The essay “Never Just Pictures” by Susan Bordo captures my attention because I also believe that eating disorders and the idea of being fat is equal to evil are linked to the images and thoughts that the media bombard us with. This essay made me reflect on how I truly see myself. I use to see images of beautiful, tall, skinny models walking down the runway, with dirty blond, long hair wearing baggy black clothing and I use to admire them for looking different and skinny. But know that I am able to see the true reality of their anorexia; I refuse to acknowledge beauty in a woman who shapes her body in order to look like a, “Heroin Chic”.
The idea of, Susan Bordo that “eating disorders are also linked to the contradictions of consumer culture, which is continually encouraging us to binge on our desires at the same time as it glamorizes self –discipline and scorns fat as a symbol of laziness and lack of willpower”, is important to me because if I had known this push-pull relationship that the media was bombarding me with I would had been satisfied with my body. I still remember sitting with my friends in a lunch bench and I remember how hungry I was but, I didn’t say anything because all of my friends where confessing how fat they felt and none of them wanted to walk to the lunch line with me. I clearly remember that day; I did not eat because I didn’t want to be fat. I was slim. I didn’t need to be on a diet.
The essay that Susan Bordo wrote is a reminder to me of what I did not know and true reality that many girls still refuse to acknowledge. She is absolutely right when she said that media is trying to depict “Fat [as] the devil, and we are continually beating him,” but the true question is how long is our body going to allow it?
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
A Woman Named Abigail
My name is Abigail Ruiz. I am Hispanic, a sister, a role model, a girlfriend, and a good friend. Some how I was able to discover my self through other people and by questioning myself. There are many categories I fall under but I can only name a few.
I am proud to say that I am Hispanic. I speak both languages fluently. If you were to ask me, which language I would prefer, my answer would be that I enjoy speaking Spanish more than English. The simple fact is that Spanish reminds me of my mother and my rich Mexican culture. Speaking Spanish has opened many doors for me and has made me a more driven individual. For example, I am now able to help and translate for people that need my help. I can recall the time when an older, Hispanic woman was on the verge of being arrested for digging inside a public trashcan in search of aluminum cans. At that time, it just so happened that I was at the right place at the right time. I asked the police man if he needed any help translating from Spanish to English and he agreed. The woman was released with a warning and later that evening she thanked me for advocating for her.
I am a big sister in desperate need of my own space. Even though I enjoy reading diary books to my little sister and enjoy taking long walks with her. I know that I am not like other sisters. I understand that being an older sister takes a lot of responsibility. Just the simple fact that I have no father makes my mother’s job and mine more difficult. I sometimes have to explain and comfort my sister when she is sad. I still feel obligated to explain to her why some nights I do not feel like hanging out with her. Sometimes she does not understand why her big sister, that she looks up to, doesn’t want to take her everywhere. I am a big sister in desperate need of my own space.
In addition to that, I am “the girlfriend.” Somehow I am able to manage having a guy in my life and do well in school. I have to be flexible and my life has to be spontaneous. So far I am, “fun to be around, laid back but at the same time determined”. Quote en quote, according to my boyfriend, I am mature and open-minded. Around my boyfriend I am a talkative, sociable girl who smiles and waves at anyone. I am also a person that does not understand why there is a boundary between being in a relationship and having lots of male acquaintances. For example my boyfriend, Alejandro believes that only male friends want to be around me because they would like to date me but, what he does not understand is that having lots of male/ female friends with no attachments takes part in who I am today. Today, I am not shy, I’m sociable, opened minded, and self-ruled.
I am a young woman who likes but at times dislikes the companion of a friend. From other people I have heard that they enjoy spending time with me. I am certain that I am a true friend, one that hopes the best for a friend and true companion until the end. Sometimes people ask me, “How do you manage to stay in touch with all your friends?” And my simple answer to that question is I don’t try. I understand that most of my friends are busy and have their own life to take care of therefore, I check in once in a blue moon to let them know that even though many years will pass us by, each of them have all taken part in the young woman that I am today.
Even though I am able to answer, who am I? I am still learning new words that I can identify myself with. I know that day-by-day I am still adjusting and learning new things about me. For the most part, I know that the people I meet take part in my life. I know I am Hispanic, a sister, a role model, a girlfriend, and a good friend but tomorrow who knows what I’ll be! Today, I am certain that I take part in other peoples lives and that I am still in my journey of self-discovery.
I am proud to say that I am Hispanic. I speak both languages fluently. If you were to ask me, which language I would prefer, my answer would be that I enjoy speaking Spanish more than English. The simple fact is that Spanish reminds me of my mother and my rich Mexican culture. Speaking Spanish has opened many doors for me and has made me a more driven individual. For example, I am now able to help and translate for people that need my help. I can recall the time when an older, Hispanic woman was on the verge of being arrested for digging inside a public trashcan in search of aluminum cans. At that time, it just so happened that I was at the right place at the right time. I asked the police man if he needed any help translating from Spanish to English and he agreed. The woman was released with a warning and later that evening she thanked me for advocating for her.
I am a big sister in desperate need of my own space. Even though I enjoy reading diary books to my little sister and enjoy taking long walks with her. I know that I am not like other sisters. I understand that being an older sister takes a lot of responsibility. Just the simple fact that I have no father makes my mother’s job and mine more difficult. I sometimes have to explain and comfort my sister when she is sad. I still feel obligated to explain to her why some nights I do not feel like hanging out with her. Sometimes she does not understand why her big sister, that she looks up to, doesn’t want to take her everywhere. I am a big sister in desperate need of my own space.
In addition to that, I am “the girlfriend.” Somehow I am able to manage having a guy in my life and do well in school. I have to be flexible and my life has to be spontaneous. So far I am, “fun to be around, laid back but at the same time determined”. Quote en quote, according to my boyfriend, I am mature and open-minded. Around my boyfriend I am a talkative, sociable girl who smiles and waves at anyone. I am also a person that does not understand why there is a boundary between being in a relationship and having lots of male acquaintances. For example my boyfriend, Alejandro believes that only male friends want to be around me because they would like to date me but, what he does not understand is that having lots of male/ female friends with no attachments takes part in who I am today. Today, I am not shy, I’m sociable, opened minded, and self-ruled.
I am a young woman who likes but at times dislikes the companion of a friend. From other people I have heard that they enjoy spending time with me. I am certain that I am a true friend, one that hopes the best for a friend and true companion until the end. Sometimes people ask me, “How do you manage to stay in touch with all your friends?” And my simple answer to that question is I don’t try. I understand that most of my friends are busy and have their own life to take care of therefore, I check in once in a blue moon to let them know that even though many years will pass us by, each of them have all taken part in the young woman that I am today.
Even though I am able to answer, who am I? I am still learning new words that I can identify myself with. I know that day-by-day I am still adjusting and learning new things about me. For the most part, I know that the people I meet take part in my life. I know I am Hispanic, a sister, a role model, a girlfriend, and a good friend but tomorrow who knows what I’ll be! Today, I am certain that I take part in other peoples lives and that I am still in my journey of self-discovery.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Adversaries-Growing Up Themes
Frankie Lennon, the author of the novel, The Mee Street Chronicles, identifies two major Growing Up themes in the story, "Adversaries" that most people are able to relate. The main Character, Frankie is faced with religion and death.
Frankie is faced with contradiction of religion when her Auntie catches her holding an opaque blue marble in her hand. Frankie did not want to show her because, “Auntie didn’t hold with playing games. She said they were sinful idleness and a waste of time.” On the contrary Frankie’s dad believed it was ok for her to play with marbles. One more time her aunt asked her, “You been playing with marbles have ya?” And in spite of the fear, Frankie responds, “Daddy lets me”. Wrong answer, her aunt begins to scream, “I ain’t yo Daddy and I ain’t having any sass from you!” Then she proceeds,” An them marbles you playin with! Sinful idleness! That’s why you didn’t come when I called you. Too busy playing with marbles! Just cause yo daddy lets you play them games, you think it’s fine and dandy…I’m warning ya. Menfolk’ll set yo feet on the path of sin, and then, Lord! Lord! They up and leave ya.” Her auntie obviously has different views on religion. She believes that games make children sassy, ignorant and to disobey the adults. But, on the other hand she believes that men also put women in the path of sin. This way of thinking was not practiced in Frankie’s family. Therefore, it was an eye opener.
At the beginning of Adversaries Frankie experienced the feeling of a loved one’s death. She did not understand why her grandmother was leaving her. With agony she screamed, No! Come back!” But the sad reality that she did not understand was that her grandmother was dead. She later remembered that Evelyne told her that she overheard her mother telling her grandmother that Frankie’s Grandmother had passed away. For the first time she was introduced to the sad reality of life. This time she sensed that she couldn’t use magic spells to make her return. This drastic change and pain made her transition from a child to a young girl.
In my opinion, I do not believe it was fair for her auntie to not let her enjoy her childhood and play with the rest of the children in her neighborhood. On the other hand I am able to understand that her auntie had lots of responsibility to take care of her therefore she had to scare Frankie and tell her that it was a sin to play with marbles. I believe that at the age of four child should not be told that her loved one is dead because he she will probably suffer. I think that her mother made the right choice telling her that she would never come back. Even though the transition was a bit crucial she was able to experience reality and truth.
Frankie is faced with contradiction of religion when her Auntie catches her holding an opaque blue marble in her hand. Frankie did not want to show her because, “Auntie didn’t hold with playing games. She said they were sinful idleness and a waste of time.” On the contrary Frankie’s dad believed it was ok for her to play with marbles. One more time her aunt asked her, “You been playing with marbles have ya?” And in spite of the fear, Frankie responds, “Daddy lets me”. Wrong answer, her aunt begins to scream, “I ain’t yo Daddy and I ain’t having any sass from you!” Then she proceeds,” An them marbles you playin with! Sinful idleness! That’s why you didn’t come when I called you. Too busy playing with marbles! Just cause yo daddy lets you play them games, you think it’s fine and dandy…I’m warning ya. Menfolk’ll set yo feet on the path of sin, and then, Lord! Lord! They up and leave ya.” Her auntie obviously has different views on religion. She believes that games make children sassy, ignorant and to disobey the adults. But, on the other hand she believes that men also put women in the path of sin. This way of thinking was not practiced in Frankie’s family. Therefore, it was an eye opener.
At the beginning of Adversaries Frankie experienced the feeling of a loved one’s death. She did not understand why her grandmother was leaving her. With agony she screamed, No! Come back!” But the sad reality that she did not understand was that her grandmother was dead. She later remembered that Evelyne told her that she overheard her mother telling her grandmother that Frankie’s Grandmother had passed away. For the first time she was introduced to the sad reality of life. This time she sensed that she couldn’t use magic spells to make her return. This drastic change and pain made her transition from a child to a young girl.
In my opinion, I do not believe it was fair for her auntie to not let her enjoy her childhood and play with the rest of the children in her neighborhood. On the other hand I am able to understand that her auntie had lots of responsibility to take care of her therefore she had to scare Frankie and tell her that it was a sin to play with marbles. I believe that at the age of four child should not be told that her loved one is dead because he she will probably suffer. I think that her mother made the right choice telling her that she would never come back. Even though the transition was a bit crucial she was able to experience reality and truth.
Pocha is My Name
I am bilingual or at least that’s what everyone thinks. I am a Hispanic American. I can’t remember the language that I first spoke, English or Spanish, Spanish or English. Even though many people believe that I can only speak two languages I think that I am able to speak more than just two. Tex- Mex, Pocho, Standard Spanish (Castellano), Standard English, and Slang English or as other people like to call it, “Ghetto English”. This languages are apart of my heritage and my roots.
I began to learn Spanish because my mother and father are both Mexican. Pocho was always in my blood because my father and cousins use to speak it all the time. A Pocha is an anglicized Mexican or American of Mexican origin who speaks Spanish with an accent characteristic of Northern American. Even though my mother never wanted me to speak Pocho, my father always encouraged me. He would say, “Andale mija, so you could know were the rasa came from.” My cousins laughed at the fact that my mother got mad and placed me in a bilingual school. This was, “my castigo”, my punishment as she would say. It was so hard attending school at Patrick Henry; I could not understand the basics of writing English or Spanish. I was always placed in extra courses because I was not proficient. I hated the fact that teachers always corrected me and said, “Ay! Muchacha (little girl) what are we going to do with you”.
English was always taught in middle school and in high school. Therefore, I was able to develop my Standard English writing skills further. I learned to speak Tex-Mex and slang English by hanging around my friends. Tex- Mex is a mixture of English with Spanish, always changing from Spanish to English or English to Spanish. Slang English is a mixture not following the rules of Standard English or Spanish. Some examples include, “Hey! What’s cracking or I aint got none.” I always found comfort in speaking these two languages because I felt that know one judged me or corrected me. I felt free. No rules, no bounders.
Even though many people only classify me as a bilingual, I identify me as a multi- bilingual woman. I am a woman who has been twisted and bend to speak the way I truly do not speak and I have learned to speak different in front of different people. But, this is not who I truly am. I am a woman that is not afraid to say, “Hey I am able to be who I wanna be y a ti que, que te valga this are my roots. I am proud to be a daughter of a Mexican and a Chicano.”
I began to learn Spanish because my mother and father are both Mexican. Pocho was always in my blood because my father and cousins use to speak it all the time. A Pocha is an anglicized Mexican or American of Mexican origin who speaks Spanish with an accent characteristic of Northern American. Even though my mother never wanted me to speak Pocho, my father always encouraged me. He would say, “Andale mija, so you could know were the rasa came from.” My cousins laughed at the fact that my mother got mad and placed me in a bilingual school. This was, “my castigo”, my punishment as she would say. It was so hard attending school at Patrick Henry; I could not understand the basics of writing English or Spanish. I was always placed in extra courses because I was not proficient. I hated the fact that teachers always corrected me and said, “Ay! Muchacha (little girl) what are we going to do with you”.
English was always taught in middle school and in high school. Therefore, I was able to develop my Standard English writing skills further. I learned to speak Tex-Mex and slang English by hanging around my friends. Tex- Mex is a mixture of English with Spanish, always changing from Spanish to English or English to Spanish. Slang English is a mixture not following the rules of Standard English or Spanish. Some examples include, “Hey! What’s cracking or I aint got none.” I always found comfort in speaking these two languages because I felt that know one judged me or corrected me. I felt free. No rules, no bounders.
Even though many people only classify me as a bilingual, I identify me as a multi- bilingual woman. I am a woman who has been twisted and bend to speak the way I truly do not speak and I have learned to speak different in front of different people. But, this is not who I truly am. I am a woman that is not afraid to say, “Hey I am able to be who I wanna be y a ti que, que te valga this are my roots. I am proud to be a daughter of a Mexican and a Chicano.”
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