I remember something I want to say about Palin and think it warrants its own post. On a forum I frequent someone mentioned that Palin said in an interview that she didn't know what should be done in Iraq. This person was disturbed by this answer. I just listened to this and honestly I think it shows a refreshing honesty in politics that we haven't seen much recently. It sounds like she also might not have known exactly what McCain's plan was (it was a few weeks ago) or didn't want to say anything wrong. Maybe she wanted to establish that she did not know exactly what would be the best solution which is what I understood by the end of her answer. This makes sense to me. I am not trying to be an apologist here. She better learn about McCain's plan in Iraq and learn more about the situation there so she can answer more completely next time she is asked. If she stays ignorant then there is a real problem.
I admit that I don't know what should happen in Iraq. I know bad ideas when I hear them but I don't have a great idea myself. Granted I am not a politician or the presumptive vice presidential running mate of McCain but no one else I know is this either and so many people seem to think they know what should be done. I am not a military strategist. I am not an expert on Iraq or on Muslim people. I am not informed about everything that goes on there. I can only get information that is passed through many filters. Like I posted before, news media can rarely be taken at face value. Even statistics can be and are manipulated based on the view the author of the story wishes the reader to come away with. I guess I am cynical on this issue but I have seen examples of this before and have used various tactics myself to deflect attention from various parts of a story and attract it elsewhere. What child hasn't? Until I am in a position to know more accurate information and have experts available to me (which Palin might now be in) I don't feel I really know what exactly should happen in Iraq. I don't really think many politicians know either, they just feel they have to say they do to get my vote. So bravo to Palin for being honest, at least on this issue, in a world where honest seems seldom rewarded.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Politics
I am reading much these days that has to do with the coming election, especially as of yesterday and McCain's announcement of Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate (I think that is how it is phrased). I always find it interesting that so many people see how ridiculous or tenuous some of the media claims about their preferred candidate are but can't see how tenuous some of the claims for the other candidate are as well. I guess that is only natural. I however don't believe many of the connections people come up with between the various candidates and some radical dangerous group. I need some more proof than most of these stories provide. I smile to myself though at comments like "that connection between Obama so and so is tenuous at best, but I find it much more threatening that McCain would connect himself with this kind of people" or "Maybe McCain employed people of shady character, but isn't it more worrisome that some aide of Obama's possible had ties to a terrorist group?" Really if either of the candidates knew someone working for them had ties like these and did nothing it would be equally worrisome. I don't think because one fired his problem people first or it took one longer to find the connection makes either worse or better. Realize that both of the claims were kind of far out there and the media's and opposing party's way of creating drama and possible negative thoughts about the candidate they don't care for.
In a political race in this country both sides always try to dig up any dirt they can about each other. They try to make connections between negatively viewed extremist groups and their opponent. Each side is equally guilty of this in my opinion. I really wish the media, various groups, and voters in general would focus more on the candidates' platforms and less on the rest of the circus that always occurs. If any real troubling thing surfaces then tell me about it but all the smoke and mirrors make it hard to see. I honestly trust very little of what I see on televison or read in newspapers, magazines, or other written news sources at face value. How can anyone these days?
In a political race in this country both sides always try to dig up any dirt they can about each other. They try to make connections between negatively viewed extremist groups and their opponent. Each side is equally guilty of this in my opinion. I really wish the media, various groups, and voters in general would focus more on the candidates' platforms and less on the rest of the circus that always occurs. If any real troubling thing surfaces then tell me about it but all the smoke and mirrors make it hard to see. I honestly trust very little of what I see on televison or read in newspapers, magazines, or other written news sources at face value. How can anyone these days?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Racism?
I am referring to the now infamous picture of Spanish basketball players with their fingers pulling their eyes into "chinese eyes". Was this racism? Was this inappropriate? This photograph has sparked intense debate all over television, radio, and the web. In this post I will address just my feelings on the photograph and later I will address my attitudes about race and diversity. I don't have time for both now.
I tend to think that the Spanish players were not being "racist" as we use that term in this country. It is hard as an American to understand the cultural background of these people and it is necessary to do so to understand their motives behind their action. Spain does not have a large population of Asian people. They are much less diverse than my country and so most people have not been raised with the same kind of issues that children in America are raised learning about. In more homogeneous countries I believe that many people never consider the impact a certain joke or gesture might have on a person of another ethnicity because they have never had to before. Another factor is the Spanish attitude toward all types of labeling that might be offensive in America. I have visited Spain in high school and I noticed that the Spanish are much more likely to call a person fat or point out his big nose. This is not always meant to be insulting. The deaf community in the U.S. also uses physical traits like this to label people. I would never call a stranger fat to his face but my upbringing has taught me that to do so is rude. We have to remember that not everyone is raised the same way. Some of the thought behind the action of the Spanish team might have been along these lines.
Now does the fact that they might not know any better mean that people that do have a problem with it shouldn't say anything? No of course not. How does anyone learn if no one is willing to teach? I think if Spain wants to interact more globally it will have to address attitudes and actions like this in the future. The players need to know that everyone does not find their actions acceptable and that that is a valid feeling. It was inappropriate for them to take that picture and publish it. They should be more understanding of some of the negative reaction they are getting. The guys from PTI (yes I watch ESPN sometimes, my mom calls me a traitor for it) had a good point. Several of the Spanish basketball players actually live in the U.S. now and play for the NBA. They should know better. They should have known this would not go over well and said something. Maybe they didn't pay attention to the problems with racism we have in this country but they are a little hard to ignore. Hopefully now they will wake up a little to the world around them. I hope this incident will help engender learning about other cultures and attitudes around the world. Then maybe all the attention this has brought to Spain will help everyone. What do you think?
I tend to think that the Spanish players were not being "racist" as we use that term in this country. It is hard as an American to understand the cultural background of these people and it is necessary to do so to understand their motives behind their action. Spain does not have a large population of Asian people. They are much less diverse than my country and so most people have not been raised with the same kind of issues that children in America are raised learning about. In more homogeneous countries I believe that many people never consider the impact a certain joke or gesture might have on a person of another ethnicity because they have never had to before. Another factor is the Spanish attitude toward all types of labeling that might be offensive in America. I have visited Spain in high school and I noticed that the Spanish are much more likely to call a person fat or point out his big nose. This is not always meant to be insulting. The deaf community in the U.S. also uses physical traits like this to label people. I would never call a stranger fat to his face but my upbringing has taught me that to do so is rude. We have to remember that not everyone is raised the same way. Some of the thought behind the action of the Spanish team might have been along these lines.
Now does the fact that they might not know any better mean that people that do have a problem with it shouldn't say anything? No of course not. How does anyone learn if no one is willing to teach? I think if Spain wants to interact more globally it will have to address attitudes and actions like this in the future. The players need to know that everyone does not find their actions acceptable and that that is a valid feeling. It was inappropriate for them to take that picture and publish it. They should be more understanding of some of the negative reaction they are getting. The guys from PTI (yes I watch ESPN sometimes, my mom calls me a traitor for it) had a good point. Several of the Spanish basketball players actually live in the U.S. now and play for the NBA. They should know better. They should have known this would not go over well and said something. Maybe they didn't pay attention to the problems with racism we have in this country but they are a little hard to ignore. Hopefully now they will wake up a little to the world around them. I hope this incident will help engender learning about other cultures and attitudes around the world. Then maybe all the attention this has brought to Spain will help everyone. What do you think?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Photograph
I am looking at a photograph right now that is driving me crazy. I feel like something is missing. I like artsy photographs, don't get me wrong. My sister and one of my best friends are excellent photographers and take interesting pictures. This particular photo just bugs. It feels like the photographer was trying to be creative in the framing of the subject and in doing so cut out too much. It is a photo of a young child. The eyes are most prominent with some bangs and the girl's nose and only a tiny portion of her mouth. That last part is the problem. I feel that more of the mouth should appear in the picture. Why would the photographer purposely cut off 3/4's of the mouth and leave just that little bit left? I have taken photos of my babies' hands or feet, or even of the swirl pattern on their heads or their beautiful eyes and left out everything else. I framed them better though. If the photographer wanted to focus on the child's face, then the mouth should be included completely. If the eyes were the focus, then maybe cut out the mouth. I don't know, it just doesn't look right to me. I keep staring at it trying to figure out why it is annoying. Sorry I can't link to the picture, but try to imagine it. I am sure some other people have some things that just bother them without being able to pinpoint why. It is just one of those things I guess.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Olympics
I have been watching the Olympics this year. I never watched much of them before but for some reason they have captured my attention this time. The U.S. men's gymnastic team really drew me in a few days ago. They were so genuinely happy and excited just to be there. If you have followed their story at all you know about the Hamm brothers dropping out and two alternates taking their places. I especially liked watching Sasha Artemev on the pommel horse. He is much more smooth in his routines than almost any of the other gymnasts I saw and he really shined on the pommel horse. I hope he and Jonathan Horton can win a medal on the apparatus competition that is later on.
I have to admit that when I watch gymnastics I pause the television until the routine is over than fast forward to see if the gymnast made many mistakes. Then I rewind to watch the routine. I can't stand to see anyone fall or stumble. The suspense kills me so I get rid of the suspense. I feel badly for the person when they make big mistakes. I get embarrassed in everyday life for people that say embarrassing things, forget lines, fall down, etcetera. If I know the person the feeling gets ten times worse. Anyone else out there like that? I wish I didn't let it affect me as much but I have only tamed the feeling in recent months, not gotten rid of it completely. Ahh well . . . back to watching the Olympics! Or sleeping first. 3 am again . . .
I have to admit that when I watch gymnastics I pause the television until the routine is over than fast forward to see if the gymnast made many mistakes. Then I rewind to watch the routine. I can't stand to see anyone fall or stumble. The suspense kills me so I get rid of the suspense. I feel badly for the person when they make big mistakes. I get embarrassed in everyday life for people that say embarrassing things, forget lines, fall down, etcetera. If I know the person the feeling gets ten times worse. Anyone else out there like that? I wish I didn't let it affect me as much but I have only tamed the feeling in recent months, not gotten rid of it completely. Ahh well . . . back to watching the Olympics! Or sleeping first. 3 am again . . .
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Bliss of Ignorance
I know that "knowledge is power" and that learning all that I can about the world around me is a good thing, but sometimes it would be so much simpler to remain ignorant to certain things. I have started cloth diapering with my second child and with this brave new (for me) world came a whole new culture as well. I belong to a cloth diapering forum that also has many other forums associated with it, many involving natural living. I try and stay away from some topics on there now because of the worry they give me. Circumcision, immunizations, disposable diapers, household chemicals, non-organic food, and plastics all have now added anxiety causing dimensions added to them in my mind because of my never ending curiosity and that darn forum. If I could have just stayed away. I am still making most of the same decisions about these topics I was before, but now I am more informed and less sure of myself in making my decisions.
Plastics come to the forefront of my thoughts often when I think about things I wish I had learned less about. I am talking particularly about the use of plastic in food storage containers and dinnerware. Part of the problem is that no one has any definitive proof that they are harmful, but there is much speculation. I never thought about chemicals leaching from plastic into my food before. Now I worry that I am destroying my children's brain cells by letting them drink from plastic cups. Instead of having a 200 IQ they might only have a 190 now. Don't worry, I am not too concerned. I don't lie awake at night because of the evil plastics in my house, but I do wish I had the money to buy more glass and other safe containers. And I wish that other types of containers were more convenient and readily available. The problem is I have too much plastic and not enough money to replace it all. And my son love's cartoon characters, and they don't make many glass dishes with cartoon characters.
See, this is a whole lot of thinking I could have spent on something else if I would have just remained ignorant to the whole subject. So much (read maybe an hour's worth) concern that could have been prevented or redirected on a more pressing subject. I love learning, but perhaps there is such a thing as learning to much? Or maybe not. I will not stop learning and reading about things I can't change at the moment, but at least I will know how I will change them if I ever can. I just wish I had learned some things a little later.
Plastics come to the forefront of my thoughts often when I think about things I wish I had learned less about. I am talking particularly about the use of plastic in food storage containers and dinnerware. Part of the problem is that no one has any definitive proof that they are harmful, but there is much speculation. I never thought about chemicals leaching from plastic into my food before. Now I worry that I am destroying my children's brain cells by letting them drink from plastic cups. Instead of having a 200 IQ they might only have a 190 now. Don't worry, I am not too concerned. I don't lie awake at night because of the evil plastics in my house, but I do wish I had the money to buy more glass and other safe containers. And I wish that other types of containers were more convenient and readily available. The problem is I have too much plastic and not enough money to replace it all. And my son love's cartoon characters, and they don't make many glass dishes with cartoon characters.
See, this is a whole lot of thinking I could have spent on something else if I would have just remained ignorant to the whole subject. So much (read maybe an hour's worth) concern that could have been prevented or redirected on a more pressing subject. I love learning, but perhaps there is such a thing as learning to much? Or maybe not. I will not stop learning and reading about things I can't change at the moment, but at least I will know how I will change them if I ever can. I just wish I had learned some things a little later.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Appreciating the Arts
I started typing this last night but apparently the sound of a laptop keyboard wakes my husband up. I say laptop keyboard because a laptop's keys make a much quieter sound when pushed than a standard keyboard, yet somehow they aren't quiet enough for my husband who falls asleep with the television on. Well back to my original topic.
The inspiration for this came from hearing my dad's comments on a contemporary dance routine showcased on So You Think You Can Dance, a reality tv competition show. Now before I go on I feel the need to defend my reality tv watching habit. I for the most part watch skill-based reality tv. That means dance, singing, design, hair styling, and cooking reality competitions. I do not watch shows like Survivor or the Amazing Race except on a rare occasion. I do not watch Real World, Bachelor, or anything similar. I watch the skill-based shows mainly because I appreciate the skill involved. I like to watch or listen to people's talents, or see creative designs. I do not care for drama driven reality shows. These seem like the most mindless shows on television. Why do people enjoy seeing others argue about unimportant things in a manufactured situation? My brother fails to appreciate my discernment. He likes to poke fun at my viewing choices and ignores my explanation of the differences between Project Runway and Road Rules. Ahh well, his loss.
My dad does not like contemporary dance. He also does not appreciate it. To him it is "people making movements because they have to". He does not see the artistry or difficulty in many of the routines I have watched. Negative opinions of contemporary dance abound, at least in my experience. Especially among non-dancer heterosexual males. (This might be stereotypical, and if you are a heterosexual male that likes contemporary dance, please speak up.) Modern dance is even more misunderstood. (Yes, modern and contemporary dance are technically different. Modern includes some really weird (but often interesting) forms of dance using props such as stretchy sacks covering the dancers.) Contemporary is as far as I can learn modern modern dance. It is the most current style of dance.
I appreciate most forms of dance and I do enjoy most forms of contemporary and modern dance I have seen. It helps that I have taken a modern dance class in college that taught some of the history behind these dances. I think to truly pass judgment on the value of an art form one needs to study at least some of the history of that art form. This also applies to modern art. I appreciated certain types of modern art more after learning the background behind specific paintings and taking a humanities course. The increased knowledge did not necessarily increase my love of certain paintings or dances however. Whether or not a person likes a specific form of art or individual piece of art is more emotional and doesn't require, at least in my mind, any background information. I still hate some "art" that hangs in museums, specifically the paintings that involve a solid block of color on a canvas. I don't even appreciate those except to admire the artists ability to make money on something that I could paint myself with no training or skill. This is another topic though.
Another underappreciated form of art is operatic singing. Or more accurately appreciated from a great distance from which the sound is no longer distinguishable to human ears. Some have referred to opera singers as screamers. I love opera and operatic singing (of course). It is not my favorite form of singing but I have heard several opera pieces that are very beautiful.
My parents find my love of this and classical music (my radio is almost always tuned to classical music) unusual I think. They have commented on my bad taste, but since their radios are set to country stations I ignore their opinions. My husband doesn't mind some opera or classical music so I like to think that I gave him culture. A very snobbish idea probably, but I don't understand people that say they don't at least like classical music. You don't have to like it all, I don't. I just like much of it.
Who thinks I am weird now? This might be a boring post, but it was on my mind. Hopefully it gave you all some enjoyment and maybe inspired you to experience some new things. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post on the bliss of ignorance (after telling you all to study a subject before passing judgment it seems a strange choice but just wait and see).
The inspiration for this came from hearing my dad's comments on a contemporary dance routine showcased on So You Think You Can Dance, a reality tv competition show. Now before I go on I feel the need to defend my reality tv watching habit. I for the most part watch skill-based reality tv. That means dance, singing, design, hair styling, and cooking reality competitions. I do not watch shows like Survivor or the Amazing Race except on a rare occasion. I do not watch Real World, Bachelor, or anything similar. I watch the skill-based shows mainly because I appreciate the skill involved. I like to watch or listen to people's talents, or see creative designs. I do not care for drama driven reality shows. These seem like the most mindless shows on television. Why do people enjoy seeing others argue about unimportant things in a manufactured situation? My brother fails to appreciate my discernment. He likes to poke fun at my viewing choices and ignores my explanation of the differences between Project Runway and Road Rules. Ahh well, his loss.
My dad does not like contemporary dance. He also does not appreciate it. To him it is "people making movements because they have to". He does not see the artistry or difficulty in many of the routines I have watched. Negative opinions of contemporary dance abound, at least in my experience. Especially among non-dancer heterosexual males. (This might be stereotypical, and if you are a heterosexual male that likes contemporary dance, please speak up.) Modern dance is even more misunderstood. (Yes, modern and contemporary dance are technically different. Modern includes some really weird (but often interesting) forms of dance using props such as stretchy sacks covering the dancers.) Contemporary is as far as I can learn modern modern dance. It is the most current style of dance.
I appreciate most forms of dance and I do enjoy most forms of contemporary and modern dance I have seen. It helps that I have taken a modern dance class in college that taught some of the history behind these dances. I think to truly pass judgment on the value of an art form one needs to study at least some of the history of that art form. This also applies to modern art. I appreciated certain types of modern art more after learning the background behind specific paintings and taking a humanities course. The increased knowledge did not necessarily increase my love of certain paintings or dances however. Whether or not a person likes a specific form of art or individual piece of art is more emotional and doesn't require, at least in my mind, any background information. I still hate some "art" that hangs in museums, specifically the paintings that involve a solid block of color on a canvas. I don't even appreciate those except to admire the artists ability to make money on something that I could paint myself with no training or skill. This is another topic though.
Another underappreciated form of art is operatic singing. Or more accurately appreciated from a great distance from which the sound is no longer distinguishable to human ears. Some have referred to opera singers as screamers. I love opera and operatic singing (of course). It is not my favorite form of singing but I have heard several opera pieces that are very beautiful.
My parents find my love of this and classical music (my radio is almost always tuned to classical music) unusual I think. They have commented on my bad taste, but since their radios are set to country stations I ignore their opinions. My husband doesn't mind some opera or classical music so I like to think that I gave him culture. A very snobbish idea probably, but I don't understand people that say they don't at least like classical music. You don't have to like it all, I don't. I just like much of it.
Who thinks I am weird now? This might be a boring post, but it was on my mind. Hopefully it gave you all some enjoyment and maybe inspired you to experience some new things. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post on the bliss of ignorance (after telling you all to study a subject before passing judgment it seems a strange choice but just wait and see).
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Bad Idea
Staying up until 3 am reading a book (I finished by the way!) and then waking up at 8:00 am to play basketball. I was wondering why I was so out of shape and then realized part of it might be my lack of sleep! I need to work on that. It would not be as bad if I had stayed up that late writing. Maybe that will be the case tomorrow. Right now I need to get to sleep. I can't keep dozing off with two young ones, especially with my oldest potty learning (the new term for potty training). I will think of something good to blog about tomorrow.
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