Reflections: The Class
During this quarter, I learned various things and enhanced my knowledge
about other woman, my mother, and myself. In general, the class was full
of informative information. Certain topics, that were discussed or read,
really hit me with the reality of how things are in the "real world." That
there are the good, the bad, and the ugly moments or experiences people
face in their daily lives. Each person is an individual who’s own life
choices and experiences has made them who they are or appear to be.
In the class, we’ve had thought provoking presentations. The quest speakers
on midwives and childbirth was especially affective. After seeing their
video of women in the act of childbirth, I don’t plan on having children
any time soon. I feel the information will definitely be useful for the
future. From the presentation, I learned a probable cause for me coming
two weeks earlier than the doctor thought. About forty-eight hours before
delivery, my mother went shopping with her mother for baby things. Since
she walked for hours around the mall, the movement probably helped shifting
me into the right position. ReadyÖsetÖhere comes the baby!
Our textbook, The Psychology of Women: Half of the Human Experience,
was very informative. For instance, learning more about woman’s issues
in health. An example would be when I was twelve and my mother went through
menopause, I knew little of what was actually going on. When she suffered
from "hot flashes," I would too. Of course, I was only pretending. At that
time I could see something was wrong but I had no idea what. Now I know
a lot more from reading chapter ten in the book. Before this class, I had
not thought about how low estrogen levels caused the physical menopause
symptoms and that psychological symptoms are a product of our own culture.
(Hyde, 273) I thought this section was quite interesting because one day
I’ll be experiencing menopause.
For the most part, attending Psychology of Women sessions has been an
unforgettable experience. Through this course, I discovered so many things
about what it really is to be a female in our society. When you asked the
women in the class, "What do you like about being a woman," I didn’t have
a clue. I know more now but I still don’t have an answer for that question.
I just know I don’t want to be a man. I’m just happy to be me as a person
and I am a female person.
Reflections: Book Review
In Our Own Words, by Mary Crawford and Rhoda Unger, is truly
a thought provoking group of stories about various women’s lives. Certain
sections really interested me.
In Rhoda Unger’s story about herself, she wrote, "I was a bookish "ugly
duckling" who was beloved by my teachers but ignored by my peers." (Crawford,
41) This was exactly how I thought and felt about myself throughout school.
When I started middle school, I discovered the wonderful world of books.
Since then, I always seem to have my nose in one. I’ve always seemed to
make friends easier with adults and teachers rather than with my peers.
In her conclusion she notes," I continue to view myself as an ‘outsider.’
" (Crawford, 44) I have considered myself to be an ‘outsider’ or ‘wanderer’
and still view myself as one. I never stayed with one group of friends.
Throughout the years, I’ve had aquatints in all sorts of different ‘clicks.’
By my actions and appearance people have treated me as an ‘outsider.’ Quoted
by sociologist Allan Johnson," Norms about personal appearance can be so
powerful that we feel bound by themÖ." (Johnson, 56) Many students feel
bound to blend in with their peers or the ‘click’ that they are in. As
for my self, I go for comfort not with the crowd or what’s popular. My
usual everyday cloths are under stated averageÖworn out jeans, old T-shirt,
nothing exposing, not too bright or tight, etc, etc, etc. I usually blend
very well. I’ve always thought of myself as an individual with little regard
for peer pressure. Just because others are doing it doesn’t mean I have
to.
In the book, one of my favorite lines is," a more caring society that
gives not only to men but also to women, both bread and roses, poetry and
power." (Crawford, 47) Within our ‘virtually all-male environment,’ this
quote holds meaning. To me, it means an increase in equality for women.
Throughout our American history, I think our society has changed many of
the ‘old ways’ of treating human beings, especially concerning women.
