If you had your own reality show, what would it be called? What would it be about? Who would the main characters be? #postaday2011

I would never have my own reality show. I can't find the value is reality shows, don't understand the concept or attraction to them, and just simply think they are silly.

But I suppose I must step outside of this perspective and stretch my creative thinking a bit. So here it goes....

It would be called, "Do you know what that is an example of?"

It would be about patriarchy - the system we have been brought up in and intentionally trained to ignore.

The main characters would be the public. I would like to take the show into a variety of institutions to get perspective of how patriarchy remains present in our day to day interactions. I would like to portray politics, business, education, religious, and social settings on the show.

Following an example of "Do you know what that is an example of?" the people in the situation would be given an opportunity to critically examine interactions, perceptions, beliefs, attitudes and actions and collectively develop an alternative approach.

I know the reality of this reality show is not likely. I like thinking it could be possible.

What's going on in your life right now that's bugging me? #postaday2011

This is a difficult prompt for me. My response really depends on the day, the time of day, if I've eaten, and how much sleep I got the night before. Most days nothing really bugs. Other days just about everything does. Thankfully, the latter doesn't happen as much anymore. Perhaps this gift comes with age, experience, and understanding that it doesn't do me any good to be bothered by something - my response is within my control. 


However, I would like to say a few things about things that do concern me a bit. For example, patriarchy concerns me; or rather what I perceive as a collective denial of patriarchy and its costs and consequences to women, men, and society. I think this might be more than a bit of concern - this really bugs me. 


I'm concerned and bothered by the level of acceptance of violence - all forms of violence. We seem to thrive on violence in movies, news, and in resolving conflicts. I think this might be more than a bit of concern - this really bugs me.  


Now that I've spent some time thing about things that bug me...I'm thinking of several. So, I choose to stop.

Remember if you have time, check out the feedback online! Any "positive" thoughts would be welcomed. Enjoy!

VIEWPOINTS: Build a foundation to overcome ignorance, prejudice of others

By Brad Freihoefer and Penny J. Rice

Published: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 10:41 PM CDT

The concept of building blocks to reach heights and accomplish tasks that otherwise would seem insurmountable is a method that can be used to get through projects, college and life.

These building blocks have the potential to lead individuals toward reaching their goals. However, in some cases, building blocks can be constructed on a foundation that is based not in support, equity and care, but instead in ignorance, hate and a continued upholding of privilege. Building blocks of any kind start small, usually with thoughts, words and conversation. They continue to build into action plans and implementation. It is these small steps that create the platform that we stand on and act from.

It is from this perspective that a recent article in the Ames Tribune has me concerned about the foundational building blocks that are being implemented and shared in our community.

In an article entitled “A Learning Experience for ISU,” Ames Tribune staff writer Bobby La Gesse outlines some of the learning outcomes from the Iowa State men’s football team in its game against North Dakota State University. During the course of explaining holes in the Iowa State defensive line, Le Gesse comments on this weakness by stating that the hole was “large enough for Kristie Alley to fit through.”

In this single sentence, Le Geese reinforces and expands the invisibility that many, especially women, in our community feel on a daily basis. This statement shows us that there exists a definition of “normal” with regards to being a man, a woman, a person. And this definition is not necessarily based in reality.

Using this derogatory joke not only addresses Kristie Alley as a woman — a plus sized woman — but also a societal foundation that normalizes a definition and treatment of women based in sexism and unrealistic body images. An example of this normalizing is provided by social theorist and researcher Jean Kilbourne’s work that looks at the connection and depiction of women in advertising. Kilbourne highlights society’s negative and unrealistic depictions of women that reinforce women’s role as passive, ignorant and at a lower status than men. When a statement is made that highlights women in that light, these negative societal norms continue to exist and flourish.

Although it was not the focus of the article, rooted in these comments is also a definition of masculinity and constructions of manhood that are encouraging men to demean women to a feeling of weakness, negativity and worthlessness. This one sentence conveys that the norm in our culture is to be male, masculine and skinny, if not athletic. If one does not fit into these categories, they are made to feel invisible and worthless. These words shared by the Ames Tribune continue to expand a foundation based in sexism, disrespect and dehumanizing the members of our great Iowa State community.

The impact of this article has effects on men as well. It reinforces damaging perceptions that men should not express any femininity. It expresses that men should treat women, especially plus sized women, with disrespect, inequity and in a dehumanizing fashion, thus making women’s experiences invisible. This foundation does not reflect the nature of our community. Nor should it reflect the nature of Iowa State sports.

Bobby Le Gesse has since apologized for the use of this sentence in his article and it has been removed from the updated online article. It is important to acknowledge that the Ames Tribune is only part of our larger culture. Still, that does not excuse the paper from the effect the comment has had. It should, however, remind us all that we all play a part in creating our community. To create the type of positive foundation that will support us all, it is the responsibility of each of us to do our part.

As each of us continues to grow and learn, let us build from a foundation that is based in respect, equity and support for each other as one community. Through recognizing moments where other members of our community are being silenced or invisible, it is important for each of us to recognize the privilege that we inherit and work together to overcome ignorance and prejudice surrounding all people. Let’s give all Iowa Stater’s back their voice and make all of us visible, proud Cyclones.

Brad Freihoefer is the Coordinator of LGBT Student Services and Penny J. Rice is the Director of the Margaret Sloss Women's Center.

Copyright © 2009 - Iowa State Daily

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