Dancing Blog

Growing up as a child, my parents put me in a plethora of dance classes; ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and probably more. It was just an expected class for a little girl to sign up for. There was never a boy in my class that I can remember but if there were it would have been the weirdest news in the world. If you find a male in your dance class you assume he is gay automatically. Dance is a something found in the natural world, which women tend, join while men go with the forces of civilization and cultural advancement. Even though dancing is so simple, men still partake it but are typically seen in the background while women perform their work. In today’s society for the most part female dancers take in all of the spotlight. It is very rare to see or hear of profession male dancers. I was unaware of how much gender and sexuality influenced a dance profession in society as a whole. Society created these gender barriers and stereotypes in the work field that are difficult to be broken.

When I took dance all I cared about was getting the right position at the right part of the song, while making the movements look fluid and functional. Little did I know that I was participating in a very feminine art especially ballet. It is more than movement especially the historical dances that were before my time. Each dance tells a story and has a meaning behind each position and movement, the song selection, as well as costume choice. It is all one big presentation. After watching several of the Urban Bush Women’s videos, I realized how much depth went into these dances. Not only was their meaning behind the movement but also factoring in the costume colors, the lyrical dance moves, lyrics of the music, the beat and volume of the song, etc. Each song shared a different story some angry which the dark clothing and loud music could tell. Others dances were peaceful because of the soft music and calm lyrical motions. Batty Moves was a dance that was different than most because of the choice of a provocative costume and more sexual dance moves. The dance was made more exciting because each dancer added their personal spin on the basic design in a very elaborate taste. With African Americans growing up in the country of the United States of America, dance was a way to connect with their heritage, culture, and roots. It expresses more than a dance; dancing explains the ancestry and the history these women had mold the person they are. Dance is a much more expressive outlet that I realized. This dance group was also helpful to African Americans in order to find their niche in this new world. Dancing to these African women allows them to be unique and express themselves with a group of women who share the bond of having similar historical roots.

Sexuality Blog #8

Nature versus Nurture for homosexuality is the constant controversy that never seems to have an answer. Is it caused by genetics or experience? Sexuality is a person’s sexual orientation. Heterosexuality is the norm in society it is what has been seen for years in the world. Because gays and lesbians are different than the stereotypical norm; they are oppressed because their wishes of the life they want to live are not socially acceptable. LGBT community should be treated as equals in society because as Lady Gaga says in her song lyrics, “we are born this way”.

In the past, many people tend to hide their homosexuality because it was not accepted in society whatsoever. There was a well-known riot at the Stonewall Inn, which was a gay bar that sparked the Gay Liberation movement. When I read this in the lecture, it sparked a story my father told me. My grandfather’s brother decided to start and run his own bar but with my grandfather sharing the business. My dad’s uncle took care of the entire business without my grandfather ever-stepping foot into the bar. My dad and his brother decided they should support the business so they took their dates to their father’s bar. When they walked through the doors of the bar all they saw were men. That was how my family found out that my great uncle was gay. He was in the closet his entire life because it was socially unacceptable to be interested in the same sex. My great uncle parallels Bruce Bechdel who was the narrator/ author’s father.  They were both dealing with their sexuality in the 1970s, had a wife and kids at home, and hiding their true identity. My great uncle was luckily able to live his life without being as oppressed as Bruce was; he came out to his family and found a life long partner.

 Both men made things appear to be what they were not. My father told me that his uncle was very weird about his house just like Allison’s father was. He treated their house like a museum which was more his child than his actual children. Allison’s father was all about creating the perfect image for his family but in reality it was an allusion. Homosexuality was completely repressed at this time. Before her father allegedly commits suicide, Bruce’s true identity was revealed to his family. He treated his relationship with men like the flowers in his garden. Allison differed from her father and chose to acknowledge her homosexual feelings in public and take up a partner. To be honest I am not sure if it was a difference in time when bother Allison and her father grew up or their gender but they handled their sexuality very differently from one another.

Comparing the past and the present in the LGBT community, homosexuality is much more accepted but there is still inequality. Only nine states have passed marriage laws for homosexuals. It is taking a slow amount of time. No matter what gender you are it is hard to come out in society and be sexually different than the norm.

Self Expression Blog 7

Self expression and creativity help define the person you are. As a woman in certain countries, time periods, cultures, race and social class, we cannot express ourselves in the same way. The quilts were a way for women in Mexico to unite them and use their creativity in something productive. Living in a patriarchal society in Mexico, the women needed outlets for their creative oppression. They poured their energies and frustrations into these quilts. To these women it was a necessity to allow their creativity to shine through just like it was necessary for the patchwork to arise. The quilts also expressed the concept of the American Dream consistently on most of the quilts. These women were not satisfied with the lives they were living and wanted more opportunities. Living the American Dream would provide those luxuries of opportunity. Many of the quilts emphasize crossing the border and starting a new life in America. Mexicans were being oppressed and they were not the only ones black women were unable to do much in their social status. Self-expression was maybe the last thing they were allowed to do. They used their gardening to be imaginative through the floral choice and arrangement. This oppression is something that never entered my mind. Not being allowed to express myself would be one of the greatest hardships. My expression is a part that makes me unique and who I am.

Photography has allowed me to find beauty in the most unexpected places; it doesn’t have to be a breathtaking view to be a spectacular picture. My pictures are an expression of my most introspective thoughts. I am my pictures; modest and unpretentious to the casual observer but filled with depth and compassion on closer examination. My lens is the extension of my soul; it transfers my vantage point of the world into a photo. Perfection and precision goes out the window when it comes to photography; taking chances and stepping out of the box are techniques that I embrace. What I visualize through the lens is my primary inspiration without any outside influence.

Photography unifies people from different cultures and languages without speaking a word. My photos are my voice; they represent an untold story waiting to be heard.  They capture memories, portray messages as well as allow my thoughts and emotions to become a visual reality. A picture freezes a moment in time and the emotion that goes with it. Experimenting with shadows, lighting, contrasts, and angles create distinctive images out of ordinary objects; the colors reflect my moods.

With the advancement of technology, photography serves as a source of meditation and relaxation that allows me to put the everyday stress of school and life in proper perspective. It enables me to step back from the fast pace of society and enjoy the simplistic aspects, to commune with nature, and focus on my inner-self. What started out as a couple of snap shots on family vacations has evolved into an integral part of whom I am and the way I view the world.

            I am lucky that unlike these women I am not oppressed in my society and I am able to express myself with whatever way I choose. Mexicans and black women were not that lucky. They were confined and had to conform to society lowest position on the totem pole. Photography is not the only thing I can use to express myself and show my creativity and personality. I can with clothes, music, and much more. There is much more freedom. I have the opportunities that these women were lacking. I take for granted that I am living the American Dream.