"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf"
This past week at UNC "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf" has been showing in the dramatic arts center. A student, Jamila Reddy sought it important to have this play put on for the UNC campus. Many issues that the young ladies face in this play are pertinent to the lives of many students on campus and Miss Reddy believed those stories definitely needed to be heard.
"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf" is a stage play written by Ntozake Shange in 1975. The series of poems in the stage play deal with women who are going through abortions, abusive relationships, and being raped. I saw the play on Tuesday and was extremely moved. The young ladies on campus that performed in the play where excellent and really embodied their characters. I thought the play was essential because some of the stories that were shared I have been through with my friends. I commend Miss Reddy for taking a stand and following through with a dream she saw that needed to come true.
In further reaserch of this stageplay I came to find out that Tyler Perry is making it into a movie called 'For Colored Girls.' The movie will have all-star cast such as: Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington, Jill Scott, and Macy Gray. The movie is set to come out in January 2011. I'm sure it will be great!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Blog Assignment 1: LGBTQ
On UNC's campus we have many centers that represent diversity. We pride ourselves on being able to see how others live and how we can learn more about their lives.
I recently visited or LGBTQ Center on campus in the SASB North Building. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. This center is a place for those students to go when they want to feel more comfortable or need someone to talk/hang with if they are having problems with others on campus. Not only is this a place for LGBTQ students but for students to learn. I know I myself did not know much about LGBTQ students at all.
For example, went visiting the LGBTQ center and learning what the acronym meant I was very disturbed by the Q(Queer). I thought it was very derogatory. But to my findings those of that nature use that term when they are unsure of their sexuality. I thought that was very interesting and a new take on that term.
Of course in the center I found many brochures and fliers advertising the various groups they support and upcoming activities that they have. Some of the groups I found at the center are: Safe Zone Program, Q Group and Trans Talk Tuesday. They also have Drop-in hours for anyone of the LGBTQ community that ever has an issue and wants to talk with someone.
I myself am not apart of the LGBTQ Community but I thought visiting their center was excellent. I love being consistently reminded that everyone in our world (our college campus) is different. And it warms my heart to see that people are acknowledging that giving people that are different a chance to have place, groups, and events to call their own.
I recently visited or LGBTQ Center on campus in the SASB North Building. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. This center is a place for those students to go when they want to feel more comfortable or need someone to talk/hang with if they are having problems with others on campus. Not only is this a place for LGBTQ students but for students to learn. I know I myself did not know much about LGBTQ students at all.
For example, went visiting the LGBTQ center and learning what the acronym meant I was very disturbed by the Q(Queer). I thought it was very derogatory. But to my findings those of that nature use that term when they are unsure of their sexuality. I thought that was very interesting and a new take on that term.
Of course in the center I found many brochures and fliers advertising the various groups they support and upcoming activities that they have. Some of the groups I found at the center are: Safe Zone Program, Q Group and Trans Talk Tuesday. They also have Drop-in hours for anyone of the LGBTQ community that ever has an issue and wants to talk with someone.
I myself am not apart of the LGBTQ Community but I thought visiting their center was excellent. I love being consistently reminded that everyone in our world (our college campus) is different. And it warms my heart to see that people are acknowledging that giving people that are different a chance to have place, groups, and events to call their own.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Online Fandom- CNN Bully Story
On CNN.com the story of a young girl in high school that commits suicide is the hot topic for many discussions.
The girl was a high school student recently moved from another place with her parents. As the typical bully story goes, she was having a hard time fitting in and being the new girl everyone made fun of her.
Unfortunately, in this situation the students took bullying too far. The girl, Phoebe Prince was harassed by over 8 people. Three of which were male, and were accused of rape. The girls that she was being bullied by stalked her and physically harmed her. After about 3 months of this torture, Prince was found dead in the hallway of her home. As of now the charges are pending, but all of the students over 17 will be tried as adults and could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
**************************************************************************************
Some of the discussions by the viewers are as followed:
Bullied as a child:
1) I was bullied extensively as a child, but my younger brothers got the worst of it, including a broken jaw on the playground and an instance of near suffocation on a school bus. More than once I went mother lion on the bullies -- and of course the school punished me, not them. Children are taught to "take it" or "ignore it". That is NOT okay. (MALE RESPONSE)
2) n my own opinion, as someone who also was harassed and bullied, the parents also need to be held accountable, but to what degree depends on how much rights as a parent the particular state provides. All of the peers involved should be held accountable as you or I would if we were to do this "bulling". And the faculty members who failed to intervene should not only loose their jobs, but also be charged with one of any criminal charges (I can't remember the name, however there is a charge that implies failed to follow responsibility to prevent a violent act from occurring, and such is the case here). (MALE RESPONSE)
3) I was bullied in the 7th and 8th grade and I remember how terrified I was. I never fought back because I was scared to death. I never told anyone, either. I went on to college and became an accountant. I was happy with my life, earning nice money and married to a beautiful successful spouse and had 1 son. I thought those days were long forgotten and that they had no lasting effect on my life. (FEMALE RESPONSE)
Concerned Parents:
1)Let's see the faces of these children. Let's see life sentences for each one of them. Rehabilitation? Not even a possibility. They will be a severe threat to society for the remainder of their lives. The parents? They planted, harbored, and influenced their childrens' mental illness and deserve life sentences as well. (MALE RESPONSE)
2)The schools need to be accountable. Bullying is NOT an issue to take lightly...it's serious with bad consequences. We need to push harder for "bully free" schools. I know at my son's elementary, if ONE kid was caught harassing another kid, that kid will be dealt with harshly. If it happens again, that kid is kicked out with a bad record. "Good luck finding another school with a bad reputation, kid." (FEMALE RESPONSE)
3) I am the father of a 10 year old daughter and my heart goes out to this family.
My daughter has been the victim on multiple occasions to to schoolyard bullying both physical and emotional and the faculty has refused to admit exists in their school. Concerned parents paid for a specialist to come in and discuss the current situation with the parents and children. The school provided the venue, but no faculty were present. They refuse to receive faculty training, citing the cost and budget concerns. (MALE RESPONSE)
**************************************************************************************
I do not see much of a difference in the response of the male and female answers. Each seemed genuinely concerned about the safety of Pheobe and about the safety of their own child. I did notice that throughout the discussion most of the comments were from males, and they also seemed to be concerned fathers. I feel like a lot of the males are very protective of their children and want to ensure their safety.
The girl was a high school student recently moved from another place with her parents. As the typical bully story goes, she was having a hard time fitting in and being the new girl everyone made fun of her.
Unfortunately, in this situation the students took bullying too far. The girl, Phoebe Prince was harassed by over 8 people. Three of which were male, and were accused of rape. The girls that she was being bullied by stalked her and physically harmed her. After about 3 months of this torture, Prince was found dead in the hallway of her home. As of now the charges are pending, but all of the students over 17 will be tried as adults and could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
**************************************************************************************
Some of the discussions by the viewers are as followed:
Bullied as a child:
1) I was bullied extensively as a child, but my younger brothers got the worst of it, including a broken jaw on the playground and an instance of near suffocation on a school bus. More than once I went mother lion on the bullies -- and of course the school punished me, not them. Children are taught to "take it" or "ignore it". That is NOT okay. (MALE RESPONSE)
2) n my own opinion, as someone who also was harassed and bullied, the parents also need to be held accountable, but to what degree depends on how much rights as a parent the particular state provides. All of the peers involved should be held accountable as you or I would if we were to do this "bulling". And the faculty members who failed to intervene should not only loose their jobs, but also be charged with one of any criminal charges (I can't remember the name, however there is a charge that implies failed to follow responsibility to prevent a violent act from occurring, and such is the case here). (MALE RESPONSE)
3) I was bullied in the 7th and 8th grade and I remember how terrified I was. I never fought back because I was scared to death. I never told anyone, either. I went on to college and became an accountant. I was happy with my life, earning nice money and married to a beautiful successful spouse and had 1 son. I thought those days were long forgotten and that they had no lasting effect on my life. (FEMALE RESPONSE)
Concerned Parents:
1)Let's see the faces of these children. Let's see life sentences for each one of them. Rehabilitation? Not even a possibility. They will be a severe threat to society for the remainder of their lives. The parents? They planted, harbored, and influenced their childrens' mental illness and deserve life sentences as well. (MALE RESPONSE)
2)The schools need to be accountable. Bullying is NOT an issue to take lightly...it's serious with bad consequences. We need to push harder for "bully free" schools. I know at my son's elementary, if ONE kid was caught harassing another kid, that kid will be dealt with harshly. If it happens again, that kid is kicked out with a bad record. "Good luck finding another school with a bad reputation, kid." (FEMALE RESPONSE)
3) I am the father of a 10 year old daughter and my heart goes out to this family.
My daughter has been the victim on multiple occasions to to schoolyard bullying both physical and emotional and the faculty has refused to admit exists in their school. Concerned parents paid for a specialist to come in and discuss the current situation with the parents and children. The school provided the venue, but no faculty were present. They refuse to receive faculty training, citing the cost and budget concerns. (MALE RESPONSE)
**************************************************************************************
I do not see much of a difference in the response of the male and female answers. Each seemed genuinely concerned about the safety of Pheobe and about the safety of their own child. I did notice that throughout the discussion most of the comments were from males, and they also seemed to be concerned fathers. I feel like a lot of the males are very protective of their children and want to ensure their safety.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Blog Assignment–IAT
For the The Implicit Association Test (IAT) I took the Sexuality Test. The test gauged my preference for straight or gay people. I wanted to take this test because I am definitely sure of my sexuality (straight), but I have also never really thought of any different of any others sexuality. I have many friends that are gay and I love them just the same as my others.
The results from my test said that:
Your data suggest a moderate automatic preference for Straight People compared to Gay People.
The interpretations is described as 'automatic preference for Straight People' if you responded faster when Straight people and Good words were classified with the same key than when Gay people and Good words were classified with the same key. Depending on the magnitude of your result, your automatic preference may be described as 'slight' 'moderate' 'strong' or 'little to no preference'.
I found my results surprising seeing that I have a lot of friends that are gay. Moderate is very close to strong so I am trying to see what the test is suggesting about my preference for various sexualities that I do not directly see. As I sat and I thought I did think about a friend that I have that is now gay. We were best friends in middle school, but now we barely talk. I have no issue with her, but I am also not reaching out to be the best of friends again with her. I was thinking that "wow, that is weird!" because I hang out with gay guys a lot. But based of that the test this may be my eye-opener. Maybe I have more of an issue than I thought with females that are gay than with males that are gay.
I also do not think the (IAT) is that accurate. I do not think that pushing certain keys on keyboard can accurately tell me my preference of people. During the test I found myself clicking the keys fast and making mistakes on both sexualities because of the speed I was clicking at.
The results from my test said that:
Your data suggest a moderate automatic preference for Straight People compared to Gay People.
The interpretations is described as 'automatic preference for Straight People' if you responded faster when Straight people and Good words were classified with the same key than when Gay people and Good words were classified with the same key. Depending on the magnitude of your result, your automatic preference may be described as 'slight' 'moderate' 'strong' or 'little to no preference'.
I found my results surprising seeing that I have a lot of friends that are gay. Moderate is very close to strong so I am trying to see what the test is suggesting about my preference for various sexualities that I do not directly see. As I sat and I thought I did think about a friend that I have that is now gay. We were best friends in middle school, but now we barely talk. I have no issue with her, but I am also not reaching out to be the best of friends again with her. I was thinking that "wow, that is weird!" because I hang out with gay guys a lot. But based of that the test this may be my eye-opener. Maybe I have more of an issue than I thought with females that are gay than with males that are gay.
I also do not think the (IAT) is that accurate. I do not think that pushing certain keys on keyboard can accurately tell me my preference of people. During the test I found myself clicking the keys fast and making mistakes on both sexualities because of the speed I was clicking at.
For the The Implicit Association Test (IAT) I took the Sexuality Test. The test gauged my preference for straight or gay people. I wanted to take this test because I am definitely sure of my sexuality (straight), but I have also never really thought of any different of any others sexuality. I have many friends that are gay and I love them just the same as my others.
The results from my test said that:
Your data suggest a moderate automatic preference for Straight People compared to Gay People.
The interpretations is described as 'automatic preference for Straight People' if you responded faster when Straight people and Good words were classifed with the same key than when Gay people and Good words were classified with the same key. Depending on the magnitude of your result, your automatic preference may be described as 'slight' 'moderate' 'strong' or 'little to no
I found my results surprising seeing that I have a lot of friends that are gay. Moderate is very close to strong so I am trying to see what the test is suggesting about my preference for various sexualities that I do not directly see. As I sat and I thought I did think about a friend that I have that is now gay. We were best friends in middle school, but now we barely talk. I have no issue with her, but I am also not reaching out to be the best of friends again with her. I was thinking that "wow, that is weird!" because I hang out with gay guys a lot. But based of that the test this may be my eye-opener. Maybe I have more of an issue than I thought with females that are gay than with males that are gay.
I also do not think the (IAT) is that accurate. I do not think that pushing certain keys on keyboard can accurately tell me my preference of people. During the test I found myself clicking the keys fast and making mistakes on both sexualities because of the speed I was clicking at.
The results from my test said that:
Your data suggest a moderate automatic preference for Straight People compared to Gay People.
The interpretations is described as 'automatic preference for Straight People' if you responded faster when Straight people and Good words were classifed with the same key than when Gay people and Good words were classified with the same key. Depending on the magnitude of your result, your automatic preference may be described as 'slight' 'moderate' 'strong' or 'little to no
I found my results surprising seeing that I have a lot of friends that are gay. Moderate is very close to strong so I am trying to see what the test is suggesting about my preference for various sexualities that I do not directly see. As I sat and I thought I did think about a friend that I have that is now gay. We were best friends in middle school, but now we barely talk. I have no issue with her, but I am also not reaching out to be the best of friends again with her. I was thinking that "wow, that is weird!" because I hang out with gay guys a lot. But based of that the test this may be my eye-opener. Maybe I have more of an issue than I thought with females that are gay than with males that are gay.
I also do not think the (IAT) is that accurate. I do not think that pushing certain keys on keyboard can accurately tell me my preference of people. During the test I found myself clicking the keys fast and making mistakes on both sexualities because of the speed I was clicking at.
Blog Assignment–IAT
For the The Implicit Association Test (IAT) I took the Sexuality Test. The test gauged my preference for straight or gay people. I wanted to take this test because I am definitely sure of my sexuality (straight), but I have also never really thought of any different of any others sexuality. I have many friends that are gay and I love them just the same as my others.
The results from my test said that:
I found my results surprising seeing that I have a lot of friends that are gay. Moderate is very close to strong so I am trying to see what the test is suggesting about my preference for various sexualities that I do not directly see. As I sat and I thought I did think about a friend that I have that is now gay. We were best friends in middle school, but now we barely talk. I have no issue with her, but I am also not reaching out to be the best of friends again with her. I was thinking that "wow, that is weird!" because I hang out with gay guys a lot. But based of that the test this may be my eye-opener. Maybe I have more of an issue than I thought with females that are gay than with males that are gay.
I also do not think the (IAT) is that accurate. I do not think that pushing certain keys on keyboard can accuratley tell me my perference of people. During the test I found myself clicking the keys fast and making mistakes on both sexualites because of the speed I was clicking at.
The results from my test said that:
Your data suggest a moderate automatic preference for Straight People compared to Gay People.
I found my results surprising seeing that I have a lot of friends that are gay. Moderate is very close to strong so I am trying to see what the test is suggesting about my preference for various sexualities that I do not directly see. As I sat and I thought I did think about a friend that I have that is now gay. We were best friends in middle school, but now we barely talk. I have no issue with her, but I am also not reaching out to be the best of friends again with her. I was thinking that "wow, that is weird!" because I hang out with gay guys a lot. But based of that the test this may be my eye-opener. Maybe I have more of an issue than I thought with females that are gay than with males that are gay.
I also do not think the (IAT) is that accurate. I do not think that pushing certain keys on keyboard can accuratley tell me my perference of people. During the test I found myself clicking the keys fast and making mistakes on both sexualites because of the speed I was clicking at.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Blog Assignment 2: The State of Things
I was extremely excited to listen Frank Stasio on 'The State of Things' because a good friend of my has been interning with them for the past year.
Radio blog show are very new to me I have never been a fan of NPR or anything of that sort so this was a very interesting experience.
The State of Things was very interesting to listen to. I choose to listen to the "Searching for Spirituality in Prison" show. Stasio visited the Raleigh Correctional Facility in Raleigh. The women in prison were given a project to write their spiritual autobiography for a program called Project Turn. The goal of Project Turn is to help prisoners with academics and spirituality. I
enjoyed the reading from the prisoners memoirs of spirituality (I felt more of a connection with the topic of the blog show).
I thought the show had a great topic. I think that is very key to blog talk radio, because you do need anyone (as you would a talk show) so it is very important to keep you audience engaged.
At first I was bothering my the distractions of the prison in the background (ie. the phone ringing and the constant intercom announcements). After I keep hearing it I actually began to like it I felt that it gave the show character and made me feel as if I was sitting in the prison listening to the show face to face.
As far as the host goes I think Stasio was excellent. He was very prepared as far as who/how to introduce his guest and what questions he was going to ask them. I think in blog talk radio it is important to keep the show going, you never want to have a silent moment. I feel like too much silence would have lost me. I was also glad to hear Stasio ask real questions. I feel often times we are hoping the hosts ask certain questions because we really want to know the answers. I think answering the questions that the audience would want to ask is great, especially since they cannot call in, great risk taker!
I also liked that at time there was a break or transition in the show Stasio 1) had good/calming background music and he introduced the topic each time and who was speaking so we would not get lost in the show.
Radio blog show are very new to me I have never been a fan of NPR or anything of that sort so this was a very interesting experience.
The State of Things was very interesting to listen to. I choose to listen to the "Searching for Spirituality in Prison" show. Stasio visited the Raleigh Correctional Facility in Raleigh. The women in prison were given a project to write their spiritual autobiography for a program called Project Turn. The goal of Project Turn is to help prisoners with academics and spirituality. I
enjoyed the reading from the prisoners memoirs of spirituality (I felt more of a connection with the topic of the blog show).
I thought the show had a great topic. I think that is very key to blog talk radio, because you do need anyone (as you would a talk show) so it is very important to keep you audience engaged.
At first I was bothering my the distractions of the prison in the background (ie. the phone ringing and the constant intercom announcements). After I keep hearing it I actually began to like it I felt that it gave the show character and made me feel as if I was sitting in the prison listening to the show face to face.
As far as the host goes I think Stasio was excellent. He was very prepared as far as who/how to introduce his guest and what questions he was going to ask them. I think in blog talk radio it is important to keep the show going, you never want to have a silent moment. I feel like too much silence would have lost me. I was also glad to hear Stasio ask real questions. I feel often times we are hoping the hosts ask certain questions because we really want to know the answers. I think answering the questions that the audience would want to ask is great, especially since they cannot call in, great risk taker!
I also liked that at time there was a break or transition in the show Stasio 1) had good/calming background music and he introduced the topic each time and who was speaking so we would not get lost in the show.
JOMC 441- Extra Credit
On February 1, 1960 four college students in Greensboro, North Carolina chose to take some actions opposed to waiting for something to occur.
The student's went to a local diner called Woolworth's (opened to all, but they only would serve whites). After going to the diner and being denined service the students decided to conduct a demonstrations called a sit-in. They came back and sat at the counter quitely waiting to be served. This went on until the students were finally served. Their simple non-violent act sparked others students to stand by them and protest as well. The Greensboro event also sparked sit-ins in various other restaurants all over North Carolina.
On Monday, February 1, 2010 I went to a wonderful program hosted by the UNC Chapter of NAACP and the Black Student Movement. The program was to commemorate the acts of the Greensboro four. But instead of sitting and having a general discussion about the events, those at the program were able to act of the actually event. Groups acted of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Greensboro Sit-in, and the additional sit-ins the sparked from Greensboro.
The event also featured inspiration/motivational dance peices from UNC dance groups and poetry about Black History from many students on UNC's campus. Making the program interactive really helped my learn things I never new about the sit-in or its importance. I was extremely proud that 50 years later we still aknowledge this event and see the importance of sharing this with others.
*Interesting fact I learned... (Sutton's on Franklin St. was also home to a sit-in*
The student's went to a local diner called Woolworth's (opened to all, but they only would serve whites). After going to the diner and being denined service the students decided to conduct a demonstrations called a sit-in. They came back and sat at the counter quitely waiting to be served. This went on until the students were finally served. Their simple non-violent act sparked others students to stand by them and protest as well. The Greensboro event also sparked sit-ins in various other restaurants all over North Carolina.
On Monday, February 1, 2010 I went to a wonderful program hosted by the UNC Chapter of NAACP and the Black Student Movement. The program was to commemorate the acts of the Greensboro four. But instead of sitting and having a general discussion about the events, those at the program were able to act of the actually event. Groups acted of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Greensboro Sit-in, and the additional sit-ins the sparked from Greensboro.
The event also featured inspiration/motivational dance peices from UNC dance groups and poetry about Black History from many students on UNC's campus. Making the program interactive really helped my learn things I never new about the sit-in or its importance. I was extremely proud that 50 years later we still aknowledge this event and see the importance of sharing this with others.
*Interesting fact I learned... (Sutton's on Franklin St. was also home to a sit-in*
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