As soon as Kristen told us what the blog prompt for this week was, my mind immediately settled on an article that I had read in the past.
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/mean-girl-fashion-and-beauty-rules-at-cornell-sorority-no-mustaches-or-muffin-tops-636982
This article is about the Pi Beta Phi chapter at Cornell University and their strict dress code during recruitment. Now, we all have dress codes during formal recruitment, but I doubt any are as rude or censoring as this dress code. I have always had a major bone to pick with Greek life. I am someone who is all about being unique and doing what you want regardless of what other people are going to think. Now I don't mean like if you want to rob a bank or run around Thompson naked that you should do things like that, but I do mean that you should be true to yourself.
If there is ever a time I say something or do something not completely normal (a bought of random, embarrassing dancing in public perhaps), and someone says something to me along the lines of "thank god you're not wearing our letters right now," I immediately want to slap them. I do not like when people try to censor me, and I especially do not want to be a part of something that would try to hold me back from being who I truly am.
That is why this article really struck a nerve with me and was something that I wanted to share my thoughts on. Now, let me just say that I completely agree with and understand that the whole point of recruitment is to get people to want to join your chapter. Obviously, if you look hideous and unkempt then this is going to be very difficult for you. I am all for making sure everyone looks nice but when people are over the top and super unreasonable with their fashion demands (such as only being allowed to wear certain designers like this article touches on), then I see a serious problem with that. This article definitely falls within a stereotype many have of the Greek community (snobbery among others) that I think we want to abolish.
My personal favorite line from the article is "Pi Phi members should not wear satin unless they weigh under 130 pounds or the piece is from Dolce & Gabbana or Betsey Johnson (Ed note: Betsey Johnson as the epitome of class? Ha-ha-ha!)."
Completely ridiculous and offensive or is it just me?
Now, in terms of other things that happen within greek communities, this may not seem that bad. However, this is a class about fighting off stereotypes and highlighting the truly good aspects of our community. The following are some comments made in response to the article"
"Sounds like a bunch of snobby beyatches if ya ask me!"
and
"I was never in a sorority. They all seemed too snobby/cutsy for me. I was a GDI."
So, while this may not be the worst thing for us, it definitely does not make us look good.
Monday, May 30, 2011
So....
What does everyone think about this Tressel thing?
Naturally, I am always the last person to know what is going on. Whenever anything that happens with Ohio State is on the news, I am always notified of it by my friends that do not even go here. For example, one morning last year, I awoke to a text at 7am from one of my friends regarding the "cow incident." How is it my high school friends know about even the most ridiculous Ohio State things before I do? It's embarrassing. But to get to the point, I woke up this morning to a text from someone else about Jim Tressel's resignation. I know Caroline Ott must be raging about this right now (and by raging I mean drowning in her tears) but what does everyone else think? Good thing? Bad thing? Hate Tressel? Love Tressel? I'd love to know thoughts because I never know what's going on ever with anything. So hit me!
Naturally, I am always the last person to know what is going on. Whenever anything that happens with Ohio State is on the news, I am always notified of it by my friends that do not even go here. For example, one morning last year, I awoke to a text at 7am from one of my friends regarding the "cow incident." How is it my high school friends know about even the most ridiculous Ohio State things before I do? It's embarrassing. But to get to the point, I woke up this morning to a text from someone else about Jim Tressel's resignation. I know Caroline Ott must be raging about this right now (and by raging I mean drowning in her tears) but what does everyone else think? Good thing? Bad thing? Hate Tressel? Love Tressel? I'd love to know thoughts because I never know what's going on ever with anything. So hit me!
Monday, May 23, 2011
"if you see something, say something"
Dammit bystander effect! Making me reflect on things and dislike myself! I am in fact guilty of being a bystander. Growing up, other kids used to make fun of my neighbor/good family friend and it wasn't until i got older and matured that i was able to stand up for him and tell people to shut up. It was really upsetting to hear people make fun of him and it used to frustrate me because even though he isn't the coolest person around, he's a really quality person and those are my favorite! I get mad at myself for this but no matter how much of a leader you try to be, there's always an incident in which you're a follower.
Truthfully, it took me a while to think about a time that i had been a bystander. Not because i think i am perfect and would never do anything that i am not proud of but because such things make me feel guilty. i tend to dwell on things that bother me (in this case the shame of being a bystander rather than being productive) and just sit around and stress. Of course this is not enjoyable so i worked to repress these thoughts so it took me a while to call up these memories.
The best way to not have to be stressed or experience dislike for myself, would be to never do anything that would lead to me being disappointed with my own actions. Why do nothing and feel terrible about yourself after the incident than stand up and feel good about yourself in the moment and afterwards? i have been making an effort to do things that are good that also make me feel good rather than bad after the fact. For example, some homeless people asked me for a sandwich the other day and i went and bought them some food. did they appreciate it? No apparently they wanted something else! but still, it felt good to do something even if it wasn't appreciate because i myself felt good. And that is the different between watching something unfold and just letting it go compared to putting a stop to something while it is happening; the difference being feeling good about yourself instead of shying away because you're embarrassed to speak your piece and lamenting about it later. #changingtheworld1sandwich@atime <-- why do i always feel the need to hashtag, i barely twitter
In terms of the greek community, bystander effect really comes into play when alcohol and other things that could potentially make a situation go extremely wrong are present. It's that whole "if you see something, say something" thing that you are always being prodded to do in airports and on trains and subways. I usually make fun of the marquees that say that because they're annoying and so slogany but thinking about it, it'd be a great logo for the bystander effect! if you see someone drinking too much, do not just stand there and laugh, do something about it! and even worse if you see someone making a fool of themselves don't point at them and laugh and draw attention (which i always do!!!! dammit nicole!) because that's also being an enabler. When they are throwing up later they will not think that your ten minute stint of laughing and drawing attention to them was quite so funny. sitting here typing about how other people should not be bystanders makes me realize i should not be a bystander. sorry for my hypocrisy, ill work on it!
Truthfully, it took me a while to think about a time that i had been a bystander. Not because i think i am perfect and would never do anything that i am not proud of but because such things make me feel guilty. i tend to dwell on things that bother me (in this case the shame of being a bystander rather than being productive) and just sit around and stress. Of course this is not enjoyable so i worked to repress these thoughts so it took me a while to call up these memories.
The best way to not have to be stressed or experience dislike for myself, would be to never do anything that would lead to me being disappointed with my own actions. Why do nothing and feel terrible about yourself after the incident than stand up and feel good about yourself in the moment and afterwards? i have been making an effort to do things that are good that also make me feel good rather than bad after the fact. For example, some homeless people asked me for a sandwich the other day and i went and bought them some food. did they appreciate it? No apparently they wanted something else! but still, it felt good to do something even if it wasn't appreciate because i myself felt good. And that is the different between watching something unfold and just letting it go compared to putting a stop to something while it is happening; the difference being feeling good about yourself instead of shying away because you're embarrassed to speak your piece and lamenting about it later. #changingtheworld1sandwich@atime <-- why do i always feel the need to hashtag, i barely twitter
In terms of the greek community, bystander effect really comes into play when alcohol and other things that could potentially make a situation go extremely wrong are present. It's that whole "if you see something, say something" thing that you are always being prodded to do in airports and on trains and subways. I usually make fun of the marquees that say that because they're annoying and so slogany but thinking about it, it'd be a great logo for the bystander effect! if you see someone drinking too much, do not just stand there and laugh, do something about it! and even worse if you see someone making a fool of themselves don't point at them and laugh and draw attention (which i always do!!!! dammit nicole!) because that's also being an enabler. When they are throwing up later they will not think that your ten minute stint of laughing and drawing attention to them was quite so funny. sitting here typing about how other people should not be bystanders makes me realize i should not be a bystander. sorry for my hypocrisy, ill work on it!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
what am i doing with my life?
So once again I find myself not knowing what I want to do with my life. This always happens. Then i find something. Then it happens again. I always thought the reason that I did not stick with any of my majors and changed my life plan one thousand times was because i will never want to do anything as much as i want to do screenwriting. For the longest time i did not know if this was simply just a hobby or if this was really a job option for me. Naturally, I went for the responsible option and decided not to go to film school. How do I feel about that now? #beingpracticalsucks
I feel like my real problem is not that i dont know what i want to do with my life, it's that i do know what i want to do with my life and it doesnt involve working in any capacity whatsoever. Obviously im super cool and am going to admit right now what i love to learn and that i really value intelligence. that's why i get classical novels every Christmas, read twenty pages, and then never look at the books again. #whatawaste
So what do i want to do with my life? i want to pursue knowledge! This should be a career, i should get paid for such a thing. Anything that is new is not boring but when it comes to applying something i have already learned well, i already learned it so i have no interest! i want to travel. i need to travel. i get bored soooo easily that i constantly need to change things up. Even when i manage to settle on something i am interested in, i put my whole self into it and then just drop it because i get tired of doing anything with any sort of repetition. i want to travel the world and experience the lives of others. i would even work in a field as a harvester of coffee beans just because it is something different. maybe if i got to see every continent, ocean, and mountain range on this earth then i could settle into a job because all of my curiosities would be resolved. or i'd just want to go to space or something. #timetravelnext
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
OATH
The first thing I think of when hearing the word 'oath' is promise. However, it's not really a promise is it? People make promises all the time yet those are rarely kept. There is no real reason to keep a promise, nothing beyond the fact that you gave a friend your word. If you tend to think mostly of yourself then the likelihood that you'll care about keeping a promise that does nothing for you personally is very slim. An oath is different however, an oath will affect you directly.
Although both are intangible (we know that they are there simply because we made them not because there is an oath plaque or anything), the act of making an oath resonates with us. Thinking of marriage as an oath is really something. Whenever people talk about marriage to me (which is really never, I do not know what I am saying maybe my aunt said something to me about it a few times), they are specific to use the word 'promise.' I think this makes sense considering the way marriages seem to go these days and the fact that the divorce rate is constantly increasing. People are not looking at it as an oath, they are looking at it as a promise and "promises are meant to be broken" (That may not be a quote or a saying I cannot remember, bare with me please). Now I'm no marriage counselor, but in my opinion, people are much more nonchalant these days about marriage, overall that is. People need to understand the seriousness of marriage, that it is a sacred oath, not something you can test drive like buying a new car.
Perhaps the Greeks out there who do not take Greek Life seriously and see it as nothing more than one big party, do not understand the meaning of the oath that they take. Maybe they did not even realize they were taking an oath and it was just another day at the beach for them. I think that people need to think long and hard about what it really means to make this oath rather than just make it and run with it. We talked a lot last class about the negative stereotypes against us and how some greek members perpetuate those stereotypes. I am by no means trying to say that perpetuating those stereotypes means that you are not living up to your oath, but with things like TFM, we are really pushing unimportant, nonsensical things to the forefront of our 'image' and leaving all that we promised in our oath on the back burner. With all of this nonsense representing us and being our 'master status,' people will not see that we are living up to our oath and acknowledge that we are doing a good job even if we are. And this is because of the thick layer of nonsense under which our good deeds and oath is hidden by.
Although both are intangible (we know that they are there simply because we made them not because there is an oath plaque or anything), the act of making an oath resonates with us. Thinking of marriage as an oath is really something. Whenever people talk about marriage to me (which is really never, I do not know what I am saying maybe my aunt said something to me about it a few times), they are specific to use the word 'promise.' I think this makes sense considering the way marriages seem to go these days and the fact that the divorce rate is constantly increasing. People are not looking at it as an oath, they are looking at it as a promise and "promises are meant to be broken" (That may not be a quote or a saying I cannot remember, bare with me please). Now I'm no marriage counselor, but in my opinion, people are much more nonchalant these days about marriage, overall that is. People need to understand the seriousness of marriage, that it is a sacred oath, not something you can test drive like buying a new car.
Perhaps the Greeks out there who do not take Greek Life seriously and see it as nothing more than one big party, do not understand the meaning of the oath that they take. Maybe they did not even realize they were taking an oath and it was just another day at the beach for them. I think that people need to think long and hard about what it really means to make this oath rather than just make it and run with it. We talked a lot last class about the negative stereotypes against us and how some greek members perpetuate those stereotypes. I am by no means trying to say that perpetuating those stereotypes means that you are not living up to your oath, but with things like TFM, we are really pushing unimportant, nonsensical things to the forefront of our 'image' and leaving all that we promised in our oath on the back burner. With all of this nonsense representing us and being our 'master status,' people will not see that we are living up to our oath and acknowledge that we are doing a good job even if we are. And this is because of the thick layer of nonsense under which our good deeds and oath is hidden by.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Citizenship
I must say, citizenship is not something I often think about. Even when I am doing something in the sense of "good citizenship," I am not fully acknowledging what this is or what this means. To be truthful right off the bat, I am not sure that myself, my chapter, or the Greek community at large truly embodies this "citizenship." Sure, we put on community service events, we have our annual philanthropies, and we try to 'bond' with the community at large but are we doing these because we have to or because we want to? Are we putting on these events and putting effort into fundraising for charities because we have a true connection to them and want to be good citizens who better our communities?
In terms of my own display of citizenship, I feel that I do display it within Delta Zeta and to my chapter members, but I do not feel like a truly active citizen within the larger society. This upsets me but I have never really reflected too heavily on it before. (Hillary Doyle won't stop interrupting this blog post. She doesn't understand the true meaning of citizenship and is acting in a reverse context. She is just sitting here drawing pictures of Kristen and uploading videos of her in a moon bounce on the Hillary Doyle Delta Zeta youtube channel. Sigh, some people!) As a leader in my chapter, I truly do look out for the interests of my chapter members and do whatever is within my power to see that all that I can possibly do gets accomplished. So do I have a sense of citizenship as an individual within my own chapter? You bet I do!
Does my chapter display citizenship within the Greek community? This could go either way. Citizenship is providing something to the community, giving back to the larger entity that you are a part of. While we do have philanthropies and attend community service events, but why do we do these things? Do we do this because we need to reach a number of community service hours each quarter to avoid fines or is it because we genuinely want to give back to the community? I do not want to generalize to all my chapter members however. Some genuinely do attend and host community service events with the intention of supporting their fellow Greek members and helping them raise money for their respective philanthropies. In terms of displaying a more meaningful, direct citizenship to other chapters in the community, I do not really feel that we do.
Does the Greek community as a whole display citizenship within the greater university community? I think that we like to think that we better the world and I am sure that some of us do. I am sure that some of us prove to be good citizens out in the real world, the world beyond fifteenth street, but at the end of the day, is that really what our Greek community is about? Or is our Greek community one that cares more about partying and being paired with the cool kids for Homecoming and Greek Week?
This blog prompt is a hard one to tackle because I do not like making generalizations. I certainly do not want to lump the entire Greek community together under the one umbrella of general statements (statements that I must say are not that endearing). If any Greek members are out there displaying citizenship to the wider world, it definitely would be the members of this class. For leaders within this chapter are more than likely leaders in other organizations as well and carry their philosophies of leadership with them on a day to day basis. The original assignment for this class was to go out and change the world. On the first day, we set about trying to find ways to better the greater community. Surely we can do this but it is hard to mobilize such a large, diverse group of people. It is ever harder for the greater community to want to accept our 'help' and 'citizenship' if we continue to make fun of them for being 'GDIs,' or not being like us. It is hard to think that a group of people who use such words seriously would really want to go out and put effort into bettering the world around them.
In terms of my own display of citizenship, I feel that I do display it within Delta Zeta and to my chapter members, but I do not feel like a truly active citizen within the larger society. This upsets me but I have never really reflected too heavily on it before. (Hillary Doyle won't stop interrupting this blog post. She doesn't understand the true meaning of citizenship and is acting in a reverse context. She is just sitting here drawing pictures of Kristen and uploading videos of her in a moon bounce on the Hillary Doyle Delta Zeta youtube channel. Sigh, some people!) As a leader in my chapter, I truly do look out for the interests of my chapter members and do whatever is within my power to see that all that I can possibly do gets accomplished. So do I have a sense of citizenship as an individual within my own chapter? You bet I do!
Does my chapter display citizenship within the Greek community? This could go either way. Citizenship is providing something to the community, giving back to the larger entity that you are a part of. While we do have philanthropies and attend community service events, but why do we do these things? Do we do this because we need to reach a number of community service hours each quarter to avoid fines or is it because we genuinely want to give back to the community? I do not want to generalize to all my chapter members however. Some genuinely do attend and host community service events with the intention of supporting their fellow Greek members and helping them raise money for their respective philanthropies. In terms of displaying a more meaningful, direct citizenship to other chapters in the community, I do not really feel that we do.
Does the Greek community as a whole display citizenship within the greater university community? I think that we like to think that we better the world and I am sure that some of us do. I am sure that some of us prove to be good citizens out in the real world, the world beyond fifteenth street, but at the end of the day, is that really what our Greek community is about? Or is our Greek community one that cares more about partying and being paired with the cool kids for Homecoming and Greek Week?
This blog prompt is a hard one to tackle because I do not like making generalizations. I certainly do not want to lump the entire Greek community together under the one umbrella of general statements (statements that I must say are not that endearing). If any Greek members are out there displaying citizenship to the wider world, it definitely would be the members of this class. For leaders within this chapter are more than likely leaders in other organizations as well and carry their philosophies of leadership with them on a day to day basis. The original assignment for this class was to go out and change the world. On the first day, we set about trying to find ways to better the greater community. Surely we can do this but it is hard to mobilize such a large, diverse group of people. It is ever harder for the greater community to want to accept our 'help' and 'citizenship' if we continue to make fun of them for being 'GDIs,' or not being like us. It is hard to think that a group of people who use such words seriously would really want to go out and put effort into bettering the world around them.
Friday, May 6, 2011
EILEEN TRIPPED ON THE STAIRS IN THE ROUND MEETING ROOM
Eileen tripped on the stairs in the round meeting room during class yesterday. Does everyone remember this? I sure hope so! I said I'd blog about this so I did.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Feedback
After reflecting on the interviews I gave members of the Greek community, I was not at all surprised to find that most people did not enjoy the interviews or really know how to answer the questions. Had the questions been about partying or TG themes, I am sure they would have been all over that but no one really wants to or even knows how to for that matter, answer questions about ritual.
People did however, know how to answer questions about their values. These values however, I did not feel were real for each chapter. Regardless of the chapter each interviewee was in, they had the same basic set of answers. Answers that my chapter members would also claim to be our values. However, these values are really the values of Nationals, the ones we are all told to memorize from day one. Values, if real, should differ from national organization to national organization and within each organization from chapter to chapter. People can all say that they value scholarship and sisterhood and I am sure to an extent that is true, but there are definitely other things that they value, as those two are extremely general and broad and can be broken down further. I do not blame them however because I remember when I was asked to reflect on my values in class, it was hard for me to pinpoint them exactly.
As expected, I found that executive members were much more enlightened than the general members (probably because they constantly have to attend workshops where values and ritual are drilled into their heads.) It is only natural that not all members of every Chapter are going to feel the same sense of dedication to that Chapter's values or even that Chapter in general. Some people really are only a part of Greek life for the social aspect but hey, there are social sororities and fraternities after all.
signing off
nicole
People did however, know how to answer questions about their values. These values however, I did not feel were real for each chapter. Regardless of the chapter each interviewee was in, they had the same basic set of answers. Answers that my chapter members would also claim to be our values. However, these values are really the values of Nationals, the ones we are all told to memorize from day one. Values, if real, should differ from national organization to national organization and within each organization from chapter to chapter. People can all say that they value scholarship and sisterhood and I am sure to an extent that is true, but there are definitely other things that they value, as those two are extremely general and broad and can be broken down further. I do not blame them however because I remember when I was asked to reflect on my values in class, it was hard for me to pinpoint them exactly.
As expected, I found that executive members were much more enlightened than the general members (probably because they constantly have to attend workshops where values and ritual are drilled into their heads.) It is only natural that not all members of every Chapter are going to feel the same sense of dedication to that Chapter's values or even that Chapter in general. Some people really are only a part of Greek life for the social aspect but hey, there are social sororities and fraternities after all.
signing off
nicole
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
DUNKIN DONUTS LIKES AMERICA
When reading Tyler's email about this Blogging Prompt, my mind immediately went to company slogans. Then it went, naturally, to my all time favorite company...Dunkin Donuts obviously!!!!!! Which reminds me, Columbus needs some more of those.
Dunkin's slogan is "America Runs on Dunkin." To me, this slogan is not just a marketing ploy, it's not just an association the company hopes you will make, it's a play to your unconscious patriotic side. Here, Dunkin Donuts is telling the American people that they value them. After all, you are supposed to value your customers, right? And who doesn't love being appreciated? I also love the pictures they put on the cup to go along with each word of the slogan but that's neither here nor there.
More seriously, Dunkin Donuts is trying to make the statement that it is what gets Americans up and going every morning so that they can get to work and we all know how much Americans value a hard day's work. Clearly drinking anything other than Dunkin Donuts is just straight up unpatriotic! No but really, Dunkin Donuts is displaying that it works to provide its customers with the energy to get up every morning and do what they do best, with the energy to be productive members of society. In essence, Dunkin is showing not only that it values its customers (that it is here for us, providing us with what we need rather than, you know, trying to exploit us and take our money) but that it also values what we as Americans value. For example, this idea of a hard day's work and the idea that we all need to get up and do something for society. Perhaps a sociologist came up with this slogan for Dunkin Donuts.
Rereading this, I realize that it looks like I am in no way serious and that this whole Dunkin Donuts and America thing is a stretch. To address the first issue (my lack of seriousness), that's just how I am and I do in fact think that the geniuses behind "America Runs on Dunkin" wrote it with the hopes that Americans would feel a connection with this company because most Americans have a lot of pride! To address the second issue, I think that many times things (here, company slogans) that appeal to us without us making an immediate connection as to why. I have always loved the slogan because I thought that it was catchy and the pictures are cool but after this reflection, I think it is smart that the company is saying that they value their customers and their country. It's much better than Starbucks' naked mermaid woman which tells me nothing about their company values other than that they like mythical sea creatures.
This has lead me to make a very important conclusion: DUNKIN DONUTS LOVES AMERICA AND DRINKING STARBUCKS IS PLAIN AND SIMPLE UNAMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dunkin's slogan is "America Runs on Dunkin." To me, this slogan is not just a marketing ploy, it's not just an association the company hopes you will make, it's a play to your unconscious patriotic side. Here, Dunkin Donuts is telling the American people that they value them. After all, you are supposed to value your customers, right? And who doesn't love being appreciated? I also love the pictures they put on the cup to go along with each word of the slogan but that's neither here nor there.
More seriously, Dunkin Donuts is trying to make the statement that it is what gets Americans up and going every morning so that they can get to work and we all know how much Americans value a hard day's work. Clearly drinking anything other than Dunkin Donuts is just straight up unpatriotic! No but really, Dunkin Donuts is displaying that it works to provide its customers with the energy to get up every morning and do what they do best, with the energy to be productive members of society. In essence, Dunkin is showing not only that it values its customers (that it is here for us, providing us with what we need rather than, you know, trying to exploit us and take our money) but that it also values what we as Americans value. For example, this idea of a hard day's work and the idea that we all need to get up and do something for society. Perhaps a sociologist came up with this slogan for Dunkin Donuts.
Rereading this, I realize that it looks like I am in no way serious and that this whole Dunkin Donuts and America thing is a stretch. To address the first issue (my lack of seriousness), that's just how I am and I do in fact think that the geniuses behind "America Runs on Dunkin" wrote it with the hopes that Americans would feel a connection with this company because most Americans have a lot of pride! To address the second issue, I think that many times things (here, company slogans) that appeal to us without us making an immediate connection as to why. I have always loved the slogan because I thought that it was catchy and the pictures are cool but after this reflection, I think it is smart that the company is saying that they value their customers and their country. It's much better than Starbucks' naked mermaid woman which tells me nothing about their company values other than that they like mythical sea creatures.
This has lead me to make a very important conclusion: DUNKIN DONUTS LOVES AMERICA AND DRINKING STARBUCKS IS PLAIN AND SIMPLE UNAMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Signing off,
Nicole
#disappointed
Soooooooo just really had to blog right about now because I am hella disappointed. I woke up early this morning to a text from one of my old roommates saying that the Lollapalooza lineup for this year is AWESOMEEEE. Clearly I jumped out of bed and ran to my computer to check this out. I am raging right now!!! So much anger! I had all of these big summer plans and I was going to throw them all away just so that I could go to Chicago for this festival pkrjfdkgjfdsfsdf. Okay, I will get over it eventually. It is nice that they have The Cars (favorite band of the moment) but beyond that, no one else I am dying to see. Actually, I really have not heard of many of the bands going. But the fact that Cee Lo Green will be there is upsetting enough!!!!!!!!!!!
Clearly Lollapalooza needs some of this:
And this:
And this:
SIGNING OFF IN AN ANGRY RAGE
nicole
Clearly Lollapalooza needs some of this:
And this:
And this:
SIGNING OFF IN AN ANGRY RAGE
nicole
Monday, April 18, 2011
Greek Life in the Media !
Okay, so forget the video I mentioned in my last post...I am over it already.
However, let's discuss this...
Greek Life and the Media. I feel like academics are always talking about the media and its impact on society, on the beliefs that individuals hold in general. Usually, I get annoyed by this topic being brought up because I feel that it is widely known that the media negatively influences opinions and goes beyond simply creating biases. Sometimes, the media straight up lies. I am annoyed by the fact that every class I have ever taken touches on that but when it comes to this, to how Greek Life is portrayed in the media, well let's just say I am a little more inclined to want to fix it.
Although not my original intention, this video actually flows quite well into the second blog assignment regarding my personal values. While sitting in class the other day reviewing the Social Change Model, I could not help but think about how much I liked the part about individuality. I realized the individuality is really something that I value.
I am sure you are all tired of hearing "Be Yourself" by now but it is truly something I wish everyone could live by. To me, this goes hand in hand with self-confidence. Without self-confidence, you probably don't have the ability to be yourself. I find that self-confidence is also something of great value to me. Regardless of what anyone says, high school is in some way tough for everyone. If you can make it through your years of teenage angst with a sense of self and an established identity then I'd consider that a success.
I understand that it takes some longer than others to establish an "identity" for themselves. However, this identity needs to be something we craft for ourselves, not something we craft for others. An identity should not be shaped based on what certain people will respond to, but something that expresses each of us individually. If you are trying to be someone you are not just because you want to impress a certain group of people then you will not only lose your integrity, but other people will lose respect for you.
This brings me back to the video that I posted. Clearly, The Onion is making fun of Greek Life and sororities in particular by stating that all sorority girls are the same. We all know, based on our diverse community, that this is not true. If we all keep up our individual identities and refrain from falling victim to the stereotype once we enter into Greek Life, maybe that stereotype with disappear. I mean, it's the media so I will not keep my hopes up but what else can you do, ya know?
However, let's discuss this...
Greek Life and the Media. I feel like academics are always talking about the media and its impact on society, on the beliefs that individuals hold in general. Usually, I get annoyed by this topic being brought up because I feel that it is widely known that the media negatively influences opinions and goes beyond simply creating biases. Sometimes, the media straight up lies. I am annoyed by the fact that every class I have ever taken touches on that but when it comes to this, to how Greek Life is portrayed in the media, well let's just say I am a little more inclined to want to fix it.
Although not my original intention, this video actually flows quite well into the second blog assignment regarding my personal values. While sitting in class the other day reviewing the Social Change Model, I could not help but think about how much I liked the part about individuality. I realized the individuality is really something that I value.
I am sure you are all tired of hearing "Be Yourself" by now but it is truly something I wish everyone could live by. To me, this goes hand in hand with self-confidence. Without self-confidence, you probably don't have the ability to be yourself. I find that self-confidence is also something of great value to me. Regardless of what anyone says, high school is in some way tough for everyone. If you can make it through your years of teenage angst with a sense of self and an established identity then I'd consider that a success.
I understand that it takes some longer than others to establish an "identity" for themselves. However, this identity needs to be something we craft for ourselves, not something we craft for others. An identity should not be shaped based on what certain people will respond to, but something that expresses each of us individually. If you are trying to be someone you are not just because you want to impress a certain group of people then you will not only lose your integrity, but other people will lose respect for you.
This brings me back to the video that I posted. Clearly, The Onion is making fun of Greek Life and sororities in particular by stating that all sorority girls are the same. We all know, based on our diverse community, that this is not true. If we all keep up our individual identities and refrain from falling victim to the stereotype once we enter into Greek Life, maybe that stereotype with disappear. I mean, it's the media so I will not keep my hopes up but what else can you do, ya know?
Monday, April 4, 2011
the first post !
Oh the art of the blog, makes me feel awkward. I finally managed to make it to my ninth tweet in my six months of having a twitter so this blog thing may take a little getting used to. More over, the only reason I have a twitter is so that I can follow people like Young Dro but I do not think he has jumped on the blogtrain yet so that's a bit of a disappointment (understatement). Wait what am I supposed to be doing? Oh, right...
WHO AM I?
UHHHHHHH after my fourth and hopefully final major change, I am now a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Criminology. I want to work for the FBI and profile serial killers but my hopes and dreams seem to change every five seconds so what I really want to do is be a comedic screenwriter so like I'll just aim for that? My favorite TV show of all time is Arrested Development and I like to wear lacrosse pinnies. When I am not wearing lacrosse pinnies I wear normal human clothing and walk around wishing that I knew how to breakdance. I am from the lovely island nation commonly referred to as Long Island. ****Disclaimer: not a guido**** Now I am most certainly not trying to start anything but when I say that our pizza is better than yours, well, our pizza is better than yours.
WHY AM I IN MY SORORITY?
Why am I not in my sorority? (If you can tell me what Nickelodeon television show that is from I'll give you $5) No but seriously, my need for constant human interaction led me to joining a sorority. Being far from home can be hard sometimes (Mom's angry I won't be going home for Easter) so it's important to have a Columbus family. I honestly never thought Greek life was for me but now I can say I cannot imagine life without it. The whole reason I ventured all the way to Ohio State was to get the whole "college experience" and in my opinion, that involves being a part of the Greek community. Recruitment was almost a blur and sometimes it was hard to tell the difference between certain sororities but Delta Zeta is definitely where I am meant to be so it's allllllll goooooood babay babay (Thank you Biggie Smalls).
HOW DO I FEEL AFTER READING THIS BLOGABUS IN ITS ENTIRETY?
I am excited! I can't wait to reveal my true personality to the InterWeb! Also there are so many great youtube videos that I wish to post on here and share with my extremely fortunate classmates! Like this one that I watched at least five times yesterday...yeah, i'll leave that for another post. But for real, let's make some magic!
Nicole
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