This past week, I have thoroughly enjoyed our class discussions. I think many people in class were frightened by our in depth talks about Gods, Godesses, Patriarchy, and gender roles in society. I was surprised to see so many people dropped out. I thought our discussions were thought provoking. Although, I was sad that when we were talking about gender roles, I was the first to bring up LGBT issues in regards to marriage—and that when I did bring it up, lgb marriage was compared to heterosexual marriage in that either would take the role of dominant or submissive. I think that dominant and submissive ideology in regards to marriage is a social construct. I think it is possible for both people in the relationship to be partners to one another, and complement each other, rather than rise up above one another. Actually, I think dominant and submissive relationships often lead to abuse. Because dominant assumes that you have “power over” another. If one person has power over one another, than that means that you can use your power to make them do things that they wouldn’t want to do themselves.
I also enjoyed the readings. I was surprised to hear that the idea of a matriarchal society was probably not possible. It is unfortunate that this was not the case. I was also surprised to hear the idea that women also helped install patriarchy into the construction of society. I never thought of women as playing a part in their own domination, but it makes sense. Women were expected to be submissive and then many did not break out of their submissive stereotypes. We have stood by and let history claim its place with little regard to women.
I am very confused about what I want to write about my book review. I am very interested in certain microcosms of the Greek world, and how mythology affected the way women lived and were treated. I am torn to write about either Jewish women in Hellenistic times, because I am a Religious Studies major or I am hoping to write about Greek homes, marriages, and examples in mythology about how the Greeks were supposed to live. I loved Fr. Hartin’s Greek Gods and Heroes (unfortunately named without Godesses or Heroines in the course title). I enjoyed learning about Greek Godesses, the island of lesbos, and Spartan and Amazonian women. I would not mind writing a book review about them. Women looked up to Hestia, the goddess of the hearth. I think it was in his class or another, where Father Hartin described women as owning the hearth of their house, which is very different from women simply taking care of their children or doting on a man’s wishes. If women take care of the home completely, and men take care of the finances and upholding to the states values, then their role seems to be more balanced. Another thing to note is that often in mythology, which Greeks looked to for counsel about how to live their lives, Greek Gods (rarely Goddesses) had extramarital affairs. There was a very distinct power balance for affairs. A Greek male God could rape a human woman, but a Greek Goddess could not have sex with a human man. This is because men were expected to be stronger and overpower females, even during sex. Along with how society constructed how women were supposed to act, I am interested in the “microcosms” of the Hellenistic world. Currently, I am reading one of the books I borrowed from a student in class, Sappho. It is interesting to read about women who are in love with only women. The island of Lesbos is a very interesting microcosm of the Hellenistic world. Another interesting dynamic of women is Sparta, where women could fight in the war. Overall I am interested in society and how women lived because of social constructions. I hope I will be able to find an interesting, worthwhile topic to review.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Week One
1. Explain or describe why you took this course. What are your specific interests in Greek and Roman women? What do you hope to gain from this course? How does it fit with your academic goals?
2. Create a magazine cover that best reflects what you have written about yourself above.
I took this course for a few different reasons. The first is that I am pleasantly surprised that Gonzaga can offer such a specific course. Last semester, I took Greek Gods and Heroes with Father Hartin. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Greek Goddesses. In particular, I liked learning about Aphrodite, and Amazonian women. Because of that class, and because I am taking Hebrew, I am able to achieve a classical civilizations minor. I can fulfill course requirements for my minor. But even though it fulfills my course of study requirements, I took this course because I thought it would be a fun thing to study.
I am a religious studies major with a Classical Civilizations Minor. If I could major in Anthropology, I would, but unfortunately Gonzaga does not offer it. I am particularly interested in studying Jewish history but I am also interested in learning about the state of Greece and Rome before Jesus. I hope to learn more about how women and minorities lived and were treated around and before the time of Jesus. This way I can examine the bible with a better knowledge of its audience. With my knowledge from the New Testament, I hope to be able to reexamine the bible through an anthropological and feminist lens. If at all possible, I would also like to research Jewish women during Hellenic times.
2. Create a magazine cover that best reflects what you have written about yourself above.
I took this course for a few different reasons. The first is that I am pleasantly surprised that Gonzaga can offer such a specific course. Last semester, I took Greek Gods and Heroes with Father Hartin. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Greek Goddesses. In particular, I liked learning about Aphrodite, and Amazonian women. Because of that class, and because I am taking Hebrew, I am able to achieve a classical civilizations minor. I can fulfill course requirements for my minor. But even though it fulfills my course of study requirements, I took this course because I thought it would be a fun thing to study.
I am a religious studies major with a Classical Civilizations Minor. If I could major in Anthropology, I would, but unfortunately Gonzaga does not offer it. I am particularly interested in studying Jewish history but I am also interested in learning about the state of Greece and Rome before Jesus. I hope to learn more about how women and minorities lived and were treated around and before the time of Jesus. This way I can examine the bible with a better knowledge of its audience. With my knowledge from the New Testament, I hope to be able to reexamine the bible through an anthropological and feminist lens. If at all possible, I would also like to research Jewish women during Hellenic times.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Service Learning Paper #1
-Describe setting, persons, and community of your service learning experiences
I volunteer at the Odyssey Youth Center in Spokane, which is located on the South Hill. It is a center for primarily Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, Questioning, Queer, and Intersex youth aged 13-24. Although the center is primarily for the LGBT community, straight allies are also welcome.
-what do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain an understanding of LGBT youth. Before I attended Gonzaga, I had never experienced a gay straight alliance, nor attended a school that was vocal about their acceptance of LGBT students. I hope that by facilitating at Odyssey I can learn more about the LGBT community as a whole, particularly young LGBT people. I hope I can integrate what I learn at Odyssey into discussions at Gonzaga’s Gay-Straight Alliance, HERO. I also hope I can learn more about marginalized groups as a whole in society and relate LGBT experiences in society and the church to women’s experiences in society and the church.
-what expectations, assumptions, prejudgements did you have about the population you are working with? where did these come from and why do you think yo have them?
I had a few assumptions about the population I am working with. First, I was expecting to work with some hard-edged kids. I thought most of the kids would be very at-risk or in horrible family situations. I think I had this idea of Spokane’s youth that was completely biased. When I would go to the mall in Spokane, I would see punk or goth looking kids. I assumed this would be the population I was serving.
-After doing service learning, how have your previous assumptions and prejudgements about the nature of the agency or its clients changed or strengthened? why?
I know there can be alot hiding behind the surface of teenagers, but these kids seemed pretty "normal". They were just a bunch of high schoolers. I have realized that not only do Spokane youth look different, but specifically all LGBT youth do not look the same. The youth at odyssey can look as normal as the “upper middle class” youth I worked with at my summer Episcopal camp. I’m ashamed that I had an idea that all LGBT youth would take up a different lifestyle or look because of their marginalization. This doesn’t mean that LGBT youth are not marginalized; This means that they don’t always make poor choices, or look different, because of their marginalization.
-What incidents do you recall that made you feel like something important and significant was happening to you as a learner? One Day, Ian had a task for us. We went downstairs and he had us make tiny backpacks full of condoms. He also had us check pre-made packages to make sure they weren't expired. I was shocked at the amount of supplies Odyssey had. Spokane Group health donated the backpacks, and Odyssey had hundreds of condoms lying around. I realized how blind Catholic school sex-education can be. I went to public school until high school, and then I attended Catholic school. Sexual education basically only included teaching us how we make babies. Not how to prevent teenage pregnancy, not how to prevent STDs. I'm so glad that places like Odyssey exist. Not only does Odyssey teach kids that it's okay to be who they are, it teaches them that its okay to have consensual sex as long as you're protected. The fact is, some kids have sex, and no matter what their sexual orientation, they should be able to protect their bodies, future, and lives. Because of Catholic doctrine, which has strict ideas of sexuality and abstinence, Catholic sexual education is discriminatory not only to LGBT populations, but anyone who can participate in sexual activity. This includes all women. If women are not taught how to protect their body, they may feel overlooked.
Another afternoon that I spent at Odyssey was a rather emotional experience. The week before I dropped by Odyssey, I had read via email that Tyler Clementi, a gay college student at Rutgers University, committed suicide. He committed suicide after his roommate posted a live video of Tyler’s intimacy with another man. I talked to Ian about it and he was shocked. We didn’t talk about the recent suicides until the following week. That next time I volunteered, the youth center got together to watch youtube videos from the Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is an awareness campaign that brings to light the reality of LGBT suicides, and provides an alternative to this life altering decision. The Trevor Campaign includes videos posted by famous people, such as Ellen Degeneres, Kesha, Obama, and more. We watched these videos in solidarity and reflected silently as a group. I knew something horrible was happening at the world and I realized how important suppport groups and youth centers are for the LGBT community. I am proud that places like Odyssey exist, and I am proud that I can serve and learn with this community.
what motivates you to continue working at your site? what does this tell you about yourself and what you are learning in class?
I am motivated to continue working at my site because I learn something new every time I volunteer at Odyssey. Also, by riding the bus to my service learning placement, I am stepping outside my comfort zone, which enables me to grow as a person. I love working at Odyssey because the youth that attend drop-in hours are so diverse. I learn so much about young people and about LGBT people when I volunteer there. I also hope that by working at Odyssey I can bridge gaps between conservative ideals (that stem from some faith practices like Christianity) and the LGBTQQIAA community. I can bring experiences from Odyssey to our class and the Gonzaga community, and share my experiences as a GU student to Odyssey.
what is the most important insight you have gained about yourself as a learner by participating in service learning.
I think I have learned that I can be independent and branch out to others outside of campus. I have learned that I also stereotype the populations that I think I know a lot about, or that I identify with. I have learned that not all people fit the mold I think they are going to fit. I hope I can try to break down these stereotypes throughout my life and remove my judgements so I can see people for who they truly are. I think I can’t be faithful to what I believe in (loving all people) if I don’t try to remove these prejudgements from my brain.
I volunteer at the Odyssey Youth Center in Spokane, which is located on the South Hill. It is a center for primarily Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, Questioning, Queer, and Intersex youth aged 13-24. Although the center is primarily for the LGBT community, straight allies are also welcome.
-what do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain an understanding of LGBT youth. Before I attended Gonzaga, I had never experienced a gay straight alliance, nor attended a school that was vocal about their acceptance of LGBT students. I hope that by facilitating at Odyssey I can learn more about the LGBT community as a whole, particularly young LGBT people. I hope I can integrate what I learn at Odyssey into discussions at Gonzaga’s Gay-Straight Alliance, HERO. I also hope I can learn more about marginalized groups as a whole in society and relate LGBT experiences in society and the church to women’s experiences in society and the church.
-what expectations, assumptions, prejudgements did you have about the population you are working with? where did these come from and why do you think yo have them?
I had a few assumptions about the population I am working with. First, I was expecting to work with some hard-edged kids. I thought most of the kids would be very at-risk or in horrible family situations. I think I had this idea of Spokane’s youth that was completely biased. When I would go to the mall in Spokane, I would see punk or goth looking kids. I assumed this would be the population I was serving.
-After doing service learning, how have your previous assumptions and prejudgements about the nature of the agency or its clients changed or strengthened? why?
I know there can be alot hiding behind the surface of teenagers, but these kids seemed pretty "normal". They were just a bunch of high schoolers. I have realized that not only do Spokane youth look different, but specifically all LGBT youth do not look the same. The youth at odyssey can look as normal as the “upper middle class” youth I worked with at my summer Episcopal camp. I’m ashamed that I had an idea that all LGBT youth would take up a different lifestyle or look because of their marginalization. This doesn’t mean that LGBT youth are not marginalized; This means that they don’t always make poor choices, or look different, because of their marginalization.
-What incidents do you recall that made you feel like something important and significant was happening to you as a learner? One Day, Ian had a task for us. We went downstairs and he had us make tiny backpacks full of condoms. He also had us check pre-made packages to make sure they weren't expired. I was shocked at the amount of supplies Odyssey had. Spokane Group health donated the backpacks, and Odyssey had hundreds of condoms lying around. I realized how blind Catholic school sex-education can be. I went to public school until high school, and then I attended Catholic school. Sexual education basically only included teaching us how we make babies. Not how to prevent teenage pregnancy, not how to prevent STDs. I'm so glad that places like Odyssey exist. Not only does Odyssey teach kids that it's okay to be who they are, it teaches them that its okay to have consensual sex as long as you're protected. The fact is, some kids have sex, and no matter what their sexual orientation, they should be able to protect their bodies, future, and lives. Because of Catholic doctrine, which has strict ideas of sexuality and abstinence, Catholic sexual education is discriminatory not only to LGBT populations, but anyone who can participate in sexual activity. This includes all women. If women are not taught how to protect their body, they may feel overlooked.
Another afternoon that I spent at Odyssey was a rather emotional experience. The week before I dropped by Odyssey, I had read via email that Tyler Clementi, a gay college student at Rutgers University, committed suicide. He committed suicide after his roommate posted a live video of Tyler’s intimacy with another man. I talked to Ian about it and he was shocked. We didn’t talk about the recent suicides until the following week. That next time I volunteered, the youth center got together to watch youtube videos from the Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is an awareness campaign that brings to light the reality of LGBT suicides, and provides an alternative to this life altering decision. The Trevor Campaign includes videos posted by famous people, such as Ellen Degeneres, Kesha, Obama, and more. We watched these videos in solidarity and reflected silently as a group. I knew something horrible was happening at the world and I realized how important suppport groups and youth centers are for the LGBT community. I am proud that places like Odyssey exist, and I am proud that I can serve and learn with this community.
what motivates you to continue working at your site? what does this tell you about yourself and what you are learning in class?
I am motivated to continue working at my site because I learn something new every time I volunteer at Odyssey. Also, by riding the bus to my service learning placement, I am stepping outside my comfort zone, which enables me to grow as a person. I love working at Odyssey because the youth that attend drop-in hours are so diverse. I learn so much about young people and about LGBT people when I volunteer there. I also hope that by working at Odyssey I can bridge gaps between conservative ideals (that stem from some faith practices like Christianity) and the LGBTQQIAA community. I can bring experiences from Odyssey to our class and the Gonzaga community, and share my experiences as a GU student to Odyssey.
what is the most important insight you have gained about yourself as a learner by participating in service learning.
I think I have learned that I can be independent and branch out to others outside of campus. I have learned that I also stereotype the populations that I think I know a lot about, or that I identify with. I have learned that not all people fit the mold I think they are going to fit. I hope I can try to break down these stereotypes throughout my life and remove my judgements so I can see people for who they truly are. I think I can’t be faithful to what I believe in (loving all people) if I don’t try to remove these prejudgements from my brain.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Visit on Oct 7th 2010
I took my third trip to Odyssey yesterday. Scott, Jen and I all went to the center on the bus again. Riding the bus gets easier every time I take it.
So as soon as we arrived at the center, Ian had a task for us. We went downstairs and he had us make tiny backpacks full of condoms. He also had us check pre-made packages to make sure they weren't expired. I was shocked at the amount of supplies Odyssey had. Spokane Group health donated the backpacks, and Odyssey had hundreds of condoms lying around. I realized how blind Catholic school sex-education can be. I went to public school until high school, and then I attended Catholic school. Sexual education basically only included teaching us how we make babies. Not how to prevent teenage pregnancy, not how to prevent STDs. I'm so glad that places like Odyssey exist. Not only does Odyssey teach kids that it's okay to be who they are, it teaches them that its okay to have consensual sex as long as you're protected. The fact is, some kids have sex, and no matter what their sexual orientation, they should be able to protect their bodies, future, and lives.
After we put the backpacks together, we chilled with the kids again. We played apples to apples. It was hilarious. We talked, laughed, and listened to 90s music. I had a blast. The youth asked us to stay longer when we had to catch our bus. I think next time we will. Those two hours are starting to go by so fast!
So as soon as we arrived at the center, Ian had a task for us. We went downstairs and he had us make tiny backpacks full of condoms. He also had us check pre-made packages to make sure they weren't expired. I was shocked at the amount of supplies Odyssey had. Spokane Group health donated the backpacks, and Odyssey had hundreds of condoms lying around. I realized how blind Catholic school sex-education can be. I went to public school until high school, and then I attended Catholic school. Sexual education basically only included teaching us how we make babies. Not how to prevent teenage pregnancy, not how to prevent STDs. I'm so glad that places like Odyssey exist. Not only does Odyssey teach kids that it's okay to be who they are, it teaches them that its okay to have consensual sex as long as you're protected. The fact is, some kids have sex, and no matter what their sexual orientation, they should be able to protect their bodies, future, and lives.
After we put the backpacks together, we chilled with the kids again. We played apples to apples. It was hilarious. We talked, laughed, and listened to 90s music. I had a blast. The youth asked us to stay longer when we had to catch our bus. I think next time we will. Those two hours are starting to go by so fast!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
I made it to Odyssey!
So there was a bit of confusion with how I was going to get to the Odyssey youth center. But I finally got things figured out. My roomate and a freshman honors student are going to trek it to Odyssey with me. We take the bus to get there (which is an experience in itself).
Basically my job as a volunteer at the resource center is to kick it with kids for two hours, and in the future plan some educational/social programs.
I was expecting to work with some hard-edged kids. I thought most of the kids would be very at-risk or in horrible family situations. I know there can be alot hiding behind the surface of teenagers, but these kids seemed pretty "normal". They were just a bunch of highschoolers.
I really enjoyed my first time volunteering at Odyssey. I had tons of fun. The kids there were super social, and active. I was surprised that they didnt utilize any of the games--it was like they didnt need to. They seemed interested in strengthening the bonds they had within friends. There were a few cliquey situations going on, which is bound to happen when you group high schoolers together. But they seemed for the most part very accepting of everyone.
Basically my job as a volunteer at the resource center is to kick it with kids for two hours, and in the future plan some educational/social programs.
I was expecting to work with some hard-edged kids. I thought most of the kids would be very at-risk or in horrible family situations. I know there can be alot hiding behind the surface of teenagers, but these kids seemed pretty "normal". They were just a bunch of highschoolers.
I really enjoyed my first time volunteering at Odyssey. I had tons of fun. The kids there were super social, and active. I was surprised that they didnt utilize any of the games--it was like they didnt need to. They seemed interested in strengthening the bonds they had within friends. There were a few cliquey situations going on, which is bound to happen when you group high schoolers together. But they seemed for the most part very accepting of everyone.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
New Semester
So, a new semester has begun. I have attempted to apply for every institutional Job (except telefund) I could find and I haven't found anything. Sometimes I wonder, if I removed my volunteering at the resource center from my resume, would I get called back more often?
Anyway, HERO--Gonzaga's Gay straight alliance has started up. We have tons of new members, and some that have returned from studying abroad. I'm very excited for all of the events HERO is going to put on.
Also, I am volunteering at the LGBT resource center again. Not many people know that the resource center exists, so I'm going to try to fix that. Word of mouth might help. The last time I was volunteering, I picked up a publication that HERO created 3 years ago. It is called "Out of the Shadows." It has some artistic, poetic, and nonfictional short stories from the LGBTQIAA community at Gonzaga. Jen (HERO president) let me bring it up during a meeting--I want to make it a project of mine this year. So basically the idea will be to grab another editor and create a collage of works that describe how the LGBTQIAA community is treated by the Gonzaga community.
Also, today I am going to check out Odyssey, which is Spokane's youth center for LGBT teens. I will be volunteering there on Fridays. I can't wait!
I'm thinking of joining a program called the Drexel Leadership program, also known as an Americorps program, Students In Service. I would receive a grant to do 900 hours of community service over the course of two years. I think it would be a great way to reflect upon my service as a whole, and i would be able to try tons of new/random service activities!
Anyway, HERO--Gonzaga's Gay straight alliance has started up. We have tons of new members, and some that have returned from studying abroad. I'm very excited for all of the events HERO is going to put on.
Also, I am volunteering at the LGBT resource center again. Not many people know that the resource center exists, so I'm going to try to fix that. Word of mouth might help. The last time I was volunteering, I picked up a publication that HERO created 3 years ago. It is called "Out of the Shadows." It has some artistic, poetic, and nonfictional short stories from the LGBTQIAA community at Gonzaga. Jen (HERO president) let me bring it up during a meeting--I want to make it a project of mine this year. So basically the idea will be to grab another editor and create a collage of works that describe how the LGBTQIAA community is treated by the Gonzaga community.
Also, today I am going to check out Odyssey, which is Spokane's youth center for LGBT teens. I will be volunteering there on Fridays. I can't wait!
I'm thinking of joining a program called the Drexel Leadership program, also known as an Americorps program, Students In Service. I would receive a grant to do 900 hours of community service over the course of two years. I think it would be a great way to reflect upon my service as a whole, and i would be able to try tons of new/random service activities!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Speed of Sound In Seawater
So I went to a show downtown/midtown with a friend to see the Speed of Sound in Seawater. One of the dudes in the band recorded some of my music, and I like his music style, so I wanted to check the band out live. As we were driving up to the pizza joint that it was right next to the gay district, which was pretty awesome. My friend and I wished we could have gone clubbing, but neither of us are 21.
I was surprised that the other bands/headlining bands were hardcore/screamo/screaming. Aside from the occasional, theatrical scream, I would never consider SSIS hardcore.
If you're into local music, you should check this band out. One of the dudes recorded some of my music. They are a combination of indie-folky-weirdness, math rock, post-hardcore guitar/drums, and screaming. Their albums are up on bandcamp for free.
http://www.myspace.com/thespeedofsoundinseawater
I was surprised that the other bands/headlining bands were hardcore/screamo/screaming. Aside from the occasional, theatrical scream, I would never consider SSIS hardcore.
If you're into local music, you should check this band out. One of the dudes recorded some of my music. They are a combination of indie-folky-weirdness, math rock, post-hardcore guitar/drums, and screaming. Their albums are up on bandcamp for free.
http://www.myspace.com/thespeedofsoundinseawater
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)