Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Calico Heavens

For my blog, I am going to post something a bit different today.

I am a writer, I love to write. My passion lies in poetry and I have been creating such pieces for a while now. I have never exposed my work outside of classes, so today is going to be the first time!

Here is a short poem I wrote about a year ago that is one of my favorites.

Calico Heavens

Beautiful, the weather is today.
A spectrum of colours, ceaseless light,
continuous harmony.
The Aurora Borealis seems deem in disguise

Peculiar happenings, feelings of devotion.
Mist lingers, gray and damp.
Darkness bathes behind your eye,
Clenching lukewarm hands around my throat.

Northern winds drift, southern warmth seeps in-
wind can not be silenced during departure.
Curiously, I coast towards you.

Yellow sun you bare my life,
Rid my conscience of strife.
Temporarily -
Until the mountains swallow your gold.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Alice in Burton-Land


From The Grimm Brothers, to Disney, to Tim Burton.

The modern preacher of fairy tales has transcended traditional portrayals of folklore.

Alice In Wonderland, originally created by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson in 1862 has been adapted numerous times over the decades, currently being re-mastered by Tim Burton.

We all know Mr.Burton as the curious figure who brought us A Nightmare Before Christmas and now the well anticipated Alice In Wonderland is soon to be released.

Lewis Carroll took Dodgson's idea of a young girl falling into a rabit hole and made it into a classic piece of children's literature. I just finished reading the book and I am dying to see Burton's adaptation.

Many works of literature have been re-shaped by various artistic geniuses, for example Jane Yolen's version of Sleeping Beauty which follows a girl's journey in discovering her grandmother's past during the Holocaust.

The fairy tales that we all know have been around for a very long time and I look forward to seeing how our creative minds in this generation perceive such traditional folklore.


Monday, December 7, 2009

Santa to the Rescue!

So, I know all you girls out there who have a special guy are going CRAZY thinking about what to buy him for Christmas, well I'd like to share with you MY list of fun gifts for him!

Christmas presents to get your man!

2. hockey tickets
3.personalized boxers (you can even do it yourself)
5. An awesome piece of artwork to balance out the posters of sports cars on his wall :)

Saturday, November 28, 2009

What Happened to Our Men?


Men and video games, what is the DEAL?

My boyfriend just bought a Play Station 3 and when he turns to me with that half smile I know he is seeking the "ok" to turn on his gaming console! It is not like I despise video games, but there seems to be a larger attraction to them from the male population.

Why is this so?

Many studies have tried to scientifically establish why men LOVE video games. One study involving 11 male participants and 11 female came to the conclusion that it has to do with claiming TERRITORY!

So, If you are wondering where yiour guy is on Friday night, chances are he is locked up in the house with a controller and a beer playing video games!

To cure all those women's curiosity: 72% of men would ditch their lady lovers to play a new game!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Oh, Christmas Tree!
















Ever wonder how A person who does not celebrate Christmas reacts to a Christmas tree?

Well, last night my room mates and I put up our Christmas tree, and one of us being Jewish, was not accustomed to doing it! I have never seen somebody so excited and thrilled to make paper snowflakes and decorations. The whole process was so alluring for her that it made me reflect on the Christmas tradition.

Regardless of the commercialism attached to the holiday, if you dig deeper, Christmas is something more than presents. The three of us spent hours around the tree, together in high spirits, with not a care in the world. This is what Christmas is about!

So, with the holiday season fast approaching, try not to think only about the malls and all the crowded stores and huge lines, remember that this is the time to show affection to those you love!


Thursday, November 26, 2009

DIY Cold Remedies


It is that time of year when everyone seemingly gets sick with the common cold. Everyone this winter season is in fear of getting swine flu, but I think most of us are enduring the burden of the common cold. I decided to compile a list of homemade REMEDIES that will surely soothe any sore throat, stuffy nose, or achy body! Sometimes the cure doesn't have to involve hours of waiting at a clinic.

1. Sug Dandy Water (my very own cough remedy)
  • I am currently sick with a cold, yet again, for the third time this year and I swear by this quick and easy drink to soothe the throat. Basically, all you need is some boiling water, a cut up lemon, sugar (honey is optional, always adds to the flavour!) and a spoon! Mix it all up in a mug and instant relief is provided.
2. Chicken Noodle Soup
  • I know it is the classic remedy and some people may call it a cliche, but the National Institute of Health claims it really does heal! The combination of hotness and steam rising from the bowl helps lessen congenstion!
3. Cranberry Soup (sounds kind of nasty, but keep an open mind!)
  • You need one cup of water, 2 cups of cranberries, honey and one teaspoon of potato starch. Heat the cranberries in water over the stove until they open. Strain the liquid into a bowl, add honey, then starch. The last step requires you to bring everything mixed up to a boil until it thickens then Bon Appetit!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

What's That Word Again?


picture provided by google images

I was browsing on
stumpleupon.com when I came across this website that struck me as very clever.

I know everybody has experienced a time when they really want to remember a word but just can't seem to place their finger on it it. You know, when of those experiences where your mind remains occupied for hours until you figure the mystery forgotten word out.

Check out this website, it could be key to solving this problem! (in link above)


Friday, November 20, 2009

Christmas Book List

Christmas break is fast approaching and I know most of us students want to run away from books, but if you are a bookworm like me, I have compiled a top three list of novels to snug up to while the weather is cold outside.

1.) The Whirlpool, Jane Urquhart (Canadian author)
  • this novel is written in prose, set in Niagra Falls in 1889. The book traces the story of a widow undertaker and her neglected son along with following the lives of Fleda and her military husband David. Fleda is a romantic, obsessed with poetry and the landscape of the falls allures her like the mystery man she watches from afar.
2.) On The Road, Jack Kerouac
  • If you love the hippy generation and jazz music, this book tracks the life of Jack Kerouac as he travles across America in the sixties. on his roadtrip he meets the craziest people, while facing the most severe hardships. Based on true events and true people, this book really brings the jazz movement in San Fransisco to life.
3.) Kingdom Come, J.G Ballard
  • This is a scary insight into the nature of our culture. the book focuses on human consumption and is set primarily in a mall that is treated like a religious institution. It turns out to be a story filled with riots, bombs, and conflict. It is great for those interested in the effects of commercialism on society.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Its Always Sunny in Philidelphia

For all of you NOT familiar with the ABSOLUTELY hilarious television series "Its
Always Sunny in Philadelphia" You must CHECK OUT this video!




"The Gang" otherwise known as Charlie, D, Dennis, Mac, and Frank spend all their time drinking in the family bar, Paddy's.

If you are looking for satirical, crossing the limits, straight up laughs - this is the show for you!

The show was originally shot on a digital camcorder by Charlie Day (creator and actor), Glen Howerton, and Rob McElhelleny. Danny Devito becomes part of the cast beginning in the second season. Networks couldn't keep their hands off this original comedy - now it has people laughing all over America!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

CBC: The End (TV, Print, Radio)

When you think back to the early twentieth century, prior and post both World Wars, technologically was developing rapidly, as it is now. However, traditional forms of radio, tv, and print are emerging on a new landscape, cyberspace. "The End", a three part series broadcasted through CBC sheds light on the state of tv, radio, and print industries.

A dominant theme attributed to print, tv, and radio is the merger towards independant ownership.

Before the millenium, television was a device used to stimulate the family unit. introduced in the 1950s, it drew people together to watch around one single outlet, a big black box. Now, television can be viewed through multiple devices such as Ipods and cellphones. Websites like Ninja video and Project Free Tv offer video streaming that can be accessed at any time to a wide selection of TV shows and movies. Though the big box in our living room seems to be "out-dated", it holds too much value to become obsolete. viewing habits may be changing, but cable TV will not evaporate into nothingness, not just yet. Websites like YouTube, Rocket Boom, and podcasts are an alternative to conventional tv viewing; a way that emphasizes choice and ownership.

Radio is a platform of media that is suffering more so than television, mainly due to limited choices. With the introduction of XM Radio and Sirius, people do not want to tune into FM stations, let alone AM broadcasts. Half the time a person spends in their car they browse for the perfect song, now that problem has diminished. Ipods, satellite radio, and podcasts offer an alternative to commercial drenched radio stations that target broad audiences, rather than niche markets. The new form of radio is extremely personalized. Radio is loosing its power at creating and sustaining communities. Radio was introduced to consummate a nationalistic sense of community, but now it is moving on to encouraging individuality.

The print industry is suffering the most, especially in newspaper and magazine outlets. Online journalism, aka, citizen journalism provides a left wing partisan news room that encourages participatory discussions, followed by commentary. With traditional newspapers, the reader experiences a one-way conversation. Now, people want to engage with user-generated content. You can even see classified sections of newspaper being digitalized eg. Craigslist, which is free! However, when it comes to books, though web 2.0 has given us Google Book Search and the launching of e-readers, the traditional style of engaging with literature will not decay. A person can not bring an electronic reader or laptop places a book can easily go...







Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Harry Potter..Imagination Turned Into Reality

Can it be TRUE?

Butter Beer, Hogsmeade, Moaning Mytrtal...alive in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a theme park brought to all Rowling fan's who love the magical.

I think J. K Rowling did a captivating job in drawing in so many readers.

What is it about her idea and her characters that intrigues us?

The whimsical, fantastical nature of this series creates a secondary world for me, an escape. A theme park designed to capture the story in a 3d atmosphere is like childhood dream come true.

If it was not so far away, I would go!

However, I think one day I shall find my self there brewing a potion or having my fortune read in divination class.



Sunday, November 15, 2009

2012 Dooms Day

what exactly did Nostradamus predict?

The date December 21st, 2012 represents a close conjunction between the winter solstice(earth's axis tipped furtherest away from the sun) with the crossing point of the galactic equator, and the ecliptic path of the sun (line sun seems to follow across our sky).

Basically, the Mayans predicted that on This winter date the calender year is going to end and the world is going to face a major reconstruction process. It is said that cumilation of sunspots on the sun will change magnetic fields resulting in floods and earthquakes.

It is actually quite amazing how much are earth is affected by the solar system; mainly our sun.

(Info from "Mayan Prophecies" written by Adrian Gilbert and Maurice Cotterell)


SPOOF OR SCIENCE?


Saturday, November 14, 2009

Discover This!

The perfect outlet to ease your curiosity : Discovery Channel


Check out this sneak peak of all the wonders Discovery reveals:

  • How Its Made



  • Mythbusters



Sometimes watching t.v doesn't have to be so m i n d l e s s.

Although T.V as a vessel of entertainment is meant to be an E S C A P E, tuning in on something educational and fascinating isn't such a bad idea.

Engage your mind with something curious.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Tech Wow

Picture provided by Slipperybrick.com


So, I've never been one to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to new technologies.

I like to consider myself a little bit old fashioned. You know, choosing a notebook and pen over my laptop, but I was enlightened last night.

I was walking my dog and it was very dark out. I live by a lot of forest, so the path I was on was quite eerrie. As I was walking, I started to formulate a short story in my mind, but had nothing to write my ideas down.

I automatically thought WOW if I had a Blackberry than this wouldn't be a problem.

It got me thinking more deeply about the benefits of emerging technologies and web 2.0. Usually I am anti-tech because I hold the belief that it is detaching humanity from the natural world.

But, this one moment may have changed my views...
Because I really wish I had something to record my ideas when I was walking.

So, maybe technology can be fantastic. I just think there has to be a balance.

Say I was just checking emails and chatting and face booking on my imaginary blackberry while walking the dog - I wouldn't have experienced the moment of inspiration!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Kick Winter Blues



Could winter be fantastical, rather than dreary?

I am reading Lois Lowry's, "The Giver" for the second time and I came across a quote - in refrence to winter.

"How could you describe a sled without describing a hill and snow; and how could you describe a hill and snow to someone who had
never felt height or wind or that feathery, magical cold?"

In this novel, Jonas is part of a society of sameness and he is the receiver of memories.

Imagine a Canadian Christmas, without frost tinted windows and snow blanketing the barren trees...

I know all of those who share this country can picture the above quite vividly.
We should be thankful that we get to experience the chilling side of mother nature; the step before rejuvenation.

This winter season, to lighten up and warm the soul, re-create the snow into something mystical. After all

tis' the season to be jolly :)

Saturday, November 7, 2009

The Monster Mall

For the first time, in a long time, I stepped foot into a shopping mall.

It is a curious thing to be inside of, I think. So many colours, lights, smells, people, things...

It is like a religious place, you know? Somewhere where people gather together, to worship and idolize the things that they are buying. Sometimes I go into a mall with no intention of buying something and come out a hundred dollars poorer...

Why?

We are so easily lured into consumption; it is all we do. It got me thinking, how much do humans consume and out of all the stuff that we buy, how much of it lasts and how much of it ends up in our ever-growing landfills?

Check out this video, kind of long (20 minutes), but well worth the watch! It is extremely enlightening to see how much we consume and how our purchasing habits affect the Earth.




Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star!


Picture provided by google images

Twinkle, Twinkle little star, how I KNOW what you are!

Have you ever wondered what a star really is? or why it twinkles like it does?

As a kid, I liked to believe that a star is something more magical than a bright ball of gas. Now I don't have to wonder, thanks to my astronomy textbook.

Basically, like water in a swimming pool bending light (hence why looking out to the sky from unerneath water is trippy) Earth's atmosphere bends the light from the stars, making it appear to twinkle. Stars tend to twinkle more on windy nights, do you think whoever made the song happened to be pondering up at the vast night sky?





Music Madness

The state of the mainstream music industry is a disaster...

From short skirts to flashy bling to voice edited singing, what has happened to TALENT?

I don't know about you guys, but the only time I open my ears to mainstream music is at the bar because I really don't have a choice in the matter.

Now a days, I feel like anybody can become famous in the music industry. The new thing seems to be voice editing so musicians sound like robots. How is this talent? It's not.

I feel like back when records were still in use is when music was at its purest. There was no fancy technology to altar a voice, it was just PURE rock and roll. Sweat, blood, and tears ya know? I have a record player and I love it.

The cracking of the sound, the spinning of the record, the nostalgic feeling it omitts..I'd much rather pop on a Steely Dan record then turn Much Music on to see the latest robot voice!

In reaction to mainstream music, I compiled a list of artists that beat the buzz:

1. Anita O'Day (1950s jazz)
2. Steely Dan (If you love to groove)
3. Bob Marley (classic)
4. Crosby, Stills, and Nash (Folk)
5. Fleetwood Mac (if you love to dance)

Why Pay More

I was standing in the line for Subway on campus at The University of Western Ontario and the first thing I noticed was that the prices are higher then a normal Subway off campus...

I don't understand why and I want to know why.

How is it that corporate fast food eating joints, like Subway or Harveys can jack the prices of regular menu items if the store happens to be located on a university campus?

If anything, the prices should remain the same as anywhere else, or be mildly cheaper. Why do I say this? Mostly because University students are on a tight budget (some of us at least) and because OUR university is promoting THEIR company -- free advertising. We don't have a choice over Subway or Quiznos because Subway is the only choice...Since we are sort of running a monoploly over fast food eateries, why are we paying more...

If anyone has some insight into this, please leave a comment. I am very curious. I also intend on seeking some answers and posting them in a later blog.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Eye in The Sky



Picture provided by Sciencedaily.com
Image of HRS sensors.

"The third planet is certain that they are being watched, by an eye in the sky that can't be stopped..." - Modest Mouse

For those Modest Mouse fans, I think we can all agree that the quote above is not just nonsense, but actually holds some truth.

After reading the article, "Sensing Disasters From Space" I immediately thought of this quote. The article addresses the development of the Hyperspectral Remote Sensor. This is a new technology developed by Tel Aviv University that has the power to detect if there are any water pollutanints contaminating rivers, lakes, etc. For example, it can notify authorities of an oil spil before anyone else can detect it.

All I can think of is the creepy notion that there exists an "eye" in the sky that can see all around the world.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

CBC Re-markets Itself

Attention all Canadian citizens, how important is YOUR national broadcaster?

The Canadian Broadcasting Cooperation, more commonly known as The CBC is changing the face of their network to stimulate better news intergration, while efficiently utilizing multi-media services.

CBC Newsworld is being re-branded as CBC News Network. Although the network has been dealing with a 171 million dollar budget shortfall, they are making the step to introduce new online graphics and anchors, while extending thier show, The National to seven days a week.

Despite the 800 job cuts, CBC is looking optimistic towards the future of media, by implementing more blogging communities attached to their name. So, fellow bloggers out there, could it possibly be that even the BIG GUYS out there controlling mainstream media have come to the realization that the media is progressively moving towards a "By the people" model..

However, some may automatically think, "Oh No! Here is another way that Canada is trying to replicate the United States (CNN)" but, Richard Stursberg (head of CBC English division) claims that this change to be done on Monday is for the better. Let us not forget the importance of local news.


  • Also, check out this clip of CBC broadcasters addressing the change (I was not able to directly post it to my blog, sorry)


Friday, October 23, 2009

Dancin' Steps Down the Aisle

If there is anyone out there looking to put the cherry on top of their perfect wedding, have you ever considered having your wedding party Boogie down the aisle?

Sometimes, a little bit of fun and humour mixed in to monumental moments in life is not so bad :)

Check out this clip of the JK Wedding:




And this clip of beloved The Office characters dancing down the aisle at Jim and Pam's Wedding:


Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Singing in the Shower: Fluke or Voice of an Angel?

Ok, so I can't help but come to the conclusion that virtually everybody has sung their heart in the shower and then after they are done, formualte the idea that they have an AWESOME singing voice and can be the next Canadian Idol.

Truth is, the structure of a bathroom and the raw materials used to build tiles, toilets and sinks all contribute to making your voice sound more spectacular than it really is while taking a shower.

Bathrooms replicate echo chambers, if there are tiles installed. Hard surfaces and small dimensions in a bathroom create standing waves, reverberation, and echoes. The end result of all these things combined gives your voice more depth and fullness, causing the illusion that you have the voice of an angel!



Sunday, October 18, 2009

http://ping.fm/XVK4b
http://ping.fm/nfWuU
http://ping.fm/AMGdI

All Hallow's Eve Revealled

Ok, so we all know that Halloween is partially a result of Hollywood's American filmmakers and classic novelists like, Mary Shelly, author of Frankenstein. But, how exactly did we come to start dressing up in gory, bizarre, fantastical costumes? Where does the word Jack-O-Lantern come from?

Halloween is rooted in the Gaelic culture. This fall festivity is a result from the Gaelic festival of Samhain, which celebrated the end of the summer aka the lighter half of the year and the beginning of the dark year.

Gaels believed that during the time of Samhain, the border between our world and the OTHER world wore thin...allowing spirits to cross over.
To ward of ghosts, the Gaels wore costumes and masks to appear as a threat to the dead.

The term Jack-O-Lantern finds its origin in the tale of Stingy Jack, an Irish gambling drunk who tricked the devil into climbing a tree bu carving a cross in it and capturing him. The devil, in revenge, condemned Stingy Jack to wander the world at night with only the candle he had burning inside a turnip.

So, now you know a bit of history that you never really questioned as a kid, probably because October 31st means pillow cases of candy, so who cares!

Information provided by Wikipedia

Check Out Tim Burton's Vision of Halloween!


Saturday, October 17, 2009

A New Earth

Is it really true that buried deep within the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico there is a remote village of green activists creating a model community based on earth's sustainablity and health?

YES!

This new phenomenon is known as permaculture aka permanent agriculture. Ellen Page, teen star from the hit movie Juno proclaims that permaculture is a holistic way to live (The Huffington Post).

It is the start of a new future, living for the earth and by natural law that should govern our actions.

Created in the 1970's, permaculture is only beginning to catch on now - Now that we see our planet is in dire need of our help.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Where Has the News Gone?

Is propaganda wearing you down?

In response to Outfoxed:Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism, I am going to comment on Fox News' use of fear building tactics and propaganda. Being a Canadian, I can't say that I tune into Fox on a regular basis, but after watching the video listed above there is much to say about the Fox network as a political weapon.

Media can be deemed the nervous system of any democracy, but what happens when your media outlet is corrupt?

Fox News, created by right wing conservative politician, Rupert Murdoch, is being used as a tool to instill fear into its viewers to keep them tuning in. The flashy headlines, use of graphics, and the breaking news phenomenon (also known as yellow journalism) that Fox incorporates into their daily airtime is the perfect combination to ensure that its audience is being transformed into mini fox icons: people who have their opinions molded for them.

A true democracy is centered around objectivity in reporting and making all sides of ANY political/current affair story known, so that the people of a nation can knowledgeably form perspectives about the world for themselves. Journalistic integrity and the public sphere is sacrificed to Fox news when they are mirroring a Stalinist system:
  • create an environment of fear
  • workers are monitored
  • form opinions rather than gather news
  • force employees to sign confidentiality contracts
Though Fox's catch phrase decalres that the network is HONEST AND BALANCED, it is not. Take for example Bill O'Reilly's Shutup conspiracy. It has been documented and seen live that reporters for Fox are not afraid to tell their interviewees to SHUTUP if they begin to mention anything that goes against right-wing ideology. How is this fair and balanced?

The problem is, people do not realize that they are subjected to propaganda and that is why the media is a genius weapon to control the masses. Alternative outlets are available to gather REAL balanced news, you just have to surf the world wide web.

Fox News is a business. They will do whatever is needed to bring in the dollars. Think about it, do you really want to be a lab mouse? Stop letting corporate news broadcasters dictate the realities of the world and take control!

Forget 6pm News



If you are looking for an alternative source to gather your daily news, I have one
recommendation...COMEDY NEWS SHOWS, such as The Colbert Report and The Daily Show.

I think intertwining a bit of comic relief into current event broadcasting is such a great idea. I find it easier and more intriguing to watch The Colbert Report or the The Daily Show to gather some knowledge on current affairs. I feel as if they have a more objective tone to their story telling. Also, they touch upon the things that you don't see on the 6pm news.

These shows grab the attention of audiences young and old, forget FOX, tune into comedy news hour!


Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Electropollution

My room mate was at Big Daddy's Sharwma House last week and came home with a giant fat filled poutine, but that was not it. As she entered the house she threw a pamphlet onto my lap and proclaimed, "YOU MUST READ THIS", So I did.

On the front of the brochure in big black writing it reads, "Are You at Risk?". Automatically it grabbed my attention and after reading it from cover to cover, I wanted to turn around and throw my Ipod and cellphone out the window.

This brochure was filled with facts about ELECTROPOLLUTION (sounds scary, does it not?) Did you know that our love affair with technology is not so humble and sweet. Electromagnetic radiation and frequencies emitted from our beloved wireless devices can have a harmful effect on our health.

In reaction to this scare, an organization called BIOPRO has developed technological devices to reduce the risk of electropollution.

But, I see a fallacy in this brochure! It describes three devices meant to reduce tech pollution in our bodies, but the descriptions focus on how these gadgets reduce stress caused by using wireless technologies. It doesn't really explain what electropollution is or what exactly it does to our health.

I just wanted to note the irony here, considering they are using wireless devices to fight a health risk caused by wireless technologies. You can check out the BIOPRO website for yourself.

I don't deny the risks of wireless technologies on our health, but the brochure was made in a way that simply creates FEAR and provides no real answers...

Tech Fast

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go a WHOLE three days without access to any sort of TECHNOLOGY we utilize on a daily basis?

I know a lot of people have gone on "technology fasts", but over the past long weekend I experienced it first hand. Basically, I did not have access to the internet for three days while I was in Montreal visiting my grandmother. I kept thinking, "I have to do my blog!" and I just simply could not, so I apologize for the late posts!

Also, my grandmother has one t.v that was occupied my by eight year old sister the whole time, so I did not watch any television, however I did finish a good book, Briar Rose by Jane Yolen.

This whole experience got me thinking about how reliant we are on technology. Looking at my sister, I am amazed by her knowledge of the internet. When she was six years old, she was talking to friends on msn, she uses Youtube more than I do, and she is online playing games and downloading music! For all those born in the late 80's, we were not doing this sort of thing. At her age I was outisde building mudpies and dressing up in my mother's high heels.

It is interesting to note how times have changed so drastically, in such a short period of time. When I think about the rate that we are progressing in terms of technology, my imagination conjures up an image of a future filled with teleportation and flying cars...

Check out this video! DID YOU KNOW (fun facts all about technology and our future)

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Tattoo Insight


From the book, "Deviance, Conformity, and Social Control In Canada", written by Bereska, I found a study concerning women and tattoo culture. Tattooing, throughout history, has been closely tied to masculinity, thereofore making it acceptable for men to promote body art. However, when it comes to women and tattoos, society holds a different judgement.

Social theorists, Hawkes, Senn, and Thorn (2004) conducted a study of human reaction to women with tattoos. They discovered that females with tattoos are perceived more negatively than non tattooed women!

WHY IS THIS SO?


It appears that tattoos continue to be seen as violating some of the standards of feminine appearance. Gender also plays a role; more men then women perceived female body's with tattoos in a negative light. Maybe this is so because of the ultimate threat to MASCULINITY, which is FEMINISM. Atkinson found that women who utilize tattoo culture are doing it to develop identities, established femininity or resistant femininity.