Week 2: Women’s Amazing Bodies: How they work, and what happens when they don’t. The Sexualization of Breasts Verses a Biological Masterpiece
In today’s society, there is a clear scrutiny against mothers breasting feeding in public. Breast feeding is a natural biological process which provides tremendous health benefits to both mother and child.
Aliya Shagieva, the daughter of Almazbek Atambayev, the president of Kyrgyzstan recently posted a photo of herself breastfeeding her son. The photo caused major backlash where Aliya was accused of being ‘immoral’ and ‘vulgar’. How is it in today’s society that an image of a natural biological process causes such harsh backlash that Aliya removed the photo not long after. Review the full article here: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/babies/presidents-daughter-sparks-debate-with-breastfeeding-photo/news-story/e2f7dd83cdc417b1cc6586ddcee60942
Despite their main biological purpose, breasts are sexualized. From a commercial view point, sexualizing breasts creates a highly profitable strategic marketing tactic and when women breast feed in public it creates the impression ‘breast are less sexual’ therefore disgusting. This is repulsive that breasts, a natural and biological part of the female body is sexualized to sell products and when a woman breastfeeds its considered vulgar and immoral.
In Australia, even though the benefits of breast feeding are acknowledged there is still harsh criticism towards mother’s breast feeding in public areas despite being illegal to criticise. The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 warrants it is illegal in Australia to discriminate against another person on the grounds of breast feeding, including breastfeeding in public. Read more information here: https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/breastfeeding-and-law/legalright
Candice Swanepoel an influential supermodel recently gave birth and has expressed her opinion about women’s treatment when breast feeding in public. From giving birth, she has encountered many situations where she has been pressured to cover up when breast feeding her baby but has never felt any pressure about the countless topless editorials she has done. “The world has been desensitised to the sexualisation of the breast and to violence on tv …. Why should it be different when it comes to breast feeding.” Around the world, we need more positive influential females promoting breast feeding like Candice and Aliya who promote breast feeding and the natural biological process it provides.
Week 4: The ‘right time’ to have a child: changing trends in child bearing and rearing From all things from conception to pregnancy and childbirth: A woman’s choice not a society’s
I really enjoyed this week’s lecture content. It ranged from fertility control throughout the ages to a woman’s pregnancy and childbirth. The topic that peaked my main interest involved the political discussion by males regarding a woman’s pregnancy and family.
Tony Abbott, a past Australian Prime Minister commented on abortion as the ‘easy way out’ and it's not surprising people choose the most convenient exit. I personally find his comment and view point on abortion and ultimately women’s health extremely offensive. Just because you can analyse data regarding women’s health and abortion does not give you a valid opinion and judgement about women’s health because data is just data. It's never an easy decision for a woman to choose to terminate her pregnancy. There are many mental and physical barriers that one must overcome to choose to terminate her pregnancy. These barriers are personal and not just data and numbers for an outsider to understand.
Unfortunately, in Queensland abortion is still illegal, where the rest of Australia abortion is legal. It extensively known there are many health risks for women to undertake an illegal abortion. The physical and mental health effects from illegal abortions on mothers is a real issue. This enforces the importance of refocusing society’s expectations and what ultimately accepted regarding sexual, reproductive and health rights of women around the world. Each female has vastly different opinions regarding their form of birth control and pregnancy, whether to terminate or to become a mum, ultimately it is their decision.
Week 5: Gender and Work: How does it work? The Role of Mothers and Women in the Workforce
This week lecture on gender and work was extremely insightful looking the traditional family which was only relevant in the 1950s, gender stereotypical jobs and the gender pay gap. Growing up in a household where my mother worked as a full-time receptionist and my father worked as a farmer is very different to the ‘stereotypical’ working household. Even the aspirations my parents put on to me are not considered gender stereotypical.
The traditional family consists of the working father, the stay at home mother and the children. The father was the provider of the household, the more dominant role. Where the mother was an obedientwife, hardworking homemaker and a compassionate mother. In today’s society, there is still a belief that once a woman starts a family she becomes a full-time stay at home mother. There has been a major discussion of the effects of mothers leaving the workforce, which shouldn’t be a public topic in the first place. There are many reasons why some mothers decided to stay at home raising their children and it shouldn’t be up for public discussion. I believe there are many contributing factors why a woman leaves the workforce to raise a family. With the rise of women wanting a career, we shouldn’t expect the mothers to be a stay at home mother. I believe it should be a partnership between the mother and father working together to raise their children not just traditionally the mum. We should encourage our fathers to take on the role of raising so both mother and father enjoy their career as well as a family.
Week 6: Woman and Domestic Violence
The naivety of young women in domestic violent relationships
As an 18-year old, I can understand how young females are vulnerable in new relationships and how easily it can be to fall into a domestic violent relationship without realising until it’s too late. Starting a relationship at any age will encounter the honeymoon stage, where everything is blissful and you couldn’t imagine your partner being abusive. Abuse includes physical abuse, psychological and emotional abuse and sexual abuse. Unfortunately, physical abuse is the main indicator to someone that they are in a domestic violent relationship. Physical violence is unfortunately usually the last indicator of a domestic violent relationship.
Signs of Domestic Violence include:
Stage One: Tension Building Phase
Stage Two: Acting out Phase
Stage Three: Reconciliation/Honeymoon Phase
Stage Four: Calm Phase
After the Calm Phase, the cycle continues at Tension Building Phase.
Leaving an abusive relationship is an extremely fragile process for both the abuser and the victim. The victim needs to ensure a safety plan and strategies are in place to ensure they are safe at all times so the victim can break free from the violence and begin a fresh life. While staying in an abusive relationship is dangerous, leaving the relationship can be just as dangerous and doesn’t guarantee that the violence will stop. Death is a constant threat in domestic violent relationships which is why it is so imperative that victims end the relationship and cycle of abuse staying as safe as possible.
It is important that young adults understand the cycle of domestic violence and how there is a honeymoon phase and a calm phase just before it returns to the tension building and acting out phase.
Week 7: Lesbian Health
Be not afraid
Sexual health is so different between women who are in sexual relationships with men and women. It is important that women understand the importance of disclosing such personal information in relation to their health. But women who are in relationships with other women are not the people that need to be discussed but instead health care professionals that provide care to these women.
These women are afraid to disclose such personal information to their health care professional due to their own personal history of people and health care professionals treating them differently and feeling not as ‘important’ as their homosexual counterpart. Many women just find it easier to lie or to not say anything at all regarding their sexuality. This unfortunately leaves these women vulnerable to certain mental health issues and sexual health issues because it was never spoken about. Lesbian’s mental and sexual health will strongly impact their lives. This is essential that a health care professional understands these vulnerabilities and ensure they are welcome to talk about their health especially related to their sexual and mental health relating to their sexuality.
There are many mental and sexual health issues that are not being faced by health care professionals. Because of the discrimination towards lesbians, there are major mental health issues that these women are facing. If not known by health care professionals, these mental health issues can become severe and affect herself and the people around her. Sexual health for females who have sexual relationships with women is very different to heterosexual partners.
It is important for me, as a heterosexual woman that my healthcare towards women regarding sexual health covers both mental and sexual health and not try and uncover their sexual identity but instead be as open, optimistic and professional as I can possibly can.
Week 8: Mental Health
This week has been the hardest week to reflect upon. Each week I’m busting to reflect upon a topic, but this week has been a struggle. Reviewing the slides after the lecture and tutorial I think I’m going to write my reflection on something that I can’t personally relate to, but I know many friends that have been affected.
How to Help – Eating Disorders
I have been in the position where I know where one of my friends has an eating disorder, both past, and present. It’s not like you can just go up to them and be like’ hey can you stop what you’re doing you look amazing just the way you are!’ Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. To help someone with an eating disorder you first must understand what an eating disorder is.
Eating disorder is a mental illness. All eating disorders have increased mortality rates and suicide rates. Studies have shown that 70% young females have negative body perceptions. Unfortunately, eating disorders are being a norm in Australia. Therefore, it is so important that Australians especially younger females to have a positive body image and know how to help someone when they are struggling with body image and an eating disorder.
National Eating Disorder Collaboration says when trying to approach someone you care about who has an eating disorder there is no right or wrong way. They suggest you be prepared, choose a caring environment and use the right language. To find more information: http://www.nedc.com.au/what-to-say-and-do
When I was in grade 7/8 (not that long ago) in physical education we were taught about eating disorders. When writing my essay on anorexia I came across this video (below). Its pro-anorexia but it really opened up my eyes of how serious and dangerous anorexia is. If people are really putting themselves through that much pain and sacrifice to be thin and ‘have willpower’ is something that needs to be taken seriously! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2UAcdIKBU0&index=62&t=12s&list=LLZ0KfHZq_XeyqeE9bM1EE7A
Week 9: Fashion, Body Image, and Women’s Health
The media effect on everyone!
This week’s lecture, I felt was so relevant to today’s society on fashion and body image and its detrimental effect it has on society and women. You cannot go online without seeing images posted by celebrities, models or magazines. This clearly has a detrimental effect on all ages affecting body image. Since people have realized that people in the media cause unhealthy body image upon vulnerable women and young females there has been major support behind creating a better environment to support body image! This is observably crucial is supporting people at risk and people who have mental health issues and eating disorders. But I feel most people will only think about the people viewing the content and not the people who live the content every day!
But what has society done to help those people who are being photographed that view their own picture in magazines and online? First we're going to talk about is celebrities. It’s not just their body image that gets affected when photos of them are blasted on tabloids but effects their dignity, mental health, and wellbeing. What has been done to stop tabloids creating fake news to sell more magazines? Nothing! As much as we like to think against editorials photoshopping models and celebrities for the sake of body image to the masses people are still invested in Kim Kardashian and her current weight situation and her ass. She’s been eating take out, how dare she! She is already so fat! Kim Kardashian is a HUMAN BEING! Even though her ass is probably three times the size of mine it does not mean people get to judge and criticize! She is allowed to do whatever she wants to without people following her!
Another important aspect in body image, the media, and the fashion industry is the detrimental effect it has on models! Models are continuously exposed and encouraged to be thin for their job. Luckily something has been done to demolish negative body image and to ensure models are healthy (well kind of). In France, there is now a ban that unhealthy thin models are unable to work. They need to provide a doctor’s certificate stating they are at a healthy and provides their BMI. This will hopefully fight eating disorders and unachievable beauty standards. In partnership with these changes, there is a new law that photoshopped photos must be clearly labelled. Thankfully France is fighting the influence of media and the fashion magazine on young and vulnerable women on negative body image. This needs to be done all across the globe!
The Sexualization of Breasts Verses a Biological Masterpiece
In today’s society, there is a clear scrutiny against mothers breasting feeding in public. Breast feeding is a natural biological process which provides tremendous health benefits to both mother and child.
Aliya Shagieva, the daughter of Almazbek Atambayev, the president of Kyrgyzstan recently posted a photo of herself breastfeeding her son. The photo caused major backlash where Aliya was accused of being ‘immoral’ and ‘vulgar’. How is it in today’s society that an image of a natural biological process causes such harsh backlash that Aliya removed the photo not long after. Review the full article here: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/babies/presidents-daughter-sparks-debate-with-breastfeeding-photo/news-story/e2f7dd83cdc417b1cc6586ddcee60942
Despite their main biological purpose, breasts are sexualized. From a commercial view point, sexualizing breasts creates a highly profitable strategic marketing tactic and when women breast feed in public it creates the impression ‘breast are less sexual’ therefore disgusting. This is repulsive that breasts, a natural and biological part of the female body is sexualized to sell products and when a woman breastfeeds its considered vulgar and immoral.
In Australia, even though the benefits of breast feeding are acknowledged there is still harsh criticism towards mother’s breast feeding in public areas despite being illegal to criticise. The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 warrants it is illegal in Australia to discriminate against another person on the grounds of breast feeding, including breastfeeding in public. Read more information here: https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/breastfeeding-and-law/legalright
Candice Swanepoel an influential supermodel recently gave birth and has expressed her opinion about women’s treatment when breast feeding in public. From giving birth, she has encountered many situations where she has been pressured to cover up when breast feeding her baby but has never felt any pressure about the countless topless editorials she has done. “The world has been desensitised to the sexualisation of the breast and to violence on tv …. Why should it be different when it comes to breast feeding.” Around the world, we need more positive influential females promoting breast feeding like Candice and Aliya who promote breast feeding and the natural biological process it provides.
Week 4: The ‘right time’ to have a child: changing trends in child bearing and rearing
From all things from conception to pregnancy and childbirth: A woman’s choice not a society’s
I really enjoyed this week’s lecture content. It ranged from fertility control throughout the ages to a woman’s pregnancy and childbirth. The topic that peaked my main interest involved the political discussion by males regarding a woman’s pregnancy and family.
Tony Abbott, a past Australian Prime Minister commented on abortion as the ‘easy way out’ and it's not surprising people choose the most convenient exit. I personally find his comment and view point on abortion and ultimately women’s health extremely offensive. Just because you can analyse data regarding women’s health and abortion does not give you a valid opinion and judgement about women’s health because data is just data. It's never an easy decision for a woman to choose to terminate her pregnancy. There are many mental and physical barriers that one must overcome to choose to terminate her pregnancy. These barriers are personal and not just data and numbers for an outsider to understand.
Unfortunately, in Queensland abortion is still illegal, where the rest of Australia abortion is legal. It extensively known there are many health risks for women to undertake an illegal abortion. The physical and mental health effects from illegal abortions on mothers is a real issue. This enforces the importance of refocusing society’s expectations and what ultimately accepted regarding sexual, reproductive and health rights of women around the world. Each female has vastly different opinions regarding their form of birth control and pregnancy, whether to terminate or to become a mum, ultimately it is their decision.
Week 5: Gender and Work: How does it work?
The Role of Mothers and Women in the Workforce
This week lecture on gender and work was extremely insightful looking the traditional family which was only relevant in the 1950s, gender stereotypical jobs and the gender pay gap. Growing up in a household where my mother worked as a full-time receptionist and my father worked as a farmer is very different to the ‘stereotypical’ working household. Even the aspirations my parents put on to me are not considered gender stereotypical.
The traditional family consists of the working father, the stay at home mother and the children. The father was the provider of the household, the more dominant role. Where the mother was an obedient wife, hardworking homemaker and a compassionate mother. In today’s society, there is still a belief that once a woman starts a family she becomes a full-time stay at home mother. There has been a major discussion of the effects of mothers leaving the workforce, which shouldn’t be a public topic in the first place. There are many reasons why some mothers decided to stay at home raising their children and it shouldn’t be up for public discussion. I believe there are many contributing factors why a woman leaves the workforce to raise a family. With the rise of women wanting a career, we shouldn’t expect the mothers to be a stay at home mother. I believe it should be a partnership between the mother and father working together to raise their children not just traditionally the mum. We should encourage our fathers to take on the role of raising so both mother and father enjoy their career as well as a family.
Week 6: Woman and Domestic Violence
The naivety of young women in domestic violent relationships
As an 18-year old, I can understand how young females are vulnerable in new relationships and how easily it can be to fall into a domestic violent relationship without realising until it’s too late. Starting a relationship at any age will encounter the honeymoon stage, where everything is blissful and you couldn’t imagine your partner being abusive. Abuse includes physical abuse, psychological and emotional abuse and sexual abuse. Unfortunately, physical abuse is the main indicator to someone that they are in a domestic violent relationship. Physical violence is unfortunately usually the last indicator of a domestic violent relationship.
Signs of Domestic Violence include:
- Stage One: Tension Building Phase
- Stage Two: Acting out Phase
- Stage Three: Reconciliation/Honeymoon Phase
- Stage Four: Calm Phase
- After the Calm Phase, the cycle continues at Tension Building Phase.
Leaving an abusive relationship is an extremely fragile process for both the abuser and the victim. The victim needs to ensure a safety plan and strategies are in place to ensure they are safe at all times so the victim can break free from the violence and begin a fresh life. While staying in an abusive relationship is dangerous, leaving the relationship can be just as dangerous and doesn’t guarantee that the violence will stop. Death is a constant threat in domestic violent relationships which is why it is so imperative that victims end the relationship and cycle of abuse staying as safe as possible.It is important that young adults understand the cycle of domestic violence and how there is a honeymoon phase and a calm phase just before it returns to the tension building and acting out phase.
Week 7: Lesbian Health
Be not afraidSexual health is so different between women who are in sexual relationships with men and women. It is important that women understand the importance of disclosing such personal information in relation to their health. But women who are in relationships with other women are not the people that need to be discussed but instead health care professionals that provide care to these women.
These women are afraid to disclose such personal information to their health care professional due to their own personal history of people and health care professionals treating them differently and feeling not as ‘important’ as their homosexual counterpart. Many women just find it easier to lie or to not say anything at all regarding their sexuality. This unfortunately leaves these women vulnerable to certain mental health issues and sexual health issues because it was never spoken about. Lesbian’s mental and sexual health will strongly impact their lives. This is essential that a health care professional understands these vulnerabilities and ensure they are welcome to talk about their health especially related to their sexual and mental health relating to their sexuality.
There are many mental and sexual health issues that are not being faced by health care professionals. Because of the discrimination towards lesbians, there are major mental health issues that these women are facing. If not known by health care professionals, these mental health issues can become severe and affect herself and the people around her. Sexual health for females who have sexual relationships with women is very different to heterosexual partners.
It is important for me, as a heterosexual woman that my healthcare towards women regarding sexual health covers both mental and sexual health and not try and uncover their sexual identity but instead be as open, optimistic and professional as I can possibly can.
Week 8: Mental Health
This week has been the hardest week to reflect upon. Each week I’m busting to reflect upon a topic, but this week has been a struggle. Reviewing the slides after the lecture and tutorial I think I’m going to write my reflection on something that I can’t personally relate to, but I know many friends that have been affected.
How to Help – Eating Disorders
I have been in the position where I know where one of my friends has an eating disorder, both past, and present. It’s not like you can just go up to them and be like’ hey can you stop what you’re doing you look amazing just the way you are!’ Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. To help someone with an eating disorder you first must understand what an eating disorder is.
Eating disorder is a mental illness. All eating disorders have increased mortality rates and suicide rates. Studies have shown that 70% young females have negative body perceptions. Unfortunately, eating disorders are being a norm in Australia. Therefore, it is so important that Australians especially younger females to have a positive body image and know how to help someone when they are struggling with body image and an eating disorder.
National Eating Disorder Collaboration says when trying to approach someone you care about who has an eating disorder there is no right or wrong way. They suggest you be prepared, choose a caring environment and use the right language. To find more information: http://www.nedc.com.au/what-to-say-and-do
When I was in grade 7/8 (not that long ago) in physical education we were taught about eating disorders. When writing my essay on anorexia I came across this video (below). Its pro-anorexia but it really opened up my eyes of how serious and dangerous anorexia is. If people are really putting themselves through that much pain and sacrifice to be thin and ‘have willpower’ is something that needs to be taken seriously! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2UAcdIKBU0&index=62&t=12s&list=LLZ0KfHZq_XeyqeE9bM1EE7A
Week 9: Fashion, Body Image, and Women’s Health
The media effect on everyone!This week’s lecture, I felt was so relevant to today’s society on fashion and body image and its detrimental effect it has on society and women. You cannot go online without seeing images posted by celebrities, models or magazines. This clearly has a detrimental effect on all ages affecting body image. Since people have realized that people in the media cause unhealthy body image upon vulnerable women and young females there has been major support behind creating a better environment to support body image! This is observably crucial is supporting people at risk and people who have mental health issues and eating disorders. But I feel most people will only think about the people viewing the content and not the people who live the content every day!
But what has society done to help those people who are being photographed that view their own picture in magazines and online? First we're going to talk about is celebrities. It’s not just their body image that gets affected when photos of them are blasted on tabloids but effects their dignity, mental health, and wellbeing. What has been done to stop tabloids creating fake news to sell more magazines? Nothing! As much as we like to think against editorials photoshopping models and celebrities for the sake of body image to the masses people are still invested in Kim Kardashian and her current weight situation and her ass. She’s been eating take out, how dare she! She is already so fat! Kim Kardashian is a HUMAN BEING! Even though her ass is probably three times the size of mine it does not mean people get to judge and criticize! She is allowed to do whatever she wants to without people following her!
Another important aspect in body image, the media, and the fashion industry is the detrimental effect it has on models! Models are continuously exposed and encouraged to be thin for their job. Luckily something has been done to demolish negative body image and to ensure models are healthy (well kind of). In France, there is now a ban that unhealthy thin models are unable to work. They need to provide a doctor’s certificate stating they are at a healthy and provides their BMI. This will hopefully fight eating disorders and unachievable beauty standards. In partnership with these changes, there is a new law that photoshopped photos must be clearly labelled. Thankfully France is fighting the influence of media and the fashion magazine on young and vulnerable women on negative body image. This needs to be done all across the globe!