These are the films that we have tackled so far. What has been the most interesting? What has been the most impactful? Which ones did you dislike? Has M.O.M. helped you in any way up to this point?
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
The Sexy Leading Lady
What does it mean to be a beautiful woman? I'm sure we've all been told how young girls feel pressure from the media (pop culture) to look a certain way, to have a certain kind of body, that sort of thing. What effect do the women on big screens and magazines have on men? Does it effect a guy's decision to watch a movie if there is a "sexy leading lady" involved? You bet your bottom booty that it does. Which is why they're being featured more and more. Marilyn Monroe might have been the first sex icon, but she's nowhere near the last. There are really too many to count these days- we do need to appeal to all viewers.
First, let's talk about guys. One of them will say to me "So what if I think she's attractive and want to watch her movie? It's not an insult to them if I think they're sexy." Even if it turns them on to turn you on, it's still abusing them. Pretend for a minute that you fully agree with me. Not only do we need to protect these women from being misused, we need to protect ourselves from falling victim to it. It shouldn't take having a little girl of your own being oggled at the strip bar to make us realize that somewhere along the lines, our thought patterns concerning women might be a bit bad.
Now, for the girls. It's amazing how many times women try to take steps forward, and it turns out to be more of a step to the side, or just slightly backward even. First, I don't think you need me to tell you that you don't need to reveal more of your physical body to be more physically beautiful. By conducting yourself in a way that reveals more and more, it teaches men to think of you as something that they can attain at no cost. Have more respect for yourself and your fellow women- men should treat you better as a result.
One point on the whole "women's lib" movement. It seems that the goal from women has been to establish that they can do things every bit as good as men can, and therefore should be honored and celebrated just as much. While it may be true that women can do everything men can and vice versa, what if it's not? Does that mean that women shouldn't be honored and celebrated just as much? Or if it turns out that they can do everything better than men, should men not be celebrated for who they are? What if we were to say that women need to be honored and celebrated and appreciated no matter what they can or can't do? If you try to establish respect on the basis of being equal in all things, what happens if a guy is stronger than you? Should your respect take a dive?
Honestly, I'm embarrassed to be a guy sometimes because I know the way that we think. I'm not up here preaching- I know that I'm guilty of it, which is how I understand it so well. And even if I was preaching, establishing that I don't practice what I preach is no reason to disregard the message. Guys need to learn who women are and how they're to be treated. But women need to learn who women are and how they're to be treated, too.
First, let's talk about guys. One of them will say to me "So what if I think she's attractive and want to watch her movie? It's not an insult to them if I think they're sexy." Even if it turns them on to turn you on, it's still abusing them. Pretend for a minute that you fully agree with me. Not only do we need to protect these women from being misused, we need to protect ourselves from falling victim to it. It shouldn't take having a little girl of your own being oggled at the strip bar to make us realize that somewhere along the lines, our thought patterns concerning women might be a bit bad.
Now, for the girls. It's amazing how many times women try to take steps forward, and it turns out to be more of a step to the side, or just slightly backward even. First, I don't think you need me to tell you that you don't need to reveal more of your physical body to be more physically beautiful. By conducting yourself in a way that reveals more and more, it teaches men to think of you as something that they can attain at no cost. Have more respect for yourself and your fellow women- men should treat you better as a result.
One point on the whole "women's lib" movement. It seems that the goal from women has been to establish that they can do things every bit as good as men can, and therefore should be honored and celebrated just as much. While it may be true that women can do everything men can and vice versa, what if it's not? Does that mean that women shouldn't be honored and celebrated just as much? Or if it turns out that they can do everything better than men, should men not be celebrated for who they are? What if we were to say that women need to be honored and celebrated and appreciated no matter what they can or can't do? If you try to establish respect on the basis of being equal in all things, what happens if a guy is stronger than you? Should your respect take a dive?
Honestly, I'm embarrassed to be a guy sometimes because I know the way that we think. I'm not up here preaching- I know that I'm guilty of it, which is how I understand it so well. And even if I was preaching, establishing that I don't practice what I preach is no reason to disregard the message. Guys need to learn who women are and how they're to be treated. But women need to learn who women are and how they're to be treated, too.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Coldcall Coldplay
Hey everybody, how have you all been? We've been traveling a lot, which is why we didn't get to meet in July. But we're back and ready to roll again with some exciting ideas to take us through the rest of this first year of M.O.M.
Our next meeting time is Friday, August 18th at 7 PM at Backthird Audio. Bring anything that's tasty to eat, or bring a friend (who may or may not be tasty to eat. actually, they probably taste of chicken).
So what has been happening this summer? The media is having a field day with Mel Gibson. Hollywood is making its fair share of terrible summer smash blockbuster hits (Superman Returns tops my list that I've seen). All is well in the world. There is a new film coming out (The Fountain) by Requiem director Darren Aronofsky. I'm curious.
I got a call yesterday from a charity asking me to donate. I told them that I was sorry but to please not call back. The man told me that he would call back. I said "No, I'm serious, do not call me back." He said, "I'm calling back."
"No do not call me back, I mean it." (my voice is rising)
"I'm calling back."
"No, don't." (stern business voice)
"Is your wife there?"
"No, she's not and don't call back for her either." (slight tone of amusement showing through)
"Fine, I won't call back."
"Thank you. Goodbye."
"Bye...... (right before I hang up I hear) but i'm calling back."
I'm at a loss. Does this kind of behavior convince anyone to actually give them money? I'm currently on hold as I write this with SBC (have been for over 23 minutes) trying to get a 50 dollar gift card that was supposed to be sent to me 4 months ago. I'm actually conference calling with 2 different departments (you can imagine the type of mood this is putting me in).
Our next meeting time is Friday, August 18th at 7 PM at Backthird Audio. Bring anything that's tasty to eat, or bring a friend (who may or may not be tasty to eat. actually, they probably taste of chicken).
So what has been happening this summer? The media is having a field day with Mel Gibson. Hollywood is making its fair share of terrible summer smash blockbuster hits (Superman Returns tops my list that I've seen). All is well in the world. There is a new film coming out (The Fountain) by Requiem director Darren Aronofsky. I'm curious.
I got a call yesterday from a charity asking me to donate. I told them that I was sorry but to please not call back. The man told me that he would call back. I said "No, I'm serious, do not call me back." He said, "I'm calling back."
"No do not call me back, I mean it." (my voice is rising)
"I'm calling back."
"No, don't." (stern business voice)
"Is your wife there?"
"No, she's not and don't call back for her either." (slight tone of amusement showing through)
"Fine, I won't call back."
"Thank you. Goodbye."
"Bye...... (right before I hang up I hear) but i'm calling back."
I'm at a loss. Does this kind of behavior convince anyone to actually give them money? I'm currently on hold as I write this with SBC (have been for over 23 minutes) trying to get a 50 dollar gift card that was supposed to be sent to me 4 months ago. I'm actually conference calling with 2 different departments (you can imagine the type of mood this is putting me in).