rap songs and sex

I just read the article about how rap songs encourage early sex. I have to disagree. The lyrics in a rap song would make me want nice cars and a lot of money, not have sex. While the videos may arouse a young person i dont believe it drives them to have sex. The lyrics are very suggestive but about drugs and alcohol. Dont get me wrong, there are some songs that talk about sex but i dont see it as a pressure to have sex. I listen to rap music alot and i guess i have a bias because i dont see it that way. I feel that most mature young people who listen to rap have already established themselves and know who they are. Its the parents job to watch those 15 and younger. I feel the parents have a lot to do with how their kids act and use music as an excuse.

Women being sexualized

I think its ridiculous how women are used as pieces of meat in videos and magazines. I feel though that until women stop sexualizing themselves it wont stop. Once we refuse to be seen in this light then it will finally stop. For example, halloween is one big slutty fest. I dont see these costumes as real costumes. When someone just wears lingerie and tries to call that a costume is ridiculous. Why should men stop looking at us like pieces of meat, when we put ourselves out there like it. I do have to say that some of the ads or videos are done in a tasteful way and i respect that.

Axe

I find that the axe commercials are hilarious. Im a huge fan of axe, i think it smells great. But after you showed the video in class of what they have on their website, i found it to be overboard. I felt it portrayed women to be stupid and animalistic. At first it was funny but i looked beyond the comedy to find it completely unamusing. It reminded of rap videos where women are viewed as nothing but a piece of meat. I also found it interesting that the company who produces these ads also campaigns for dove. I know its a business but as a company you must have some sort of ethical and moral boundaries. They advertise for complete opposite ends of the spectrum. I feel as a company they are about making money and dont know who they are personally.

Shoes

I just read the article in the NY times about shoes. I am a huge fan of shoes. I couldnt tell you how many pairs i own. My collection is ridiculously conservative compared to the fashion designers who show in paris and new york. I find that shoes make the most statement of an outfit it worn correctly. You know the saying that if your feet hurt that means you look good. I fully believe that statement. I wish that high fashion shoes were more affordable. I appreciate looking at them but know that i will never be privileged enough to wear them... well at least for 10 years until i start making money.

Article about murders

I just read the article by Jacquielynn Floyd about an interesting murder. I find it interesting how you can completely misjudge something by going off of prevous knowledge. I feel like people get caught in a pattern of how things normally are or by what movies tell them. I feel that somehow we always blame the victim and never the killer. Its always well if the victim hadnt done that they would still be alive or the victim is stupid for talking to that person. Never, oh the killer was just a psycho. The victim isnt alive to defend themselves, therefore its very annoying when blame is put on.

Black vs. African American

I just read the article about the use of black versus the term african american. I definitely do find it that black is more widley used especially amongst young people. Im friends with many black people and i have actually asked them what they prefer to be called and have gotten many different responses. I had a black roommate my freshmen year and i asked her what she preferred to be called. She surprising said american. I asked her why not african and she said "I am not african", Im from america. I was very surprised. The term black doesnt offend her but calling her african for some reason did. I can also relate this to the hispanic culture. The latin culture is very picky of what to be called. Some get offended if you call them a mexican, as if for some reason its diseased. They want to be called hispanic but for those who are really mexican they get offended if you call them hispanic. Its all rather confusing and immature if you ask me.

Jena 6

I just read the article about the Jena 6. I found it hard to believe that this actually happened. I saw tons of things about it but never quite knew the whole story. I always kind of knew that racism was still alive but for it to actually be happening, was a surprise. I find that the ruling were unjust as everyone else did. I feel sorry for those kids and believe the ruling should be overturned. I found it amazing how everyone stood up for for these kids and basically came out of the woodworks for them. Im on their side and pray for them that they get justice.