Author Archives: Melanie

Melanie Velez , Reflection 5

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The text ‘How To Think Like An Activist’ written by Wendy Syfret is informative and detailed text about Activism. This is a great text for aspiring activist that want to be more hands on and or create a movement. Syfret gives many points on why a unplanned movement doesn’t work as best as ones that were planned strategically. I believe this text can also be used as a guide book for many aspiring activists because it gives different ideas and educates how modern technology can be used to inform the youth who are the ones who are the center of these movements. It also educates us on many different movements that have happened and how modern points mentioned in the text can be applied to past movements. Activism as a whole is when someone uses their voice to face issues within the community.

This text can be tied back to ‘ Knock down the house’ featuring AOC. Many people voted for her because she was a voice from the community. She knew what the people around her wanted the most and the issues in her community because SHE lives in the community. She was more able to plan her movement around her experiences living in the same community as her voters. She can be the new modern voice in the house as well as being a person of color and a women brings a new perspective on the floor. The issues that many everyday Americans face are troubles that rich white men will never experience and don’t understand unlike her.

Melanie Velez , Discussion 6

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After watching the film and reading the text I define activism as strategic movement to help bring changes to different communities and fight for everyone. Activism is not just a movement you throw yourself in without any planning. The way activism works is with thoughtful planning and strategic ideas that can help get the word to many people and inspire others to also fight. Even if you don’t get others to fight or do physical activism you can inspire others to educate themselves and others on specific matters. For activism TO work and move forward it HAS to be planned for example in the text ‘ How To Think Like An Activist ‘ by Wendy Syfret it gives multiple ideas on how you can get the word out there from connecting to other people , to watching documentaries to even taking advantage of todays modern world and the youth through social media and different technologies.

The film that I decided to watch was ‘ Knock Down The House ‘ a full feature film. This film follows four women who want to run for congress in their respected states. I picked this film because I knew the most about AOC and actually support her. The film shows the strategic planning on wanting to run as representative. It gives the backstory on all of the women and their motivations on wanting to becomes candidates and how a women has to work twice as hard as a man to even be respected when wanting to go in that field and how they are judged harder than the men. The activism I saw in the film mostly came from AOC since she was the center focus of attention in this film. Every move she made with her campaign was strategic from where she wants to mostly promote her campaign to the tiniest detail in design on her flyer. Explaining the difference between an organizer and a strategist. She is a everyday American and wanted to fight for the working class everyday American. The activism I saw was how she inspired many people to support her and how community groups would help fund her and push her forward. She connected with everyone and spoke to everyone regardless of who you were.

I am not a physical activist (marches , protests ect.) however I do carry the conversations along with friends and family. The only time I participated in physical activism was in high school when we decided to do a walk out and give a minute of silence to every victim that was killed in the Parkland School Shooting. Our school got upset and actually gave everyone an hour of detention. The ways i’ve decided to start participating in activism is by taking up space. I talk about my beliefs with my friends and have very informing discussions with them about multiple different topics from current ones that affect everyday life like gender and the sexes to trendy topics as well. With this i’ve helped my friends educate themselves and get them engaged in interesting conversations.

Melanie Velez , Reading Reflection4

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This weeks readings were very interesting and informative. I really enjoyed Allan Johnson, “Patriarchy, the System: An It, Not a He, a Them, or an Us” it goes in depth about the patriarchy and how it can affect multiple aspects of our lives. The text does a great way of explaining how we can’t blame individuals but try to understand everything as a whole to understand why everything is the way it is more in depth. However we should try to understand this social problem and try to solve it as a society. This definitely has shifted my perspective a little because I did believe that it was all mens fault but instead it is societies fault. The second reading “There Is No Hierarchy of Oppressions” written by Audre Lorde does a great job of explaining the experience of intersectionality. She explains her experience as a black lesbian feminist women who is connected to different communities and how these different communities interact with each other to create a big cloud of oppression. She explains how she doesn’t have the luxury of choosing to deal with one oppression but instead is forced to face all of them. She also explains how there is no oppression that is higher than the other one or better because they’re all still forms of oppression. This also goes to explain how if we want to fight against one oppression we will have to fight against all of them as a society because not everyone has the luxury of picking which oppression they choose to battle.

Melanie Velez Discussion 5

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The patriarchy is a system that affects everyone. It’s a system that both men and women participate in without even realizing it. It is also normality that is taught to our current and future generations. This can be because of culture or environments in general. Before reading the provided text Allan Johnson, “Patriarchy, the System: An It, Not a He, a Them or an Us” I always believed that the Patriarchy was something that everyone pushes forward some type of way without realizing. I also always blamed men mostly for the patriarchy I know we shouldn’t only be blaming one group but a lot of the things I believe connect back to men in some type of way. Society is primarily built of ideals that benefit men in a way or was shaped because of a mans opinion. (IMO) For example even though there are a lot of women who push forward misogynistic ideals they all come from the environment they are in and how they were raised. Some of these environments have fathers who practice those ideals even if the argument was used of ” but their father isn’t in their life and it was their mother ” then let’s look back a generation or two and would point back to a father. I do believe that this conversation should be pushed forward because it would help everyone know where their places are in the conversation. After reading the text the patriarchy is a institutional oppression because it affects everyone. Allan Johnson does a great job of explaining how instead of continuing to blame one group specifically or specific individuals we should instead guide the conversation into “why is it like this?” The text as well does a great job of explaining that the patriarchy can be seen even in what many of us would consider small.. for example jokes. Jokes that are deemed dark humor. After reading I realize that I blame men a little less of the patriarchy. Everyone pushes this patriarchy forward everyday. Even though many people were raised a specific day I believe everyone can educate themselves and stop perpetuating it more. Even tho the patriarchy mostly benefits men it can also affect men negatively without them realizing. Things like toxic masculinity can also be seen as something that is praised by the patriarchy without even noticing that it affects them and stops them from educating themselves because it’s the normal environment most men were raised in.

Melanie Velez Reading Reflection 3

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This weeks readings have been a detailed and precise clarification of different types of privileges. All readings were wonderfully written to give some insight on privileges I know I will never be able to experience. The small reading of ‘ When privilege and oppression intersect ‘ gave some insight on how people possess multiple different identities that can shape their societal and cultural experience and how that would shape and form the privilege they will experience in their life. The reading does a fantastic job on explaining how intersectionality shows how we are all both privileged and face disadvantages at the same time and how those two different things can interact with each other on the daily basis and also be a conflict at the same time. In the reading “Oppression” by Marilyn Frye explains what oppression really is and not only the meaning behind it but also how it can affect anyone. However it does gives some insight on how when women explain how we are oppressed men tend to quickly dismiss what we are saying with explaining how they are oppressed instead of just listening. They don’t realize that them not listening to us in a way is also oppressive. Reading this has supported some of my ideas I already had beforehand of privilege of how many groups within our society might be oppressed in someways but how men as a whole are not oppressed for just simply being men like how women are. In the last reading of “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” written by Peggy McIntosh does a great job of explaining white privilege from a white persons perspective. This does a great job of teaching privilege first hand , a privilege I would never experience so reading this does open my eyes to a lot of things that I can relate to back to my personal life. Also explaining how some privileges are earned while others aren’t can play a big part in power.

Melanie Velez Discussion 4

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I believe there are multiple ways that I experience privilege. In some ways the privilege that I experience are sometimes things I cant control but for others I can. For example my skin color is not something that I can control but my environment is. A Way that I experience privilege is by getting treated better in most instances than someone who may have a darker skin color than I. I’ve seen this through multiple different aspects in my life or interactions with others.Another way that I also experience privilege is by where I live. Even though America is not perfect and still has its faults it is a better place to live in than many countries who prohibit many basic human rights. This can even go as further as just turning on the faucet for clean running water where as other countries don’t have this. Being able to have access to education and living in a society where it’s more modern and up to date with technology making it easier to not only travel around but also communicate with family.

However ways that I face oppression is just by my gender alone. I am a woman.When my friends and I play video games we tend to talk online to people and when men hear my voice thats when I get a wave of sexist jokes of how ” I should be in the kitchen” or ” why are you playing this game dishwasher?” or even get threatened or told how they would want to ……r (fill in the blank). Another way that I face oppression is by my physical appearance. I am a plus size women meaning I am on the heavier side and my entire life i’ve had to live and try to love myself in a society that hates “fat/bigger” people. I’ve faced oppression being a bigger person by the medical field multiple times. I have many health problems that I deal with personally and have went to a doctor before that straight up told me ” maybe if you stop eating all your problems will disappear ” and she refused to check me. After experiencing this I went to a different doctor and was told my health issues had nothing to do with my weight but instead tied back to my genetics.

The reading and the video helped me broaden my perspective of privilege. I always knew that in some ways we are more fortunate than others and vice versa. However my mind about white people and their privilege has changed because I always thought “yes they might go through xyz event but they’re still white” but after reading I realize that there are different things can either give an advantage or disadvantage to anyone. Usually this topic of privilege has always upset me because I find it unfair how life can treat a white person better than others just based on their skin color but after reading this I realize I have to approach this differently. We have to talk about this and push this conversation forward if we want to understand each other because we all face privilege in different ways.

Melanie Velez Reflection 2

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I absolutely loved the reading that was assigned this week Beyond The Gender Binary written by Alok. This book gives an insight on the non-binary perspective. Usually we see the non-binary experience explained by those who are non-binary or we usually see more documentaries about transgenders or gay people which are all very educating and interesting however this was the first time I read something that ones in a different type of perspective. Especially gave some insight on how it is on a day to day basis for non gender conforming people and how it is a danger for them to live their regular lives like others. After reading this it just shows how brave these people are for living their truths in a society that punishes anyone who is different and don’t fit the cookie cutter ideals. Everyone deserves respect and peace and the fact that as a society we are not making these conversations is actually really upsetting. I learned from this book how local , state and federal are all prohibiting basic human rights to these people just because of their lifestyles and we are not hearing it on the news. I love how this book dived in deeper on the topics of sex, gender, biology and gender expressions and learned new vocabulary. I also really enjoyed the videos that were optional to see they were really interesting and informative. They broaden more your ideas and include a wide range of different topics. It’s also another way to learn about gender in a more fun and modern way rather then just reading a textbook from cover page to back.

Melanie Velez Discussion 3

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Beyond The Gender Binary is a wonderful written book by Alok that explains everything about gender the beautiful and the ugly. They explain how gender and sex are not only completely different but as well as should be expressed rightfully by the person. Alok does a brilliant job explaining why it is harmful to continue perpetuating these gender norms and how toxic it can be. They also explain how instead of repressing non gender conforming people we should let them express their creativity.

Alok even does a great job with making us realize we ourselves do things that can be harmful when it comes gender. Something as simple as asking a pregnant women for the gender of their child to even forcing our children from a young age to be a certain way and lecture them about how they should and shouldn’t act. We waste all our time and energy on making sure our kids don’t turn out gay or anything in between instead of supporting them and their creativity. They even do a great job explaining their reasoning against things they have heard before by many people and how they also deserve just as much respect as those who are gender confirming or cisgender.

I go against the gender norm because of the way I act or express myself as well as many of my beliefs. I am a very straight forward and affirmative character; characteristics that many people think makes me a ‘bitch’ , but when a man is like this he is seen as confident. Ive experienced many things that have made me realize I go against the gender norms ,I speak my mind when its needed and I don’t turn a blind eye to wrong things and stand up for others and myself. When this has happened many times i’ve been told by guys “hey a females place is to just be quiet” or “hey as a women you shouldn’t be commenting on everything” it has even went as far as ex close friends going to my boyfriend saying that he should be ‘putting me in check’. My family has even stated how my non traditional beliefs would be the reason I will always be single. I despise traditional house constructs of the male being the man of the house and how he calls all shots while the women is in the kitchen and is suppose to be submissive. Ive explained multiple times how I will not be forcing my children into traditional gender norms and they will be able to express themselves from early childhood and was told by my misogynistic/homophobic ex step-father how my mom should beware of “gay children”. Also being bisexual and dressing however I want either being more masculine or feminine definitely goes against norms.

I do not believe that being emotional and nurturing is specific to women however since I have to include in what ways it is with gender norms this is it. Many people believe I am very caring and accepting of everyone. I try to help anyone and everyone with their growth regardless of who they are and I am always there for anyone offering them a shoulder. I am very emotional but that can just be because I have mental illnesses.

Melanie Velez Discussion 2

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In the essay, “Feminist Politics Where We Stand” defines feminism as: “a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression.” to me this means that the Feminist movements goal is to bring awareness to sexism and how it can affect multiple different environments from work place even personal relationships. Reading this quote alone just shows how the movement wants to explain how problematic sexism is and has nothing to do with being Anti-Men how some ignorant people might think.

After reading the essay it doesn’t differ from my own perspective or definition of feminism because feminism is someone who advocates women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. Even though feminists and feminism as a whole advocates women’s rights it as well makes sures that both sexes become equal and advocates when sexism is happening to either sex. The patriarchy harms both men and women. Feminism is not about hating men or making all women turn against men but instead want men to hear our voices and understand our perspective. Sexism is overall the enemy can affect and harm both genders who either experience it or perpetrate it.

Before reading Sex & Gender 101 I always knew that sex is what you biologically are whereas gender is what you identify with due to characteristics. In my opinion don’t think your external genitalia can refer to biological sex because then you invalidating the feelings of transgender women and men. I thought that the way someone would in a way choose their gender would be because of the way they dress or even mannerisms but after reading the text gender can also come from the way you also act in social interactions/situations. Even though I already knew that gender was a social construct I didn’t know that it is something that can change across times.

I find the readings very similar because both are in a way a mutual representation of the other. In the first reading a lot of men believe that women want to be more like men because women are challenging a lot of the social norms that our patriarchal society has placed. These social norms also include challenging the stereotypes of how a woman should be submissive and ” be seen not heard ” or sometimes not seen at all. Ignorant men who would see a women challenge these norms just by their fashion get the wrong idea that we want to be like men for example in the second reading Sex & Gender 101 it states how “a person’s gender identity and gender expression may not “align” because of fear of how they will be perceived if they challenge traditional gender norms.” This reminds me of women who dress androgynous which falls under being Non-Binary and men can take this the wrong way.

Introduction

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Hello everyone my name is Melanie Velez and my pronouns are she/her. I am a Liberal Arts major but I’m very interested in the social sciences. I am a Capricorn and I’m very interested in astrology. I was born and raised in the Bronx , New York and my parents are from Puerto Rico and I’m a first generation college student. I have many interests such as reading and writing.I love poetry, especially spoken word. My favorite poem that I recommend listening to is called ‘ My Favorite Little Seed ’ written by Dakota Wint.  I really enjoy reading theories and finding out if they’re true or not. I love music and value art a-lot since it is very subjective. I listen to any and every type of music genre but I heavily listen to punk rock/rock. My favorite bands being Bring me the Horizon, Pierce the Veil, Dayseeker, and Motionless In White. I value respect and honesty the most because I know what it feels like to be disrespected and lied to. I also value intelligence in people and interesting people because those are the ones with the most interesting stories to tell. I also value stability and those who have their lives planned out entirely. I dislike those who can’t respect other people’s opinions. I also dislike those who are clumsy , messy , lazy and I hate those who romanticize real life serial killers. When I was younger I really wanted to be a doctor but as I grew I got more interested in forensic/criminal cases. I love reading murder cases and unsolved mysteries and also love watching documentaries of serial killers because its always fascinated me how they think differently then others which is why I also got very interested in psychology. My dream right now is to go into the forensic psychology field and work for the FBI as a behavior analyst/criminal profiler. I’m taking this course because to begin with I am a Feminist but also I’ve been interested in gender studies and how something so small as gender can affect everyday lives and even future generations as well. I hope to broaden my perspective of gender as a whole and learn new facts I don’t know. A topic I hope we cover is sexual regulations and inequality and how gender can affect work environment. I don’t have any recommendations for books or movies but I’m open to read and watch anything that is recommended. However a person I do recommend everyone following on social media is a woman named @drewafualo. Her content is based on responding back to those who are misogynist and bigots in a comedic way.