https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03 Spring '19 en-us 2019-01-19 19:59:13 UTC 2026-01-29 07:15:42 UTC hello@padlet.com gawitham https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/322425248 It is very interesting to me about how young Generation X (our parents) were typically married so young. Now at family gatherings, everyone asks if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend. If not, you become hounded with questions as to why not. 

For millennials, we just do not see the rush in getting married or having kids. Mostly, we live as individuals longer than our parents. We say, "I'm still working on myself" or "I'm just not ready to date." Honestly, I think that is true. We want to make sure we have ourself figured out before opening up to someone else. Which isn't necessarily the best strategy, but that is how we think. 

The article does a great job of explaining our mindset and even provides a relevant couple's story. ]]> 2019-01-19 20:04:05 UTC https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/322425248 gawitham https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/324735314
In this TED talk, Alice Dreger, a historian wearing many hats, presents an interesting case. She explains how some individuals can be born as intersexed. For example, she mentions a 19-year-old male that was born with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. He had ovaries and a uterus but never knew it until he started to menstruate internally. Her talk is beyond interesting. It is quite timely since we are discussing the female anatomy this week. I had never heard of such medical curiosities. In the end, Alice even connected anatomy to our Founding Fathers. She mentions how the Constitution states, "all men are created equal." The key here is the "commonality of anatomy, not the difference." ]]> 2019-01-27 21:51:47 UTC https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/324735314 gawitham https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/329646948 LB Hannahs identifies as a genderqueer individual. She is a parent, along with her partner, to a little girl named Elliot. She expresses on any given day, she can be called "ma'am" and "sir." However, Hannahs isn't comfortable identifying as a man or women. She is most comfortable, feeling most authentic, being both a "ma'am" and "sir." She does express that she still can feel very uncomfortable in such situations. 

Hannahs biggest point is that being a transgender parent has created higher vulnerabilities in her life. With a surrogate, Hannahs had nine months to decide if she wanted to be called "mama" or "dad." But, neither felt right to her. "Dad" felt the most right to her. 

Hannahs outlines specific interactions, particularly when meeting other parents when she is called "mom". Should she take the easy right and ignore it? Or should she correct them? She explained how in either situation, one party will be uncomfortable. The most important philosophy she follows is to be completely authentic to herself. At the same time, she does put the safety of her own family first. 

In all, Hannahs points out the discomfort a transgender person feels within their own body. She does not want to damage how Elliot may eventually look at her own female anatomy. Hannahs is continuing to become more comfortable in her own body by addressing the connection of femininity and masculinity and how it allows her to stay authentic. ]]> 2019-02-10 20:16:21 UTC https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/329646948 gawitham https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/332027244
In honor of Valentine's Day being this week, I found an article about self-love for those of us who are single. In this class, we place a high focus on our relationships with other people. At the same time, we also value understanding ourselves as well. So, this article that my friend found does just that. 

I found the trend on social media this week to be "Galentine's Day" in which ladies went out for a group date night. I think this is awesome. There is nothing wrong with a "girl's night out" or "guy's night." 

On the flip side, the author focuses on how to better "self-love." She mentions that there is never a problem with treating yourself and it shouldn't just be on a lovey dovey holiday. She provides items such as a weighted blanket and the ultimate napping pillow in the post. I like that she gives a comical blurb about each product and provides a link of where to buy it. 

Instead of spending all of your paycheck trying to "win someone over" why not splurge on yourself? Do it for you with no regrets. ]]> 2019-02-16 18:48:22 UTC https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/332027244 gawitham https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/337460380 I have found another great TED Talk. Emily Nagoski is a sex educator who is discussing myths about sex. She spends a great deal of time focusing on arousal non-concordance. This is best stated as the disconnection with the feeling of pleasure and the physical response. 

Nagoski starts with the reward center of our brain. She mentions the liking, wanting, and learning of a stimulus. When there is a separateness between the three, this creates the theory of arousal non-concordance. She goes on to explain that genital blood flow is not always linked to pleasure or desire. Ever heard of the slang term "morning wood?" This is a perfect example that Nagoski describes as, "...nothing but a hassle."  

In all, the main idea is that the couple tells each other what the want in a sexual sense. It not according to our genital's reactions. I found this TED Talk to be very informative and I encourage everyone to watch it. ]]> 2019-03-04 14:05:12 UTC https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/337460380 gawitham https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/339561679 After discussing communication between two sexual partners, the idea of a platonic relationship came to my mind. One of my best friends is female and we share everything with one another. We've been close for close to six years now. However, we met eight years ago. 

Our relationship is platonic meaning that we are non-sexual. At the same time, we are intimate and affectionate towards one another. We both value physical touch, such as hugging, and are very close in the sense that there isn't a detail we do not share. Don't get me wrong, my best friend is gorgeous but I do not have sexual feelings towards her. 

In the article, the author does a great job explaining what platonic is and isn't. One of the biggest takeaways for this type of relationship is that it can teach you about the opposite sex. Men and women offer support in different ways. Also, we can help the other person out when dating. It is also a great way to learn boundaries. Not only in this relationship, but also in future relationships such as with a spouse. 

We value relationships especially those that are close. Placing importance on both of our same gender and the opposite. Different people bring different perspectives and experiences. Altogether, in any relationship, it is important to bring out the best in one another and share life experiences. ]]> 2019-03-09 14:21:01 UTC https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/339561679 gawitham https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/346815567 After the past couple of weeks, homosexuality has been the main topic discussed in class. There is the common view that as Christians, we are taught to love one another no matter what. But, is there a line that needs to be drawn when accepting same-sex relationships? 

The article below describes how Christians can disagree in a loving way. The author interviewed Andrew Marin, a heterosexual advocate for bridging these types of relationships. One of his main points is that love no longer fits the reality of yesterday. To explain, society is becoming more open to relationships such as same-sex and interracial. This doesn't mean there is something wrong. People are no longer scared of expressing who they love. From the church's perspective, this can sometimes be hard to swallow. Interestingly enough, research shows that Christians who have "come out" often continue to seek out their faith. Marin's data states that out of 86% LGBT individuals with a religious upbringing, 36% continue in their religious setting. I figured this number would be lower. Did you? More often than not, we hear about gay individuals being ex-communicated from their religious community. But why? This is their struggle, their sin. It is no greater than ours. We need to help someone with same-sex attraction to live a life for Christ. If they choose to practice such a lifestyle, then we should show absolute love and support. Christians often have the reputation of being hypocrites. Shouldn't we aim to diminish that stereotype? No matter what one's struggle is, we need to let it go and trust God to make our wrongs right. ]]> 2019-03-30 20:06:42 UTC https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/346815567 gawitham https://padlet.com/gawitham/pjcxir3xnp03/wish/349939474 After Tuesday's class, we discussed that men are often sexual offenders. This also brought up conversations about manhood. Is there a link between the two?

Jackson Katz ties violence against women as a "man's issue." Also, he does connect that we all have to be aware in "calling out" this behavior.

Katz' TED Talk expresses that gender violence is an issue for men. When we think "feminist" most men automatically tune out. He even notes that the term "gender" nowadays is only referencing women. To be honest, he is right. Katz makes excellent points that even when we hear "race" we think African-American. The term sexual orientation is automatically assumed as a reference to "gay" or "lesbian". Do you think the dominant group that we initially think of is ignored? Katz also makes a great point in stating, "Heterosexuals have an orientation and men have a gender."

In sexual violence, the focus is on the woman which I agree with. At the same time, who committed the violent behavior? Let's not solely practice victim-blaming. More times than not, it's a male offender. What about him? Ask questions about the male. Katz explains that the root is that offensives need to be focused back to socialization. Do you agree? We focused a great deal in class that manhood isn't always a direct link to sexual abuse. Katz has a different viewpoint.

In all, men have the ability to help women. They can say the things that challenge power that women often can't. Sexism is the truth. There needs to be more courageous men standing with women and not against them.

Does this seem anti-male to you? This will also give a voice not only to women who are abused, but also males. Male victims are out there too. Speaking out would encourage help for both genders. Men are going to have to interrupt other men. Sexual violence is unacceptable. Katz mentions the bystanders approach. This is where no one is the perpetrator or victim. Rather, men and women alike, can help build a support system together. Be active leaders! 

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