How early in your life were you aware of your gender identity? Usually, from the moment we are born, we have a gender identity: Girls wear pink, dresses and play with dolls; boys wear blue, pants and play with trucks. For some children though, their gender identity doesn’t match their assigned sex.
Last night, I had the opportunity to watch Lisa Ling’s new documentary series “Our America”. This particular episode covered the life of Hailey, a young biological boy born as Harry, who expressed early on in life that “he” was really a “she”. By age three, “Harry” as she was known then had already begun engaging in traditional female behaviors – dressing up as princesses, playing with dolls and drawing self-portraits depicting him as a girl. By kindergarten, “Harry” was already choosing to be called Hailey. The thing I found most amazing about this show was that his parents went along with it. Although at times they were confused, hurt and perhaps even angry, they never stopped loving their son. You can check out a clip from the episode here: http://www.oprah.com/own-our-america-lisa-ling/Transgender-Child-A-Parents-Difficult-Choice
According to a study recently done by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 41% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide, 26% have lost a job due to being transgender and 19% have been denied housing. They face wide spread discrimination as youth and adults. Many people don’t even know transgender children exist. To be honest, I had never really given it much though myself, until I saw this show.
I remember my mom always instructing me at a young age to “sit like a little lady”. So it got me thinking, “Do you remember when you first realized your gender identity role? Did your parents do things to encourage you one way or another? What would you do if you found yourself in the position of Hailey’s parents?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, March 1st, 2011.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Ode to Presidents
This week in class we will talk about the Presidency. This Monday, the nation celebrates George Washington's birthday, commonly known as President's Day. So, in honor of our first President, I decided to blog this week about the men who have served our nation as "Commander in Chief".
Some of our Presidents have had great courage. George Washington and Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded troops in battle in two of the most important wars in our nation's history. Without their courage, it is hard to say if America as nation would be where it is today.
Some of our Presidents have been great scholars. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which remains a model of democratic thought and is studied in political science classes around the world to this day. Woodrow Wilson was the only President to earn a doctorate degree, which he earned in political science.
Some of our Presidents have been great orators. John Adams was considered the "voice" of the revolution. John Kennedy's inauguration address inspired a new generation of Americans to serve their communities. Ronald Reagan was known as "The Great Communicator" and is credited with helping to end the Cold War.
My question to you this week is "Throughout history, who do you think would've made a great President that never held the office?" My answer is Benjamin Franklin. We all know of Benjamin Franklin's famous lightening rod experiment, but did you know he invented many other things including the Franklin stove, bifocals, batteries and the glass 'armonica'? He also formed our nation's first library and fire departments, and founded the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin was a great statesmen, diplomat and politician. He is credited with developing the ideals of the American character. Had he not been so advanced in age, it is possible he would've added 'President' to his long list of accomplishments. So, "Who do you think would've made a great President that never held the office?" Answers are due no later than Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011.
P.S. Okay, okay, most of you didn't seem to like the new changes I made to the blog. I'm going to try the link Steven sent me - thank you by the way. Until then, I've changed the font back to black to avoid hurting anyone's eyes. Sigh.
Some of our Presidents have had great courage. George Washington and Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded troops in battle in two of the most important wars in our nation's history. Without their courage, it is hard to say if America as nation would be where it is today.
Some of our Presidents have been great scholars. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which remains a model of democratic thought and is studied in political science classes around the world to this day. Woodrow Wilson was the only President to earn a doctorate degree, which he earned in political science.
Some of our Presidents have been great orators. John Adams was considered the "voice" of the revolution. John Kennedy's inauguration address inspired a new generation of Americans to serve their communities. Ronald Reagan was known as "The Great Communicator" and is credited with helping to end the Cold War.
My question to you this week is "Throughout history, who do you think would've made a great President that never held the office?" My answer is Benjamin Franklin. We all know of Benjamin Franklin's famous lightening rod experiment, but did you know he invented many other things including the Franklin stove, bifocals, batteries and the glass 'armonica'? He also formed our nation's first library and fire departments, and founded the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin was a great statesmen, diplomat and politician. He is credited with developing the ideals of the American character. Had he not been so advanced in age, it is possible he would've added 'President' to his long list of accomplishments. So, "Who do you think would've made a great President that never held the office?" Answers are due no later than Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011.
P.S. Okay, okay, most of you didn't seem to like the new changes I made to the blog. I'm going to try the link Steven sent me - thank you by the way. Until then, I've changed the font back to black to avoid hurting anyone's eyes. Sigh.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Hell No, We Won't Go!
By now, I’m sure you have seen the news reports on the uprising in Egypt. Activists are protesting poverty, unemployment, government corruption and the rule of President Hosni Mubarak, who has been president since 1981.
On January 25th, millions of protesters defied the military-imposed curfew and demonstrated across the country. Protesters continue to clash with police, and at the time of this writing over 100 are dead with 750 police and 1,500 citizens injured. On February 1st, President Mubarak said he will work to improve the economy and create jobs, and will not seek re-election although he refuses to step down, defying the main demand from the protesters.
Although I never condone violence, I am glad to see people around the world standing up for their rights and letting their voices be heard. So my question to you this week is “Have you ever attended a protest or a rally, and if so, for what cause? If you were going to attend a demonstration, what cause would you be supporting?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, February 15th, 2011.
P.S. I changed the look of the blog for the first time. You are all design students, be honest - is it better or worse?
On January 25th, millions of protesters defied the military-imposed curfew and demonstrated across the country. Protesters continue to clash with police, and at the time of this writing over 100 are dead with 750 police and 1,500 citizens injured. On February 1st, President Mubarak said he will work to improve the economy and create jobs, and will not seek re-election although he refuses to step down, defying the main demand from the protesters.
Although I never condone violence, I am glad to see people around the world standing up for their rights and letting their voices be heard. So my question to you this week is “Have you ever attended a protest or a rally, and if so, for what cause? If you were going to attend a demonstration, what cause would you be supporting?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, February 15th, 2011.
P.S. I changed the look of the blog for the first time. You are all design students, be honest - is it better or worse?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Do Big Things
As I mentioned in last week’s post, the Sate of the Union was on last week. Each year, the President gives a big speech to a joint session of Congress and the American people to update them on, well…the state of the union. I hope some of you caught all or part of it, but just in case you missed it, you can access the video link here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2011
In his speech, President Obama called on Americans to "do big things". He challenged us to "win the future" by creating jobs through education and innovation. So for this week's blog post, I would like to know, what was one thing you liked about President Obama's ideas for the future? What was one thing you didn't like, or thought he didn't speak enough about?" Answers are due no later than Tuesday, February 8th, 2010.
I hope all of you survived the ice storm and enjoyed a couple days off of school. On a good note, Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, forecasted and early spring today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)