Gender?

With the annual Groves Powder Puff game fast approaching, i think its time we take a step back and examine gender stereotypes encountered at Groves. As far as Powder Puff goes, the game has helped to break down the belief in un-athletic girls. The recent success of womens sports has also conrtibuted. No matter how amazing women may do in athletics, there remains certain unshakeable generalizations. Not all women spend an hour doing their hair before school, many women detest high heels and dresses, some women do not enjoy the latest boy band, and many participate in intellegent conversation. Itis unfair to assosiate a woman being a dumb blond when, without a doubt, there are blond men equally or even more unintellegent who escape critisism solely based on their gender. Similarily, not all men are strong and independent. Some need help with what they go through. Men have unhealthy role models, whether it be Arnold Schwarzenegger, or the new GI joes, they see being a man as being tough and never showing weakness. I disagree, I think that it is important for people to show their emotions. My doctor always used to tell me that boys don't cry, men do. I completely agree. I think a true man shouldnt be afraid to show his emotions Young men should look elsewhere, away from the buff "tough dude", and begin looking to others for rolemodels.

9/11

The nation has felt the widespread effects of 9/11. Not only has it affected us emotionally but it has also affected our culture. However not in the way many thought. Many aspects of daily life go on unchanged, while others have been greatly affected. airport security, obviously, has been changed forever, as many things have changed since the time of our parents. Movies and television have been showing many more disastor, and horror programs. In a way Americans have become descensitized to these types of things. However other things have been changed dramatically. terrorism is no longer a topic for light discussion, most news programs have returned to reporting on the same types of stories as they did pre 9/11. as for Sontags concerns, while she made some valid arguments her timing could not have been worse.

Michael Moore's Attacks on Bush

In the film Farenheight 9/11, Michael Moore's attacks on President Bush may seem inappropriate and uncalled for to many Americans. Every decision made by President Bush in the months following September 11 has been criticized and torn apart by left wing liberals such as Michael Moore. Was the choice to invade Iraq correct or did it just seem like a good idea at the time? This is an example of a message sent out by Michael Moore's Farenheigth 9/11. Although overexaggerated at times, Feranheight 9/11 is a rational piece of discourse. Moore did not make up any facts, the evidence he presents against Bush is reasonable and clear. It is obvious that Moore does not think to fondly about the ex-president, but a personal attack on Bush is not present in this film.

Melting Pot or Salad Bowl?

As I walk through the halls of Groves, I am amazed by the cultural diversity that is around every corner. It is difficult not to notice the different groups around school, whether they be African Americans, Caucasian or Asian. While the ethnic groups do interact, I still feel as if Groves is a salad bowl. People are, for the most part, proud of their heritage and thus want to keep their traditions alive and seperate from others. These cultures do not mix together like they would in a melting pot they stay sperate. Even though they are seperate they still interact and co exist, usually peacefully.