Seperate but Equal?

In class last week, we discussed our new unit: Women and Children. I think this is a very unusual idea for a unit, but I am intrigued in the sorts of discussions and projects we will be having in the duration of this unit. I brought it up in class, but I think the 'women & children' stereotype is still in place today partly because we refuse to change. Notably, I talked about the fact that women are not allowed in combat in the army even today. When I was trying to find evidence to back my claim, I came across an article by the Center of Defense Information.

Women in History

Joan or Arc was the most famous female warrior, "who in 1429, at the age of 17, successfully led French troops into battle against the English. Hundreds of women disguised themselves as men to fight in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars."

Policy Today

"On October 1, 1994, the Defense Department issued a policy that rescinded the so-called "risk rule" that gauges the specialties to which women can be assigned. The policy was backed strongly by Secretary of Defense Les Aspin and was the extension of the changes made in April 1993 that opened most aviation specialties, including attack helicopters, to women (Army, March 1994). The policy emphasized that no job will be closed to women just because it is dangerous, but fails to open direct offensive ground combat jobs to women (Army, March 1994). Even today, though, the official policy of the Army and Marine Corps excludes women from combat which precludes 12 percent of skilled positions and 39 percent of the total positions (GAO Report, July 1996)."

Although the army allows women in some dangerous position, they are excluded from combat. I don't understand why the army does this. With today's situation in Iraq we clearly need fighting soldiers. Also if women sign up for duty, they should assume the same responsibility as men. But if I was given an "easier" position, I would be offended. Women go through the same training as men. There is no difference except for the way the army treats them in times of war.

The article ends with "If the United States is to remain the world's most capable and most powerful military power, we need to have the best person in each job, regardless of their gender." I think common standards for combat should be kept for all armed forces soldiers to pass. If you do pass them, even if you are a women, you should be allowed to fight. The regulations that the army keeps is holding women back in terms of equal rights.

This Day In History

Being bored, and needing one more blog post, I searched the Internet for anything interesting. One site I found is from the history channel, "this day in history." Today (or yesterday at this point), January 7 was a historic day in 1789. Today, 219 years ago, the first presidential elections were held. This was monumental for our country in its infancy. According to the article, only white men who owned property were aloud to vote in that election. Back then they started the Electoral College system, which we still use today. I feel this is so relevant because now, in 2008, we are currently undergoing the beginning stages of a new presidency. The Iowa Caucasus were last Thursday, and the New Hampshire ones are tomorrow.

Since our first elections, I think we've come a long way. We have 50 states now instead of 13. We have things like electronic voting machines, poll watchers and precincts. Also blacks, women and non-property owners are allowed to vote. But the core essence of democracy is still the same. We vote for who we believe can effectively run the country. Although the technology of running the polling stations has improved, have we as a country evolved? Historically we have been less than enthusiastic about voting. According to George Mason University, voter turnout peaked at about 63% in the 1960's election. We take the right to vote for granted, and don't see it as an privledge, not a right. I think Americans should step up and take charge of the country. In 219 years if we haven't seen much improvement, there is something wrong. If we want our country to remain free and productive, we have to vote for the right people to lead our nation.

New Years Resolution

We all know when the ball drops in New York at midnight, we begin a new calender year. But some people try to reinvent or better themselves every year. New Years Resolutions are always a topic of conversation. When I googled "New Year Resolutions" it returned about 7.47 million results. Scrolling down, I found popular new year resolutions according to usa.gov:
Lose Weight
Pay Off Debt
Save Money
Get a Better Job
Get Fit
Eat Right
Get a Better Education
Drink Less Alcohol
Quit Smoking Now
Reduce Stress Overall
Reduce Stress at Work
Take a Trip
Volunteer to Help Others
Holiday and New Year Health-e-Cards

Now if you click on any of these suggestions, it links you to a website that could help you keep all of these resolutions. But why do we really want to get rid of our bad habits during this time of the year? Personally I don't think it's realistic to put so much pressure on ourselves to change. If I haven't been working out since the summer, why am I likely to start now? Honestly, I'm not. In a way I almost see New Years as a type of consumerism I can only relate to say Valentine's Day or Christmas. A manufactured holiday to boost sales. In the past week, no matter what channel I watch, I am bombarded by fitness club advertisements and diet commercials. I don't believe I have ever talked to anyone who has kept their resolutions past February. Life is stressful, and high expectations make it even harder. I can see how people want to be hopeful for a better or more happy life. But why can't we except ourselves? I'm happy with not going to the gym everyday. Most of the resolutions on the list above are things I try to do all year round, not just in January and February. When looking at life, I say be who you are. If you aren't the type who is going to go to the gym everyday, don't.