Writing off Plagiarism

Question 3: Is claiming ignorance about plagiarism enough of an excuse? Who's responsible?

At the college level, students should fully understand plagiarism and its consequences. However, plagiarism can be completely deliberate as well as accidental. In the case of the University of Virginia, I think the students really did not fully understand they were plagiarizing. Personally, I think the punishment went too far.
I think many students plagiarize without realizing it. For example, sometimes it is hard to reword a sentence that already is simple and to the point. I think if a student uses such a sentence, but only a couple times without knowing they were "stealing" words, they should not be automatically punished. Instead, if a student is found with this problem, they should be taught that if they use the same wording as their informational source,(even if it's a small idea) they need to cite it. Lots of kids do not understand this. I think it would be beneficial to teach students this to prevent this mild type of plagiarism. I think this is because most students learn not to plagiarize entire paragraphs, which is obviously deliberate plagiarsm. But when a student takes just one sentence, and only tweeks it a little, I do not think they are being deliberate. If being punished for copying one or two sentences can be so severe, I think it should be on the teachers' parts to ensure that any type of copying is plagiarism, whether it's a few words or whole paragraphs.

Masculine and Feminine Ideals

Both masculine and feminine ideals have varied over time in the United States. When once women were expected to become the ultimate home-maker and the men were visioned to work hard in order to provide for the family, times have since changed. These days, women too are envisoned to become part of the workforce and be just as independent as men. However, it goes beyond professions. The major masculine and feminine ideals of men and women have come to focus on looks. Unfortunately, in some areas of the United States, looks have become so scrutinized it has become an obsession with some societies. The main source of this knowledge of idealism has come from the media, and it has proved to be a major influence on both genders. The masculine and feminine ideals resulting from this are that of high-standards of attractiveness that may lead to materialistic lifestyles from both sexes.
For men, the vision of being strong and successful are prominent ideals. However, many of the successful men in our society that are recognized are the famous actors with seemingly perfect bodies and large bank accounts. On television, this is very apparent on the Red Carpet Events. All the men are polished up to look even more handsome and wealthy with designer clothes. These men are greatly looked up to in societies for they are the ones who seem to have "made it big." For young boys wanting to become famous or successful it seems the lifestyle of the typical moviestar is the most rewarding. Because of this, having good looks as well as being prosperous are some of the masculine ideals males strive for. (will add more to paragraph about the "male ideal" essay)
Similarly for women, the idealism of having the perfect body to compliment a pretty face is equally seeked. In some aspects, however, the media has begun to promote a more unrealistic "ideal" body image for women in regards to men. For example, female models advertised through magazines and the runway have hyped extremely thin women as the way to look to be both fashionable and attractive. Rather than being looked down upon for appearing to lead an unhealthy lifestyle, these women are admired and glamourized. This then influences young women to aspire to become this. Why would any young girl want to be so skinny to put their health at risk? It is because these girls being surrounded by successful and beautiful women are taking part in this lifestyle, so they end up believing they should as well. Susan Bordo, professor of English and Women's studies at University of Kentucky knows this all to well. In her article "Never Just Pictures" she states, "the idealization of certain kinds of bodies foments and perpetuates our anxieties and insecurities..." It is one thing to have an ideal to look up to that is healthy and safe. Unfortunately, the body image that most girls strain for is the exact opposite.(will talk about how this has lead to eating disorders and other health problems)
Ultimately, the masculine and feminine ideals have become a focus on one's looks. Whether someone wants to be a model, moviestar, or neither, it is assumed we all want to be successful. However, more often than not the successful individuals that surruound us in the magazines, the movies, on the telvesion and ads are attractive. Because of this, there is no wonder why so many young men and women see the idealized masculine and feminine traits as being handsome or pretty.(add)

Never Just Pictures and the Male Ideal

Question 2: What effects do masculine and feminine ideals have on people in the U.S.?
I think the effects of the body ideal have extremely negative effects on both genders. I personally love to look through various fashion magazines, and in every ad I see women being glamorized for their waif-like stature. The way they are portrayed with makeup and styled hair is very eye-catching, and I know these ads are being admired by girls everywhere. I am glad I have realized that I should not pressure myself into becoming so obsessed with the way I look, because the media is almost too idealized to ever be realistic. Watching shows like "America's Next Top Model" I have learned how much actually goes in to making models seem so perfect: the airbrushing, the elaborate clothing, the lighting, etc. But what about those girls that think these models look like this all the time? I think this has lead to the high rise in eating disorders and self-criticisms toward one's appearance. Not only has it affected young girls and women, it has led to eating disorders obsessive exercising practices among men. I find this very sad, and I think there should be an effort to focus on healthier body images, take for example "Dove" ads. I am happy to see women of curvier body types appear happy and healthy in that one ad among many less healthy images.

2008 Election

I am so excited to have Barack Obama as my next president! This is truly a historical moment, and I am proud to have been able to vote in this election. Last night I was feeling sick and tired, but I wanted to stay up and watch the live news coverage. I watched as the polls from the various states came in even though I knew what the outcome would be. After the polls closed, I remember a picture of Obama pop up on the television screen as it read "Projected President" and the crowds went crazy. The song "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder played as people danced and cried tears of joy in celebration. I was so happy, I forgot that I was feeling sick just minutes earlier. I have to give credit to John Mccain, I think his concession speech was very sincere and I respect that he gave credit to Obama for his endurance and ultimate win as president. I think Obama's speech was very well-spoken and I look forward to hearing more from him. I am also very thankful Bush will no longer be in the White House, it's about time!