Sexual Exploitation of Women

Here is the other blog I discussed a little about in my previous blog. On Thursday, in my Group Prejudice class we watched a video about the Sexual Exploitation of women in our main stream media, however the video focused on music videos. Surprise Surprise!!!! the sexual exploitation of women in our music videos in our society does not only occur in hip hop/rnb and rap videos, whether they be underground or mainstream. The exploitation of women occurs so often in videos that are so often viewed by millions and billions [lol] and affect the attitude and the view of women of each viewer. This movie addressed how women are made to look like sexual beasts that can not function without a man by their side, and should be treated as objects that should be on display, abused, disrespected, and more.

This movie should clips of videos from every genre of music including pop, rock, country, rap, hip hop, and rnb showing a ton of women surrounding one man. Making it seem as though every man should surround himself with women instead of being magnamous. The music videos also portray women attacking men for sex, willing being subdued by men, and also fighting back seemingly saying no and then finally to their desires of the man. This idea of woman is shown to men and boys who think that any woman should be attacking them for sex or should be completely willing for any sexual action that they desire. Even the female music stars are displayed as sexual images wearing exposing clothing, dancing in sexual ways, and having their bodies panned by the camera. Every sexual fantasy fathomable has been addressed in videos ranging from nurses, officers, "the mile high club" and more. Women are dressed in customs, spray painted gold or silver, portrayed naked, etc. The videos that are put out today make women out to be porn stars basically, happy to do whatever comes their way: shake their asses the fastest, take off their clothes to get backstage, take showers in songs that the idea doesn't even match up with as the camera pans their body. . .and the list goes ON AND ON.

The movie also covered how dependent women supposedly are on men. Crying, trying to kill themselves, stalking men and more in order to just be around the man they can not be without. They'll go for the desperate measures just to get a man's attention, something women are made to appear to have to constantly be in. Women are made to look as if we can not function without a man in front of us or beside us controlling our lives in every aspect. The idea of an independent women who makes her own money, instead of relying on her man's, driving her own car, instead of one that he bought her, owning her own house, and more is VERY RARELY EVER portrayed.

As bottles of liquor are poured onto the women, as well as slices of meat thrown onto their naked bodies women are portrayed as excitingly, openly, and happy to receive the worst amount of disrespect. Women are portrayed with their legs wide open, shaking their asses or showing off some other body part reducing the female gender to one body part. . .no intelligence, no personality, no emotions needed. In the 2000 Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC there was a video that was captured of hundreds of males attacking females, ripping off their clothes, sexually assaulting them, pouring all sorts of liquids and foods on them and countless numbers of other acts. The similarities between the violent and sexual acts of these men in the video was STRIKINGLY similar to the images portrayed in mainstream and underground videos today. The only difference was in the women's reactions to these acts. The women were terrified, defensive, aggressive, shocked, helpless and more. They screamed for help and tried to run through the crowds and make safely out. Unfortunately that's not the end of it. In Seattle [I think not quite sure cuz I don't have my notes with me] there is an award winning photo of a women being held down by several men [not just like one or two they're completely surrounding her]. The photo captures mens roaming hands in sexual assault. I can not even begin to imagine the torture and horror these women experience because of how women are portrayed in music videos today.

I am far from being a feminist. However, I am a very strong willed, proud, independent woman. I am obviously strongly against how women are portrayed and portray themselves in videos today. They seem so open and accepting to these stereotypes that directors and society set for approval not realizing the damage that they are causing. I'm not saying that every woman and man is like this, however, it does seem that each gender feeds into it. How many of you watch videos everyday and say "That woman is fine" or "I'd fuck her" or "He's so sexy" "I am in love with him" etc etc etc?! I'd venture to say that you have atleast had the thought once or twice through out your life time. These women who are in these videos are DESPERATE to me. Regardless of the fact that they are making their money, I am strongly against ANY VIDEO HOE! I believe that they are a disgrace to women because they only feed into the stereotypes that we should be treated like sexual objects that can handled any way an individual pleases and with happily oblige. Men and women should have healthy sexual drives, however, these drives do not need to displayed in music videos or any other source of mainstream video. Its disgusting and absolutely disgraceful. I would definitely recommend watching the movie and educating yourself about the ideas that they propose because it is a serious problem that should be addressed. The unfortunate thing about that is because my notes are not right by me I do not have access to the movies name. I do have it though and will post it later. [=

The Return is Here

So I've been MIA for several days now because I was feeling like shit, was really tired, sore, etc so I had no energy to do anything. I think I had a nasty virus or my infection finally went away. Either way, thank God! An update is in need, then I shall post about Sexism in mainstream media based on a movie I watched in my Group Prejudice class. I'm still waiting for the test score that I took a couple weeks ago that I hadn't studied for at all because I had been sick and thought it was the next week [dum dum], and although I really want it back to see how I did I'm kind of dreading it because I know it's probably not going to be that great. I'm watching Harry Potter weekend on ABC Family. . .I love the books and the movies are quite entertaining. I wish she would have wrote more =[. Anyways, I finally went grocery shopping today. Haven't been in like half a month. Only spent $50 so that's not bad at all.

Mark and I went to see Watchmen last night. Not too bad of a movie. It was kind of confusing seeing as though I know nothing about the "comics" and the story line was just confusing in general. It was long, but the fight scenes were definitely pretty cool. All in all, I probably would not recommend seeing it in theatres, watch it online or rent it from Netflix or Redbox. I got one paper done so I still have two to go. One will be pretty easy, the other will be a little bit more challenging. Other than that, I think I have gotten caught up on my school work. I'm not so antisocial anymore. I got my thyroid meds so I think that helped a lot in making me feel better, more energized and socialable [lol]. Got my apartment all cleaned yesterday and Friday so I'm officially done over there. Moving in with my parents is definitely going to help me save money and not have horrible anxiety attacks. I'm still job searching. . .haven't been doing a whole lot but there is not much out there anyways ]=. Very frustrating. That's actually what I'm going to do before I post that other post on the movie. Uhm. . .Maddoxx is doing great. . .behaving. . .not pooping or peeing in the house, getting along with Mark but still barking at my dad. Let's just say they have mutual feelings for each other lol. [=


So that's all for now. Standby for the commerical break.

Meh. . .=/

The past couple days I haven't been on my thyroid medication so I've been quite moody and EXTREMELY tired! Today, I felt really antisocial and just wanted "Me Time". Hopefully tomorrow after I get off work I can get my prescription refilled. I am really behind in a lot of my school work I mean I have three papers that I should be working on but because I'm so tired I have been procrastinating them. I'm just trying to get caught up on everything I've missed out on, haven't done, or trying to get ahead but I've been really unsuccessful. This weekend is definitely going to be a stay at home and just relax weekend. I'm tired of going out right now. I have fun but I've lost track of priorities. I'm so sick of school too. I found out today that the bus stop I park at to ride the train is now charging for parking. FUCK THAT! I think it's bullshit that I have to pay for parking after I already paid the school for my train pass for the semester. I think it's unfair for them to charge college students twice just because they are so far in debt already and are still trying to add onto their whole project. It's really frustrating.


Last night we went to The Ocean Aire for dinner for the whole 5280 thing. Honestly, that restaurant really wasn't worth it. Not only did the night start off bad because Mark, Kyle, and Tristan are dsyfunctional and definitely seem to have suddenly developed communications problems and were late but the restaurant just wasn't that great on the whole. Our waiter was really nice but the whole dinner took 2 HOURS!, which is absolutely ridicolous to me because although he said they were busy we ordered everything at once to speed things up but that definitely did not make a difference. I got the shrimp and grits which was okay. . .not the best shrimp I've ever had although the sauce was really good. The ceasar salad is supposedly the best in Colorado but I've definitely had way better. The mashed potatoes were amazing. And for dessert I had apple crisp with ice cream and it was pretty good. The normal menu wasn't too expensive. . .I'd say probably a little more expensive than Red Lobster. I definitely would have to say that I would have preferred to go to Red Lobster last night. I love their bread, their lobster and crab is amazing, and their salads are pretty decent too. Mark got food poisoning so that sucks for him, but he is feeling better now. I don't think the meal was worth the amount of money that was spent overall. Thumbs DOWN!


I'm starving! I've been watching Bizarre Foods and its all about pretty good looking seafood, but I'm not really sure what I'm going to eat. Nip/Tuck comes on soon so I'm just waiting around for that and then I'm going to bed asap because I gotta work at the courts in the am. On Friday I have to go and clean my apartment ]= ughhh it's going to take forever. I need to go grocery shopping too. I've been eating all of my parents food lol [fatty]! Now to go stuff myself [=

Bridal Shower

So I went to my first bridal shower today. It was very interesting. I am very excited for my friend who is getting married because they are a great couple and beautiful together. The whole process is fun though. You play some games and then eat and then she opens her gifts. I found out through one of the games that I actually know a lot about this girl [=. While she was opening her gifts I was assigned the duty of making the "ribbon bouquet". I was really volunteered and then I agreed without having any idea of what I was suppose to be doing. I did figure it out though with the help of my mom and the soon to be brides mom. Your suppose to take off all the ribbons from your gifts and if you break any the number that you break is the number of kids you are going to have and then you give it to your [suppose to be brides maid] or whoever and they stick the ribbons through a paper plater and fold them up to make it look like a bouquet. It's really cool and cute! I had fun doing it. I thought it was really rude that people would just randomly come up to her and say that they were leaving while she was opening her gifts. Like I know that whole process is kind of boring and my mom said that is what you are suppose to do but I think leaving in the middle is rude. There was a lot of people there that I think Christine did not even know and from this I decided one thing about my wedding [if I ever have one] and that is that I do not want a lot of people there that I do not know. I think its awkward lol, but not that I don't want a lot of gifts ahahahahha [=. 

Job Searching/Recipes [=

I am definitely trying to do everything that I can to find a job to replace the tax agency spot because I am not getting enough hours there or at the courts to save money, let alone just MAKE MONEY. I've been looking online and sending out my resume and filling out applications for a couple hours now so hopefully I get something back. I actually sent in an application to do the paper route around my neighborhood so hopefully I get something back for that cuz that's early in the morning and will probably only take an hour or so, so its quick and easy side cash. Anything helps regardless of where it comes from. I've gotten a little distracted and have found some recipes that I'm interested in so I'm going to put some of those up here too.


Calabacitas
1 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 poblano, or Anaheim chile pepper, seeded and diced
2 cup(s) diced zucchini
2 cup(s) diced summer squash
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
2 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and chile; cook, stirring, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add zucchini, summer squash and salt; cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until tender, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in cilantro (if using).

Roasted Veggie and Feta Sandwhiches
1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound) [not sure if I'll use this]
1 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 cup(s) roasted red peppers, rinsed and chopped
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 ounce(s) feta cheese
2 teaspoon(s) lemon juice
1 teaspoon(s) dried oregano
crushed red pepper
1 round loaf whole-wheat country bread (about 9 inches across)

Preheat a grill or the broiler. Cut eggplant crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. If using a grill, oil the grill rack (see Tip). Brush 1/2 tablespoon oil over both sides of the slices. Grill or broil the eggplant until lightly browned and tender, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly. Chop the eggplant coarsely and mix with red peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Mash feta with a fork in a small bowl. Add lemon juice, oregano, crushed red pepper and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil; blend until smooth and spreadable. Season with pepper. Slice loaf in half horizontally and scoop out about 1 inch of the soft interior from each half. (Reserve for another use, such as breadcrumbs.) Spread the seasoned feta in the bottom half of the loaf. Spoon the chopped eggplant and peppers over the cheese and replace the bread top firmly. Cut into wedges.


That's all for now. . .I gotta do some homework.

5280: Ruth Chris'

This place is a very SWANKY and sophisticated steak house. We got all dressed up and were looking HAWT! [lol]. Unfortunately, I felt like crap all the way down to the restaurant. I kept feeling like I was going to throw up then I would get hungry and then naseaus again. We sat down and I drank a couple waters and felt a lot better. We got a choice of a three course meal again. Salad, main dish, which two different kinds of steak made three different ways like 6 oz 8 oz or filet, ahi tuna, lobster tail stufffed with crab meat, and a couple other things I can't really remember were offered, and a dessert, which was the choice between a chocolate mouse cheesecake or a whiskey bread pudding. I got the Steak Oscar with crab meat on top and a bernaise sauce with asparagus on the side. Tristan and Kyle got the same thing as me. Mark got the Steak Frites [pronounced Freet-tez lol] which was a steak with some little french fries/hashbrown type things. We also got a side order of BBQ Lobster Mashed Potatoes. Everything here was absolutely DELICIOUS! I was still nervous about my stomach so I didn't eat any of my seafood, like the crabmeat and lobster potatoes, I did try them and they were great but I gave the rest to Tristan cuz she didn't get much crabmeat. My steak was suppose to be Medium Well unfortunately it was a little too red for me especially since I haven't eaten meal in quite sometime. . .[besides Texas de Brazil]. The chocolate mouse cheesecake was AMAZING!!! and Tristan said she really liked her bread pudding. I don't like whiskey and the bread pudding didn't look to appealing to me so I didn't try it. Mark said you could definitely taste the whiskey in it. The service was a little iffey however. Our actual waiter was only there to take our order. I don't even think he brought out our drinks. Everyone else, like the runners did most of the work. Everyone was very polite but it just seemed weird that the waiters don't do a whole lot. All in all, the experience was extremely well worth it. This is one of Mark's favorite restaurants. My only complaint is how EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE it normally is. I failed to look at the regular menu prices but just the side of lobster potatoes was $30 ALONE! RIDICULOUS besides the fact that it fed four people. It is a very, very nice restaurant for an anniversary or VERY SPECIAL OCCASION! Thumbs up all around. [=

Recent Update

I know I up and disappeared but I've been super busy and feeling super SHITTY lately. My mouth infection has not gone away so last night and the night before I felt like crap but today I've been doing okay as long as I keep my fever down. I've been feeling so badly though that I haven't been doing anything but coming home and sleeping, which means I never looked at my syllabus' and realized that I had a test today in my Group Prejudice class. I didn't study for it at all really, I skipped a class before it to do some but it didn't help too much. It was kind of hard, which I knew it was going to be too, and I would have done great had I studied, but I think that I did okay on the writing part. I got a little caught up on some reading today. . .I have to do some more tonight and tomorrow.

Maddoxx is doing great! He loves me deeply and is a little attached! He follows me EVERYWHERE [even into the bathroom]. Mark spent the night the other night and he likes Mark now so that's good [=. My ma has been taking care of him while I've been at school or work. The first day she locked him in the bathroom for 3 hours and he tore up the door [yikes my dad was pissed]. My ma is going to pay to fix it since it wasn't my fault [thank god]. He wakes me up at like 4 am to go pee though so that's really unfortunate. I bought him one of the shirts I liked and its a little big because I knew he would grow some hair back but he doesn't like it. He scoots around on the floor trying to get it off it's quite entertaining actually. [=

I had a really bad money anxiety attack on Wednesday and thank god I've been sick otherwise I would still be having one. I'm really stressed about being able to afford my bills and rent when we move out. Unfortunately, I know for a fact that I am not going to be able to, so I've pretty much resolved to paying my phone bill late and then if I have to, Tina offered to lend me some money so I might have to do that. It really sucks that I don't get hours at either one of my jobs. I was counting on two pretty good checks this week and next week but I haven't gotten any hours so that was a huge FAILURE! I have yet to check the March schedule for the courts yet but I doubt the hours are going to be any different. Once again, I am in search of a new job, something to replace the tax agency with because they really don't have anything for me and although I am thankful for them giving me anything it kind of is a waste of time. I was looking online yesterday and saw some tips like donate plasma or get a paper route so I might do those on the side just for extra cash. There's also stuff like "mystery shopping" but I'm not so sure about those things. My ma sent me some emails of places I need to send my resume out to so I'm going to do that tomorrow.

Tonight we are going to a really nice steak house for that whole 5280 thing. It's called Ruth Chris'. I guess Tristan and Kyle are coming too so maybe if Mark lets me bring Maddoxx over they'll get to meet the little monster. I'll post about the experience later. Right now, I'm going to do some job hunting and then some homework before I get ready to go to dinner. [=