Final Post-What does television teach our children

I was watching my son play the other night and he began talking about something that was on television. I wasnt anything harsh or anything but it wasnt exactly Nick toons either. Afer about 5 minutes he picked up a toy cell phone and began to act as if he was calling the police. Now we have had the police discussion and he has been told to call them and how, IF there is an emergency, however he went on to call the police and told them to pull out there guns because he dad told him no he could not have something and yelled at him. Now I didnt stop him, I just sat back and listened to what he was saying and then I stepped in and corrected him but I was baffled. I of course got in his case about the police and again explained to him what they are REALLY there for, but at the same time Ihad to think. Where would such a thought come from. And as I think back, I look at many of the programs on television and just about everything has some degree of violence in it. If he is not seeing the violence on everyday television its in the videos. Its hard because part of me feels like I have to stop him from watching any and everything on TV. Including spongebob because there were a few episodes where he was arrested as well. What is this showing our children? How do we as parents stop the children from seeing this type of activity and getting the negative images in their heads?

Response to Daphne post

Interesting topic, I dont know if I can be as open minded about it. But the points you put out makes me think. I do think as a family you and your mate should do what is best for you and your family, your children etc. And if it means him staying home while you work then its really up to the both of you. I didnt see that special but it really is something to give some thought to.

Week 6

This is an interesting topic because my son watches all of these cartoons. I personally never looked at Dora in such a light to question what gender message she is portraying, however I do love to watch the show. I think its educational as well as fulfilling for young children. I feel that children can learn and grow with Dora. There are a lot of positive messages in her show. Dora takes the time to put pieces together for task and attack the task. All while doing this she is encouraging the children watching to interact with her and do these task as well. One thing I will say I have noticed with Dora and men over the years is that boys love her, and the fathers, my husband included dont think its appropriate to let their sons watch Dora or play with Dora toys. So here comes Diego!! He was created to put off the same image and imaginative character that Dora puts off but for the males. Although he is okay and a well known figure, he no where near tops Dora. I also love the Backyardigans; I think that cartoon shows a lot of diversity. Look at the names of the children, Unique, Tyron, Pablo. Children probably cant relate but I certainly can see they are all from different ethnic backgrounds, and this teaches children to listen and understand different names and cultures at an early age. And I also think Abby was a great addition to Sesame, the children love her, and your right what used to be a all males role in sesame is now open to females. We visit Sesame on the regular and its interesting to watch the characters in the parade they have daily. The female characters really take on a more feminine role by allowing the males to open the doors for them etc. teaching the children at an early age about gendered responsibilities etc. I will say cartoons have changed from when I was a child, although we had barbie and Gi Joe, children today have a whole new world of cartoons, characters and messages.

response to Rachel wk 4

Rachel I must say I agree with your post and you point out some very important points. The love that people share for one another will allow that child to be raised in a stable environment. Gay or straight, single or married, blind or deaf if one is able to love that child and provide what they need I dont think it should matter at all. I am married and I have a beautiful son, and I am expecting another child. Does my marital status make me the "ideal parent"? No it does not because just as Rachel pointed out this could chage with the blink of an eye.
June 6, 2008 8:54:00 AM PDT

Wk 4

First I must commend you for adopting your daughter. So many children are passed over and fall victim to what I believe is a broken system for many reasons including gender issues which we are exploring here. However there are other issues that agencies choose to use to reject clients. I personally do not think its fair for adoption agencies to tell single parents or gay couples they are not worthy of adopting a child. They might really have a lot to offer children however are not even considered because of their marital status and/or sexual preferences. Just think about the single parent aspect; what if someone was so wrapped up their career that they didn’t make time for a relationship or had so many failed ones that they just stopped trying. But then they became established in their life and wanted to have a child. Yet they still have no partner; does this mean they are unfit to be a parent? No, I wouldn’t think they are. I just think it would be a different perspective for the child with just one parent. And as long as the parent balances that child’s life out I don’t see what the big deal would be. I do agree that how much you love, and nurture a child is what is important. One’s sexual preference has nothing to do with anything. As long as a person is responsible and has something to offer that child that would be worth while nothing else should matter.
June 6, 2008 8:40:00 AM PDT

Response to Rachel wk 5

Very interesting Rachel, is it because we are dealing with our own insecurities? We live in a world where our confidence is predicted on how someone else see's us. We fail to be our own advocates and let the views of others and the media control who we really are. I agree with the flaming issue, we live in a world where it seems that people get enjoyment out of laughing at those that are sexually oriented different then what they accept and enjoy. I feel like if its not hurting you then why do you care what people do in their own private time or space. And just as quoted below, the future is open!! No matter what or who you are respect is key and should be given and received at all times.

Response to Dori wk 5

Dori I am glad to hear your brother is first of all well, but more so that he found the strength he needed in the mens group. So many men need that constant Brotherly support to get them through ruff times as well as good times. To guide them to examples of what it is to be a man, a brother a father etc. I am glad to hear things worked out for him and pray that they continue to, and hopefully some other man will see his success and follow in his footsteps.

Week 5

How do women feel about chores like putting out the garbage or cutting the grass? Do we as women ignore these chores or feel that they dont fit into what we are "supposed" to do as women? What are the gender roles that women are to pick up, do we feel like were supposed to take care of the kids, cook, keep the house clean and that it. While men are to clean the cars, cut the grass, take out the trash and take care of the pets. Just curious if thats what we all think and if not is it roles that are not necessarily defined but taken. Do women feel they are automatically exempt from certain task because they are women, or how about working in a male dominated environment do the men in that environment treat you as you have to perform certain task while they do th eother more strenuous task because your a woman and they are a man?
I know I work in what is a male dominated field and I get treated like there are certain task that I cannot perform because I am a woman and other task I am expected to know how to do because its a "woman" job.

wk 3 post 2

Just curious who went to see the movie and your thoughts! I think it was a switch from the normal showing because for once all the women seemed to get a hard look at themselves and their emotions. Where they used to carry on as if they didnt care too much. Just wondering what others thought. Lakisha
June 1, 2008 6:51:00 AM PDT

wk 3 post 1

I am going to see Sex in the City movie, I cant wait for it. I was not a huge fan of the show but I did watch it from time to time. I think the movie tells women they can sleep around and not have any regard for how they are viewed. The show's message in my opinion is not a good one for young females because it tells females to use their bodies as an object and they should have no regard for who and how they sleep around. As for the music I listen to, music used to have meaning, I remember listening to oldies as my parents would call them and they would have a strong message on love and loving one another and respecting one another. Most of the music today shows none of that. The music today talks about using ones body as an object and what another person is going to do to it, as well as violence etc. I dont think the music today puts a good message out there for anyone. I was listening to Michael Bastden (for those that know him) on the radio today and he was talking about the movie sex and the city and the messages that are portrayed for boys as well as for girls. Many of his points were valid about educating girls and boys on thier gender roles in society and more so about respecting themselves and their bodies.
May 29, 2008 7:24:00 PM PDT

2nd wk 2 post

Just wanted to make another post on here, I posted my comment before and again it didnt make it to my page, so just checking again. Hope everyone enjoys the weekend and Sex in the City!! I am sure we will have a lot to talk about once watching that movie. Lets see how many connects we can make from our book (smile). Lakisha
May 30, 2008 11:57:00 AM PDT

wk 2

What does our facial and body language say about our personality? Our book uses the term kinesics for face and boy motion. What do we think the thought that our facial expression or body movement told our entire story of what were thinking or feeling. There is one thing to look sad or mad, etc. However think about those who are carrying many many burdens and carrying it all in there face at all times. Women are more likely to make use of kinesics for emotional expression where men are more likely to express agression. What does that say about how men express their emotions and how women express their agression?
May 23, 2008 8:31:00 PM PDT

wk 1 post

I truly believe in the thought that it takes a village to raise a child. And within that village are mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and extended family. The term mother is one of uniqueness to me as a mom because it is a bond that no one can take away from you and that person you gave birth to. I believe that at the time of conception you are connected and are a mother. What you do after that point in terms of playing an active role is entirely up to you, however nothing takes away the fact that you gave birth to that child. Mothers instinct is said to kick in and your said to be able to care for this new person that looks to you for everything and when your seen to be doing a good job at that your termed a good mom. Now what's interesting is that for father’s day, I always give my mother a card. For being the mother and the father and with that I mean, the nurturer, the support, the strength and the stability in my life as well as my brother’s life. It’s amazing that women can jump in and play both roles but men cannot, because their gender roles don’t allow them to be soft and nurturing. Not that they don’t try, at least some of them may, but its just something that is not in the genetic make up of a man to be motherly. Or have the gentleness that one gets with the care of their mother. As far as caregiver, I always make sure I take the time out to thank the woman that cares for my son, yes its day care and she is his teacher, but there is a level of compassion that comes from a "true" caregiver that is so easy to go unnoticed. I also thank the other women in my life that are like mothers to me, and its nice because Hallmark has cards that are just for people that are like moms or those that play special parts in the lives of individuals.
May 20, 2008 7:07:00 PM PDT

Practice Post May 13th

I feel sorry for the unborn child as well as the parents. Initially this child is not going to have to worry about anything but as time moves on and the media keeps at it, this childs life will be followed. This child's name, address, school etc will be leaked to the public and they will always want to know what this child is doing etc. I personally think this is going to make the child look at his/her parents in an ill way. I think each person should do their own thing in life but I dont think a man having a baby is sending the correct message to society. All I can say is WHAT'S NEXT??
May 13, 2008 11:50:00 AM PDT

Response to Rachel

Rachel I must say I agree with your post and you point out some very important points. The love that people share for one another will allow that child to be raised in a stable environment. Gay or straight, single or married, blind or deaf if one is able to love that child and provide what they need I don’t think it should matter at all. I am married and I have a beautiful son, and I am expecting another child. Does my marital status make me the "ideal parent"? No it does not because just as Rachel pointed out this could change with the blink of an eye.

wk 4 prof M page

First I must commend you for adopting your daughter. So many children are passed over and fall victim to what I believe is a broken system for many reasons including gender issues which we are exploring here. However there are other issues that agencies choose to use to reject clients. I personally do not think its fair for adoption agencies to tell single parents or gay couples they are not worthy of adopting a child. They might really have a lot to offer children however are not even considered because of their marital status and/or sexual preferences. Just think about the single parent aspect; what if someone was so wrapped up their career that they didn’t make time for a relationship or had so many failed ones that they just stopped trying. But then they became established in their life and wanted to have a child. Yet they still have no partner; does this mean they are unfit to be a parent? No, I wouldn’t think they are. I just think it would be a different perspective for the child with just one parent. And as long as the parent balances that child’s life out I don’t see what the big deal would be. I do agree that how much you love, and nurture a child is what is important. One’s sexual preference has nothing to do with anything. As long as a person is responsible and has something to offer that child that would be worth while nothing else should matter.

test wk 4

testing week 4 post to see if im still crazy!!