Monday, August 17, 2009

Immigration...Imnigracion....

It seems everyone has an opinion on immigration these days... particularly illegal immigration...

Well I've had mine since I was about 7 years old.

What's the problem with it? You're an immigrant too, so why don't you leave?

I can understand the stigma attached to illegal immigration... it's not really illegal
immigration that's too much of the problem. It's illegal hispanic immigrants that are.
That is where all the stigma comes from, especially the right wing. I could understand that illegal immigration was bad if the immigrants that were coming were just coming here and getting on welfare, using up the government's money, etc, etc...
But they aren't. They come here to work, so they can help support families back at home, because back at home they would either be working for drug lords, or not at all. They come out of an act of desperation, because they come from a third world country where the government is corrupt, there is hardly any food, and if you want to buy food for the family you have to make it.
Otherwise, they wouldn't be here.
They come because their mother, too old to work, and their father, either dead or absent or also too old can not provide for the family anymore.
That's why they are here. Working for minimum wage, if that. Living in abject poverty here...
But a bit above how they lived in their home country.
They come here because maybe, hopefully, if they are granted citizenship they can give thier
children a better life than they had.

I am one of those children.
That's why, that's exactly why there is nothing wrong with immigration.
And if it's so wrong because it's 'illegal'
Then make it legal.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Lists

Where I am right now:
-Unsure
-Scared
-In progress.

Where I want to be:
-Organic
-Wholesome
-Well-Rounded
-Original
-Feeling like myself

I think I may stay away from the internet for a bit once
school starts. I feel like I need to get back in touch with who I am.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Racial issues and Racism

I don't really believe in being colorblind.

That being said, I also don't believe race is the ONLY way to identify someone.
I am a half-Latina, half-white young woman and damn proud of it. I have a heritage
that goes back to Italy and Greece, and my Mom's marriage was the first biracial marriage in her family. I identify myself as Hispanic on legal forms, and enjoy Indian, Mexican, Spanish, Italian and Japanese food. I think people take racism too far too often, especially when it comes
to here-say, art, and our President. Race only means so much. It signifies where you come from,
what culture values you may or may not practice and what stereotype one falls under. (The stereotypes being the worst thing about race.) Race or "Ethnicity" is not something that defines a whole person. Just because I am white female does NOT mean I like to shop, and just because I am a hispanic female does NOT mean I speak with an accent, or love tacos.
That being said, race and ethnicity perpetuate and permeate society as much as gender does.
It's really sad, and yet another view that needs to be shifted and can get far too radical.
Race is only that. Race.
Each one has had their struggle, and each still continues.
But hopefully someday, someday,
people can see eachother not just for the color of their skin but the content
of their character. And hopefully that someday is soon.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Rape pt. 1

Rape and sexuality are two very, very intertwined things.
My rape has affected my sexuality in a huge way, and probably will the rest of my life.
While now, I am having a healthy, satisfying sexual relationship,
it's been a long road, as I'm sure is the case with many victims.
However, I do not think rape, being comfortable in your sexuality, or being a sexual being
should be things to be ashamed of. These should not be taboo subjects.

What I don't understand, is why when rape is brought up, no one can say anything.
No one can speak up. The silence needs to be broken. The victim blaming needs to stop.

I'm Feeling Green, Like Teenage Lovers Between The Sheets

I've been discussing intimate partner violence lately with friends and my significant other.
When discussing domestic violence, the first thought that usually comes to mind is a young
mother, being beaten continually by a domineering, controlling husband.
This is gender role. This is a stereotype.
Men can be beaten as well- psychologically, emotionally, and yes, physically.
Female partners tend to use weapons against male partners due to a lack of strength.
In my eyes, both are the same. No one deserves abuse. No matter the gender, relationship (hetero or queer), or type of violence.... No one deserves this. While husband beating is less
common, it still occurs, and hotlines, law enforcement do nothing to help these men (Most
are told men are the perpetrators, women are the victims) and while that is more common....
It is still sad. I don't think we should go to the either extreme- there should be help for both male and female victims...

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

New

I love this feeling, the feeling of newness. I made this blog so I can document my freedoms, my decisions, and my political and self awakening. I've been doing a lot of soul searching and reading lately, and I have been becoming more and more aware of myself, my soul, and a sense of who I am in the world. I am currently a college student, and I love it.

This blog is also a bit about me coming into myself sexually. I feel like I have reached a point in my life where I am ready to document who I am becoming, rather than just a relationship, or random thoughts. So I'll start with what I feel right now.

Right now, I've been reading a lot about feminism, international politics, philosophy and am starting back up in sociology, which will definitely continue into the fall semester. I feel very young at 18, and "growing up" makes me sad in a way...