The hijab

I am currently doing a research paper on the hijab. At first I was trying to write about how Western societies view it as a symbol of oppression and nothing more. I was trying to show how it means much more than that to Iranian women. The problem I was facing was that there are still protesting against and for the hijab in Iran. I was arguing that the hijab was a symbol of history and cultural identity. By removing the hijab completely, one would be erasing the history of women.

This lead to a lot of interesting historical information. Like first I discovered that the hijab was never invented by Islamic people, instead it originated in Assyrian empires from 2000 B.C. This amazed me and truly interested me. Also I realized that Christianity and Judaism picked up the hijab or veil before Islam was even establish in the 7th century. The hijab also originally represented not just modesty, but the upper-class, women who did not have to work and had no reason to because of their social standing. Then definitiions of the hijab's meaning changed drastically over the centuries.

For example a quote from a woman named Masserat Amir-Ebrahimi in her article entitled: "Transgression in Narration: The Lives of Iranian Women in Cyberspace" (2008) stated that, "The meaning of the hijab in Iran went through several transformations during the 20th century" unveiled women symbolized the secular and westernized regime of Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi; wrapped up in the black chador, they became the icon of the Islamic Revolution; two decades later, their relaxed and colorful hijab became the symbol of a new era or reform in the Islamic Republic" For many women, the hijab has even become a tool against their oppression. They wear it proudly and speak out. They change the color and wear it differently. But they still wear it!

The hijab holds so many different meanings that it is ridiculous for so many Western feminists to simply label it as a sign of "oppression" One size does not fit all. Many women choose to wear the hijab for their own reasons, not just because of male dominance.

A study that was done in the United States by a woman named Rose Wietz was on the meaning of hair in cultures. She studied one woman who chose to wear the hijab and she stated that she wore it to ward of unwanted male attention. This of course was seen as a sign of oppression, for why should a woman need to hide herself, but she explained that many women in the United States use their bodies and their beauty as power, but with the hijab she know that her power comes from within and that she does not have to use her body.

The hijab is just a controversy topic and sometimes, when I am doing research and looking into this topic I become overwhelmed. So many people are against while so many agree with me.

Procrastination

I deff thought I spelled that wrong, so I wrote it like seven times and then checked on Microsoft Words and apparently that is how you spell: "Procrastination" It can be spelled phonetically...now I am wondering if I spelled that word right.

My spelling is absolutely horrible. I remember in Middle School when I would ask the teacher how to spell something and then they would tell me to look it up in the Dictionary. You know it does not help when you have absolutely no clue how to spell a word and then a teacher tells you to look in the Dictionary. Once I attempted to do that and I spent 20 minutes looking for the word. Then the teacher had the nerve to ask me why I had not finished my assignment.

So now I simply do this.
"It can be spelled phoenitically .... phonetally ...phone... as it sounds".

lol. I know it is horrible.

Anyways. I don't remember the point of this but hey has a teacher never done that to you? I don't know how many dyslectics there are out there, but it REALLY SUCKS.

Comments about your experiences or how you feel about this are welcome.

A Decade in Fashion (Reviewed)

As that big ball started to drop, in New York City, at 11:59pm, did you realize that a decade of fashion was about to end and new one to begin one minute after you got that sweetheart’s kiss? If not, after you fully realize and contemplate this idea, I want to you to think back, way back. We all have been slaves to fashion. We all have impulsively bought that strange item of fashion that a year later we wonder why we bought in the first place. But now is the time to search through our closets and rediscover those horrible fashion trends of the 00’s.

Do you remember Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City? No, well do you remember that shirt you bought with that giant flower on the shoulder[1] ? Yup, that is all thanks to Carrie Bradshaw and her creation of these giant flower accessories in 2000. Sure, they looked cute, at the time, on her, but really could any of us really pull it off? My answer is no. Let’s throw this fashion foux pas out the window and keep it in the past.

So we went from Flip-flops being acceptable 3 out of the 4 seasons to Crocs, to Uggs[2] Will we never learn? Just when we got over the Croc fad around 2004, which were those hideous sponge-like shoes that also had (sold separately) little charms for their holes, we then allowed Uggs to come into our lives. In the 00 decade, we saw the “Cut Off Shorts and Purple Uggs” ensemble, “Little Black Dress and Tan Uggs”, out-to-dinner attire and, of course, my personal favorite—the “Yesterday’s sweatpants and hoodie—Where-did-I sleep-last-night?” casual school day outfit, equipped with the black Uggs to match. Yea…Thanks to Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan, we have this lovely fashion influence. Hopefully this is another one of those fashion no-nos we get let go of as we enter into this new decade.

I think the one fashion trend that I would like to see disappear off the face of this planet is the legging as pants! This whole ordeal can be traced back to, yet again, Lindsay Lohan, who created “6126”—a leggings line in 2008.[3] (She created this while people still retained some ounce of interest and respect for her). At first, it perhaps was cute and original, but it definitely blew up in all of our faces. The worst part was when this form of hosiery turned into a form of pants. Tights are not pants! They are not to be worn simply with a t-shirt and… Uggs.

A light and laughable fashion trend of the 00s, involves Lance Armstrong. In 2004, he created the jelly bracelets that no one can forget[4] It started out with just blue wristbands to support road safety[5] but because of Lance Armstrong it quickly it evolved into many different colors will all sorts of messages on them, including his yellow “LIVESTRONG” ones. Do you remember in Middle School when that popular girl came into school every day with her wrists and arms covered in these jelly bracelets? It seemed like the next day everyone was wearing them like that, male and female. You know that you did it too!

Another not so lovable fashion trend of the 00’s involves Britney Spears. (I know that is all I had to say, right?) Well it started with lower-than-low hip-hugger jeans and then it turned into the embarrassing, but for some reason embraced visible thong. We all have to laugh out loud at this one. We all remember, sadly, all those girls that used to bend over in their seats and give us an eyeful. Thankfully this is not popular anymore.

One last fashion trend of the 00s, that sadly is still popular, is the Expensive-As-Hell Destroyed Denim Jeans. At what point exactly was it cool to drop hundreds of dollars on a pair of jeans that had less material than your shirt? I am not simply talking about the little rips, I’m talking about the giant holey knees and rips underneath the butt cheeks. Yes, you know what I am talking about. Half of the time it seemed as if they would completely fall apart if you moved one leg a little too far. Thankfully, we have learned that from this and the holes have gotten smaller.

So all in all, this is my final farewell to 00’s and hello to the 10s. It may not seem like it, but we have made it into a new decade of fashion. One can only wonder what is to come.

---

[1]http://www.slate.com/id/2192375/

[2]http://www.warmdeliciousuggboots.info/2009/12/oh-no-purple-ugg-boots-are-popular-everywhere/

[3]http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/06/62486/index.html

[4] http://rubberbracelets.com/pop-culture-history-of-rubber-bracelets/

[5]http://www.wristbandconnection.com/gel-wristbands.php

Valentine's Day on Farmville

So I have been working really hard at getting these stupid Valentines Cards so I can redeem them for the presents. I mean I have been using side accounts and driving all my friends nuts asking them to "Send Some Love" And I worked and I worked so hard to get all the presents I could.

At 10 Valentines, you can get a Luv Ewe, which is a sheep with heart antennas. Cute but really strange looking.

(This is a picture of mine)

At 20 Valentines, you can get a Giant Teddybear... that soooo goes with the whole farm feel, rite?

At 30 Valentines, you can get this thing called "Pigs in Love" which I think are just pig balloons that are tied to a Valentines chocolate box. Even weirder.

At 40 Valentines, you can get a bench with two ducks sitting next to each other kissing. This is rather cute.

AT 50 Valentines, you can get something called "3 Hearts Fountain." It sounds just like it is. It is a Fountain with 3 layers that are hearts. Also not quite the farm look, but it is alright.

And last but not least, the one that I was working so hard to discover is, regretfully just an frickin' Eiffel Tower. What am I going to do with an Eiffel Tower in Farmville. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

Ok Farmville, I worked this hard for a Tower that is in France....that has nothing to do with a Farm... I feel so cheated right now.

I'll just get some damn Luv Ewes and the ducks on the bench. A frickin Eiffel Tower. Happy Valentine's Day: I got you a Tower! WTF?

Well Happy Valentine's Everyone! I hope you all enjoy it whether you have a love or not. And if you don't and you are bitter just tell everyone Happy Lunar New Years because it is the same day as Valentine's Day!

My Baby Yui has Wet Tail

So I am really sad today. I had to bring my hamster back to Petco today because she had Wet Tail. I was so upset. I sobbed all the way there. I hated the thought of giving her back. Well one good thing is that they will fix her and then they will call me so I can get her back. I think the part that made me so sad was that I had to get a refund so I could buy her back later.

I don't know but the thought of bringing her back and getting a refund felt so cruel. I just want her to get healthy. I have had plenty of hamsters in my life, but I had never had one as young as this one. She was tiny. So I had no clue about this Wet Tail thing. Apparently it is usually stress induced and most young pet store hamsters have it already because of people peering into their homes and banging on the glass. Also the constant change of scenery and change of food causes them stress. It can also be caused by the death of a roommate. Those lil' babies are so susceptible to this. Also teddy bear hamster get it the most, which is what my little Yui is.

*sigh* It made me so sad because she was sick for about a day before I realized what it was. I thought she just had diarrhea because of the change of food. You know, like how when you change a dog's food, they get it. But nope that was the warning sign I missed. I also didn't even think of anything when she slept almost all night and didn't run on her wheel because I thought she was just getting used to my schedule and was up all day while I was at school. I hope she gets better. It made me so sad. I love that baby sooooo much. Plus I bought her a beautiful cage with those tubes and stuff. *sigh*

In case any one is wondering what this looks like... there are some pictures below:


If anyone's hamster looks like this:

DON'T BUY THE LIQUID AND TRY TO DO IT YOURSELF!

This stuff is hard to treat and needs to be done the correct way. Take your hamster to the Vet or to the Pet store. They can confirm if your hamster does in fact have it or doesn't and help you make them better.

I am not trying to help you diagnose or do anything, but these little creatures only live for like 2-4 years. Make their lives the best you can. They deserve it.

Barbie! Grrr

So I have been depressed lately because my dad is coming to town. I haven't seen him in prolly about a year and a half and the last time I saw him it was summer, I was walking everywhere, too poor to really buy food and a size 1-3.

Now it is winter, therefore I am not walking anywhere because it is Rochester and I am a size 6. That may not sound that big to most people and you all are probably yelling at me to shut it right now, but let me explain. I am a little taller than five foot not quite five one. I am mostly boobs and I have a giant ass that my family has teased me about since I was like eleven. I have always been self-conscious. My mom was a normal size 0. After she gave birth to my brother, her hips spreaded and she became a size 1.

My dad has never right out told me I was fat... well yes he has... but I just get really really worried when he comes around. That is why I have been working out at least 8 hours a week in the gym trying to get ready for his arrival. I am so worried that my dad will make some little comment that will destroy all the confidence I have built up.

I am actually happy with what I look like, but the pressure to be skinny is horrible. My grandmother is not a small woman, but she is not obese either and from what I can tell she is happy. She would be more happy if people wouldn't make little comments about her tummy or tell her to try running a little longer on a treadmill. I hate this skinny world we live in and I hate to say that I am a slave to it myself. I am constantly trying to find lower calorie foods and easy work outs. I am one of a great majority that is slave to the diet industry.

The sad part is that 100 years ago, slightly chubby women were the right thing. Healthy looking woman were what men wanted. When did it become the right thing for women to starve themselves and when did men start enjoying the feel of a skeleton in their arms? Am I the only one who hates Barbie and what she represents?

She makes girls believe that skinny is the right way to go and that straight long blonde hair is the key to men's hearts. And even better is when early last year Barbie was re-modeled because makers believed that Barbie had "cankles." CANKLES?!!! This makes me so sad because I was one of those teenagers that struggled with her body image until she purged and stopped eating all together. It hurts me to see things like this. Do you have any idea how many celebrities are photoshopped in magizine? Those idols were follow aren't even real!

Below is a perfect example of this

Was Jessica Alba any less beautiful in the first picture than they made her in the second? No one would have called her chubby if they had only saw the first picture. Stuff like this makes me sick and very very depressed for the teenagers in this country that don't realize that these models are actually this skinny. No one can get that skinny and maintain their perfect perky breasts. I'm sorry it isn't possible, even with plastic surgery.

Well with all this in mind I have one positive thing to address here:

So I am deff. stealing an article from babble.com. It is called "They Say: Skinny Women Aren't Happy"

It was posted January 7th 2009:

"You always suspected it, right? That skinny mom you see every day at preschool drop-off, the one with the tight jeans and impossibly sculpted shoulders. She may look hot, but deep down, way deep down, under her perfectly manicured fingernails and artfully disheveled 'do, you know she's not happy. Skinny people have to be miserable. It's only fair, right?

According to a new research study, it may not be fair, but it is true.

The study by cereal brand Special K found that the happiest women wear a British size 14 (U.S. size 12). They're not hefty by any standards, but they are a far cry from what beauty mags seem to tout as the "normal" size 0.

More than a third of the size-14 women said they "couldn't be more content" with their love lives, and almost half were happy with their careers.
Second happiest women? Size 12.

Clearly, the skinny women are miserable because they're hungry all the time."

And with that note I will end this post.

~kHari

OMFG! I am so bored and tired and old. I feel so old. I can't believe I turn 19 in June! I feel like my teen years have slipped from my hands. I feel like I will never again have a free moment in my life to learn trival things like html coding or pig latin. (I STILL HAVEN'T LEARNED PIG LATIN) I also feel like I am missing something or am going to miss something. I mean all of these kids have their things. Their hobbies and they are idolized for it because they are so young or something. I will never be idolized for my talent ever again because I will be old. I am old!

This is it. My life is now gone. Slaved away to textbooks. I have been smart and "ahead of my time"... that is what people have always told me and I think that is just it... I think that is what my fear is... I will become my time. *metaphorically dies at the thought* I just want to cry now. What am I without my books? What am I when I become the age that my mind is at the moment? Nothing. I will become nothing. *cries*

So here I am on this lonely ship wrecked ship.

All alone.

Old and dying.

*sigh*