Tuesday, November 28, 2017
DGSC Character Focus - Rebecca
In the novel Dirty Girls Social Club written by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, many characters were privileged in some ways, but oppressed in others. The character I would like to focus on is Rebecca. The first interaction that we have with Rebecca in the book is through Lauren's eyes. We find out initially that she seems privileged in a number of ways. Firstly, we see her arriving for the Sucias dinner, "driving cautiously in her brand-new burgundy Jeep Grand Cherokee," and we find out that she is not used to lower end areas when Lauren says, "I can see from the nervous way she peers around as she trots through the snow toward us that she’s not exactly comfortable in this part of town," (31-33 Rodriguez). This would initially believe us to believe she is rather privileged, as the many factors of her life have benefited her in a way that she has never had to reside in a struggling part of town. Our beliefs of privilege in money are confirmed when we find out that she owns her own magazine. This relates to the things that she is oppressed by as well however, because she is in the public spotlight she has to constantly remain on top of the things trying to drag her down. In the story we see her main factors of oppression being her race and her gender. Her husband relates to this because even though they are married, the husband's family likes Becca less based on her heritage and race. She is also limited to who she can be interested in because of family. Her family is hugely into race, religion, and what they think is best for Becca. She likes Andre, and even though in the end Rebecca ends up happy it is still important to not the important events between Becca and Andre. Becca's mother is racist, as she really pushes against the thought of Becca dating a person of color (especially since she thinks marrying a white man was the best thing for Becca to do). This relates to our marriage concept as well, because you can see that certain marriages are frowned upon by certain individuals because they don't meet the societal norm of what marriage looks like, and thus they become an oddity of sorts (similar to what we saw in the TLC videos). These factors all influence Becca's romantic relationship, and after Brad she seems to find happiness within the comfort of Andre. I would say that while love can not fix the issues she faces with being a woman of Latina descent, it does help her find happiness and she does what she thinks is best for herself, so it does help her find herself (even through the oppression that she faces from society and her personal relationships). This is in my opinion realistic, as when one finds true love it can lead to a plethora of benefits and make your life truly change for the better, even if it can't fix EVERY problem you might face.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Feminist Praxis
Throughout our daily lives, if we pay real close attention, we are able to see and understand what goes on a lot better if we look at it through a feminist lens. My grandparents and other family came over Thanksgiving, and we were all sitting at the table, and my grandma tells a story. It was about how her son was traveling with this woman with disabilities, and they stopped to grab food, and he told her that she could order whatever she wanted and he would take care of it. Later on, when they were driving, this woman got very emotional because no one ever treated her as nicely, and she had a lot of problems with domestic abuse when she was growing up, so this was a change for her. At first, this story was obviously very touching, but looking back now, I view this differently. In class, we watched a TLC video about marriage and disability, and there was this quote; "The agencies are supposed to provide them with adequate housing and counseling...but their response was that they don't care and don't want to." This shows the oppression that certain people face because of their situation. The woman in my grandma's story was treated significantly differently growing up because she had a disability, and people didn't seem to really think she deserved better. The abuse is a different story, which relates to male dominance, but I also don't want this to be an invasion of privacy on her part with me explaining.
Later on that day my family went to church, and I never really focused on this before, but now that I think of it, it's pretty interesting. So, the priest was up there doing his job, but it got me thinking; there are no female priests. Women can only be nuns and men can only be priests. But, it is the man who is preaching about Catholicism, which is the dominant religion. "Women are often also excluded from leadership positions. Female ministers, bishops, priests...remain relatively rare or nonexistent in many religious traditions" (TC, 34). This goes to show that women are perceived to not be able to handle being in a position of power, which excludes them from a lot to be able to participate in. I would say this is definitely something that would be socially constructed, but also could be part of patriarchy, where the man is in charge and in this situation, it is being dominated by a man.
That whole week, my sister was home to visit, but she ended up getting sick and stayed in bed for like 2 days, Anyway, my mom was the one who would constantly check up on her and try and get her to eat something. I'm not saying anything negative about my dad, but it was my mom who really tried to care for her. This connects to biological determinism. It is in a woman's nature to help care for her child, but this concept is also socially constructed because it shouldn't have to be only the woman who cares for the children because the man obviously isn't helpless. We watched an ad about Huggies diapers, and it was the dads who were taking care of their kids. "We put them to the toughest test possible: dads." This is assuming that dads aren't able to take care of their kids because it's always the mom doing that job, and these dads are also assumed to be somewhat 'stupid' because they are normally portrayed as manly, so changing a diaper isn't going to be something they know how to do. There is a list of stereotypical gender qualities in the TC book that reflect this as well. Even in my family, in this scenario, my mother fits some of the stereotypical gender qualities by taking charge and taking care of my sister.
By taking a closer look at my family and my life, I noticed a lot that I never would have thought twice about. I am now able to understand what's going on, and if possible, let others know too. There are some things that go on around me that I'm unable to change, but for instance, if either one of my parents does something that reinforces what society wants us to do, I am now able to stand up for them and tell them they don't have to be doing that. Also, it makes me understand that everyone should be treated equal, obviously, but all of this helps me be able to treat others better and more fairly.
Later on that day my family went to church, and I never really focused on this before, but now that I think of it, it's pretty interesting. So, the priest was up there doing his job, but it got me thinking; there are no female priests. Women can only be nuns and men can only be priests. But, it is the man who is preaching about Catholicism, which is the dominant religion. "Women are often also excluded from leadership positions. Female ministers, bishops, priests...remain relatively rare or nonexistent in many religious traditions" (TC, 34). This goes to show that women are perceived to not be able to handle being in a position of power, which excludes them from a lot to be able to participate in. I would say this is definitely something that would be socially constructed, but also could be part of patriarchy, where the man is in charge and in this situation, it is being dominated by a man.
That whole week, my sister was home to visit, but she ended up getting sick and stayed in bed for like 2 days, Anyway, my mom was the one who would constantly check up on her and try and get her to eat something. I'm not saying anything negative about my dad, but it was my mom who really tried to care for her. This connects to biological determinism. It is in a woman's nature to help care for her child, but this concept is also socially constructed because it shouldn't have to be only the woman who cares for the children because the man obviously isn't helpless. We watched an ad about Huggies diapers, and it was the dads who were taking care of their kids. "We put them to the toughest test possible: dads." This is assuming that dads aren't able to take care of their kids because it's always the mom doing that job, and these dads are also assumed to be somewhat 'stupid' because they are normally portrayed as manly, so changing a diaper isn't going to be something they know how to do. There is a list of stereotypical gender qualities in the TC book that reflect this as well. Even in my family, in this scenario, my mother fits some of the stereotypical gender qualities by taking charge and taking care of my sister.
By taking a closer look at my family and my life, I noticed a lot that I never would have thought twice about. I am now able to understand what's going on, and if possible, let others know too. There are some things that go on around me that I'm unable to change, but for instance, if either one of my parents does something that reinforces what society wants us to do, I am now able to stand up for them and tell them they don't have to be doing that. Also, it makes me understand that everyone should be treated equal, obviously, but all of this helps me be able to treat others better and more fairly.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Popular Romance and DGSC
In the novel, DGSC, we can see how Elizabeth is both privileged and oppressed in many situations. She is a Christian, able-bodied, homosexual, upper class, black female Latina. From this, she is privileged because she is a Christian, able-bodied, and an upperclassman. The other ways are which she is oppressed: homosexual, black, female Latina. We can see throughout her story how she is affected by these aspects of her life. She experiences both sexism, racism, and heterosexism, and there are many examples of this, but the most common one that is focused on his heterosexism. Because she is a lesbian, she is treated and viewed differently by others. "I can't admit it, what I am. She is careful and does not look at me the wrong way in public. These are the hoops I make her jump through" (page, 67). Elizabeth and Selwyn, Elizabeth mostly, have to be careful how they act in public because they know other people won't accept them because being homosexual in society is not the norm. This just shows how society views those who aren't the norm. This is the first time we can see her encounter with heterosexism and that it affects her life with Selwyn. "I saw on the Internet you teach over at Simmons College. Is that an all-girl school or something?" (page, 69). Elizabeth and Selwyn run into Eileen that night, and Eileen makes a joke about her being a lesbian. Eileen is the one who writes about this and makes a scene about Elizabeth and her lifestyle. This definitely shows the institutional oppression Elizabeth is put through, by being harassed about her sexuality, and when the story is published, everyone makes a huge deal and starts treating her differently. Not only does she experience heterosexism because of her situation, she also experiences racism. Looking at the quotes; "She's black, Sara. I don't like black women," (page, 86) and "A total waste of a beautiful woman" (page, 84), we can see how even Roberto treats her. Roberto comes out and says he doesn't even like black women show how being another race than he is, is looked down upon. Elizabeth is being subjected to both racism and heterosexism, and it's all through one person. Elizabeth is a female tv anchor, and even though she is a female, she is still very successful, and we don't hear much about problems regarding her gender, but when it comes to other things, concerning her sexuality, her life takes a turn and people call her names.
I wouldn't necessarily say that love is what conquers her struggles, I would say it's more of society obsessing over something, and then finding something new to focus on. We can see this when after a couple months passed, there were no problems regarding who she was as a person, and she was able to quit her job and be happy. Her friends were there for her when she told them, and Sara even risked her safety when Elizabeth needed her for support and someone to confide in. "Does she think I'm that close-minded I would reject her completely?" (page, 84). Sara was clearly supportive from the start, and didn't have any problem with her coming out.
I wouldn't necessarily say that love is what conquers her struggles, I would say it's more of society obsessing over something, and then finding something new to focus on. We can see this when after a couple months passed, there were no problems regarding who she was as a person, and she was able to quit her job and be happy. Her friends were there for her when she told them, and Sara even risked her safety when Elizabeth needed her for support and someone to confide in. "Does she think I'm that close-minded I would reject her completely?" (page, 84). Sara was clearly supportive from the start, and didn't have any problem with her coming out.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Blog Post 6: Popular romance and The Dirty Girl's Social club
Usnavys
Usnavys... Wow how I envied her character. She is strong, rich, independent, self absorbed, confident, intelligent, and a woman.
Just from the first couple of pages as we read Lauren's perspective of the girls, we learn so much about Usnavys and her background. Right off the back, we learn her mother is Puerto Rican who moved to the states to better their lives. Usnavys is a dark, thick woman with no strong male figures in her life to guide her in her life. Her father abandoned them, brother killed, and at first, no lover. All of these things you would consider her life was and is pretty rough, aka "oppressed". However, we quickly learn all the positive things about her that outweigh those things. For example, she's the smartest of her class, graduated from Harvard, rich, a womanizer (the female version.. which she has every right to do so without judgement) and lives her life with her nose up high. Even though she is dark, Puerto Rican, she was privileged enough to live in the states and have the opportunity to become successful unlike some females that live in other countries who are expected to be stay at home mothers even though they can do great at a university.
Intersectionality comes into play because she is a female, woman of color, and Puerto Rican. However, I think all of these aspects enhance her image rather than pull her back because she embraces all of these things which makes her more confident and stronger than most females in the book and in reality. She doesn't allow for those social categories to hold her back, and that's why I envy her so much.
Love does conquer all! Juan, the man she has loved for the past 10 years... yes, TEN years, is finally hers. I believe their love story is realistic, because it's true... You may love someone, however, somethings about that person may hold you back from being able to love them (sounds materialistic/selfish) but it's true. Even though we want to believe love conquers all, we have to be realistic. Love is expensive, and sometimes when your partner cannot support you, you second guess their ability to take care of you. It's a harsh reality, but it's true. If your partner doesn't have a job and no education, it's hard to see pass that.. And that's where I see their love story being realistic.. Because Usnavys recognized those things.. but at the end of the day, married him because love does conquer all in their loves story.
Usnavys... Wow how I envied her character. She is strong, rich, independent, self absorbed, confident, intelligent, and a woman.
Just from the first couple of pages as we read Lauren's perspective of the girls, we learn so much about Usnavys and her background. Right off the back, we learn her mother is Puerto Rican who moved to the states to better their lives. Usnavys is a dark, thick woman with no strong male figures in her life to guide her in her life. Her father abandoned them, brother killed, and at first, no lover. All of these things you would consider her life was and is pretty rough, aka "oppressed". However, we quickly learn all the positive things about her that outweigh those things. For example, she's the smartest of her class, graduated from Harvard, rich, a womanizer (the female version.. which she has every right to do so without judgement) and lives her life with her nose up high. Even though she is dark, Puerto Rican, she was privileged enough to live in the states and have the opportunity to become successful unlike some females that live in other countries who are expected to be stay at home mothers even though they can do great at a university.
Intersectionality comes into play because she is a female, woman of color, and Puerto Rican. However, I think all of these aspects enhance her image rather than pull her back because she embraces all of these things which makes her more confident and stronger than most females in the book and in reality. She doesn't allow for those social categories to hold her back, and that's why I envy her so much.
Love does conquer all! Juan, the man she has loved for the past 10 years... yes, TEN years, is finally hers. I believe their love story is realistic, because it's true... You may love someone, however, somethings about that person may hold you back from being able to love them (sounds materialistic/selfish) but it's true. Even though we want to believe love conquers all, we have to be realistic. Love is expensive, and sometimes when your partner cannot support you, you second guess their ability to take care of you. It's a harsh reality, but it's true. If your partner doesn't have a job and no education, it's hard to see pass that.. And that's where I see their love story being realistic.. Because Usnavys recognized those things.. but at the end of the day, married him because love does conquer all in their loves story.
Popular Romance and The Dirty Girls Social Club
The character I will be focusing on is Elizabeth.
Elizabeth experienced privilege because her mom moves to America so she can have a better life. Women in Columbia don't have the opportunities or rights that women in America do. Because of this she is given a chance to be herself and work hard to be successful.
She experiences oppression when word gets out that she is lesbian. People who were once very supportive of her want nothing to do with her, her job becomes at jeopardy, she's worried if she will lose friends over it, and worried how her mother will take it. It also becomes evident that the public in general changes their opinion on her as well.
Elizabeth's race, sexuality, gender, and personal background with Columbian ethnicity all are major factors in her life and what obstacles she has had to overcome.
Elizabeth experienced privilege because her mom moves to America so she can have a better life. Women in Columbia don't have the opportunities or rights that women in America do. Because of this she is given a chance to be herself and work hard to be successful.
She experiences oppression when word gets out that she is lesbian. People who were once very supportive of her want nothing to do with her, her job becomes at jeopardy, she's worried if she will lose friends over it, and worried how her mother will take it. It also becomes evident that the public in general changes their opinion on her as well.
Elizabeth's race, sexuality, gender, and personal background with Columbian ethnicity all are major factors in her life and what obstacles she has had to overcome.
- Love does conquer all for Elizabeth. She actually ends up getting a happily ever after unlike some of the other characters. And I do think that this kind of love story can be realistic but is rare. Not many couples can go through what Elizabeth and Selwyn went through and still be in love.
The Dirty Girls Social Club
All of the characters are all quite different. Different personalities and different values, but somehow they make the friendship work. I think my favorite character was probably Rebecca. Rebecca at first is closed off and stuck up, but as the book progresses, you get to know the real her and why she does the things she does. Rebecca is privileged because she has a job, an education, is able bodied, and friends. Although she had to work her way up, she owns her own magazine. She also was blessed with good looks and a perfect figure. One of the ways she is oppressed is that because she is not white or comes from a rich family, her mother in law and father in law both hate her greatly. They believe that she is no good for him and that all she really is, is trash. She is oppressed because of her race.
Yes I think for Rebecca love did conquer all. After she found Andre it was like she was a new person, more confident, and more willing to try new things. I think for so long she just kept quiet and became the perfect wife for Brad because she knew she'd never measure up to who his parents thought would be the perfect wife. Not only that she was raised that there were two things that she should never do, divorce and date a colored man. She did both and her life turned around. She found a man that loved her and happiness. I think this can be quite realistic. Sometimes you just need the right person to come along and change your mind and that's what happen. She was raised on the belief that she should not date a colored man, and yet it turned out that love is more then just the color of your skin.
Yes I think for Rebecca love did conquer all. After she found Andre it was like she was a new person, more confident, and more willing to try new things. I think for so long she just kept quiet and became the perfect wife for Brad because she knew she'd never measure up to who his parents thought would be the perfect wife. Not only that she was raised that there were two things that she should never do, divorce and date a colored man. She did both and her life turned around. She found a man that loved her and happiness. I think this can be quite realistic. Sometimes you just need the right person to come along and change your mind and that's what happen. She was raised on the belief that she should not date a colored man, and yet it turned out that love is more then just the color of your skin.
DGSC- Elizabeth
Let's focus on Elizabeth for a minute!
Elizabeth & Privilege
- She is privileged because her mom chose for her to grow up in America rather than Columbia, she believed it would give her the opportunity to grow and have a better life.
Elizabeth & Oppression
- She faces oppression when it is found out that she is a lesbian. She has to face the backlash at work, whereas a straight person would not have to go through that.
Elizabeth & Intersectionality
- Her race, sex, sexual preference, and home country all play a role in her life. If just one of those factors where to be changed, it would change who she was all together. Just imagine replacing one of those with something else, and see how it would effect her life. What if she had been raised in Columbia? Where would she be? How would her life be different?
Elizabeth & Love
Does love conquer all in her case?
YES! Elizabeth goes on to live happily ever after, the end!
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