Symbols help you understand -- its true!

Interesting side note:

After the readings about 'banning' English, I happened to google Pluribus Unum, and I found some pretty cool sites. I got lost exploring this one, its all about the original symbols used and experimented with and eventually decided on during our nation's formation. Then I got to thinking about symbols and how they are like the ultimate example of the power of images combined with words, especially since the symbols are meant to represent the core values and beliefs of an organization. The authors/choosers of these symbols must have spent long hours defining themselves and what they really stand for.

Also, maybe I'm just a religious kind of a gal, but my thoughts commonly turn to religious topics when doing the work for this class. I can't help but think about how important a thing symbolism is in religion. All religions. I did an ethnography on Hinduism last semester, and at first NOTHING made sense to me at all, but since I couldn't and wouldn't believe that Hindu's are just wierdos I had to look closer and the final argument I eventually made was about symbolism, and how important the use of symbols are for Hindus in understanding and performing their religion.

I would argue that its the same for all religions. So, those of you who are focusing on religious groups, take a look at what symbols are used and what they mean. Symbols mean a lot! Not that I have any authority to tell you what to do, I'm just hoping my suggestion will be helpful to those who need it. :) I'll do the same for my community if any symbols crop up.

Interview with Asim

Colbert touches lightly on the use of the N word in his interview with Jabari Asim. This way he can connect with his audience. By making it humorous, however, it just makes it all the more right to use the N word in the public sphere. He touched on how by calling nigger by the N word, does that not still mean you're using the word because in your mind you are thinking the word? Following this, Asim comments that we cannot address the language of racism without directly engaging in the use of racist words. The N word shouldn't be banned but shouldn't be used as a term of endearment or used positively.

The Vagina Monologues

I went to the Vagina Monologues recently. I found the play on words interesting using such derogatory words in an open casual manner with many colorful metaphors. The way I was brought up, anything to do with anything sexual was not spoken of in causal conversation.
The play defies the "hush, hush" rules. That in a sense was its purpose. To get the vagina out in the open. Trying to give it less of a bad rap. Women talked about their vagina like it was a person with feelings and a voice. It wore certain clothing such as furr, silk, and high heels. It said things like "closed due to flooding," "more," and "do it again." It was referred to as the "grass around the house" and the "doorbell to the house."
I felt really uncomfortable during the play and disgusted. I think that's what the writer wanted the audience to feel, so you'd realize their frustration. They wanted you to realize that if it was spoken of more often-good or bad-then it wouldn't be ignored. The play incorporates monologues celebrating the vagina. Ones were more serious than others. I never imagined women could have such emotions and expressions regarding the vagina. I personally really don't think about that that much. Maybe that's because of my upbringing, the culture around me, and my own feelings and experiences.
But women are held as second class in society. Women are second best to men. The male penis dominates. Males get paid more. Women get raped and have to pay for their own rape kits and prove that we didn't "ask for it" and that it was consentual sex.
In the play the vagina is cool. The vagina is where it all happens. The vagina is raped with guns, the clitoris is cut away, or the vagina is invaded by huge medical tongs . Some men make sure women aren't enticing or will never be able to feel pleasure. It's a way to control women.
I may have felt uncomfortable-but what was voiced in the monologues makes you realize where the feminist movement came from and wanting to speak out about injustices to women.