Week 12- Stranger Danger and battered women

Yesterday (April 17, 2012), I had the opportunity of hosting my daughter’s girl scout troop meeting.  While each child’s parent is responsible for one meeting each season, I will still consider it an opportunity to share my bit of wisdom.  Anyway, most mothers do things like tea parties, pillow making, or candle dipping.  I am not one of those mothers.  And not in a “I’m too cool to be crafty” kind of way.  More like, “I wish I were that cool, but not, kind of way.”

So having to come up with an idea that would satisfy my need for some type of achievement and Sam’s request that “it can’t be something lame” I decided on an empowerment forum dedicated to stranger danger.

Personal safety is a huge issue.  My daughter and her fellow pre-teens have begun walking to school.  They also love crossing the street on Wednesdays after school to the local farmers market.  Or getting dropped off at the movie theatre.  Of course, they’re always in groups, but nothing stresses me out more than knowing that my daughter is out in public sans adult supervision.  Every time she goes off to an activity, I give her the rules.  But of course, I realize she’s 11.  Oops, 12 as of last week.  I remember arguing with my mom as a teenager and angrily declaring, “I can’t believe you don’t trust me.”  My mother responded with, “It’s other people I don’t trust.”  Maybe when Sam’s older, I could believe that, but honestly, I really just don’t trust her.

So with the aid of my CSULB Lt. police officer friend, his Sergeant, and the ridiculously buff self defense instructor from the Wellness Center, I set out to empower and at the very least, educate girlscout troop 4671 on stranger danger.  The topic is particularly interesting and ironically well timed, as we just did a study on the Battered Women’s Movement last week.  And while the two topics are far from being the same, they are certainly related. 

A major argument among battered women’s advocates is the fine line between victim and survivor.  Victimization of the person lends to the belief that the perpetrator has all the control.  However, it is important to consider the role the victim had in enabling the act or acts.  This is not to say, that women ask for such behavior. But in the recovery aspect, the battered individual is forced to reflect all roles within the relationship.  There is ultimately one thing for certain in nearly all these cases.  Prevention is key.  While not always guaranteed and as everyone knows the rule of hindsight, confident and empowered women (individuals) are far less likely to fall prey to such unfortunate relationships.  

This is where the girlscouts come into play.  The meeting we had focused on awareness of potentially dangerous situations, response tactics, including self defense in the event of a physical altercation (our poor instruction must have bruises all over his legs today).  The underlying message though, is don’t allow yourself to become a victim- either in a singular incident or a span of a relationship.  Yesterday, I watched my daughter learn how to fight her way out of a corner, learn the protocol if a best friend is attacked (she should not try to physically save her), and even how to humanize herself in a worst case scenario.  As a parent, I hate to expose my 12 year old to these realties when she still plays kitty kat with her two year sister.  But I admit I slept better know that she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself.  And that confidence is the foundation to lessening the chances of ever being a victim.   

Here is a link to an interesting Dateline story regarding stranger danger.

http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/11/11143341-my-kid-would-never-do-that-stranger-danger?lite

Week 11- Intellectual Disabilities and early activism

     The history of Intellectual Disability (ID) is difficult to grasp, not dissimilar to the historic treatment of other minorities however.  From its first mention in writings of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, those permitted to live beyond their first few weeks, faced a desolate and uncertain future. 

In consideration of the Intellectual Disabled community within the United States, these obstacles continued through the mid 1800s.  It wasn’t until further research and optimism gave rise, that views began to change.  Published works such as Sir Francis Galton’s, Hereditary Genius in 1869, reinforced burgeoning activism for proper identification and rehabilitation.  Early activist Dorthea Dix advocated for improved care and treatment of those placed within institutions, asylums, and poor houses.  Samuel Howe, director of the Perkins Institution for the Blind established the first public training facility in the US for those with ID in 1948.

     Unfortunately, changing lifestyles and societal norms during the early 1900s severely immobilized the new movement.  Broad urbanization and evolving labor demands from physical ability towards intellectual capability limited those with mild to moderate cases.  These changes gave way to the acceptable and broadening response of custodial institutionalization.   In addition, the horrific practice of eugenics became widely practiced and accepted.  So much so that, “Between 1907 and 1944, more than 42,000 people were sterilized in the U.S., over half of them in California, in an attempt to eliminate the presumed genetic sources of diseases including feeblemindedness.  Another 22,000 sterilizations were performed in 27 states to prevent ID and other conditions thought to be heritable between the years of 1943 and 1963.[1]

     However, with changing values in the mid 1900s, likely linked to the American Civil Rights movement and the focus on equality for the underrepresented, individuals with Intellectual Disabilities began to receive understanding and acceptance in mainstream society.  Activism by groups such as the National Association of Parents and Friends of Mentally Retarded Children (ARC) championed for individual and family rights.  These campaigners paved the way for governmental support.  Eventually President John Kennedy’s President's Panel on Mental Retardation (now the President's Committee on Intellectual Disabilities), promoted awareness to the national agenda for policy, research, prevention, education, and services.

Today, it is the societal trend for those with Intellectual Disabilities to reside within the community in familial surroundings.  Deinstitutionalization has changed the focus from rehabilitation to incorporation.  Early diagnosis and treatment has provided further appropriate care and thereby standard membership into the community.  While conditions have greatly improved in the United States, the Intellectual Disabled population still requires advocacy toward true equality.

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[1] http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/encyclopedia/en/article/143/

Week 10- Followup to vegetarian movement

Follow-up to vegetarianism.

It’s been several weeks now.  I haven’t had too many issues with the change in diet.  Although I will admit, that realizing that I couldn’t live off shrimp was a major disappointment.  I started this experiment with the understanding that it would not be easy, and ensuring proper nutrition would require more thought than simply subbing a portabello burger in place of meat.  However, I am finding it to be a larger lifestyle change than I had anticipated.  Limitations at restaurants are rampant, and the necessity to actually cook meals has been a transition.  I suppose that’s what has affected my lifestyle the most.  I don’t like to cook.  I prefer to do “semi home made.”  This would generally consist of a store bought rotisserie chicken which I would de-done and assemble into a taco by way of tortilla.  But of course, this change is a good thing- for my pocketbook and our health. 

A few random facts:

The grilled cheese (burger no meat) at In n Out is adequately satisfying.

The veggie wrap at CSULB’s Beach Walk Café could not be any grosser, although their grain bowl is very good.

I’ve developed a new love for baja fish tacos- not sure how if eating deep fried fish doused in mayonnaise based sauce is a winner though.

Mushroom tacos are a god send.

I had the most amazing boca burger at Mountain High last week!!  I may start snowboarding that resort just for the excellent grill.  Loved it.

My kids love tofu!!!! I can’t seem to buy enough of the stuff to satisfy them.  This is probably the best part of this experiment. 

Moving onto cookbooks and getting down with the veggies.   Fun!!

Week 9- Ecological Footprint

I wrote this for another project.  But for my two followers who are not my Professor, I thought I'd share :)

Dear Sam and Abby,

            Wow, how have times changed!!  Although, I’m a young mother to you both, I can’t help but look around and see how different your childhood world is from the one I experienced.  I’m not even twenty years older than you Sam, with Abby only ten years behind that, and the growth in that time has been enormous.  Born in 1980, I feel blessed to remember an era before the internet and cellphones.  Having experienced the technological boom, I can tell you both, how awestruck I still am over how fast it all happened.  And now, as children of the 21^st century, you two know no other lifestyle.  Sammy, your obsession with the need for callboxes, and Abby, your constant texting on your plastic cellphone are specific attestations to this J

            As a parent, my primary and instinctual objective is to ensure your safety.  With the great innovations of the technological boom, conversely and almost always, came an opposing negative corollary- a destruction actually.  The industrial revolution (namely during the 1800s) to the huge material demands of 1900s has forced our planet to undergo changes to will very soon become irreversible.  My generation is probably the youngest to see the necessity of repair and broadly incorporate it into mainstream living, but it’ll be up to yours to actually fix it.  My girls, essentially, will have to save the planet.  Don’t panic.  I know you have it in you.

            Lessoning your personal (ecological) footprint is the first step.  Some things of course may be out of your control.  Living in the city and not pumping your own water from a well for instance.  But even we city girls can make a difference.  I’ve attempted to incorporate some changes into our lives.  Diet is a major factor in this.  We only purchase organic produce.  And try to buy locally grown foods if possible. This is important in that it lessons factory and delivery repercussions out of our footprint.  I have chosen a meatless diet as well.  Sam, I respect your decision against this, but I hope in time, my example will broaden your views of health and sustainability.  Although I drive an SUV, I will likely, once you’re older Abby, switch to a more earth friendly car.  I’d assume that in the future, public transportation will be much more accessible, which I hope you both will take advantage of.  However, recycling is a huge part in reversing the effects of your negative footprint.  And I’m proud to say that Sam, you are the one that champions this in our home.  I’m sure Abby will follow your great example.

            These are small and easy steps to a healthier world.  Recognizing our needs versus our wants is the most important aspect.  You’ve been fortunate to lead a life with far more niceties than most individuals on the planet.  I consider our home with four TVs (that we hardly use) and think I’m insane.  Each one of those TVs came from a polluting factory, probably employed by sweat labor.  Utilizing resources and releasing dangerous pollutants into the air we breathe.  Delivered overseas by huge cargo containers that damage our oceans, into massive man made ports, and then transported via huge, gasoline chugging, semi trucks that demand constant maintenance of our roadways.  Not to mention the pollution that the TV creates in itself.  This is the crucial lesson- the chain reaction.  Understanding where our products: food, shelter, mobility, goods, and services come from and acknowledging the repercussions is the first step towards to a healthier future. 

            As I learn and grow, and attempt to instill these values you both, I know from what you two have already exhibited and are practicing, our earth has a chance.  Sharing your valuable information and leading by example are the best and most fulfilling components of a successful life- not only for yourselves, but for all your fellow earthlings as well.  Your generation is at the helm of a great turning point in human history.

Make it a meaningful life.

Love,

Mom

Week 8- KONY Activist Has Mental Breakdown. Suprisingly Senstionalized By The Press!!!!!! and The Woes of Giving Up the Double Double.

Nothing particularly exciting to discuss. 

Interesting notes:

1.)    I was extremely disappointed to hear about Jason Russell’s (Face of KONY Movement video) extremely public, practically naked, mental breakdown at a busy intersection at Pacific Beach, San Diego last week.  However, of course, the media were right there to sensationalize the incident right off the bat.  I believe he was under a great deal of pressure. The media manipulated the attention. There's no proof he was masturbating. I saw the TMZ clip. It's very sad that this man is going through this. It's clear he's in a lot of pain. The amount of media scrutiny he's been onslaught with, along with huge amounts of negative criticism would be trying for anyone. From various interviews, he seems like a kind- hearted, well spoken, man. While it certainly is understandable this will draw the wrong type of attention, I don't think it takes away from the good that he's done. I say it's far more likely that he simply had a full on nervous mental breakdown, over him being a pervert by any means. Besides, he would have been arrested if that's the case. At present, I understand he's still being held on a 5150 in a mental hospital. I hope he gets well soon and back to doing what's passionate to him: helping people with the best intentions.

2.)    Following last week’s, vegetarian movement discussion, I’ve decided to try it out for a bit of time just to see how it works for me (seafood okay).  I like meat.  I really do.  However, I’m becoming concerned with the health issues.  I’ve gained weight in the past 6-9 months.  I think my metabolism has slowed down significantly.  I’m tired a lot these days too and find I struggle to focus.  Ugh, my 30s.  My kids don’t eat much meat anyway.  I buy almost all organic food to begin with, so why not?  I’m up for finding better ways to live.   

So in a possible bid to change my lifestyle, I had to begin with an assessment.  But upon taking an actual inventory of my weekly diet, I realized I hadn’t purchased red meat for home food preparation in over a year.   In fact, I purchase very little meat within my home anyway, focusing mostly on seafood (because I love it).  Most of the meat consumption for my family comes from dining out.   Surprising.  This is generally from fast food, which I’ve been trying to limit for a time anyway. 

It’s particularly easy because I got food poisoning last week.  And while I’m better for the most                 Part, I’m still a bit queasy with heavy meals.  It’s been a several days now.  The first day, I thought about giving up meat and found myself at in n out burger in the evening, dying for a hamburger.  So without strict limitations, I’ve been sticking to it fairly easily.  I also ordered several films promoting healthier lifestyles- forks over knives, and fast food nation (mostly to scare myself).  We’ll see how it goes.  Interesting point, I ordered a couple pizzas last night (so much for backing off the fast food).  Anyway, one with meat for the kids and a vegetarian one for me and of course went to eat Abby’s leftovers (the joys of motherhood) only to find her sausage and pepperoni pizza grossed me out at the first bite.  Interesting… 

Week 7- KONY Movement

So I want to talk about something off topic this week.  We studied the nature movement, and that’s fantastic.  I like nature, I like camping, I don’t want it to go away and so forth.  But there’s a huge to-do this week regarding the KONY movement and I’m all about it.

Invisible Children (IC) is an organization dedicated to bringing down Joseph Kony, war criminal and leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army.  The not-for- profit organization is leading a crusade to popularizing Kony in hopes of drawing enough societal pressure from the masses to maintain US and force international government aid.  The marketing campaign released by the group has garnered massive media attention.  Their flashy YouTube video has reached 27 million views within days of its posting.  Inevitably the organization has become a target for criticizers.    Let’s consider a few of these arguments.

1.       Joseph Kony is no longer a threat.  He is dying or starving somewhere. Uganda is safe.

a.       This is fantastic news.  But that doesn’t mean he is permitted to go free.  He must pay for his crimes.  His victims deserve justice.  Nazi officers are still being tried for their war crimes today.  Criminals need to understand that at some point, they will have to face the law.  Invalid argument.

2.       There are more pressing matters in Africa right now.

a.       Of course there are.  There are pressing matters everywhere.  It’s really a matter of opinion anyway- what’s more important than this is that… IC is seeking to bring a bad man to justice.  This issue matters to the founders of IC.  This is a good thing.

3.       Americans need to worry about what’s going on in America and not focus on the rest of the world.

a.       When the day comes, that a human being turns a blind eye to the suffering and rape of children anywhere, they cease to be a human being.  Period.  I love being an American.  I am a citizen of the planet Earth first and foremost.

4.       IC only sent 30 some odd percent of its donations to Africa.

a.       This one kills me.  They are not a charity claiming to build hospitals, feed starving babies, immunize children… they’re marketers!  They make that point very clear.  That flashy YouTube video probably cost a fortune to make.  It costs me $10 to print stuff out on campus somedays.  One wonder how much it costs to print a million flyers, erect billboards, fly all over the world to spread the word, hotels, meals, maintain a staff, offices, etc.  Come on people!!  They sent money over to build a school and emergency communication system.  Good for them.  Some 3 mil. from what I understand.  That’s 3 mil more than I sent. What about you?

5.       They pay themselves too much. 

a.       So from the website Charity Navigator, we see the three principles are earning in the 80k range.  People, that’s not a lot.  I get we’re in a recession, but based in San Diego, CA, 80k is relatively moderate for the average working class family.  I really hate people that hate on other people because they make more money.  I’m very sorry you’re not well off right now.  But it’s clear these individuals have worked very hard, put in many hours, and have earned a decent income due to their innovation.  Pay yourselves a little more, I don’t care.  But I digress, that’s a whole other blog.

Anyway, to sum up, IC may turn out to be a far from perfect organization.  They could end up being frauds, who knows.  But their redefinement of social media activism is historical.  This group has caught worldwide attention in days; they’ve used FB and twitter to call for the arrest of a horrible war criminal.  I fail to see how this could be reasonably criticized.  Aside from the trendiness that KONY bracelets will ensue amongst high school kids in the coming weeks, there will be at least one person.  One.  One child perhaps that will be inspired.  Inspired to make a difference and champion for a better tomorrow.  Doesn’t that make IC worthwhile?  A success already?  Let’s look at the bigger picture people.  People all over the world, 27 mil. thought beyond themselves for 30 min.  In a world of ego and ethnocentrism run rampant, this means something!!  I’m a history student- likely on my way towards a masters in the subject next year.  I take everything with a grain of salt.  It’s second nature for me to think critically and analytically.  Sure, don’t just jump on the KONY bandwagon, but don’t hop on the criticism train just to rebel against the trend either.  

I choose to see the big picture.  People are helping each other.  Who are you to point your finger and judge?  If you don’t like the way things are run, do something yourself and do it better.  But, do not, do not criticize others who are making the world a better place just because they’re doing it in ways you don’t see fit.  

http://kony2012.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=12429

Week 6- Nuclear Movement and guilt.

So, I haven’t started my internship yet.  I’ve been guiltily putting it off knowing I’ll be able to start the weekly office work later, and then fulfilling the remainder hours requirement working at a day- long event.  This is bad. It’s starting to pick at my conscience more and more every day.  My project manager, Brandon, has not been in touch with me the last two weeks, as he’s been swamped setting up their Spring/ Summer schedule.  But I think it’s time to get going.  I’ll give Brandon a call next week (after midterm papers and finished and submitted) and get going on it.

Aside from that, my thoughts of the week are that I’m tired.  I’m really looking forward to Spring break.  And I can’t believe we’re only 6 weeks into the semester.  

We studied the nuclear movement this week.  I really enjoyed the film clip.  It was an important reminder how activism at the grass roots level is so important.  Parents, concerned over the safety of their children, were able to take on a huge corporation shutting down their local nuclear power plant.  These people actually shut down a nuclear power plant!!  I love it!  And in the process have been able to share their information, process, and goals with others enabling people to promote a safer future.  It took them many years to accomplish these objectives, but perseverance and patience were clearly two factors necessary to their success.