Gendered space

So is it true that there are spaces out there that seem to attract one gender more than the other? Perhaps. Is it true that there are spaces out there that cater more to one gender than the other? Perhaps. Is it true that society however places standards on certain places and professions that make them seem more viable to one gender than the other? Most Definitely. Now there are probably many examples of this throughout the course of history, and even in our modern day (Ex. Logging workers, auto repair, etc. are all considered to be male professions) however the most common “gendered space” that I run into in my daily life, is playing flute. Why is it that there are seemingly, at the high school level, only female flute players? What is socially considered so feminine about the instrument that in troy high’s symphonic band there are zero male flute players? I guess maybe there is just nothing seemingly “rugged” or “macho”(Ehrlich 571) about the instrument, and it is usually is seen in a much more delicate and gentle light, which is typically what is associated with females. However it is still much more uncommon to see a male playing flute (Which in troy high at least you simply don’t see) as opposed to a female playing drums, or a female playing trumpet, or any other primarily “considered to be male” instruments. I wonder if this is simply due to the constant push for women to take part in “primarily male” roles, the opposite (aka men doing feminine stuff) is never truly considered.

Love or Naw?

Love or naw?

So how deep really is love? It can only be an emotion so deep in the end if the illusions that accompany it truly yield its results. But what about five minute marriages? Do they really do the ever lasting emotion that every fable ever written by man seems to be centered around? It is odd, how much marriages have come to be about much more than just the love that they were formerly driven off of. Maybe love is just a grand emotion. Perhaps love truly deserves an over the top introduction into the lives of every newly married couple. Perhaps consumerism is truly what is meant to be loves eternal companion in the lives of every soon to be married couple. Every weeding I have ever been to seemed to be larger than the one prior, and- like many others I am sure- truly do find the the gaudy and flashy nature of a wedding to be an important aspect of the function itself. But perhaps I'm wrong. After all I am young, and without a solid understanding of both love and marriages. Perhaps a five minute wedding truly could be "just as nice" as any couple "hoped and dreamed it would be." Wishing everyone a great rest of the break~!

Chasing Class

It seems everywhere I stick my neck out these days, all I hear about it money. Im not sure if its how the world has changed in front of my eyes as Ive grown from a small boy, but it truly does seem that the coveted green bill really is what makes the world go round. Its odd however, because I don't think that my parents think about money the same way. As a matter of fact whenever they talk to me about my future (although they still hold the stereotypical  indian "you will become a doctor on an engineer, take your pick" stance) they attempt to make me want to choose one of the two due to their class. That, I believe, is the largest difference between indian and american culture, and their views on each other. The two have very different definitions of "class." When I think of class, as a child born and raised in america, I instantly think James Bond. Fine wine, elegant suits, and a lifestyle of luxury (minus the killing). And all of those things are all derived from money. However on the other hand in indian culture occupation is the primary derivative of "class." Being a university professor, for example-though financially separated from many other professions- is one of, not the most respected jobs in india. It is odd however, having first generation parents, who growing up in india have all their values, but push for their children to pursue careers based on net income. Its the same way the typical indian take on america is about its excessive consumerism, yet they mold themselves to fit that same new template that they criticize. Even through my own observations from my last trip to india, all the hype seemed to be surrounding the new McDonald's that just opened, or the line at pizza hut, or the express that was just added to the mall. As critical as Indian are of American lifestyle, and its depiction of "class," its seems that they are coming ever so closer to following the same path. So to that extent, why does Indian view on American culture even matter? We're all headed towards consumerism and the eternal chase of wealth either way, and is hazlitt is right, we will all be passing "through life with little credit or pleasure" anyways.

Outta Time

It was weird growing up. He was always getting me up in the mornings. He was always taking me to the track on the weekends. He was always making sure I ate healthy, drank tons of water. I heard "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" from him before I ever even went to kindergarten. He was always keeping me moving, keeping me on my toes. It always seemed harder for him to sharpen my mind, as "his words were physical" with very little to offer in the mental. So to compensate he he kept me light on my feet. He games me memories that he never had outside his studies in India. However times have changed. I have a lot less time, and a lot more responsibilities, and sadly my physical movement has less impact on my college degrees. Its hard to see my dad struggle to find a grip in my life. He feels as boxed out of my life as I do from his. We're both trying but its just as hard for him as it is for me. But its all right, I know the day to hang out again is soon. I just hope when it comes along its not his turn to say "I can't."