TOW #24- Gender Equality

In the past week we've been discussing gender equality within our symposiums, and as the conversations got more heated it allowed many to realize that the issue can not be taken lightly. In the essay Women's Brains by Stephen Jay Gould, from his 1980 book, The Panda’s Thumb, he demonstrates how views can and should change about women. Stephen Jay Gould’s assesses the surroundings of female inferiority over time. Gould uses personal excerpts from scientists in the field that also proved females being biologically inferior, where they directly quote and provide facts and statistics as evidence. It is evident that Gould uses satire towards the scientists research declaring at one time that one of the scientist was “irrefutable”. It is undeniable that Gould views differ from theirs as they trick their readers into falsehood. Later on in the essay, rather than deflecting what others have been saying he refutes it through an attack on their practices and data that "proved" females were less intelligent due to their smaller brains. He finishes his essay by stating that “They [women] must be weighed in the context of a general theory that supported contemporary social distinctions as biologically ordained”. He voices a consequence that makes his readers realize that the data theses scientist offer cannot be the sole things people rely on to determine where women stand, but rather the importance of change that needs to be taken place.

TOW #23 The Freedom Writer Diary by Erin Gruwell and The Freedom Writers

When you think of Long Beach, California the things that come to mind are probably sandy beaches with big waves, and cute little restaurants right? However, some might have different views. First published in 1999, the recently released The Freedom Writers Diary was the doing of one high school teacher Erin Gruwell and her efforts to inspire her students to over come the hardships standing between them and living successful lives. This novel wasn't only meant to inspire others but unleash the power that writing holds. With powerful and truthful entries from the students own diaries, The Freedom Writers is an uplifting example of how hard work, dedication, and courage changed the lives of Erin Gruwell's students. Constantly throughout this novel the 150 anonymous students use various rhetorical devices to achieve their purpose of empowering others. For instance, "life for me aint been no crystal stair" says a student in his diary. Through the use of imagery, which is very often, the hundred and more writer allow to show their audience their perspective and life experiences. Ultimately, I have gained so much while reading this book. I was able to read stories fill with profanity, drugs, alcohol, etc. that although was terrifying and awful to read at time gave me a better understand of what the world holds and how others have completely different views that I do.

TOW #22- How We Define Love

"Love" is probably one of the most overused words in the English language. For instance, we use the word "love" to describe our favorite items, while at the same time we use it to describe our family members. Ironically, we teach our children not to use the word "hate" being that is such a strong and meaningful word, but we never express that they shouldn't overuse to word "love" as well. Since we are constantly using the word "love" it has caused it to lose all of it's meaning. Daily Toreador recently wrote "'Love' more than just an overused word", an article that persuades their readers to start using the word in the right time and place, not the wrong. The evident audience is not a single person, but the majority of people considering most people use the word on a daily basis. Author Jaira Keys is able to display the major effect of the overused word causing it quickly lose its value. Most do not understand what the simple four letter word means and the power that it holds. Key inquires "Is this word in fact just a word? Or is this word a symbol for something bigger" and adds "I have centered my whole life around this word". Frankly, Key successfully demonstrates the essential change that needs to be taken place in society with the word love. Ultimately, Love is what it is and will always be. Love cant be bought, or made, and especially changed. "I love you" are valuable words that should be used sparingly not lightly.