I like many other people sat last night and watched the MTV VMA awards. Really, I didn’t want to, but my roommate was there, and well, I wanted to look sociable. I guess my sociability was well worth it in the end.
The VMAs started out on a solemn tone with Madonna giving homage to the Micheal Jackson. After, many of Jackson’s old videos were played and we were all momentarily transported to the 1980s where Thriller was the big hit and so were tight jeans and black pants with socks. Really, I thought it was decent because Jackson was in the beginnings of MTV. So it was proper for the tribute.
After, the first award nominees were called for Best Female Video. The nominees in the category were Beyonce for Single Ladies, Lady Gaga for Poker Face, Kelly Clarkson for I have no clue what, maybe somebody else, and Taylor Swift for You Belong With Me. My roommates were thinking that it would be Beyonce that would win. I begged to differ and thought that it would either be Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift. And yes- It was Taylor Swift.
Taylor Swift looks all innocent and graciously excited. I am annoyed that she keeps wearing her signature red lipstick and wish that she could do something a little different. So there goes the 19 year old girl on stage to accept her Moon Man award. She looks like a little kid and is saying that she is glad to have won the award because she is a country music singer.
Well, out of nowhere pops up good old Kanye West.
He grabs the microphone out of her hands. At first I thought he would say something like- “You are awesome Taylor Swift….”But HA! I am a simple minded person. He lets the little girl know exactly what he thinks. He tells her that he is happy for her and he will give her the mic back to speak, but he had to give his personal shout out to Beyonce and say that SHE should have won.
Pan to Beyonce-She looks just as shocked as we are all feeling in the room. She mouths….”Oh no he didn’t…..”
Pan back to the stage and Taylor is given back the mic and just stands there. She looks like a sad puppy. I couldn’t help but feel bad for her. She just stands there for a second not knowing what to do, and the audience tries to support her by giving her a standing ovation. She walks of looking dejected.
But things have a way of coming to a finish. In the end, Beyonce won for Best Video of the Year. She comes on stage, looking cool and collected and tells the audience that she remembers how it was to be 17 and get her first moon man with Destiny’s Child. So, she calls Taylor Swift back to let her have her moment that was robbed of her from Kanye. That was one touching moment. I hope for real they have some sort of duet. Who would have thought that Kanye, Taylor Swift, and Beyonce would be named together?
Now for Kanye. I think he is despicable. Sure his music is good and he has talent and blah blah blah. But with talent, there needs to come humility. He doesn’t have that. I just wondered, how as an artist, he can disrespect another artist in the profession. When you are an artist, you may not necessarily agree with others genres or like other genres, but you still respect it for the fact that it was another’s creativity.
What made me so angry with his actions was that he came on stage, took away the moment of a young woman to give out his own personal rant that nobody cared to hear. His fight was unfair. It was like a he truly did steal candy from a little kid. Just vicious.
Of course, Kanye “apologizes” on his blog. Really, I think he needs to save it for someone who cares to hear it and just keep his mouth shut at times.
But now this opens up a world of opportunities once again for Taylor. Everyone is on her side.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The power of a question.
In the book Fahrenheit 451, Clarisse McClellan is quite the oddball in society. She is highly unliked by her peers and teachers. The reason being is that she would rather ask why, rather than just follow blindly.
In our world, From the beginning of our school days, we are told by our teachers that "No question is a dumb question,"or so we are told.
But what happens to those people who do ask those difficult questions? Well, it depends on the society and the context. In a country where active questioning is suppressed, a mere why could bring about a severe punishment. In those countries, for survival purposes, It would be wise to keep your mouth shut. If you cant do that, the next best thing would be to cover your eyes and ears or have a memory that is becomes genetically selective.
In our country, we have the priviledge to question. But we also have to face the consequences of questioning. Maybe the consequences would not be as drastic as being tortured to death or being thrown in jail, but there are still consequences. Questioning is difficult especially when the other party doesnt want to here your question.
Why does the word why have such a power to invoke such a fury? Well, for starters, nobody really likes to leave their comfort zone. I for one like being comfortable. Even nature likes to be comfortable. For those of you who have taken organic chemistry, you know that molecules prefer to be in a state that has the lowest energy possible. So nature too is just naturally lazy. So when we ask an authority figure why they are doing something, or why something is the way it is, it throws that natural state of energy out of balance. Now, the other party is in a higher state of energy and probably not happy even though our question really wasnt meant to infuriate. After that, a few results can occur.
1.) Nothing happens. This is highly unlikely because something always happens.
2.) You disturbed the figure so much in your why's that it brings them to also question why.
3.) The disturbed figure became overly disturbed and in order not to feel that way again, will bring about personal changes and social changes so that they will avoid the ever threatening why as much as possible in future settings.
Setting two has the potential to bring about the ideas of democracy and checks and balances. Setting three has the potential to sway toward dictatorship, communism, and theocracies.
How exactly does this apply to the realms of academia? The world of academics in all settings should be the fairest of situations. It is a haven where you can question and challenge. It is an area that can help in personal growth. But when the right to question and challenge is taken away or suppressed, we no longer become active in our learning. We are only followers of what we are told and that again becomes counterintuitive. In the middle ages, the earth was the center and the sun revolved around the earth. That was common knowledge just as 2+2=4. To question that was only for the insane and heretical. Those who may have thought otherwise kep there mouth shut for fear of retribution. But it was only because of those who risked everything to ask why and how the sun really revolved around the earth do we now know different.
For me, I don't think my life is going to ever be as so drastic. I am a simple person with simple problems. I ask questions to learn and not to threaten. In my simple ideals, I prefer to ask the stupidest questions and risk the consequences of peer ridicule rather than suppress my questions and have the long term consequence of remaining ignorant and fearful. It is what we believe it is.
In our world, From the beginning of our school days, we are told by our teachers that "No question is a dumb question,"or so we are told.
But what happens to those people who do ask those difficult questions? Well, it depends on the society and the context. In a country where active questioning is suppressed, a mere why could bring about a severe punishment. In those countries, for survival purposes, It would be wise to keep your mouth shut. If you cant do that, the next best thing would be to cover your eyes and ears or have a memory that is becomes genetically selective.
In our country, we have the priviledge to question. But we also have to face the consequences of questioning. Maybe the consequences would not be as drastic as being tortured to death or being thrown in jail, but there are still consequences. Questioning is difficult especially when the other party doesnt want to here your question.
Why does the word why have such a power to invoke such a fury? Well, for starters, nobody really likes to leave their comfort zone. I for one like being comfortable. Even nature likes to be comfortable. For those of you who have taken organic chemistry, you know that molecules prefer to be in a state that has the lowest energy possible. So nature too is just naturally lazy. So when we ask an authority figure why they are doing something, or why something is the way it is, it throws that natural state of energy out of balance. Now, the other party is in a higher state of energy and probably not happy even though our question really wasnt meant to infuriate. After that, a few results can occur.
1.) Nothing happens. This is highly unlikely because something always happens.
2.) You disturbed the figure so much in your why's that it brings them to also question why.
3.) The disturbed figure became overly disturbed and in order not to feel that way again, will bring about personal changes and social changes so that they will avoid the ever threatening why as much as possible in future settings.
Setting two has the potential to bring about the ideas of democracy and checks and balances. Setting three has the potential to sway toward dictatorship, communism, and theocracies.
How exactly does this apply to the realms of academia? The world of academics in all settings should be the fairest of situations. It is a haven where you can question and challenge. It is an area that can help in personal growth. But when the right to question and challenge is taken away or suppressed, we no longer become active in our learning. We are only followers of what we are told and that again becomes counterintuitive. In the middle ages, the earth was the center and the sun revolved around the earth. That was common knowledge just as 2+2=4. To question that was only for the insane and heretical. Those who may have thought otherwise kep there mouth shut for fear of retribution. But it was only because of those who risked everything to ask why and how the sun really revolved around the earth do we now know different.
For me, I don't think my life is going to ever be as so drastic. I am a simple person with simple problems. I ask questions to learn and not to threaten. In my simple ideals, I prefer to ask the stupidest questions and risk the consequences of peer ridicule rather than suppress my questions and have the long term consequence of remaining ignorant and fearful. It is what we believe it is.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Misunderstood
sometimes one feels like they are puzzle even to oneself. Actually, I believe that we start out as a puzzle with a set amount of pieces, and those pieces of the puzzle are either put together or taken apart by those who surround us. Some people are great at helping to fit those pieces together, while other people will take those pieces and start dividing those pieces to even more pieces. Are you lost? Well, I am. I mean I wish there could be one person who was a great fitter. Like an old day shoe fitter. Somebody who will come and help to glue all the pieces and then maybe, for the missing pieces, help in creating new ones in the empty space.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Orange pants
I love being home...the feeling is great...especially because I have my favorite orange pants and green Punjabi MC tshirt that I caught at Diwali to wear around the house. See, my clothes have history and meaning to it: especially the orange pants. For my first year in high school, I had bought new clothes with my family at Target. I know- the ultimate cool place to be. I should get paid just to mention their name. But anyways, I bought a pair of black jeans which I still wear, an orange pant, an orange shirt and some other stuff that I cant remember. On the first day school, remember, I am in a new place, far away from my loves in PA, and I wanted to make a decent impression like any teen would want to do. Well, my mom makes me wear the orange pants which I really did not want to wear. SO- i was like- okay- I will wear a white tank top with it...But no- that created hell in the house. A tank was like a big no no. I was literally forced to wear, on My first day of school, orange pants, and my orange shirt. I felt like the biggest fool in town. I am just glad that it wasnt a pair of yellow pants and yellow shirt, because then I would have felt like a rotten banana. But yeah- I was sooo embarassed! But now- those orange pants have taken on their own rite of passage into being worn almost everyday when I am in the house.
My dad said at dinner to my mom- The reason I wear those orange pants over and over is because I want to get back at my mom and regret the fact that she ever wanted to buy those pair of pants. I just say that they have become quite comfy.
My dad said at dinner to my mom- The reason I wear those orange pants over and over is because I want to get back at my mom and regret the fact that she ever wanted to buy those pair of pants. I just say that they have become quite comfy.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
music
I never realized how much I missed listening to music until after I went to the wedding this weekend. Now, after my withdrawal, I have gone full swing listening to Indian music again: specifically Tamil music. Every time I start to listen to it again, I am always pleasantly surprised by how melodious it is/and how poetic it is.
Right now: I am having throwbacks to the days of Alaipayuthay. (Hindi- Saathiya)...those songs by AR can never go out of style.
Kadhal Sadagudu.
Woodahoo.
Right now: I am having throwbacks to the days of Alaipayuthay. (Hindi- Saathiya)...those songs by AR can never go out of style.
Kadhal Sadagudu.
Woodahoo.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
irritated
I hate the feeling of not being content. It is one of the itchiest feelings in the world besides your allergic reactions. It leaves a weird feeling to the heart. (Probably due to the elevated cortisol that your adrenal glands are giving off that increase your heart rate). But the feeling makes me always needing to do something or be somewhere I am not in the present moment, which in itself increases more of my cortisol because my internal philosophy is to live for the moments. For example I was telling someone yesterday: During the wedding this weekend I couldn’t wait to be done with it and go to clinicals, during clinicals I couldn’t wait for it to be done and to go back to my dorm, when I am at school, I cant wait to go home. When I am at home, I cant wait to go back to school. And the cycle is endless. See it bothers me because it makes me realize that I am not enjoying myself in the present. I am only enjoying myself in two dimensions of time: past and future. I want to be able to be a three dimensional figure and not just to you. Not a an illusion where you put on special glasses and see me as an optical illusion, but as a genuine person in all my actions. But to be quite honest, it is hard to be honest. It is hard to be honest when what we value in society is not what we teach, but the hypocrisy of our actions. For example, when I was taking an assessment online for a job (you know- the one where you have to rate your personality on a scale of 1-4 and also your skills) I was told by some friends to put “close to right” answer. Now, to me, personally, when I would see a “perfect” score, instincts would tell me not to trust it. Nobody is perfect. But to be valued upon what is seeming over what is real, boggles my mind.
I came to see that in the end of all this, I will continue to be this way. Maybe it is my personality trait. I know I am a hypocrite in all means, and I always admit to that. I guess I am bothered by the fact that oil has much more worth over the sustenenance of water.
I came to see that in the end of all this, I will continue to be this way. Maybe it is my personality trait. I know I am a hypocrite in all means, and I always admit to that. I guess I am bothered by the fact that oil has much more worth over the sustenenance of water.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Communism
I don’t know why, but I feel like writing about communism darn it- And I will. Whether it be rain, storm, or power outages. Nothing will stop me now. Once I start, don’t stop me, because I become a colliding star undergoing fusion.
So, now you are wondering, why exactly am I writing about communism? Maybe it is in the fourth of July and I am feeling really patriotic toward my country. Maybe it is the principles of idealism that I find so intriguing. Maybe, it is a mystery, and I may never know why, (or tell you why) unless you ask or I feel a dying need.
My grandfather was a communist. Yeah yeah. You caught my family red handed. But yes, as I was saying, my grandfather was a communist. He believed in the ideals of communism. The ideals of communism are actually that- ideals and very idealistic. They believe that everyone is created equal and that there should be no class of poor people. I go along with my grandfather on that. He, growing up in India, must have seen the vast difference between the rich and the poor. To add to that, he had to see the unfair treatment of the different castes by other castes. My mother told me that how when he was young, on the trains, he would talk and help out those who were in need. I hope to have inherited something of that value from my family of giving to those in need and having a sense of compassion.
My grandfather was also a very religious man. Being religious, he contradicted the principles of communism which believes that religion creates inequality in people. Religion is “an opiate of the masses” that supposedly contents those to accept their station in life.
One of the biggest communist countries of yesteryear was Russia which went against the trend of the spreading monarchial systems of power. In the system of a monarchy, “a serf might run to the town court for protection against his master. A vassal might run to the king's court for protection against his lord. A cleric might run to the ecclesiastical court for protection against the king.” (Law and Revolution). This system seems to represent an early prototype that we use in our system called checks and balances. But in a communist society, when the leader/(s) become tyrannical, who do the “emancipated” poor run to? Besides, the poor should be grateful- it could be a lot worse.
America, in stark contrast to communism is materialistic and individualistic. Why do people want to move here from other countries? Well, because it is in the dream. Each person has his or her own individualistic dream that they wish to fulfill in their lives. In other countries, there are many restrictions to this dream. A potential writer who wishes to write will have a voice that is suppressed by a figure who deems the voice contradictory. A dreamer who dreams to become a fashion designer may be seen as a dissident because their clothing doesn’t represent the masses or majority. So to make life fair, it is ordered to wear a dull grey shirt and pants so nobody will cry. A book is no longer a book, but it has to be something that everyone likes and that nobody will be offended by, so instead of expanding the mind, the thoughts are stifled.
My ideals are pure American ideals. I believe that we should not be scared of each other nor feel threatened by others. If you don’t like something, do your best to change it. Raise your voice because you have a voice. Raise your fist and say black power. Wave a rainbow colored flag and proudly proclaim you are gay.
But with a voice comes responsibility. A responsibility that should include the fact that just because you have a voice that represents the majority, whether within a macrogroup or microgroup, doesn’t mean you should try and suppress the voice of the minority. Just because your voice is in a majority, doesn’t make you right.
The saying, majority rules has been heard by many. But just because it does, does it mean it should? And when the poor listen to leaders of the communists tell them that majority rules, or when the you are not allowed to read a book or go to school or even wear makeup, because somebody is telling you that majority rules, I think it should be asked then…….
Who really are the majority? Are they just the minority?
I can’t answer that question because it is a conundrum and may brain will explode. And really, there needs to be a medical diagnosis in the book called Robin Hood syndrome.
Learn to think for yourself and read 1984 or Fahrenheit 451.
So, now you are wondering, why exactly am I writing about communism? Maybe it is in the fourth of July and I am feeling really patriotic toward my country. Maybe it is the principles of idealism that I find so intriguing. Maybe, it is a mystery, and I may never know why, (or tell you why) unless you ask or I feel a dying need.
My grandfather was a communist. Yeah yeah. You caught my family red handed. But yes, as I was saying, my grandfather was a communist. He believed in the ideals of communism. The ideals of communism are actually that- ideals and very idealistic. They believe that everyone is created equal and that there should be no class of poor people. I go along with my grandfather on that. He, growing up in India, must have seen the vast difference between the rich and the poor. To add to that, he had to see the unfair treatment of the different castes by other castes. My mother told me that how when he was young, on the trains, he would talk and help out those who were in need. I hope to have inherited something of that value from my family of giving to those in need and having a sense of compassion.
My grandfather was also a very religious man. Being religious, he contradicted the principles of communism which believes that religion creates inequality in people. Religion is “an opiate of the masses” that supposedly contents those to accept their station in life.
One of the biggest communist countries of yesteryear was Russia which went against the trend of the spreading monarchial systems of power. In the system of a monarchy, “a serf might run to the town court for protection against his master. A vassal might run to the king's court for protection against his lord. A cleric might run to the ecclesiastical court for protection against the king.” (Law and Revolution). This system seems to represent an early prototype that we use in our system called checks and balances. But in a communist society, when the leader/(s) become tyrannical, who do the “emancipated” poor run to? Besides, the poor should be grateful- it could be a lot worse.
America, in stark contrast to communism is materialistic and individualistic. Why do people want to move here from other countries? Well, because it is in the dream. Each person has his or her own individualistic dream that they wish to fulfill in their lives. In other countries, there are many restrictions to this dream. A potential writer who wishes to write will have a voice that is suppressed by a figure who deems the voice contradictory. A dreamer who dreams to become a fashion designer may be seen as a dissident because their clothing doesn’t represent the masses or majority. So to make life fair, it is ordered to wear a dull grey shirt and pants so nobody will cry. A book is no longer a book, but it has to be something that everyone likes and that nobody will be offended by, so instead of expanding the mind, the thoughts are stifled.
My ideals are pure American ideals. I believe that we should not be scared of each other nor feel threatened by others. If you don’t like something, do your best to change it. Raise your voice because you have a voice. Raise your fist and say black power. Wave a rainbow colored flag and proudly proclaim you are gay.
But with a voice comes responsibility. A responsibility that should include the fact that just because you have a voice that represents the majority, whether within a macrogroup or microgroup, doesn’t mean you should try and suppress the voice of the minority. Just because your voice is in a majority, doesn’t make you right.
The saying, majority rules has been heard by many. But just because it does, does it mean it should? And when the poor listen to leaders of the communists tell them that majority rules, or when the you are not allowed to read a book or go to school or even wear makeup, because somebody is telling you that majority rules, I think it should be asked then…….
Who really are the majority? Are they just the minority?
I can’t answer that question because it is a conundrum and may brain will explode. And really, there needs to be a medical diagnosis in the book called Robin Hood syndrome.
Learn to think for yourself and read 1984 or Fahrenheit 451.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Had to Do it: Why I love to Hate Speidi
I have a secret guilt- Dont tell anyone about it....but I loved to watch the Hills. Don't ask me why. It was s secret pleasure of mine. Something about it is just so satisfying and I really can't explain why. That is why when I heard that Heidi and Spencer from the show would be joining the cast of "I am a Celebrity, Get me out of Here," I myself was particularly thrilled. From watching the show, I thought that Spencer had "manned up" to his past wrongs and was ready to turn a new page in life. Boy was I wrong! I have never actually watched the show, but I have watched clips of those two, and I have learned that I have been fooled by the greatest con artists out there. It is no wonder Lauren on the show hated Spencer so much. I used to wonder why she had such a dislike toward him: I used to think that he really wasnt that bad, and that he was just misunderstood, but now I know why she hated him so much and really did not want to be around Heidi. He is absolutely disgusting. Just watching clips of him and Heidi now are repulsive. To me, they are a representation of everything that is wrong in American youth. Their interview with Al Roker, made me realize why I hated them so much.
They are fake. They are hypocrites. They are lazy. They are manipulative. They give low blows. And they use God's name in vain. They are like demons.
It is sheerly amazing to me how wholly hypocrital they are.
And they lashed out their rheotoric with venom. They called him Mr. Weatherman and seemed to act as if they were too good to be interviewed by him. Personally, he is too good to be interviewing them. He has a reputable real job who works to have what he deserves. Heidi said that women need to be careful around him. I would think before I speak Mrs. Pratt. Look how your HUSBAND treated "Frangela" on the show because your poor baby bottle dry shampoo label was ripped off WHEN YOU LEFT THE JUNGLE YOU BRAT. Look how your HUSBAND was the one who admitted to spreading rumors about Lauren Conrad creating a sex tape. Your husband is SLIME. These two are priviledged rich kids who have no gratitude for what they have actually been blessed with and actually make Paris Hilton seem like a likeable saint. Al Roker asked for real answers. I feel he exposed their evil by asking that question.
No these two people are not newsworthy, but the reason with such a fascination with them is that pop culture have created those two demons.
And Heidi- You are tasteless. Dont think that you are a modern day Mother Teresa.
There have never has been anyone in pop culture who I have hated or even cared to bat my eye about. To me, this just proves how awful and disgusting they are. After this day, I choose to ignore them. Not look at anything else about them and let them disappear into oblivian.
They are fake. They are hypocrites. They are lazy. They are manipulative. They give low blows. And they use God's name in vain. They are like demons.
It is sheerly amazing to me how wholly hypocrital they are.
And they lashed out their rheotoric with venom. They called him Mr. Weatherman and seemed to act as if they were too good to be interviewed by him. Personally, he is too good to be interviewing them. He has a reputable real job who works to have what he deserves. Heidi said that women need to be careful around him. I would think before I speak Mrs. Pratt. Look how your HUSBAND treated "Frangela" on the show because your poor baby bottle dry shampoo label was ripped off WHEN YOU LEFT THE JUNGLE YOU BRAT. Look how your HUSBAND was the one who admitted to spreading rumors about Lauren Conrad creating a sex tape. Your husband is SLIME. These two are priviledged rich kids who have no gratitude for what they have actually been blessed with and actually make Paris Hilton seem like a likeable saint. Al Roker asked for real answers. I feel he exposed their evil by asking that question.
No these two people are not newsworthy, but the reason with such a fascination with them is that pop culture have created those two demons.
And Heidi- You are tasteless. Dont think that you are a modern day Mother Teresa.
There have never has been anyone in pop culture who I have hated or even cared to bat my eye about. To me, this just proves how awful and disgusting they are. After this day, I choose to ignore them. Not look at anything else about them and let them disappear into oblivian.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
world news: elections
The world seems to be a very heated place indeed, and the Iran Iran
To people everywhere in the world, what implications does this have for you? When I read about all the unfolding events in the news, it actually made me realize the importance of the individual voice. When I say that, I don’t necessarily mean crying when you feel something is unfair and throwing a tantrum. That can be easily by done by anyone. I mean speaking up for your rights. Mir Mousavi urged his supporters to demonstrate non violence in their protests. Don’t accept things just because it is. To not want change is ludicrous. As individuals we grow and develop and so should society in general. What was acceptable yesterday doesn’t have to be today. What was legal then, could be immoral now.
Use your voice. Listen to controversial music and ask why is it so controversial? Look at a piece of art work that was banned in some era of past. Read a book that you may not necessarily agree with and try to look into the mindset of the author.
And always keep learning for knowledge. For when we have knowledge, we no longer fear the unknown and are able to see the humanity of it all.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Lessons to Learn from Carrie Prejean: First Amendment Rights
We probably all have heard of Carrie Prejean by now. The Ms. California, blond haired (supposedly), blue eyed (maybe?) and big buxom (fakely) 22 year old response to openly gay Perez Hilton's question about same sex marriage. Here was her response:
"I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and my family I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anyone out there but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be between a man and a woman."
I dont know about you, but I don't think Miss Prejean is the most eloquent speaker out there. First, she started out calling this country great because it is a land where you can choose, but then she said, "you know what, in MY COUNTRY and my family I think that I believe......" So, it seems to me from her response, she is not living in OUR country. She is living in an alternate country where "I think marriage should be between a man and a woman." First offense that she created. She seperated the LGBT from the rest of the country. Supposedly her country stands for tradition, while the other country is full of sin and family is not of importance. The second offense that she created was saying, "No offense..." Don't get me wrong now- I say no offense all the time and I mean it most of the time. But when you are on a public stage, "No offense" sounds like you actually DO mean offense. Once again, harmless words, that offended a crowd of people.
So where does this lead to-
Point number one:
Miss Carrie Prejean was on a public stage. She was a representative for Miss America. The question/answer section of the pageant tests the canidates knowledge and ability to speak clearly and cogently. Imagine her words, instead of being from a 22 year young women, was put into the mouth of a politician. We could clearly say that the quote would not go down in history for being something of insight and praise.
Which leads to Point number two:
She keeps saying that the question was unfair. Why was the question unfair? Sure it was a politically and culturally charged question, but to call it unfair is unfair. It was a question that everyday Americans are facing. It is a part of our cultural climate like it or not. And the question reflected a portion of America. As a representative of Miss America, you should not feel it was unfair, but maybe should have been better prepared.
Which finally leads to a final point:
Yes, we do have first amendment rights: The freedom of speech. And it is great that we can say whatever we want without being thrown in jail or other forms of corporal punishment. But with that right, comes a personal responsibility. That responsibility entails suffering the consequences of what you say.
Did I contradict myself there? Yes- I believe I did. But those are still following, stay with me here for a second.
To put it easily, if you have the right to say whatever you want. I have the right to think whatever I want. If you say something out of your ass, I have the right to believe it stinks and isn't actually a perfume. That includes the masses of America.
Sorry Miss Prejean. I don't for a sympathize with you. You stood on a platform knowing that you had JUDGES and would be JUDGED for your response- for the good or for the bad. And sorry to say, even though I may be somewhere along the same wavelengths as you in my opinions of same sex marriage, I don't think your answer was eloquently put. Maybe, if you spent more time in learning how to speak and less on how you looked, you may not be under the large scale microscope.
And by the way- you were given a chance by Mr. Trump himself, and you decided that you became "holier than thou" in the eyes of America and were too good to do your job. Instead of fulfilling your responsibilities, you felt that things should have been handed to you because that is what you deserved. You became manipulative and wished to use the media scrutiny of your words to your advantage to shirk of going to work so you could play hookie.
You my dear, from your actions- Are a lazy, manipulative, no good fool.
And I take full responsibility for what I just said.
"I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and my family I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anyone out there but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be between a man and a woman."
I dont know about you, but I don't think Miss Prejean is the most eloquent speaker out there. First, she started out calling this country great because it is a land where you can choose, but then she said, "you know what, in MY COUNTRY and my family I think that I believe......" So, it seems to me from her response, she is not living in OUR country. She is living in an alternate country where "I think marriage should be between a man and a woman." First offense that she created. She seperated the LGBT from the rest of the country. Supposedly her country stands for tradition, while the other country is full of sin and family is not of importance. The second offense that she created was saying, "No offense..." Don't get me wrong now- I say no offense all the time and I mean it most of the time. But when you are on a public stage, "No offense" sounds like you actually DO mean offense. Once again, harmless words, that offended a crowd of people.
So where does this lead to-
Point number one:
Miss Carrie Prejean was on a public stage. She was a representative for Miss America. The question/answer section of the pageant tests the canidates knowledge and ability to speak clearly and cogently. Imagine her words, instead of being from a 22 year young women, was put into the mouth of a politician. We could clearly say that the quote would not go down in history for being something of insight and praise.
Which leads to Point number two:
She keeps saying that the question was unfair. Why was the question unfair? Sure it was a politically and culturally charged question, but to call it unfair is unfair. It was a question that everyday Americans are facing. It is a part of our cultural climate like it or not. And the question reflected a portion of America. As a representative of Miss America, you should not feel it was unfair, but maybe should have been better prepared.
Which finally leads to a final point:
Yes, we do have first amendment rights: The freedom of speech. And it is great that we can say whatever we want without being thrown in jail or other forms of corporal punishment. But with that right, comes a personal responsibility. That responsibility entails suffering the consequences of what you say.
Did I contradict myself there? Yes- I believe I did. But those are still following, stay with me here for a second.
To put it easily, if you have the right to say whatever you want. I have the right to think whatever I want. If you say something out of your ass, I have the right to believe it stinks and isn't actually a perfume. That includes the masses of America.
Sorry Miss Prejean. I don't for a sympathize with you. You stood on a platform knowing that you had JUDGES and would be JUDGED for your response- for the good or for the bad. And sorry to say, even though I may be somewhere along the same wavelengths as you in my opinions of same sex marriage, I don't think your answer was eloquently put. Maybe, if you spent more time in learning how to speak and less on how you looked, you may not be under the large scale microscope.
And by the way- you were given a chance by Mr. Trump himself, and you decided that you became "holier than thou" in the eyes of America and were too good to do your job. Instead of fulfilling your responsibilities, you felt that things should have been handed to you because that is what you deserved. You became manipulative and wished to use the media scrutiny of your words to your advantage to shirk of going to work so you could play hookie.
You my dear, from your actions- Are a lazy, manipulative, no good fool.
And I take full responsibility for what I just said.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Skip the Stilletos: Six beauty habits men wish you'd skip
Today, as I do everyday, I was surfing the three main sites that I go on to every morning: yahoo, facebook, and msn. There was an article in Msn that had caught my eye. It was written by a man and the title of it is the title of my blog. The article did not seem to be anything overly special and it talked about how guys, esp the this particular writer, liked women who seemed to be natural. At least that is the gist that I was getting. That to me was not that interesting. The interesting thing was the responses of many of the people. There seemed to be a lot of people who were offended at the fact that a guy was suggesting that a woman need not wear heels or to go a little less on the anti aging creams. My response to those women is what really do you want??
do you want to have guys look at you as merely objects? Do you really want to be just a possession that is looked upon as a decoration? A Christmas tree that puts ornaments on itself? (Nothing wrong with Christmas trees.)
Maybe in the natural world, mating is a game where we must be our flashiest in order to attract the opposite sex for reproductive/survival of the species purposes, but for me, when you are in a loving relationship, you dont need to have to paint yourself orange and pink to keep your partner. At that pt, your partner will be entralled with who you are, not what you look like.
Dont get me wrong now. I think clothing/jewelry/accessories is beautiful and it is what makes humans unique. I for one like to actually see people in traditional clothes because it shows diversity. It is just that when one becomes obssessed with the way they look to the pt of unhealthiness, is when I think it crosses the line. When we are so worried of aging, that we are scared of living: that to me wrong.
And can I say something.....I for one am getting sick of people on tv always getting made over. If you are mistaken, you may think I am against cleansing- I am all for grooming and bathing to those of you who are probably now thinking I am some sort of hippie liberal freak. (which I sort of am.....) But really, those people who get made over, they were beautiful from the start. They had their own mark of individuallity. But then, add some makeup, cut and dye their hair, and buy them some expensive pairs of clothes: and VOILA! They start to look exactly like each other. A stepford.
So maybe you can see where my point is leading up to. I feel it is fine for women and men to want to look their best and to want to dress well, but I think it is perverse in the fact that many feel it is neccessary to have to conform to a certain standard or certain look. I for one dont represent that certain "golden goddess" look and I am happy to say I am glad to not be that look. If you are that look, that is great- if not, that is great too. Be proud of who you are and be true to yourself.
do you want to have guys look at you as merely objects? Do you really want to be just a possession that is looked upon as a decoration? A Christmas tree that puts ornaments on itself? (Nothing wrong with Christmas trees.)
Maybe in the natural world, mating is a game where we must be our flashiest in order to attract the opposite sex for reproductive/survival of the species purposes, but for me, when you are in a loving relationship, you dont need to have to paint yourself orange and pink to keep your partner. At that pt, your partner will be entralled with who you are, not what you look like.
Dont get me wrong now. I think clothing/jewelry/accessories is beautiful and it is what makes humans unique. I for one like to actually see people in traditional clothes because it shows diversity. It is just that when one becomes obssessed with the way they look to the pt of unhealthiness, is when I think it crosses the line. When we are so worried of aging, that we are scared of living: that to me wrong.
And can I say something.....I for one am getting sick of people on tv always getting made over. If you are mistaken, you may think I am against cleansing- I am all for grooming and bathing to those of you who are probably now thinking I am some sort of hippie liberal freak. (which I sort of am.....) But really, those people who get made over, they were beautiful from the start. They had their own mark of individuallity. But then, add some makeup, cut and dye their hair, and buy them some expensive pairs of clothes: and VOILA! They start to look exactly like each other. A stepford.
So maybe you can see where my point is leading up to. I feel it is fine for women and men to want to look their best and to want to dress well, but I think it is perverse in the fact that many feel it is neccessary to have to conform to a certain standard or certain look. I for one dont represent that certain "golden goddess" look and I am happy to say I am glad to not be that look. If you are that look, that is great- if not, that is great too. Be proud of who you are and be true to yourself.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Ironies
Okay- so I found out people here are completely different from people I know: or wait- maybe completely different from the walks of life I come from. Or maybe- just completely different from me.
as ironic as it sounds, it takes me fully aback when people ask highly personal questions. the ironies comes from me sharing blogging experiences- that is not very personal, one may proclaim. But the blogs that I type are thoughts that I want to share. I guess in my mind, there are certain topics that are taboo that I won't just ask anyone. To ask personal questions, they have to be really close to me. Even then, I am hesitant in asking because it is not my business to pry.
there was a time where I used to think that everyone was "just like me." I realized now that those thoughts were only but mere vanity. The reason that everyone was just like me was because I usually surrounded myself with people who were just like me. Now, I am with those who come from all walks of life. I feel as if I experiencing a culture shock. And as much as I like diversity, I sometimes have a bitter aftertaste in my mouth from all the spice.
I guess that is what leaving ones comfort zone seems to do to us. It forces us to see and taste the variety of life. And many times, that taste is acquired.
as ironic as it sounds, it takes me fully aback when people ask highly personal questions. the ironies comes from me sharing blogging experiences- that is not very personal, one may proclaim. But the blogs that I type are thoughts that I want to share. I guess in my mind, there are certain topics that are taboo that I won't just ask anyone. To ask personal questions, they have to be really close to me. Even then, I am hesitant in asking because it is not my business to pry.
there was a time where I used to think that everyone was "just like me." I realized now that those thoughts were only but mere vanity. The reason that everyone was just like me was because I usually surrounded myself with people who were just like me. Now, I am with those who come from all walks of life. I feel as if I experiencing a culture shock. And as much as I like diversity, I sometimes have a bitter aftertaste in my mouth from all the spice.
I guess that is what leaving ones comfort zone seems to do to us. It forces us to see and taste the variety of life. And many times, that taste is acquired.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Long Hair
Her crowning glory is her hair.
I get so many compliments and comments on my hair on a daily basis. Right now, my hair is long, curly, and down to near my mid back. Whether for the good or the bad, people always have something to say about: and so do I.
I have a love/hate relationship with my hair. The love is that it is an expression of my family. My mother said that when she was younger, she used to have just as long and as curly hair as mine. She used to tell me stories of her mother brushing her hair and plaiting it before she was to go to school. She also said how she would wear flowers in hair for outings. Even to this day when we go to India, we females wear flowers in our hair. My aunt, who am I am told that I have an uncanny resemblance to, also used to have long curly hair. I never actually met her, but I wonder what she would have said about having to maintain it. My cousin, who is extremely beautiful- to me she looks like a true Indian princess, and no- not the fair skinned Bollywoood actress type: but the dark skinned maiden of the south with a cherub face and deep dark kohl lined/expression filled eyes, also has curly long hair.
The hate comes in a deep self loathing. My hair has taken on an identity of its own. It is almost its own person. I hide behind it. it is a veil that hides me from the world and helps to mask my own insecurities. It is almost like it is a characteristic of my personality and I detest that. There is a secret part of me that dreams that I could liberate myself from its enchanting hold. That secret part wishes to be a rebel: a true liberal whose identity is not wrapped in the physical image but in the characteristics behind it. I secretly wish that I could cut my hair chin length, or even just shoulder length and have it straightened like a 1920's flapper or a 1930's feminist.
But I have no guts and that is what I loathe. To even cut my hair an inch scares me. It scares me so much that I haven't done it since my sophomore year of college- and that was nearly four years ago. I have no guts because I know deep down inside I have grown used to the comments about my hair and it is almost like I expect it anywhere I go.
Until I am able free myself from perception and illusion- my hair will remain. And till then, I guess I am true representation of myself: Maya. A shadow.
But don't tell anyone. Because its a secret.
I get so many compliments and comments on my hair on a daily basis. Right now, my hair is long, curly, and down to near my mid back. Whether for the good or the bad, people always have something to say about: and so do I.
I have a love/hate relationship with my hair. The love is that it is an expression of my family. My mother said that when she was younger, she used to have just as long and as curly hair as mine. She used to tell me stories of her mother brushing her hair and plaiting it before she was to go to school. She also said how she would wear flowers in hair for outings. Even to this day when we go to India, we females wear flowers in our hair. My aunt, who am I am told that I have an uncanny resemblance to, also used to have long curly hair. I never actually met her, but I wonder what she would have said about having to maintain it. My cousin, who is extremely beautiful- to me she looks like a true Indian princess, and no- not the fair skinned Bollywoood actress type: but the dark skinned maiden of the south with a cherub face and deep dark kohl lined/expression filled eyes, also has curly long hair.
The hate comes in a deep self loathing. My hair has taken on an identity of its own. It is almost its own person. I hide behind it. it is a veil that hides me from the world and helps to mask my own insecurities. It is almost like it is a characteristic of my personality and I detest that. There is a secret part of me that dreams that I could liberate myself from its enchanting hold. That secret part wishes to be a rebel: a true liberal whose identity is not wrapped in the physical image but in the characteristics behind it. I secretly wish that I could cut my hair chin length, or even just shoulder length and have it straightened like a 1920's flapper or a 1930's feminist.
But I have no guts and that is what I loathe. To even cut my hair an inch scares me. It scares me so much that I haven't done it since my sophomore year of college- and that was nearly four years ago. I have no guts because I know deep down inside I have grown used to the comments about my hair and it is almost like I expect it anywhere I go.
Until I am able free myself from perception and illusion- my hair will remain. And till then, I guess I am true representation of myself: Maya. A shadow.
But don't tell anyone. Because its a secret.
Friday, May 29, 2009
The dig deeper
I have done crazy things. Wild things. Things no one will ever know: Until now. It is funny though- when people first see me, they usually think that I "am not that type of person." And when I hear this, I stoically smile and secretly laugh to myself. What type of person did they initially expect me to be? Sorry, but that is not the complete me. The complete me is actually a quandary. A mystery. Something that I need to search in my quest as I blog to get the answers to the wonders of myself. It is hidden within the layers of clothes, garbage, makeup, jewelry, bullshit that I give to people on a daily basis. It is hiding somewhere within the insecurities of my long hair. It wants to gain redemption and demand that humanity realizes its true existance within the mask. And with that said, it is time to start removing the first layer. The layer of deceit.
A sun salutation to myself.
Well, as for a first day of blogging, I guess I must introduce myself-
Hi my name is Preethi.
Hmmm- that was too boring
Okay- Mera naam Preethi Hai.
That was too much of a "northie" wannabe. Let me try again.
Hola. Me llamo Preethi.
I guess I tried to put my minor to good use and I am now bragging. One more time.
Yenoda payer Preethi.
Okay- I feel stupid. Like someone will tell me not to say that. Horrors and flashblacks! I lied. Once more!
Okay- fine. My name is Preethi.
It means dear or love.
I love to think I am a dear lover, but I will bet other people will beg to differ.
Introductions kinda suck dont they? You know you have so much to share. So much to tell- so much to release that you would probably not tell a soul in real life, but share in an alternate reality. So enough of formalities and political correctness. Time to dig the dirt.
Hi my name is Preethi.
Hmmm- that was too boring
Okay- Mera naam Preethi Hai.
That was too much of a "northie" wannabe. Let me try again.
Hola. Me llamo Preethi.
I guess I tried to put my minor to good use and I am now bragging. One more time.
Yenoda payer Preethi.
Okay- I feel stupid. Like someone will tell me not to say that. Horrors and flashblacks! I lied. Once more!
Okay- fine. My name is Preethi.
It means dear or love.
I love to think I am a dear lover, but I will bet other people will beg to differ.
Introductions kinda suck dont they? You know you have so much to share. So much to tell- so much to release that you would probably not tell a soul in real life, but share in an alternate reality. So enough of formalities and political correctness. Time to dig the dirt.
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