Down with Gender?

Shulie Firestone was undoubtedly a dedicated and important part in the feminist movement. Since she started the first major radical feminist group and wrote "The Dialect of Sex: The case for feminism", she gained credibility amongst her fellow females. While, naturally, the men in power whom she sought help from were unsympathetic to her cause and the chairman even disregarded her as a silly girl and I laughed off her "female concerns". I understand Firestone's frustration, being a feminist myself, however I don't believe eradicating gender and dismissing genitalia should be the solution to the inequality women face.

 Women have been struggling with power since the beginning of human existence. In the past we have never had the same opportunities that males have had because in history the male figures hold the leadership roles. Firestone brings attention to the fact that women only really get power one of two ways: 1. Being young and beautiful 2. Having a baby. I agree with Firestone's thought here and the biggest issue I have with this statement is that men give women this power in both situations; women feel beautiful by the attention men give them and men also have a part in impregnating the woman. While, I don't approve of this transfer of temporary power, I also don't think we should forget about the root of this dilemma.

 The goal of feminism is not to make women and men exactly the same. The problem is not with genitalia; to be honest many people are proud and love it. What feminists really struggle with is they way they are treated compared to men. Not to say that men don't have their own stereotypes to live by, but women are hindered by their stereotypes and lose freedoms because of it. Women should be able to choose to work,  be a stay at home mom, or live as an individual without a reason or someone thinking twice about it. Feminism is about choice, not about defacing the stereotypes associated with being a woman.

Firestone tries to eliminate these stereotypes by putting herself on a pedestal and deeming herself too good to sweep floors because she is an intellectual. Just because women have a stereotype to clean doesn't mean sweeping floors would make her any less of a feminist. It is easy to take feminism beyond equality and to want to become the 51% represented. Which, is what Firestone is going after here with wanting to trade places with the men by having her voice heard instead of theirs. The other women in the New York Radical Women group noticed her "male" behavior by demanding leadership and thinking she was above what was known to be women work. This attitude did not do her any favors among her peers and her counter response was always reverting back to proving she was one of them, "look at these!".

I wouldn't go about feminism the same way as Firestone because I think her outlook gives people the idea that all feminists are crazy radicals with extreme ideas; however, how far along would feminism be without her? Firestone brings up a good point in her argument about not identifying with our genitalia and treating each other just as humans. At first I didn't understand where she was going with this because I personally don't see a problem with taking pride in your genitalia, but then I considered all the people who don't identify with any gender. I think it shouldn't be about your sex necessarily, but what you chose to identify with and who you are as a person.

I should also address Firestone's "male" attitude. I personally have never faced the same kind of harsh sexist remarks that she had experienced nor have I ever been a feminist in the 1960's. I can't say how I would react because maybe I would want to be the 51% represented too after being oppressed. I would want change and I would probably find the means to make it happen. Sometimes in order for this kind of change to begin you need a ripple effect created by a crazy radical, like Firestone, to rock the boat.

7 Things You Need to Know Before Playing a Board Game

Board games are traditionally something that we have played with our families on holidays or the weekends growing up. You may even continue the enjoyment of playing these games as an adult (if you are lucky to find the friends who are willing to do so). However, you might find yourself saying "Sorry!" outside of the game if you don't know the proper etiquette of playing board games. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  

1. Don't judge a game by it's cover

   
    Games, like Farkle, are not what they seem. Farkle may sound similar to a bodily function; however, it is a dice game where you shout "farkle!" if you over roll your dice (like blackjack in that sense). Be optimistic when playing a game for the first time, even if others have given you their unsatisfied opinions about it. Give the game a second chance if you had a bad experience playing it the first time with a certain group of people. The next time you play, it could possibly be your new favorite game.
   
   http://www.classroomfreebiestoo.com/2012/07/farkle-in-classroom.html

2. Know who you are playing with

    Before starting a game you should know what types of people you are playing with (are they competitive, easy going, a sore loser? ). If you know beforehand then you know what you are getting yourself into and how to react when certain moves are dealt. Depending on their perception, the quality of the game can be affected along with your enjoyment of board games altogether. If you are playing with a positive person it is likely that you will want to play again.

   http://btmedia.whsmith.co.uk/pws/client/images/catalogue/products/4577/64/5/xlarge/4577645_1.jpg

   
   

3.  Learn the rules

     
   It is important to learn the rules before starting a game because how else will you know how to begin! (How much money do you start with? How many cards do I deal?) Reading the rules fully ahead of time simply clarify the gray areas of the game that you come across (if you land on "go to jail" you must go to jail until you roll doubles, with the exception of get out of free jail cards). Also, the number one reason to read the instructions is to learn the mission of the game!
   
   
   http://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/71856/go-jail-go-directly-jail
   
   
    
   http://imgarcade.com/1/monopoly-jail-card/
   
   
   
   

4. Don't cheat! 

   A good way to ruin a game is to cheat. Once you cheat you lose the trust of the other players and the game could be over before you know it (with no one coming out the winner). Having competitive players make the games fun, however those going to the extent of cheating causes the players to argue over trivial moves on the board. The only board game where cheating is acceptable, is if you play the word in Scrabble.  
   http://www.wordswithfriendscheat.net/play-of-the-day/words-with-friends-cheat-pod-qi-62-points/
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   And don't be afraid to call someone out if they are cheating because it sucks the fun out of playing, what is in FACT, a game. 
   
   
   
   
   
   http://movebabymove.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/fact-or-crap/
   

5.  Play as often as possible

   Set a time, date, and place to play. Games are a good way to get to know others better and forget about daily stress. A set night can become a great ritual for your friends or family to reconnect after a long week. Don't forget that the more you play, the better you will be!
   
   
   
   http://footprints.maranathabible.org/2013/02/family-game-night/
    
   

6. Be a good sport

   

   https://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanbope/2126334099/
   
   Trust me we have all been there, but having a rough game is not the end of the world. Although, it may be the end of playing board games with friends. Even if you LOVE board games, no one wants to play with a sore loser. Make sure you have a good attitude going into a game and remember that your actions affect everyone at the table.

7.  Have fun!

     The most important thing to remember it to have fun! The main reason for playing board games in the first place is to have a good time with the people you enjoy spending time with. Take a step back during the game and think about why you are playing. Keep laughing and smiling and before you know it, everyone is having a blast. 
   
   
   http://grabworthy.pricegrabber.com/classic-board-games/
   
   
   

The Controversal Arches

The McDonald's arches have been known to symbolize obesity (especially in regards to America) and the poor health choices people make because of their fast food. They also represent this new "need to have it now" generation we live in, where our patience is spread thin and while our food may be unhealthy, it is in fact fast.

While, the golden arches have these associations I believe there is an argument within them. Like I said it has become a symbol for poor nutrition, however people make the choice to purchase their meals and have many options to choose from. McDonald's has made strides in trying to comply with these complaints and create healthier options. They have made an attempt at healthier menu items (such as the chicken wraps and salads) to comply with the demand of healthier foods, but it is impossible to please everyone. There are many critics out there who are disgusted with McDonald's, but I think the real argument is whether we should be criticizing McDonald's menu instead of the consumers who keep it in demand. People often complain about their how bad the meals are for their children, yet they continue to buy happy meals for them. These critics need to keep in mind that there is only so much the fast food industry can do for healthier options (substituting kids fries for apples and milk for sodas). Many believe that healthier implies more expensive, however their salads, wraps, and fruit are not significantly more expensive than the other choices and some are even included on their dollar menu.

I believe McDonald's often gets a bad rap when it comes to our harsh consumer society. The arches also represent a successful corporation that gives jobs to many people worldwide and makes contributions to the Olympics, the Ronald McDonald House, and offers grants/scholarships to give back to the global community. My dad works for the software development company owned by McDonald's and there are many events that he attends for charities, such as golf outings that are auctions for the Ronald McDonald House. While my dad may not love his job (since it is not his ideal career) they still provide him with good benefits and he is a part of a company that takes full responsibility for their products and pride in their brand. I have multiple friends that work for McDonald's (as cashiers and work on the food line) and absolutely love the people and atmosphere they are immersed in. For me when I see the arches lit up it symbolizes childhood and growing up. It represents the company I've grown to know because of my father's outings and being able to play with the software on take your daughter to work days as a kid. Maybe I've been lucky to know people with good experiences and to have had them myself, but I don't believe the corporation is as malicious as the public wants to believe.

Next time when grabbing a bag with the golden arches on it we need to consider the fact that we made the choice to buy that double cheese burger with fries. The golden arches represent so much more than fast food.