In the recent Republican primaries, I was surprised, yet not all that surprised to see that "gender politics" were still very prevalent.  I didn't actually watch this primary, but came across this article when I was browsing through the top news on yahoo a while back.  The fact that there has been controversy over a woman's choice to have manicured nails is ridiculous to me.  Michele Bachmann was in the primaries for this debate, and being the only female, she stood out among her male opponents.  We've learned in class about gender roles, and according to that idealism, having a woman run for president, or be in the primaries is against the norm.  Men are typically the breadwinners while women are the nurturers in the home.  I think some of this bias came in to play against Bachmann, and adding on to that stereotype, she had manicured nails that clicked against the podium as she spoke.  Why that stirred up so much controversy is baffling to me.
I think that since there have been few women running for president, our most recent example being Hillary Clinton, women stand out because it is typically a white-male dominated position.  Obama has changed the "white" part of that stereotype, but the "male" part still stands.  When a woman makes it that far to be in the Republican primaries, I think that we should listen to what she has to say rather than critique her fashion sense.  You can't really critique the male fashion sense because it's so set in stone - black suit with a subtle tie, dress shoes and whatever make-up the stage people use to dull the shine on their faces.  Women are new on this scene, so if they wear more make-up than deemed appropriate or normal, or they have fancy nails, people are going to notice.  I would agree with the Boston Herald columnist that suggested an old-fashioned radio debate. That way, we wouldn't be swayed by the looks of different opponents and would hear their opinions more clearly, rather than be distracted by appearances.  After all, we are voting for a president that will give us the best chance to succeed as a nation, not the one that will give us the most fashion-forward advice.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/arts-post/post/michele-bachmanns-manicure-tasteful-tacky-totally-off-limits/2011/10/19/gIQAY62mxL_blog.html

What Do You Know About Black History?

I came across a viral video the other day about what BYU students know (or don't know) about black history. A white guy dressed up as a black guy (including face paint) to get the opinions of BYU co-eds on what they knew about black history or the black population in general. What I saw was a little shocking and disheartening, especially on a campus full of so much diversity.

It seems that, from the clips that were shown, BYU students don't know too much about black history. The only historical figures they can think of were Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. One student had to think for a while to get the name "Rosa Parks" to pop into his head. To celebrate black history month, the students said they did things like watch specials on  the history channel or listen to Jay-Z. But the most shocking part was that only 3 people of all the people he interviewed recognized the interviewer as not really black, even though they all said they knew a black guy when they saw one. Why is a culturally diverse campus so naive about black history and other cultures?

It could possibly be that even though the campus is diverse at BYU, the majority of students are still white, and LDS. Even more, Utah as a whole is predominantly white, so the only ideas of black culture many people get is from television and movies. Hence, the horrendous impressions given by some students in the clip. I hope that as America gets more diverse in the future, that BYU students especially learn about and try and understand other cultures.

-Kimberly Anderson

A new ruling on Prop 8

News about the econony and what it means for various social classes

Do Not let the Chain of Love end with You

People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.

It is so true and those who do not show their love do not love. These are some bits of wisdom that I have learned over the years. I have an increased attitude of gratitude. It increases every time I hear stories of people like Kathy, Cole, and Canada who pay it forward. I have been taught principles like these all my life and that is the key, to be reminded all throughout life. The word “remember” is what I consider to be one of the most important words in the English language. I pray that we might always remember and never forget to be Christ-like to others. I realize it is often overwhelming to think of helping everyone, and discouragement seeps in when you think of how small your contributions are, especially if they are monetary. Although I do not wish to belittle the millionaires for their contributions I cannot help but think that those people will be in another pinch as soon as the financial reservoir is drained. My dad never gave me much material wise, but he taught me how to fish and I will use that for a lifetime. I think we need to realize that our time, talents, and energies, can be of great worth if we do not abuse them. If we devote them to investing in the futures of others like Canada did, according to circumstances that are in our control, I believe this world will be much better off. I was always taught to pray for peace of mind for the things I cannot change, for courage for the things I can, and for wisdom to know the difference. If nothing else, remember this, do not let the chain of love end with you.

Daniel Souza

Grateful

My eyes were open today while watching "The Secret Millionaire" today in class. It really put things into perspective. I thought about how much I take for granted, and how much I have to be grateful for. I admire the women in the show for her selflessness in helping others with all that she could give (her own social security.) She opened her home to all, and expected nothing in return. Think how wonderful our society would be if more people were like her. She was so trusting of everyone, and loved all.

On the other hand I think I often take my good health for granted at times. I feel for the young girl who struggled with cancer, and yet she wasn't complaining. I get sick with the flu, and I act as if I were to die.

I admire the millionaire for his generous contributions, and hope that I could have a heart as generous as his, and the women who opened her house to all. Selfishness destroys lives. My hope for myself and others is to think of others every once and a while, and count our blesses. Heavenly Father has given each of us so much to thankful for, sometimes we just need to step into another's shoes to see more clearly.

In closing I would like to share a quote that got me thinking from Pinterest (my favorite website,) "If we all threw our problems into a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back." I hope be a little more optimistic, and be grateful for what I do have! 

Brooke Irvin

I'm a student, a Democrat, and I'm a Mormon

In the words of senator Harry Reid, “I am a Democrat because I am a Mormon, not in spite of it.” I share the same sentiments as the senator, as my religious and political beliefs cannot be separated.

I believe in progressive taxation. I believe that universal healthcare should be extended to all citizens of this nation. I believe that illegal immigrants should be treated with compassion and kindness. I believe in diplomacy over military action. I believe in environmental protection. I believe in equal marriage for same-sex couples. Also, I believe in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

This post is not about my specific stance on gay marriage, immigration, or tax law, but my overall sentiments as a Mormon Democrat.

I have faced a lot of opposition and shock from fellow ward members and friends upon learning that I am a Democrat.

“You mean… you’re not voting for Mitt Romney?!”

or,

“So, you voted for Obama?!” *look of disgust*

or my personal favorite,

“You’re a…. a….. D Word?”

Yes, I have actually been asked these questions… On more than one occasion. All I can do is smile, answer their questions, and enjoy the look of shock on their face.

On a more serious note, I have actually had my salvation and worthiness as a member of the church called into question due to my political affiliation. Some of my like-minded friends have even been told that their temple recommends should be revoked.

While the church is predominantly republican, I am not alone as 17% of Mormons are democrats (see: http://www.pewforum.org/Christian/Mormon/mormons-in-america-infographic.aspx). In fact, even prominent Mormon leaders have been democrats: best example James E. Faust, 2^nd counselor in the First Presidency, politician, and self-proclaimed liberal.

While I could go on all day about how I believe the Democratic Party best represents the teachings of the gospel, I won’t go into specific detail. I’m not asking all the conservative Mormons to jump ship and join the Obama-train, but I would ask for a little respect, understanding, and open-mindedness.

All too often, there seems to be an assumption that all faithful members of the church hold conservative ideologies. I cannot begin to count the number of times I have heard an impromptu Mitt Romney rally given over the pulpit in sacrament meeting, offensive jokes about Obama told in Sunday school, or outright derogatory comments made about liberals.

There are faithful members of the church from every point on the political spectrum. We should appreciate the wide variety of opinions held by members and the subsequent opportunity to learn and grow. All I ask is that we respect member from every political affiliation, and don’t jump to hasty generalizations about the worthiness of those of differing political opinion.

I believe in equal marriage, progressive taxation, and universal healthcare, and at the end of the day I still believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord, Savior, and Redeemer.

-- Melanie Nelson

The forgotten man

I came across this painting by McNaughton. The link to the painting is here: http://www.mcnaughtonart.com/artwork/view_zoom/?artpiece_id=379

This painting really made me think about poverty and the American government. The economy today that is really suffering is being blamed on Obama. In the painting, he is even stepping on the constitution which is a very unpatriotic thing to do, just like most of the things (in most people's opinion) that Obama is doing. Coming from another country, I do not know much about the American government, but I do hear that a lot of people are blaming the president for their problems. As is apparent in this painting.

I love the fact that the older presidents that were really liked are concentrating on the average man. I think this is something that a lot of people feel. The older presidents would care much more about the people than the current ones who only care about themselves. They are the true Americans, the ones who really made a difference and today, Americans are looking for someone like them to direct to country once again.

I really like all the messages that are found in this painting, and all the small bits of information that the artist provides. I think everyone should take a look at it and spend a few minutes learning from the painting.

Michelle Lupien

Alabama's Sweeping Immigration Bill & Self-Deportation

Learn everything you need to know about the toughest immigration law in the country and who is behind not only the law, but Romney's new policy of self-deportation.  Will it work?  You be the judge.

Crossing the plains and kicking up dirt, a new Mormon pioneer

Check out this interesting story on Joanna Brooks, an unorthodox Mormon, that was the cover story on CNN.com:

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/05/crossing-the-plains-and-kicking-up-dirt-a-new-mormon-pioneer/?hpt=hp_c1

Tolerance

After our class discussion on race the other day I was reminded of Elder Oaks' recent talk on tolerance. He said, "Living together with mutual respect for one another’s differences is a challenge in today’s world.  However—and here I express a second absolute truth—this living with differences is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us we must do." I think we, more than any other people, have a responsibility to be tolerant because we understand that we are children of God.

On that subject, I also discovered a movement to fight against social in-tolerance...

It began in Billings, Montana and encourages social acceptance of religion, race, or difference in general. This campaign calls for communities to ban together against hate crimes- no matter who they are against. The lyrics of the song "We are the World" truly have meaning. We as a race, the human race, are all alike. We share family values. People are intrinsically good. Believe that. Love them for what they are even if that means accepting that they think differently than you.

Stand up against any form of intolerance whether it be in school, in the store, or at church. Be willing to be someone's hero. Take the time to care enough to learn about them and why they are who they are.
Watch the videos that are posted on this website http://www.niot.org/videos and get inspired to act. As it is so beautifully said, silence is acceptance, so if you are against how someone is being treated-SPEAK UP.

 

I think this campaign is a major movement towards solving social issues. If we can speak up rather spiraling into silence with the majority, we will be serving others.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil only is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." -Mother Tereasa


(Jessi Packard)

Discrimination in an Unmentioned Topic

Discrimination, prejudice, diversity, cultural differences – can you guess what I am talking about?

“Let’s see, he used those words, so… it has to be about race! Or gender! Or wait, maybe sexual preferences.”

Nope, keep trying.

“Is it Class? socioeconomic status? Religion? Disabilities?”

Any other ideas? No? Do you think that list covers them all? Is there nowhere else people are divided or discriminated against?

This post is about a culture that is the subject of prejudice and discrimination that millions in the USA participate in, but no one seems to realize that what they are doing is discrimination. This culture is homeschoolers.

“Homeschoolers? Is that a culture? Is that something discriminated against?”

Take a moment and think about this… Are you starting to understand what I mean? How many time have you heard – or said yourself – comments like, “that guy is so awkward, he must be a homeschooler,” or “homeschoolers are so weird,” or any one of the hundreds of such phrases that I have heard.

If you haven’t guessed already, I’ll go ahead and tell you: I’m a homeschooler. Have been since the fourth grade and up until coming to BYU. So, we’re different? Sure, I’d say we are, or at least can be. We have a different lifestyle, a different culture. But, a worse one? Really, what are the differences in the two cultures?

 Maybe a list will help:

1)      Public schoolers have to learn how to make friends – Homeschoolers have to learn how to keep the friends they have.

2)      Public schoolers learn with their peers – Homeschoolers learn with their parents/family.

3)      Public schoolers have to learn at the class’s pace – Homeschoolers learn at their own.

4)      Public schoolers interact with people their own age – Homeschoolers have to interact with people of all different ages.

5)      Public schoolers have to learn how to “fit in” with the group – Homeschoolers already fit into their group.

There are more things I could list, and of course these I do list don’t define everyone, but at least it is a start in forming a picture of what is going on.

So then, what do these differences cause? Obviously the difference causes homeschoolers to be socially awkward and inferior – right? Might as well go up to a black person and say “hey, your culture makes you poor, lazy, and dumb!” or approach a woman and say “hey, your gender makes you flighty, emotional, and weak!” Please don’t be that ignorant…

Take myself, for example. Am I socially awkward? Sometimes, yeah, but obviously not so bad that people are afraid to bash homeschoolers in front of me (I usually just silently listen, and let them continue on in their ignorance). But in exchange for my possible weaknesses in socializing with peers, I instead have become much more proficient in socializing with adults. In fact, I can usually hold a conversation with someone twice my age far better than my public schooled peers. Can I make friends as easily? Probably not, but the friendships I do make are rich and full, and are likely to last for a lifetime. Aside from these two things, my homeschooling also taught me how to self-motivate (I had to set my own time for finishing assignments long before college), I had the opportunity to spend more time with and become even closer to my family, and I learned more in my studies than almost any public schooler I meet.

Now I don’t say these things for the sake of tooting my own horn, or to say that homeschoolers are better, but I think it is important to understand that a different culture doesn’t mean a bad one. I chose to be homeschooled, and while I missed out on many aspects of a public school life, I also gained in many other areas. So, yeah, I might not fit precisely into your culture, but don’t diss mine – because I wouldn’t change it for the world.

-John Richardson