Social Awareness Project

This is my Social Awareness Project. In this project, I focus on the insecurities of females as a social problem. Looks and weight are a big issue for most females where they feel the need to "cover up" to please and satisfy the public. These are insecurities we need to overcome instead of follow.

The first section of this project is a interview on a victim who has insecurities about her weight. She explains how she feels about her weight and how she will not let it affect her any further. She describes what she encounters because of her weight and how it affects her.

The second section of this project is a response to a song I heard and love. It explains the insecurity of looks and how females apply makeup and spend time on trying to look skinny. It further states that these things should not matter and how only what you feel or think about yourself should matter. I briefly describe the message of the song and how I felt/thought about it.

The last section ties up the project with two poems dedicated to female insecurities. The first one specifically for applying makeup as a cover up and the second one about how females are naturally strong and beautiful and nothing will change that.

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FEMALE INSECURITIES ABOUT WEIGHT

OPTION #3

INTERVIEW ON VICTIM OF SOCIAL PROBLEM

REPORTER- Do you feel insecure about your weight?

PERSON- Not really, no. I mean, when I get dressed for school, there are some days where I question myself if my outfit makes me look fat. But I've been getting less and less of those days because now I only stick to skirts and sweat pants.

REPORTER- Does it bother you that you way more than your older sister?

PERSON- What, no. Why would it be? I mean, I make fun of her and she makes fun of me, but in the end were sisters and we don’t mean the things we say. Shes not perfect either so her flaws are just as “bad” as mine, right?

REPORTER- I don’t know, is it?

PERSON- Well, yeah. Anyone’s flaws can be used against them like my weight can be used. They're just different flaws. But I guess it would be nice to weigh less than my older sister.

REPORTER- Have you ever been bullied? And if yes, how did you react to it?

PERSON- I've never been bullied to my face. But I remember in elementary school, there were a lot of things said about my weight behind my back. And to tell you the truth, I tried not to cry at school but when I got home, I had nothing to hide. My siblings comforted me and I was happy that I could forget school by just playing Mario Kart and spending time with them… But school is 6 hours a day, 5 times a week, for 10 months! I dreaded elementary school but I was happy at the end of the day.

REPORTER- How do you feel about middle school, now that you’re out of elementary school?

PERSON- I feel great! I've made three best friends: Kaitlyn, Jasmine, and Fadia. And even though most of the kids from elementary school got into the same middle school as me, they don’t mind me anymore… They've moved on since a bunch of kids had flaws worse than mine.

REPORTER- Do you think you’ll ever let your weight affect you again?

PERSON- I don’t know. I don’t think so but who knows what’ll happen. There could be awful people who I meet who will use my weight against me... but I've made friends who I can count on and I know they would stick up for me... Besides, I won’t care if I know there are other people who don’t care about my weight...That just shows that the ones who make fun of me have no lives.

REPORTER- Even though you're comfortable with your weight, will you try to lose some of it?

PERSON- I guess, yeah. It’ll be nice to not to have my weight affect the way people think of me. I don't want to feel insecure about my weight anymore... But I’d also do it because it’s healthy if I do. I’m overweight so I need to lose weight before it actually affects me physically.

REPORTER- How do you feel about the bullies? What do you have to say about them?

PERSON- Their bullies. I have nothing to say to them except they are nothing to me.

FEMALE INSECURITIES ABOUT LOOKS

OPTION #4

RESPONSE TO SOCIAL PROBLEM

If you were to walk outside, how many females do you pass that are wearing makeup? Too many to count? Exactly.  Makeup, weight, body shape, hair, clothes- these are all the things females today obsess over so they can look “good.” Females are constantly fixing themselves for other people by applying makeup, going on extreme diet, or even going to the mall to buy clothes that are the trend and what everyone wears. In Colbie Caillat’s song, “Try,” the song expresses the insecurities of females. The song specifically calls out on how females of all different shapes and ages, hide their “flaws” behind makeup.

“Try” is a song about not letting what other people’s opinions affect who you are and most importantly, what you do. During the music video, there are several females introduced, whom hide behind a layer of makeup, including Colbie Caillat. In the song, there are a few stanzas of lyrics that list the things females do in order to look “good” for the public: “Put your makeup on, get your nails done, curl your hair, run the extra mile, keep it slim… get your sexy on… get your shopping on… max your credit card… buy it all.” These lines show the consequences that females go through in order to keep a fake appearance for the public.This is a serious problem if females really do go through these tasks, because it shows that they are insecure about their flaws and are willing to hide behind makeup just to cover up.

Fortunately, the song opposes these actions to cover up flaws. After stating the previous lines the song continues to ask what is the point of all this hassle? “Do they like you? Do you like you?” The song asks to think about why they put on makeup: “Why should you care what they think of you?... When you’re all alone do you like you?” Is this what they really want, to hide behind makeup? Do they like the fact of covering up? The song really puts the message through when they repeatedly say, “You don’t have to try so hard… no you don’t have to give it all the way… just get up… you don’t have to change a single thing.” The message of this song is too embrace who you are for what you are, not based on how you look with or without makeup.

Finally at the end of the music video, all the girls take their makeup off, including Colbie Caillat, and they show themselves for real. They look happy and free. Makeup doesn't express who you are and you should't let it. You are strong and beautiful the way you are and you should stay like that. Don’t cover what defines you as unique.

I really loved this song. It shows a powerful message that every female should know. They should't work hard for others. They should only work hard for themselves. I felt this was a message that needed to be said and needed to be known throughout the female gender. This is an insecurity that should be fought to overcome. I know that many girls say makeup expresses who they are, but its really hard to see who they are if they are if we can’t see their faces. I don’t want to eliminate makeup ultimately, but I just want makeup not to be used for a cover up.

FEMALE INSECURITIES

OPTION #5

POEMS

Hide your face,

before you’re seen.

Apply it well,

the foundation cream.

Grab you compact

and flip it open.

Brush your face,

‘till you’re golden.

Now the eyeliner,

line the eye.

Take the mascara,

lashes are high.

Eye shadow next,

apply ‘purple plush.’

For finishing touch,

Put on pink blush.

Now you’re pretty,

and beautiful too.

But wait a sec,

is that really you?

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Never hide your flaws,

be who you really are.

Hiding behind makeup,

won’t get you far.

You may have acne,

or you’re overweight.

But don’t change yourself,

at any rate.

You are strong and beautiful,

don’t think different.

People may comment,

don’t take the hint.

Get over your insecurities,

and embrace yourself truly.

Because in the end,

that’s all you need.

Non-fiction Response

"SEXISM AND ISLAM"
BY
HISHAM ZOUBIER

        Even though sexism occurred long ago, its still an issue today. There have been added laws and changes in everyday life, like the freedom to vote for every person, male or female, and jobs that apply to both genders as well. However, sexism still exists and it can be largely found in the Islamic religion. According to the article on www.themodernreligion.com, "Sexism and Islam" by Hisham Zoubier, it states that women have little respect while men are respected by everyone. Zoubier argues that women should be treated equally because "women have the same value as men do".

The article continues stating the different things women must do to show "respect" but Zoubier describes this as a degrading effect for the woman. One example is that when a visitor comes to your house, it is often seen that the husband greets and chats with the guest, while the wife stays in the kitchen preparing food and serving it with either her head bowed when she enters the room or given to one of the children to serve. "The wife is never to stay and talk to the guest if male because this would disrespectful and she must always wear a scarf if serving herself". Zoubier finds this unfair for the wife because while she prepares and serves the food, the husband's only job is to sit and talk with the guest. The husband should at least help with the cooking or serving, instead of sitting there and taking all the credit. Another example is how "men are the ones who lead the family and work, while the women are the ones who only raise the kids and take care of the housework". Zoubier again argues that this is unfair because women can just as much work and lead the family, just as men do. What a man can do, a woman can do better.
In conclusion, "Sexism and Islam" by Hisham Zoubier, is about how sexism still exists widely and strongly in the Islamic religion. It describes the way women are treated unfairly and how they are not given the opportunity to show their full potential.
I agree with Hisham Zoubier about these things, but it would be difficult to change a religion and its traditions and beliefs. Islam is my religion and it must be seen by many the flaws of it, but it is something that was followed for years and will continue for years. However, you can change things in your own house hold.  The things and examples that were discussed in this article can be seen in my own home and family, but I have an education, just like males, and I can make a career and life out of it. I won't become one of the Muslim women archetypes.

Trip Reflection

THE MUSEUM
OF THE
CITY OF NEW YORK

        The trip to the Museum of the City of New York taught me many things about activism. It taught me some old issues that were dealt with and some recent ones that are being fought for. It also taught me old and new actions that were taken in order for the activists to get what they wanted.
One of the old issues that I learned more about was the segregation of black and white people. Even though the enslavement of African American people was over, many white people still disliked the idea of treating them equally or even sharing the same space as them. This was when all public spaces were segregated. Parks, theaters, schools; all were either only for white or black. Segregation was allowed because of the Jim Crow laws. It had been challenged but still was set as a law. The African Americans saw this as a problem and many people became activists. One activist, Martin Luther King Jr. fought with speeches that became memorable today.  Rosa Parks led the act into boycotting buses which caused buses to decrease in profits so seating arrangement on buses changed. These were acts that were non-violent, but led to a big change.
Another issue I saw was the bike lanes. This was a recent issue that was fought for by people who commute in bikes around New York. They were upset at the fact that cars took up there bike lanes and they were getting fined for it. However, instead of doing speeches or marches or boycotts, these people put humor into there fight. They dressed up as clowns and demonstrated what happened if a car was in the bike lane. They pretended to fall and crash because of the cars, yet they were the ones getting fined. This attracted the attention of many people and they laughed along and agreed. The overall outcome was that the clowns received the attention they wanted and hoped for more bike lanes and rules that enforced better care for the bikers and bike lanes.
Overall, it was fun to go to the museum and learn about activism. I learned many forms and that violence isn't the answer.  There are other, more civil ways to achieve your goal.

Equilibrium for Everyone

Whether we are female or male,
black or white.
We are all equal,
this is whats right.

We maybe different,
color or gender.
But to try to set different rights,
that fight must surrender.

No one is more better,
or even more strong.
We are all equal,
so let us create a better bond.

Book Club #2 Response

THE BOOK THIEF

BY

MARCUS ZUSAK

         In society today, we generally think that the person who sees us to the after life is this ruthless, eerie, hooded figure, who holds a scythe. This person is emotionless and bitter and glee over your death. However, in The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak, this person is portrayed as a kind and sympathetic person, better known as Death. The irony of his name gives him a false impression for he cares for the dead and wishes them off better. If it weren't for him, the poor souls would be wandering around earth miserably. Death symbolizes the good in everything bad.
As stated before, Death is thought to be apathetic in everyday life. On the other hand, Death is actually the most sympathetic person through out the whole book. As Death narrated the story and oversaw Liesel and her life, he comments on what he sees and sympathizes with the characters and their struggles. The book states, "Poor Frau Diller, both sons dead because of this useless, pathetic war." Death understands the miserable state this character is in and relates to Frau Diller by using those words to describe the war. He understands and sympathizes with her that her sons died for nothing. For this reason, Death is seen as sympathetic, the opposite of what people generally think of him as.
In addition, Death is kind. When the people died in the book on Himmel street after the bombing, Death took great care to guide them through their misery of their realization of death. He helped them to a better time and even kissed them on the head and showed affection. He also went as far as to relieve some of Liesel's misery of losing her family by revealing her journal that she had kept before the bombing, giving her some closure. "My book... I remember... these memories... thank you." As you can see, Death is very gentle and loving towards the dead. He treats them with kindness and fondness, unlike what people have him dictated as a cold and hard person.
To conclude, Death had been portrayed differently then what is thought of him. He is sympathetic and gentle, instead of emotionless and ruthless. My interpretation of this is that Death symbolizes the good in everything bad. He isn't what he is commonly thought of. He doesn't enjoy the misery of others, but the exact opposite. Death is something good in his bad image.
This gives a new perspective onto other real world issues. Instead of always pinning the worst against things, why not give it a chance. This is what happens in the world, all the time. Before in slavery when all the white men and women thought that the African Americans were bad and useless, but in true light, they were just the same as them. And now today, with all the terrorism. Many people assume that all Muslim people are all terrorists and should not be trusted, but in reality, these people have nothing to hide. It is not always back and white, there is some gray too. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak represents this very well with Death.

Book Club #2 Synthesis Page

 THE BOOK THIEF
BY
MARKUS ZUSAK

(Symbolism- Synthesis Page)

Introduction- The Book Thief is about a girl named Liesel Memminger, and about her life in the holocaust. The story is narrated by Death, the person who takes the souls the dead and sees that they are taken safely. Now in the time of war, Death has much work to do, but is compelled to see who Liesel is. After taking the life of her brother, Death follows Liesel around. 

Liesel lives with her foster family, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, who are nearly poor but loves Liesel dearly. As Liesel lives with the Hubermanns, she developed an interest to read and prove to her teachers at school that she isn't dumb, but also wants to read for the joy of it. Hans Hubermann ends up teaching Liesel while playing his infamous accordion, and soon enough Liesel is able to read on her own. Liesel knows she can't afford to buy her own books or for that matter the Hubermanns, so Liesel results to stealing books, thus the name The Book Thief. 

  As Liesel continues to steal and read, the world around her trembles at Hitler's touch. To make matters worse, the Hubermanns take in and hide a Jew named Max, throwing Liesel and her family into danger for going against Hitler, but the strong bond they make with Max, makes them defy the consequences and inevitable. Will the book thief get away with her stealing and the Jew, or will she be collected by Death? 

Symbol- Reading

Thesis- "Reading" in The Book Thief is a symbol for calmness and peace. 

Evidence #1- Max gets very sick that he goes unconscious for a several weeks, and making the Hubermanns and Liesel frightened for his life. On page 323, the book states: "All day at school, she had promised herself that she would finish reading the book today, and Max Vanderburg was going to listen. He was going to wake up." In this moment, Liesel feels strongly that reading will bring Max to consciousness. She believes reading has the power to help Max. 

Evidence #2- During an air raid, Liesel and the Hubermanns, and a couple of other families rush to the basement of  family's and all squish in together. On page 380-381, the book states: "Even from the cellar, they could vaguely hear the tune of bombs. Air pressure shoved itself down like a ceiling, as if to mash the earth. A bite was taken of Molching's empty streets... The sound of crying children kicked and punched... Arms and elbows fought for room. Some of the adults tried to calm the infants. Others were unsuccessful in calming themselves down... Liesel opened one of her books and began to read... By page 3, everyone was silent but Liesel... everyone envisioned the story... forgetting the bombs." In this moment, Liesel uses reading to calm the chaos and everyone is relieved to be able to forget about the mess in their lives, even if only for a few moments.

Conclusion- Overall, reading is an essential part of The Book Thief. It is a symbol for peace and hope and keeps the story evolving. Liesel relies on reading to get past her problems and continues to read to face the incoming problems.
          Reading in general is an enjoyable thing for me to do. I'm happy when I hold a book and can spend hours reading. I always thought being able to read is a necessity in life in order to have a bright future. Reading could also be something for fun. But after reading the book thief, I see reading in a different way. Reading brings people the little happiness they can get. They use reading to help themselves get through life. I wonder, if Liesel never became the book thief, what would she do without her reading?
          From reading this book, I've learned that things that seem little to us, may be a greater thing for others. Liesel uses reading to get through life and her problems, while I use it as entertainment.

Book Club #1 Response

THE GLASS CASTLE

BY

JEANNETTE WALLS  

         According to most dictionaries, the definition of home is, "the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household." However, home takes a new meaning when it enters Jeannette's life in The Glass Castle. For Jeannette, she would not have a "home" at all if she followed the dictionary definition of home, for she moves from place to place, often staying for only a day or two. Having a drunk, alcoholic for a father and ditsy,immature mother, this is expected of Jeannette's life, especially having three other siblings. Continuing to move from place to place throughout the book, the reader wonders if Jeannette will ever have anything to call home.
         Money was hard to come by and in order for Jeannette's father to avoid paying bills and rent, he forced everyone to move before he could get caught with the landlords. As a result, Jeanette couldn't really call any place she moved in, a home. Several times during the story, Jeannette thought that her family had finally established a home to call their own, but she spoke too soon, when her father would wake the family up to get up and leave. However, Jeannette never lost hope, for she still had faith in the Glass Castle. This would be her family's dream house and she believed every new move was a new option to consider building the Glass Castle on and they would surely find that perfect land and would finally settle down and have a home. "Of course I love moving!"
         And finally Jeannette's wish had come true, or so she thought. The family had moved to Welch and they found a house that only cost a thousand dollars to buy. They were planning to pay fifty dollars a month until they paid off the cost. The house was old and run down, with mold growing and the house rotting in a certain places with no insulation. But Jeannette's father assured Jeannette that they just wanted the property so they could build the Glass Castle on it and would live in the house for the time being as it was built. Jeannette couldn't wait until it was built and marveled at the fact that she would have a home. She was so excited that she and her brother, Brian, dug a deep hole for the foundation of the house. But as soon as it was built, garbage bags started to pile in it since Jeannette's father couldn't pay the weekly garbage fee. So as the garbage increased, Jeannette's hope decreased until it finally was gone and Jeannette decided that it was time she made a home for herself without her dead beat father who never came through for her. At a last ditch effort to keep Jeannette with him, Jeannette's father brings up the Glass Castle and how he's ready to start. But Jeannette has lost faith in him and only says, "Go ahead and build the Glass Castle, but don't do it for me."
          The plan was to meet her older sister, Lori, in New York. Jeannette was desperate for a home and she hoped everything would end in New York City. But as soon as her bus pulled into New York, Jeannette knew this was her home. Jeannette pursued her dream in New York as a writer and owned a house with her husband, John, and her 15 year old step- daughter. Jeannette's family also made a home in New York and Jeannette never felt happier. It was there she stayed and called home. 
          Throughout the story, Jeannette has gone through an emotional journey. All her life she wanted a home and she had gone from hopeful to dejected and then finally enthusiastic. When you think about your home, you originally think it as a building you live in. Nothing important.  But really, your home is where you have family and can be happy. Jeannette found her home in New York, where she was with family and was happy. Having a home impacted Jeannette Walls in such a way that she retold it in The Glass Castle.