This weeks lecture presented the fact that women are much different to men and it really is amazing. Woo girl power! However, is the reason that some people in society still think it is not acceptable that women breast feed in pubic because of the notion in the 17th century considering males normal and standard, thus making women mad and therefore deviant?
Women have been categorised throughout time and still encounter effects in social conditions.
For example:
Employment. If the ad wanted a lady, she of course would have to be quiet, polite, sit crossed legged at the desk and really have no political opinion at all. See how I said desk before? If she did labouring work, she would be considered ‘one of the boys’ or ‘butch’.
Surgery – If a woman decides to change a feature, have botox, get her boobs done, she is considered fake. In terms of Libiaplasty, a process where folds of of labia tissue of the vagina can be reshaped and altered, I believe it enforces agency as the woman can decide what she wants to do with her body. However, I can’t help but think is this purely for her? Or to please her partner?
Even if it seen that something is wrong with your body I believe that the fact that it can purely do something different – its outstanding. A “flaw” should be celebrated, every part of a woman should be.
Society has become accustomed to differentiating what is acceptable for woman to do and how to act.
‘One is not born a woman, but one becomes one’ – Simone de Beauvoir
Tom Jones reiterates “She’s got style she’s got grace, she’s a winner”
My Gender has definitely been shaped by my parents, musical interests, having an older brother and my friends. Whilst I believe it is so important to be individual, I still express my gender to what it means acceptable by society to be a girl. I believe its about, for me anyway, to not be considered alternative as you therefore subjected to more judgement in society and I want to live my life without this as much as possible. I do love the fact though that we are all able to be different as we are all just human beings. I like dressing nice, proper, having nice hair (if I do say so myself) but this is just being me I think. We are all individuals, who should all be respected regardless what we look like and what we decide to do with our body. We deserve to be acknowledged and equal.
Week 3
Our 'Social' Life
We have been brought up with what is considered appropriate form a very young age.This affects how we act, see ourselves and others.
When God saw that man was alone in the garden he decided to make a “helper fit for him” out of one of Adams ribs, it serves that Eve was created as a helper – the only position fit for her in life. This I believe, alludes to the fact women were always going to be a subject of harsh perceivement.
The role of culture, advertising and media all play a role now in society.
It is through the shows we watch, what we click on our phone – really how we are as a society now. Its difficult to see one person not looking at their phone on the train or waiting at the bus stop.
Social media now has paved ways in society to make girls, women, anybody to question their looks and feel that they are not fitting in with the ideal body and look. It is huge public health issue and is so disheartening for me as people are made to feel conscious about something that they really shouldn’t be because everyone has been brought on this earth to live. Its not really called living is it if you are worried about what a person will think if you have a blemish or a bit of extra weight?
Did we see the first Australian’s caring about what they looked like, when they were hunting and gathering for food to keep them alive?
Whilst I have much confidence and individual empowerment now, I didn’t always.
I struggled with the concept of self accepting my body in high school. I was always told I had a pretty face but could do with loosing some weight. Whilst I believe this wasn’t said in a malicious way and they were concerned for my health, it resulted in me going the opposite way and indulging in foods which weren’t the best for me. Health is not just physical; it is mental as well. I developed an unhealthy relationship with my body. It implicated my health as I had low self-esteem, thus resulting in avoiding going out with friends and participating within society.
It was only until year 11 where we had the opportunity to go to the gym for afternoon sport where my mindset shifted. Through doing it FOR ME (however pressured buy the fact in this culture, it is seen to be attractive to be skinny) it changed my outlook on the concept.
I developed to love my body. I had agency to change the way I felt. Whilst some structures in society influenced me to do so, I believe it has been one of the greatest thing I have done as I wouldn’t have developed a love for health caring and helping people, studying this unit.
They embrace accepting the body you are in, and believing that beauty has no boundaries.
A platform like this needed to be made as it shows that..
Week 4
When one simple invention changed the world
This weeks lecture I absolutely loved!
We have several influences in life, these being family, friends, and the society we live in. I always thought the pill was one of the scariest things in life however in fact it is one of the best inventions I think. But of course it was brought out by a man. It was only recently that I have been on board with taking it. I believed in abstinence at first as personally I don’t really like taking tablets, even antibiotics. It was changing the natural processes of the body. I found it really funny in fact that on the day if this lecture I was late for the train because I made my mum turn back the car because I forgot to take it in the morning. Everybody’s life is different and we become exposed to several parts which makes it hard to think of the right decisions, if sex was spontaneous on a night out and no person had a condom, then it’s a safety net. The pill I believe enforces autonomy. We are able to decide if another life is going to be brought into the world and make it fit with work and life. The ability to control fertility without sacrificing sexual relationships means that we are able to have more choice and freedom.
The benefits of the pill extend to changing the world really. I have been brought up in a society much different to my parents. Nowadays I wouldn’t dream of getting married at 20 /21 like my parents did and then having a child. The pill changes the economy, therefore the workforce and education.
A small little pill I think is so great. History changed. Women changed. Looking back on the women’s movement, domestic duties were turned into the jobs that men couldn’t take as there wasn’t enough of them after the war, the further college education allowed women to provide for the family with income (the real and paid work) rather than just the unpaid work.
With women demanding for equality not only in the home but also in the workforce meant that the pill began the change and it allowed for women more control over their lives. I’m all about liberation and I am so glad I have learnt in this lecture that whilst it’s amazing to have a baby even though complications can arise, while I’m young I can directly influence my behaviours to decide when a time is right to have a child. Really it is liberating for both sexes as women had to rely on men for contraception but now we can have control too.
Week 5
‘It’s a mans world but it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or a girl’
The 1950‘s housewife, what a joke.
It’s crazy to think that there was a guide on how to be a good wife, and people actually took notice.
Whilst I now believe the concept of this idea is absolutely ridiculous, I think I understand why it was done.
Does it stem from the bible? – Eve was always the helper, which she was only fit for?
Even my upbringing in the 21st century life has connections with 50 years ago. My mum does the cooking and the cleaning whilst also doing the paid work as administration. My dad does the gardening and house maintenance, whilst being a marine engineer. The 2 roles are so typical, though it had to be done this way because dad worked shift jobs hard with manual labour. It honestly would feel so weird if my dad came home and decided to clean the bathroom or cook dinner just because he’s exerted more graft and earns more money. This structure I believe continues to prevail with the division of work creating negative associations with jobs that are considered ‘manly’ the best for only men to do. My dad is also a very good artist, though he couldn’t have taken that profession as he wouldn’t of been the main breadwinner then though if I’m honest, I probably wouldn’t have the same opportunities that I do now from moving to Australia.
Both of my parents work hard and even though my dad performs the heavy labour, the amount of work my mum takes on is extraordinary. I wouldn’t say I’m totally against the contemporary structure of western families as my life would be totally different to what it is now. Who knows, maybe I wouldn’t be at university, educating myself to make a difference to the health of populations, sitting in this amazing class. While I love the fact that women are nurturing and caring, I hate that there is a gender pay gap because really no one is better than another and worth more if given the same role and position. In Australia women earn 84% less of their male counterparts and when I heard this I was disgusted. Equal pay for equal work seems like a no brainer, right? I have been brought up in a family to stand up for what is right and always speak the truth and I am glad that this has been instilled in me. I really do wish to create change to make sure women have the rights equal to those of men.
Week 6
Through Closed doors
At first, I always thought that domestic violence just meant physical harm for example, hitting or punching and that it was only performed by men. However, it extends to much more. I don’t understand that a person would want to gain control over a person life so much that they would abuse them emotionally and psychologically.
In society most men are brought up to be strong, tough, protect their wives and to be the carer of the family. I believe the upbringing of the man and the social conditions which he is exposed to from a young age influences his actions later on. It was always cheered in the playground when the boy threw a punch, whether he be the bully or him just standing up for himself.
When a woman experiences domestic or family violence, she would fear punching the partner even if she was standing up for herself. I think it is even more twisted however when they perform mind games because hurting them in this way means that they are basically going against society and not performing the typical and natural ways to hurt someone.
I have a particular interest for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and it is reported that Indigenous people are 4.6 times more likely to be the victims of violent crime than non-Indigenous people (Blagg, 2000).
Through writing the website I touched on domestic and family violence for pregnant Indigenous women and it known that pregnancy can be seen as a trigger for perpetrator jealousy and control due to this being a time of greater autonomy (personal choice) and control over a woman’s body, creating independence from the partner. Therefore even at an amazing time time where she is brining a new life into the world can turn from enjoyment to fear. Due to control being the main aspect, it means women are at increased risk of experiencing abuse or violent behaviours due to their partners wanting to re-exert control as they find pregnancy threatening. This creates further challenges as normal tasks which has to be perfomed by her such as caring and home duties cannot be done due to her having less emotional and physical availability, thus increased violence can occur.
Previously, I would just try and get out of that situation as soon as it started, but I now know that there are several other influences which restrict this happening. Family (maybe this is heightened in Indigenous communities because of close connections to each other) money, and the fear of being killed as the time where a woman is most at risk is when she decides to leave. Many say “why doesn’t she just leave and run a way” but it isn’t this simple. There is dependence – shelter and money and learned helplessness – unable to get and keep a job. I have much respect for the woman who have been able to get out of horrible violent situation and I just want a world where it didn’t happen.
Gender inequality has been recognised as the underlying determinant of all forms of violence against women.
Week 7
Love Is Love
Okay I’m all for same sex relationships because you love who you love and love is love.
During this lecture however, we watched a video called 10 good reasons to be a lesbian and actually became quite frustrated while watching it.
The girl spoke about dressing and wearing makeup to impress men, and I think NO. Like you are able to dress nice for yourself, why are you putting men on a pedestal thinking like that! Please we get enough judgment from men, we don’t need women doing it as well. By wanting confirmation from a man that you look pretty or nice and putting the mans opinion higher than yours, I believe you are conforming to the status quo - what you are wanting to go against!
Furthermore, about that only women can please women sexually because you know how each other work. I do not agree with this at all and I think rather than saying this, it should be just being happy with who you are with. Like we are all human and we can communicate during, if you don’t like something it can be told.
I feel like as a society we are now more accepting of lesbians, with the vote coming up, and the new faces in society. The generation before us was so against it and you could even face prison for it which I think is mad just like the Freudian psychoanalytic theory in influencing homosexuality and a neurosis afflicting immature woman as well as thinking her state of consciousness couldn’t just be ‘fixed’.
When it was a crime in the 1940s to be homosexual
Different to lesbians, the gays. I have a friend who is gay and when clubbing he does kiss his boyfriend however the looks that straight men give each other when they see it is crazy. Its like its hot if it’s a girl and super weird for a guy to do that.
Society I believe is moving forward however considering the ignorance of lesbians historically and them being discriminated socially and by the law, I understand that when people deviate from the heterosexual norm we do consider them as ‘others’ however I do feel like everyone is just a person and you shouldn’t be treated differently based on who you love and have a relationship with. Week 8
F*ck it's been a tough day, f*ck it's actually been a tough few years
Women take on a lot! All the duties from the house hold jobs, caring and looking after kids, providing fuel for the partner as well as earning a living can have an affect on women’s mental health and their consumption of alcohol and substances.
I couldn’t believe it when I read the following quote in the lecture: } ‘If we wish woman to fulfill the task of motherhood fully she cannot possess a masculine brain. If the feminine abilities were developed to the same degree as those of the male, her maternal organs would suffer and we should have before us a repulsive and useless hybrid.’ (Hays, 1966)
Are we just bloody walking uterus’ that only have the capacity to attend to the man and kids? It’s like its spoiling the ability for woman to go to university because of ridiculous notions that were made over 50 years ago still stemming to women being perceived as less, resulting in the gender pay gap still occurring.
Women throughout time have always had to attend to society’s picture of being a good wife or mother with expectations not only just in the home but in public. No doubt that the repercussions of this resulted in self medicating!
Even now I believe it totally considered normal to have a glass of wine, okay maybe a bottle in some cases at the end of a hard working day. However, the fact that even doctors prescribed harmful medications is terrifying because they were addictive!
Currently it is known that women are more likely to experience mental disorders than men (22% compared to 18%) (ABS, 2007) however under reporting does occur because of course a man can’t talk about their feelings like a woman does.
The different social construction of gender shows that men often seek help less and woman are socialized against the act of suicide and are less successful at it. This made me think about a ‘mans’ profession compared to a ‘woman’s’ profession. My dad is a fly in fly out worker and having a shift of working 4 weeks away and being home for one week can really take a toll on the family. While some women do work fly in fly out, a lot have a 9-5 desk job rather than working 16 hour days. Australia has a huge drinking culture and a norm of tradies going to the pub after work and the women coming home having a wine or any drink for that matter.
It is a serious problem as women who misuse substances are more likely to experience depression. This effects the social world she inhabits, her access to money, friends and how much freedom she has!
Week 9
All body's are beautiful!
Alright, its everywhere! From when we were little wanting that glossy mag to tell us how to look and ooh the top 10 ways to get a boyfriend, one of which of course was to follow an exercise routine to be in the best shape.
The fashion industry exposes us to the ideals of a “perfect” body image. Though the unrealistic clothing sizes, cosmetic surgeries , eating disorders and low self-esteem is so what we want isn’t it? Pfft, women’s bodies have been scrutinized and heavily talked about for years and omg be dammed if you are over the standard size 12 and actually happy with your body!
From a public health perspective, I know that there are 5 dimensions of health: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social. Therefore, I believe I take the view of believing that a person should maintain a health weight as it lowers the chance of health risks occurring, but then also if a person is happy with how they are and they enjoy life then that’s amazing! There is so much more to life I think then wondering how you look. Going out, socializing, having fun, experiencing different cultures and situations is so much more rewarding than trying to fit to society’s fashionable identities.
Girls are heavily influenced in what they read and the latest trends and this can influence their health. I was a victim of this. But now I just believe that you should accept and love yourself!
I love following, reading and listening to positive people and here are a few of my favourites.
“We shouldn’t comment so freely, that is someone’s body and that’s their image and that’s going to affect them later on in life.”
Week 11
'Let's talk about sex, baby'
During this lecture I really thought about how much the society which we live in really impacts how we view sex. Its everywhere, literally,
I couldn’t help but think about how my views shifted from the view of sex being regarded as very tainted like I would regard a girl as a slut if she slept around, however I feel like now she’s just doing what she wants! Sex is f*cking great and I think I have an optimistic view as it is her choice to pursue the act and who should care what you do because it its your life.
However, my education has taught me to to be concerned about sexual health and the important use of condoms. Through living a very social life and the party scene being very much a part of enjoyment, I know that girls nowadays are permissive to ask the guy to wear a condom. It’s like they feel that they won’t get the guy if they be “difficult” but really if they were to ask, I would find that attractive as they are taking care of themselves. Women bring the next generation into the world and with the dominant discourses of heterosexuality the passive lady could be hindering this factor of childbirth as STIs can cause infertility.
I believe in pro sex but I hate the double standard that is within society. It’s celebrated amongst men if they have pulled a girl and has sex with her, but the woman is considered easy if she was to go home and have a one-night stand. It’s ridiculous that it is seen in this way, the gender differences show that it is natural for a man to be more sexual creatures with them knowing what to do and its like women have to accommodate men because the woman has the responsibility to provide him with great sex because the man’s orgasm signals the end of the experience!
Again it comes down to what a woman looks like with physical appearance being a core subject for sex. The uneven discourses of sex present that women have to be desirable heterosexual subjects, having to please the man but then also protect herself against pregnancy and STI’S but of course to fulfil the mans self-esteem.
Turner (2005) indicates that the magazines targeted to straight women, men are regarded as complex and vulnerable, however magazines aimed at those same men, women only discuss their underwear, ‘filthiest moments’, body parts and sexual fantasies.
I strongly believe that a women’s sexual identity shouldn’t be interpreted through a male gaze as it is now, and you should feel attractive for yourself not subjected to society’s eyes of what is considered desirable. Just be you and own it!
Week 2
'Whoa Whoa Whoa She’s A Lady'
This weeks lecture presented the fact that women are much different to men and it really is amazing. Woo girl power! However, is the reason that some people in society still think it is not acceptable that women breast feed in pubic because of the notion in the 17th century considering males normal and standard, thus making women mad and therefore deviant?
Women have been categorised throughout time and still encounter effects in social conditions.
For example:
Even if it seen that something is wrong with your body I believe that the fact that it can purely do something different – its outstanding. A “flaw” should be celebrated, every part of a woman should be.
Society has become accustomed to differentiating what is acceptable for woman to do and how to act.
‘One is not born a woman, but one becomes one’ – Simone de Beauvoir
Tom Jones reiterates “She’s got style she’s got grace, she’s a winner”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MldsqKGnLA
My Gender has definitely been shaped by my parents, musical interests, having an older brother and my friends. Whilst I believe it is so important to be individual, I still express my gender to what it means acceptable by society to be a girl. I believe its about, for me anyway, to not be considered alternative as you therefore subjected to more judgement in society and I want to live my life without this as much as possible. I do love the fact though that we are all able to be different as we are all just human beings. I like dressing nice, proper, having nice hair (if I do say so myself) but this is just being me I think. We are all individuals, who should all be respected regardless what we look like and what we decide to do with our body. We deserve to be acknowledged and equal.
Week 3
Our 'Social' LifeWe have been brought up with what is considered appropriate form a very young age.This affects how we act, see ourselves and others.
When God saw that man was alone in the garden he decided to make a “helper fit for him” out of one of Adams ribs, it serves that Eve was created as a helper – the only position fit for her in life. This I believe, alludes to the fact women were always going to be a subject of harsh perceivement.
The role of culture, advertising and media all play a role now in society.
It is through the shows we watch, what we click on our phone – really how we are as a society now. Its difficult to see one person not looking at their phone on the train or waiting at the bus stop.
Our 'social' life now really can implicate our health.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXdVPLj_pIk
Social media now has paved ways in society to make girls, women, anybody to question their looks and feel that they are not fitting in with the ideal body and look. It is huge public health issue and is so disheartening for me as people are made to feel conscious about something that they really shouldn’t be because everyone has been brought on this earth to live. Its not really called living is it if you are worried about what a person will think if you have a blemish or a bit of extra weight?
Did we see the first Australian’s caring about what they looked like, when they were hunting and gathering for food to keep them alive?
Whilst I have much confidence and individual empowerment now, I didn’t always.
I struggled with the concept of self accepting my body in high school. I was always told I had a pretty face but could do with loosing some weight. Whilst I believe this wasn’t said in a malicious way and they were concerned for my health, it resulted in me going the opposite way and indulging in foods which weren’t the best for me. Health is not just physical; it is mental as well. I developed an unhealthy relationship with my body. It implicated my health as I had low self-esteem, thus resulting in avoiding going out with friends and participating within society.
It was only until year 11 where we had the opportunity to go to the gym for afternoon sport where my mindset shifted. Through doing it FOR ME (however pressured buy the fact in this culture, it is seen to be attractive to be skinny) it changed my outlook on the concept.
I developed to love my body. I had agency to change the way I felt. Whilst some structures in society influenced me to do so, I believe it has been one of the greatest thing I have done as I wouldn’t have developed a love for health caring and helping people, studying this unit.
There is one social media page who I believe is changing many women’s lives, and that is any.body.co
https://www.instagram.com/any.body_co/?hl=en
They embrace accepting the body you are in, and believing that beauty has no boundaries.
A platform like this needed to be made as it shows that..
Week 4
When one simple invention changed the worldThis weeks lecture I absolutely loved!
We have several influences in life, these being family, friends, and the society we live in. I always thought the pill was one of the scariest things in life however in fact it is one of the best inventions I think. But of course it was brought out by a man. It was only recently that I have been on board with taking it. I believed in abstinence at first as personally I don’t really like taking tablets, even antibiotics. It was changing the natural processes of the body. I found it really funny in fact that on the day if this lecture I was late for the train because I made my mum turn back the car because I forgot to take it in the morning. Everybody’s life is different and we become exposed to several parts which makes it hard to think of the right decisions, if sex was spontaneous on a night out and no person had a condom, then it’s a safety net. The pill I believe enforces autonomy. We are able to decide if another life is going to be brought into the world and make it fit with work and life. The ability to control fertility without sacrificing sexual relationships means that we are able to have more choice and freedom.
The benefits of the pill extend to changing the world really. I have been brought up in a society much different to my parents. Nowadays I wouldn’t dream of getting married at 20 /21 like my parents did and then having a child. The pill changes the economy, therefore the workforce and education.
A small little pill I think is so great. History changed. Women changed. Looking back on the women’s movement, domestic duties were turned into the jobs that men couldn’t take as there wasn’t enough of them after the war, the further college education allowed women to provide for the family with income (the real and paid work) rather than just the unpaid work.
With women demanding for equality not only in the home but also in the workforce meant that the pill began the change and it allowed for women more control over their lives. I’m all about liberation and I am so glad I have learnt in this lecture that whilst it’s amazing to have a baby even though complications can arise, while I’m young I can directly influence my behaviours to decide when a time is right to have a child. Really it is liberating for both sexes as women had to rely on men for contraception but now we can have control too.
Week 5
‘It’s a mans world but it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or a girl’
The 1950‘s housewife, what a joke.
It’s crazy to think that there was a guide on how to be a good wife, and people actually took notice.
Whilst I now believe the concept of this idea is absolutely ridiculous, I think I understand why it was done.
Does it stem from the bible? – Eve was always the helper, which she was only fit for?
Even my upbringing in the 21st century life has connections with 50 years ago. My mum does the cooking and the cleaning whilst also doing the paid work as administration. My dad does the gardening and house maintenance, whilst being a marine engineer. The 2 roles are so typical, though it had to be done this way because dad worked shift jobs hard with manual labour. It honestly would feel so weird if my dad came home and decided to clean the bathroom or cook dinner just because he’s exerted more graft and earns more money. This structure I believe continues to prevail with the division of work creating negative associations with jobs that are considered ‘manly’ the best for only men to do. My dad is also a very good artist, though he couldn’t have taken that profession as he wouldn’t of been the main breadwinner then though if I’m honest, I probably wouldn’t have the same opportunities that I do now from moving to Australia.
Both of my parents work hard and even though my dad performs the heavy labour, the amount of work my mum takes on is extraordinary. I wouldn’t say I’m totally against the contemporary structure of western families as my life would be totally different to what it is now. Who knows, maybe I wouldn’t be at university, ed
Week 6
Through Closed doors
At first, I always thought that domestic violence just meant physical harm for example, hitting or punching and that it was only performed by men. However, it extends to much more. I don’t understand that a person would want to gain control over a person life so much that they would abuse them emotionally and psychologically.
In society most men are brought up to be strong, tough, protect their wives and to be the carer of the family. I believe the upbringing of the man and the social conditions which he is exposed to from a young age influences his actions later on. It was always cheered in the playground when the boy threw a punch, whether he be the bully or him just standing up for himself.
When a woman experiences domestic or family violence, she would fear punching the partner even if she was standing up for herself. I think it is even more twisted however when they perform mind games because hurting them in this way means that they are basically going against society and not performing the typical and natural ways to hurt someone.
I have a particular interest for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and it is reported that Indigenous people are 4.6 times more likely to be the victims of violent crime than non-Indigenous people (Blagg, 2000).
Through writing the website I touched on domestic and family violence for pregnant Indigenous women and it known that pregnancy can be seen as a trigger for perpetrator jealousy and control due to this being a time of greater autonomy (personal choice) and control over a woman’s body, creating independence from the partner. Therefore even at an amazing time time where she is brining a new life into the world can turn from enjoyment to fear. Due to control being the main aspect, it means women are at increased risk of experiencing abuse or violent behaviours due to their partners wanting to re-exert control as they find pregnancy threatening. This creates further challenges as normal tasks which has to be perfomed by her such as caring and home duties cannot be done due to her having less emotional and physical availability, thus increased violence can occur.
Previously, I would just try and get out of that situation as soon as it started, but I now know that there are several other influences which restrict this happening. Family (maybe this is heightened in Indigenous communities because of close connections to each other) money, and the fear of being killed as the time where a woman is most at risk is when she decides to leave. Many say “why doesn’t she just leave and run a way” but it isn’t this simple. There is dependence – shelter and money and learned helplessness – unable to get and keep a job. I have much respect for the woman who have been able to get out of horrible violent situation and I just want a world where it didn’t happen.
Gender inequality has been recognised as the underlying determinant of all forms of violence against women.
Week 7
Love Is Love
Okay I’m all for same sex relationships because you love who you love and love is love.
During this lecture however, we watched a video called 10 good reasons to be a lesbian and actually became quite frustrated while watching it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk3NwGSeXQw
The girl spoke about dressing and wearing makeup to impress men, and I think NO. Like you are able to dress nice for yourself, why are you putting men on a pedestal thinking like that! Please we get enough judgment from men, we don’t need women doing it as well. By wanting confirmation from a man that you look pretty or nice and putting the mans opinion higher than yours, I believe you are conforming to the status quo - what you are wanting to go against!
Furthermore, about that only women can please women sexually because you know how each other work. I do not agree with this at all and I think rather than saying this, it should be just being happy with who you are with. Like we are all human and we can communicate during, if you don’t like something it can be told.
I feel like as a society we are now more accepting of lesbians, with the vote coming up, and the new faces in society. The generation before us was so against it and you could even face prison for it which I think is mad just like the Freudian psychoanalytic theory in influencing homosexuality and a neurosis afflicting immature woman as well as thinking her state of consciousness couldn’t just be ‘fixed’.
When it was a crime in the 1940s to be homosexual
Different to lesbians, the gays. I have a friend who is gay and when clubbing he does kiss his boyfriend however the looks that straight men give each other when they see it is crazy. Its like its hot if it’s a girl and super weird for a guy to do that.
Society I believe is moving forward however considering the ignorance of lesbians historically and them being discriminated socially and by the law, I understand that when people deviate from the heterosexual norm we do consider them as ‘others’ however I do feel like everyone is just a person and you shouldn’t be treated differently based on who you love and have a relationship with.
Week 8
F*ck it's been a tough day, f*ck it's actually been a tough few years
Women take on a lot! All the duties from the house hold jobs, caring and looking after kids, providing fuel for the partner as well as earning a living can have an affect on women’s mental health and their consumption of alcohol and substances.
I couldn’t believe it when I read the following quote in the lecture:
} ‘If we wish woman to fulfill the task of motherhood fully she cannot possess a masculine brain. If the feminine abilities were developed to the same degree as those of the male, her maternal organs would suffer and we should have before us a repulsive and useless hybrid.’ (Hays, 1966)
Are we just bloody walking uterus’ that only have the capacity to attend to the man and kids? It’s like its spoiling the ability for woman to go to university because of ridiculous notions that were made over 50 years ago still stemming to women being perceived as less, resulting in the gender pay gap still occurring.
Women throughout time have always had to attend to society’s picture of being a good wife or mother with expectations not only just in the home but in public. No doubt that the repercussions of this resulted in self medicating!
Even now I believe it totally considered normal to have a glass of wine, okay maybe a bottle in some cases at the end of a hard working day. However, the fact that even doctors prescribed harmful medications is terrifying because they were addictive!
Currently it is known that women are more likely to experience mental disorders than men (22% compared to 18%) (ABS, 2007) however under reporting does occur because of course a man can’t talk about their feelings like a woman does.
The different social construction of gender shows that men often seek help less and woman are socialized against the act of suicide and are less successful at it. This made me think about a ‘mans’ profession compared to a ‘woman’s’ profession. My dad is a fly in fly out worker and having a shift of working 4 weeks away and being home for one week can really take a toll on the family. While some women do work fly in fly out, a lot have a 9-5 desk job rather than working 16 hour days. Australia has a huge drinking culture and a norm of tradies going to the pub after work and the women coming home having a wine or any drink for that matter.
It is a serious problem as women who misuse substances are more likely to experience depression. This effects the social world she inhabits, her access to money, friends and how much freedom she has!
Week 9
All body's are beautiful!
Alright, its everywhere! From when we were little wanting that glossy mag to tell us how to look and ooh the top 10 ways to get a boyfriend, one of which of course was to follow an exercise routine to be in the best shape.
The fashion industry exposes us to the ideals of a “perfect” body image. Though the unrealistic clothing sizes, cosmetic surgeries , eating disorders and low self-esteem is so what we want isn’t it? Pfft, women’s bodies have been scrutinized and heavily talked about for years and omg be dammed if you are over the standard size 12 and actually happy with your body!
From a public health perspective, I know that there are 5 dimensions of health: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social. Therefore, I believe I take the view of believing that a person should maintain a health weight as it lowers the chance of health risks occurring, but then also if a person is happy with how they are and they enjoy life then that’s amazing! There is so much more to life I think then wondering how you look. Going out, socializing, having fun, experiencing different cultures and situations is so much more rewarding than trying to fit to society’s fashionable identities.
Girls are heavily influenced in what they read and the latest trends and this can influence their health. I was a victim of this. But now I just believe that you should accept and love yourself!
I love following, reading and listening to positive people and here are a few of my favourites.
“We shouldn’t comment so freely, that is someone’s body and that’s their image and that’s going to affect them later on in life.”
Week 11
'Let's talk about sex, baby'
During this lecture I really thought about how much the society which we live in really impacts how we view sex. Its everywhere, literally,
I couldn’t help but think about how my views shifted from the view of sex being regarded as very tainted like I would regard a girl as a slut if she slept around, however I feel like now she’s just doing what she wants! Sex is f*cking great and I think I have an optimistic view as it is her choice to pursue the act and who should care what you do because it its your life.
However, my education has taught me to to be concerned about sexual health and the important use of condoms. Through living a very social life and the party scene being very much a part of enjoyment, I know that girls nowadays are permissive to ask the guy to wear a condom. It’s like they feel that they won’t get the guy if they be “difficult” but really if they were to ask, I would find that attractive as they are taking care of themselves. Women bring the next generation into the world and with the dominant discourses of heterosexuality the passive lady could be hindering this factor of childbirth as STIs can cause infertility.
I believe in pro sex but I hate the double standard that is within society. It’s celebrated amongst men if they have pulled a girl and has sex with her, but the woman is considered easy if she was to go home and have a one-night stand. It’s ridiculous that it is seen in this way, the gender differences show that it is natural for a man to be more sexual creatures with them knowing what to do and its like women have to accommodate men because the woman has the responsibility to provide him with great sex because the man’s orgasm signals the end of the experience!
Again it comes down to what a woman looks like with physical appearance being a core subject for sex. The uneven discourses of sex present that women have to be desirable heterosexual subjects, having to please the man but then also protect herself against pregnancy and STI’S but of course to fulfil the mans self-esteem.
Turner (2005) indicates that the magazines targeted to straight women, men are regarded as complex and vulnerable, however magazines aimed at those same men, women only discuss their underwear, ‘filthiest moments’, body parts and sexual fantasies.
I strongly believe that a women’s sexual identity shouldn’t be interpreted through a male gaze as it is now, and you should feel attractive for yourself not subjected to society’s eyes of what is considered desirable. Just be you and own it!