Religion is for Peace, not Violence

This is a pretty nice little op ed about how Israel/Palestine is NOT a religious conflict; and as far as the religions which are practiced in the region, NONE OF THEM CONDONE VIOLENCE.

Oiled Hilarity

I used to think there was no cultural divide that could not be crossed. Watching this video today on Attack of the Show made me think there might be evidence to the contrary. It is amazing how just a baby oil slide and a transvestite host can make me question my original dismissal of Samuel Huntington's Clash of Civilizations.... Has the world gone mad?

I repeat my original query: WTF is up with the Japanese?

Read a Mothafuckin' Book

Check out this video: Read A Book



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For your viewing pleasure.

If you are interested in learning more about Bomani Armah (aka D'mite), here is his website: Not A Rapper

U of L's new marketing campaign

Perhaps it will grow on me, but for now it appears that UofL's new branding campaign begs to be followed by "That's What She Said." Check it out here. Or see it in context here.

A few quotes from Full Metal Jacket

"We are here to help the Vietnamese because inside every Gook is an American trying to get out."

"I wanted to see exotic Vietnam, the jewel of southeast Asia. I wanted to meet interesting and stimulating people of an ancient culture... and kill them.

I wanted to be the first kid on my block to get a confirmed kill."

Let's leave no definitional stone unturned, shall we?

beg the question

1 (of a fact or action) raise a question or point that has not been dealt with; invite an obvious question.
2 avoid the question; evade the issue.
3 assume the truth of an argument or proposition to be proved, without arguing it.

My Soapbox about Circumcision

WARNING: Read no further if the words "genital mutilation" make you uncomfortable.


toothpastefordinner.com

This webcomic encapsulates in a very amusing way my essential feelings about circumcision (as practiced upon males routinely in the United States). In fact, I think circumcision is more accurately identified as genital mutilation. This is strong language, I know, and is arguably too strong. I say it is arguable because usual, male, United Statesian circumcision is not as damaging, most times, as female genital mutilation (FGM). With FGM procedures a woman is rendered incapable of orgasm, whereas with (most/successful) male genital mutilation, men may still achieve orgasm--thus the perpetuation of our species can still proceed. So, many people think the term "genital mutilation" should refer only to the alteration of the genitalia such that it removes the physical capability of orgasm. However, I feel that any alteration of the genitalia is mutilation. The removal of living body parts for cultural reasons is completely stupid to me, not to mention immoral where it removes the ability to experience orgasm.

Why would people just chop off parts of the skin of a baby for no apparent reason? The American Academy of Pediatrics does not classify circumcision as medically necessary. So why is it so prevalent in the United States? The reasons are various. For example, Jews usually participate in circumcision because of historical/traditional precedent. I personally don't think that makes it right, but at least there is a reason for it. This rationale is less confusing to me than when Christian, atheist, or simply secular American parents decide to circumcise their children. They seem to have motivations such as, "It's cleaner that way;" "It'll be easier for him to handle and take care of;" "I don't want him to feel 'different';" "I want his to look like his father's." What kind of logic is that? It isn't, is the answer. Cultural norms that advocate circumcision do not equal real evidence that is is beneficial. In fact, circumcision only became routine in male hospital births in the 1950s. This was the same era in which women were encouraged, for the first time, to feed thir babies milk formula instead of breastmilk, and to stop co-sleeping, and encouraged the institution of routine cesarean sections--a major abdominal surgery. (Babies cannot be born laproscopically!)

And as for the religious/philosophical freedom defense: I don't think that a parent's religious practices morally condone mutilating the most sensitive part of a boy's (or girl's) body. Parents are charged with the responsibility to protect their children, not endanger them or alter their bodies. Therefore, any notion of cultural relativism should not be used to continue to support this demeaning and futile practice. At the same time, I don't think this is the kind of thing that should be made illegal. First of all, legal action never effectively counteracts an entrenched cultural practice. Cultural practices only change from within, and legal remedies come from without. The decision whether or not to circumcise, therefore, remains a personal one, and a deeply personal one at that. That is why in my capacity as a doula, I never counsel parents against circumcision, but rather keep my own opinions to myself. If prompted for my opinion, I frame it as a a personal choice that I would personally not make for my child. I also discuss the health risks of the surgery and point out that it is medically unnecessary, but that it is at the same time something every family has to decide upon individually. It is not something to do routinely, i.e. randomly.

All hepped up on Hershey's kisses

Dude. It's been 10 days since I wrote in this mutha'. Much has occurred, most noteworthy of which was the utter ridiculousness of the plumbing in my house. FINALLY we have this resolved ($600+ dollars later), and I can get back to normal things, like freaking out about time management, over-taxing myself with too many projects, craving chocolate, watching America's Next Top Model, pining for sushi, etc... You know, the usual.

In addition to all this, school has started and is going allright. I still am behind on my thesis; I am for the first time truly understanding how central theory is to anthropology, as I grope to narrow the theory which will inform my paper. Argh. Also, my bilingualisms class is going to be sweet-ass: the text is amazing and we get to do lots of hands-on stuff, projects, presentations etc. GOOD TIMES. I simply must repeat to myself "Soy la alfa, soy la alfa... ¿Quién es la alfa? ¡¡¡¡SOY YO!!!! Claro claro claro." I also really like my Arabic class, although it is definitely the hardest language I've attempted so far. Not being Indo-European, Arabic poses the longest stretch of my brain power since literacy. I'm learning a new alphabet and a whole new linguistic structure. It's challenging, but rewarding. And my good friend, Jared, is in the class with me, which just makes it that much better.

And finally, but not leastly, I am working as a Learning Assistant again, this time for Dr. Parkhurst (aka THE SHIZIT. the man is amazing). Here is a photo of me at REACH training, so I can re-learn how to be an appropriate LA and representative of REACH and the University:

(that's me in the middle, looking gansta--uh, my way of saying "professorial," in other words.)

In short, kids: welcome back to the semester; welcome back to the grind. Ain't it grand?

stupid jerk horoscope. whadda YOU know?

"Your physical vitality is at low ebb, and you should make sure to avoid exposure to any sort of illness or disease, Clare. Steer clear of toxic substances of any kind that might add even more stress to your immune system. It may be hard for you to take a realistic attitude on these types of issues. You are good at creating a delusional frame of mind that convinces you that everything is fine, when in reality, it isn't. There is a stubborn energy in the air that is making it hard for you to change your ways."

Happy New Year

New Year's Resolutions:

1. Keep track in Quicken software of all expenditures.
2. Keep exercising with Stephanie.
3. Be more honest.
4. (related to #3): Be comfortable with your thoughts, desires, and objections. Value them rather than deny or hide them.
5. For the sake of your gall bladder, eat less fattening foods. (No fried anything, and no more full-fat dairy products, even if they are like manna from heaven...)
6. Be more verbally and mentally appreciative of others, especially my husband.
7. Do my homework on time.
8. Be more aware of what your organs are telling you about hunger. Only eat what you want, not what you feel you can afford.

That's about it for the moment. I think it's more than enough to keep me busy for at least a few months! Hope y'all had a good New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Best to you all in 2008!