Ohnezu

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I love how the longer im in school the less of an event the first day is.  Although I’m SUPER EXCITED for classes to start Today, I haven’t done anything special.  I remember when I was younger, I used to go out and buy new outfits and school supplies.  While that obviously was a tradition for my elementary/junior/senior high years, I carried it over to college as well.  Now that I’m starting a doctoral program I feel like I’ve abandoned that tradition altogether.  Although I’d like to pretend that its because I’m choosing not to participate in the back to school consumption drive, it’s mainly because I’m broke as hell; which is a result of grad student life.  Anyway the only new thinks I have are a pair of kahki pants for my TA assignment and some swag my new department gave me: a coffee mug, pen, sticky notes, a key chain and business cards.

Photo reply with pics of anything cool you bought for back to school!

Inspired by KiKi and the new Frosted Mini Wheats commercials I’ve decided to make some resolutions, or goals, for the new school year which begins tomorrow.

1. Finish reading BEFORE the day of class - While I was working on my MA I had a horrible habit of not reading until the night before a certain assignment was due.  Usually my “bight before” strategy would leave me scrambling to finish readings within the last few hours before class.  This usually meant that I didn’t read everything that was assigned and usually had to BS my way through in class discussions.  Although I am not that only grad student who does this, and it certainly isn’t problematic for everyone, I would like to change this.  Thus, I resolve that this year I will finish reading assignments at least 24 hours before class.
    
2. Finish assignments early and PROOF READ - This resolution build off of the last one.  Because I usually finished my reading a few hours before class, I found myself scrambling to write weekly reaction papers.  Therefore I usually finished writing minutes before class and never had time to proof read or edit.  This year I will finish my assignments early and proof read them before turning them in.
    
3. Get involved with Department/University/Professional Organization committees -  Although research and teaching dominate academic careers, service is also important.  This year I will volunteer to serve on at least one committee at the department, university, or organizational level.
   
   
4. Submit at least one paper for publication - I’ve presented at numerous conferences, however I have yet to submit anything for publication.  This needs to change.
   
   
5. Find a Faculty Mentor in my new department - Although I’m serving as a TA/RA for a faculty member this year, the relationship isn’t necessarily meant to be one of mentoring.  Although I’m sure the Prof I’m assigned to will be helpful in guiding me through the department, I need to find someone who shares my research interests and can become my dissertation chair.

Although it’s short, this list represents five things I can do to make my first year as a PhD student successful.  I’ll keep you posted on my progress.  

As a White male, I often surprise people when I tell them that I am a Feminist.  Because our society often depicts Feminists as rabid, man hating, bra burning lesbians, some people are confused how someone of my privileged status can assume such an identity.  Generally however, those baffled by my assertion that I am a Feminist are outside the walls of academia.  There are however occasions in which I’m called upon to explain not only why I am a Feminist but also to explain what Feminism is.  The answer to the later question is rather difficult and complicated - I’ve taken entire courses in Feminist Theory and at the end of the semester the answer is “it depends”.  The purpose of this post is to serve as an introduction to Feminist thought.  In no way is this a complete and thorough examination of the History of Feminism or Feminist theory.  And in many ways this entry reflects my interpretation of Feminism which may differ from the views and interpretations of Feminist scholars everywhere.

Generally, there are three recognized “waves” of Feminism.  First Wave Feminism began with the women’s suffrage movement in the late 19th and early 20th century.  The women (and in some cases men) of this era fought for women to have equal rights as citizens of the United States.  Second Wave Feminism began was born in the Post-World War II Era.  Generally, Second Wave Feminism is associated with the fight for (white) women to gain equal rights in the work place. Today many scholars have critiqued the Second Wave as being concerned primarily with issues related to white middle class women and ignoring the struggles of Black women and poor women across America.  Although Second Wave Feminism is largely associated with the 60’s and 70’s there are many Second Wave writers, scholars and activists who still identify with this movement.  Third Wave Feminism began in the 1980’s and is still alive today.  While Third Wave Feminism continues to fight for equality in the work place, many Third Wave Feminist also fight for women to have control of their bodies and take more multicultural perspectives.  For many Third Wavers, Feminism is about choice.

The term Feminism can mean many things to many different people.  There are many “camps” or “schools of thought” within the Feminism movement.  There are Marxist Feminist, and Black Feminist, Liberal and Radical Feminists, there are Eco Feminists, Pro-Sex and Anti-Porn Feminists just to name a few.  While each of these schools of thought take different perspectives, they share many of the same views.  Ultimately, Feminists actively fight for equality of women in society.  One famous Feminist quote states it best “Feminism is the radical notion that women are people”.

Although there may be variations among the different schools of thought there are generally three principles to which most Feminists subscribe: 1) Women should be treated equally in all aspects of society, 2) Women should have the right to choose what is best for their lives and their bodies, 3) Patriarchy (men’s domination over all aspects of society) must be overcome before equality between women and men will be possible.

So to answer the question “what is Feminism?” the shortest answer would be that Feminism is about making women equal citizens in all aspects of society.  Feminism is also about choice and giving women the power to make choices about what is best for their lives and their bodies.  Although it’s simplified, this is what I believe Feminism to be and that is why I describe myself as a Feminist.  While I certainly have deeper beliefs than simply equality and choice - this blog is not intended to be a manifesto.  

If you’re interested in learning more about Feminism and the Feminist movement there are plenty of other blogs out there, but I’ve provided a few links bellow to some books that I have found to be extremely informative.

• Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
• Feminist Thought by Rosemaire Tong
• The Second Wave: A Reader in Feminist History edited by Linda Nicholson

Just a few weeks ago, the planter bellow was noting more than a pot of dirty, dead leaves, and birdseed.  Then one day I noted a small bulb making its ways up from the decay - with in a 3 days it had grown to be able 6 inches tall and bloomed into a bright red globe.  It was amazing!  But as quickly as it came, it soon shriveled and died and the planter was once again nothing more than a plant grave.  Then, last week growth returned.  A few new sprouts were poking their heads out of the soil.  On Friday, the planter bellow was nothing more than a few sprouts beginning to break the soil.  I took the first picture yesterday, amazed at how much the plant had grown over the weekend.  The second picture I took today.  In just 24 hours this plant has made some serious progress!  The large bud in the center is about to open, and another is creeping up on the side, and it looks like I’ve got some gorgeous leaves about to unfold.

I have no idea what kind of plant this is.  One of my old roommates left the barren planter when she moved out.  On top of it all I have done anything but leave it out in the rain and give it a sunny spot on my deck.  Pretty cool huh?

 Now, I’ll be the first to admit: sometimes I can be a little clingy…  But that’s just the Cancer in me.  When I first me a guy that I think is cute, I’m usually shy and quite.  If I think he likes me too I’ll loosen up a bit - and if we start “talking” or dating there’s a good chance the walls will come down and I’ll get a little attached.  At times I may even seem a little co-dependent (sexy I know).  But one thing I do not do is become obsessed with someone I’ve been chatting with online for two days.

Since I’ve just moved to Orlando I’ve been trying to meet some new people.  I’ve already got some great friends in the area, but I’m just seeing who is out there.  To do so I’ve been using two popular gay personals websites.  One targets gay men in general, and for the most part is a cruising website (though I’m not using it for those purposes - I SWEAR!), the other is for the bear subculture.  I’ve had some pretty decent conversations with some cool guys on both websites, however, there’s one person who will not leave me alone on the bear site.

He’s 22, single, a virgin, and cute but not my type.  For the last two or three days he’s been messaging me to tell me how hot I am and that he wants to hang out.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a compliment here and there; my self esteem needs a boost here and there. And I certainly don’t have a problem meeting people that I’ve chatted with online.  But as I’ve made clear in my profile, I’m mainly just looking to chat, see who’s cool and then maybe meet.  So far this kid has tried to invite himself over to my house at least 5 times, so we can “cuddle and make out”.  I am a self professed cuddle whore, and I can make out with someone for hours - but I’ve got to be into. On top of that cuddling and making out isn’t something that I do with friends.  How prudish I know!  Anyway dude keeps messaging me and it’s beginning to creep me out.  I mean if he’s this into me now, imagine what it would be like if we met?  I’ll have to make sure my taser is good and charged if that ever happens…which it probably won’t.

I’ve explained to him several times now that he’s moving way to fast and that I’m not really looking to jump into a dating situation right now - yet he constantly sends me his cell phone number and begs me to text him.  Yeah right, like I want him to have my cell number? As if!  So yeah - this blog is sounding more like a rant than I intended but this kid is stressin’ me out!  I don’t want to be mean - he seems nice enough.  He’s just a virgin who needs to get the sh*t f*d out of him and then I’m sure he’ll simmer down.  But I’m not up to that task…  

For the last three years I’ve been blogging (on and off) at ohnezu.net.  With my domain set to expire in a few days, and my growing frustrations with wordpress I’ve decided to move things to tumblr.  So far I’m pretty impressed!

Anywho, this blog serves as an introduction for those who may not know me.  My name is Marc, I’m 26 years old and I live in Orlando, FL.  Well - not yet, I’ve got a few days left in Tampa before I move to begin my PhD in Sociology.  I’m currently single and live with my cat Calvin, whom I’m sure I will blog about from time to time.  I love good food and good friends.  I love to cook, although I hate cooking for one.  I’m extremely excited about my move and new begging!  I’m hoping to use the blog to share my experiences in my new town and at my new school.  It should be a great adventure and I look forward to sharing it with you all!