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birthing room

Field Trip Extra Credit

The birthing room is very interesting.  It is set up very oddly.  I do not know why there is a real bed, as well as a couch kind of recliner.  There is also like an hot tub kind of bath.

So, a few thoughts going through my head currently; why is the room set up like this.  I always think of birthing rooms like in a hospital-so hospital bed with a small tv on the wall.  I do think the hot tub is weird being in the room.  However, I think it is an awesome idea! You can allow the mother to relax while taking a bath or you can wash the child when it is born.  The hot tub is a fabulous idea.  The bath tub is also able to be used for the woman to be submerged in the water to help ease the labor process.

I think it is interesting that there is a patio outside the room.  When I think of a pregnant mother, I do not think of the mother wanting to hangout.  In fact, I think of a mother only going to the hospital when in labor and then leaving as soon as she is released by the doctor.

The rope is hanging in the room, because it allows the woman to hold herself up.  The midwife wants the woman to be comfortable while giving birth.  Therefore, the woman can be standing and holding themselves up if it makes it more comfortable for them.

I am not sure that this birthing unit is extremely comfortable for anyone other than mothers.  I think the fathers would think this is too extreme.  Maybe, I am just weird.  I can also see the fathers enjoying this place.  I say this, because they can relax, lay down, take a nap; pretty much they can do anything they want, because this room is so full of different things.

Going in to this field trip, I did not know what to expect.  I thought that this would be really weird, because I do not like anything medical or birth related.  However, I found it interesting to learn about the way this midwife, birthing center is set up. I really enjoyed this field trip.

I have actually gone in to the field trips with a closed mind and ended up loving them.  I think this was my favorite field trip.

Things I Learned

Over the semester, I really struggled with dealing with this class.  It took a lot of my time for being an online class and I did not feel that I needed to know anything we did.  However, having to write an entire blog post on this topic of things I learned, I obviously have put some more thought in to this class.  I did not necessarily learn a whole lot in this class, but I enjoyed some of the activities in this class, even though some were too time consuming. 

I really enjoyed the idea of Second Life.  In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I am doing the extra credit field trip, because I think it is neat to go to different places.  I have always been interested in traveling the world and though it is not real, it is a least affordable at this time. 

I really enjoyed watching the movie Iron Jawed Angels, because I like to watch different movies and it really just was cool to see one I never had before. 

Things I learned that I did not like were blogging every other day.  I disliked having to read articles or watch quick videos and write 400-500 words.  To me, it just seemed time consuming and boring.  However, there were a few blog posts, such as cancer and rape, that I was able to truly give my full opinion on, which I liked.

As for my views, nothing has changed.  I still believe women and men are equal.  I also believe that women are supposed to be controlled by men.  It is even in the bible that men were created before women and women were created from men.  It goes on to say that women must honor their husbands or fathers and women must respect the men and allow the men to lead them.  Anything that is in the bible is truth and is the only way to live.  From this class, I have learned that the world has changed this and women are trying to become rulers over men.  This is where I disagree.  I think, yes, women should have rights and very similar rights to men; however, men should still be above women.  God is a male and therefore, He is higher than all.  Therefore, my views on feminism and power have not changed at all; because God is the one true ruler and anything He says goes.  It does not matter if we want something to change or not if He does not want it to change. 

The Interpretations of The Corporation

The film called The Corporation is a movie about how the business world works and how people are considered legal today.  Today, this world is based on working and fitting in to the society.  We try to make ourselves look good.  Women, I find, do this more than men; though both try to make themselves look good or fit in. 

I think people are willing to spend money on luxury items, because they make themselves feel better and they are able to “look good.”  I have caught myself wanting the jeans from Buckle, just because they are really cool and “in style.”  Who really cares about what jeans you wear?  I do not think I really look at many people’s jeans and if I do, I don’t judge if they are nice or too nice or whatever. 

Another thing, I do not know if people realize sweatshops are still around.  If they knew that I wonder if they would worry about the luxury items.  For me, now that I realize sweatshops are still around, I feel as though I should be donating more money to those in need.  “In need” is a term I take for granted.  I definitely take the term lightly, because I can always be “in need” of something, whether it be food or clothes; even though I am never “in need” and have never been. 

I do not think the corporation is a feminist issue.  I think that it is both male and female.  I think this because the business world includes both sets of genders.  In fact, today, I believe the business or corporate world is considered to be split in half, women and men.  Therefore, I do not think that it is a feminist issue.  The only issue with the corporate world is that they think they can spend on luxuries over donating money to those who have nothing.  I say this, because my family is a prime example.  My mom is in the corporate world and makes enough money that we can buy almost anything we want at any time.  My dad owns his own business, which is a very successful business; therefore, we are a well off family.  Over the years, I have found myself becoming more aware of what is going on in this world and realizing I do not need everything I think I need.  There are many people in this world who think the same if not more than me.  Also, there are those who are the complete opposite.  I think this world needs to realize heart and caring is more valuable than luxuries, because luxuries will never go with us. 

Sweatshops Are Still in America

Sweatshops are known as places that are dirty.  They require hard work as well as low pay and long days.  Sweatshops do not pay overtime, even though the law requires them to do so.

An article I found about sweatshops today is called “American Sweatshops: Organizing workers in the global economy.”  It was written in 2005.  New York still has sweatshops today.  I find it a bit saddening that sweatshops are still around.

Even though sweatshops are still around, I feel as though they are disturbing the society.  I say this, because people may rely on sweatshops instead of going out to find a job that offers better benefits.  I do understand that America is low on jobs, but this is heartbreaking that people have to fall to sweatshops.

http://bostonreview.net/BR30.3/gordon.php

Field Trip 2

As I began my journey, the snake literally freaked me out; to be honest, if it would have come at me, I probably would have screamed. Eeeeek.

I decided to take the staircase to the right first.  I thought it was cool that there was a painting of a guy on the wall.  A few native animals are the Siberian Ibex, Himalayan Brown Bear and the Black Vulture.  The Dhol is a musical instrument found there.  Naan is on the menu.  It is whole wheat bread with sesame seeds.  There is also qorma, kebabs, palao and khameerbob.

I then went to RAWA.  WAR IS TERRORISM is an article about the Afghanistan War.  The TIME magazine article with the woman on the front made me feel uncomfortable.  The way it was displayed was a bit odd to me.  And the writing on the wall next to it was in red, and to me it looked like blood.  I find Cluster Bombs to be anti-American.  I agree that war should be stopped, because I, personally, do not like violence.  RAWA means, Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan. 

This was an interesting field trip, because I was having mixed emotions.  The Afghanistan museum was cool, but the RAWA exhibit was not as I would say, cool.  This was an interesting field trip, but at the same time, a really good one too.  I am enjoying that our field trips are about other cultures and how they do things in this world.  Learning about other cultures, wars, even women, I find it intriguing to see how they differ from my everyday life.  I rarely think of other countries or continents or anything, unless I have a specific reason.  Therefore, I enjoy it so I can expand my knowledge.  I would love to continue on field trips, because of the experience they give. 

 

Environmental Racism

Environmental racism is known as

“Intentional or unintentional targeting of minority communities or the exclusion of minority groups from public and private boards, commissions, and regulatory bodies. It is the racial discrimination in the enactment or enforcement of any policy, practice, or regulation that negatively affects the environment of low-income and/or racially homogeneous communities at a disparate rate than affluent communities.”

As for an example close to home, I first imagine it talking about the low income of the west side.  I find it intriguing that my mind goes there.  I, personally, do not think it is fair.  However, I also cannot help where I first thought of.  It is our culture and world that defines places and people.  Therefore, I think of the west side, because I get nervous to go over there in case I may get robbed.  Those are the people I would exclude from things.  I know, it is not nice, but I know this is a blog and I can be honest.  I am not saying I want to discriminate them, but I guess I cannot help it.  I find it interesting again, because I think of it as dirty.  I think they treat the environment poorly.  Therefore, it would be consider environmental racism because of this. 

http://definitions.uslegal.com/e/environmental-racism/

Do You Agree?

The way I read the article was that the La Leche League does not approve of breastfeeding.  Therefore, I think this leads to feminists becoming critical of this idea.  The feminists do approve of breastfeeding, well, because they are women and they want women to do more “womanly things.”  Since La Leche League does not support breastfeeding, this obviously led to some controversy.

I believe that this kind of controversy is responsible for the low rate of breastfeeding today.  I think that women are so afraid of being judged by society that they conform to society or what they think is expected of them.  Therefore, if they feel they are not “cool” per se when they breastfeed, then I think that they would feel uncomfortable, leading to them not breastfeeding.  I think that women have gained their own society judgment by the few women who have decided it was okay to breastfeed in public.  It is kind of like a snowball effect on judgment…once someone sees a woman breastfeeding, they will judge and tell everyone and then everyone is judging that specific woman as well as others when they hear stories of breastfeeding or see women breastfeeding.

I think this is a continuous battle for the woman.  However, my stand on this topic, is do what you want, but keep your decisions and your breastfeeding to just you or your family.

A Site Respectful to Women

The Susan G. Komen site respects women fully.  I have always felt that the Komen Race for the Cure is an organization that will help women fight cancer.  I feel women are able to do this in a respectable matter, so they can have hope and even a future.

In Lorde’s essay, it is discussed that the doctor was not willing to talk about the future of this person.  It seems to me that there was no hope from the doctor; therefore, leading to no hope for the patient.  This is not respectful to women with cancer at all.  However, the front page or home page of Susan G. Komen’s website, it says “Help cure breast cancer and save lives.”  I believe that is hope.

Barbara Ehrenreich’s website does not look appealing.  It is boring and has a big yellow square in the middle that does not look like it has spark or hope.  If someone has cancer of any sort, the website needs to be exciting or at least look appealing to give someone hope for a cure.  On this website, she discusses no hope and how her life as a cancer patient has already been mapped out.  This is depressing.  I say this, because on the Susan G. Komen website it has a section to click if you have been diagnosed with cancer.  Once clicking that button, it takes you to another page where the front picture is women fighting for cancer!  THERE IS HOPE!  Not only does it have just the procedure, but it also has a section for support.  No one can do these things alone, because they are tough to overcome or to even deal with for a little while.  Therefore, with this Susan G. Komen site being so exciting and appealing, it respects women by being honest about what is going on with their bodies and how they can still have hope and a future.

I love this site, because it not only is for women who have cancer, but for others who know people with cancer and it is also for those who do not know people with cancer.  The website allows you to share your story and to donate to the cancer funds.  This website is very respectful of women.  It is actually encouraging to see a website that is appealing for not only women, but men and families of friends or loved ones with cancer.

http://ww5.komen.org/

Does Domestic Violence Affect You?

If I were in a situation, where I had three children and no family around me and I lived in a violent home, I would be mortified.  First of all, I do not honestly know why I would have put myself in that situation.  Second, since I would be in that situation, I am not sure I would feel safe doing anything.  Therefore, I do not know how much help I would be able to find, unless of course I resulted in calling the police; however, that may end with me losing my children.

This position I am in, is not what I would call fun.  In fact, I am considering counseling.  As I consider this option, I conclude that if I try to do this, the guy that also lives here (assuming there is a guy) would probably abuse me more, as well as my children.  While I am thinking about counseling and searching for help, I find nothing is really close to me, because we live in the middle of nowhere in Ohio.  I am beginning to become stressed to my complete max and depressed.  I am trying really hard to not let this affect my children though. 

If I plan to leave this house, I will definitely be taking my children with me.  What can I do?  I would have to get a job, because I absolutely could not do this on my own.  I would also have to stop stressing and live life like I know I am supposed to, for God, because that is the only way.  I feel as though, right now, I am living with Satan, and that is not fun.  I do not want the wrath of God; therefore, I need to get out of this evil house, with my children and go. 

I will get a job at a restaurant, even if it is minimum wage, at least I could get my feet on the ground.  My oldest is fifteen, so he can definitely get a job and go to school.  Yes, then we would have two incomes coming into our household.  We would not need anything “rich like.”  Therefore, we would just pay for food and rent, because I do not have a car.  Now, how can I get out and apply?  Hmmm, well, I guess I could go while they are all sleeping, but then I have to leave my children with the guy.  It is necessary. 

As I was writing this, I found myself blaming the guy for all the abuse and issues.  I do not know that this is completely true, but I found it interesting that is immediately where my mind went.  This is definitely not an easy issue and unfortunately, we see people in this position every single day.