Thursday, June 07, 2007
Inspired
Inspired by something Menno's neighbour, Sya, wrote on her weblog http://www.sya-titia.nl/weblog/ about a documentary (Click for an online version) my mind started buzzing. Self image, made identity, women, how they are, how they should be, how they are different from men are all theme's that interest me tremendously.
Ever since I took a course in women's studies I have been fascinated by gender issues. At first I was mostly shocked by how short-sighted the feministic approach really was, they acted like scientists, but only wanted to study one side of the story, the female side. They tried to teach me scientific research methods, and encourage their students to ask "the other question". My essay regarding white males got the highest possible grade.
At this point in my life, I could look gorgeous, I'm positive about it and confident. If I let my hair grow, lost a few pounds, wore more short skirts and some make-up, I would be a catch to die for. I could have ten admirers on each finger, as the Dutch saying goes. Sadly for all those men, this girl doesn't care enough to make the effort.
But, I was wondering... Maybe I could do scientific research about all the theme's I mentioned, by studying my life. What if I did try to live up to the beauty-standards that the media are feeding me? What exactly would happen? Would I have an easier life and be more succesful professionally? Would I get annoyed by all the men sucking up to me and offering to do my dishes and laundry?
It's just an idea and I can't think of what questions I would really like to answer, or what problem I would like to study with this research.
I will think some more about it. posted by Marian @ 7:37 PM 11 comments
11 Comments:
I am not certain what exactly brought up this sudden change of filosophy, but I must say it is inspiring.
*Hug*
/me
I did not change my philosophy, I'm not sure what made you think I did. :O
Looks are not important to me, never have been all that much. So to do research about the implications of the way you look for one's self-image and identity does not mean I changed my mind on anything. :D
/S
hey, thanks Sap. Didn't expect to see my name here :-). First: forget about men offering to do dishes haha. Won't happen if they offer it because of your looks. Ever. Well maybe in the beginning to try and impress you. But maybe it's the type of man most people seem to talk about in the media. As if every woman wants a man that is a unemancipated couch potato. There are more variations I'm sure.
And indeed you look like a beautifull girl that just does not care. But that does not mean u are not.
Questions could be: why do loads of women feel responsible for their looks and want to take care all the time? And why do man never have a full fridge if they live alone? (http://www.sya-titia.nl/weblog/2004/10/koelkast.html)
The question is as old as Methusalem. And I think something has to do with biology. Like Desmond Morris (http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Morris)tells us.
Anyway, nice to have met you. Come sail again with us sometimes, sundays at 10 :-)
Adding: that does not mean I agree with Desmond! Don't get me wrong.
I'm just saying it's interesting to see how people behave. It's a guestion for me too. I've been ugly. And Nobody wants to feel like I did back then. How people responded to me. I have been beautifull and also that was rather strange. Because it felt like a lie. Both feelings turned out to be wrong and originated from within myself. Looks ARE in the inside I think. People see you as u think you are. And how much the media wants it, nobody is stupid enough to really believe them. I hope.
is there an english version of the movie somewhere? (with subtitles or anything similar xD )
/Gobo
PS: you should talk to me more often! :/
I'm sorry Gobo, I don't think there is. :/
Thanks for you response, Sya!
Of course I wasn't quite serious about men doing dishes for me, haha. And the idea that looks originate from the inside is exactly what I find interesting. I wonder if it works the other way around as well. I wouldn't just be researching the way people respond to me, but also the way I feel and look upon myself.
I will write a proposal for my professors to see what they think about it, whether they have something to add. :)
I'LL DO THE DISHES if you cook me some good food!
I'm leaving home to come see your half of the world on Tuesday!!! I'll be there for 8 weeks!!! I expect to see you, Skizz, Nonaz & Gobo all in that time!!! Otherwise I will leave a sad sad boy :(
Cool! Have a nice flight. ;)
I can't even do my own dishes! oO
Ongelofelijk! Wat een eye-opener. Ik doe lekker meerimpelen met Sunny hoor! Ik vond die vrouwen van dat blad Jackie echt ongelofelijk dom.
Ik heb het manifest op de site maar meteen getekend ;o)
Groeten,
Danielle
Jaa, heel goed. :D
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