Cliches of Life

Tuesday's class began with a rather simple but complex statement: "Life is Not Fair." I will admit that I have heard myself say "That's not fair." I either catch myself say this phrase or have to be reminded that life is not fair. Of course, this phrase can be used on something silly or something very serious such as a tragedy. To me, another phrase that goes hand in hand with this one is "bad things happen to good people." In the case of a tragedy, the main two question many people ask themselves are "Why?" or "What If?" Unfortunately, this is life and many things are out of our control. Although "life is not fair" and we cannot control everything in our lives, it is important but hard at the same time to "live life to the fullest" and "live everyday as if it were your last." I strive to live by these words, even during the tough times, when it is very easy to forget the positive things in life.

Living the Life of a Cyborg

Something kind of funny happened to me today. As soon as I got home from school, I went to my room, picked up my computer, and brought it to the living room. I sat down and began searching online but realized that something was missing. I had forgotten something.... my cell phone. Well I had left it in my room. Immediately I got up to go and get it from my room. It's amazing but at the same time kind of sad how much I depend on my phone. A week or so ago, I was thinking about how if I ever lost my cell phone, I would have a hard time contacting people because I have no idea what their numbers are. With the click of only one button on my key pad instead of seven, I depend way too much on the address book in my phone. To eliminate those "What Ifs," I wrote down all of my friends names and numbers just in case something were to ever happen.
I never realized how much of a cyborg I am until the discussion on Tuesday's class. Ways in which I am a cyborg include the glasses/contacts I wear, the braces I used to wear, the internet I explore, the cell phone I seem to always have at my side, and even the musical instruments I play.
I did try to read this article, but reading it left me more confused. Thanks to the great discussion from our classmates and Dr. Pound this week, I now understand what a cyborg is and will continue to apply this in my everyday life!!

Can't Hold Us Down

After discussing the character types that come to mind about women in a patriarchal society, one song that came to my mind was "Can't Hold Us Down" by Christina Aguilera ft. Lil' Kim. This song discusses the way in which women are treated and how they should just remain quiet. Also, they sing about how although men can do whatever, girls will be labeled. After examing my list, words that are also used in the lyrics to the song include "whore" "bitch" and "quiet." After viewing the lyrics, I also viewed the comments other people made about the song. Others also agree that this double standard should not exist but at the same time they are bashing Christina Aguilera and Lil'Kim on their choice of clothing and calling them trashy. Hello!!!! did you not just listen to the lyrics of the song ... here these people go again saying that women cannot express themselves while if a man were to do this he would not be judged.

"This is for my girls all around the world
Who've come across a man who don't respect your worth
Thinkin' all woman should be seen not heard
So what do we do girls?
Shout out loud
Lettin' 'em know we're gonna stand our ground so
Lift your hands high and wave em proud
Take a deep breathe and say it loud
Never can, never will, can't hold us down"

The rest of the lyrics and comments can be found at http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858486790/

Don't Assume

I would like to add a few thoughts on the topics brought up in Tuesday and Thursday's class.
First has to do with the fact that men are hired for a job rather than a woman because women can get pregnant and therefore need a maternity leave. Most people would automatically assume that the woman would take the maternity leave because she is the "caregiver/nurturer," but some men have taken this leave. Not very men do take this paternity leave due to social norms. Many men may have a difficult time not working because they are known to be the "provider for the family." In the future, things may change since fifty years ago people would think this idea was absurd.

The caption under the cartoon states: "Be reasonable Jones - think how sales would plummet if I give a day off to every man whose wife had sextuplets!!"

First Post of 2010

Seeing as we all reunite in less than 48 hours, I think it is time for me to blog!
Firstly, I hope everyone had an awesome holiday and a happy new year!! Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and as the holidays are about to end, it is time to roll up our sleeves and dive back into our studies.
Over the holidays, I did not completely ignore my school work and actually found some examples of literary theory in the real world.
For example, over the holidays, I went to Duluth to go shopping for a couple of days. Identity and the way in which I identify myself played a major role while I was in Duluth. Everytime I made a purchase, I was asked my home phone number with area code. As soon as the numbers 807 came out of my mouth, I was identified as a Canadian.
Another example of literary theory that I experienced over the holidays was while I was at work. Being away from school, I was given many extra shifts at my job. With all of these extra shifts and work being busier than usual because of Christmas, I am being exploited more and more at my job. It`s funny because everytime a family member drops me off at work they always tell me ``don`t work too hard!`` My response to them is ``Tell my boss that!``
Although I wish these holidays can last longer, I must get back to reality and will see you all on Tuesday 11:30 sharp!!
Happy 2010

The Importance of a Name

Before we are even born, most of our parents spend months deciding on what we will be named. Names are important because they distinguish one person from another. Not only does the name of a person distinguish them from another, but I also found that the name of one person's blog separates them from another person's blog.
In September when I made this blog, one of the first things asked was to create a name/title for my blog page. At the time, I was not thinking creatively (of course this has changed due to the exposure of theory) and decided to tentatively name my blog "Melissa's Blog on Theories." It was not until my recent post, entitled "Backtracking," where I have finally come up with a permanent title for my blog. In my last post, I stated that because of the Christmas Holidays, I may begin having withdrawals from theory and therefore will have to get a weekly dose of theory from occurrences that happen in my real life. Then it hit me, like a ton of bricks .....
"A Dose of Theory"

Backtracking

WOW! I cannot believe that we have completed 1/2 of literary theory .... and I managed to survive!!
Over a month ago, I had blogged about the Sleeping Giant and the song contest. As of November 23rd, the results were posted on http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/songquest/. The Sleeping Giant along with other locations such as Grand Bend, Picton, Toronto, and Algonquin Park were all nominated to have someone compose a song about the location. Unfortunately, the Sleeping Giant did not win the contest. The winner was Algonquin Park and a song by Hawksley Workman is being composed at the moment. Viewers are able to listen to a sample of the song on the website listed above and are also able to purchase the tune on iTunes. Also, for those of you who read this post, the winners of each province and territory are also available to listen to. Go Check It Out!!
In regards to the assignment on Psychoanalysis, to me, it was the most challenging assignment out of the 5 written this semester. On a positive note, it was also the best mark I have received! ... Strange how things turn out in the end
Last class yesterday! WOW cannot believe how fast this semester flew by. Looking back on the first day of theory, everything seemed so complex and frustrating (I managed to not pull out all of my hair) ... although I still do have some of these feelings.
I have learned so much this semester and look forward to January. I might actually start having withdrawals from theory over the Christmas holidays! To get a weekly dose of theory, I will be on the lookout for examples of theories in the real world!
Happy Holidays!! :)