I'm going to make Major League Baseball (MLB) more accountable for the performance enhancing drugs that players used over the past 20 years. They're just as much to blame as the players. Rules were minimal, and regulation of the drugs was pretty much non existent until a few years ago. MLB profited heavily from the use of the performance enhancing drugs. Now, they're making the players who used them out to be bad guys, scape goats. What the players did is a "black eye" on the sport. MLB tries to make it look like it was purely a product of player greed, when in all actuality, it was a product of competition and peer pressure among players and teams. Money was involved, and that's a pretty big motivator to succeed.
Players are considered villains by some for using the drugs. They were trying to gain an advantage. Just like you would if you were practicing, working out, or taking creatine or another "legal" substance. The drugs may push the limits, and be "illegal" now. They may also be bad for you physically. It also isn't fair to the players who weren't using the same performance enhancing drugs. At the same time, it's not technically "cheating" if it's not against the rules, or there no testing for it.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Blog # 34 Compelling
If I were a baseball player in 1998, and there were no rules in place for performance enhancing drugs, and some of my competitors were using the drugs, should I use the drugs too ? I mean, if everyone else seemingly is using them, and there is no repercussion to it, and they benefit me and my team, why wouldn't I ? If the sport wasn't regulating it, or didn't even have rules against it, would it really be cheating ? After all, I'm just trying to succeed. If I hit home runs, my team wins, and I get to play baseball for a living. I make more money, and so does my team, and so do the leagues or universities my team play within. Aren't we all in this to win and make money ?
It's good for the sport when people watch, fans are happy, I make money, my team makes money, and it's technically not cheating when there aren't rules against it. How is it bad ?
It's good for the sport when people watch, fans are happy, I make money, my team makes money, and it's technically not cheating when there aren't rules against it. How is it bad ?
Blog # 33 Relevancy of Perfromance Enhancing Drugs in MLB
The topic of performance enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball (MLB) and other sports is relevant because some of us ourselves are competitive athletes and we look up to professional athletes as examples. Also, many athletics play a crucial role in many or our lives. Look at The Ohio State University. What kind of school would it be without athletics ? In particular, football. We built an insanely large football stadium back in the 1920s that we couldn't hardly fill up until after the 2nd world war. Now, football is a multi million dollar money maker for the NCAA and the university.
What if our student athletes used performance enhancing drugs ? What would the pitfalls be for those individuals and the university ? What if we could win the national championship in football or basketball next year by utilizing players who were on performance enhancing drugs? Would it be fair for us to do that if other universities were utilizing players on the same drugs ? How would we enforce the rules against using the drugs if they were not able to detect them in tests ?
What if our student athletes used performance enhancing drugs ? What would the pitfalls be for those individuals and the university ? What if we could win the national championship in football or basketball next year by utilizing players who were on performance enhancing drugs? Would it be fair for us to do that if other universities were utilizing players on the same drugs ? How would we enforce the rules against using the drugs if they were not able to detect them in tests ?
Blog # 32 Timely example for CP
Performance enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball (MLB) is the prime focus of my Commonplace paper. It's the most celebrated example of sports where performance enhancing drugs have been a major issue. I will touch on performance enhancing drugs in other sports, and raise some questions, but the focus will probably be on MLB because it's timely.
Baseball home run totals from 1990-2007 were extremely high. They were much lower every year previous to 1990, and have also been lower since 2008, when testing became common for performance enhancing drugs.
Ticket sales and television ratings in 1998 were extremely high for MLB when there were record numbers of home runs being hit. Ticket sales and televisions ratings are down now. MLB profited highly from the home runs being hit 1998 and other surrounding years, but did nothing in terms of investigating the players who were using the drugs. These players are made out to be villains now, yet MLB knew there was something going on a long time ago. If a large percentage of MLB players were taking the drugs to compete with each other, does that make all of the said players "cheaters"?
Baseball home run totals from 1990-2007 were extremely high. They were much lower every year previous to 1990, and have also been lower since 2008, when testing became common for performance enhancing drugs.
Ticket sales and television ratings in 1998 were extremely high for MLB when there were record numbers of home runs being hit. Ticket sales and televisions ratings are down now. MLB profited highly from the home runs being hit 1998 and other surrounding years, but did nothing in terms of investigating the players who were using the drugs. These players are made out to be villains now, yet MLB knew there was something going on a long time ago. If a large percentage of MLB players were taking the drugs to compete with each other, does that make all of the said players "cheaters"?
Blog # 31 Performance enhancing drugs in Athletics
Performance enhancing drugs in professional and intercollegiate sports will probably be the topic of my CP paper.
The motivation to succeed and reasons behind drug use will be considered. Who profits the most from the drugs ? Athletes themselves, or the teams and leagues they play for ? Do Universities profit from athletes using performance enhancing drugs ? What toll do the drugs take on the human body ? Is it cheating if there are no regulations in place for the drugs ? Who is to blame ? Maybe too broad, I may focus on particular areas.
Major League Baseball (MLB) made millions when people tuned in or went to games to watch Mark Mcgwire, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Alex Rodriguez, and a host of other players hit home runs. In fact, MLB pondered the idea of using metal bats (as opposed to wood) in the late 1980s to increase home runs and scoring in games to make it more exciting for the fans. The sport was deemed "too boring" by many as professional football (NFL) and professional basketball (NBA) grew in popularity. Now that performance enhancing drugs are regulated, and offensive numbers are back down in MLB, attendance and fan interest seem to be dropping.
MLB profited from players who suddenly gained vast amounts of muslcle and body size in the 1990's. Why weren't there investigations and regulations being implemented then ? Baseball profited, and now players who helped baseball make money are vilified by the media and by MLB itself. Was it wrong for these players to use the drugs if they weren't regulated ?
The motivation to succeed and reasons behind drug use will be considered. Who profits the most from the drugs ? Athletes themselves, or the teams and leagues they play for ? Do Universities profit from athletes using performance enhancing drugs ? What toll do the drugs take on the human body ? Is it cheating if there are no regulations in place for the drugs ? Who is to blame ? Maybe too broad, I may focus on particular areas.
Major League Baseball (MLB) made millions when people tuned in or went to games to watch Mark Mcgwire, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Alex Rodriguez, and a host of other players hit home runs. In fact, MLB pondered the idea of using metal bats (as opposed to wood) in the late 1980s to increase home runs and scoring in games to make it more exciting for the fans. The sport was deemed "too boring" by many as professional football (NFL) and professional basketball (NBA) grew in popularity. Now that performance enhancing drugs are regulated, and offensive numbers are back down in MLB, attendance and fan interest seem to be dropping.
MLB profited from players who suddenly gained vast amounts of muslcle and body size in the 1990's. Why weren't there investigations and regulations being implemented then ? Baseball profited, and now players who helped baseball make money are vilified by the media and by MLB itself. Was it wrong for these players to use the drugs if they weren't regulated ?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Blog # 30 : Everyone is Buying it
This article by Krysta Suydam discusses materialism in our society. She brings up many valid points. Advertising and peer pressure make for a very materialistic society. Name brands mean everything, especially in the competitive culture we live in. As the author points out, prospects aren't good for the job market, and budgeting is important, but not something young adults focus on enough. Student loans are brought up, and though these are typically low interest, they can be sizable and take time to pay off. Something Krysta doesn't mention in the article is credit, or credit cards. A whole separate article could be written on that. I just think it's vital to bring credit cards up, because so many adults (young and old) rely on money they don't have to get the things we want. People frequently spend money they don't have. There is a reason we had to take out a very large loan from our friends in communist China (this is ironic to me). Now the United States owes someone money too. It should be an interesting future.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Blog # 29 : Classes, Finals, Friends, and Cancer: The Life of Future College Students?
This article by Shelby Veppert discusses cancer in college aged students. An important topic that not many 17-23 year old students probably think about. There's some good advice here from someone who cares. Like Shelby, I'm nobodies parent either, but the information regarding tanning, eating healthy, not smoking, and exercise is all true. I'm 32, and I smoked for 9 years. I'm in decent health at the moment, but I wish I never smoked, I wasn't very healthy during that period of my life. I give Ohio State credit for offering many food choices to it's students, but there are still way too many soda machines. Coke owns half the planet though, so you'll have that.
Overall the article was positive and gives good information without preaching too much.
Overall the article was positive and gives good information without preaching too much.
Blog # 28 : Comfort Food by Morgan Glaze
In this article, Morgan Glaze compares plastic surgery to ice cream, stating that people are "eating it up". I was surprised to hear that she knew of 5 different girls at Ohio State who had had plastic surgery (breast augmentation). It's one thing to hear about these things in Hollywood, but to understand that college students, and possibly even some younger women are having these surgeries tells us quite a bit about our society and the importance of physical appearance.
Heidi Montag is brought up as a celebrity influence. This is truly scary, because it's my opinion based on what I saw that Heidi looked fine (maybe even good) before she underwent procedures. While I realize this was something she had personal reasons for doing, it may not have provided a good influence to other attractive young women who have confidence issues. Most of her features are now artificial and exaggerated, and she's probably no more attractive than she was to begin with. In some ways, she's probably less attractive to due alterations in her appearance.
The main point of the article wasn't to condemn plastic surgery. It seems to be Morgans opinion that you should only have plastic surgery if you want yourself to look a certain way, not because of what others may think. I would tend to agree with that, though I'm afraid the way we feel about our own appearances will always be highly influenced in some way, shape, or form by those around us.
Heidi Montag is brought up as a celebrity influence. This is truly scary, because it's my opinion based on what I saw that Heidi looked fine (maybe even good) before she underwent procedures. While I realize this was something she had personal reasons for doing, it may not have provided a good influence to other attractive young women who have confidence issues. Most of her features are now artificial and exaggerated, and she's probably no more attractive than she was to begin with. In some ways, she's probably less attractive to due alterations in her appearance.
The main point of the article wasn't to condemn plastic surgery. It seems to be Morgans opinion that you should only have plastic surgery if you want yourself to look a certain way, not because of what others may think. I would tend to agree with that, though I'm afraid the way we feel about our own appearances will always be highly influenced in some way, shape, or form by those around us.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Blog # 27 : Introduction to ARP
People sometimes do irrational things when they are in love. Men specifically do extremely irrational things when they are in love. Chivalry is a term that has been used for hundreds of years. It's use originated in medieval Europe, but the word itself revolves around honor, virtue, and love. This paper will focus on the relationship of Mal and Inara from the TV series Firefly, and how the episode “Shindig” exemplifies chivalry and argues that it will always be a part of our human nature, regardless of where we are, or where we go.
(Still in progress.....)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Blog # 26 : Taking a deeper look at chivalry
There aren't many implications revolving around the idea of chivalry, honor, and men being territorial when it comes to women. This is something that is natural, and happens with many species of animals. Stepping back, analyzing, and watching what happens in the “Shindig” episode of Firefly allows us to observe extreme human behavior from a rational perspective. It also gives us an opportunity to compare it to real world situations and discuss the reasons for the behaviors involved.
It's my belief that a female who watches the episode isn't surprised by anything she sees. This is something a woman might appreciate a man doing if he cared about her. As a male, I'm not surprised when Atherton and Mal fight for Inara, and I assume not many other men would be either. It seems extreme though when you step back and look at the rationality of it. Yet, we all know why they are fighting and it doesn't shock us. It's makes you take a closer look at the situation though, and other real life situations similar to it, and ask "why?". My Analytical Research Project will answer that and hopefully give some perspective on the reasons behind the behavior.
blog # 25 : Real world connection
There are many real world connections to the chivalry that is on display in Firefly : “Shindig”. Gang violence was a good connection relating to present day chivalry and links the human behavior of the past to the human behavior of the future. A past example of chivalry may have been a fight between two knights in medieval England, or a gunfight between the Hatfield's and McCoy's in the late 1800s. These conflicts often revolved around disputes regarding women and relationships.
My current day real world connection revolves around gang violence. There are many reasons for the violence and the situations gangs themselves are involved in. However, “a lot of gang fighting is about girlfriends” says Wes McBride, a retired Los Angeles County Sheriffs investigator in California. He explains this in the article “When Chivalry is Deadly” by Tom Junod. McBride goes on to say “It's really a turf dispute. The woman is a man's property, and if she's insulted, he's insulted,. It's like, Hey, he dissed me. Or, Hey, I don't like the way he looked at you. And then it starts. But it starts with guns, and it's over in seconds.” This isn't like a sword fight that we see in Firefly, but the argument can be made that the situations are very similar.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Blog # 24 bridge between scene and real world
I’m comparing the chivalry in Firefly : “Shindig” to situations involving current day gang violence.
They’re very comparable. They only difference in terms of the physical dynamics of it are that guns are typically used in street gangs as opposed to the swords that were used in “Shindig”. It’s very common for a woman to be insulted, or “dissed” by another man. If the woman happens to live in a semi-archaic gang environment, in a certain part of Los Angeles California, this may lead to a conflict between males. If the female is in relationship with a male different than the one who insulted her, the relationship male will probably be told of the insult spewed by the first male. This will inevitably lead to some sort of confrontational conflict. Often times, this conflict will not involve a simple verbal conversation. They don’t typically argue with swords in current day Los Angeles either. Many people in these gang environments do have guns however. This is sometimes a way for men to have their “duels” in the current world.
Blog # 23 significant scene analysis
The sword fighting scene from Firefly : “Shindig” doesn’t argue anything so much. It’s more of a statement that men will do irrational things when they love a woman. If you want to argue that point, then watching “Shindig” becomes a solid premise for the argument that men will indeed go to great lengths when they love a woman. The sword fight itself seems a bit irrational as we watch, but nothing shocking occurs. Men fighting over women is something that has been going on in various cultures since prehistory of mankind. It has little shock value because we’ve all seen men fight over women in some way. In our society, it’s much more verbal and psychological. In a more archaic society, men would fight over swords. In a modern archaic society, that is somewhat less “civilized” than our own, men might commonly shoot each other with guns over disputes regarding women, and personal honor.
The sword fighting scene itself isn’t anything too extreme because it mimics sword fighting scenes from previous civilizations of our own present day. It shows us however that men display forms of chivalry. Firefly takes place in the future, so it is being argued that chivalry will take place in the future. Just like we know it did in the past, and it sometimes still does in the present.
Evidence to support Mal loving Inara comes from a combination of other incidences in various episodes of Firefly. There are many one on one conversations between Mal and Inara, when no one else is present. Mal makes many disrespecting statements of Inara because of her occupation, but at the same time always seems protective of her. The most obvious instance of Mal caring for Inara comes in “Shindig” when Mal fights Atherton to defend the honor of Inara. In another episode, “Our Mrs. Reynolds”, Inara kisses Mal while he is unconscious, fearing he is about to die. Both characters show mutual feelings towards one another.
Blog # 22 significant scene
In the Firefly episode “Shindig”, there was to be a duel between Atherton and Mal. They previously had gotten into an argument about Inara (a woman). After Mal punches Atherton, Atherton accepts this as a challenge to a sword duel.
The following day, the men face off, although Mal knows nothing about sword fighting. Atherton knows this is a highly advantageous situation for him.
The duel has many on-lookers, including Inara. Mal gets lucky early in the duel, and cuts Atherton across the chest with a shallow blow. After a brief skirmish, it becomes apparent Atherton is just toying with Mal, and is indeed far superior in terms of swordsmanship. Atherton lures Mal towards him by exposing his chest. As Mal approaches, Atherton spins around and stabs him in the side of the abdomen. Mal is hurt, but not vitally wounded. Not long after, Atherton is able to snap Mal’s sword blade while he is on the ground. Just as it appears Atherton is going to finish him, Inara says “Atherton, wait! I'll stay here, exclusive to you.
Just let him live.” Atherton is distracted at this point, and Mal is able to knock the sword from his hands and clubs him across the face with the handle portion of his own sword. He soon after takes control of Atherton’s sword, which he uses to wound him. Atherton isn’t mortally wounded. Mal has the opportunity to then finish Atherton, but he doesn’t.
Just let him live.” Atherton is distracted at this point, and Mal is able to knock the sword from his hands and clubs him across the face with the handle portion of his own sword. He soon after takes control of Atherton’s sword, which he uses to wound him. Atherton isn’t mortally wounded. Mal has the opportunity to then finish Atherton, but he doesn’t.
Atherton is humiliated and lashes out at Mal and Inara. In the end, he makes a fool of himself as Mal and Inara walk away together.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Blog #21 "Sperm does not vary widely in its price, but eggs do"
"Sperm does not vary widely in its price, but eggs do"
This is a brief comment from one of the many anthropological sources I may use. Being and anthropology major, I tend to see this side of relationships more than some people might. The main theme that will support the argument that chivalry exists (and will continue) is the biological motivations of males and females. This article and several others discuss the importance and value of female eggs as opposed to male sperm. We don't put this into verbal context or think about it much, but in my opinion, it's one of the primary motivators for all of our human behaviors ; Especially when it comes to relationships and intimacy. I may use multiple anthropological sources for reference, this is a temporary fix.
Lewis, Ellen. Feminist anthropology : a reader. Blackwell Publishing, 2006.
If you think about it, why are we here ? 90% or better of the human population reproduces, and many of the ones who don't, biologically are unable to (it's not for lack of trying). Even gay and lesbian couples often times want children. People make more people, just like all the other animal species. Eggs are worth fighting for. So we see two men (Mal and Atherton) fight each other in Firefly. In some aspects, the fight doesn't even shock the audience much because acts of chivalry are deeply integrated into our culture and society.
This is a brief comment from one of the many anthropological sources I may use. Being and anthropology major, I tend to see this side of relationships more than some people might. The main theme that will support the argument that chivalry exists (and will continue) is the biological motivations of males and females. This article and several others discuss the importance and value of female eggs as opposed to male sperm. We don't put this into verbal context or think about it much, but in my opinion, it's one of the primary motivators for all of our human behaviors ; Especially when it comes to relationships and intimacy. I may use multiple anthropological sources for reference, this is a temporary fix.
Lewis, Ellen. Feminist anthropology : a reader. Blackwell Publishing, 2006.
If you think about it, why are we here ? 90% or better of the human population reproduces, and many of the ones who don't, biologically are unable to (it's not for lack of trying). Even gay and lesbian couples often times want children. People make more people, just like all the other animal species. Eggs are worth fighting for. So we see two men (Mal and Atherton) fight each other in Firefly. In some aspects, the fight doesn't even shock the audience much because acts of chivalry are deeply integrated into our culture and society.
Blog #20 "Men who lived in an increasingly difficult and complex world committed acts of violence because of jealousy, driven by a sense of honor, by love and by desire for a woman."
"Men who lived in an increasingly difficult and complex world committed acts of violence because of jealousy, driven by a sense of honor, by love and by desire for a woman."
This article discusses chivalry and other issues from Eighteenth century China. I don't plan to use a great deal from this article, but it will be one of several sources that I use to reflect on chivalry over time, and how it has always been a part of our society. This is an important bridge as we come to some of the current day archaic chivalry we still see in parts of our society, including the gang violence that will be brought up in some detail on my APR. More importantly than chivalry though, this article shows how men will become prone to acts of violence when driven by love and desire for a woman. This describes Mal and Atherton in Firefly : "Shindig" to perfection.
"Fighting For Love: Male Jealousy In Eighteenth Century China." Men, Women and Gender in Early Imperial China, Vol. 4 Issue 1, (2002), pages 35-69.
This article discusses chivalry and other issues from Eighteenth century China. I don't plan to use a great deal from this article, but it will be one of several sources that I use to reflect on chivalry over time, and how it has always been a part of our society. This is an important bridge as we come to some of the current day archaic chivalry we still see in parts of our society, including the gang violence that will be brought up in some detail on my APR. More importantly than chivalry though, this article shows how men will become prone to acts of violence when driven by love and desire for a woman. This describes Mal and Atherton in Firefly : "Shindig" to perfection.
"Fighting For Love: Male Jealousy In Eighteenth Century China." Men, Women and Gender in Early Imperial China, Vol. 4 Issue 1, (2002), pages 35-69.
Blog # 19 "We all have theories..."
"We all have theories about what makes a successful relationship tick--romance, communication, what have you. But those theories are more than mere musings: they influence how--and how hard--we fall in love."
This quote comes from a brief article about how hard people fall in love. According to a study done by 3 researchers in New Zealand , how hard people fall in love depends largely upon their personal beliefs. While this may be somewhat true, I won't be using this article as much (maybe one quote) as some of the others. However, the concept and idea of how hard people fall in love does coincide with the relationship of Mal and Inara on Firefly.
Another potential (and possibly more ideal) quote....
"What's important is how closely your relationship mirrors whatever beliefs you bring to it."
"Love's Labors". Pshycology Today ; May/June (1995), Vol. 28 Issue 3, p21
Friday, April 15, 2011
Blog #18 "Given that romantic love is an important part of our lives, one would also expect the same of falling in love."
"Given that romantic love is an important part of our lives, one would also expect the same of falling in love."
Riela, Suzanne. “Experiences of falling in love: Investigating culture, ethnicity, gender, and speed.” Journal of social and personal relationships. Volume 27, Issue 4 (June 2010) p473-493.
blog #17 "A lot of gang fighting is about girlfriends."
"A lot of gang fighting is about girlfriends." Written by Tom Junod for esquire (Feb2008) the article "When Chivalry is Deadly" talks about societies that are "honor based". The article also discusses gang violence and points out that on many occasions, the violence is initiated when a woman is insulted. After a woman is insulted, the man who loves that woman is also insulted, or "dissed". The article is short in terms of description of gang violence, I will find another for my paper. It clearly shows the premise for the argument that chivalry is still alive today though, and that it probably will always exist in every society. There are several classic quotes from this article that will show up in my paper.
Junod, Tom. "When Chivalry Is Deadly", Esquire; Feb2008, Issue 2, p100
Junod, Tom. "When Chivalry Is Deadly", Esquire; Feb2008, Issue 2, p100
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Blog # 15 : Love's Labors
This article talks about how our own values can effect "how hard" we fall in love with someone of the opposite sex. Basically, everyone is different in terms of how they will fall in love. I only plan to use small references from this article.
My plans are to use another handful of references in addition to the main 5. I will also possibly use some real world experience and maybe even conduct some personal interviews if time allows. Some of the items I'm looking at for my paper are referenced news stories and interviews.
After the prospectus assignment, it seems like a universal agreement (by both men and women) that men especially will do some pretty irrational things when they are in love with a girl. Some of the things men do are completely irrational. Of course, women do irrational things too, but they don't often have sword fights like Mal and Atherton had in the Firefly episode "Shindig". In addition to fighting over women, men often go beyond that and do another handful of extreme things. I'm going to look at some of those things, and the chivalry aspect in my paper.
"Love's Labors". Pshycology Today ; May/June (1995), Vol. 28 Issue 3, p21
My plans are to use another handful of references in addition to the main 5. I will also possibly use some real world experience and maybe even conduct some personal interviews if time allows. Some of the items I'm looking at for my paper are referenced news stories and interviews.
After the prospectus assignment, it seems like a universal agreement (by both men and women) that men especially will do some pretty irrational things when they are in love with a girl. Some of the things men do are completely irrational. Of course, women do irrational things too, but they don't often have sword fights like Mal and Atherton had in the Firefly episode "Shindig". In addition to fighting over women, men often go beyond that and do another handful of extreme things. I'm going to look at some of those things, and the chivalry aspect in my paper.
"Love's Labors". Pshycology Today ; May/June (1995), Vol. 28 Issue 3, p21
Blog # 14 : When Chivalry Is Deadly
This was a relatively short, simple article my Tom Junod that ponders the importance of honor and Chivalry. It talks about gang violence, and how much of it revolves around men and their "ownership" of women. If a woman is disrespected in any way by another male, whoever is with that woman is made to feel like they themselves have been disrespected. When fights occur in gang environments such as those that exist in parts of Los Angeles, men don't typically fight with swords (like the dual in Firefly : "Shindig"), they instead use guns. The fights don't last very long. As mentioned, nobody wants to be the one who brings a knife to a gunfight. Though this article focuses more on gang violence, it shows a modern form of Archaic Chivalry that goes back thousands of years. The men probably have no idea what the word "Chivalry" even means, but they do indeed practice a form of it.
Junod, Tom. "When Chivalry Is Deadly", Esquire; Feb2008, Issue 2, p100
Junod, Tom. "When Chivalry Is Deadly", Esquire; Feb2008, Issue 2, p100
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Blog # 13 : Research for APR
While looking for reasons as to why Mal and Atherton would be willing to attempt to murder one another, we have to consider that both men are obviously in love with Inara. Although, Mal isn't exactly forthcoming to her in terms of his true feelings. The fear of losing her however has brought some of his true feelings out. His jealousy and anger towards Atherton is very obvious, as he sees Atherton as a true threat. Mal isn't ready to admit that he loves Inara yet, but nobody else is allowed to.
This article discusses some of the precursors to falling in love. The factors listed in the article include reciprocal liking, appearance, personality, similarity, familiarity, social influences, filling needs, arousal, readiness, specific cues, isolation, and mysteriousness. , such as a sword fight, I felt it was important to understand why he would fall in love with a woman.
This article discusses some of the precursors to falling in love. The factors listed in the article include reciprocal liking, appearance, personality, similarity, familiarity, social influences, filling needs, arousal, readiness, specific cues, isolation, and mysteriousness. , such as a sword fight, I felt it was important to understand why he would fall in love with a woman.
Riela, Suzanne. “Experiences of falling in love: Investigating culture, ethnicity, gender, and speed.” Journal of social and personal relationships. Volume 27, Issue 4 (June 2010) p473-493.
Blog # 12 : Research for APR
I felt this article was relevant because is shows us male envy and jealousy when it comes to women. In terms of time, it goes back several centuries. Since it's in China, it also shows a different culture besides the typical "Western" cultures we typically see a lot of media from in the United States and Europe. Biologically speaking, similar things go on among humans in various places. It shows variation in time and place, but similar behavior.
"Men who lived in an increasingly difficult and complex world committed acts of violence because of jealousy, driven by a sense of honor, by love and by desire for a woman."
"Fighting For Love" sums up what Atherton and Mal are doing to win over Inara in "Shindig".
"Fighting For Love: Male Jealousy In Eighteenth Century China." Men, Women and Gender in Early Imperial China, Vol. 4 Issue 1, (2002), pages 35-69.
"Men who lived in an increasingly difficult and complex world committed acts of violence because of jealousy, driven by a sense of honor, by love and by desire for a woman."
"Fighting For Love" sums up what Atherton and Mal are doing to win over Inara in "Shindig".
"Fighting For Love: Male Jealousy In Eighteenth Century China." Men, Women and Gender in Early Imperial China, Vol. 4 Issue 1, (2002), pages 35-69.
Blog # 11 : Feminist anthropology
Portions of this book discuss the value of human eggs. This is common for many placental mammals who give live birth. Basically though, human sperm is readily available quite often, and is worth less biologically. Female eggs are in higher demand because they are less frequently available. This may be part of the reason a girl is more selective than a guy when it comes to choosing a mate of any kind. I believe women look for quality over quantity. Where as a man may look for a quality mate, but is less selective when it comes to who he will be with physically, as he would like to fertilize as many eggs as possible. Biologically, it's what males tend to do.
This is very important though in relation to Firefly's Shindig episode. Mal and Atherton are fighting over Inara. Both men are willing to die over a woman. Basically, they are fighting for the rights to be with her because her eggs are in extremely high demand. In addition to her being a female with eggs, she also has more attractive female features than many others, which makes her eggs even more valuable. The men would like their offspring to posses her attractive qualities and attributes. Of course, they're not really thinking about all this while they are "in love" or "lusting" over Inara. Tunnel vision sets in though, and they both want the same woman.
This is very important though in relation to Firefly's Shindig episode. Mal and Atherton are fighting over Inara. Both men are willing to die over a woman. Basically, they are fighting for the rights to be with her because her eggs are in extremely high demand. In addition to her being a female with eggs, she also has more attractive female features than many others, which makes her eggs even more valuable. The men would like their offspring to posses her attractive qualities and attributes. Of course, they're not really thinking about all this while they are "in love" or "lusting" over Inara. Tunnel vision sets in though, and they both want the same woman.
Lewis, Ellen. Feminist anthropology : a reader. Blackwell Publishing, 2006.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Blog # 10: Research
I'm using the Firefly “Shindig” episode for my Analytical Research Project. This episode illustrates some of the irrational and crazy things men do when they are in love with a woman. “Shindig” features a dual between two men (Mal and Atherton) to win the heart of a woman (Inara).
I plan on finding some real world historical occurrences of men fighting each other, possibly even risking their lives for the women they love. I'm also looking for an article that analyzes what love is and maybe gives some incite on how men and women fall in love, and why men are so willing to “fight” for the woman they love. Anthropologically, I will attempt to explain why men are willing to die sometimes in order to win over a woman; There is more to it than whats on the surface.
I will only use one or two of the following, they may all possibly be replaced by later in the week. I haven't had adequate time to research yet.
Alcock, John. Animal behavior : an evolutionary approach. Sunderland, Mass, Sinauer Associates, 1993.
Lewis, Ellen. Feminist anthropology : a reader. Blackwell Publishing, 2006.
Moore, Lisa Jean. Sperm counts: overcome by mans most prestigious fluid. NYU Press, 2007.
Sarah Franklin and Susan Mckinnon. Relative Values : reconfiguring kinship studies. Duke University Press, 2001.
Riela, Suzanne. “Experiences of falling in love: Investigating culture, ethnicity, gender, and speed.” Journal of social and personal relationships. Volume 27, Issue 4 (June 2010) p473-493.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Blog #9 Prospectus
I'm looking at using the Firefly "Shindig" episode for my Analytical Research Project. This episode illustrates some off the irrational and sometimes crazy things that men do when they are "in love" with a woman. Joss Wheden illustrates this in the "Shindig" episode by showing two men (Atherton and Mal) challenging each other to a sword fight over the girl (Inara). We see this dual as being a bit over the top, but for the two men, there is nothing more important at the moment than Inara.
From a rational standpoint, we reason that there are plenty of fish in the sea, and that the love of one person isn't worth dying for. At a boiling point in "Shindig" we see two men who obviously have strong feelings for the same woman. Whedon illustrates that rationality means little when the emotions of love and affection come into play. There comes a time when either man is willing to die in order to win the girl. It makes very little sense that Mal would fight so hard to "defend the honor" of a woman he sometimes would call a "whore". This proves somewhat ironic, but also shows us a serious development in the relationship between Mal and Inara.
Atherton has less to lose, he is a skilled swordsman. He is the one who actually proposes the duel. He does this in part because he knows he would stand little chance if he had to fight Mal without a weapon.
There are many episodes and examples throughout history of men doing things that are borderline crazy to win over the women they are in love with. I'm not exactly sure what I will look for in terms of research, but probably some real world historical references, along with more recent examples. "How far will men go for love ?", or something to that effect may end up being the potential research question. I don't believe the episode makes a strong argument, but more of a statement about how a man will do anything for a woman he truly loves. As stated, there have been many examples of this throughout history, and I intend to find some of the classic ones for my paper. I'm also planning to question and examine why other instances of this irrational sort of behavior occur, and why people (men especially) , would be willing to risk not only their safety, but pretty much everything they have in order to win over a woman.
From a rational standpoint, we reason that there are plenty of fish in the sea, and that the love of one person isn't worth dying for. At a boiling point in "Shindig" we see two men who obviously have strong feelings for the same woman. Whedon illustrates that rationality means little when the emotions of love and affection come into play. There comes a time when either man is willing to die in order to win the girl. It makes very little sense that Mal would fight so hard to "defend the honor" of a woman he sometimes would call a "whore". This proves somewhat ironic, but also shows us a serious development in the relationship between Mal and Inara.
Atherton has less to lose, he is a skilled swordsman. He is the one who actually proposes the duel. He does this in part because he knows he would stand little chance if he had to fight Mal without a weapon.
There are many episodes and examples throughout history of men doing things that are borderline crazy to win over the women they are in love with. I'm not exactly sure what I will look for in terms of research, but probably some real world historical references, along with more recent examples. "How far will men go for love ?", or something to that effect may end up being the potential research question. I don't believe the episode makes a strong argument, but more of a statement about how a man will do anything for a woman he truly loves. As stated, there have been many examples of this throughout history, and I intend to find some of the classic ones for my paper. I'm also planning to question and examine why other instances of this irrational sort of behavior occur, and why people (men especially) , would be willing to risk not only their safety, but pretty much everything they have in order to win over a woman.
Blog # 8 "High School is Hell"
The main topics discussed in the article are metaphors. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS) is one of many television shows and movies which use metaphors as substituites for real life issues.
The main example used for this article is high school. "High school is Hell" is an excellent metaphor. Not just because there are monsters from the television show to deal with. As the article describes, not having a date to prom, parent teacher conferences, being made fun of in class, and not getting a spot on the cheerleading team are just as bad if not worse possibilites for teenagers. The actual line between which is worse, high school life, or the monsters they face is often times blurred.
The first seasons of BtVS looks at metaphors regarding identity and perception of a teenager moving to a new school and developing friendships. The second season of the show revolves around metaphors concerning love gone wrong, and dysfunctional relationships. The main idea being the person you fall in love with isn't exactly who you thought they were. The third season involves graduation being the "end of the world".
The main example used for this article is high school. "High school is Hell" is an excellent metaphor. Not just because there are monsters from the television show to deal with. As the article describes, not having a date to prom, parent teacher conferences, being made fun of in class, and not getting a spot on the cheerleading team are just as bad if not worse possibilites for teenagers. The actual line between which is worse, high school life, or the monsters they face is often times blurred.
The first seasons of BtVS looks at metaphors regarding identity and perception of a teenager moving to a new school and developing friendships. The second season of the show revolves around metaphors concerning love gone wrong, and dysfunctional relationships. The main idea being the person you fall in love with isn't exactly who you thought they were. The third season involves graduation being the "end of the world".
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Blog # 7 Firefly : "Our Mrs. Reynolds"
Everyone is in good spirits during a celebration on a planet. Apparently the cattle were dealt to someone, and when Firefly leaves, there is a woman aboard his ship that claims to be captain Mals wife. Since everyone was drunk, it wasn't realized that the captain was involved in a wedding ceremony with the girl based on traditions from that planet.
Inara seems jealous and agitated by the marriage.
Jayne tries to trade his favorite gun for the woman. Zoe and Hoban get into a heated argument over the her, as Hoban, the pilot didn't go back to the planet to drop the her back off.
The girls name is Saffron. Her first night on the ship, it appears she is trying to sleep with the captain. She instead ends up knocking him out. She then goes on the bridge and tries to seduce Hoban, eventually knocking him out as well.
After what appears an intimate moment with Inara, and what appears to be a near kiss, Inara realizes Saffron is up to no good. Inara finds captain Mal unconscious. She kisses him fearing she is going to lose him. At this point we realize Saffron had a narcotic on her lips that ended up poisoning both Mal and Inara.
Saffron was trying to overtake the ship for pirates who wanted the Firefly for scrap. The plan is foiled by the crew however, and they escape. Mal also finds Saffron on a nearby planet and confronts her. He doesn't kill her though.
It appears Mal is going to confront Inara about kissing him at the end of the episode. As Inara anticipates what Mal is going to say, it seems as though there may be an intimate moment between the two. Mal instead assumes and accuses Inara of kissing Saffron herself and walks out of the room smiling. This leaves Inara looking somewhat lost and wanting.
Blog # 6 Firefly : "Safe"
It's revealed while delivering cattle that Kaylee does indeed have feelings for Dr. Simon as she discusses getting plate as a gift for him in a market with Inara. Dr. Simon shows up frustrated about River and their situation, then starts cursing Serenity and the captain while in the market. This insults and hurts Kaylee.
There is an altercation during the cattle negotiations, and the Shepard is shot and hurt badly. Dr. Simon is kidnapped during the altercation, and later River is kidnapped by the same people.
Kaylee and other members of the crew grapple with the fact that captain Mal left Dr. Simon and River behind after they were kidnapped. After the kidnapping, Dr. Simon and River are taken to a village where there previously was no Doctor.
In the meantime, the Shepard is treated by the Alliance. Initially they refused to treat him, but once his identification was scanned, the Alliance captain said to take him to the infirmary. It is unknown what kind of status the Shepard has, but the audience is left to wonder.
River is accused of being a witch in the village because she can read the minds of others. Just as the villagers are about to burn River at the stake, Firefly shows back up to rescue her and Dr. Simon.
This was more of an adventure episode and didn't contain much in terms of subject matter for my APR.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Blog # 5 Firefly : "Shindig"
The crew goes back to Parsippany (spelling?) for supplies. It becomes apparent that Zoe and Hoban are somewhat interested in some down time, and it's probable Zoe would like to settle down on the planet.
We see Inara negotiating with a man named Atherton. Mal realizes he is a "client" of Inara, and it becomes somewhat apparent he is jealous. Inara seems more inclined to life on the planet.
The down time spent on the planet shows us more of the interpersonal relationships between the crew. Kaylee wants a dress, and is somewhat inspired by the clothing Inara wears. Captain Mal makes fun of her for it. Zoe is obviously disappointed and disgusted with Mals attitude, as he hurt Kaylees feelings.
Atherton takes Inara to an party, and it becomes apparent Inara is one of the most desirable “companions” available. He wishes to make Inara his permanent companion. At the same time, Mal buys Kaylee the dress, and takes her as a companion to the party. He's trying to find a man who may have work for the crew.
During an intimate encounter between Zoe and Hoban, we learn Zoe is 2nd in command of the ship. Jayne is apparently 3rd in command behind her.
Atherton, Inara, and Mal all encounter each other at the party. Tensions run high when Atherton and Mal meet face to face. Mal points out the floating chandelier, and says it “almost outshines our girl here." He then asks Inara for a dance. It becomes obvious Mal has feelings for Inara, but she has some feelings for Atherton, and the lifestyle he could provide for her on the planet.
Kaylee becomes a hit with all the guys at the party because she knows the mechanics behind the machine.
Mal gets into a fight with Atherton over Inara. After Mal punches him, a mandatory duel is set for the next day. Mal has the opportunity to get out of it by running away, but refuses.
River speaks for the first time. This is notable, because these are the first rational words we see, and it provides a potential glimmer of a normal way of life for her.
Inara teaches Mal how to use a sword during a duel while Atherton sleeps. He calls her a “whore” numerous times, which obviously hurts her feelings. The captain points out that he isn't disrespecting her, just what she does. Mal asks Inara not to take Athertons offer. This shows the captain has a true weakness when it comes to Inara.
After watching the duel, we see that men will do things that seem irrational for women they love. This may end up becoming the episode I use for my APR because it shows the most important elements of the romantic aspects in each relationship ; Especially between the relationship between Inara and captain Mal. We also see Inara is obviously torn between two men that she cares about. She cares about Atherton because he can provide a wonderful life for her, but she has a deeper love for the captain, despite the lifestyle he lives.
Inara interrupts the duel when Atherton is about to finish Mal. Then Mal overtakes Atherton, and has the opportunity to finish him, but doesn't. We then see Athertons true feelings as he insults Inara and vows to make sure Mal never finds work again.
It becomes apparent that Inara is gracious that Mal would defend her honor. At the end of the episode she reveals that she wouldn't have stayed on the planet with Atherton regardless.
Blog # 4 Firefly: "Bushwhacked"
The “Bushwhacked” episode shows some of the darker elements of life on the Firefly. They encounter a ship attacked by “Reavers”.
After a talk with the Shepard, captain Mal decides that the deceased victims from the Reaver attack deserve some sort of funeral. This seems to delight Inara somewhat, and she tells the captain “just when I think I've got you all figured out.” While scavenging through the ship, a lone survivor was found. The individual is deeply disturbed from what he witnessed during the Reaver attack.
As Firefly leaves the ship, the Alliance finds them, and the crew members are interrogated. The Alliance is still looking for Dr. Simon and River, and knows they boarded a ship like the Firefly. Still focussing on romantic aspects, we find during these conversations how long Inara has been on Firefly (now almost a year). We also find some of the reasons she is aboard the ship. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement that allows her to extend her client base. We also find that Zoe met her husband Hoban after captain Mal hired him as a pilot for the ship. After Zoe tells the interrogator that they are private people when it comes to their marriage, Hoban is then shown telling the same interrogator the apparent reasons he is attracted to Zoe. These reasons include her legs, and that whole area in general. He also asks the interrogator if he's seen what she wears, and asks him if he has ever been with a “warrior woman.”
It appears they are going to arrest the captain for attacking the vessel which was actually attacked by the Reavers. The lone Reaver attack survivor gets loose in the Alliance ship and goes back aboard the Firefly. The captain kills the survivor after he attacks the Alliance captain. In turn, the Alliance releases captain Mal, his crew, and his ship, but takes his cargo.
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