Super-Size...My Health: Re-evaluating Perceptions on Public Health

        As a part of the University of Rhode Island Honors Colloquium on Health, Politics, and Money, Roberta Friedman presented a lecture this Tuesday evening on "Creating Optimal Defaults to Prevent Obesity." Friedman, the Director of Public Policy at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University, stated that 2 in 3 adults are obese in the United States. 1 in 3 children are now obese. She mentions food swamps, areas saturated with fast food establishments, and America's raging portion distortion.

        When news hit the public about Mayor Bloomberg's soda ban on large sugary drinks in restaurants, theaters, and stadiums, the response was electric. The NYT reported a whooping 60% opposition from city-goers. People don't want to be told what they cannot do. Like adolescents, if you forbid something, it only makes them want to do it more. In our society, bulk and wholesale triggers our minds to think, "SAVINGS!" The larger the portion, the more for our money.

        A slightly similar initiative in the name of public health sparked about two years ago when the FDA started plastering cigarette boxes with graphic images and factoids of diseased lungs, corpses, and all the possible detriments that could result in smoking. The hope was that it would make smokers reconsider their actions. This initiative was quickly banned.

        In a country that lives by its free market and freedoms, I don't think we have business placing bans on soda sizes--even if it's for the good of the people. If Mayor Bloomberg's plan were to be enacted nation-wide, eventually I think it would be accepted as background noise. People would complain in casual conversation, like they do for rising gas prices and movie tickets, but it wouldn't deter people from continuing to consume. Would it make people reconsider buying a cup of cola when they buy their buttery popcorn for the new Iron Man 3? Possibly. Would it decrease rates of obesity? Probably not significantly. I applaud the efforts; however, I think our public health initiatives should take form in a different manner.

        There are certain things that society inherently knows. This is the result of strategic branding. Recently a Dior mascara ad was banned because a rival company challenged its false advertisement. The actress, they argued, was retouched so that her lashes seemed artificially separated and thickened. A cosmetic company PhotoShops their advertisements... Can anyone really say that they find this shocking? Everything fed to us has already been processed in some manner. Even reality TV isn't quite reality. But we still buy, watch, and wish we had those lashes, that body, that flawless skin. This is all incorporated into our assumptive world. Aggressive and strategic branding has shaped what now exists.

        So what if we made public health equally acceptable and even cool? If you really think about it, all health-related adverts are generally dry and fact-driven. When they come up, we change the channel. But when a Doritos commercial appears with a dog being sky-rocketed--which I'm pretty sure has nothing to do with what you get when you buy a bag--we watch. It's funny. Sex and humor sells. Am I saying we should make a healthy lifestyle sexy? Not necessarily. (Although if you think about it, balanced diet and lifestyle does boost confidence and improve holistic health. Who doesn't find this attractive?) I am, however, suggesting a reevaluation of how we market and educate about eating better, active lifestyles, vaccinations, and all things public health. Maybe even stick in a little gallow humor.

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer

Confessions of a College Student "Going Green"

            I have been trying to go green for quite some time now and somehow it just never happens. I seem to be the type of person that wastes a lot of things. I don't go for the essential stuff that I seem to need, instead I exceed the limit of items that I might require. When it comes to wasting I can't compare myself to anyone. I have wasted plastic, food, water, and money.

            Plastic: I don't drink water all the time, but when I do, it has to be bottle water. Each day at home I would open a bottle of water that I never finish and the next day the bottle would be in the trash. So when the bottle wasting became something I noticed since I'm trying to go green I decided to use a recycling bin to store all the plastic bottles in. At the end of every week when I decide to clean my room and take the trash out, it dawns on me that I’m living on the 4th floor. This means that I would have to carry the trash and recycling bin all at once outside. The area for the trash and recycle is not even near my building. So when I got sick of going up and down the stairs with two sets of bins, I decided to get rid of the recycling bin. Everything inside of it became part of the trash bin. I closed my eyes to going green because I was tired of taking two bins up and down the stairs

            Food: I love to eat junk food and when I came to college it was like a dream come true. There are two dining halls that serve the ultimate junk foods. When I go to Hope or Butterfield to eat I get more food than I can even consume. At the end of my breakfast, lunch, or dinner I end up throwing away all the food I got. I tell myself that I will decrease the portion of food I get to eat, but each day it gets worse. I have a fast metabolism so I feel as though I can eat everything. Take my first semester of school for example; since I lived upstairs in Butterfield Hall, one of the dining halls on campus. Every day I would go down for lunch and I would get a plate and fill it up with chicken nuggets, wings, fries, and whatever else is being served in the entree area. Then I would get two slices of pizza and I would make my best friend get me two more. The only reason I tell her to get it is because there is a sign in the pizza area that says “2 slices per person." Once I start eating I would feel empty so I would eat the four slices of pizza and three chicken nuggets. By the time I get to everything else I'm already full and I end up throwing away whatever else is left on the plate. After class I would go back to Butterfield or Hope and do the same thing again; in fact I did it about six to seven times a day.

            Water: My water wasting habits goes along with my plastic wasting habits. Each plastic bottle that I throw out usually still has water left over in it. Each day I would open a different water bottle without even finishing the one from the previous day and if I open one and someone touches it, it automatically goes in the bin. See the thing is, I have never been the type to waste water unless it was in a bottle. When I came to college I noticed that my best friend had some water wasting habits. As she brushed her teeth she would leave the faucet running. Every time she did that I told her that she was wasting water and that she needed to stop. One Saturday morning I went to brush my teeth and I had a million thoughts running through my mind that I didn't realize what I was doing. After I was done brushing my teeth I decided to open the faucet to rinse my mouth, but it was already on. So the whole time I was standing there brushing my teeth, I was wasting water. Each day I would notice that the same thing was happening. My best friend’s water wasting habits had gotten to me.

            Money: I don’t know how you can go green for something that already happens to be green, but all I know is that my money wasting habit is ridiculous. I guess it's all because I'm not the one waking up in the morning and going to work to make the money that I spend. My stepfather is the one who supplies me with money. The minute he calls me and tells me that he has put money in my account I would go online to shop before we even get the chance to hang up the phone. One day I ordered two pairs of combat boots. I didn't even like one of the pairs, but I just wanted to buy it because they were combat boots. Then I saw on the top of the sites page that if you spend seventy five dollars or more you get free shipping. Since I was only ten dollars away from free shipping I decided to buy something else. Then I decided to get on my favorite stores (Hollister) website and ordered four pairs of jeans. Three of them were for me and one was a gift for my cousin. Then I got on another website to order some shoes called Moccasins. I really wanted the shoes because it has fur inside which helps keep your feet warm. My friend who happened to be in the room also wanted them and being the nice person that I am I decided to order a pair for her. After the online shopping I checked my online bank statement only to find out that I overdraft my account in under an hour. It was the craziest thing, but it got me to realize that I waste too much money on unnecessary stuff.

            I have personally been trying to work on my go green outlook, but for some strange reason I am addicted to wasting. Sometimes I really do believe that my habits are because of my best friend. In my opinion I never use to waste anything besides money. I chose to keep trying to go green and I am hoping that sooner or later I'll get a wake up. 


            I have personally been trying to work on my go green outlook, but for some strange reason I am addicted to wasting. Sometimes I really do believe that my habits are because of my best friend. In my opinion I never use to waste anything besides money. I chose to keep trying to go green and I am hoping that sooner or later I'll get a wake up. I have stopped drinking bottle water to avoid throwing out plastic bottle so now I just stick to filling up a Brita which filters water from the tap. I went to see the school nutritionist about how I should eat and since then my food wasting has reduced. I have begun to respect food as I am aware that there are some countries in the world that lack food. I brush my teeth in the shower and not at the sink so I can avoid running the faucet. My money wasting habits barely exist now since I have been cut off.

             My advice to anyone going green is to first write down a list of things that you believe you waste and what method you plan on using to reduce the wasting. I would suggest asking people for help. For example, if you waste food a lot, you might want to sit down with a nutritionist and talk about your eating habits, if you waste money a lot you might want to see a financial adviser or find a way to budget yourself. You just have to seek out your resources.

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Mammy Jallow, Guest Writer, is currently a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Health Studies.

Candidly Speaking: Insights from a Former Freshman

            My first semester of freshmen year is what I like to call haunting. Two days before move-in day nothing in my life was out the ordinary, and then suddenly I came down with the stomach bug. Being as sick as I was I couldn’t move into my dorm on move in day. I had missed the experience of being welcomed as a freshmen. The day before classes began I moved into my new dorm. The day was already bad as it had been raining while I was moving in.

            Once I was checked in and handed my code to the door, I made my way upstairs to the fourth floor of Butterfiled. I opened the door to my room and saw my best friend Olivia standing there. As I looked around the room I noticed that our third roommate had taken over most of the space. I was left with the top bunk and little closet space. I didn’t let any of this bother me. I was just in love with the fact that I live on top of one of the dining halls. Little did I know that I would spend all my waking time in there?

            After getting settled in my best friend and I printed out our schedules along with a map of the campus. We highlighted the location of each class and went to bed. The next day we woke up, got ready for class, and made our way out the door. We circled the campus a couple of times before we found any of our classes. Even though we had a map we still got lost as neither one of us knew how to read the map.

            We both had every class together and we both hated our classes. We are both wanting nursing majors and found three of our courses to be challenging. As the semester progressed we found ourselves moving backwards. We were struggling in three of our classes and instead of studying or getting tutored we went to Butterfield to eat, socialize, sleep, and watch Netflix all day long. We didn’t look forward to anything but the weekend. Most of the time we didn’t attend class. We would wake up and ask each other “Are you going to class today?” and of course the answer to that question was always” NO.”

            As the semester came to an end we tried to pull through with our classes, but it was too late. We were failing two out of our six classes and there was nothing we could do. Our GPA suffered terribly and we were very close to academic probation. Leaving URI at the end of the first semester we came up with a master plan to not let our second semester be as disastrous as the first. I can truly say I learned my lesson on the importance of attending classes and studying. 

            Going into my second year of college I am hoping to not get the stomach bug on move-in day. My best friend and I have already printed out our schedules and this year we don’t need a map to find our way around. Our classes are a little less hectic. We are only taking four classes as oppose to six. We’ve already spoken to people who have taken the courses that we are going to be taking in the fall. We came up with a study schedule and times to go to the Academic Enhancement Center (AEC) for tutoring.

            My advice to the incoming freshmen is for starters: Avoid making the dining hall the one place you go. Try to attend all of your classes and if you miss a day or so find a reliable classmate who has all the information covered in class or go see your professor about it. There are some courses that are very hard to catch up in so missing class often will cause nothing but failure. Avoid procrastinating when you have work that needs to be done by a certain time. I know that most people’s parents tell them to put their education first and I think this is very true. Once you see your opportunity almost slip away you learn to do everything differently. 

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Mammy Jallow, Guest Writer, is currently a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Health Studies.

(Almost) Welcome Back

            When I step outside, I can smell the looming onset of fall. I can hear the jubilant chatter amongst students about the classes they're in and about the amount of reading they will have to do for the first week of school.  I can see the rise in noise level as the semester progresses and students begin packing to the library in hoards to cram for exams...

            Okay, so may be actually being able to smell the coming of a new semester is debatable, but one thing is for sure--September is inching its way closer. With each new academic year, we have much to look forward to: New faces, classes, opportunities, and ideas. At the Multicultural Center, we're gearing up for our first major event of the fall semester: Diversity Week (Monday, October 1st - Friday, October 5th). We're excited to bring you over 60 stimulating workshops, events, and seminars--this year, with a focus on health care. Be sure to keep an eye out for more information as the time draws closer. 

            Step inside our building in the fall and you'll notice a few design renovations. We won't spoil the surprises just yet. Be sure to also utilize all of our new resources including our Talk2MCC texting feature. Have a question or looking to book an appointment to come in and speak with us? Text it to 265010! 

            Finally, with the new semester, you'll most likely make new friends. Have us be one of them. Add us on Facebook and show us some love. But as fun as liking our posts and commenting on our wall can be, face-to-face conversation will never get old. Feel free to stop by our Main Office and introduce yourself. We'd love to show you around and orient you to the resources available. Until then, enjoy your summer! We greatly look forward to getting to know you. 

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer

Nearing the Finish Line

            In middle school, many of us looked up to the taller, more popular high school-ers and wanted to be them. By the time high school came around, our vision became focused on college life. Senioritis kicked in and no longer could we pay attention in lecture. It was as though our brains went into automatic and like a contagion, a mass of daydreaming, excited soon-to-be college acceptees. 

            Today marks the last day of classes for the University of Rhode Island. In less than a month, we will see the Class of 2012 walk the stage. Now, how do you spot a senior? If you peek into the library's 24 Hour Room, you'll see a mass of students hyped up on caffeine and feverishly flipping through notes and typing long, double-spaced essays. 

These students are not seniors. 

Look through the window to the Quad on a warm sunny day. See those students sun-bathing on the grass? That's your graduating class. By this time, most Class of 2012-ers have pretty much mentally checked out. Engage them in conversation about their future plans and what they have in store for after May, and a few will tell you about their acceptances to graduate school, a full-time job they landed, or plans for a backpacking trip across the globe. A handful will also candidly admit to you that they have absolutely no idea what they will do post-graduation and insert a muttered remark about finding a job. 

            As these young adults are busy shifting the pieces in place for their path ahead, we'd like to offer our parting gift: Advice.

"Good luck with the world." -Anonymous Freshman

"Don't live with your parents! Move out. Good luck finding an apartment! ...and don't get married the next day." -Francisco Vargas, Junior

"Find a job, fast." -Anonymous Senior

"God speed." -Anthony Mam, Graduate Student

Congratulations, Class of 2012! We know you'll all do great things.

Have you RSVP'd yet?

In case you've been hiding under a rock for the past few weeks, here's a quick blog post invite for our 14th Annual URI Diversity Awards! This year we're excited to celebrate the achievements of many talented individuals--names we all know and respect. Who are they? Join us Tuesday, April 10th to find out! Reception starts at 6:30PM. If you haven't already, please e-mail Mailee Kue, Assistant Director, at maileekue@uri.edu to reserve your seat for dinner. For those of you who are more tech-savvy, feel free to text us at 265010, starting the message with "talk2mcc: " and text in your information. 

We're also enthusiastic to let you know that this year's keynote speaker will be  
Dr. John J. Ramos, Sr., Former Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools! 

Questions? Post a comment or contact us via your favorite platform. Thanks, and stay tuned for more updates. Hope to see you there! 

Being the Change

            The Jubilee Project was the result of three young men, Jason, a consultant, Eddie, a videographer, and Eric, a student at Harvard Medical School, who united over their passion for cinematography and social justice. Through their short films, they aim to raise awareness for a myriad of causes, while also raising money through sponsors who donate an amount of money for every single view garnered for that video. When their project first started out in 2010, their video shot in the New York subway station raised over $700 for Haiti earthquake relief. Today they have over sixty videos (and growing) bringing light to causes they believe in.

           The Jubilee Project is an incredibly beautiful idea for an incredibly beautiful cause. The fact that a common idea could unite people from such diverse areas in an effort to essentially change the world, is inspiring. What’s great is that the videos they produce fit the current generation. They’re fun, emotional, relatable, and uplifting. Recently, they partnered with Harvard’s class of 2014 to create a parody video on “Jizz in My Pants,” raising funds for prostate cancer research. Through watching their videos, hundreds of thousands of people are inadvertently contributing to that cause. When they share that video through their social links, they increase awareness and also the impact of change.

          “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Jason, Eddie, and Eric have wholly embodied Ghandi’s famous quote. If we each could embrace what we each love and add in what we are passionate about, we can change the world. Instead of feeling as if there is so much pain and anguish that is beyond our aid, we can take steps to do what we can. While it may not alleviate the entirety of the global situation, it has the potential to at least impart something that would not have happened without that action. As they say, doing good is contagious; but doing what you love is contagious. Love is contagious. And it has the ability to change the world…one life at a time. 

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer 

Note:  "Peaches," the song used in the featured musical short, can be purchased for a donation of choice (but at least $1). All proceeds go towards the American Society for Deaf Children.

Doctors Make Mistakes

Doctors are humans. Humans make mistakes...however, when you excise the center of those two statements and are left with "doctors make mistakes," the vibe changes. Brian Goldman brings up a prominent point that even those who are not physicians, understand. We have this stigma in society that doctors are omniscient beings that know everything and are supposed to be flawless. It’s as if the granting of a medical degree is a badge that for some reason screams out, “I am perfect.” That stigma is far from the truth.  Mistakes are made every minute of every day in the health care system. Physicians are distracted, sleep deprived, miss symptoms, make a wrong diagnosis, and every day, people die. The passing of a patient, especially one’s first, is something no physician, or any human being for that matter, ever forgets. It’s like a heated metal bar searing a burn on one’s heart. Although with time the pain may alleviate, the scar is always visible, keratinized tissue that never goes away. With that scar, comes the heavy veil of guilt, self-inflicted punishment followed by a downward fall into the belief that one is incompetent or a quickly narrowed vision catalyzed by the belief that if by doing more, studying more, listening more, working more, one can forgo all future mishaps—and sometimes, these reactions are coupled. But even more taboo than making the mistakes, is actually talking about them. Let’s be honest—how many of us would immediately choose to undergo a surgical procedure from a physician who we knew had in the past, operated on the wrong side of the patient? How many of us would instill complete trust in a physician who we knew had made an incorrect diagnosis—not once, but several times? We place physicians on an idolized pedestal that they cannot get off of. There are culturally-built barriers that make it socially unacceptable for doctors to say, “I made a mistake that impacted another’s life, I feel terrible, and I need to talk about it.” 

For some reason, humanity is expected of physicians, but when it comes to the reverse perspective, physicians are not humans.

Humans make mistakes. We accept that.

Physicians make mistakes. Is this the same to swallow as the first?

We need to redefine medical culture. We need to abandon the idea of a perfect system with perfect health care professionals because change and growth cannot ensue in an environment where the two paths are either that of absolute success or absolute failure.

In a study reported by U.S. News in 2009, over 21% of medical students suffer from depression with a 6% prone to suicidal thoughts. The fact that these figures exist indicate a problem in our health care system. When we have the individuals taking care of us at the detriment to their own health, perhaps it’s an indication that maybe something needs to be re-evaluated.

Recent steps to address the topic: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp058183 

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer

The Importance of a Global Perspective

             So often we find ourselves complaining about the status of own health care system. We become severely angry when we wait for hours in order to see a doctor, angry when an individual who just came in, is escorted through the double doors to be admitted. This is not to say that our health care system is perfect—no system is without its flaws—but in comparison that of others, it is exponentially better. In western African in the country of Cameroon, Prudence lost her life because 1) the midwife did not know that sitting and bouncing on her enlarged belly would rupture the uterus, 2) her family did not have enough money to convince the local physician to treat her, and 3) her value as a woman was not enough to be saved. And so for three days she laid while her deceased fetus rotted inside of her. And when the Kristof and WuDunn team by chance saw the young woman and offered donations of their matching blood type (for the surgery) and money (for the equipment and services), the physician left out the back door out of spite for the family (since he was certain they had money to pay up earlier). The attending nurses berated the family for their lack of action and inability to pay. When she finally underwent the operation the the following day, Prudence fell into a comatose state, her insides severely infected from the stretch of time while she lay untreated. Three days following, Prudence passed away.

           The sad part of this is that it’s not uncommon. In many developing countries, gender inequities exist that allow women to be mistreated by their own husbands. Practices of female genital mutilation (alternatively known as female genital cutting or female circumcision), is a procedure done with intention of keeping women "pure" and more marriage-material. Often times it is done without anesthesia or sterile tools by the hands of mothers in the community when a female is young or right before she goes into labor. There are varying degrees of the mutilation in which the clitoris and sometimes labia, are cut and removed. The procedure is done while the female is forcefully pinned down by family members and requires the female to be tied from legs to hip for about 6 weeks, ensuring that the edges of the cut heal together. Following that stretch of time, a small hole is often formed with a twig or small rock to allow release of urine and menstrual blood from the now fused wall of flesh. The subsequently formed layer of fused genital tissue is then cut open when a woman has intercourse with her husband and at the time of giving birth. Tremendous pain is associated with the entire practice and places the woman at severe risk for infection, psychological detriment, and mortality--especially when she is mutilated prior to giving birth. The resulting loss of blood is incredibly dangerous. 

           Maternal health, or the lack thereof, is attributed to a number of factors--including biology, education, and the social status of women. A step in breaking the cycle of tradition, is to offer equal access to education. Enlightened women have a better chance of staying in school and are able to better defend their health and that of their future generation's. Enlightened men have a better understanding of health and the consequences of their actions. While there are a handful of NGOs and federally-funded programs actively working to change the status quo, there are an equally high number of individuals who, after learning about what transpires in the world, want to be an agent of change.

          WorldTeach is a non-profit organization that is some-what hybrid of the Peace Corps and Teach for America. It provides individuals with an opportunity to volunteer  their time as teachers in developing countries. Its distinct difference is its time commitment. Volunteers may choose to apply for positions during the summer, a semester’s span, or a year. As Kristof points out, WorldTeach provides an opportunity for young adults/college students to make a difference within the constraints of their own academic endeavors. This is not to say that the Peace Corps and Teach for America does not have equally appealing benefits; however, while the Peace Corps requires a 27 month commitment that most students cannot make until after they graduate. WorldTeach is equivalent to a study abroad program offered in many universities and has the potential to provide perspective to those who are willing to open their hearts and minds. Such programs, with great value, should be promoted and supported just like popular study abroad trips or alternative break trips. It’s one thing to read about what’s happening across the globe, but it’s another thing to see and experience it up close, and be able to do something about it—even if it’s a seemingly small contribution.

          World Teach does require its volunteers to offer a certain contribution based on the country and period of their commitment, but the costs associated are about equal to that of a university-based study abroad program. It would be great to see offered funding support from educational institutions for students who wish to support such a cause. It’s programs like this that bridge that knowledge gap between us and the rest of the world.

          For those who are weary for the culture shock, alternatives include literature. Read. Everything and anything that breaks down the walls separating self from external life. We are a species divided only by the divisions we put up. Strive for a life without borders and a constantly changing perspective. 

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer, is currently a junior at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Biological Sciences. 

The Meaning of Valentine's Day

            Valentine’s Day: what a holiday. I feel like that’s the best way I can put it seeing as when I think about this holiday, I just feel this overwhelming feeling of indifference. And no, before you start thinking I’m just one of those people, who “just hatin cuz he ain’t got no Valentine...” Within my limited experience as a young adult, I have experienced Valentines alone, and I have experienced Valentine's while in a relationship. And either way, my feelings are the same and can be summed up easily with an “ehhh.” It feels like one of those whatever days, like if you enjoy celebrating Valentine's, then go right ahead; and don’t let anybody stop you. If not . . . then whatever, just go about your business and continue your living your life like you would any other day. 

            The best analogy I can think of when it comes to Valentine’s Day is it’s like taking a survey. You go down the list, reading questions and filling in those little bubbles based on whether or not the question applies to you. Valentine’s, and all holidays for that matter, is the same thing. You live life day-to-day, just going about your business and “doing you,” and when a holiday comes up that applies to you, you celebrate it. If not, you just continue doing you, living life day-to-day. . . For those who haven’t yet figured out what the term “Doing you” or “Do you” means, it’s basically another way of saying be yourself. With that being said, how ridiculous would it be if every time you were filling out a survey, and came across a question that doesn’t apply to you, you just start flipping out? Think about how many women there would be sobbing with their #2 pencils in their hands. Or how many guys there would be lying to themselves about how they are happy that survey question doesn’t apply to them. Or think about if other countries were just annoyed every time an American holiday was to occur. Like for example, “Damn those Americans, hoggin' all the ground hogs!!! How is the rest of the world going to figure out if there will be six more weeks of winter or not?!?”

            I am currently in a relationship, and my girlfriend loves Valentine’s Day, which is basically the only real reason why I celebrate it. I mean she knows how I feel about the day, but if it makes her happy, then why not? But I’d think if we didn’t celebrate it, my feelings for her wouldn’t come into question. And even if they did, there’s fifty-million other holidays (birthdays, New Years, ChristmaHannuhKwanza, etc.) on which I can express my feelings for her or whoever I choose. Aside from every other day, which I’d say are much better, because then it comes as a surprise and shows you authentically wanted to do something special for that person. But I don’t know, that’s really just how I see it or interpret things, and what do I know? I mean I’m sure there’s an army of females out there who were brainwashed before they entered elementary school into believing that they have to find their Prince Charming if they ever want to be happy who probably disagree with me.

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Stefan Correia, Staff Writer, is currently a junior studying Public Relations at the University  of Rhode Island.

The Tube's Effect on Women

This is an amazing monologue from the movie film, The Network. This speech was revealed to me on twitter by a very enlightened young woman named Ann. The character speaks on the power of the “Tube”, and its effects on society. The “Tube” is television, but I’m speaking of the media, in general. One thing I think we all are guilty of is not considering how much the media has shaped us. The way we talk, what we eat, what we wear, even our mannerisms are not original, but things we subconsciously took from television, movies, music, family and friends, who have also picked up traits from these media outlets. We’ve pretty much become reflections of what we see on TV, and it has even altered the way we think and interact with one another. Sadly, we all think we’ve reached a level of enlightenment where the media doesn’t effect us, which is erroneous (my favorite word).

The worlds in films and television are not reality, where everything is seemingly perfect. The hero always wins. The guy always gets the girl. Men & women are always handsome and beautiful. I think “Reality” TV is the worst thing that has ever happened to black women especially, because of the way black women are portrayed. I was wondering, one day, why women seem more susceptible to the media. Some people might say “it’s the fundamental difference between the two sexes physiologically”. That fundamental difference being: women are “weaker minded” than men. I would disagree, because males & females are exactly the same, in terms of brain function and learning ability. The physical disparities between males & females are where the differences end. All the differences we see and complain about now, regarding the opposite gender, are differences taught to us by society. Women, through the media, are taught to be inferior; weaker minded & subordinate to men, while men are taught to exude a certain level of machoism & superiority towards women. Masculinity & Femininity are social constructs perpetuated by the media and reproduced by us, putting women at a subordinate position to men. Black women are the most oppressed people in the world, facing oppression by white men, who oppress everyone, and black men who oppress their women. African sisters have been attacked mentally by the system of white supremacy we all live in, and, sadly, have been physically attacked by black men. In terms of domestic violence, our promiscuity and lack of participation is a potential failure at raising the next generation.

Shows like Love & Hip-Hop and Basketball Wives are portraying black women in such a negative way, yet we all tune in to watch. These shows do entertain, but they also give off the illusion that all black women act like the characters we see on these shows. Some black women on reality TV are rude, inconsiderate, materialistic, self-centered and famous, because of their celebrity husbands. This perpetuates the misconception that only women with rich or important husbands can be important themselves. The media has made black women see themselves as inferior; from their naturally curly hair, to their fuller lips and their darker complexion. The media has given us the idea that all these things are negative and unattractive. Sadly, black men feed into this by preferring lighter skinned women to darker sisters. The standard of what we have considered to be “beautiful” was established by white men. The black man’s attraction to lighter skin, or straighter hair, is not natural, but a result of our time living under white supremacy. The constant attack on the female psyche and body has left women mentally wounded and susceptible to all the negative images of themselves on TV. This gives us an opportunity to gauge how strong black women are, even though they have been oppressed for hundreds of years, still thrive and do their best to raise good children under seemingly impossible circumstances.

Women must break this mold of subordination. Men & Women are partners on this earth, and neither one is better or worse than the other. I only ask that women try not to adopt more “masculine” traits, in an attempt to break this mold. Masculinity is not the “correct” behavior to embrace for anyone, especially a woman. I know men are not perfect. We are fifty percent of the problem. Understand, though, that this is a vicious cycle. Men continue their behavior because women allow it and vice versa.


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Kabir Lambo, Guest Contributing Writer
Visit his blog via: http://sorry4theblog.com/