Thursday, April 29, 2010

Activism Log 10

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
April 29, 2010

Activism Log 10

• Activism

In the past week and a half, I have been preparing for the presentation for this assignment. I took some time to think about what we, as a group, accomplished by participating in this service learning project. So many animals, and people, are going to be affected by the support we provided. Helping others is what it is all about.

• Reflection

Aurora Morales’ article, Radical Pleasure, Sex and the end of victim hood, discusses reclaiming sex, the issue of victim hood, and the topic of abuse. Some victims may escape their victimizer, but some may not. Some may escape in body, but may be emotionally attached to the events that occurred for their entire lives. “Victim-hood absolves us from having to decide to have good lives. It allows us to stay small and wounded instead of spacious, powerful and whole” (384). By becoming empowered, these women who are being abused are putting a stop to the cycle. They are changing the system by leaving, by finding help for not only themselves, but also for their pets.

• Reciprocity

I feel very satisfied with the outcome of this project. I made some friends, I helped some people and animals, and best of all … I feel accomplished.

Work Cited

Morales, Aurora. Radical Pleasure, Sex and the end of victim hood. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives 5 (2010): 384. Print.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Activism Log 9

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
April 18, 2010

Activism Log 9

• Activism

This week was about meeting with Arielle to hand over more donations. I personally drove and met her to drop them off. I also volunteered to bring the hour log forms to her because she said she preferred if just one of us went. I also went to the venue to thank them once again for all the hard for they did for us.

• Reflection

Recently, while reading Sandra Steinbraber’s article, Rose Moon, I was stuck by the phrase “In ignorance, abstain” (550). Voltaire seemed to have a unique grasp on life. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just whole heartedly abstain from things we were ignorant about? But then I wouldn’t have been able to help all these women, men and animals in need. I did not think of taking this class until the last minute, I did not know which project to choose to I went to animals because I have a cat … and now, I have helped in some way. So yes in ignorance, one should abstain, if the choice is dangerous.

• Reciprocity

Overall, I feel like the mission has been accomplished. Now we have to prepare for our presentation. I am excited to share with the class the success of our project and how much work we put into this. We had the event two weeks before the end of the semester on purpose, so we would have time to hand over the donations and to prepare for the end of the semester.



Work Cited

Steingraber, Sandra. Rose Moon. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives 5 (2010): 549-558. Print.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Activism Log 8

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
April 11, 2010

Activism Log 8

• Activism

Well, this week was our event. All the flyering, hard work and donation collecting has paid off. Although we did not get the turn out we had hoped for, I was proud of the donations we collected. We made a list of all those who attended the event, and of all those who donated before the event. I have been communicating with Arielle a lot this week. I met her to hand over the donations. The amount of donations was overwhelming to Arielle. They filled her car.

• Reflection

According to chapter 11 of our text Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspectives, which talks about environmental injustice, people have civil rights. As the text states, “under which [civil rights] all citizens have a right to healthy living and working conditions” (Women and the Environment, 541). People may have the civil right to healthy living conditions but what about living conditions? I cannot help but to think of all those who we are not helping. Pets going hungry, women being unable to leave a desperate situation, and the alternatives to all of these situations.

• Reciprocity

Although we all put a lot into this project, I am extremely satisfied with the outcome of the event. I did everything I could to ensure its success. I have enjoyed talking to Arielle. I was proud when I saw how happy she was with the success of our project. It feels great to help. To be a part of something bigger than I, bigger than any of the six of us are. This project has left me feeling quite accomplished.



Work Cited

Women and the Environment. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives 5 (2010): 535-548. Print.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Ecofeminism

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
April 14, 2010

Erin Brockovich: An Ecofeminist Barbie?

The film, Erin Brockovich, is the dramatic and true story of the largest class action lawsuit in American history. This movie is set in Hinkley, California, which was almost overrun by the corporation PG&E. Erin Brockovich contains important reoccurring themes. These themes include unemployment, single parent families, and the environment. The main character in Erin Brockovich, of course, is Erin herself. Erin possesses many stereotypes, which are depicted throughout the film

Erin is an ecofeminist. This may just be my opinion though. I wonder how feminist feel about Erin, her efforts and her accomplishments. Erin is an active participant in ecofeminism. She did not pursue these efforts because she proclaimed to be a feminist. She did not pursue these efforts for the monetary gain. She pursued these efforts because she, as a mother, a woman and a resident of a local community, was concerned for the well being of the citizens of Hinkley. Erin’s efforts are hindered because she is treated as a stereotype. She is seen as a large breasted, blonde when in fact she is a divorced, strong, independent, hard working mother. Erin uses these stereotypes to her advantage throughout the movie. She was intelligent enough to know her sexuality would benefit her search. This is why I previously wondered how feminist would view Erin.

While working for the law firm of Ed Masry, Erin discovered PG&E was in the process of quietly buying land where they had been secretly dumping hexavalent chromium on. Erin suspects the poison was knowingly dumped into the local community leading to the illnesses of dozens of people. This suspicion leads her to seek out water records. Erin blatantly uses her sexuality at this time to obtain the records. As our text states, “…environmental justice draw[s] on concepts of civil rights, under which all citizens have a right to a healthy living…” (541). Erin pursued her challenge not because it was easy, but because it was just. This town was portrayed in the movie to be lower class and Caucasian. There was no racial, sexist or political venture at stake. It was just easier for PG&E to dump the toxic waste and then buy the land they had contaminated.

As Sandra Steingraber states in her article Rose Moon, “...certain persistent toxic substances impair intellectual capacity, change behavior…and compromise reproductive capacity” (551). If nature is a natural thing, then so is death. If human beings create situations or devices that cause disease and death, then humans are taking on the role of God. Death should be a natural thing and in this situation, there is nothing natural about how these people are being condemned for not questioning the big business next door. Their civil rights were shattered when this big business was allowed to corrupt their lives, inside and out.

This purpose of this movie is a political one. I cannot address if the purpose is also a feminist one, but it certainly accomplishes this task. The private and the public are being forced to merge because of the actions of Erin Brockovich. No matter whom the woman Erin Brockovich is, her strides benefited countless numbers of people in Hinkley and her story impressed the world when it was made into a major motion picture. But most importantly, this story opened the eyes to people about the subject of ecofeminism and how every person can play a role in this system.

(words: 567)

Works Cited:

Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women and the Enviroment. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. 535-548. Print.

Steingraber, Sandra. Rose Moon. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives 5 (2010): 549-557. Print.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Personal Narrative Blog

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
April 4, 2010

Personal Narrative Blog

Riverbend is a woman who blogs about her life in Iraq during the U.S. occupation. Riverbend is a courageous woman. A woman who chose to share her story and to tell the world what life for an ordinary Iraqi citizen (let alone female) is really like. It would be nearly impossible for someone like me to understand what life would be like in a war-torn country. Especially since I consider myself to be extremely lucky to live the life I was given.

In her blog, Christmas in Baghdad, dated December 26, 2003, she discusses a typical Christmas in Iraq. Also discussed is how Christmas is celebrated during the U.S. occupation in Iraq. Riverbend speaks of her Christian friends and how they normally spend Christmas. This year, no Christians living in Iraq wanted to draw attention to them by decorating. People were too scared to drive to mass at night. She also discusses the traditional Santa Claus and how he is depicted in Iraqi culture. She discusses how Christmas was not typical in 2003 because of the sirens, gunshots, bombs, and planes. In chapter ten of our text, Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspective, women in the military is discussed. “Perhaps one of the most far-reaching effects of war is the normalization of violence in everyday life…” (504). This is a true statement because Riverbend states in her blog that she expects the sirens, she knows if the gun fire is “theirs” or “us”, she expects the war because it is what she has grown to accept.

The narrative gives great insight into Iraqi culture, food and customs. Most of the information provided by Riverbend was completely foreign to me. I was amazed by certain things she wrote, maybe I am too American or uneducated. As an example, she tells about an evening with no electricity. They all sat on the floor, talking while Christmas candles provided light by sitting on a coffee table. Something like a coffee table, to me, is an Americanized thing. We have coffee tables because we sit in our living rooms, drinking coffee and reading coffee table books. She speaks of the date-balls they were eating and about a telephone conversation. Chapter eight of our text, Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspective, discusses how “developing countries have thousands of years of tradition” (375). We ignore these traditions when we attempt to “globalize” these areas of the world.

As Riverbend states on her own blogspot.com blog, “Girl Blog from Iraq... let's talk war, politics and occupation.” (Riverbend). I would classify this blog as personal, political and educational. On a personal level, Riverbend is able to connect with the world to share her experiences. On a political level, Riverbend is defying her culture by speaking out. She is becoming to face of an unseen, unheard of gender in Iraq. And finally, on an educational level, Riverbend is accomplishing a great feat. Riverbend is education people like me, someone who was unaware that there were even Christian’s in Iraq, about the culture my country is waging war against.

(words: 505)

Works Cited:

Baghdad Burning. Riverbend, 26 Dec. 2003. Web. 05 Apr. 2010. .

Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women and the Military, War, and Peace, Women's Studies. Women's Lives Multicultural Perspectives. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. 493-510.

Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women Living in a Globalizing World. Women's Studies. Women's Lives Multicultural Perspectives. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. 371-391.

Activism Log 7

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
April 4, 2010

Activism Log 7

• Activism

This week was full of communication. I spent time talking to Marie, the owner of the restaurant we are having the event at. I provided her with flyers for her patrons. We also spoke about how she was talking to her friends and employees about the event. She is such a nice woman. She is providing us with tables, pizza and a television to play a DVD we are making with facts and pictures. I also have been communicating with Arielle, our community partner. She will be providing us with materials for tabling at the event next Sunday. Also, I have been working on decorating boxes to hold donations.

• Reflection

Recently, I read The Global Women’s Movement by Peggy Antrobus. In this article she discusses her views on the women’s movement. She states, “A women’s movement is grounded in an understanding of women’s relations to social conditions…” (631). The social conditions of the women and men we are helping are troubling. I frequently clean out my closet and donate clothes to goodwill (I also pester my friends and family to do the same) so I feel great collecting donations for animals for a change. I feel like I help people in need so it is fulfilling to also help pets.

• Reciprocity

We are really looking forward to this event. As a group, we decided to work individually on separate put equally important. I have been printing flyers, updating the Facebook group, collecting donations, and spreading the word about our event. I am really looking forward to getting this accomplished and seeing how many pieces of donations we collect.



Work Cited
Antrobus, Peggy. The Global Women’s Movement. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives 5 (2010): 629-635. Print.

Activism Log 6

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
March 28, 2010

Activism Log 6

• Activism

This week was kind of slow. I have accomplished a lot of flyering, both on and off campus. I figure college students aren’t too willing to foster a pet or come to an event on a Sunday afternoon so we have been focusing on older crowds. Personally, I have been flyering in neighborhoods and at my job. Also, local places I frequent are also hearing all about this event to raise awareness about animal abuse, domestic violence and helping animals in need. My veterinarian and I have an appointment to talk, I plan on asking if his office will donate food or litter or some type of donation. I recently went to my car insurance agent’s office to pick up papers, so I handed out flyers while I was there because their office is about a mile from Louie and Marie’s.

• Reflection

While reading chapter ten of our text, Women and the Military, War, and Peace, I learned that, “For many … women, the military offers much better opportunities than the wider society: jobs with better pay, health care, pensions, and other benefits, as well as the chance for education, travel, and escape from crisis…” (496). This chapter made me think of the chain of events in someone’s life that can lead them into a situation in which they need the help we are trying to provide. I wish all women had the opportunity to better their lives. If this is a way to help, I am happy to do so.

• Reciprocity

While flyering in local neighborhoods, I have met so many people. I have met families who adopted pets, found pets, saved pets, took in unwanted pets; all of these families were happy to share their stories with me. I feel satisfied collecting donations. Walking around neighborhoods, I have collected 2 bags of litters, 7 cans of food, a carrier, and a pet bed.



Work Cited
Women and the Military, War and Peace. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives 5 (2010): 493-510. Print.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Activism Log 5

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
March 21, 2010

Activism Log 5

• Activism

This past Friday, Seabury, Janet and I assisted in the set up of the Animal Safehouse of Brevard tent at a concert on campus. Earlier, while at school, I took advantage of the free printed and I printed about 100 flyers for the event. Janet and I met early to discuss the day’s event. Around two in the afternoon, we met Seabury and waited for our community partner, Babette. Arielle would not be arriving until later. Some more volunteers showed up and we began to assemble the tent, organize the table, and fight the wind to keep everything in place. I had to leave to go to work but I was happy I got to help with the organizing and set up.

• Reflection

Paula Ettelbrick, the author of Since when is marriage a path to liberation?, made me think a lot this week about how some of the people handing over their animals because of an abusive situation, could be men. Homosexual couples “must compare ourselves to married couples” (318). This made me think homosexual couples can be intertwined with abuse, just like the heterosexual persons I assumed we would be helped. I must admit I was a little narrow minded, I do not think I thought this on purpose but I am glad I realized this so I can expand my goal.

• Reciprocity

While at the event, I spoke with Babette about the people they were helping. She showed me bracelets, each was in a baggie with a sticker. The sticker had the name and date of death of someone who died in a domestic violence situation in the Orlando area. Most of the names were male. This really made me think.



Work Cited

Ettelbrick, Paula. "Since When Is Marriage a Path to Liberation?" Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives 5 (2010): 317-320. Print.

Activism Log 4

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
March 18, 2010

Activism Log 4

• Activism

This week was focused on locating places around campus to hang flyer's, printing flyer's, and spreading the word. I have talked to a lot of people in my classes and in my community and it looks like we are going to be getting some donations. I am worried we won’t be able to get foster parents to sign up but it won’t happen without a lot of trying on my part. At the very least I am excited to collect donations. We are hanging a flyer in the window of Louie and Maria’s to let their frequent customers know about our project. Also, handing out flyer's at the local dog parks is high priority.

• Reflection

As author Megan Seely states in her book Fight like a Girl, “Throughout the world, in many cultures, there is an expectation that women are to be the keepers of the faith in their families and that they carry the responsibility to pass on these traditions to their children” (105). I know I keep saying this, but my mind wonders when I think about the women and their families. My group and I were discussing the possibility that some of these women may never come back for the pet they gave up. The foster parent, who I am sure is fully aware this could be a possibility when they signed up, is now forced to keep the pet or hand it over yet again. I can now understand that we may not get a lot of sign ups but I am staying positive and I know we are going to get a lot of donations in the form of pet food, collars, carriers, and toys.

• Reciprocity

I am getting a good feed back in every aspect of this service learning project. My family members have been going out with my to hand out flyer's. My dad and I walk his dog and speak to neighbors. Everyone I have talked to about the event has seemed to care. They ask questions, and it feels good providing a service. It is just too bad no good deed is unselfish.



Work Cited

Seely, Megan. Fight like a Girl: How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York: New York UP, 2007. Print

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Hey... At least he’s a family guy

Katelyn Temple
WST 3015
Professor Nina Perez
March 17, 2010

Hey... At least he’s a family guy

Family Guy is an animated show about a dysfunctional family in small town Rhode Island. The Griffin family is a non-traditional. The leader of the Griffin family, of course, is dad; Peter. Peter is an interesting character, to say the least. He can be offensive, towards people of all walks of life; crude, stereotypical, seemingly unfit as a parent and rude. The series follows the Griffin’s through ridiculous, whimsical, scenarios that parody American humor and culture.

Lois is the matriarch of the family. Lois and Peter get along greatly. The show depicts them as being a very sexual couple. Lois is usually the more sexually aggressive of the two. It is common these days to view television shows in which the traditional and stereotypical couples are not the norm. A larger, seemingly adolescent at times, man with a thinner woman. Recent years has developed the traditional television “dad” has all-American, tall, intelligent, and good looking. Peter breaks all traditions. At times he can be sexist and ageist. Displays of these behaviors are usually aimed at Lois. Examples of this are found within this episode, ‘Go Stewie Go’.

Peter points out grey hairs in Lois’s hair, tells a room full of people Lois is not what she use to be, and even calls her ugly and old. In Seely's Fight Like A Girl she discusses how women are often shown in a limited light, often obsessing about "trivial issues" such as their appearance (103). Peter’s statements make Lois panic and question her beauty.

Stereotypical aspects of the show are present. Peter works at a brewery, therefore he drinks beer. A lot of beer. Usually on the couch while watching television. Meanwhile Lois can be seen cooking, cleaning, or waiting for Peter’s next big mess. Lois is critical of her family and children, in a sarcastic way. Peter tells Lois she is ugly and old because he is scared he is getting too ugly for her, so he brings down her spirits so she will not run off with another guy. Peter is so adolescent in his marriage that Lois has to walk him through every step. Telling him to talk to her about his feelings instead of calling her old and ugly. What a marriage!

Traditional family roles are not displayed here. As Paula Ettelbrick states in her article, Since When Is Marriage a Path to Liberation?, people must deal with the world “…by diminishing the constraints of gender roles which have for so long kept woman and gay people oppressed and invisible” (318). I do not know if Peter Griffin is what Ms. Ettelbrick has in mind but Family Guy definitely challenges traditional gender roles.

The show does not challenge stereotypical gender roles, in fact most of the laughs are gained from stereotypically racist, sexist, ageist, ablest, or biased situations. Peter is not a typical male. He is a family guy, loves them without a doubt but his main purpose is to entertain. He does so in a crude way with laughs at the expense of others. He is not a “good TV husband” who listens to his wife nag. Peter is a drinking, belching, insulting man who says whatever to his wife. Lucky for Lois, she seems to stand her own against Peter.


(544 words)


Works Cited:

Ettelbrick, Paula. "Since When Is Marriage a Path to Liberation?" Women's Lives Multicultural Perspectives. 5th Ed. Gwyn Kirk and Margo Okazawa-Rey. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. 318. Print.

Janetti, Gary. Family Guy: Go Stewie Go. FOX. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. .

Seely, Megan. Fight Like a Girl: How to be a Fearless Feminist. New York and London: New York University Press, 2007.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Activism Log 3

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
March 7, 2010

Activism Log 3

• Activism

Everything has come together. Recently, I was able to locate a venue to host our signing day. It is a small Italian Restaurant in the UCF area. This restaurant has a real family feel to it. Everybody has better much gone off their separate ways working on different things. We are all depending on each other a lot but at the same time I believe we can come together.
Arielle, our community partner with Animal Safehouse sends us frequent emails about printing flyers and about upcoming events and possible volunteer opportunities. I responded and I will be helping to set up for an event on campus at the end of this week. Also, printing flyers is the least I can do to help the cause. My tuition pays for it anyways.

• Reflection

The restaurant we are having our event at is called Louie and Maria’s. The homelike atmosphere invites patrons in, including my own family, for a great meal. This homelike atmosphere made me realize it was the place for the event. I do not know why I did not think of it before.
As Aurora Levins Morales points out, “Victim-hood absolves us from having to decide to have good lives. It allows us to stay small and wounded instead of spacious, powerful and whole.” (284). Women is domestic violence situations may be frequenting Louie and Maria’s, and who knows, maybe she’ll see our flyer hanging in their window. The point is, these women need help and we are already collecting donations. It is coming together greatly.

• Reciprocity

Speaking with Arielle and arranging to helping with the set up for an on campus event is fun. It is good to obtain hours by actually working with Arielle because I have yet to meet her at this point. I am sad I cannot stay for the event, but I have to work. My building manager at work has yet to respond to my request for permission to hand out flyers at baseball games. I hope to hear from him shortly. Also, I am excited because I know Andee is speaking to the manager of Sweets in Waterford.



Work Cited


Levins Morales, Aurora. "Radical Pleasure." Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives 5 (2010): 283-84. Print.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Behind the Music

Katelyn Temple
WST 3015
Professor Nina Perez
March 7, 2010

While listening to Date Rape by Sublime, many things come to mind. First and foremost, I have heard this song numerous times, too many too count. I am a major fan of Sublime and I am excited to report that reading the lyrics to this song only furthered my love for the band. Rock defined a generation in the 1990's. Rock music was depicted in film, television, fashion and the American culture. Sublime has played a major role in entertainment for well over fifteen years. Date Rape appeared on their debut album. For many listeners, like myself many years ago, this is the first time the words date rape were heard and described.

Date Rape is a violent song. The woman is sitting alone at the bar, catches the eye of a man, drinks, leaves with him and is raped. This is not a date so the name Date Rape displays a dilemma. If anything, this is a casual liaison; or at least it was meant to be. The man in the song is light skinned, light eyed and had a great smile. Stereotypically, a person who seems trustworthy. While she is sitting alone at a bar. We do not get an impression as to who she is, other than someone who enjoys drinking and meeting men in bars.
This song is not meant to say date rape is acceptable by any means. In fact, I would say the message is the opposite. The song gives an impression of woman empowerment to me. The song goes on to describe how the woman pressed charges and the man accuses her of being a "slut". The man eventually gets what he deserves toward the end of the song. The song goes on:
The next day she went to her drawer, looked up her local attorney at law, went to the phone and filed the police report and then she took the guy's ass to court.
Well, the day he stood in front of the judge he screamed, " She lies that little slut!"
The judge knew that he was full of shit and he gave him 25 years.
And now his heart is filled with tears.
(Sublime)
This song is very popular. However, I was unsuccessful in a search to see if the song appeared in any television shows or movies. Although it is brutally descriptive and honest, the song does purpose a few other dilemmas. The man blaming it on the alcohol and his horniess is merely an excuse. Maybe he has a drinking issue, maybe he has a sexual addiction, or maybe he just needs a reason to justify rape. According to the text "rape evolved historically as a form of male reproductive behavior," (Kirk, and Okazawa-Rey 264). The man should simply say he did it because he wanted too and he could.
As Megan Seely bravely states in her book Fight Like a Girl: How to be a Fearless Feminist, "Rape will not end when women stop wearing short skirts; it will end when men stop overpowering and violating women" (Seely 201).
Works Cited:
Seely, Megan. Fight Like a Girl:How to Be a Fearless Feminist. New York and London: New York UP, 2007. 201. Print.
Sublime, . "Sublime - Date Rape Lyrics." Lyrics007. 37 MAY 2008. Web. 6 Mar 2010. .
Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Fifth Edition. Boston: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2010. Print.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Activism Log 2

Katelyn Temple
Professor Nina Perez
WST 3015
February 21, 2010

Activism Log 2

• Activism

This week was a bit challenging for me, personally. School work and actual work seems to be taking over my life. However, this week, I managed to intertwine the two things that have taken over my life for this service learning project. I work at the University of Central Florida arena at school sporting events and concerts, so I decided I would talk to the building manager to obtain permission to flyer in the lobby of the arena before and after basketball games. Basketball games are always packed and there are only two home games left so they are surely going to be busy. Also, Kristen, Seabury and I decided we would get together Monday to search for venues. We have decided to focus on small, privately owned businesses so Monday will be dedicated to accomplishing this goal. Unfortunately, looking into having a bake sale was fruitless. There are too many rules and hoops we would have to jump through.

• Reflection

Chapter six of our text, Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspectives, violence against women is discussed. Figure 6.1 gives a detailed account of what violence technically is. “Threatening or hurting family/friends/pets” (259) is a major point. The women escaping the domestic violence scene may be afraid for their children and pets, more so then themselves. Obviously, a woman in distress will rescue her child, but sometimes they must leave a pet behind. It is plausible that an angry person may take their aggression out on the pet because it cannot speak or tell anyone what occurred. The angry person may just want to send a message; that they aren’t afraid to do worse. My mind wanders and I do not want to think about all the pets who are left behind. I hope to help animals, which is why I chose this group.

• Reciprocity


I have been discussing Animal Safehouse and the work my group and I are doing with my family and friends. My father is interesting in becoming a foster parent which makes me feel like I actually am helping. I enjoyed talking to the arena building manager because I see him everyday, I know who he is but I have never really talked to him. I am happy I was able to intertwine work and school this week. I feel a little flustered looking for a venue because there are a lot of aspects that must be looked at. But we will get it done.



Work Cited


Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives Multicultural Perspectives. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Oh, Bella

Katelyn Temple
Jeannina Perez
February 17, 2010
WST 3015

Oh, Bella

For this assignment, I chose to watch a current movie almost everyone has seen, Twilight. I would like to start by saying, I did not read the books and I do not like this movie. I chose this film because of Bella and her character as a whole. “The single most visible signifier of identity is physical appearance” (Kirk and Okazawa-Rey 94). This is the approach I took when watching this film. Appearance tells us more about a character then we realize.

Some may call Bella “naturally beautiful” and yes, Kristen Stewart is pretty but the character Bella can be classified as dull in every sense of the meaning. Her clothes are dark and loose on her thin body, her hair is never styled, she drives a very old orange truck, and every other aspect of her life seems to be just as dull. Her body language and speech are frail and awkward. The amazing thing is, from the minute she walks into school, Bella is a magnet. Boys pursue her and she immediately makes friends. “They [girls] are supposed to be passive, swept away, overpowered,” (Kilbourne 237). With Ms. Kilbourne words, one would assume Bella would be passive and overpowered.

From the minute Bella sees Edward she is a little girl experiencing her first crush. Starring, flirting, and most of all, pursuing him with a vengeance. Edward barely gives her the time of day but when he shows her attention, she latches on. Granted, Edward does save her more then once but when he isn’t being her prince, he is talking down to her, confusing her and even tells her they should not be friends.

As far as sexuality goes, this movie is filled. Bella wears dark, loose clothes until the one scene she is laying in her bed in underwear. Edward appears and they have their first kiss. Secondly, Jessica and Bella are friends but from the minute Bella appears Jessica is jealous. Another example is when Carlyle turns Edward into a vampire. The scene depicts Edward in pain. When Carlyle turns Esme, she seems to have an orgasm. Finally, there is the prom. The first time we see Bella in a dress is also the first time we see her with her hair and makeup done.

Bella and her friends are typical. Not too tall and of normal body size. Surprisingly none of her female friends are blonde. The female vampires on the other hand are all beautiful. Even Victoria, a bad vampire. I am told by a friend who read the book that turning into a vampire naturally makes a person beautiful; symbolism here is amazing. The “villains” of the movie, even though we like the Cullen family, are all good looking while the humans look natural. The vampires are sexy while the humans are average.

Bella’s group of friends is diverse in an ethnic way. Some characters are single but by the end of the movie most have found partners. For example, Eric and Mike both asked Bella to prom. Mike ends of with Jessica and Eric ends up with Angela. All of the characters seem to be heterosexual and intelligent. And almost every character seems to be interested in romance.



(536 words)


Works Cited:

Kilbourne, Jean. "The More You Subtract, the More You Add". Gwyn Kirk and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. 5th Ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. 231-238.

Kirk, Gwyn and Okazawa-Rey, Margo. "Identities and Social Locations." Women's Lives Multicultural Perspectives. 5th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. 91-103.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Activism Log 1

Katelyn Temple
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015
February 15, 2010

Activism Log 1

• Activism

This week was our first week of planning. Andee personally knows our community partner, Arielle, so she has been taking care of communicating with her. I looked into SGA requirements to host a bake sale and to table outside of the student union.

Seabury and I met this week. We made an outline of our goals and lists of possible venues to host the “signing day”. We made lists of locations around campus and in the local community to post flyers and to table. We decided that since our group has been having trouble making arrangements to meet, we would send out an email asking for all communication to be done online.

Andee and I went to the Waterford shopping plaza to meet with a few business owners to discuss tabling or holding the “signing day” event at the location. We were told by most to contact corporate therefore we decided to focus on privately owned businesses. We handed out a few flyers also.

• Reflection

The animals we will be able to assist by participating in this service project keep running through my mind. I hope that we can raise awareness, gather donations, and host a successful “signing day” event in which we can match possible foster parents with Animal Safehouse of Brevard.

The authors of our text, Women’s Lives, Multicultural Perspectives, Gwyn Kirk and Margo Okazawa-Rey express the meaning of community in chapter three. The section I am speaking of says, “Community, like home, may be geographical and emotional, or both, and provides a way for people to express group affiliations” (94). Community and home is where the heart is. My heart is settled in my home and my community but this project is making me realize others homes and communities may not be as safe. Especially for animals stuck in abusive homes.

• Reciprocity

Spreading the word about this non-profit organization is fulfilling. It may be selfish but I feel like I am going to enjoy this. I guess no good deed is unselfish. The important thing is that I will be helping raise awareness and hopefully I can assist Animal Safehouse of Brevard in finding volunteers to assist in rescues and taking care of these animals in need. This is a feminist perspective because we are raising awareness for women’s issues.





Work Cited


Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives Multicultural Perspectives. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print.

Service Learning Proposal

Service Learning Proposal

For Animal Safehouse of Brevard




Janet Audette
Michael Farmer
Andrea Ondina
Krysten Sanders
Seabury Stoneburner
Katelyn Temple






February 2, 2010
Jeannina Perez
WST 3015

Community Partner: Animal Safe House of Brevard

Address: animalsafehouse@gmail.com

Contact: Arielle Schwartz
954-401-4901




Community Partner Profile:
Animal Safehouse of Brevard was formed in summer 2008 as a network of individuals committed to helping both women and pets who are victims of domestic violence. Animal Safehouse recently became a registered Florida non-profit agency which relies heavily on donations and volunteers and is in need of assistance to help as many women and pets possible.


Community Partner Mission Statement:

Animal Safehouse of Brevard is a not-for-profit effort geared towards providing temporary safe placement of pets that, like their owners, need to flee from domestic violence situations. The mission of Animal Safehouse Campus Action Network is a commitment to encouraging women to escape domestic violence by fostering and providing for their pets while they are in shelters; to raise community awareness about domestic violence and about the links between domestic violence and animal abuse.


Political and/or Social Basis for Organization:
Animal Safehouse of Brevard appeals to the desperate need for a safe place for pets who are subjected to abuse while their owners seek shelter and rehabilitation. Domestic violence can sometimes also involve animal abuse; both of these violate women’s rights and animal rights.


Community Partner Needs:
In order to be productive and to continue helping animals, this organization needs constant help from the community. Transporters, foster parents, volunteers, and vets are needed. Animal Safehouse of Brevard relies heavily on donations to keep our program running. Items needed are unopened food, collars, leashes, bowls, flea treatment, heartworm treatment, veterinary care, crates, pillows, toys, and blankets.




Memorandum

TO: Jeannina Perez

FROM: J. Audette, M. Farmer, A. Ondina, K. Sanders, S. Stoneburner, K. Temple

DATE: February 2, 2010

RE: Proposal to Write a Feasibility Report for a Service Learning Project

This is a proposal for the services needed for the benefit of the Animal Safehouse of Brevard County. We outline the services we plan to provide to the benefit of this community partner in this proposal. We will also include the connection between the goals of the Animal Safehouse and Women’s Studies.


Need for materials, time and volunteers to assist in raising money, awareness and donations to assist Animal Safe House of Brevard
The mission of the Animal Safehouse is to provide foster care to pets of women who need to leave abusive situations. Many women will not leave because they either have children or pets at home that they do not wish to abandon. By providing the foster care, the pets will be taken care of and the women can feel more confident in leaving.


Plan Proposal

We plan to provide services for our partner by partaking in the activities of the Animal Safehouse. It will benefit their cause and also provide them with extra help. We also are aiming to raise awareness. As a group, we will make flyers, table at local businesses and plan a “signing day” where interested persons will be able to sign up to foster an animal in need. We plan to table with a constant schedule with the hopes that we will also be able to collect donations.


Rationale for women’s studies
This project is relevant to women’s studies because it presents the problem with domestic violence toward women and animals.


Action
We plan to get as much information from the Animal Safehouse as possible before planning any action. We will need to record information of known families and pets in need of the Animal Safehouse’s services. Then we will take this information and use it to create flyers and any other means of spreading the word to people. We also plan to organize a “signing party”.


Timeline
Below is a schedule of events, activities and/or deadlines for our project:

1. Research/interviews – through February 13
2. Begin creating materials to use for spreading the word–through February 20
3. Organize “signing party” for Animal Safehouse/Table – through March 6
4. Flyer/Table – through March 13
5. Finalize “signing day” (event will also be around this date) – through March 25
6. Send thank you letters– April 2








Works cited

Animal Safehouse of Brevard. Web. 28 Jan. 2010.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Taking a Second Look ~ Reebok

Katelyn Temple
WST 3015
2/8/2010
Professor Nina Perez


In this Reebok advertisement, Reebok is suggesting that all women should “reetone” their bodies with a pair of EasyTone sneakers. The line to the slogan reads “EasyTone helps you get better legs and a better butt with every single step.” This is a catchy line with an easy to understand tone but the issue comes into play when looking at the picture for the ad.

The barely dressed woman in this ad is obviously on the go. However, I think it is safe to say her legs and butt are already toned. The woman seems to be young, white, and busy. There are clothes busting out of the closet, pictures taped to the wall and oddly enough, an old fashion phone (with a cord!) sitting on the floor; the line of which is wrapped around her right leg several times. I get the impression she is getting back from a run, about to shower; hence the barely dressed issue. Her shoes are untied and she is effortlessly standing in a position ideal for a butt model. Her upper body is not in view but she is wearing a shirt. Because women always walk around in sneakers, panties and a shirt.

This ad bewilders me a bit. I like the idea of shoes that improve my butt and legs but what confuses me is the already very skinny woman in the ad. She is skinner then I am so the point is somewhat lost. I do not believe that if I was truly looking to loose weight and get fit, an image of a very skinny woman would excite me in my challenge. This can be construed as a negative representation of women because not all women look like this. “Feminist scholars have analyzed the oppressive nature of ads and media representations that bombard women and girls with an ideal of beauty defined as thin, lean, tall young, white and heterosexual, with flawless skin and well-groomed hair” (WLMP, 208). This ad portrays a woman We can assume she is young because of her seemingly health body type. She is white, thin and I would assume she is active and busy because of the clothes, lack of time to hang her clock, and her whatever attitude about walking around half naked. This ad stereotypically fits the norm for a commercial that is going to discuss a woman’s buttocks.

Many companies such as Dove or Cotton will use regular, normal, typical women in their ads; maybe Reebok should do the same to better appeal to the American audience. “In response to discrimination and stigma… some feminists have welcomed the notion of “size acceptance”” (WLMP, 210). I am not sure if overweight women would find this ad offensive but I strongly believe Reebok should have planned this out a little better. This ad does not affect my ability to feel good about myself, but I cannot speak for a woman larger than I am. This ad is not realistic.

References:

http://www.reebok.com/microsites/easytone_reebok/

Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives Multicultural Perspectives. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Discussion Abstract

Katelyn Temple
WST 3015
Jeannina Perez
February 8, 2010

“Women’s Bodies, Women’s Health.” Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Ed. Gwyn Kirk, Margo Ozakawa- Rey. McGraw-Hill, 1997. 207-238


Women’s Bodies, Women’s Health is a preface to chapter 5. There is no author. This preface discusses body issues and everything concerning body issues. From the macro, micro and meso levels. To begin with, the issue of women’s body image, ideals and health are addressed. A comparison can be drawn between Aristotle’s “discourse on the “normal and the abnormal”” (207) and the theory of A and not-A. Nancy Jay defined A as the isolated pure choice and not-A as impure. Aristotle claims “the generic type” is male (A) and the “monstrosity” is female or disabled (not-A).

An important section is when body images and stereotypes are discussed. The issue of an ablest, ageist, heterosexist, and racist marketing and advertising system is addressed. Although women’s organizations are fighting back against these discriminatory advertisements which appeal to women on a superficial level little is being accomplished. The majority of women do not relate to the women in the commercials because they do not reflect that fact that more women are over weight in this control then not.

A large portion of this section addresses reproductive health and sexual education, or should we say miss-education. Issues such as controlling fertility, teen pregnancy, reproductive justice and how “women with disabilities must also fight for the right to have children” (211) are discussed. The lack of proper sex education is a major issue because it affects every person and every decision they make. Those in dire situations with a lack of income, education, employment and health services are at a major disadvantage. Those who are aging also have a slue of issues to face but once again, education is prevention.

Important emphasis is placed on the ideas of the Western world in comparison to those in the Eastern world. For example, acupuncture. Most think of this as an Eastern therapy treatment but most also do not know acupuncture is practiced Latino, American, Caribbean and African American communities. The Western world is focused on medicine, surgery and big business. There is a strong focus on illness and disease in Western societies.

Women’s health has been a feminist issue for over forty years. A strong emphasis is placed on self-education and prevention care.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Suffragist Movement: fact and fiction

Prior to viewing ‘Iron Jawed Angels’ and ‘Mary Poppins’, I must admit I had preconceived expectations about what I would learn about the suffragist movement by watching these movies. Both film adequately portray women taking a stance in the society in the activist role, although in my opinion, the women in ‘Iron Jawed Angels’ were more political and forth coming with their acts of dissatisfaction.

The way in which the women in these movies pursue goals is very different when compared to one another. The role of ‘activist’ is lost when in one movie the women are being arrested and force fed while in jail and in the other movie the ‘activist’ of the film seems to only be active when outside of the household. I of course am speaking of Mrs. Banks. She seems all too concerned about women, their right to vote and about her rally, but when it comes to her children and husband she is in the dark. Leaving it to others to control her children then listening to her husband scold her over her choice of nannies.

In the film ‘Mary Poppins’, Mary possesses a rough attitude. She speaks her mind, tells Mr. Banks her guidelines and even twists Mr. Banks words around on him so he must spend the day with his children, something he has never done before. Although Mary seems awfully forward and ahead of the suffragist movement, she still plays into the traditional, stereotypical role. All the women, including Mary, wear long skirts, hats, stockings, gloves and surprisingly, a lot of makeup. The film portrays the men as gentlemen.

In the film ‘Iron Jawed Angels’, activism is present in almost every scene. There are protests, arrests, hunger strikes, newspapers, and so on. The women, like the women in ‘Mary Poppins,’ are dressed very conservative, covering every inch of their body. A heart wrenching display of activism comes when the Senators wife is told she will have her children taken and she will obey her husband in response to her donating money to the suffragist cause. The men in this film are portrayed in a less than favorable light. Screaming, taunting, and throwing things at women for having the nerve to stand up for their rights. “Often we underestimate the sacrifices and struggles that women endure for their freedom” (Seely, 40). Megan Seely, along with those portrayed in ‘Iron Jawed Angels’ have successfully opened my eyes to what women had to live through to obtain MY right to vote.

These two films depict situations other than a stereotypical sexist one. We must look at the issue of lookism. There are many scenes in ‘Mary Poppins’ when lookism comes into play. Classism is also an important factor. The Banks family is well off, they live in a big house with maids, nannies and cooks therefore they look down upon those who spend their money frivolously and do not act as they do.

Seely, Megan. Fight Like a Girl: How to be a Fearless Feminist. New York and London: New York University Press, 2007.

(510 words)

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Introduction Letter

Hello. My name is Katelyn Temple. I am 22 and I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I love and miss south Florida. I am a junior at UCF but this is only my second semester here. I have been to four schools in three years; I like change! I recently changed my major to Interdisciplinary Studies and I should be graduating in about a year. I have been living in Orlando for almost three years and I am sorry to those who love central Florida, but I am ready to leave!

I am taking this course because I am interested in women's studies. I think historically, it is vital for people our age to know the history of one particular group. Whether it is a race, a religion or a gender. I find it interesting to focus on one specific group rather then American history or Jewish history. I do not know if that makes sense but to me, it is very interesting and I am excited to see what I can learn from this class. It is important to me, as a female, to know and understand the struggles and barriers women had to overcome. I am excited to but my knowledge into action and to learn about the history of my gender.

I believe there are a lot of differences between genders. I also believe there are also of similarities. For example, men and women are not the same when it comes to emotions and sharing their feelings, sometimes. This is an assumption because not all men hate to share but at the same time, not all women want to share. There are a lot of double standards when it comes to classifying how men and women act and how they should act. I think the media, religion and the government play a huge role in how we act, interact and react to certain situations.

In this course, I hope to learn a lot. I do not know exactly what is in store as far as reading and course works goes, but I am very excited for the service learning project. I love helping people and I hope I can make a difference. I was a girl scout for many years so I am thinking I was to volunteer with this organization.

I had read the guidelines for the course within the course syllabus and also the protocols for the blog and I understand what is expected of me. I am worried I will mess up on this blog because I have never in my life written a blog, so I am a bit nervous. I feel like I can approach my classmates if I need help though. Also I like that we can post pictures on this website because when I get to class I can put a face to the name and blog.

In conclusion, I am excited to see what the course has to offer to me. Obviously I will get out what I put in but the syllabus seems very straight forward and self explanatory so once I figure out this blog stuff, I will be ready to learn about women's studies.