Last week a video began circulating around the internet. It features a dance group of 7-9 year old girls dancing to Beyonce’s, “Single Ladies.” Check it out, if you haven’t seen it already. Clearly the costume and dance moves were highly inappropriate. What shocks me more than the dance, and the fact that the parents and teachers condone this, is the MASSIVE number of supportive comments I’ve read. I have posted the most common supportive arguments I’ve read, followed by my counter-arguments for each.

Here’s the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir8BO4-7DkM

1.)They Argue: One can’t be critical of this dance, without also simultaneously withdrawing support for girls doing ballet, gymnastics, swimming, etc. They will also argue that if one is afraid that this dance will attract pedophiles, we should go so far as to put our daughters in burqas until they turn 18.

It is important not to enter a slippery slope when analyzing this video. Pedophiles will always exist. We shouldn’t feel a need to cover up our children with burqas in order to protect them. Neither should we feel that it is wrong to enroll our kids in “normal” activities such as ballet, figure skating, and gymnastics. We can’t live our lives in fear. However, there is a point when dance moves and the costumes worn cross a line. In this video, the girls are wearing costumes and doing moves that are fully reminiscent of adult women performing at a strip club or for their significant others, in the privacy of a bedroom…no, it is not necessary for these girls to take off all of their clothes in order for this comparison to be made. What they have been coached to do is an example of taking something as far as one can go without actually doing it. One can say yes to ballet, etc. and not fear the body hugging leotards that are worn, without also saying yes to stripper-style costumes and dancing.

2.) People are also arguing that the girls are having fun, don’t understand the sexual overtones, and are talented, and that because of these reasons, the dance is wonderful and appropriate. They will go so far as to accuse the naysayers of being mean to children, by cruelly criticizing them, or denying them from pursuing an activity that they love.

This is the same argument that one would use when attempting to defend a young boy whose parents have enrolled him in a Nazi youth marching band. He surely doesn’t understand what Naziism is truly about, is having fun, and is very talented. However, this is clearly an inappropriate outlet for showcasing his talent. The same goes for the little girl dancers. There is nothing wrong with them pursuing their love and talent-dancing, but it should be pursued in an age-appropriate and respectful way. Dancing and marching are fine pursuits, however Nazi marching bands, and stripper-style dance routines are not. It’s analogous to any technology having both noble and evil applications. And, of course, it is the adults involved who are at fault…NOT THE CHILDREN!

3.)Some of the posters accuse those of us who are critical of this particular routine of being pedophiles/sick-minded.

Criticizing a sexually-charged dance routine done by little girls does not suggest that the criticizer is a pedophile any more than criticizing a Nazi marching band routine makes a person a Nazi. This type of accusation is merely an attempt to scare and shame those of us who take issue with the situation from speaking up.

I found the following post on a message board about Kentucky. I found it to be baffling and funny, and I had several questions/observations come to mind. Here is the post, in its entirety, corrected for spelling, with the important parts bold-faced. Immediately following is a list of “10″ of my questions/observations:

 “I grew up in Chicago. Five years ago I moved to Louisville, Kentucky, because the natural scenery of Kentucky is gorgeous and varied. I like to go camping. Before moving I knew it would be different, but how big of a chasm between Louisville and Chicago became evident after the first year. I have since regretted my move. The problems I find are; no window to the outside world; too much of a preoccupation with football and basketball; too many people who have guns; too much religion and constant talk of morals; too much blind loyalty to conservatism, lack of interesting radio and TV stations; scoffing at “book learning”; little interest for culture (movies, music, arts, etc); dull food; lack of decent jobs that pay a liveable wage. I’ve never lived anywhere where so many grown adults have such a problem with 5th grade english. I have nothing against the accent, sometimes I find it appealing, but it would be great to hear correct grammar. To me it seems absurd to drive thru the eastern part of Kentucky which has a poverty rate of 25%, to look at the run down trailers or small houses, but in front are flags, biblical quotes on signs, and vote Bush/Cheney stickers. It bothers me to see people who are getting shafted being so supportive of those who give them the shaft. Also, the people assume that I should have a fanatical loyalty to either the U of Louisville or U of Kentucky sports teams. When the two meet in football or basketball the whole state stops everything to watch. It’s the main event of the year. But it’s not all bad. I have met interesting people, but not very often. Most are friendly, but I avoid any conversations about politics or religion. I have been to France several times and like the country, but I wouldn’t dare mention that in Kentucky. I don’t vote Republican, don’t own guns, I am an atheist, don’t believe Rush, don’t drink Bud Light, don’t desire to own a Harley, and all that indicates that the South is not for people like me. But I’m stuck here for a while. If anyone remembers, the media spectacle called Justice Sunday happened in Louisville. The newly built Creation Museum is in Kentucky. In 2008 the NRA will hold its annual convention in Louisville. One thing I’ve noticed is that music groups don’t have concerts in Kentucky, other than Country, Southern Boogie or Kid Rock. Art exhibits detour Kentucky. How Louisville can financially maintain a symphony orchestra is beyond me. The guest list for the recent Kentucky Derby was mostly pro athletes and run-of-the-mill actors from TV shows, such as soap operas. Even the Louisville Courier-Journal termed it a b-list of guests.For lack of culture the Features section of the Courier-Journal has little more to report other than recipes and fashion tips. Once, as I purchased a copy of the New York Times, the clerk sneered at me.” The people are not mean and nasty, they are easy to engage in pleasant conversation, but I have become cautious about what I say. Most people are honest. To my surprise, the poorest counties have the lowest crime rates. I have also met Southerners who were very informed about current world events, thought the Bush administration was corrupt, appreciated the arts, and had thorough knowledge of foreign films. I’m sure there are many Southerners who cringe at being unfairly stereotyped, and I sincerely apologize to them. I only wish I could meet more of you.”

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 10.)   Why would someone move to a place solely based on liking the scenery and enjoying camping? Wouldn’t they want to know a little bit more about the area before committing to a permanent move?

 9.)   Guns, religion, morals, and conservatism in the South? Why does this not surprise me? Was he really expecting peace activists, New Age religions, moral relativism, and socialism/communism supporters?

 8.)   Even if the local TV and radio stations don’t pique one’s interest, the internet gives us access to anything we’d ever want to (or not want to!) see and hear. If this poster had a little bit of initiative, with a few clicks of the mouse he could’ve tuned into Al Jazeera, KKK TV/radio, or whatever floats his boat.

 7.)   This poster makes “book learning” look overrated. If he had a little bit more common sense (i.e. “real world learning”), he would have known a little bit more about the south before moving there, and thus wouldn’t have had such a rude awakening.

 6.)   What was he expecting for movies, music, arts, and food? I guess the books he read weren’t so smart after all. Otherwise they would have told him where the centers for each of these cultural forms is located. Other than Nashville, which is the country music capital, the hot spots are located away from the south…way far away! Actually, the food in the south can be amazing. But, I’m guessing that down-home country cooking wasn’t what he was looking for. He mentions loving France. Perhaps he was expecting Kentucky to possess some of the best French cooking in America?

5.)   This man comes from Chicago, and he’s complaining about Kentucky grammar? We live just two hours from Chicago, and get a lot of inner city residents moving here from Chicago. Their grammar makes any casual, day-to-day, Southern speaker sound like they are speaking Oxford English. I get the feeling that the only time this poster appreciates the southern accent is when he hears it in an artsy film, created to exhibit the people of the south to snotty, “cultured” northerners, the same way animals are exhibited at the zoo.

 4.)    Does this man ever watch the news? Why is he so surprised by the small, run down houses (i.e. poverty), patriotism, religious enthusiasm, and Republican support? Kentucky is well known as a “red state.” Please tell me that he didn’t think this meant they support COMMUNISM (red army, red star, Red Square).

 3.)    Generally, one should avoid discussing politics and religion in polite conversation. He should take this principle and continue to apply it even after he has left the south far behind.

 2.3)    He describes himself as not being a Republican, not owning guns, being an atheist, and not being into Rush [Limbaugh], and then realizes that the south is not for him, and laments being “stuck” there for a while. Once again, if he had used a little bit of common sense, and/or done a bit of research, he wouldn’t have ended up moving there in the first place!

 2.2)    The Creation Museum, NRA convention, Country concerts, Southern Boogie concerts, Kid Rock concerts. Nothing surprising in that list. Was he expecting the National Pro Choice Museum, Anti-War convention headed by Cindy Sheehan, the Vienna Philharmonic?

 2.1)    He’s surprised they are able to maintain a symphony orchestra? Wow, that’s just insulting! I’m surprised he even knew he was in the south given his strange expectations.  Okay, I admit it, I’m a little bitter, given that I’m from a hick town that has problems maintaining its symphony orchestra!

 2.0)    I’m sure the clerk couldn’t care less what paper he chose to purchase. She wouldn’t have sneered at him unless he said something rude to her, and I wouldn’t put that past him.

 1.)    This man strikes me as the kind of person who, being a vegetarian, decides to frequent a deli because he used their restroom once (wasn’t actually buying anything), and enjoyed the music they had playing over their speakers. Once he starts going there regularly he notices the meat on display and all the customers around him eating meat.  And this shocks and dismays him!

Politicians make us feel emotion; mostly anger, irritation, and occasionally adoration. But, sometimes they can actually be funny!

My husband, Scott, and I live in Indiana and, of course, I’m originally from Canada. We went to Michigan a few years ago to visit a friend. We all went out for dinner and were sitting in a crowded restaurant waiting area when a campaigning politician came through the door.*  He went around meeting and greeting with people, and it wasn’t long before it was our turn. He starts off by telling us that Jennifer Granholm was not a suitable person to lead Michigan given that she is a Canadian. I did not want to embarrass him, so I didn’t bring up the fact that I, too, am Canadian.

He then asks where Scott and I live; most likely to find out if we were in his voting district, and eligible to vote for him. Scott tells him we are from Indiana. The restaurant was loud and crowded, and clearly he didn’t hear the answer properly. Still, I was amazed by his reaction. He responds with, “India??? Bombay? Calcutta?” Neither Scott nor I look Indian, have Indian or British accents, or dress in traditional Indian attire. I’m surprised that he didn’t just ask Scott to repeat himself when he thought he heard India. What’s even stranger is that Indiana borders Michigan, so I’m certain this politician ran into people from Indiana all the time.

We continue chit-chatting, and in the course of conversation it comes out that I am Canadian. When he realised it, I could see the wheels turning in his head and his jaw kind of drop. All of a sudden he is in “full politician mode,” and is apologizing profusely for his introduction regarding Jennifer Granholm. He tells me that he has nothing against Canadians, at all. Rather it’s that Ms. Granholm is not properly rooted and grounded in Michigan. “She’s from everywhere except Michigan!” he exclaimed. He noted that she was born in Canada, grew up in California, and eventually made her way over to Michigan. He hinted that she’d be willing to live anywhere that she had a chance of being elected. He felt she didn’t understand Michigan issues, in contrast to himself. I reassured him that I was not offended, and I truly meant it.

I found the entire exchange to be funny, and a great typical example of how politicians end up putting their foot in their mouths, and then try to explain their way out of the mess in their “unique” politician way. It’s not like Scott and I could have voted against this guy by voting for his opponent, anyway, given that we are from out of state. I’m sure this fact did not escape him.

*The gentleman’s name is not given, as not to publicly embarrass him!

People are usually quite surprised to hear this, but I am the daughter of a Chinese mother. My father is Swedish, and I am usually perceived to be white. My mother, her family, and her Chinese friends have always referred to themselves as being “Oriental” as opposed to “Asian.” I never thought anything of it until I entered university. It was during an English class that I first learned that describing a south east Asian person as being “Oriental” was considered offensive. I hadn’t used the term in class, and wasn’t being reprimanded or anything like that. Rather, it just came up during the course of class discussion. I asked my mother about this, and she hadn’t ever heard anything about the term being offensive, and did not find it offensive personally. It seemed to me that (relatively) privileged, academic Whites were attempting to dictate to people like my mother what they should be called.

The now-offensive view of the word “Oriental” to describe a person (but not an inanimate object) stems from the work of Edward Said. He was critical of the way Europeans viewed the cultures of Asia as being exotic, different, “other.” Academics concluded that to call people of the Middle East or Far East, “Oriental,” was to view the people of this part of the world in a eurocentric light. Whether Said, himself, would have agreed that the term, itself, was inherently offensive and needed to be changed, I have no idea. But, even if he did, he was one voice coming out of that part of the world. But, for some reason, his voice (or the perception of what he would say) has spread through the academic world like wildfire and has infected most of mainstream American society. The term, “Oriental,” to describe a person is now officially politically incorrect and unacceptable; even considered racist by many.

This is where I have a problem. As I mentioned, Said is but one Oriental/Asian voice weighing in on this debate. I have found numerous discussions about term preference on the internet, and have firsthand experience to know that the Asian/Oriental people, themselves, are not in near perfect agreement as to whether of not the term “Oriental” is offensive or not. I found that the vast majority were neutral to it. Some found it offensive, and an equal amount PREFERRED it! Essentially, the two terms are the equivalent to African American vs. Black; both equally acceptable terms. Said is a published author, respected thinker, and well educated man. However, this does not place his opinion above any other Asian/Oriental person’s. We all have the right to a voice in this debate.

Oriental literally means “the East.” Yes, of course this is east relative to Europe, but everyone bases their perspective relative to themselves; where they live, and where they come from. My Chinese relatives refer to Whites as “Westerners” (i.e. occidental; the counterpart to oriental), Caucasians, and Europeans. The problems between the races, especially historically, has nothing to do with them identifying each other as being different (different physical appearances; east vs. west,;different languages, traditions, and cultures). Rather, problems arise when we fail to recognise those who are different as being human beings of equal inherent value to ourselves. There is nothing wrong with recognising that someone is man, woman, blonde, brunette, White, Oriental. It is when we elevate ourselves above others, on a fundamental level (i.e. “my soul is worth more than their souls”) that another group is wronged.

I have no problem with the term Asian. It describes my mother’s people by the continent they originate from. I simply prefer the term Oriental, as it is what I grew up hearing, and find nothing offensive about it. I do find it ironic, however, that “Asian” is used by Americans to describe only South East Asians. People from countries like India, Afghanistan, and Iran are also Asian, but are excluded from this designation in the United States. I find it ironic, as these same politically correct academic types who are pushing us to use term Asian to only refer to CERTAIN Asians, are the same people who are upset about the term “America” only being used to refer to the United States of America, rather than North America as a whole, and possibly even South America (together being “The Americas”). Oriental is not an offensive term in most other parts of the world, as well. This suggests that it’s politically incorrect status is in itself AMERICENTRIC.

I think that we Asians/Orientals can decide on our own, individually, and not necessarily as a group, what we want to be called. We do not need input from the White, academic world. Just view us as equally worthy human beings/fellow souls created by God (and in His image), and we will see by your actions that you truly value us as equals. We do not need to have our name changed; changing it doesn’t right any wrongs, by the way. I respect Asians/Orientals who prefer the former term, and I, likewise, would like to have respect and acceptance for what I prefer to be called. After all, when it really comes down to it, “That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.”

We had a few activity choices for this weekend. A gun and knife show was being held at the 4-H fairgrounds, and the nearby town of Wakarusa was holding its annual Maple Syrup Festival. The latter appealed more to me, given that I’m not much into weapons, but have a real weakness for sweets. Also, I figured I’d enjoy the crowd more at the maple syrup event, as unsophisticated rednecks celebrating their right to bear arms is not my cup of tea. Imagine my surprise when I encountered numerous women at the maple syrup festival who seemed to be as enthusiastic about their 2^nd amendment rights as any gun and knife show attendee. That’s right, these gals were proudly exercising their right to “bare” arms. This is a good example of how one doesn’t have to do something just because they have the right to do it. It was sunny, sure, but the wind and chilly temperatures made their attire absolutely inappropriate. I was cold despite dressing in three long sleeved layers!

But, it gets even worse! Now, I know the constitution guarantees people the right to bare arms, even on cold days, but nowhere does it state that this includes the right to bare CRACK. I suppose I ought to feel honored that I was witness to not just one exposed crack, but two. I am like some kind of a magnet for this kind of stuff. J I shall now provide a synopsis of each sighting:

We were standing observing a “pony ride,” where small children sat atop ponies that were harnessed to a circular merry-go-round structure. Each child was secured by having one of their parents walk alongside them, in case they were to lose balance. As one little girl atop her pony passed us during one of the rounds, I couldn’t believe my eyes at what I saw. The sunlight was bouncing starkly off her father’s alabaster white buttocks the same way it would off of a sheet of pure white snow. I was thankful I had my sunglasses on to shield me from this man’s brilliant light. As he walked away after the ride ended, his pants fell down several times, fully revealing his entire butt! I saw many people laughing, and I couldn’t stop my own laughter. What I don’t understand is why this man didn’t just wear a belt with his jeans. I’m sure this wasn’t the first time he’d worn these pants, and must’ve known they did not have a reputation for staying up.

Incident two involved a woman who was about 60-65 years of age. We were standing behind the rows of chairs that were set up at the entertainment tent, waiting for the band to start, when we were once again blinded by a glaring white object. The chairs were fold-up “peek-a-boo” style, meaning there is an empty space between the backrest and seat. Filling the gap on one of these chairs was the familiar lunar object. This one was only about ¼ exposed, but after a few minutes, the pants had slid down as far as they possibly could while the woman was sitting. Unfortunately, the top of the crack possessed a large brown mole near the top of it. The position and colour only invited closer scrutiny by the audience. Suddenly, a woman sat down behind the offender. Only ten seconds had passed, when this front row observer stood up and tapped the moon lady on the shoulder and leaned over to say something to her. Ms. Moon stood up quickly, with an extremely irritated/annoyed expression on her face, and proceeded to yank her too-tight leggings over her ample bottom. She really had to wiggle herself into them. Several people in the vicinity got a good look at her bare bottom while she was standing up, and of course, they all laughed. As I mentioned, it was a cold and windy day; so how she didn’t realise she was exposed, until told, is beyond me.

Wow, what a day it was. I have a feeling I would’ve seen fewer 2^nd amendment enthusiasts and bare butt cracks if I had just gone to that redneck gun show instead. 　

 If it doesn’t walk like a duck, quack like a duck, or look like a duck, how on earth can a person come to the conclusion that it is a duck?  But, yet some do…at least when it comes to people proclaiming they look like celebrities.  I’ve seen it over and over again where someone is comfortable and confident proclaiming that they look like some celebrity or other.  They proudly post photos of themselves as “evidence” of the physical similarities between them and the celebrities they think (or desire to?) look like.  And time and time again, there is little to no resemblance whatsoever.  I am being extremely lenient in my judgment of this, by the way.  If there’s any kind of significant resemblance (e.g. they look like they could be related to the person), I have no criticism for that at all.  Don’t get me wrong about the whole thing.  I’m not irritated by the prevalence of mass-delusion…not by a long shot!  I actually find the whole thing to be very funny.  Here are a few of my recent findings:

-Claims that she looks like Drew Barrymore

http://photos.tmz.com/galleries/tmzs_celebrity_look_alikes – 37896

-Claims that she looks like Jennifer Lopez

http://www.amiaceleb.com/celebs/pic_profile.php?pic_id=1425

And, my all-time favourite:

-Claims that she looks like Faith Hill, but really looks more like Mama Cass

http://www.amiaceleb.com/celebs/pic_profile.php?pic_id=5242

 Perhaps they are all going by the mantra, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”  This quote works fine when you apply it to situations where you choose to see the positive, but ignore the negative; in situations where both elements exist in reality. For example, if you see a half-full/half-empty glass of water, it would equally correct to view it either way.  One is simply the optimistic view while the other is pessimistic.  If, however, you see an empty glass of water and claim that it is completely full, you are delusional…plain and simple.  Such is the case with so many of these celebrity look alikes.  They look in the mirror and see Marilyn Monroe, but the rest of the world sees Popeye. 

I think that the key to accurately evaluating our own appearance is to take the consensus of what others have said to us.  If no one has ever pointed out-unprompted!- that we resemble another person, it’s more than likely that we don’t.  The more often a similarity is recognised, the more legitimate it becomes.  We must resign ourselves to the fact that most of us are not the best judges of how we, ourselves, look, and who we look like.   

Last summer my husband and I visited a beach at Lake Michigan and were astonished at the (lack of) attire worn by a fellow beachgoer.  The person in question was a rotund woman, approximately 40 years old, who lay sunbathing along the shore where foot traffic was constant. 

Upon initially seeing her, she was lying on her stomach displaying a pair of thong bikini bottoms.  When she rolled over onto her back, it became clear that she was also topless.  Throughout the course of the afternoon, this patron would crawl around rearranging her towel and belongings, clearly thinking little of the fact that her barely covered bottom was on display for all to see.  While going for a swim, she would repeatedly perform “dolphin dives,” where her rear end would shoot straight up into the air. 

My husband has been frequenting this beach since he was a young child, and this was the only time he had ever witnessed anything of the sort.  I suspect that we weren’t the only people that wished this woman had covered up and saved the thong and topless display for a more appropriate occasion.