JupiterStop

thats life

2009-07-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

what a week

2009-06-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Over the passed week I've probably watched about 100 hours of Michael Jackson coverage. Mtv2 has been playing his videos back to back. I'm not old enough to really remember him as the global superstar he was. My first exposure to Michael Jackson involved plastic surgery rumours and sex scandals. Not like it really needs to be said again, but the guy really was a total genius. The fact that he was fascinating and eccentric is just a bonus. It's amazing how much coverage it's getting.

Before last Thursday (6/25) the news was utterly devoted to the Iran conflict. As far as I'm concerned, Obama's position on the Iranian coup was the perfect position to take. Yesterday I read this quote from senator Lindsey Grahm R-S.C. : "The president of the United States is supposed to lead the free world, not follow it." He then went on to call Obama's decision making "timid" and "passive". This quote, I thought, was so illustrative of the difference between Obama and GW's styles of leadership. Whereas Bush's tactic was to make inflexible blanket statements about US policies, Obama seems to understand his role as diplomat. While trying to remain on good terms with other nations, Obama also shows confidence and steadfastness in terms of America's position. This kind of 'intelligent strength' is the absolute antithesis of Bush's tactless foreign policies. I would argue that 'leading the free world' is exactly what Obama is doing. What some call "timid" and "passive," I call "patient" and "sagacious."

2009-06-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

If we don't halt population growth with justice and compassion, it will be done for us by nature,
brutally and without pity - and will leave a ravaged world."

Nobel Laureate Dr. Henry W. Kendall

a different kettle of fish

2009-05-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been so fascinated with the biology of cognition. Some of us feel our way through our days. Others, painstakingly plot and plan every move and every choice. But most of us, live somewhere between these two mentalities. Biologically these two ways of thinking are controlled by two very different parts of the brain. Our behavior is indeed affected by our feelings which are a direct product of which part of the brain is being activated.

In our medial temporal lobe (base of the brain towards the back) lies the amygdala, a small group of nuclei shaped kind of like an almond. The amygdala (see pic) deals with feelings and emotional impulses. Painful memories, fears, and trauma is created and stored in this area, imprinted in the how synapses react. For someone who is anxious, depressed, or overly emotional, activity in the amygdala increases. Once this part of the brain is activated one can only respond emotionally because all the amygdala can do is feel. This is where many people lose hope. Since all of the activity is taking place in this area, one's reasoning, perspective, and grasp of reality is completely tainted with powerful emotions and fears.

Conversely, the orbitofrontal cortex, or OFC (which lies behind the eyes) is the part of the brain that reasons and rationalizes, regulating our emotions and impulses. When a tragedy or trauma occurs our initial reaction is from our OFC, however if one is too used to dwelling in their amygdala we respond with emotion instead of reason, often worsening the situation at hand. Anyway, the most interesting and inspiring thing I've found out is that we have the power to choose which part of the brain to utilize. The dichotomy between raw emotions (amygdala) and comprehension/understanding (OFC) reflects our own patterns of behavior. We truly have the power to control how we feel, and that's an assuring notion indeed.

Let's Talk about Female Circumcision

2009-04-07T06:50:00.001-07:00

Worldwide some 80,000,000 to 100,000,000 women have received circumcision, which was first recorded more than 4,000 years ago in Egypt, which is why it is often referred to as a "Pharaonic" tradition.
"Female Circumcision" or "Female Genital Mutilation" as it is called by many westerners remains a very hot topic for anthropologists, feminists, and sociologists. The ritual is an ancient practice that (among other things) symbolizes a girl’s initiation into the adult world. The ritual is seen as a natural and integral part of the societies in which it is practiced. Almost all groups circumcising females also circumcise males as it is regarded as essential to their socialization. However, it becomes obvious that the male circumcision, a removal of the foreskin of the penis, is quite different from what is involved in female circumcision.
Female circumcisions can vary in range. It could vary from a cut in the pupuce, covering the clitoris, to the complete "smoothing out" or removal of all visible parts of the clitoris and most if not all of the labia. Surgeries such as complete clitoridectomies or infibulations (surgical modifications and the suturing of the labia) are seldom seen. The ritual is primarily conducted in Chad, Somalia, and Sudan. In these cases, de-circumcisions (opening of the sutures) are necessary before childbirth.
Although the option is open to them. Many women reject the idea of doctor performed circumcision, for the process is not simply an operation. It is a transition in which the girl learns many things about her new role as a woman. These are traditions that must be transmitted by other female family members as well as women from the village. There is usually a specialist in the village who performs the rituals, such as in Sierra Leone.
The sowe, as she is called, is revered and deferred to, and is chiefly responsible for the socialization of girls into a new age set. It is the sowe’s role to complete the ritual properly, this involves both the operation as well as several other initiation rites. The tool she uses for the operation, a penknife, is considered to be a divine gift.
The rite of female circumcision can be performed at birth or at puberty. In some groups it is done right before marriage. In Rivers state, Nigeria it is done in the 7th month of the woman’s first pregnancy
After the girl has completed the rite she is welcomed into her community proudly. She is often given gifts and has more power in her family. She becomes a more attractive bride to men, for completing the ceremony, but also because surgeries like infibulation ensures her chastity. In some cultures such as the Kono and the Okiek, in Kenya, the ritual is believed to endow the woman supernatural powers, and grants female authority over her elders as well as over men.
Despite Western objection to this practice. There is no real evidence of mortality rates, and complications are usually very rare.
Some claim that the practice is inhumane and has the potential to cause many problems (i.e. an inability to pass urine normally, pain during sex, infection, and hemorrhaging).

Prevalence of Female Circumcision
80%-98%: Mali, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan
50%: Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia
43%: Cote D’Ivoire, the Gambia
30% :Ghana

The ritual is practiced throughout Western and Sub-Saharan Africa, some parts of Asia, the Middle East as well as in indigenous Central and South American cultures. It has also been practiced by Jews and Christians in places where it is customary.
Condemned by some African Women’s groups, as well as several other global organizations, the legitamacy of the ritual is strongly contested. Some organizations push for a more relative view of their practice. Many groups vehemently object to the western viewpoint that their practices are somehow cruel and primitive. Some tribal groups strongly resent the ‘western opinions’ about their practice, one group- The Masai are particularly insulted by outside interference. In some places, uncircumcized genitals are considered ugly.
The issue has clearly challenged how we view cultural practices, and is challenging to both feminism and relativism. It can be seen as a sign of sexual control over females, ensuring marital chastity. It can also be seen as a sacred rite, in which something profound is happening for their culture, where the girl is made into a woman.
Personally, it is my opinion that the activities of these people are no one's business but their own. As a feminist, the thought of such a procedure alarms me, however, isn't feminism a western idea in the first place? You cannot approach another culture and place a value on their activities.

What do you think?
- Jupiterstop

References Cited:

Shweder, Richard, A.
2000. What about "FGM" and why understanding culture matters in the first place.
Modern World in an Anthropological Perspective. Article 25. 144-152.

Sillah, Memuna, M.
August, 1996. Bundu Trap. Modern World in an Anthropological Perspective. Article 26. 138-144

So you wanna be a cult leader?

2009-01-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

There is a lingering pattern I'm seeing in much of my research about specific groups and their group behavior. My conclusion is that sadly, people are easy to control. This theme is totally consistent with so many of social nodes I've been studying.

From psychotherapy cults in Hollywood to street and project gangs in Chicago, it seems to me that if one follows a relatively simple formula, control over large groups of people is not hard to achieve. Both gangs and cults utilize the same systems of control. Both employ a regulation of behavior, social structure, and environment. This tactic usually and quickly, creates a general mentality of non-resistance and compliance from individuals in these groups.

1. Find the disfranchised. Many groups are formed by members who are victims of misfortune either socially or personally. Leaders promise acceptance, structure, community, and above all, hope. Jim Jones sought poor black southerners and promised them racial equality. He sought college students unsure about their role in the world and promised them a chance to build a utopia. Recruiters for gangs promise a sense of belonging to poor youth. They promise them money, position, and respect. In other words, and this is a pattern that rings loud and clear through all of what I've researched: Group recruiters will say anything, promise anything, and
pray on the most potent fears of the candidate, to get them to join. They promise love and protection, security and power. To the individual, the choice seems simple enough. And once the individual has committed, they find themselves locked in a system that makes it almost impossible to escape.

2. Institute extremely rigid rules of conduct and use painful or violent repercussions if anyone violates said laws. These rules are reinforced in many social aspects. The Gangster Disciples who dominated Cabrini Green in downtown Chicago lived by "the five P's": Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Another rule was called "silence and secrecy", a vow never to divulge group plans or secrets. The punishment for violating these rules, as well as for showing disrespect or dishonesty was a vicious beating they called getting a "pumpkin head," in other words a beating so awful the face became unrecognizable. In some groups, members are
encouraged and rewarded to report on the errors of fellow members. By creating a reward system for those who inform on other members (IE 999 is the Blood code for snitches), one creates a general feeling of mistrust. This feeling creates an ever watchful eye; a system that keeps everyone in line for fear of punishment. Jim Jones required all of his 'children' to report any doubts or indiscretions they suspected in others. They also had to report their own misgivings as well. This way Jones was able to know the thoughts and activities of his members at all time.

3. Codify behavior, language, symbols, dress and virtually all other aspects of culture. This way you create an entire world within the members live. They are no longer apart of mainstream society. They live and work within a completely different system of rules. Heaven's Gate members all cut their hair the same. Bloods wear red, and Crips wear blue. Tattoos, hand signs, and even burns or scarification is employed to symbolize membership. Each group speaks with specific code words or group lingo. The Bloods use a practice called "G-checking" in which a person is asked to identify themselves, their blood name, their set, and other blood information. Blood members even have a certain "call" which they use to announce their presence in the
streets, jail, etc.

4. Create another. Make it clear that we are the in group and we are different from the out-group. The Crips hate the Bloods. Bloods hate the Crips, and distrust any 5-50's (non bloods). Koresh told his followers that the outside world was the world of Satan and eternal damnation. By making another, group unity is strengthened and the desire to leave all but disappears.

5. Indoctrinate and secure the loyalty of members. Many groups have certain rituals, or rites of passage one must commit in order to gain membership. Many cults utilize specific ceremonies, rituals, or tests to formally induct members into the group. I've found that many cults utilize sexual initiation, often being molested by the cult leader. Jim Jones often raped members to test their loyalty. David Koresh and David Berg also reserved the right to have sex with their members. Similarly, female bloods may choose to gain admission by being "sexed in," or gang raped by other bloods. In this way groups/Leaders use sex as a highly useful tool to dominate and to control. In groups like these, members are constantly trying to prove that they are more devoted, and more committed than the next person. The more you show your commitment affects your position, acceptance, and treatment within the group. Many gangs require new members to "put in work" or commit a crime on behalf of the group. Jim Jones also required his members to engage in illegal behaviors for the group. In this way, not only is the inductee's devotion is tested, but they are now dependent upon the group for protection from the law.

Follow these easy steps and before you know it, you'll have people so devoted to you they would give up their lives and their family's lives for your cause. It seems strange how a person can slowly but willingly surrender themselves to a person or to a cause. The significance of culture cannot be underestimated. It becomes horribly clear, that whoever has control of culture, has control of people.

Soi disant "Land of Gracious Living"

2009-01-24T06:06:00.000-08:00

For this move I had to leave so much in Portland. In fact, I even had to stop in Woodburn, Oregon to leave even MORE of my stuff, that I realized wouldn't make the trip. So there, by the dumpster at the La Quinta Inn, probably still sits treasures and artifacts of my 3 years and three months of living in Portland. One thing I realize I didn't leave behind is my insomnia. It clings onto my subconscious like a remora clings to a shark's belly. I'll probably have to learn to accept the fact that it might be with me forever. Maybe I'll learn to love it, like one loves a family pet.

Tonight I was looking through pictures of my life over the last 3 years, and instead of having it depress me (which I expected), I felt a wonderful catharsis and a subtle joy at all the memories I made. As much as I hate that I haven't gotten my degree (courtesy of Katrina and other demons), I find it reassuring that if things had been different, I might not have seen, done, and felt all that I had. For the first time in awhile I'm beginning to warm to the idea of fate. Let me preface this that I do not believe that everything happens for a reason. But instead of looking at it as an ontological inevitability, I prefer to see it as just another world view. If one believes everything happens for a reason, one might appreciate the things one DID experience, instead of mourning the things one didn't. Or in other words, shit happens, life happens. It's up to us to make our prior actions/choices something meaningful and positive. It's up to us to find a place in the puzzle for even the most atrocious pieces of our past.

But I digress (one of my favorite things to do on this blog)- I miss my friends, deeply. And I miss the life I had made for myself. I don't regret leaving, mostly because I can't; it was inescapable. Just as it's inevitable that I sit here, petting my insomnia, writing this. But Orange County is quite possibly the antithesis of Portland. Instead of the slow steady rain, it's bright and breezy. Instead of the young serious drifters and intellectuals, there are people who spend freely and indulge their desires. And of course instead of the troops of bicyclists and 'go green' stickers, there are freeways full of single person SUV's that pollute the sky and taint the air. It's different, and right now it's my life and I have no choice to work with what I've got.

CEDU & attack therapy

2008-12-23T17:36:00.000-08:00

The CEDU or The Charles E. Dederich University is a series of schools for troubled youth whose philosophy is based off of psychotherapy techniques used in the former drug rehabilitation group known as Synanon (bonadide cult) aka The Church of Synanon, founded by (cedu's namesake) Chuck Dederich. Basically, this place is a brainwash camp, whichever way you wanna fuckin spin it. This is living proof that society/reality is stranger and far more frightening than fiction. This is why I love anthropology so much. Enjoy.

baby burrito

2008-09-03T23:55:00.000-07:00

breakfast of champions

2008-07-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

filling the ullage

2008-06-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

meet newton

2008-06-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

this is newton. coming to you complements of cajun canine inbreeding, and most recently via the local pound. silly, dim, obsessive, adorable, and slightly creepy. just thought he deserved a place on The Stop.

getting back my sundance kid

2008-05-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

my flight landed tuesday night at around 10:05, and the temperature in new orleans was 87 degrees. Tonight I sat with my dog Remmy out on the front porch and watched heat lightning for about an hour. It rained sporadically throughout the day, but this rain is different than the kind I've been used to. It's humid, and there are mosquitoes everywhere, but the sight of the miles of beautiful swampland coming into Acadiana reminded me of the kind of the deep and comforting heat of my childhood. At first Remmy didn't recognize who I was, but now he follows me from room to room and refuses to leave my side. I don't know if I can leave him here again. This is my third night since I left portland and I know this trip is just getting better and better.

house off hawthorne blvd.

2008-05-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

2008-04-23T13:52:00.001-07:00

jupiter

2008-04-19T16:27:00.001-07:00

dozens of lazy hurricanes

2008-04-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

time to take a step back
time to replace those anxious thoughts
with that peace you've been carrying around
and even though your arms are tired
unfasten the weighty burden you've carried

and watch it bleed away-
its very own seppuku

now time to rest in the grass
and take a deep breath

and for all you know, you will inhale in unison
with someone else in the world

while remembering
a happy memory you've both forgotten

long distance synergy

2008-04-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

feet are on the ground

2008-03-12T23:22:00.000-07:00

sunday's gris gris

2008-02-24T22:46:00.001-08:00

snicker

2008-02-24T04:53:00.000-08:00

my ash wednesday

2008-02-20T03:35:00.000-08:00

the archer missed jupiter and instead spent tonight with the moon

I find my philosophy in literature class wholly pretentious and pointless. Today we were finally able to play out in the sun. the weeks of rain washed away the low hanging fog, and while driving over the ross island bridge i could see mt. hood; visible in all it's icy grandeur. had some friends over for dinner. chicken almond salad and red wine. Casillero del Diablo.

tomorrow night a good friend will be moving away.

but next time
maybe we'll meet in reno, and together check out the local culture.

good to know

2008-02-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

I am a Light Cycle.

I drive fast, I turn fast, I do everything fast. I even breakfast. I tend to confuse people with my sudden changes of heart. Sometimes I even confuse myself, which tends to cause problems. What Video Game Character Are You?

u need 2

2008-01-17T16:39:00.001-08:00

werd..

2008-01-04T23:11:00.001-08:00

i think

2007-12-12T16:04:00.000-08:00

MY version of the new US Census Survey

2007-12-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

My problem with the census is that it makes all of us squeeze our identities into one or more tiny boxes. Who isn't a genetic mutt these days? Can we really still say that race exists? I don't think so, and these census forms do little more than draw a rough and questionable estimate of ethnicity in the US today.

and people ask me why I'm so obsessed with Home Shopping

2007-11-29T05:38:00.001-08:00

sell me a cheap ass katana will you?

Why I hate The Gap

2007-11-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

When I began researching this topic I was struck by one particular aspect regarding the CSR of Gap Inc: Public Relations push Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and want consumers to believe that they take CSR very seriously. When I visited the gap website I found a section completely devoted to Social Responsibility: http://www.gapinc.com/public/SocialResponsibility/socialres.shtml

From this page I found Gap Inc.'s 2005-2006 social responsibility report, a 93 page PDF file that contains quotes, graphs, pictures, and product descriptions. The central theme or ethical dilemma for this blog assumes that most ethicists and economists are correct when they state that -real- CSR is costly, and that responsible companies will tend to be driven out by the market due to their higher costs. With this in mind, we analyze the function of Gap Inc CSR, and decide if it is making the company money or costing money. Although it is true that since 2004, Gap Inc (which also includes Banana Republic and Old Navy by the way) has been on a steady downward spin. However, after examining and analyzing the thoroughly trendy responsibility report of 2005-2006, it's my conclusion that this document is simple PR and does not reflect positive CSR on Gap Inc in the least.

We must ask an important question: Is Gap Inc spending as much money as it takes to ensure true CSR? Under Health and Wellness benefits for employees (pg 49 of the responsibility report) I was initially pleased to see that Gap Inc offers medical, dental, vision, as well as health care support to its employees. I was elated when I found that they even offered Child care support and gave newly pregnant employees maternity and paternity leave. To be honest I was impressed (I take this initial response to mean that this is excellent PR), however upon closer inspection I noticed an asterisk on this chart, which directed my attention to the bottom of the page: (*) the data in the chart above applies to U.S. only. Internationally, we align employee needs with the health care and wellness options available in each country to ensure we’re providing a comprehensive benefits package for our employees. This led me to ask the question: Where are most gap stores?

Reuters.com, which is a stocks website reports:
"Of The Gap, Inc.'s merchandise sold, during the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007, approximately 2% of all units were produced domestically and the remaining 98% were made outside the United States . Approximately 20% of the Company's total merchandise units were made in China , with the remainder coming from more than 50 other countries."

What does this mean? It means that the chart is not nearly as good as it looks, making it inapplicable to 98% of the places where merchandise is produced.

Robert Fisher (Chairman of the Board, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Gap) talks about merchandise production: ": Once our merchants and planners have decided on the store assortments, our global production and sourcing teams place orders with approved third-party factories around the world."

If Gap were really serious about proper CSR would it really outsource as much as it does? Why wouldn't it produce mostly in the US where all of these great employee benefits are offered? This is indicative of the fact that this "Social Responsibility Report" is simply a business tactic to make Gap look better; thus improving PR; thus increasing consumer interest which makes bigger profits.

Still not convinced? Watch this video:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/29/gap.labor/index.html

This report finds children as young as 10 working as virtual slaves in a factory in India. They slept on the roof and were beaten with rubber pipes. This, according to the Gap Inc Social Responsibility report is a
violation of corporate policy. Regardless of what this well dressed, and well nourished Gap spokesperson says in the video about corporate policy, if you outsource 98% of your products to third world countries you aren't taking all the precautions needed to ensure good CSR.

How many times are corporations like Gap Inc. going to just apologize for breaking their own policies? How many beatings with a rubber pipe does it take, to make this season's ordnance striped casual khaki pants only costing $49.95?

2007-11-09T21:33:00.001-08:00

monsoon season

2007-10-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

sometimes i feel trapped here, enclosed in a transparent wall of rain. sometimes i feel like the gray is so pervasive i have to hide the light i've spent years acquiring.

and there are other times...
that i think the rain is my baptismal shower, and staying here is the only way to keep me pure. sometimes there is no other place i'd rather be

hello sunshine

2007-10-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Strange day. When i left for school this morning the sky was still super dark, except for in the east where the sun was rising. In a way, it looks like the city was on fire. Very inspiring.

ethics of customer service

2007-10-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

If the ultimate goal of business is the creation of profit, it’s not surprising that many different tactics are created and utilized in order to ensure consistent earnings. Typical “customer service” involves selling a product by interacting with a customer on a personal level. When I reflect on my experiences working in food service, I recall this very concept being stressed by the manager as part of the job.

Theoretically, the idea makes sense on many levels. If the customer is pleased and at ease, they are more likely to consume the product, and return again. By feigning a personal relationship with customers, a trust is created, and the consumer is more willing to buy what you’re selling. In food service, the idea of someone you trust preparing your food is far more appealing than if a stranger did. However, as I stated earlier this is merely a tactic, since quite quickly this personal dynamic can easily morph into an impersonal one. To sell the product, the employee acts tender, almost brotherly. However, once the product is purchased, all the impersonal rules of business become applicable. Essentially, the inherent nature of business remains completely impersonal, making the seemingly personal nature of customer service just another tactic to increase profits. Because, after all, if the average retail employee did truly relate to the customer on a personal level, over- priced merchandise could not, in good conscience, be sold, resulting in a decrease of the profit generated.

In sum- yes, the practice is manipulative, but it makes for good business. A distinction should be made between personal salesmanship and courtesy. Part of an employee’s job is (and SHOULD be) to interact on a civil level with customers. My point is that this can be accomplished without pretending as if the consumer is your best friend from grade school. I also must add that the personal relationship is exploited in other ways. For example, SC Johnson which makes common household products like Ziploc bags and Windex cleaner is promoted as “a family company.” This, of course, sends a message to the consumer that this company is much like your own family. Consequently, trust is created, and these products are purchased over and over again.

Another interesting point arises here. Is “faking it” a necessary part of the job for employees in sales positions? We all know that it’s nearly impossible for someone to be ‘happy’ all the time. Everyone understands that it is perfectly natural to have bad days from time to time. However, many companies heavily stress customer service. This might make it mandatory for the worker to feign personal relationships with customers on a daily basis. When I worked in food service, I found it exhausting to continually pretend as if the customer was my best friend. Sometimes my friendly demeanor was met with utter rudeness and hostility. It is an exhausting task to continually fake a personal dynamic with every caustic customer that walks in the door. Is it unreasonable for businesses to expect this kind of salesmanship from it’s employees? Now let me once again distinguish polite service from the intentional use of personal relationships in order to sell a product. The latter is manipulative, whereas the former is simple civility. I am not advocating rude customer service by any means. Instead, I simply ask: Is it ethical to force your employees to use manipulative tactics instead of keeping business polite yet impersonal?

rant on capitalism

2007-10-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

The contemporary American business system has many corrupt aspects. For the purpose of this post, I'll focus on two issues in particular. It is hardly arguable, that globalization has become the central ideology of American business practices. However, by using the doctrine of global expansion, corporations place themselves in direct positions to manage and control labor, goods, and economic capital of many other nations. Socially, the emphasis on profit overshadows all other moral, social, and economic implications. If one is to truly morally evaluate this system,
it becomes clear that we are creating massive shock waves affecting the cultural, political, and financial evolution of many third world countries. Our global systems of capitalism consistently forces some countries (India, Mexico etc) into a state of chronic poverty and dependence.

We further create an economic gap; sending poor countries further into dept and making the resources they export even cheaper for our consumption. One must only examine history to see that this form of abusive control is simply a harbinger for cultural imperialism and ecocide. The moral evaluation of this process links back to the very concept of business, where the pursuit of profit makes us blind to the repercussions of our choices.

Secondly, and this relates to my first point, that profit without responsibility (as exemplified by capitalism or business), allows for production at the cost of our environment. By pumping toxins and smog producing pollutants into our environment, I believe we violate possibly every ethical construct on our planet. As we harm our world's many ecosystems, we harm the animals that live there, and then subsequently hurt those groups who might subsist and rely on those animals for food. In sum, no one person, culture, or enterprise has the right to take away the capacity for individuals and cultures to grow and thrive. The concept of business must be re-defined, taking into consideration social responsibility. We must include moral worldview, if we are to rectify this damage.

Insomnia

2007-09-27T03:49:00.001-07:00

get lost

2007-09-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

AT&T lesson

2007-09-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

Cityscapes

2007-09-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

Six Degrees of Sunset

2007-09-04T01:08:00.001-07:00

a. cabo san lucas b. puerta Vallarta
c. palm springs, ca d. orange county, ca

Honto ni suki desu!

2007-08-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

Consumer culture?

2007-08-18T01:39:00.000-07:00

It's strange but I'm glad someone took the time to map this. Click on the picture to get a better view.

2007-08-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Trippy Websites!!

2007-08-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

1. Trapped inside a bottle

2. Kaleidoscope Game!

3. Footprints

4. Never ends!!

5. Make it yourself!!!

catching techno rats

2007-08-05T16:12:00.003-07:00

Technorati Profile

catching techno rats

2007-08-05T16:12:00.001-07:00

Technorati Profile

Vacation

2007-07-21T02:34:00.001-07:00

Sea of Cortes
Off the Coast of Los Cabos San Lucas

"I'd rather burn my heart on the beach"

Questions in my Head

2007-07-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

I hate that my mind is full of war.

What is war? It is violence: the convergence of human anatomy against a foreign stimulus (steel, fire, lead, chemical). The goal is to destroy the anatomy, creating nothingness, from which the victor builds his own reality. The goal is to make the anatomy disappear, and without this barrier the victor claims his prize (land, gold, a new policy, oil).

It's a simple concept, and among other dynamics, it works this way:
1. You have something that I want
2. You will not give it to me
3. I harm your body so that I can have it

As far as we know the practice of war has been occuring since the beginning of time, in the form of endemic or tribal warfare. While travelling, Hunter/Gatherer groups encounter other such groups. Territoriality begins to form, groups fight each other for resources, for pre-emptive measures, or to take the goods of another tribe. In many groups war is so pervasive that it becomes ritualized. In some cultures it becomes a right of passage to fight. Societies breed warriors: fighting first with spears and clubs, next with bows and slings, and then with knives and axes.

To me, evolution is my only creed.
Just as everything on Earth evolves, so does the art of war.

So

Then we have the development of horticulture then large scale agriculture. Once a group targets a commodity like a crop. Warfarebecomes more complex, and the soldier is born. From this chaos, cities are built and populated. Hence, armies are created to protect them. This dynamic gives birth to the army. It is a class of society that contributes no tangible goods. Those in this group are socialized in combat. Their skill is the art of destruction.

So thousands of years pass, and we are still at it. Today, we've become so advanced that we are able to demolish entire cities from hundreds of miles away.

I guess what puzzles me, is the morality (if you will) of war. As I've established, war is violence- physical harm to the human anatomy with malicious intent. However, the way we view violence is complex; essentially, we do not view war as murder. Say for instance, some guy goes totally fucking postal while dining at his neighborhood Chilli's. Let's say, he REALLY wants an awesome blossom and he will do anything for it. He goes apeshit, leaving gore and carnage all over the carefully decorated faux americana that covers the walls. By our standards, he is a murderer. He will be arrested, tried, and sentenced.

But is war not simply just groups of trained soldiers fighting in unison for their own conceptualized awesome blossoms? There is a line. But who drew it? I can't even wrap my brain around the concept at the moment, possibly because the idea of such brutality makes me cringe.

Is it impossible for humanity to live in peace?
I mean, is nature herself not cruel and antagonistic as well?
Does the crocodile give a shit when it eats a baby antelope?

Much like war itself, this is a blog without resolution.

in the earth light

2007-07-16T23:00:00.001-07:00

Really Big Love

2007-07-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

Several times this passed week, I have been drawn into various conversations about relationships and marriage. This topic seems to always come up, and it usually sparks a great deal of conversation. This is because, more or less, everyone has had their own unique experiences with the topic. Many people do not understand why I believe in polyamory, which means having more than one relationship at a time. Because our society mostly promotes monogamy, dynamics like trigamy are not usually embraced. It is our past experiences that influence how we view relationships, and we all have very different ideas regarding the subject. Each of us possess unique personalities that desire unique individuals and unique partnerships. Our individual histories influence what we want, and for how long we want it.

Personally, it's taken many relationships to form my current opinions on the matter. Just like all other aspects of my life, my views are constantly evolving and changing. Like most of us, my parents were my first example of 'marriage' or 'relationship'. From an early age we observe and study how our guardians act toward each other and how they function as a pair. From this archetype we develop our first opinions about relationships. We either try to emulate their behavior or we try to avoid it. However, I have often found myself wondering: Today, what is marriage and what purpose does it serve?

Marriage is determined by the cultural ideals of a particular society. However, these cultural ideas vary. Western ideals of marriage usually revolve around cooperative monogamous partnerships. They reflect a commitment made by personal choice and preference. It is the choice of the individual, and the ritual reflects an internal personal commitment. Western partnerships are often based on ideals of beauty, love, and sex.

Conversely, arranged marriages are not centered around the desires of the individual. In India, the choice is left to the wisdom of the parents. Centered within this practice is the reputation of the family. Caste and social class are taken into consideration as well. Arranged marriages ought to optimize social networking, and ensure security and support for the individuals involved. Eastern marriages are often formed on practical reasons. Security, class, family, and occupation are characteristics that are regarded highly. It is also pertinent to note that in the West, divorce is relatively simple and generally accepted, while in India it is frowned upon and the divorce rate is low. This is partly because arranged marriages in India reflect a relationship between families, while western marriages are viewed as the personal choice and responsibility of those individuals.

In the United States, marriage is a legal affair. Although marriage began as a religious ritual, it
also serves as a legal agreement. By getting married, you are officially recognized by society and the government as a unit; a unit which is eligible to receive benefits and qualify for certain perks. Because marriage is a legal agreement, the government is then able to enforce which partnerships are 'normal,' leaving no room for dynamics such as gay marriage and group marriage.

Strict rules about marriage, however, is not isolated to our own country. Based on cultural codes and ritual, marriage sometimes leaves individuals with few options when it comes to personal preference. Societies adapt to the needs of the group, by socializing traditions such as marriage. For Nandi of Kenya, the women have asserted their own agency into the domestic institution. Gender is culturally re-coded in Nandi culture, allowing women to fill the role of husband. By paying bride prices and managing the land and cattle, the woman takes on the male gender role and therefore is able to acquire a male heir for her property. The woman is elevated to male status, a process called kagotogosta komostab murenik (good cocktail party fact). Their role as males are reinforced in other aspects of their society, and these women are allowed the rights of men.

My point is that these traditions form out of necessity. So what happens when we no longer need such things? For me, and for some of my friends, the idea of serial monogamy is illogical. We are among the mere 3% of mammals who are monogamous. Today we realize that fictive kinship is just as valuable and efficient as filial kinship- meaning that it is possible for our social networks to stay intact without participating in serial monogamy. Indeed, polygamy is practiced all over the world. Polyandry, which involves a woman having multiple husbands, is seen (among other places) in China, Tibet, and Nepal. When a man has multiple wives, it is called
a Polygynous relationship. These are practiced in several cultures, including the Igbo of Western Africa and the Mormons of the United States.

Today, the only form of marriage legally (and therefore socially) allowed is a two person partnership between a male and a female. No other kind of union is sanctioned. Obviously, these laws marginalize; favoring one dynamic and ignoring any others. One might argue that this mentality is acceptable because it is our tradition. However, for the Bedouin, a nomadic pastoralist group in North Africa, patrilateral parallel cousin marriage is the preferred form of marriage. Today, although it is not culturally acceptable, women have used their own agency to reject this idea and marry who they wish. The internal movements of the Bedouin women is inspiring to any culture trapped in it's own traditions. Our ability to use our own agency in order to create social change continues as our species evolves.

I think it's important to remember that culture is our own invention, not infallible rules. For many people, polyamory may not be right for them, and thats perfectly ok. My point is only that there are and should be many other ways for people to express love and desire.

America the Autocratic

2007-07-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

3,580 Americans dead since we went to war with Iraq

Latest fatality was reported yesterday.

Over 65,000 Iraqi civilians have been reported dead; killed by military intervention.

How can we get away with this?
How can this kind of bloodshed be justified?

Systems of Destruction

2007-06-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

This morning I participated in a heated discussion with my father over bio-diesel. My point was that in the long run, bio-fuel is much better for the environment, not to mention that it is an energy source that is renewable, compared to our finite supply of fossil fuels. I also argued that the pursuit and acquisition of fossil fuels can lead to war and occupation, using the Iraq War as a prime example. I also mentioned the devastating result of pipe-line leaks (Exxon-Valdez) upon the environment, and consequently, the animals that roam and exist in that environment. The consequences of such leaks create a domino effect. Eventually, the groups that primarily subsist upon species affected by oil leaks (elk, whales to name a few) begin to lose their subsistence methods and are left in chaos.

His argument? The introduction of bio-diesel disrupts the commodities market (his occupation),

creating subsidized markets for many edible commodities. I see his point, I truly do. The introduction of bio fuel changes the redistribution of goods by creating subsidies. In essence the American taxpayer is doubly taxed for goods that he or she might not consume.

However, the basic concept does not change. Bio diesel is by far better for the environment- the earth: our home, that regardless of your political affiliation, we will continue to inhabit for many years to come. That should be our main concern, not maintaining the bastardized systems our society has created, after generations of class formation, due to untamed and selfish industrialism. Our current systems of redistribution functions to sustain themselves, not our society. Much like the military industrial complex; grain, soybean and wheat markets among others are unable to adapt to the introduction of biodiesel. Too many jobs are employed within these markets (and in the M.I.C.'s case, weapon making factories) for any senator, Democrat or Republican, to vote against it. By ensuring the availability of these jobs the senator ensures re-election. No one is ready to radicalize the system.

How did these systems come into existence? Well, from what I've read and surmised, once the evolution of small scale societies turned into larger ones dependent on agriculture i.e. the Maya, systems are created to collect the goods of it's citizens and store them, then the goods are redistributed by those in control. It is therefore no longer the farmer that has control of his crops, it is the government. Therefore the government has the power. The positive aspects of this system are unquestionable: those citizens who are not farmers have access to goods if times are tough. This works hypothetically. But in reality, people are selfish. Those in power want to stay in power and the systems that compose our redistribution network are designed to do this. We need a change, and if we truly wish to avert a global meltdown then we must reorganize our systems. We must be radical.

-jupiter

The colors change as we do

2007-06-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

Today is June 9 2007. I am sitting at terminal 4B at Los Angeles International Airport at the Neptune high speed internet station that charges twenty-five cents a minute for online access. To make matters more obnoxious someone has switched the "O" and"I" keys making spelling every other english word more difficult than it has to be. I didn't think that I would be leaving California so soon. In fact I just got here, but the day after I arrived I received the news that a close friend of mine had killed himself.I had known him for a little over two years. Around two Saturdays ago in the middle of an Everyone Orchestra show he was attending he left he show and ran to the Burnside Bridge. At around 2:00am he jumped from the steel bridge into the Willamette River. His body was found on the 6th. He was 24, two years older than I am now. The place from which he jumped was the absolute middle of Portland, Oregon. The river separates the east side of the city from the west. Burnside avenue separates the north from the south. I had walked across this bridge with him before. Neither of us could possibly have known that this was the spot from which he would decide to end his life. In my mind I see myself appearing behind him grabbing his shirt as he leaned from the bridge to the water. I see myself grabbing him and taking him home, telling him that tomorrow will be another day; another lifetime.

I am not the macabre type. I don't fear death, nor pain. I do, however fear old age, but thats just because I don't want to lose my youth. I don't want to lose my toned skin or my beautiful face. During these last few days, and I think that this is natural, I've been thinking a great deal about death...and what happens after. Last night I had a vision of my friend standing before something far greater than himself. I wondered if he was scared. In my head I've experienced his last moments, even though no one could possibly know what he was going through at the time. In my head I stand before the water. In my head I feel myself falling. After that I don't know what happens. I can see the sun rising over the shoals. I can feel the wet cigarettes in my pocket.

I have a habit of putting myself in the place of others. Since I knew him fairly well, and since we were so alike I feel so strongly that it could have easily been me. I hate myself for not being there for him.I am helpless, however. Something inside me knows that he is somewhere else, and that in this state he has the power to see everything. In this place he knows my thoughts before I do. In this place he understands how I feel about him. In this place he is incapable of anger, fear, or regret. He has passed the threshold, trespassed the human boundary. He's gone to a place that no one living understands. I have no earthly idea what that place is like, and I never will in this life. I want to smoke a Winston so fucking bad.

Before me in the airport is a three person Asian family. To me they look like a Japanese family. Their family looks like two daughters. Between them sits their elderly mother, closing her eyes and dreaming. Not only do I lack the understanding of what death is, I don't understand old age either. I assume that in old age one begins to understand what life is and what their individual purpose/role is. I do, undertstand, however that death is apart of life. I don't think it's the final stages of it, but instead a different stage. I think that part of that stage is it's mystery. Maybe in this human form we are incapable of comprehending what lies beyond.I believe it is a place of beauty and awareness. I don't understand nihilists and aethiests. What is the point of living if this life isthe end. I have to believe there is something more, not only because I feel that there is but because I have to. Jesus, at thispoint I would eat nicotine with a spoon. I figure I have many years to kick this habit, but right now I guess I have the right to pollute my lungs. I have the perogative to yellow my perfectly straight teeth. I feel my youth pulsing through my veins. I see my in experience in my face. These days are for living.

In the wake of this tragedy I try my hardest to look for the positive. Mostly because my friend would have wanted me to. I feel that life is the most valuable thing we possess. Our lifeforce is our agency to create something beautiful. It's our paintbrush, so to speak, to paint something valuable. When we become old people we stand in front of our own work of art. It exists for ourselves and for others, to examine, and to appreciate. All this week I've told everyone that I care about how much I love them. This is an exercise that death provokes, but it shouldn't be. I urge everyone to follow this example. It shouldn't take death to appreciate life. Make every second valuable, even if it's simply thinking about something beautiful.

on days like these..

2007-05-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Something is beginning. I'm still travelling through time. The world is slowly changing, as always. The 'massacre' at Virginia Tech has been all over the news. Ironic, that I am part of the Columbine generation, and now the news casters tell us we have a new threat to fear: postal college kids. And I hear that in SoCal, the brush fires are quickly approaching the Hollywood hills. It is a strange time to be an American.

It's still raining outside. Spring is such a cock tease. At this point (as I always do) I'm strategizing. I know that I'm an academic at heart. But deeper, I am hedonist, a nomad, an adventurer. What turns me on about anthropology is the idea of how different people live. Right now in my life I don't see how sitting in a classroom could better help me understand these dynamics. For me, right now- I have to live it...not just read copious esoteric essays.
This is why I'm considering a break from school. I am an anthropologist at heart, and one day I will make a difference in the field, but at 22, there are forces stronger than college credits, pulling me to experience things that I can only do on my own. If I don't listen to these forces then I betray my instincts and are subsequently unsatisfied.

I fucking hate money, probably because I've never been without it. I can't imagine living for it; letting it consume you. Instead, I've realized that I live for beauty, people, art, places, pleasure, and experience. With these things I grow; I am inspired. It is unfortunate, however, that I find myself at an impasse. In the past, the way I've dealt with this is by drastically changing my surroundings...I run, I take risks, I live. I'm convinced that life is trying to show each of us our path daily. It's up to us to pay attention.

I'm not fucking afraid of anything, well except cockroaches and my own failure. But those things don't hold me back anymore. When I look at my life, I see how, I've jumped fearlessly into the unknown. I think it's time to jump again.

Haiku 4 Eve

2007-04-11T00:13:00.000-07:00

a ninth ward jukebox
our esplanade masquerade
a roach after me

you already know
your words could blow up a plane
your words could strike stars

a voodoo blessing
from crackpipe sally watching
your play continue

you built the treehouse
lakeshore drive behind us now
thou shalt not give in

Seattle from Space

2007-04-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

4 Haiku for Amy

2007-03-28T03:59:00.000-07:00

a Shanghai tunnel
a heart shaped falafel
a bum chasing you

i saw you laughing
in a baby universe
porn star space goddess

chicago sunrise
catholic cigarette saint
red wine cocaine cult

in a jigami
cerulean energy
you and Mojinder

Can you feel it?

2007-03-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

De-constructing Cathy Part I

2007-03-20T04:41:00.000-07:00

For- Irving

"Cathy" by Cathy Guisewite is a comic strip that debuted in November 1976, and follows the daily life of a cynical working woman. Previously based on the author’s life, the strip deals with a variety of issues concerning women. I will argue that the comic depicts characters and scenarios that not only reinforce current American gender stereotypes, but also encourage animosity and further division between the sexes. Through dialogue, illustration, and plot structure, "Cathy" advocates codes of gender specific behavior. I will also discuss how humor is used in Cathy, and how that humor, functions correctively, reinforcing traditional American gender biases. I will further argue my point by examining what Cathy symbolizes to consumers, exposing how this particular comic has created a cultural construct, that influences it’s fans, and creates a distorted reflection of gender roles in our country.

By primarily utilizing certain images, these theories become evident in this particular strip. Cathy does not appear until after she has finished her intensive grooming. The first frame is simple onomatopoeia, with an image of what looks like smoke from a war zone. This, and her subsequent facial _expression, implies that her morning routine is not a pleasant one. In the second frame, Cathy appears, looking like her usual self (implying that this is a daily ritual), sporting her signature "bath robe" look. A stereotype is immediately apparent, that women not only do, but must put a great deal of work into their appearance.

In the third frame, Cathy looks displeased by the inequality she perceives. She is upset that she and her husband ‘must’ spend disproportionate amounts of time on their appearance. The character acknowledges this gender-specific expectation of society, yet continues to abide by it. Instead, in the fourth panel, she channels her anger toward her husband who has chosen to spend his time before work in bed: "I’ve been preparing my skin to greet the day for an hour and you’re not even up yet?" She says as she rudely awakens him by dumping water on his face.

A feminist statement could have been possible here- for Cathy does not like the situation. However, instead of personally rejecting these sexist expectations for herself, she directs her anger toward her husband, blocking communication and misplacing the blame. By blaming her husband, Irving, for these oppressive expectations; Cathy hurts her cause, creating conflict, and further thickens the dividing line between the sexes. Instead of rectifying these social inequalities, Cathy implies more gender stereotypes- that all men are to blame for traditional gender specific behaviors.

Irving’s reluctance to take a shower because Cathy has dowsed him with a cup of water represents the stereotype that men don’t care about their appearance, and don’t work hard (or as hard as women) on their own personal appearance (cleanliness and hygiene). The way in which Cathy awakens her husband shows little respect, and could also be construed as a stereotype that men need to be corrected by their wives. In the fifth panel, when Irving exclaims "Whoa! Thanks! Now I don’t even have to bother with a shower!" he is using humor to downgrade the situation, supporting his wife’s right for rudeness as well as the stereotype of masculine slovenliness.

In the fifth panel, Cathy leaves the room with wavy lines over her head, symbolizing further frustration; she has achieved nothing by her actions. In the first panel, "STEAM, SOAK, SCRUB, SLOUGH, SPRITZ, SMOOTH, TONE, MOISTURIZE" not only indicate a great deal of bodily care but also represent the idea of gender based consumption. Cathy is using many products in order to SPRITZ, TONE, MOISTURIZE, etc. The underlying theme here is that women must also consume more in order to even appear presentable.

Copyright © 2006 by Jupiterstop. All rights reserved.

De-constructing Cathy Part II

2007-03-20T04:37:00.000-07:00

This comic shows a very complex matrix of conflicting views regarding gender appropriate behaviors. Cathy is a stereotype usually complaining about stereotypes, then in defense, she creates new stereotypes (toward men). By living the stereotypes, she advertises their existence, and by stereotyping men in return (her faux feminist tactic), she is creating more gender related conflict.

The humor of "Cathy" is often aimed at cultural categories, and does little more than acknowledge the frustration that these categories may create. I believe that, in this way, consumer conformity is subtly enforced.
Exaggeration is apparent in the humor of this comic, since Cathy’s issue is hardly important, she abuses her husband with a cup of water, thereby making a trivial situation solemn. I believe that this comic is also aimed at cultural categories such as gender. It reinforces stereotypes that are traditionally funny in our culture- particularly that women must work on their appearance and men do not. The humor in Cathy is corrective and maintains, to an extent, a social order. Within Cathy’s cultural construct, the roles of men and women are written in stone, and the only way to deal with them is through confrontation.

The comic currently appears in 1,400 newspapers and has developed a solid fan base. Laughter certainly has a context, and based on the popularity of this comic, many people do appreciate it’s humor. This may be indicative of a large group of people identifying with these same issues. Since Cathy is never able to truly confront the sexism she encounters, a correlation could be drawn that the same mentality is shared by many of her consumers. Perhaps this is why we, as a culture, continue to deal with our own gender stereotypes. To support this point further, if socialization can indeed be regulated by the media, then this comic is perpetuating nothing but more gender based antagonisms. In this light it can be construed as engendered cultural transmission.

Cathy is not an optimistic person. Cathy often occupies an entire frame (as in panel 3), saying nothing, but simply walking toward something particular- this might indicate her fast and furious pace- possible internal dialogue of the character. In this strip and in others she almost always seems anxious and uneasy. Her eyes look concerned, wavy lines or sweat drops appear around her head, symbolizing displeasure or annoyance. Throughout the comic, Cathy is most often seen obsessing about products such as shoes, food, and clothes. In this sense, consumption is seen again, indicating a stereotype that women are consumption driven, filling their lives with perhaps trivial pursuits.

Delving further into the "Cathy" comic, the character commonly focuses on four basic guilt groups or four types of temptation. They are food, love, mom, and work. By identifying these items as ‘basic guilt groups,’ it influences how Cathy(modern women) interpret them. Cathy approaches them negatively, essentially reinforcing the stereotype that women are irrational and emotional. "Cathy" exists in a climate, built by humor, in which her cynicism taints a female perspective of the world.

Some anthropological assumptions can be made regarding the characters in the comic. Most Cathy fans understand that her mother, who is much like her daughter, and provides equal amounts of information and frustration, is a large part of Cathy’s life. She also appears in the comic strip quite frequently. In terms of basic anthropological observations, females are usually socialized by older female members (their mothers), which greatly influences personal identity. Cathy’s frustration exemplifies this theory, as her behavior mirrors her mother’s. The gender roles adeptly filled by Cathy and her husband reflect Guisewite’s views on these categories in our society. Many of the comic’s messages are probably more apropos at the time it was written, than it might be today. Strangely, the strip is long running, perhaps because it’s humor is repetitions. But in this comical climate, where static, gender appropriate behavior is promoted, the sexes are not equalized, they are further defined.

The frumpy image of Cathy, as well as her irrational choices and emotional outbursts, do not promote sexual egalitarianism. If anything, it has set the women’s movement backwards, by blanketing what could be progressive satire with hopeless cynicism. Cathy is a symbol. That hefty, matricidal, imbecilic woman, usually seen shoe shopping or devouring copious amounts of chocolates, illustrate egregious misogyny. It becomes clear that Cathy is misogyny in comic form, wrapped in a comfy bathrobe of pseudo feminism.

References:
2006 (July 7) Cathy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathy

Guisewite, Cathy 2006 (July 5), Cathy.

Copyright © 2006 by Jupiterstop. All rights reserved.

Something new every day

2007-02-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsara

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecdysis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_pale

Mentalism

2007-01-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

You Have the Power

2007-01-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

Going to have to make this one fast and furious. I am blogging about a topic that has influenced me for some time now. I have devoted much work and energy into creating a positive reality for myself. My interest in this point of view peaked when I started viewing happiness as a purely voluntary emotion, available to us at any moment we may choose. After all, if we are in control of anything in this world, it is our own minds. Now more than ever I believe that the universe (the macrocosm) exists within the mind (the microcosm), and vice versa. This Hermetic principle makes more sense to me, as I am fully becoming aware that I create my own reality on a daily basis. Reality is what you believe it is. It is your perception, your attitude, and your choices. For instance, someone who believes they are...oh let's say, Delta Burke (and who really isn't) IS Delta Burke in his/her reality. Whether diagnosed with a mental condition or not, that person's world, psyche, and self image are just as real as "our" worldviews are to us. Reality is not objective: As long as they truly believe that they are Delta Burke, that reality is no less valuable than those that others might create. (Truly unfortunate, however, if one does believe they are Delta Burke, since that bitch votes Republican)

Anyway, with that said and if we had the power, would it not behoove us to create a reality full of peace, optimism, and love? Although I believe this to be true in theory, it is much more difficult in practice. Indeed, I have been working on developing this mentality for almost a year now- and truthfully, these principles are just recently beginning to affect me. It is stressful, for sure, when hard times fall on us, to maintain positivity. However, consider allowing positive influences to affect everything you experience. Your perceptions and reactions will be modified by this mindset. It will influence every choice you make. Suddenly, the hard times you had perceived become something else. It is how you view and react to situations that define their meaning in your head. If you choose to, unconsciously, you can create a world full of beauty, by simply choosing to.

Just a thought....So give it a try, Chairman Negativism- Put that in your pipe and toke it.

shocking

2006-11-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_pulse

charging

2006-10-10T23:57:00.000-07:00

Nostalgia..

2006-10-10T23:54:00.000-07:00

evolution revolution

2006-08-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

I want to destroy sexual stereotypes

I want to undefine time

I want to liberate sex and relationships

I want a fucking revolution

I am fairly certain I have lived multiple lifetimes..

The conclusions anthropologists have attained regarding race as a cultural category, makes one wonder what other culturally ascribed classifications we take for truth, when actually they are the greatest kind of subjectivity. While once regarded as an indisputable biological trait, race is constructed on arbitrary social preconceptions regarding ethnicity. Race is nothing but a harbinger for racism; ethnocentric rules we have formed in order to formulate power structures (i.e. hypo-decent). We are essentially a random combination made from a grab bag of our ancestor's physical traits. Our appearance, of course, is influenced by lifetimes of mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift. The latter becomes the largest proportion of variability, resulting in purely random characteristics. Therefore there is no true 'race' because every genetic sequence is slightly different than the one preceding it. The ever changing combinations of genetic flow consistently defy racial classifications. Essentially- someone in power created these rules to stay in power.

So, this begs the question: Could it not be that culturally ignorant and stratified mentalities breed ways to induce division? Why then can't the same argument be held against classifications such as gender and age? Or against time and family? Or even identity for that matter? If our identity is formed during socialization, then are we not a culturally distorted product of parochial perception? What we call progression is simply specialization in a specific cultural world view.

It's time to take a more post-modern approach. Cultural anthropology heralds in the ideas of cultural dynamism and evolution. However, it is becoming clear that anthropology will also have to adapt, to the countless, constantly changing relationships in the world. How do you define yourself? Why do you define yourself that way? What do you value? Why?

Never underestimate the power of culture. We are a product of our socialization, which means it IS possible to change the cultural tide. Instead of obeying the cultural tide, why can't we start inventing our own concepts?

My concern arises from observing how identity is influenced, today. Today, generations are forming their identity based upon completely artificial cultural ideals. Our constructions of Gender, Race, and Sex have become caustic ideologies that are growing increasingly pervasive. What is happening is the formation of our social identity around purely manipulative constructions. The next phase will be commercial based socialization. The construction of race fucked us, by bringing stratification, so too will consumption driven constructs.

Something so artificial is diametric to human evolution. Generations are beginning to define themselves by consumer-fueled projections. Consumption is regulating socialization and social behavior: What do you wear? What do you watch? How do you fuck? What do you consume? With whom do you identify? Who are you? When the massacre is over; When we become complete bottomless vessels for consumption, what will be left? Mindless, republican-voting automatons? Will real variation exist, or will it be some faux idea of individualism?

Question classifications. Question identity. Push boundaries. Transcend your comfort zone. Provoke self actualization. Ask questions. If your conclusion is "I don't know." Why don't you know? Our species hasn't evolved since Homo Heidelbergensis, it's time for a change. Since the next step in evolution obviously won't be physical, it must be mental, psychic or spiritual. Any one of us at any moment might be the first to experience this evolution.

destroy gender stereotypes
undefine time
create your own sexual dynamics
deconstruct cultural constructions

LEAVE- you and your god

2006-07-20T01:40:00.000-07:00

Last night, someone entered my house as a guest, then proceeded to express his opinion on who God is. I learned that he had apparently met god once, and is subsequently an expert on the subject. I began to explain that I see god everyday: Heresy. At this point- and usually when traditional ideology is threatened, people go fuckin fundamental all of a sudden. He felt his religion being challenged yet I viewed it as a satisfying exchange of ideas. I love metaphysical discussion and it wasn’t his opinion that necessarily bothered me, it was his reluctance to hear my opinion. It was his closed mind, along with the fact that he continued to self righteously place a copyright on god, in my own living room. Suffice to say, I spoke my mind regardless, whether he chose to listen or not, was really his issue.

In today’s society it is easy to lose your faith entirely. However, the need for spirituality is basic, and when left unfulfilled, we are virtually incapable of understanding ourselves. I realized what a huge role science has played in my life, and that I do indeed place a great deal of faith in science. What is science? What is religion?

I believe religion has become regulated spirituality, that has lost it's ability to satisfy the spiritual needs of a society. Usually, in small groups, there is someone (shaman, medicine man) who transcend the boundary between the visual and spirit worlds. In this role, she/he satisfies the community's need for spirituality, and relays certain truths about the world that are sometimes key to social identity. The shaman is also responsible for healing, in many groups, and must adept in botany and herbology. For us these are sciences, but elsewhere it is part of a metaphysical, religious albeit natural process- considered to be ancient spiritual knowledge.

As a society grows in complexity, spirituality changes to religion. Severe distortion and manipulation by various powers has so distorted the spiritual essence of modern religion-
That currently, religion discourages new ideas and creates regulated patterns of human behavior. Often exploiting human agency for monetary gain. Today, religion has taken basic philosophical truths and so bastardized them as to create nothing more than an extremely regulated, punitive, and often oppressive system of control. Evidence of an ineffective religion include a visible culture of discontent, which is now becoming manifest.

Weakly, people find comfort in absolutes, and that is exactly what the religion offers. Christianity, for example, has taken stories from the Bible. Written by an ancient people and detailing the truths they had found, the Bible (I believe) was written as a metaphor. And much knowledge can be achieved by studying it. The truth’s shown in the Bible parallel other creation stories. The truths they reveal are cross cultural, almost universal. Yet the institution of religion has so distorted the texts that the original meaning is almost lost. The knowledge inherent in the texts is invaluable, and is surely to answer many questions. But instead of allowing the individual to apply these concepts on his/her life, institutionalized religion has instead applied strict rules of conduct and (depending on the religion) encourages the Bible to be taken literally. Thus sucking any symbolic meaning out of these stories. Moreover, the very fact that religion is so threatened by science is indicative of it's ineffectiveness. There should not be disharmony between the two. In fact, many Hebrew scriptures were ritualized conduct that initially taught the importance of hygiene.

so

Obviously, the two are entwined regardless of personal opinion. They are both ways to view our world and shape our perspective. Science is empirical and measurable. However, many have found science incapable of explaining many fundamental human experiences. Because science deals mainly with the observable, and because much of spirituality deals with supernatural experience (something that is not quantifiable) there remains a spiritual aspect absent in these empirical conclusions. You cannot explain ritual. You cannot explain enlightenment. You must feel it, and when you do, you will certainly know it.

Therefore, by employing the two, we are creating harmony, understanding that there is true knowledge is to be gained, there should be no limitations on how we perceive and interact with the world. Religion (spirituality) and Science should never conflict, for essentially they are the same. To view them as conflicting ideas, is limiting our perspective, the argument is simply epistemological, and should never be a dispute over any one fundamental ideology.

Hermeticism- the truths of the universe

2006-06-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

Hermeticism is a system of religious, mythological, and spiritual beliefs which rely heavily on the concepts of God, astrology, theurgy, and alchemy. Hermesticism is chiefly constructed on the writings of Hermes Trismegistus, who has become synonymous with the Egyptian lunar deity of knowledge, Thoth. The origins of Hermeticism are disputed, although many believe that the practice was cultivated by Egyptian priests. Hermeticism is said to have inspired three world wide movements: The Rosicrucians, The Illuminati, and The Freemasons.

Many Hermetic texts were gathered at the Great Library of Alexandria and were destroyed when the library was burned by Romans in 391 CE. There are three main texts of Hermeticism. The Corpus Hermeticum describes a disussion between Hermes, while in a meditative state, with Nous or God who is called Poimandres/Poemander.

The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus reveals the three parts of wisdom are astrology (the operation of the moon), alchemy (the operation of the sun), and theurgy (the operation of the stars). The Emerald Tablet, according to legend, was found by Alexander the Great in the tomb of Hermes. Another key text of Hermetic knowledge is the Book of Thoth, in which Trismegistus reveals the 'One spiritual path' and is said to hold the key to immortality. The Kybalion was anonymously published in 1912. Its authors, suspected to be Freemasons are referred to as "the three initiates." In the Kybalion, seven hermetic principles are disclosed, they are:
1. Mentalism 2. Correspondence 3. Vibration 4. Polarity 5. Rhythm 6. Cause and Effect 7. Gender

Yin and Yang is also important in Hermeticism. The idea of duality is key to understanding the universe as a whole. Before there was anything, there was one- for creation to occur, the one must possess an opposite. And thus existence is created.

A similar theme is seen in the Christian story of creation: Eve, tempted by the snake (who is bound to the earth) eats the apple, creating an opposite of paradise. Before this act, there was only oneness, by creating the opposite, she creates duality. Hence, woman gives birth to the world. Interesting side note here, is that the snake was never identified as the devil in ancient Hebrew scripture, that addition (probably to further criminalize nature) was added by a pope many years later. Such a shame how the Church has bastardized universal symbolic truths.

The universe, in Hermeticism, exists in the mind of The All: "That which is below corresponds to that which is above, and that which is above, corresponds to that which is below, to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing" This is a concept first introduced in the Emerald Tablet. This is applied to the principles of microcosm (the self) and macrocosm (the universe). Each, however, lies within the other, and if understanding is reached of one, then the other is also realized. In a sense if you understand yourself, you may eventually reach a higher state of enlightenment, in which you become The All.

It has been suggested that God or Nous is The All, and that we all have the ability to reach the higher state by tapping into The All, mentally. This goes back to the first Hermetic principle, mentalism. I take this to mean that god exists in the mind. And that heaven, nirvana, or enlightenment are not distant places, but stages anyone can reach if one is able to embrace and understand what already lies in their mind. Similar ideas are found in Buddhism.

The principle of vibration refers to how nature and consciousness connect. All matter is similar, simply with varying degrees of vibration. Everything is constantly in motion, even the rocks of the earth. When the vibrations are highest, the base matter is farthest away. These ideas are seen in quantum mechanics, and many of the basic hermetic ideas are often cited in other pervasive scientific fields as well.

Several organization borrow traditions from Hermeticism. Occult organizations in particular, include the more magical Hermetic aspects, incorporating it's philosophy as well as it's symbols in many of their ceremonies.

The broad range of Hermetic knowledge covers vast territory, and it's writings are often difficult to translate, yet I believe that ultimate knowledge (oneness with The All) can be achieved by applying these principles to your life. By studying the most basic truths of universal cultures, I find that existence is simplified, and that my path becomes more clear. After truly meditating on these truths, I feel I have strengthened my spirituality, and that in turn affects how I interact with the world.

regardless- an interesting topic that could hopefully answer some of your questions. It certainly has for me.

peace
jupiterstop

Somewhere in an Orange Bubble

2006-06-04T02:17:00.000-07:00

Hottest day in Orange County.
My sister's graduation ceremony was lovely, however taking place in Rosary's quad induced mass persperation, and invited violent heat stroke. I'm surprised no grandparents dropped.

The party afterwards went well. Amidst all the dirty children swimming in the pool I was engaged in several conversations, even if they revolved mostly around either Servite or New Orleans. It's been about eight months since K happened, but I'm still completely obsessed, pissed, and confused by it all. It's something I should be over, I suppose, but my attachment to that city is still alive in me and powerful. I've spent months debating over whether I should return or not, but always arrive at the fact that I can't go backwards, I can't run back from the new. Yet still, I am hopelessly attached to the land, the culture, the people, the trees, I really can't go on...but it is suffice to say, I love the city, but have decided to set roots so to speak, in a place where I have access to different, but equally valuable experiences.

I was asked today if I had allegiance to Servite, but I responded that I certainly had loyalty to the people, but not to the tradition. It was gratifying, however to discuss anthropology with people who are familiar with the subject. One topic that arose was the idea of community. I believe that it is a basic universal human need, second only to food, clothing, and shelter. We require a sense of belonging, the agency to contribute willfully to our group. In doing so,we branch out, forming extended social networks and common interest groups. Today I was delighted to conclude that Orange County is more than SUV's and bad tans. And for some people, there is more here than their own gross conspicuous consumption. In fact, there are many closely knit social groups in this area, revolving either around school ties, church ties, or business ties. These ties keep people in this area, and create relationships, nodes, and in some cases generalized reciprocity. This is not a glorification of Orange County!! Do not move here unless you love traffic, smog, and conspicuous consumption. This place has many problems including a substancial social stratification. My point is that even in a place like this, productive and meaningful relations are formed. It was a welcome discovery.

I connected today with an old friend. We parted on bad terms, but if people are meant to be in your life, they will find a way. Age brings wisdom (cliche), and I am happy to reconnect with someone I once treasured. We all make mistakes, but rejecting an opportunity to reunite with a friend is like choosing spite instead of love. And at this very transitional point in my life, I seek love, and the loss of spite. My friends are my neo kinship group, they are the family I have chosen.

American Death count in Iraq- 2,474
Sometimes I don't think our culture knows -HOW- to value life
This isn't a game,
How week are we to cave to fear mongering?
It's not about philosophy,
this is the flesh, blood, and bone of our kin,
spilled on the sands in the birthplace of humanity

Modern Youth Rituals

2006-05-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Many cultures have rites of passage- cultural constructs signifying the transition of an individual from one age category into the next. it is the initiation from youth into adulthood. In indigineous societies in places like Africa and Australia, circumcision is usually involved. Practices vary immensely, but all are aimed to change social recognition.

Through this process, the youth is transformed into a full citizen of his society. This cultural transmission marks amilestone in his life. His purpose, and in essence his reality is changed as his role evolves from childhoodinto manhood. This ritual, the visible and social manifestation of status change, symbolizes the abstract. Itoffers the inductee a glimpse of the supernatural, a feeling of belonging, and a chance to fully fill his social role.

Rites of passage formally acknowledge ethnic identity, and in the process, change and expand the individual's socialnetwork as the youth transfers peer groups.

It has been suggested that the need to fill a particular social role is a universal characteristic of societies.In American culture today, these rituals are virtually nonexistant. The experience of a tangible transitionis not supplied by any mainstream outlet. There are intitiations, but nothing that offers youth a mystical experience.No ritualized practice in American culture (religion, politics, school) can supply this kind of process, and as aresult American youth seek this tribal experience through other means. This forms a semi Culture of Discontent inwhich the youth recognizes the absence of these experiences and then goes after his own.

They in essence take the matter into their own hands, and induce spiritual experiences through the ingestion of psychedelicdrugs, group meditation, or trance. These drugs offer the youth a glimpse into the world that their society has denied. It is thier own ritual, that liftsthem from their age category into the next. American youths have formed bands- their own idea of tribes. In these tribes, of like minded individuals (usually all in the same age set) rituals have formed and the transformation is shared.

the meth we're in

2006-03-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

A few of things to get off my chest:
1) there should be more available wireless networks in Portland
2) we all know Dick was playing "The most dangerous game"
3) It is NOT COOL to be an asshole
and
4) this meth problem is way out of control

Why doesn't our government do anything about the meth crisis in which we now find ourselves?
That's easy, it's because meth, much like crack does not even register on the ego
driven radar of our political body. It is not apart of their lives in the remotest ways.
But for us, those of us who actually do consider and examine the culture in which we live,
see that this is a drug that is callously instilling a gruesome decay upon an increasingly
younger segment of our population.
The drug continues to spread, and more direct ways of consuming the drug are becoming common
(I don't believe that all the discarded needles I see around town are for heroin). I see kids
go from possibility to despair, from destination to the streets.
Meth is a drug whose high is euphorious, energy is boundless, and addiction unavoidable.
It becomes a lifestyle, the purchase, consumption, and creation of the drug becomes priority
and the body starts to believe pleasure cannot be achieved in any other way.
What I believe to be the most dangerous factor in why meth is so huge depends on the
availability of the drug.
Both ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are found in over the counter medicines.

So- just restrict the amount of these drugs in cold medicines and problem solved, right?
Well, apparently no way has been found to dilute the pseudoephedrine in these
medicines, without also rendering these meds useless, so the crisis continues.

Those at the top of pharmaceutical empires are in the same tax brackets of
our leaders...so maybe meth does effect the lives of the bureaucrats, albeit
in a much different way.
Numerous editorials I've read, seem to ask the question "How can the country cope with
a ravenous crisis like meth abuse?"
But I'd like to again my question-
Why doesn't our government do anything about the meth crisis in which we now find ourselves?
Why doesn't our government effectively monitor the HANDFUL of factories that manufacture these
drugs?
I don't have a solution anymore, I just know that this drug is fucking destruction.
And it's so easy to get and the addiction potential is immense.

I have to stop, this rant and Portland’s steady deluge of rain is making me depressed.

Before I go- the number of Americans dead in Iraq since we ejaculated our "seed of freedom"
onto the barren desserts of the Middle East- 2,302...

Fuck all that new age shit, isn't Bush's "culture of life" making you love the world?

Peace!
jupiterstop

happy holidaze..

2005-12-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

from: me
to: you

jupitergo

Life after Katrina

2005-11-14T20:43:00.000-08:00

Writing an overall impression of this storm, and where it's left us.
Trying to verbalize what has been my life for about 3 months now. Everyone knew that it was 'just a matter of time' until New Orleans would be washed away, however it was the deliberate choice of Louisiana politicians, ie an imprudent allocation of funds in regards to Louisiana projects, that made this dark prediction a near reality.Fine, a choice not to strengthen the levy system can't be pegged on one politician, but the choice not to have a well organized response can and should be pegged on not onlyour current local leaders, but their predecessors as well. The days following Katrina wereparticularly dreadful, in particular the fact that there was no one or nothing in place to mobilize and evacuate many poorer New Orleans citizens. New Orleans has never been known as a city with glowing public transit (after all we're still using street cars) but the fact that there was no program in place is appalling.
Blanco should have reliquished state power to the government and released the busses when she had the chance, but she didn't, and here we are.The president's slow response was just as abhorable, as was the fact that he ignored Blaco when he finally did show up. Democrats and Republicans fucked up, period.
Bush demonstrates yet again how his overall presidency is one that screws the poor. People in New Orleans especially the 9th ward don't have summer homes to drive to in their range rovers, most don't have relatives out of state, or any way of getting to them. Hell most of them don't even have cars, they live in a city where mostly everything you need is in walking distance. Including your extended family. So how are people with no transportation, no contacts, and very little money get out of a city that is sending mixed messages about a possible national disaster? I'd imagine they'd have a bitch of a time...
Living through the hurricane was also very odd. Firstly, people scattered. Those who could, flew back to their home states or stayed with friends. Locals spread out into the southern United States, and those without cars were taken to large Louisiana cities like Baton Rouge and Lafayette. I was in Lafayette, where shelters and churches were filled to the brim. I predicted a backlash from locals. I predicted their sympathy turning into malice. However, I am very happy to have been wrong.
Katrina's winds landed me in Portland. It's a beautiful city, half in the mountains, and half on the water, enormous strange trees, and trillions of shades of red and green. Portland seems to bean open minded city; fairly leftish and young. And the downtown is clean, or at least cleaner than most I've seen. Also the public transportation system is excellent, decreasing traffic and polution. It's a very smart city, and I'm glad I ended up here.
I miss New Orleans crazy hardcore, and I will be going back as soon as I the city gets back on its feet. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the northwest in the winter.

Total number of Americans (most around my age) killed in Iraq to this date: 2068

What Would Jesus Pierce? Part II

2005-05-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

The Feminine Piercings

Culturally, the United States tolerates, or rather in some cases perpetuates are the two standard lobe piercings in women. If a mother doesn’t implicitly choose to pierce their daughter’s ears at around three to five, Girls will independently make that choice from around 13 to 15. This particular adornment is fully accepted throughout the United States, and is endorsed by popular culture. What does this piercing say about American Culture and female gender role? Because this piercing is seen as an aesthetic complement, we must view its insistence on the mother’s (or society’s) need to ornament, or decorate their female child. Girls endure the pain of puncturing for the purpose of beauty. This mentality often perpetuates in young girls on a whole, as the need or desire to appear attractive. By piercing the skin, a new avenue of display is created, allowing a girl to adorn herself with a various array of jewelry. In many places you must be 18 to be pierced, and to pierce the lobes you must be 16. Practices like these reinforce the acceptability of lobe piercing.

I remember playing in my mother’s jewelry box and seeing her earrings. Seeing her wear them, different ones for different times, I thought it was so cool, and wanted to pierce my own ears.
[Amy a 17 year old in high school]

In adulthood, women use this piercing to perpetuate a fashion and in cases to appear attractive. They match their jewelry other with other ornaments such as bracelets and necklaces and are at times expected to wear specific jewelry for specific occasions (pearls, studs). Earring consumption on a whole fuels an international enterprise and is perpetuated in Western movies and fashion. This type of piercing is not only embraced by American society, it is the one piercing that has truly become Western. Over 90% of the females who took the survey admitted to having or have at once had their ear lobes pierced. Some even reveal that their ears were pierced at ages as early as 13 months.
Next we move to piercings that are less acceptable, those that have become associated with the word and practice of “piercing”. On average, the first piercings received by girls are either those that cannot be seen by the naked eye or other piercings of the ear, usually in areas closest to the lobes. The navel ring became popular around the year 1995, becoming the next most acceptable piercing. Two popular New Orleans piercing parlors report navel piercing being their most popular female piercing. Navel rings became a way of piercing your body without doing it overtly. 17 of the 26 girls surveyed have or have had their navel pierced.

I pierced my navel because I could hide it from my parents, who hate piercing. I liked the colorful jewelry, and the idea of doing something I could hide. I started wearing tops where you could see my midriff, and I liked the attention.
[Becca 21 year old sociology major ]

Navel piercing in this sense becomes a way of rebelling without suffering the consequences. Sex is also a motivation for navel piercings, just as in the piercing of the nipple, not everyone gets to see them. We see sex as a motivating factor, or at least sexual appeal. Both in the lobes and the navel, the desire to appear attractive is a recurring theme. Among black females the piercings most seen were either the nostril or the helix.
Surprisingly, the occurrence of genital piercing among females was much more than expected.
Genital piercing has its own motivations. This idea seems radical to most Americans. This practice is accepted even embraced in countries such as Egypt and parts of Indonesia. So what can we see in individuals who survey these piercings? Rosenblatt comments, “Sexuality among ‘primitives’ is understood to be respectable, indeed sacred, and the idea of labeling some sorts of sexuality as deviant is thought to be the product of (Western) civilization” (pg 319). Therefore, the fear or stigma that arises when this practice is mentioned is simply not acknowledged by those who indulge in this practice. Sex, then is seen as positive, and anything to enhance that feeling is also positive.
Women interviewed, who have received either the hood, labia, or clitoral piercing overwhelmingly revealed that their motivation was the ability to either heighten, or increase the frequency of orgasm. The clitoral piercing is the most rare, because of sensitivity. To have this piercing, one risks the possibility of sexual dysfunction. 9 of 26 girls surveyed had genital piercings, only one had the actual clitoral piercing.

I still like the way it feels. I orgasm about three times as much as I did before the piercing, and I find it much more intense. It doesn’t take much to make me orgasm now, and it has definitely decreased my desire for (actual) sex.
[Sarah 24 year old drama major]

What do genital piercings say about the individual? The ability to orgasm, especially without the need for another person says much about the female in question. Genital piercings that decrease the need for another person, represent a refusal of social norms. Whereas the previous piercings were for other people, these piercings seem to encompass a personal need for fulfillment. Interestingly enough, almost every female who claimed to having a genital piercing also pierced several other parts of her body, revealing that these piercings are usually not desired by women who are unfamiliar with what it is like to be pierced.
After the navel, the next most common female piercings include the nostril, eyebrow, helix, and tongue. 13 of 26 girls had their eyebrows pierced, while 11 had their nostrils. The tongue was the third most often cited female piercing with 15 of 26.

I initially decided to pierce my tongue because I was bored with the traditional ear lobe piercings, and thought a tongue piercing would be inconspicuous and creative. I knew that my parents would never be able to see it, and that it would not easily be seen, so it wouldn't affect my appearance in a professional environment. I also really liked the way it looked, and since I had it done more than a year and a half ago, I have not once regretted my decision.
[Kristal 19 year old accounting major]

A theme of seclusion is seen again here. The progression is evident in this quote, as the acceptability of lobe piercings become boring, the girl pierces something else, and in most cases it is hidden. For girls, piercing more obvious parts of the body usually come later, proof of social insecurity, and gathering personal confidence.

Female Gender Roles

Piercing the earlobes of young girls enforces the idea that they must decorate themselves. This mentality is often manifested in the piercings they receive later on such as the navel. However, several of the girls I interviewed revealed that they did not pierce themselves to appear conventionally attractive and indeed viewed girls who pierced themselves as doing it for the wrong reasons.

Those girls, you know the girls I’m talking about who have (only) their ears and navel pierced. They see these (piercings) as safe ones. Because most guys will still find them attractive. They’re doing it for the guys and not for themselves, I don’t even really consider them ‘pierced.’ I have a hard time getting along with those chicks. [Louise 20 year old communications major]

Obviously there are different distinctions within piercing. Girls who heavily pierce themselves believe they are finding beauty in being different. The girls who only pierce conventionally are then seen as actors or as lacking integrity. Divisions like these are not seen in male interactions. For girls, these divisions are manifest in social and relational aggression, exclusion, or an ‘us against them’ mentality. It is important to note that the girls interviewed who had six or more piercings revealed that they had few female friends and enjoyed hanging out with guys. Girls who have several piercings perpetuated this mentality and usually considered the ‘prep girls’ as being inferior.

So why are the lines drawn so vehemently? The answer lies in the motivation behind being pierced. ‘Prep girls’ are viewed as piercing themselves for other people, while the other, more ‘alterna’ girls pierced themselves for deeper reasons.

Piercing is bringing art into your physical appearance. By piercing yourself you are changing your body, and owning it. You choose what to pierce for whatever reasons, but ultimately it’s your choice. It’s true that I think it looks good, but I pierced my body to show others that beauty is found in taking risks, and being different. [Rachel 20 year old Spanish major]

Being different, or being nonwestern, is an extremely attractive concept for many individuals. Many people get pierced to project an image. The image being that they reject social mores and embrace individuality. Thus adorning yourself in these ways, is marking yourself and marking your identity. This is the motivation for many who pierce obvious parts of the body, it is there way of expressing what no one else can: their personality.
Another motivation seen, is rebelliousness, very few girls pierce themselves at young ages to buck authority. A desire to hide the piercings from the parents is usually the deciding factor for younger girls. Those who are allowed, pierce themselves overtly. More sheltered girls most often receive in piercings (like the tongue or navel) that cannot be seen by the naked eye, then pierce more when they leave for college. Parental disapproval has its own origins, discussed in the background section of this report.
Female motivations vary drastically, but are evident of a much larger social schema. The evolution of the female gender role in piercing begins with the pressure to decorate yourself and ends with the choice to individualize. One hundred percent of those who took the interview agreed on the value of individuality, while fifty percent agreed they were rebellious. In society, beauty and sex appeal are pushed upon women at alarming rates. From magazines to television, the focus seems to be on being attractive (by conventional means). Thus for a woman to get pierced, she sees it as owning her beauty, and defining it herself.
The Masculine Piercings

As stated in the background section, piercing was for some time associated with tattooing, and each practice was then written off as abnormalities in behavior. For males, piercing had particular stigma. To most of the Euro-centered United States, piercing was seen as indicative of homosexuality (for to pierce the ears was a feminine custom) or with sadomasochism and Satanism (for piercing implied pain and suffering).
It was not until the early nineties that piercing took on new meanings, particularly for males. The move started with what has already been established as the most accepted piercing, the earlobes. Hence, piercing holds symbolic significance. A custom adopted in the late eighties made piercing indicative of sex and gender. It was understood that the piercing of the right ear signified homosexuality. For men, this was a sign to one another, and to others, that they were gay. Individuals adopted piercing as a tool to express sexuality as well as gender:

The men who visit my store (both local and out of state) and ask for earrings are for the most part gay. They have no qualms about being open about their sexuality, and I help them choose earrings the same as I do for women. The few that I’ve talked with, purchase their earrings for drag shows, but some wear them out everyday. Their tastes are similar to the women I’ve encountered.
[Eve, 23 local jewelry store manager (Riverwalk)]

After this interview, I found this data advantageous in examining earlobe piercing significance. Today, predominantly gay men wear earrings intended for women. The cultural trait to which they are subscribing is the acceptability and expectations of the feminine lobe piercing. By adopting this trait for themselves, they reinforce the bi-gender system. This sets goals to mimic women, or wear typically feminine jewelry as a form of _expression. Piercing is indicative of their gender, and their sexuality.
In the early nineties, piercing your ears as a male did not imply gender roles, but instead boys or teens with pierced ears were viewed as delinquent or rebellious. The evolution of this practice led to stretching the lobes, an ethnic practice most found in most of the males who took the survey. The most frequent male piercing was the earlobes. The next were the tongue, labret, septum, and helix. 15 of 24 males have (or had) their tongues pierced, 13 had helix piercings, while 10 had labrets.
I’ve noted that the tongue is a typical male piercing, it is also the second to most frequent ‘first piercing’ among the men surveyed. The motivation for this is a theme seen in girls as well, as the natural cultural fear of overt decoration. The tongue ring can be hidden, and is more likely to be chosen than other covert male body piercing (nipples, navel, penis, etc). Very few males had less than two piercings, and usually, if their lobes had been pierced, stretched them. Once the fear of reprisal (from parents, society etc) fades, males often tend to pierce the most noticeable parts of their anatomy.

Once my parents found out about the tongue, I figured what the hell, and then pierced my septum then got an industrial. It’s kinda like ‘what’s the point in paying for piercings if you can’t show them off?’ I know they are the first thing people see, and I don’t really care. [Robbie, 18 year old senior]

This shift usually occurs around 17-18. Because 95% of those surveyed, agreed that piercing was addicting, this shift usually marks a landslide effect, once one thing is pierced, others follow. Here the idea of identity formation is clear, males pierce themselves in order to assert themselves. They also find power in their piercings, because of the unacceptability of the practice; they embrace their ornamentation and display it proudly.
Male Gender Roles

Using the body as a tool is a theme throughout current piercing. Terence Turner agrees:
The meteoric rise of ‘the body’ to the status of primary category of social and cultural theory, replacing more collective categories of social and cultural understanding like ‘society’ and ‘culture’ themselves, has been one of the most salient aspects of development of postmodern forms of cultural theory over the past two decades (pg 143).
This theory is particularly applicable when it comes to addressing male gender roles in piercing. Turner implies that the body has become the most obvious indicators of society and culture, so by adorning the body, males are able to send clear impressions to other males. Piercings have then become a way for males to instill certain impressions upon onlookers.
Two of the five parlors I visited claimed that the most sought after male body piercing was the currently the septum. Septum piercing is seen in Aborigine practices, where boys slid bones through their septum to signify a warrior status. By piercing obvious parts of their anatomy such as the labret, septum, or eyebrow (industrial piercings are also very noticeable), males are asserting themselves as being powerful individuals.
Male piercings vary tremendously, but interestingly enough, within the masculine groups (or rather system of friends) that took the survey, males tended to pierce what their friends had. This was not the case with girls. Rebellion is seen more often as the motivation (to be pierced) for young men, the attraction lies in defying social norms. Rosenblatt comments, “…like conformity, repression and inhibition are socially imposed. Hence, in celebrating and exploring sexuality, modern primitives are able to free themselves from the constraints imposed by their (which is to say our) society” (319). In piercing, an individual feels free from societal constraints. I’ve noted rebellion to one main reason why we pierce ourselves. By defying a system, we assert our own ideas of how society should run. By adorning ourselves, in a manner unacceptable in most of our culture, we express our individuality and the willingness to defy social normality. Within male groups, piercing is seen as such, although not especially verbalized.
There are interesting social interactions between males in ‘alternative’ or ‘piercing’ groups. Males tend to maintain the mentality that the more piercings you have, and also the intensity of the piercings (how much pain was involved) reflect favorably on the individual.

To be honest, I’m more likely to talk to someone with lots of piercings because I feel like I have something in common with them. I know they’ve faced the same bullshit [stereotypes] that I have, and is probably smarter because of it. I’m more likely to think they listen to the same music, go to the same places. It’s kind of a signal that they aren’t afraid to be different, and I respect
that. [Matt, 20 year old Bio-chem major]

Males are more likely to form identity around the practice, either by existing within groups that are also pierced or by making acquaintances with other males who are pierced. This is also the case among some girls, although not to the intensity to which it exists within male kinship groups.
Younger males use the practice to haze other boys. The practice of piercing then becomes another part of their culture, through which power acquisition and ridicule exist.

Yeah, most my friends got their ears pierced. My boy TJ’s got
his tongue. When he first got it, he got ripped on a lot. Everybody said he’d be good at, you know, giving head.
[Ken, 17 year old in high school]

Hazing is seen here, although the other males in the group embraced piercing, they associate the piercing of the tongue as sexual. The piercings that one another receive are another way for the boys within the group to form power relationships. Piercing is then incorporated into their culture to balance power, and form cohesion.

Conclusion

Based on extensive research as well as large amounts of interviews and surveys, I have presented conclusions which shed light on the significance of this social ornamentation. Sexual Dimorphism is seen in several aspects of piercing. There are consistencies in both males and females in regard to the choices in piercing, and similar motivation behind them. Females are first inundated with piercing at early ages, this sets a pattern in what she continues to pierce. Each piercing carries with it a gender and a message. Males pierce themselves primarily to either show dominance, or relate to a group.
Rebellion, self _expression, and physical beautification are the most common motivations for piercing. America as a whole is not accepting of the practice because it is still considered a non western form of ornamentation. The ethnicity of the practice then creates a division between those who embrace the practice and those who remain true to tradition. Piercing today remains an evolving art form in the United States, and is becoming more popular as a means for individuals to express themselves. As an anthropological study, I have discerned specific traits and patterns from piercing. It is true that what we consume begins to define us, and in this sense the consumption of piercing speaks volumes about how we define ourselves, and how we exist within our society’s boundaries of our sex and gender.

References Cited:

Rosenblatt, Daniel. “The Antisocial Skin: Structure, Resistance, and “Modern Primitivism” Adornment in the United States.” Cultural Anthropology, Vol. 12, No. 3. (Aug., 1997), pp. 287-334.

Turner, Terrance. “Social Body and Embodied Subject: Bodiliness, Subjectivity, and Sociality among the Kayapo.” Cultural Anthropology Vol. 10, No. 2, Anthropologies of the Body. (May, 1995), pp. 143-170.

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques. The Social Contract and Discourses. London: J.M. Dent and Sons, 1913.

Copyright © 2006 by Jupiterstop. All rights reserved.

What Would Jesus Pierce? Part I

2005-05-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting my blog to write this monstrous paper. It was for my Sex and Gender class, and examines the significance of cultural adornment in modern contexts. I chose piercing because it is a trend that sheds light on our culture, as well as our individuality. Enjoy.

The Significance of Piercing in Anthropology

There is cultural significance in nearly all ritualized practices within a society. The practice of piercing exposes valuable cultural information, about the individual and the culture in which they live. Within a contemporary context, my thesis seeks to prove that there is sexual dimorphism within the practice of piercing. I will prove that there are sexually dichotomized ways in which piercing is incorporated into our, already gendered, culture. Within piercing culture, I will address gender roles, manifest in how piercing is viewed by each sex. This paper will examine American perspectives on piercing, how these perspectives began, and how they are manifest today. I will also explore why each piercing carries with it a gendered coding. I will examine various views and opinions on this practice from multiple sources and form conclusions, based on similarities and consistencies evident in those who compose this culture.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau once wrote in his Dissertation on the Origin and Foundation of the Inequality of all Mankind that:

The body of a savage man being the only instrument he understands, he uses it for various purposes, of which ours, for want of practice, are incapable: for our industry deprives us of that force and agility, which necessity obliges him to acquire (pg 116).

Rousseau refers to his idea of the “Noble Savage” by commenting that our body is our first and most understood instrument. By this he means what we do with our body, such as work, leisure, and indeed aesthetic ornamentation, reflects our inner views on our identity, as well as how we exist within our culture.
My central thesis revolves around how piercing, as a cultural adornment, reflects on the individual and on American culture as a whole. Just as all body adornment, piercing is gendered. Today men and women choose different piercings and for notably dissimilar reasons. The types, placement, and amount of piercings people choose all shed light on current ideas of masculinity, femininity, as well as androgyny. Gender roles may be discerned by examining which jewelry is most often preferred by each individual sex. Although people get pierced for a wide variety of reasons, I will prove that there is a genuine dichotomy between typically ‘female’ piercings and typically ‘male’ piercings. By examining these consistencies valuable cultural information is found regarding the anthropological value of this practice.
My paper also examines a range of perspectives about piercing. Because piercing is still a relatively new practice in the main stream United States, there are a great deal of stereotypes and misunderstanding regarding generational views on the practice. I examine piercing perspectives because by creating a comprehensive view of the practice, one is able to more closely and accurately analyze this cultural trend. It is also valuable in determining what a certain piercing symbolizes, and for what cultural reasons one might pierce themselves. In order to understand what drives modern people to get pierced, one must understand the conditions of the society in which they live. An individual’s decision to pierce may directly be linked how piercing is viewed in a contemporary context. Multiple piercing perspectives will be discussed, not only those of today’s generation, but also those who preceded it.
Methodology

My methodology includes intensive research on the evolution of the topic. By studying David Rosenberg’s The Anti-Social Skin I was able to expand on his ideas regarding the psychology of piercing and incorporate some of his theories onto the piercing scene today. I’ve also applied the theories of Rousseau, as well as articles by
Terence Turner, on the significance of bodily decoration. Their research on culture and identity, helped form a foundation for my own research on the topic.
Attached are two questionnaires regarding piercing. Each offered a concrete stepping stone for my studies of sexual dimorphism. It is important to note that I only interviewed/surveyed individuals with piercings, lobe piercings included. I surveyed 50 individuals: 26 female and 24 male. Comprised of mostly locals, with a percentage of people from other states, those surveyed assisted in forming a picture of what piercing is like today. I approached them on campus, in the quarter (and other parts of the city), and by phone. I interviewed, in depth, 12 individuals. Seven females and five males, all provided me valuable quotes regarding both their views on piercing as well as the piercings they’ve acquired. It is interesting to note that females were far more enthusiastic about the subject than males.
One survey is designed to interview people who indulge in this practice. In this questionnaire I was looking for like piercing preferences. The questions provided me with a good building block in examining motivation. In my study I was able to find analogous trends that offered valuable information not only on the tastes of each sex, but also on similarities of mentality. I chose questions that helped me
The second questionnaire was offered to five local piercers. I found it interesting that within the individuals I interviewed, two of the piercers were women. This study was useful in that it offered me a broader view of sexual dimorphism in piercing practices.
Interviews were perhaps the most useful tool I chose to employ. Several people were selected for interviews, everyone from tattoo artists to people in jewelry sales. By sitting and talking with people one on one, I was able to not only discern their motivations, but also examine how they view the practice. By deconstructing what these individuals say, a better idea of piercing is formed. Also, simple observation proved to be extremely beneficial in noticing commonalities. By simply noting the specific adornments in various types of people, I was able to better make conclusions on how piercing is manifest in sexuality.
Background
American Perspectives on Piercing

The origins of piercing, tattooing, and scarification is seen early on in many “primitive” societies throughout Africa, Indonesia, and the Aleutian Islands. The significance of piercing in these cultures vary from methods of beautification to indications of wealth or power. The piercing of the tongue for the Mayas was a way to communicate with ancestral spirits. In India, women pierced their noses to appear attractive. In the Aleutian Islands, hunters pierced their cheeks with wooden rods to imitate seals. So why, in today’s modern culture do Americans pierce themselves? Motivations are vast, but for this report, I’ve narrowed contemporary piercing motivations to three main reasons. They include, marking for individuality, piercing to rebel against the system, and finally, as a way to decorate the body, face, and ears.
Piercing was at first associated with outcast communities in the United States. For some time, the public associated piercing with sadomasochism or the ‘leather daddy’ community. To pierce your ears, face or body implied that you belonged to a group that indulged in behaviors that encouraged pain, often in a sexual way. This practice was not seen as a way of individualizing yourself, but instead as a way to somehow prove to other men that you had experienced the pain of piercing. Male piercing was either associated with S/M, bikers, gay communities, or prison communities. To visibly acquire piercings meant you were making a choice to stand out and to risk labeling and stereotyping. This behavior was seen then to be abnormal, and then as rebellious. Even today, many still believe that piercing is indicative of abnormalities in personality. To many conservative Americans, piercing is linked with deviance, drug use, and even laziness. 75% of those surveyed agreed that they were treated differently because of their piercings. Slightly fewer of those with visible piercings agree that their parents or guardians still disapprove. Piercing is not considered a widespread cultural trait in mainstream America, a large percent of those interviewed admitted to having to remove their piercings because of work.
So how did piercing acquire such negative stereotypes? To answer this question, one must examine context. Piercing, as established, originated in Eastern or African traditions. For a Western audience to accept piercing, they must also compromise ingrained Euro conventions of beauty. Daniel Rosenblatt observes, “Both past and contemporary uses of the primitive derive their salience from deep-rooted Western ideas about what ‘society’ is.- in particular, The Book of Genesis and Enlightenment theories of ‘the social contract” (pg 342). Rosenblatt argues that the mentality of the modern West is so heavily influenced by a concrete idea of ‘society’ that any outside influences are viewed as a threat. Piercing, being an Eastern tradition, is not viewed highly in America because of it’s divergence from European customs.
This Eastern convention does not mesh with a densely Western America, manifested with generations that discourage and demonize the practice. Several generations were raised with such a mindset, explaining the generational gap between parent and child regarding this practice. Rebellion, _expression, and a desire for visible adornment were reactions to these beliefs, and are evident in both the surveys and the interviews. Beginning around 1975 movements were started in the United States to popularize the practice. Today piecing is seen in a variety of ways, especially manifest in the gendered nature of the practice. Patterns in piercing are important, but in culture, especially in America there are consistencies, but few absolutes.

The Right to Die

2005-03-25T07:26:00.000-08:00

The news dominating the airwaves as of late seem to me to be extremely indicative of the state in which our country finds itself. Terri Schindler Schiavo, a name all too familiar to anyone who keeps up with current events, has had her feeding tube removed for seven days now; death seems inevitable. This issue puzzles me, and for many reasons. First, I will discuss what this issue means politically, and how the conclusions reached, although having outraged many, is indeed the conclusions of American law and justice. I will also discuss the moral and ethical implications that this case has dredged, leading many to argue over an absolutely age old debate: the value of life.
Schiavo's parents recently appealed to the U.S. District Court Judge James Whittemore to have the feeding tube immediately reinserted, their plea was denied. The issue was brought to a national level, when the supreme court decided not to hear the case, because once 15 years of medical evidence was examined (both that of Florida courts as well as rules of procedures, personal medical records and the consent of her husband), a conclusion was reached: Terri Schiavo valued her right to die.
What is also extremely telling of the American state is that despite the findings of the highest courts in our country, the President of the United States, as well as the current Governor of Florida have expressed their own opinions; President Bush has urged private groups to intervene. He has made his stance clear, confusing not only the American people, but leading some to question the very legitimacy of American law; (nice move, W).

**A brief aside here, however, I think it would be apropos to insert a minor reality check: the latest number of American deaths in Iraq now stands at 1,522 and is rising every day.**

Back to the Schiavo case, the latest statistics I had examined, from another blogger who I have come to respect, (MSNBC's Keith Olbermann) reveal that 82 percent of all respondents believe the Congress and the president should not have gotten involved in the Schiavo case which leads this blogger to a welcome state of relief. So why, after personal physicians, doctors, lawyers, and even the US congress have reached a conclusion is this case still so controversial? The answer leads me to my next point, ethical issues involving the value of life.
Christianity teaches that not only is life sacred, it is something unique and innately valuable. Doctrine speaks of the soul, an indelible entity, that resides within each individual and that will, if full of grace, reach eternal life. This is not news to many, but it is something to examine in this particular case. It is very hard for people to view Schiavo not as an individual with her own set of values, but instead as a child of god.
I was at my grandmother's yesterday and just as a good republican should, she was watching Foxnews. I had thought that conclusions were reached on this case, but apparently I was wrong. Fox "reporters", stood bravely in front of signs expressing "LET TERRI LIVE"or "LET GOD DECIDE!" These "journalists" looked directly into the cameras with an expression that seemed as if they genuinely cared for this individual, one "reporter" even commented "One can only hope that we are able to save Terri..."
Now, ignoring that blatant and distressing bias that this "media outlet" has expressed (I'll save that for another blog), I will concentrate on the issue at hand- what is life, and who decides when we die.
The objection to these rulings come from predominately religious organizations, in fact, Terri Schiavo's parents have adopted Randall Terry (an anti-abortionist activist) to be their spokesperson. Life is seen differently among cultures. Some see it as sacred, others as expendable. Some cultures value death more than they value life; in death, or rather the process of dying is intrisically valuable. In these cultures, if an individual can no longer contribute to society, then they have no place in it. There is dignity in dying, and that is a right that is personal and precious. It is the conclusion of most involved (including her husband, whom one might assume would know her desires better than anyone) that Terri would not like to live her life as a vegetable, that she intended to die with all her faculties. It is the opinion of this blogger that too much importance has been placed on the 'right to life' and instead we should focus on the dignity and value of choice, including the choice- nay, the right, to die.

Remmy's Revelation (the neo generation gap)

2005-03-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

I find myself, on nights like these at least, to examine and evaluate the life I am chosen to lead. This I not an esoteric blog, andI hope, that whoever reads this might somehow find the issues I discuss relevant to their own lives, no matter what age they are.
My bloodhound, Remmy was fixed today, he's a bit woozy from the surgery, but he nonethe eless, requires the same comfort and support that any human would.
The conflict I encountered today is one that is universal. As an anthropologist, I am constantly looking for universals across cultures, and luckily (or unluckily) today I have encountered one.
The conflict of which I speak addresses the generation gap from my own generation: that some might call Generation Y, or others Generation Next, against the generation that produced us: they are the post baby boomers. Their generation, also known as hippies, have certain similarities with my own, but unfortunately, there are several differences. This generation is not only the group that kids my age must deal, we must deal with our grandparents: those who still believe that we are at war with Germany and Japan, and have not abandoned the patriotism so ingrained (and rightfully so) by the events they experienced (namely WWII).
Because this is such a recent division, I have never encountered an Anthropologist who has studied this divide; that being the one that I believe seems to be a new generation gap. I will attempt, to the best of my ability, to convey my own observations on the differences between these two generations.
In any study of cultural differences (and there does exist differences between generations) one must first examine what the current youth of America is experiencing. As a twenty year old male, I must battle the former generation wielding a new and refreshing mentality against the now archaic values of the preceding generation.
I feel that my generation, or at least what I have experienced of it, and also of which I feel fully apart, embraces change. It embraces a new and inspiring American Mentality. We pick up where the hippies stopped: we not only embrace freedom, but we go a step further and question the very foundation of American culture. Because of the new methods of communication (namely the internet) to which our generation was exposed at an early age, we have access to information immediately, we are able to not only study other intellectual's philosophies, but also express those of our own. This system creates a rapid exchange of views, ideas, and philosophies that are slowly changing the face of America.
I find myself constantly justifying not only my appearance, but also my political and social views with those of the former generation. I find the combative spirit, not coming from those of my group, but rather from the generation from which we came. It is this negative and sometimes damning technique that shocks those of my generation, and forces us to react sometimes in ways that goes against our principles. My generation, as opposed to the "radicals" that came before us possess the resources that they lacked. Our generation is better acquainted with the world, partly due to the injustices we witness on a daily basis. We are better able to access information and are able to communicate so rapidly that ideas are exchanged and solutions reached.
I sometimes believe there is an innate bias from the former generation. There are things they do not understand, such as how we dress, how we present our arguments, and how we interact with others. If I hear one more person comment on my piercing, I am liable to shove a silver barbell into their tongue to shut them up. These are not negative choices, they are simply apart of a new culture that embraces new trends and fashions. Justifying myself is not something I enjoy doing, and anyone who makes assumptions based on simple jewelry lacks not only common sense but also an open mind. The open mind is an easy thing to say you possess, but passing judgment not only limits communication, but draws unnecessary lines that limit interaction and open conversation. This blog is unusual for me, for it is more of a personal vent on how closed minded people are. Today I experienced judgment passed on me by those who do not understand the customs of my generation.

So I ask those who make rash judgments (especially those of the former generation, and perhaps those of my own generation who do not embrace the freedom of expression that most of my peers do), do not express your discrimination openly, for you will see that my pacifism has limits, and I would hate to have to close your ignorant mouth with a trendy new piercing.

America the Over-Medicated

2005-03-24T04:33:00.000-08:00

When asked what might define my generation, I'm forced to wonder if our grandchildren will look back and say "Jesus, yall were fucked up on something."
And it's true. The focus of this blog will center on the over-medication of the United States. Nearly all of my friends are currently prescribed some sort of over the counter medication intended to either improve their mood, or focus their energy. Personally, In my meager twenty years on this earth, I've been on almost more medication than I can name. SSRIs or Selective Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors is a class of drugs prescribed by doctors to improve the mood, namely to keep a correct amount of the chemical serotonin evenly distributed throughout the brain, as well as throughout the day.
It started with Prozac, and it seemed innocent enough. The catalyst for such a conversation with my doctor was typical teenage angst. I was told my brain was deficient in its production of serotonin, and that this was a drug that would "even out" my moods. This idea was very appealing to my parents, who were not at all enjoying the hormonal mood swings that being 16 entails. To this drugs credit, it worked very well, and made me a well mannered polite young man. Once the prozac wore off, however, (after increasingly larger doses were prescribed) I tried something new to get my fix. Zoloft (which kept me as passionate about life as the recently deceased) was next, then Lexapro. Experiment with various dosages of Xanax to curb anxiety, now try Celexa and Paxil. Maybe a little Wellbutrin to get you evened out. Experiment with Dexedrine and Valium, and let me know how that Adavan is treating you. Then, when all was said and done and my mood was not quite what I wanted it to be. Really meaning that supreme happiness was not my default emotion (not that it is for any human being), My doctor told me I had attention deficit disorder. Now, to me, ADD was the disorder that the overly hyper kids had in grade school. These kids took their "medicine" at lunch time, and were remarkably less hyper for the remainder of the day.
I was told I have all of the tell tale signs of ADD: I was not focused, I had nervous ticks and spasms, I was prone to depression and mood swings (not that my previous medication could not account for the latter abnormality) and first and foremost I was attracted to illegal amphetamines. My doctor's solution? Adderall! This drug, which is slightly more than an extremely pure and potent form of methamphetimine, centers you, allows you to focus, and keeps your heart beating faster than a horny hummingbird. I was told my depression was due to a disorder in which my energy was unfocused. That my mood swings were simply random obsessions due to too much attention on irrelevant issues. Truthfully, to this day, I enjoy the energy Adderall gives me. It helps me focus, regulates my sleep patterns and has improved my diet. The catch, however, and friends, there is always a catch, is that my tolerance is pushed every dose I swallow. Soon my original dosage wasn't enough, and I need more to get me that incredible feeling that only speed allows. So I'll double my dosage, or overlap my pills so that my feet will never have to touch the ground. Before I know it, normal daily mentalities is not enough. As with any drug, you are addicted to the feeling it creates; when I don't continue my speedy days, I take Xanax to ease the come down; taking me to a point where I am medicated 24 hours a day, 7 goddamn days a week.
The result is a completely artificial personality, one regulated by the amount and frequency of each dosage. If I'm happy and talkative, and seem way too interested in what you have to say I am probably on large amounts of speed (you can usually tell by the amount I am smoking), if I am irritable and silent, I am probably coming off that speed, and lacking a barbituate to ease my way. Otherwise, I am happily oblivious and calm, something that a combination of Celexa and Xanax can create.
To put this argument in a current context, I recently followed a story in which a teenage boy, about 17, shot both his grandparents (his current guardians) and then blamed his psychosis on the Zoloft he was taking. I found myself morbidly drawn to this case, not because of the gruesomeness of the killings, but because of the amount that I identified with this teen. Not that I was, or am capable of being homicidal, simply that I _understand_ the fragility of the teenage mind, and how a mind altering substance can force one to make irrational choices. SSRIs are so powerful that they can severely effect the mood and create irritability and impulsiveness, this coupled with an unstable home and social life can create a case very much like the one just described. I was very disappointed when the young man was sentenced to life in prison. I felt that once again, this was the WRONG solution to his problems. Another misdiagnosis of all too common symptoms.
I do not mean for this blog to be discouraging medication. As I described earlier, I am still taking my own medication and cannot currently picture life without them. My point is that these medications are far too liberally prescribed, and can lead to addiction and further mental instability. What's worse is that most SSRIs are prescribed and without any follow up, continually refilled. The case is furthered by a disturbing fact that if a doctor prescribes you a certain brand of drug, say Prozac and not the generic, Fluoxetine then the makers of the drug give that doctor a cut of the costs. This system creates doctors who prescribe liberally. These drugs are so addicting, that many patients are unprepared for the side effects, and will go so far as "doctor shopping" an activity of which I myself am guilty, in which one seeks doctors who will prescribe the drug desired.
In conclusion, I will not be so pessimistic to say that this generation will be defined by over medication. Simply that is an aspect of my world that should (and will in my opinion) get more attention in the future. I do not think that we as a country truly understand the severity of this problem. It is a factor contributing to the lives of millions of Americans, and is a problem without a clear solution in sight. The system needs revamping, and we must re-examine why we become reliant on these drugs. Factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise are key to our moods and desires. Therapy and psychoanalysis are also important in identifying patterns of depression and emotional instability. These drugs although appealing are a temporary solution, and although this blogger does not see an immediate answer to this issue, we should continue to ask why and how popping a pill improves our lives.

American Gender Roles and Media Stereotypes

2005-03-24T01:42:00.000-08:00

Thankfully, there is a movement today which undermines the rules society has placed on gender roles. The movement reexamines, exactly why our culture places such rigid gender rules on our society. From an Anthropological viewpoint, there are theories that state the development of gender roles is directly dependent on the biological needs of a society. Each sex is therefore placed in roles in which they are most skilled. The carrying of children is therefore placed on the woman, for they are seen as most capable of that task. The question, however, that I'm posing is that why, in our civilized society, in which men and women are fully capable of completing any and all tasks necessary for their survival, are these gender roles still enforced? The answer, disturbingly lies in the formation of government and religious institutions that directly and effectively oppress gender discovery and endorse gender policing.
We function in a capitalist system in which the sexes are oppressed in order to favor what is essentially an oligarchy of the powerful and well connected. These groups, have been so successful, that these sexist and draconian ideals have become completely engrained in American culture. These traditional ideals are expressed in almost all forms of media, affecting the immediate growth and development of the American psyche. It is therefore, extremely difficult to correct these practices that clearly devalue human _expression.
Fortunately a neo cultural movement is working to disassociate American ideals with gender classification. It advocates gender as a continuum, one which allows everyone to express themselves in a way that may be unclassifiable by archaic standards.
Most disturbingly however, is the state of affrais in American media. The exposing of cliche' gender stereotypes to homosexual teens is a leading cause of gender stereotyping. The bi-gender system in which we find ourselves leaves very little room for individuality. Lack of proper role models encourages gay youth to emulate characters that epitomize "gayness". There is no in between option for American youth, if one discovers homosexuality within themselves they are defined by it. Gay role models are not role models at all, but simply reinforced stereotypes. This cycle not only creates mass gender confusion but also hardship and resistance in "coming out". Mentorship is rare and if gay youth do not identify with these characatures, identity is questioned and sexuality confused. This cycle not only defines the individual, but also creates a physical division between "gayness" and "straightness." It leads the American public to view citizens not as unique individuals but personifications of an idea. Homophobia is a result of this phenomena, as is reluctance to discover personal sexuality.
The answer? We must move away from these stereotypes. They not only reinforce negative images, but they also limit potential. We must embrace the idea of continuum. The idea that there are degrees of sexuality. If this is the mentality we promote, then not only will we be a healthier nation, but homophobia will be reduced, and gender roles loosened.

Copyright © 2006 by Jupiterstop. All rights reserved.

JupiterStop

thats life

what a week

a different kettle of fish

Let's Talk about Female Circumcision

So you wanna be a cult leader?

Soi disant "Land of Gracious Living"

CEDU & attack therapy

baby burrito

breakfast of champions

filling the ullage

meet newton

getting back my sundance kid

house off hawthorne blvd.

jupiter

dozens of lazy hurricanes

long distance synergy

feet are on the ground

sunday's gris gris

*snicker*

my ash wednesday

good to know

u need 2

werd..

i think

MY version of the new US Census Survey

and people ask me why I'm so obsessed with Home Shopping

Why I hate The Gap

monsoon season

hello sunshine

ethics of customer service

rant on capitalism

Insomnia

get lost

AT&T lesson

Cityscapes

Six Degrees of Sunset

Honto ni suki desu!

Consumer culture?

Top 5 Trippy Websites!!

catching techno rats

catching techno rats

Vacation

Questions in my Head

in the earth light

Really Big Love

America the Autocratic

Systems of Destruction

The colors change as we do

on days like these..

Haiku 4 Eve

Seattle from Space

4 Haiku for Amy

Can you feel it?

De-constructing Cathy Part I

De-constructing Cathy Part II

Something new every day

Mentalism

You Have the Power

shocking

charging

Nostalgia..

evolution revolution

LEAVE- you and your god

Hermeticism- the truths of the universe

Somewhere in an Orange Bubble

Modern Youth Rituals

the meth we're in

happy holidaze..

Life after Katrina

What Would Jesus Pierce? Part II

What Would Jesus Pierce? Part I

The Right to Die

Remmy's Revelation (the neo generation gap)

America the Over-Medicated

American Gender Roles and Media Stereotypes

snicker