraged to keep from interfering with rescue and recovery efforts.
Probably they said this because they were very angry, and probably they were little bit extreme. But they reproted almost the truth. The former President Bush (have to say this right now) were still in his vacation in Texas. And Bush didn't make the correct decision on time. Here is the link of the website: http://www.blacknews.com/pr/katrina101.html.
Here is an another article on FOXNews. 'Katrina Rallies African-Americans'. This article demonstrated to African-Americans, Hurricane Katrina has become a generation-defining catastrophe — a disaster with a predominantly black toll, tinged with racism. They've rallied to the cause with an unprecedented outpouring of activism and generosity.
Blacks who have been touched by the disaster are not only donating money but gathering supplies, taking in friends and relatives, even heading south to help shoulder the burden of their people. However, everyone every life is equale in front of disaster. No one want to lose families, friends. But the disaster had occurred indeed, those people who dead could not be revived. We can only hope something like this will not happen again.
Here is the link of the website: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168861,00.html.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Katrina- Who's left behind?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/us/29trailer.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2
Article 1st
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/12/29/us/1229TRAILER_9.html
Pictures 2nd
This is an article by the New York Times, It focuses on the people are left behind after Katrina and who has been left behind by the government. At the bottom of the first page it notes the date of the print as Dec 29th 2009, so only 2-3 months old. So contemporary, 4-5 years of "aftermath" and still people struggle to survive.
The article explains that although Katrina hit the New Orleans area in 2005, many are still battling to survive. It takes a look at numerous victims in a process of recovery aided by local non-profitable organisation such as 'Neighbours Keeper' in Baton Rouge. The article tells us how the victims have been effected not only by the storm and the aftermath but by the lack of government help too. Their transition from temporary Trailer Park RENAISSANCE VILLAGE to a new home with support. After learning a little bit about who these people are they end each little story by telling us how they are currently surviving.
The key issue in this article quite clearly felt by the evaluation of victims from katrina is the Government, its response attitude and the system. The lack of action taken by the Government and its lackadaisical approach when it does act. A contemporary issue for African Americans with themes of failure and disregard by the Government, also anger and distrust from the people of New Orleans. The contemporary African Americans in the article are elderly widowes, fatherless son's and single mothers.
People who have and do struggle socially and financially under more pressure. The article explains how government do help through the set up of the Federal Emergancy Management Agency (FEMA) but are criticised for their lethargic and inflexible nature.
Thankfully this article although does focus on the struggle of African Americans in the aftermath, it does include a story and image of white male Americans too.
Article 1st
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/12/29/us/1229TRAILER_9.html
Pictures 2nd
This is an article by the New York Times, It focuses on the people are left behind after Katrina and who has been left behind by the government. At the bottom of the first page it notes the date of the print as Dec 29th 2009, so only 2-3 months old. So contemporary, 4-5 years of "aftermath" and still people struggle to survive.
The article explains that although Katrina hit the New Orleans area in 2005, many are still battling to survive. It takes a look at numerous victims in a process of recovery aided by local non-profitable organisation such as 'Neighbours Keeper' in Baton Rouge. The article tells us how the victims have been effected not only by the storm and the aftermath but by the lack of government help too. Their transition from temporary Trailer Park RENAISSANCE VILLAGE to a new home with support. After learning a little bit about who these people are they end each little story by telling us how they are currently surviving.
The key issue in this article quite clearly felt by the evaluation of victims from katrina is the Government, its response attitude and the system. The lack of action taken by the Government and its lackadaisical approach when it does act. A contemporary issue for African Americans with themes of failure and disregard by the Government, also anger and distrust from the people of New Orleans. The contemporary African Americans in the article are elderly widowes, fatherless son's and single mothers.
People who have and do struggle socially and financially under more pressure. The article explains how government do help through the set up of the Federal Emergancy Management Agency (FEMA) but are criticised for their lethargic and inflexible nature.
Thankfully this article although does focus on the struggle of African Americans in the aftermath, it does include a story and image of white male Americans too.
Hurricane Katrina
http://www.hurricanekatrinarelief.com/index.html
In 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and was known as one of America's largest natural disasters with at least 1,836 deaths. The website I have chosen is a website dedicated to the victims of the disaster giving information on the hurricane and what you can do to help the survivors of Katrina. Almost 5 years later and New Orleans is still suffering, the city has become a ghost town and is left with the remainders of families homes. The city is at a standstill and many citizens are still living in trailers waiting for their homes to be rebuilt, these citizens have lost everything, all their personal belongings, years of memories. So why did it take the government so long to do something about this and why are the citizens of New Orleans still suffering?
Some people believe that George Bush the president at the time is to blame, and that he couldn't care less about the city of New Orleans, and apparently waited 3 days before leaving his vacation to come back and resolve the situation. Whether this is because of the fact that the city is a African American part of the state we do not know, but many of the citizens believe this to be true.
The survivors of the hurricane who lost their homes were put into FEMA trailers whilst waiting for a new home or their old home to be rebuilt. They fit families of 4or more into these tiny, cramped trailers giving the families poor living conditions. The families began complaining of illness and we soon found out the the FEMA trailers were contaminated with formaldehyde a cancer causing gas. FEMA finally tested their trailers to find that they had formaldehyde levels at 75 times the US recommended workplace safety threshold.
If it wasn't for charity websites like Hurricane Katrina Relief these families would not be able to move on and live a normal life again.
In 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and was known as one of America's largest natural disasters with at least 1,836 deaths. The website I have chosen is a website dedicated to the victims of the disaster giving information on the hurricane and what you can do to help the survivors of Katrina. Almost 5 years later and New Orleans is still suffering, the city has become a ghost town and is left with the remainders of families homes. The city is at a standstill and many citizens are still living in trailers waiting for their homes to be rebuilt, these citizens have lost everything, all their personal belongings, years of memories. So why did it take the government so long to do something about this and why are the citizens of New Orleans still suffering?
Some people believe that George Bush the president at the time is to blame, and that he couldn't care less about the city of New Orleans, and apparently waited 3 days before leaving his vacation to come back and resolve the situation. Whether this is because of the fact that the city is a African American part of the state we do not know, but many of the citizens believe this to be true.
The survivors of the hurricane who lost their homes were put into FEMA trailers whilst waiting for a new home or their old home to be rebuilt. They fit families of 4or more into these tiny, cramped trailers giving the families poor living conditions. The families began complaining of illness and we soon found out the the FEMA trailers were contaminated with formaldehyde a cancer causing gas. FEMA finally tested their trailers to find that they had formaldehyde levels at 75 times the US recommended workplace safety threshold.
If it wasn't for charity websites like Hurricane Katrina Relief these families would not be able to move on and live a normal life again.
Racial Reality in Hurricane Katrina
I found an article written by journalist Steven Sailer for VDARE.com, Steve Sailer is best known for his writings on IQ, Race issues and Politics. All of which he tackles in this rather controversial article about the racial reality from Hurricane Katrina.
http://vdare.com/sailer/050903_new_orleans.htm
The article is a bit controversial as it states that the probable mean IQ of an African American in New Orleans is more than likely to only be in the high 70's. This statement in itself is startling as it is painting many people with the same, aparently mentaly challenged, brush. As I carried on reading the article I was to be surprised again by another statement about the superdome organisation that Sailer put forward; 'poor Black people seldom cooperate well with eachother because they don't trust other Blacks much, for the perfectly rational reason that they commit large numbers of crimes against eachother.' There are other such statements in the article which both shock and astound for they seem to be hugely racist and a major generalisation of a people. The way he describes African Americans seems to be along the same lines that the slave masters thought of their slaves, Three Fifths human.
In a way I am not surprised by this article as through research I have discovered that VDARE has been branded as a 'hate group' although they say that they are just airing the views of anti-immigration.
A slightly amusing fact about this anti-immigration magazine is that the founder is actually British and emigrated to America. Slightly warped really.
http://vdare.com/sailer/050903_new_orleans.htm
The article is a bit controversial as it states that the probable mean IQ of an African American in New Orleans is more than likely to only be in the high 70's. This statement in itself is startling as it is painting many people with the same, aparently mentaly challenged, brush. As I carried on reading the article I was to be surprised again by another statement about the superdome organisation that Sailer put forward; 'poor Black people seldom cooperate well with eachother because they don't trust other Blacks much, for the perfectly rational reason that they commit large numbers of crimes against eachother.' There are other such statements in the article which both shock and astound for they seem to be hugely racist and a major generalisation of a people. The way he describes African Americans seems to be along the same lines that the slave masters thought of their slaves, Three Fifths human.
In a way I am not surprised by this article as through research I have discovered that VDARE has been branded as a 'hate group' although they say that they are just airing the views of anti-immigration.
A slightly amusing fact about this anti-immigration magazine is that the founder is actually British and emigrated to America. Slightly warped really.
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
http://www.hurricanekatrina.com/
I remember when Hurricane Katrina hit. The summer of 2005, the month of my 16th birthday and I knew already that I was most definitely anti-Bush. And even more so after this. The devastating consequences of this category 5 hurricane highlighted (in the worst possible way) how unprepared the US Government was for such a disaster and it resulted in thousands of lives being lost. Today, survivors of the of the disaster in predominately African-American New Orleans, as well as friends and loved ones who were effected, are still bitter about the lack of response they got when the hurricane first hit.
The storm effected many areas in the south, but worse hit was the city of New Orleans in the state of Louisiana. 80% of the city was under water due to the replacement levees that had broken letting the water flood in. A relief effort was eventually put in to action and a telethon was held in which Kanye West infamously said 'George Bush hates black people'. Not an accurate statement, but it was one that was felt by many as it had taken such a long time for the government to provide aid to the victims of the hurricane in New Orleans and the surrounding areas and additionally trying to recover what was left of the city. Many questioned that if it had been a predominately white area, would George Bush have acted faster?
The website I have chosen, Hurricane Katrina.com, is a site that provides information about the hurricane, but more so about how you can help. There are tabs that provides pictures, and stories and thanks to the servicemen and women who helped in the relief effort. It doesn't focus so much on the hate and anger that was felt afterwards, but more on how it's devastating effects are still felt 4 and 1/2 years later. Unfortunately, what you do notice is the majority, if not all the people who are in the Katrina pictures are African American, the minority who suffered such a dark past in the South, which leads one to sympathise with those who believed George Bush had failed them- a Republican from an unforgiving and very conservative state. It certainly gives me something to think about.
I remember when Hurricane Katrina hit. The summer of 2005, the month of my 16th birthday and I knew already that I was most definitely anti-Bush. And even more so after this. The devastating consequences of this category 5 hurricane highlighted (in the worst possible way) how unprepared the US Government was for such a disaster and it resulted in thousands of lives being lost. Today, survivors of the of the disaster in predominately African-American New Orleans, as well as friends and loved ones who were effected, are still bitter about the lack of response they got when the hurricane first hit.
The storm effected many areas in the south, but worse hit was the city of New Orleans in the state of Louisiana. 80% of the city was under water due to the replacement levees that had broken letting the water flood in. A relief effort was eventually put in to action and a telethon was held in which Kanye West infamously said 'George Bush hates black people'. Not an accurate statement, but it was one that was felt by many as it had taken such a long time for the government to provide aid to the victims of the hurricane in New Orleans and the surrounding areas and additionally trying to recover what was left of the city. Many questioned that if it had been a predominately white area, would George Bush have acted faster?
The website I have chosen, Hurricane Katrina.com, is a site that provides information about the hurricane, but more so about how you can help. There are tabs that provides pictures, and stories and thanks to the servicemen and women who helped in the relief effort. It doesn't focus so much on the hate and anger that was felt afterwards, but more on how it's devastating effects are still felt 4 and 1/2 years later. Unfortunately, what you do notice is the majority, if not all the people who are in the Katrina pictures are African American, the minority who suffered such a dark past in the South, which leads one to sympathise with those who believed George Bush had failed them- a Republican from an unforgiving and very conservative state. It certainly gives me something to think about.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Lessons on Immigration for K-12 Students
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/index.htm
The website I have found this week is actually a link from another website that provides lesson plans for K-12 students.
http://www.csun.edu/~hcedu013/plans.html#Lesson Plans
Unfortunately the link doesn't work anymore, but once you look for it, the Scholastic website opens up a whole new world of educational information. I chose this website because it is an interactive experience which provides information for children about immigration and America and also builds on their computer skills from a young age.
I found the interactive tour of Ellis Island particularly fascinating as it had pictures, information, video and audio clips that tells you all about what happened once the immigrants got to the island to start their new life as an American. Even as a university student, I found it insightful!!
The website also provides graphs for teacher's to use that give information such as the number of immigrants that left each country over the course of 150 or so years, much like the figure's that were provided in the seminar this week.
The way immigration is presented on this website is that it was a vital part of American history. I think that it is instilled in you from a very young age that America was founded not by Americans, but by foreigner's. I remember having American friends as a small child and they said they learned a rhyme to help the remember who discovered America; 'In fourteen-hundred- and-ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue'. It's a very useful website for both teachers and students. I believe it is primarily for teacher's who want to put together a lesson plan, but eventually it is what the children will learn.
The website I have found this week is actually a link from another website that provides lesson plans for K-12 students.
http://www.csun.edu/~hcedu013/plans.html#Lesson Plans
Unfortunately the link doesn't work anymore, but once you look for it, the Scholastic website opens up a whole new world of educational information. I chose this website because it is an interactive experience which provides information for children about immigration and America and also builds on their computer skills from a young age.
I found the interactive tour of Ellis Island particularly fascinating as it had pictures, information, video and audio clips that tells you all about what happened once the immigrants got to the island to start their new life as an American. Even as a university student, I found it insightful!!
The website also provides graphs for teacher's to use that give information such as the number of immigrants that left each country over the course of 150 or so years, much like the figure's that were provided in the seminar this week.
The way immigration is presented on this website is that it was a vital part of American history. I think that it is instilled in you from a very young age that America was founded not by Americans, but by foreigner's. I remember having American friends as a small child and they said they learned a rhyme to help the remember who discovered America; 'In fourteen-hundred- and-ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue'. It's a very useful website for both teachers and students. I believe it is primarily for teacher's who want to put together a lesson plan, but eventually it is what the children will learn.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
K-12 Immigration
http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/courses/ed311/kafai/team%204/immigration
The website I have chosen gives information on the history of the Irish immigrating to American and gives a lesson plan for K-12 education.
The first part of the website explains why the Irish immigrated to America and talks about the Potato famine that plagued the country and the Irish were forced to leave rather than choosing to go.
The page also gives websites that give more information on the subject which are useful to the lesson plan. It then explains why the website is useful and then goes on to give more website links but now discussing where they went in America and what they did. The lesson plan states what grade the work is for the objectives of the lesson plan and splits the plan in to sections to learn over a certain amount of days. America feels it is important for their children to learn about immigration so that they understand where people from different backgrounds and race come from and why we are not all the same. The lesson plan aims are to get the children to understand the difference between the immigrants experiences now and then so they understand their reasons for leaving before and reasons for leaving now, and to give the children knowledge of Ireland as a country.
By teaching children about immigration from an early age they may grow up to realise that immigration can be a good thing and that these people are just looking for freedom. I think that it is good that the lesson plan looks into bad conditions the immigrants were put in when arriving in America and that the plan doesn't make America out to be this wonderful place that the immigrants were promised.
The website I have chosen gives information on the history of the Irish immigrating to American and gives a lesson plan for K-12 education.
The first part of the website explains why the Irish immigrated to America and talks about the Potato famine that plagued the country and the Irish were forced to leave rather than choosing to go.
The page also gives websites that give more information on the subject which are useful to the lesson plan. It then explains why the website is useful and then goes on to give more website links but now discussing where they went in America and what they did. The lesson plan states what grade the work is for the objectives of the lesson plan and splits the plan in to sections to learn over a certain amount of days. America feels it is important for their children to learn about immigration so that they understand where people from different backgrounds and race come from and why we are not all the same. The lesson plan aims are to get the children to understand the difference between the immigrants experiences now and then so they understand their reasons for leaving before and reasons for leaving now, and to give the children knowledge of Ireland as a country.
By teaching children about immigration from an early age they may grow up to realise that immigration can be a good thing and that these people are just looking for freedom. I think that it is good that the lesson plan looks into bad conditions the immigrants were put in when arriving in America and that the plan doesn't make America out to be this wonderful place that the immigrants were promised.
Immigration--- Coming to America
Here is a website talks about K-12 and Immigration. This is an organization website called Education Week . However, this website does not introduce the history of American immigration, but it does say K-12 and Immirgration, and there also are some of politics aspects.
K-12 is an education system in America, how it is related to immigration? In the website that I found, explains this. According to a study released today by the Pew Hispanic Center, which finds that the percentage of Hispanics who say they're Republicans is at its lowest point since at least 1999 —at 23 percent. That's down from 28 percent in 2004 and 2006. That's good news for Democrats: 57 percent of Hispanic voters now say they're Democrats, up from 49 percent in 2006, but still shy of the 58 percent high in 1999.
Interestingly, only one in six Hispanic voters were aware that one of the presidential candidates—New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat—is Hispanic.
The potential sway of Hispanic voters is not to be overlooked. They will make up about 9 percent of the voting population next year, when the country elects a new president. More than one-third of the country's estimated 45.5 million Latinos are school-age (under age 18).
Education and illegal immigration have intersected on the campaign trail. Most recently, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has deflected criticism from fellow Republican presidential candidates on his support of a bill in Arkansas (which eventually failed) that would have granted academic scholarships to children of undocumented immigrants if they meet all other requirements. These are about Hispanic and Latinos.
There is a video clip on it, it was Republican Debate. They debated the immigrants and education. One of them said, if immigrants move to America since they were very young, can they still have the equal rights with domestic people? They were arguing with that, and this implicated another problem, which is immigrants are legal or illegal. If immigrants are illegal, can they receive the same education with local children? But one of the senator says they will try the best to everyone who is living in the United States.
Here is the link of website: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/immigration/
K-12 is an education system in America, how it is related to immigration? In the website that I found, explains this. According to a study released today by the Pew Hispanic Center, which finds that the percentage of Hispanics who say they're Republicans is at its lowest point since at least 1999 —at 23 percent. That's down from 28 percent in 2004 and 2006. That's good news for Democrats: 57 percent of Hispanic voters now say they're Democrats, up from 49 percent in 2006, but still shy of the 58 percent high in 1999.
Interestingly, only one in six Hispanic voters were aware that one of the presidential candidates—New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat—is Hispanic.
The potential sway of Hispanic voters is not to be overlooked. They will make up about 9 percent of the voting population next year, when the country elects a new president. More than one-third of the country's estimated 45.5 million Latinos are school-age (under age 18).
Education and illegal immigration have intersected on the campaign trail. Most recently, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has deflected criticism from fellow Republican presidential candidates on his support of a bill in Arkansas (which eventually failed) that would have granted academic scholarships to children of undocumented immigrants if they meet all other requirements. These are about Hispanic and Latinos.
There is a video clip on it, it was Republican Debate. They debated the immigrants and education. One of them said, if immigrants move to America since they were very young, can they still have the equal rights with domestic people? They were arguing with that, and this implicated another problem, which is immigrants are legal or illegal. If immigrants are illegal, can they receive the same education with local children? But one of the senator says they will try the best to everyone who is living in the United States.
Here is the link of website: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/immigration/
k-12 immigration
Immigration is an integral part of what America was, is, and could be. It is what makes all the States different from eachother with a rainbow of cultures and skin tones. It is because of this that immigration is taught to the young people of America. They are taught where they came from.
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/immigration/
The website that I found that presents immigration to the younger generation is from Bear River High School in Nevada. It is a suggested teachers plan of the subject. The plan consists of recommended activities for the children to partake in, including a commission hearing where the children will attempt to arrive on Ellis Island and eventually venture out into the Great New World that is America. In order for the class to be able to do the hearing properly they need to look further back into their history into the colonial period and key immigration hot times since that period. This activity is to enable the students to see the key comparisons and differences to the immigration policy of todays world. The activity also allows for the students to understand the immigration policy and see the need for the limitations and rules that are in place, whilst also using the resources to understand why certain cultural groups would migrate to America.
The teaching plan that this teacher has put forward seems to try to get the students to think on their own feet as to why immigration is the way it is in todays world. But the requirements that they have to fulfill in order to pass the activity is to assess why America is the new Land of Milk and Honey. It teaches them about their own heritage and history with the policies and how they link to todays immigration policies, but it does not necesserily teach them about the ways of the World. The students are told that it will broadent their horizons and thoughts, however, it seems to be a covert indoctrination into the patriotism that they have bred into them since birth. "America is the land of oppurtunity, and you are priveleged to be an American!" To teach them the intimacies of immigration backs up the thinking that America is the new promised land. There may be bad points but in the end the majority of the world would rather be in America than in their country of origin. It seems to be a one sided look into history.
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/immigration/
The website that I found that presents immigration to the younger generation is from Bear River High School in Nevada. It is a suggested teachers plan of the subject. The plan consists of recommended activities for the children to partake in, including a commission hearing where the children will attempt to arrive on Ellis Island and eventually venture out into the Great New World that is America. In order for the class to be able to do the hearing properly they need to look further back into their history into the colonial period and key immigration hot times since that period. This activity is to enable the students to see the key comparisons and differences to the immigration policy of todays world. The activity also allows for the students to understand the immigration policy and see the need for the limitations and rules that are in place, whilst also using the resources to understand why certain cultural groups would migrate to America.
The teaching plan that this teacher has put forward seems to try to get the students to think on their own feet as to why immigration is the way it is in todays world. But the requirements that they have to fulfill in order to pass the activity is to assess why America is the new Land of Milk and Honey. It teaches them about their own heritage and history with the policies and how they link to todays immigration policies, but it does not necesserily teach them about the ways of the World. The students are told that it will broadent their horizons and thoughts, however, it seems to be a covert indoctrination into the patriotism that they have bred into them since birth. "America is the land of oppurtunity, and you are priveleged to be an American!" To teach them the intimacies of immigration backs up the thinking that America is the new promised land. There may be bad points but in the end the majority of the world would rather be in America than in their country of origin. It seems to be a one sided look into history.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
masculinity
American masculinty is usually portrayed in the big and beefy lumberjack with huge arms, or the high school Jock with the huge arms. A masculine man is a man that can protect. The website http://www.theamericanman.com/ tries to bring the ideals and thoughts about both men and women and define a contemporary American Masculinty. It was created by Kenny Benjamin, who holds a masters degree in Marriage and Family therapy. His life experiances are not that of a typical masculine American, for he was a stay at home dad whilst his children were toddlers. He explains that there is a code of masculinity that makes a man, but that same code can limit their ability to be a good father. Within the website is posts that question the masculine code of American males. The most recent of which was the podcast of affection: A Hug is just a Hug. Within the podcast examples are used to highlight the code of masculinity and others to shine a light onto the new contemporary masculinty that is beginning to surface. In particular Kenny Benjamin uses an event from basketball, where the players hug eachother in a care free manner, without using a handshake to protect their private parts. The hug is done out of pure comradery, a gesture that would not have been done even a decade ago. It puts forward a contemporary masculinty that holds both the ability to be tough and also hold and show emotion.
Representation of women in work
Madonna is a very succesful business woman who rose to fame during the 1980s. The Guinness Book of World Records has called her the 'world’s most successful female musician'. For me, she embodies the best aspects of feminism, through her own talent she has risen from nothing into a star. However, as the feminist movement has become more and more succesful, Madonna has been getting more publicity over some of the controversial things that she does. As a big star during the 1980s and 1990s, Madonna is finding it increasingly difficult to remain popular in the same way that she once was. This begs the question, can someone who was such an important figure to women in the 1980s survive with todays version of feminism in the world? She cherishes her individuality and the right to do pretty much whatever she wants, but as we can see from the fact that her second adoption bid for a child from Malawi was rejected, is this still possible for her?
My second image is of the character Carrie Bradshaw, a successful modern day business woman in the popular television series Sex and the City. In 2009 the Guardian named Carrie Bradshaw an icon of the decade, proving that she clearly can make it in todays world. But like Madonna, Carrie has her flaws and her eccentricities. While Carrie may be seen to try and escape all her problems through shopping, she is identifiable for a lot of today's women, obviously an important feminist figure.
Women and Work
Written in 1986 by a male journalist George Guilder, this article records the statistics of working women in America. The article talks of a sexual revolution where women are seeping into a male dominated work force, whereas in previous years women, especially married women, tended to go with tradition and work on the farms so as to work near and around their families. The article seems to give alot of the facts about the feminist struggle for equality in work and it is written in a way that it seems the author believes in a womans right to work and conquer new heights. Then Guilder compares the statistics of spending between the sexes and the correlation between the amount of time they work. Highly paid men apparently spent more of their income and so had to work more to cover the expenses incurred. Whereas highly paid women spent less so worked less and apparently didnt need as high wages as the men to live. The statistics that this study was based on were taken from the 1970s before the typical working career girl of the 1980s had appeared in American society. So although Guilder records the increase of female workers in all areas, the data used for their reasonings to work was out of date and not completely in fitting with that modern American woman of the day.
The twentieth century American working woman can be shown in a more direct way. 
The Proposal was a 2009 film featuring a career woman in New York City. Her sense of dress is very conservative in that most of her skin is covered, however the suit looks painted on her it is so tight and her shoes are Louboutons, one of the most expensive designer shoes which reveal a red sole when walking, that apparently add a slice of sex appeal to a womans walk. The fact that she owns a pair of such sought after shoes, indicates that her income is substantially higher than alot of Americans, be they male or female. Her tailored suit also suggests the same thing, as does her perfect hair and make-up. The suit is also the latest trend in American women business circles, with the waist belt defining her miniscule waist and elongating her perfect legs. The picture shows a very domineering woman with alot of confidence and authority. For it appears she has taken the traditionally male role of marriage, and work for she is infact the boss of the male in question. A reversal of the roles as it were. The sentence underneath the main title of the film is " Here comes the bribe.." suggesting that the female has infact taken over even more of the male world for she is now even thinking like a man of previous years, who does what he has to in order to get what he wants, without using sexual advances and female whiles.
The picture engages feminism today as it shows the aquired authority of todays females but also sets them apart from the men by use of clothing and make-up. Although a woman can be powerful they are also set distinctly apart from the males of society, seeming to suggest that women and men are very different but can do very similar or the same types of jobs. Equality, almost... Women are still seen as Sirens by some, just by what they choose to wear.
Feminism In America
The 1980's- a decade of bad hair, bad fashion and great music. It also happens to be the decade in which women began to question what feminism was all about. ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) was never ratified due to what was believed to be the conservative swing and the election of Ronald Reagan in the early 80's and women were divided over it. Some thought that it was a travesty and it's Reagan's fault that women are still not equal to men, whilst others believed that the feminist movement had already brought us a long way, so what was left to fight for?
The above image is the poster for the movie Working Girl (1988). The movie is much more about feminism that the post can really give, but I still chose it for a specific reason. Melanie Griffith clings to Harrison Ford whilst Sigourney Weaver is stood alone. Granted, if you watched the film it would make sense as it is clear why the characters are positioned the way they are. In the film Weaver is Griffiths boss who steals her idea and then breaks her leg in a skiing accident leaving Griffith to pretend to be her boss. Then Harrison Ford gets involved and it becomes more about love than female power, but essentially, it is there. I think the poster represents how some women still felt (that men were still in charge and women still needed them for validation) whilst others were quite happy on their own and carving out a successful career for themselves. But as discussed in the lecture, women were beginning to think- this is feminism....now what?
Hilary Clinton. Former First Lady and former Presidential Candidate for the Democratic party and now she is the US Secretary of State. To me, she embodies this third wave of feminism. She has one of the top positions on the country, she is a wife and mother and also and author. And the most surprising fact is that she she stood by her husband, Former President Bill Clinton, when he became embroiled in an affair that almost ended his career. Now, the once most powerful man in the world looks on as his wife takes over and becomes one of the best known females in American politics. Everyone knew Hilary as the long suffering wife of Bill, but now she has come back fighting and proving that women really can have it all. Chelsea, their daughter, has said she is inspired by her mother and with every right too. Although she may be on the staff of the least popular President for a good many decades, Hilary is still an inspiration to women and she shows that we really can have power if we are willing to fight for it. But is she happy? Well, we don't see anything about it in the press, but you never really know what goes on behind closed doors, one can only guess.
Women, Work & Class
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/09/michelle-obama-to-launch_n_455077.html
This article in the Huffington Post is about a new campaign headed by Michelle Obama to tackle Child Obesity in America. It could be argued that Machelle Obama has everything, she has financial stability, mother and independant career women. Previously a lawyer and now at the head of a Health Campaign of her own. Michelle Obama states that the campaign isn't just the concern as first lady but a concern as a mother of two.
I think this is a good example of where women in general are in life in terms of equality. It seems to me that we are at a period of transition again even if it is a slow, gradual process, and overshadowed by the uncertainty of the Economic recession. I don't think we have discourse right now, there isnt much feminist political reliance on a movement because it seems feminism is being taken up as a personal and individual battle today as opposed to that of the 1960's and 70's. Also women don't seem to be humoured any more in hope of turning the feminist movement stale.
Machelle Obama's behaviour is representative of women today in that it seems they are taken more seriously than they have been in the past. It may be highlighted by the fear from men of serious competition in women, but agressiveness or competitive nature has meant they have caught up.
I think many women have a complete sense of self today power through identity which may have been unachievable in the past. To have experience motherhood, to be married, to be beautiful, to be a professional, to be representitive and a role model can define the success and the equality of women. I think this article in topic (not content) is a good example....?
This article in the Huffington Post is about a new campaign headed by Michelle Obama to tackle Child Obesity in America. It could be argued that Machelle Obama has everything, she has financial stability, mother and independant career women. Previously a lawyer and now at the head of a Health Campaign of her own. Michelle Obama states that the campaign isn't just the concern as first lady but a concern as a mother of two.
I think this is a good example of where women in general are in life in terms of equality. It seems to me that we are at a period of transition again even if it is a slow, gradual process, and overshadowed by the uncertainty of the Economic recession. I don't think we have discourse right now, there isnt much feminist political reliance on a movement because it seems feminism is being taken up as a personal and individual battle today as opposed to that of the 1960's and 70's. Also women don't seem to be humoured any more in hope of turning the feminist movement stale.
Machelle Obama's behaviour is representative of women today in that it seems they are taken more seriously than they have been in the past. It may be highlighted by the fear from men of serious competition in women, but agressiveness or competitive nature has meant they have caught up.
I think many women have a complete sense of self today power through identity which may have been unachievable in the past. To have experience motherhood, to be married, to be beautiful, to be a professional, to be representitive and a role model can define the success and the equality of women. I think this article in topic (not content) is a good example....?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Continuing Feminist Movement
I found an image that is about feminism in 1980s.
The 1980s represented a particular moment in feminist politics. Without a lengthy, easily contested, necessarily subjective attempt to synthesize the final years of second wave feminism, some things bear repeating in this context. That decade encompasses the bitterness of the feminist porn wars and a virulent mainstream backlash against feminist politics. It may be simplistic, but also useful, to suggest that the emphasis placed on identifying and responding to violence against women was a feminist strategy to underscore the urgency of a radical reconceptualization of gender roles and power.
Here I found another image is about an American pop star---Lady Gaga. I think she embodies feminism from another side. Because she is the person who ignores the moral, and does what she wants. But the title of this picture is really interesting, it's called 'Lady Gaga is Pro-Women, Anti-Feminism'. However, there are also some people do not agree with this, they think that she just made news. Here is a person called SketchArwen who says "who does she think she is? Shes coming up in an age where music videos make a star more than what they're really worth. Oh but she's a "rock star" gimme a break. Shes a product of this music machine and can't even talk about being a feminist. I would rather see her grabbing her crotch and smokin a cigarette talkin about how the gender differences are ridiculous than see her all slutted out in a wig talkin about how she loves the gay community but isn't a feminist. Shes representing the crowd thats payin her bills right now and thats ok but im not going to sit in her corner and think shes cool as hell. How do these stars expect to change the scene? They don't want to change it. So forget her."
Week 2: Gender & Equality...?
http://www.screenjunkies.com/tvnews/10-hottest-female-newscasters
So what does this say about the discourse on femininity? - what do these images say about the role of women in American society?
Counter-productive or expressing freedom of choice and dismissing the arguments of the feminist?
John.
So what does this say about the discourse on femininity? - what do these images say about the role of women in American society?
Counter-productive or expressing freedom of choice and dismissing the arguments of the feminist?
John.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Week 1 Tutorial
Sarah, Maria, Lucia, Lewis & Michael
Thanks to you all for an enjoyable session on "Men" - I thought that your blogs and views provided an excellent start for our work together. It was significant to recognise the dominance of the stereotyped "masculinity" - fitness, body shape, grooming, & "attractiveness" etc. - very much a product of the advertising world & the focus on the urban scene of America. So easy to accept that thes images are the norm - or relevant to all Americans. Is that so?
Thanks to you all for an enjoyable session on "Men" - I thought that your blogs and views provided an excellent start for our work together. It was significant to recognise the dominance of the stereotyped "masculinity" - fitness, body shape, grooming, & "attractiveness" etc. - very much a product of the advertising world & the focus on the urban scene of America. So easy to accept that thes images are the norm - or relevant to all Americans. Is that so?
A rather demoralising view of the masculine world!
What about some of those other aspects of maleness in America......? And, how does Europe , China or any other culture view or celebrate the role of the male? It could be that the American model is the one that will prevail, and if so, why?
Best wishes, John.
Masculinity in America
Men's Fitness is a popular website for the modern man in America.
On their main page we see links to different sections of the website: Fitness, Nutritioon, Advice, Sports and Lifestyle. Presenting these five main points like this gives us the view that these things are what you need to know about to be a succesful man. This website is made by men, for men - it gives guidelines and information all about self-improvement for men, it offers advice on everything from what to eat and how best to work out, through to how to please your women.
Is this really everything that the modern man is? Can your lifestyle simply be reduced into 5 categories like that? While there's nothing wrong with encouraging people to be healthier and do more excercise, websites like these - and the female equivalents - raise a lot of issues, should they be promoting the ideas that if you don't have a body like that or don't excel at sports then you're less of a person?
On their main page we see links to different sections of the website: Fitness, Nutritioon, Advice, Sports and Lifestyle. Presenting these five main points like this gives us the view that these things are what you need to know about to be a succesful man. This website is made by men, for men - it gives guidelines and information all about self-improvement for men, it offers advice on everything from what to eat and how best to work out, through to how to please your women.
Is this really everything that the modern man is? Can your lifestyle simply be reduced into 5 categories like that? While there's nothing wrong with encouraging people to be healthier and do more excercise, websites like these - and the female equivalents - raise a lot of issues, should they be promoting the ideas that if you don't have a body like that or don't excel at sports then you're less of a person?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Masculinity the Definition
http://www.gillettefusion.com/
When the site eventually loads it shows the Fusion razor with 3 male sports stars.
The issue with the Gillete Fusion is grooming. The advertisement is sponsored by Thierry Henry, Tiger woods and Roger Federer, they are promoting the new range of razor as the ultimate grooming razor (better than the rest). The grooming issue is part of the image for men to look good, toned, athletic and attractive.
To live life this way is to live the right way as the advertising market seems to regard this kind of lifestyle/image as a successful product. They suggest that this kind of male image is attractive to women, in turn this incourages many men to become the ultimate well groomed man. We know this every time there is a gillete advert on tv its always showing a well toned man, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped round the waist, six or eight pack on show at the mirror and sink. Selling the image because its attractive to women, its more than selling a product.
I think this clip helps explain what I mean.
I think although masculine can mean rugged, hairy, neanderthal look, it can be also mean to be groomed, muscle-toned and attractive. What i think these grooming adverts imply is that the ultimate masculine image is the one they sell not only because it sells their product but because it makes men successful in being attractive to women. It doesnt matter really what make/website I post, they all sell with the same advert because its a competitive market. This proves I think that the notion works, the products are successful because men believe what they see in the adverts.
Although it may have been different in the past, times change and peaople often have to change with the times and I think this defines contemporary masculinity since the start of the 21st century.
When the site eventually loads it shows the Fusion razor with 3 male sports stars.
The issue with the Gillete Fusion is grooming. The advertisement is sponsored by Thierry Henry, Tiger woods and Roger Federer, they are promoting the new range of razor as the ultimate grooming razor (better than the rest). The grooming issue is part of the image for men to look good, toned, athletic and attractive.
To live life this way is to live the right way as the advertising market seems to regard this kind of lifestyle/image as a successful product. They suggest that this kind of male image is attractive to women, in turn this incourages many men to become the ultimate well groomed man. We know this every time there is a gillete advert on tv its always showing a well toned man, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped round the waist, six or eight pack on show at the mirror and sink. Selling the image because its attractive to women, its more than selling a product.
I think this clip helps explain what I mean.
I think although masculine can mean rugged, hairy, neanderthal look, it can be also mean to be groomed, muscle-toned and attractive. What i think these grooming adverts imply is that the ultimate masculine image is the one they sell not only because it sells their product but because it makes men successful in being attractive to women. It doesnt matter really what make/website I post, they all sell with the same advert because its a competitive market. This proves I think that the notion works, the products are successful because men believe what they see in the adverts.
Although it may have been different in the past, times change and peaople often have to change with the times and I think this defines contemporary masculinity since the start of the 21st century.
What makes a man masculine?
http://us.wwe.com
I have decided to go with the stereotypical view of masculinity... muscles. Although WWE is a seen as being fake, these wrestlers most probably still believe that they are the definition of masculinity. The issues this website deals with is the problem of men/boys believing that by having muscles they will become a real man. In reality these wrestlers use muscle enhancers, steroids etc, to achieve
their muscular bodies. WWE also gives out the impression to younger audiences that to fight is being masculine, some children do not realise that these fights have been choreographed and our for entertainment only it is not reality.
This image shows 5 wrestlers who are seen to be superstars in the wrestling world, to me these men look fake as well as the fact that they fight fake, and these men are acting as role models to teenagers by being put under the name of superstars.
I think that many sports give males the feeling of masculinity and that is a healthy form of masculinity, but programmes like WWE are giving off the wrong impression of what masculinity really is.
I have decided to go with the stereotypical view of masculinity... muscles. Although WWE is a seen as being fake, these wrestlers most probably still believe that they are the definition of masculinity. The issues this website deals with is the problem of men/boys believing that by having muscles they will become a real man. In reality these wrestlers use muscle enhancers, steroids etc, to achieve
their muscular bodies. WWE also gives out the impression to younger audiences that to fight is being masculine, some children do not realise that these fights have been choreographed and our for entertainment only it is not reality.
This image shows 5 wrestlers who are seen to be superstars in the wrestling world, to me these men look fake as well as the fact that they fight fake, and these men are acting as role models to teenagers by being put under the name of superstars.
I think that many sports give males the feeling of masculinity and that is a healthy form of masculinity, but programmes like WWE are giving off the wrong impression of what masculinity really is.
Masculinity in America
I found a video clip about gays in America, but some of part of this clip made me feel masculinity,like rugby and baseball. However, these men are gays. This surprised me. Because they look really strong and like normal men. But they are not. In my opinion, the most masculinity men who should be sporty. If there are artists, will let people feel that there is temperament rather than masculinity.
Here is the video clip.
Here is the video clip.
Monday, February 8, 2010
What It Means To Be A Male in America
Popular men's magazine, Men's Health is the epitome of contemporary masculinity in America today. To compete with it's female equivalents (Cosmopolitan, Glamour etc), Men's Health has branched out to the world wide web to appeal to a wider audience, providing more than the magazine alone ever could. Appealing to the 'modern man', Men's Health is all about self improvement, something that wasn't so important in the 1950's and 60's. With the birth of the 'metrosexual' and men who are beginning to spend more time in front of the vanity mirror than women, contemporary masculinity has shifted away from the values of more traditional masculinity. Long gone are the days when the man was the king of his castle (so to speak), where it was the men who were the primary breadwinners. Now more commonly, men are becoming stay at home dad's and 'house husbands', caring more about their physique and appearance than perhaps a working man of the 1950's would have done. Although male role models back then consisted of James Dean and Paul Newman who oozed testosterone because of the tough guy persona's they portrayed on screen, modern male role models are the likes of David Beckham and Brad Pitt; men who have built on their careers because of their looks more than their talent and these are the men that the magazine appeals to.
I very much doubt that Men's Health would do as well in the 1950's and 1960's as it does today. Although some men have always strived for physical perfection, I believe it is a bigger issue now than it ever was before. Men's Health magazine is about exactly that: men's health. With tips on how to achieve the perfect body and how to maintain it, how to eat right and how to please women, one could say that these are issues that men think about more and more these days. Plastered across the website are pictures of muscle bound men who are apparently average Joe's. It's enough to give men a complex! More and more we are hearing stories in the media about male eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia- disorders which by some are not considered 'manly'. The male ego is a fragile thing, and although some would consider the magazine a boost, an incentive to achieve a better life, others could regard it as the complete opposite and find themselves pressured into something they know cannot be achieved.
Tabs including Fitness, Women, Weight Loss and Grooming are highlighted on the front page as if to highlight the key issues. Is this what modern man is about? I believe so. Masculinity in America has come so far over the decades. Almost a complete opposite to what Robert Brannon described in 1976. Men now show and share emotions, now they aren't always the sole earner in the family and they don't only participate in masculine activities. Looking through the website, there is an array of advice, most of which would have been considered 'sissy' a few decades ago. In my opinion, Men's Health magazine most definitely defines modern masculinity in America. The issues highlighted on the website are relevant to men with differing degrees of masculinity, and overall defines what it truly means.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Values of AE Clothing
American Eagle outfitters is a brand of clothing that competes with the like of Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister. The brand is quite unkown I think in the UK, it has no stores in the here unlike Abercrombie & Fitch and more recently Hollister, as a result it is not as well known commercially as its competitors are.
All three brands have their stores sell the brand in a similar way, by using music, smell to attract customers. They also do not label their stores in attempt to make passers by more curious of what inside. All marketing techniques.However American Eagle has different ways or different values and also relates to American identity in terms of prosperity and poverty.
Its relation to poverty is down to the fact that it prides itself on being luxurious affordable fashion wear, which it also uses against A&F or Hol.co to be competative. Being cheaper it attracts those who are not as well off, and gives more people freedom of choice, freedom of expression.
If American Eagle is competative and popular then it is related to prosperity. As previously mentioned AE sell their brand using the label "Luxurious" along with A&F or Hol.co so they are considered by the public to be so, whilst still being cheaper.
American Eagle plays mostly on the Value of Freedom so closely associated with American identity. The AE logo is "Live Your Life" what they are saying is liv your life and have fun but do it wearing American Eagle and you can live it better, free'er, more often and have a trillion times more fun.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
An apple in Nike's hand
I chose Apple & Nike . I think this is a sort of cultural symbol of the United States.
Apple , it is a fruit make people become wise. In the United States, Apple has become synonymous with high-tech. Recently, Apple has launched a new magic mouse.
Here is another symbol of America, Nike. Just like the name, the meaning of victory. And advertisements of Nike are also mean of 'value'.
Apple , it is a fruit make people become wise. In the United States, Apple has become synonymous with high-tech. Recently, Apple has launched a new magic mouse.
Here is another symbol of America, Nike. Just like the name, the meaning of victory. And advertisements of Nike are also mean of 'value'.
American Values - Michael Jordan
This is a video of Michael Jordan's 'Be legendary campaign'.
I think the video can be tied with striving for the American Dream and I think this can even be seen in the title 'Be legendary' and the words 'look me in the eyes, i'm scared of what i wont become'. It shows the values of the American Dream for American people and how apparent it is even in modern society to try and become successful in what they do. I think it uses very powerful marketing ploys for Jordan label and by buying into the Jordan brand you're buying into the American Dream of becoming 'Legendary'.
LoveTrain
I chose this advert as it is christmas now and is one of my favourite adverts. I think that the advert is sending out a message to the world as well as advertising the product. At the beginning of the advert it says 'give stripes' which could be seen as a telling the world to give love by giving someone a present at christmas to show them they are loved. The song used for the advert uses the lyrics 'People all over the world, join hands, start a lovetrain, lovetrain', the message that is given out by these lyrics is that the world should join together and create world peace. This commercial was aired in 2002 a year after the 9/11 terror attack, and i think that this advert was reaching out to those people who had lost someone they loved.
The advert also portrays the values of christmas, a time that everyone joins together to celebrate one day a year and can spend time with the ones they love and show them how much they love them.
The New D&G Fragrances Anthology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXL8t41EqWw
My chosen commercial is advertising Dolce and Gabbana Fragrances. It's an advert that has been in circulation for a while now that I personally love (mainly because of the part of the Geroge Michael song it uses!), but it is still popular and up to date because of the stars that have been used. The six models are; Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova, Fernando Fernandes, Tyson Ballou and Noah Mills. D & G have been clever in that they have used some very attractive people who appeal to both sexes in order to reach a wider demographic.
In terms of 'value', well it's a fragrance, that much is obvious. A good deal of the world's population uses perfume. I don't step out of the house without it. This particular 'anthology' of fragrances appeals to both men and women as it deliberately caters to both genders. Fragrance is often used to attract the opposite sex and is meant to make the consumer feel attractive and sexy and sometimes it's just meant to make you feel a little better about yourself and give you an ego boost. However, in this case, I would think that it is the former. Half naked models? Yes, I think we know what they are trying to sell us. Sex sells, and don't you forget it.
The price for this perfume is to be expected as it is a designer brand. I found one website that is selling 100ml bottles for $65.00 which considering the exchange rate today is about £39, whereas on the UK Boots website it is £35. This was on the Macy's website, but there are others that go as high as $74. With this particular item I think you really have to shop around to get the best deal, because there are some websites that are happy to exploite their customers if it means they can get an few extra Dollars.
I think fragrance as a commodity is one that is based soley on branding. For example, designer brands, although they cost more, will often sell more because of the name of the product. Chanel No.5 is possibly the worlds most famous perfume because it is Chanel and was worn by movie starlett's of a certain era. Fragrances that are endorsed by Celebrities will sell more because of the culture we live in. This is none more true than in the US. A Hollywood obsessed culture see's Celebrities gracing the pages of magazines and TV screens as the spokesmodel for a fragrance. For example at the moment, I've seen almost constantly Sienna Miller, Josh Hartnett, Audrey Tatou, Ewan McGregor, Elizabeth Hurley, Gwenyth Paltrow and the list goes on. This is just for fragrance bare in mind, the cosmetics industry is a whole other world. And although D&G is an Italian brand, it is heavily marketed in the US as it is a. the richest country in the world and b. it is possibly the most Celebrity obsessed and is heavily endorsed by models who are marketed in America, hence the reason I chose it.
In my opinion, the D&G advert is a effective one in that it uses catchy music (George Michael's 'Freedom 90') and the models who are advertising the product are well known ones who are over the age of 25, which appeals to women as they do not feel so threatened by younger women. Granted, they look nowhere near their age, but they do sell the product in a way that appeals to both sexes. And then we have the male models who have the bodies that some 'ordinary' men aspire to have and who alot of women would aspire to be with! It basically acomplishes what it sets out to do; convinces the consumer that if they buy D&G's ridiculously overpriced fragrances at Macy's department store for Christmas, they too will look and smell like a supermodel.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Alger's Dick
Here is an article I've found about Alger's work Ragged Dick.
The Dictionary of American Biography calls Horatio Alger the "most successful writer of boys' stories in the whole of American literature." Before moving to New York City in 1866, Alger had been a Unitarian minister for two years. He'd also published several works of fiction. But none had anything like the success of Ragged Dick. This first of Alger's "rags to respectability" novels appeared serially in Student and Schoolmate, a monthly periodical that featured moral tales for youth. Alger's story began running in January, 1867, with the picture below as a kind of frontispiece. Before the last installment appeared in June, Ragged Dick had attracted so much attention that the Boston publisher A.K. Loring signed Alger to a contract that led, by the end of the century, to 118 other novels modeled on the same archetypal plot. As success stories Tom and Dick's adventures resemble each other only by contrast. The chapter below recounts Dick's first visit to a fashionable New York church, under the sponsorship of the second of his three male mentors. It is strikingly secular in its emphases, but not much like MT's chapter on Tom Sawyer in church. Of course, we shouldn't forget that in Sunday School Tom is tempted to fall down and worship the socially "elect" Judge Thatcher -- and curiously the idea of being "adopted" into "sivilization" by a rich patron whom one has aided is picked up in Tom Sawyer by the story of Huck and the Widow Douglas.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Obamacare- Yay or Nay?
Possibly the biggest polictical debate currently overshadowing the United states is the topic of Healthcare and how President Obama plans to change things for the better and to help his country. Because that's what President's do, right? Well, not according to some. Obama's Healthcare Reform is, in some American's eyes, a plan to turn America into a Socialist country that will inevitably end up like (gasp) the USSR. In many of the propaganda videos that have been made, original USSR propaganda footage has been used to compare and to really drive home the message that what Obama is doing is wrong.
My first website is from the news channel CNN and is against the Healthcare Reform and lists five reasons why.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/24/news/economy/health_care_reform_obama.fortune/
What is possibly the most interesting point about this website is the comments at the end. Real American's who are not in front of a camera or are trying to push their opinions on millions of people. They are sharing their points of view about Obama's new policy. There are mixed views but it is obvious that the majority have been brainwashed by the media (thank you, Fox News) and are scared of the 'tyranny' that will obviously follow should this bill be passed. What this website focuses on is what American's are most afraid of loosing; their freedom. The first amendment of the Constitution is possibly the most precious and what their ancestors fought for. Take that away, and what does America stand for?
This YouTube video is in relation to another video that is posted which poses the argument as to why Universal Healthcare is wrong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPq6_7AFsp4&feature=related
My second website is a Pro Healthcare Reform Website
http://www.americanhealthcarereform.org/index.html
This website is full of information including the lies and the real truth's surrounding the reforms, news items, video clips, an FAQ and it even includes letters that are pleaing with members of Congress to say yes to the changes. One letter included is from a retired Doctor from Preston who is outraged at the way the NHS is misrepresnted in the States! It just goes to show how powerful this debate is and who it's really effecting. However, with the recent findings in an Essex hospital this week, it is just giving the people who are opposed to this more ammunition, and is neither helping the cause or putting us in a good light. I really enjoyed looking at this website and I found it interesting to see how invested people are in this cause and all the information they are willing to gather to get more people on board.
And here's a little video that I found on You Tube. It breaks down what the Government is trying to do, in the simplest terms.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfZfgkX6uEk
I am in two minds on this. I can see from an American's point of view why Universal Healthcare would be a threat. The Government is feared in the US and people are afraid that they will not receive the same treatment as they do now. For example, if you are rich and can afford great insurance, then you can pick the cream of the crop to treat you. If Universal Healthcare kicks in, there's every chance that you will have to slum it with the rest of us and get treated by whatever Doctor happens to be free, unless you want to deal with the deductable in your private health insurance. However, if I was sick, and I couldn't afford great insurance, I would want to know that I would be seen by a Doctor. The thought that a Doctor would refuse to treat me because they could earn more if it cost them less really scares me.
After watching Sicko, for the first time, I was glad to be British. I'm the only one in our class to have previously watched the film, but it's meaning isn't any less poignant and it's effect any less dramatic. It really hit home how lucky we are to live in a country where we only have to pay for medicine between the ages of 18 and 60 and we are exempt if there are various other factors including pregnancy or income support. My Mom recently suffered a very serious and life threatening illness which required specialist surgery and she is now on several different types of medication and requires support from health carers, which in America, would have cost us hundreds of thousands of Dollars because as she already suffers from several other pre-existing conditions that had nothing to do with this illness. Yet because she has these pre-existing conditions, she would not be insured. Neither would my Dad because he has a pre-exsisting condition and wouldn't be accepted because of that and his BMI and I probably wouldn't because of my BMI and my 'pre exsisiting condition' which is nothing compared to my parents- mine is that I have 'Shin Splints', a small condition in the shins which, I am told, was basically caused because I shot up like a bamboo shoot as a child. It's insignificant little things like this that we take for granted, but can and does kill millions of people in the US. As we saw in the film, so many people died just because of get out clauses in their insurance that the companies use to make money. What's wrong with America's current 'Healthcare' system? It is run more like a bank than a hospital. And that costs lives.
My first website is from the news channel CNN and is against the Healthcare Reform and lists five reasons why.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/24/news/economy/health_care_reform_obama.fortune/
What is possibly the most interesting point about this website is the comments at the end. Real American's who are not in front of a camera or are trying to push their opinions on millions of people. They are sharing their points of view about Obama's new policy. There are mixed views but it is obvious that the majority have been brainwashed by the media (thank you, Fox News) and are scared of the 'tyranny' that will obviously follow should this bill be passed. What this website focuses on is what American's are most afraid of loosing; their freedom. The first amendment of the Constitution is possibly the most precious and what their ancestors fought for. Take that away, and what does America stand for?
This YouTube video is in relation to another video that is posted which poses the argument as to why Universal Healthcare is wrong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPq6_7AFsp4&feature=related
My second website is a Pro Healthcare Reform Website
http://www.americanhealthcarereform.org/index.html
This website is full of information including the lies and the real truth's surrounding the reforms, news items, video clips, an FAQ and it even includes letters that are pleaing with members of Congress to say yes to the changes. One letter included is from a retired Doctor from Preston who is outraged at the way the NHS is misrepresnted in the States! It just goes to show how powerful this debate is and who it's really effecting. However, with the recent findings in an Essex hospital this week, it is just giving the people who are opposed to this more ammunition, and is neither helping the cause or putting us in a good light. I really enjoyed looking at this website and I found it interesting to see how invested people are in this cause and all the information they are willing to gather to get more people on board.
And here's a little video that I found on You Tube. It breaks down what the Government is trying to do, in the simplest terms.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfZfgkX6uEk
I am in two minds on this. I can see from an American's point of view why Universal Healthcare would be a threat. The Government is feared in the US and people are afraid that they will not receive the same treatment as they do now. For example, if you are rich and can afford great insurance, then you can pick the cream of the crop to treat you. If Universal Healthcare kicks in, there's every chance that you will have to slum it with the rest of us and get treated by whatever Doctor happens to be free, unless you want to deal with the deductable in your private health insurance. However, if I was sick, and I couldn't afford great insurance, I would want to know that I would be seen by a Doctor. The thought that a Doctor would refuse to treat me because they could earn more if it cost them less really scares me.
After watching Sicko, for the first time, I was glad to be British. I'm the only one in our class to have previously watched the film, but it's meaning isn't any less poignant and it's effect any less dramatic. It really hit home how lucky we are to live in a country where we only have to pay for medicine between the ages of 18 and 60 and we are exempt if there are various other factors including pregnancy or income support. My Mom recently suffered a very serious and life threatening illness which required specialist surgery and she is now on several different types of medication and requires support from health carers, which in America, would have cost us hundreds of thousands of Dollars because as she already suffers from several other pre-existing conditions that had nothing to do with this illness. Yet because she has these pre-existing conditions, she would not be insured. Neither would my Dad because he has a pre-exsisting condition and wouldn't be accepted because of that and his BMI and I probably wouldn't because of my BMI and my 'pre exsisiting condition' which is nothing compared to my parents- mine is that I have 'Shin Splints', a small condition in the shins which, I am told, was basically caused because I shot up like a bamboo shoot as a child. It's insignificant little things like this that we take for granted, but can and does kill millions of people in the US. As we saw in the film, so many people died just because of get out clauses in their insurance that the companies use to make money. What's wrong with America's current 'Healthcare' system? It is run more like a bank than a hospital. And that costs lives.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Obama Health Care Reform
This video shows an anti health care view on Obama's reform, using aeroplanes as an example to show this.
The American public seem to believe that Obama's reform on health care will cost them more money in insurance and have a poorer standard in quality. The overall view I have come across when researching the topic is that America's don't want the bill because they want to keep their freedom and don't want to be controlled by the government.
The website I found for pro health care reform tells you why all the doubts some American's are having about the health care reform are not true.
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_ten_dumbest_arguments_against_health_care_reform
American's believe that they have the best health care system in the world, but if this was true why would 50 million of the population be uninsured, and others dealing with bankruptsy. This is just one of the arguments this article gives on health care. America may have the best medical facilities but whats the point in having them if people can't afford to pay to use them.
It seems so bizarre to me that American's can believe this is a good health system? If they can have public schools, librarys etc that are free to use why not make health care free too.
The American public seem to believe that Obama's reform on health care will cost them more money in insurance and have a poorer standard in quality. The overall view I have come across when researching the topic is that America's don't want the bill because they want to keep their freedom and don't want to be controlled by the government.
The website I found for pro health care reform tells you why all the doubts some American's are having about the health care reform are not true.
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_ten_dumbest_arguments_against_health_care_reform
American's believe that they have the best health care system in the world, but if this was true why would 50 million of the population be uninsured, and others dealing with bankruptsy. This is just one of the arguments this article gives on health care. America may have the best medical facilities but whats the point in having them if people can't afford to pay to use them.
It seems so bizarre to me that American's can believe this is a good health system? If they can have public schools, librarys etc that are free to use why not make health care free too.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Health care reform
Here I have found a video that is for AND against a healthcare reform (sort of)
Another video that I found was;
From an English point of view, to me the idea of not wanting to pass the healthcare is ridiculous, but I've grown up not having to worry about paying for healthcare thanks to the NHS. But in turn, if I take myself out and look at it from a different point of view then I can see why it would be such a controversial issue. The idea of having a health problem that you have been born with and in turn not being able to afford the care that you need is absolutely ridiculous, it is as if it is your problem because you were born with it, and a very American way of thinking. Analysing both arguments is hard as is understanding the want for no reform. The healthcare reform is not just a matter of health, it is also a matter of money, money for the huge insurance companies that give their employees healthcare benefits.
Another video that I found highly interesting and Pro health care reform, but more in a matter of factly and comedic way is this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B98muhufAGE (embedding disabled)
It is a time to change --- Health Care Reform
After I watched the film Sicko, directed by Michael Moore. I know what is the Healthcare system like in the United States. It is quite similar with China. In China, if you were sick or ill, or women give birth or some emergency accidents happened, people are normally go to hospitals. The lucky thing is that you do not have to book appointment with any doctor, you can go to hospital directly. However, unluckily, patients normally need to pay everything, medication, fee for health checking, etc. Even though you have a job you have insurance, but employer would not pay everything for you. This is the general situation in China.
Here is a clip about President Obama on organizing for health care reform.
President Obama asks supporters to declare their support for his three core principles for health care reform, and to share their personal stories to help build support for the reforms that are so desperately needed.
However, there are some people do not agree with that. Let's see some comments of viewers.
ty2 says, 'Eff you Obama. You screw your nation over like no one before. What you have in for healthcare and what Reid and Pelosi have in it matters more than the citizens of this once great nation. Don't sit their with that smug look and tell me you are trying to make it better for me. I know as well as you do that you are a liar and a cheater and a horrible person and leader. You will give money to special interests and you will sink our country into the ground. I do not stand for this.'
averion5496 says, 'The democrats don't get it. National Health care will cost over $1 trillion dollars. Do you know what a $1 trillion dollars amounts to? Imagine getting $1 every second for 11.57 days. That's $1 million dollars. $1 every second for 31.7 years is $1 billion dollars. $1 every second for 31,709 years is $1 trillion dollars. It's 2009 and we have 29,700 more years to go. Taxes are going up if you don't get it already! You democrats are crazy!'
Here is an another clip about Anti-Healthcare Reform Protests, reported by Rachel Maddow of MSNBC.
Here is a clip about President Obama on organizing for health care reform.
President Obama asks supporters to declare their support for his three core principles for health care reform, and to share their personal stories to help build support for the reforms that are so desperately needed.
However, there are some people do not agree with that. Let's see some comments of viewers.
ty2 says, 'Eff you Obama. You screw your nation over like no one before. What you have in for healthcare and what Reid and Pelosi have in it matters more than the citizens of this once great nation. Don't sit their with that smug look and tell me you are trying to make it better for me. I know as well as you do that you are a liar and a cheater and a horrible person and leader. You will give money to special interests and you will sink our country into the ground. I do not stand for this.'
averion5496 says, 'The democrats don't get it. National Health care will cost over $1 trillion dollars. Do you know what a $1 trillion dollars amounts to? Imagine getting $1 every second for 11.57 days. That's $1 million dollars. $1 every second for 31.7 years is $1 billion dollars. $1 every second for 31,709 years is $1 trillion dollars. It's 2009 and we have 29,700 more years to go. Taxes are going up if you don't get it already! You democrats are crazy!'
Here is an another clip about Anti-Healthcare Reform Protests, reported by Rachel Maddow of MSNBC.
"Obama care" views of the reform proposal
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/.../house-democratsanxious-to_n_218177.html%20-
This particular webpage is about the endorsement of 3 chairmen from committees in the House of Representatives. These are the Energy & Commerce, Ways & Means and Education & Labour committees. It talks about Obama's attempt to compramise & be Bi-Partisan in order to win over the conservative Democrats & some Republicans. The Bi-Partisan approach appears to be a compramised variation of the reform between the House of Representatives and the Congressional Budget Office, that is supported by the President. The the nature of this version of reform being Bi-Partisan seems to be defined by the "PUBLIC OPTION", the public option is where the public can choose a Federal government healthcare plan instead of a private plan. The Federal plans are aiming to be cheaper than the private plans, this an attempt to regulate the fraudulent private drug and insurance companies.
PLEASE PLAY THIS TO EXPLAIN....
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www.foxnews.com/.../republicans-try-rally-resistance-health-care-house-vote-nears/
The link above is about a rally by Republicans stir up more protests against the on going healthcare reform bill. Parts of it include a tactic used by Fox news and Republican polititions to turn public oppinion against Government in Washington. They are scaremongering and confusing the public by lieing about the Government and its attempt. For example they argue the reform if passed will increase costs for the private insurance and drug companies, aswell as making patients plans more expensive to.
I personally feel more convinced by the support FOR the reform than i do by the opposition, partly due to the fact that i dont like the Republican favoured system. However nobody can deny that the extreamist opposition is dangerous succeeding in gaining support to oppose the reform proposal.
This particular webpage is about the endorsement of 3 chairmen from committees in the House of Representatives. These are the Energy & Commerce, Ways & Means and Education & Labour committees. It talks about Obama's attempt to compramise & be Bi-Partisan in order to win over the conservative Democrats & some Republicans. The Bi-Partisan approach appears to be a compramised variation of the reform between the House of Representatives and the Congressional Budget Office, that is supported by the President. The the nature of this version of reform being Bi-Partisan seems to be defined by the "PUBLIC OPTION", the public option is where the public can choose a Federal government healthcare plan instead of a private plan. The Federal plans are aiming to be cheaper than the private plans, this an attempt to regulate the fraudulent private drug and insurance companies.
PLEASE PLAY THIS TO EXPLAIN....
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www.foxnews.com/.../republicans-try-rally-resistance-health-care-house-vote-nears/
The link above is about a rally by Republicans stir up more protests against the on going healthcare reform bill. Parts of it include a tactic used by Fox news and Republican polititions to turn public oppinion against Government in Washington. They are scaremongering and confusing the public by lieing about the Government and its attempt. For example they argue the reform if passed will increase costs for the private insurance and drug companies, aswell as making patients plans more expensive to.
I personally feel more convinced by the support FOR the reform than i do by the opposition, partly due to the fact that i dont like the Republican favoured system. However nobody can deny that the extreamist opposition is dangerous succeeding in gaining support to oppose the reform proposal.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Universal Healthcare, Who wants it?
This clip is of Glenn Beck of Foxnews, it is 2 minuites of Glenn Beck attempting to expose weaknesses of Universal Healthcareand to influence viewers at home watching who dont agree, and to warn them of the flaws of the approaching proposed reform. Glenn Beck does this by using an example, his explains the Rep. Mit Romney's Massachusetts Healthcare or "Romneycare" as Beck calls it, that is in place. This is a "Bipartisan" Healthcare reform system that is aimed at providing universal healthcare in the state based on personal income, and subsidies for the poor or unemployed.
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View on 5mins 35secs
The clip above is of a public gathering in Buffalo NY. where a Democrat congressman Brian Higgins has voted for the Univerdal Healthcare Reform in support of the Obama administration and a quality healthcare system for America. Congressman Higgins explains the positves that can be acheived by the Healthcare reform, he also attacks the attitude taken by many Republicans opposing the reform and the Democrats. He is also a member of the "Ways & Means" committee in the House of Representitives.
I believe in the 2nd clip to be more convincing, I dont like the tone and approach of Glenn Beck. He seems to oppose anything that represents President Obama rather than opposing his policies. Also he also indirectly attacks Obama's Healthcare plan by drawing comparisons to Mit Romney's Massachusetts state Healthcare reform, which Beck claims has been a fundamental flop. I find congressman Higgins far more mature in his approach and more relevant to the his points.
America in Crisis? Jon Stewart To The Rescue!
You may have heard to the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, he's very popular in the States and as his show is imported over here and is shown nightly on More4, he has increasing popularity here in Britain. I know I frequently watch his show (when I have a TV!!) Here I have picked a clip that is only a few days old and is one where he takes on the Healthcare reform. As Stewart is a satirist, the clip is very funny and he's playing very much to the audience, hence his high viewing figures. But he does get the point across and shows the lunacy of the people in Government.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzMooKTcm2k
This is such a huge topical debate in America, and a very serious one at that. And as we will see from next weeks film Sicko, it is one that everyone is more than happy to weigh in on. I'm just happy that Jon can see the lighter side of the news, report on it and then completely rip it to pieces. That makes good television!!
And just for fun, to show how popular he is....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stjmxnHEKyY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzMooKTcm2k
This is such a huge topical debate in America, and a very serious one at that. And as we will see from next weeks film Sicko, it is one that everyone is more than happy to weigh in on. I'm just happy that Jon can see the lighter side of the news, report on it and then completely rip it to pieces. That makes good television!!
And just for fun, to show how popular he is....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stjmxnHEKyY
Glenn Beck: Global Warming greatest scam in history
I found a clip about Glenn Beck. He has written a book entitled An inconvenient segment. He and John Coleman who is the founder of The Weather Channel. They believe that global warming is a SCAM !!!
Let's see what did they say.
Actually I have got a book entitled An inconvenient truth was written by Al Gore who is the former Vice President of the United States. I think this is a brilliant book !
Let's see what did they say.
Actually I have got a book entitled An inconvenient truth was written by Al Gore who is the former Vice President of the United States. I think this is a brilliant book !
Lou Dobbs - Fort Hood
Here are two video's of Lou Dobbs' opinions on the fort hood shootings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXOYb7C0sJw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYotoMn874Q
The above two videos disagree with the in which Obama handled the press conference and criticized him for not showing enough compassion to the nation. The way in which Dobbs' comes across is actually quite scary.
I don't agree with what Dobbs' states about the fort hood shooting being a big cover up for the health care bill and can't understand how that would even work? Generally I dont agree with anything that Dobbs' has to say, but you can see the appeal of him to Americans as more than anything he pushes his views onto people puts blame on Obama for the current situation in America.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXOYb7C0sJw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYotoMn874Q
The above two videos disagree with the in which Obama handled the press conference and criticized him for not showing enough compassion to the nation. The way in which Dobbs' comes across is actually quite scary.
I don't agree with what Dobbs' states about the fort hood shooting being a big cover up for the health care bill and can't understand how that would even work? Generally I dont agree with anything that Dobbs' has to say, but you can see the appeal of him to Americans as more than anything he pushes his views onto people puts blame on Obama for the current situation in America.
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