The finale of “The Tattoo” was pretty intense. Just when I thought this is going to be the part of the book that leads to the fairy tale ending, I was wrong. Koa and Kahala were back in Claude and Ken’s life. Their story about marital abuse and violence is a sad but common one. Rothenberg writes that physical abuse within and intimate relationship is between 16%-52% Rothenberg pg.280). This is a high number especially when it is also said that this number increasing. It’s sad to think that some women believe that they deserve these types of beatings whether it’s in a modern or third world country. Koa tried to drown Kahala and even explained to Ken that he would’ve killed the kids too if it wasn’t for his child screaming for him to stop. It’s possible for Koa to have been feeling the tension of conflict due to the fact that he lost his job and the constant bickering that his wife was doing (Rothenberg pg. 286) but with Kahala not having any money and two young children, it was difficult for her to leave. He succeeded with the psychological and mental abuse by undermining her (Rothenberg pg. 281). That’s probably why she first described herself as hideous and unrecognizable to Ken when they spoke after a five year stint. When it came to the night of their child’s birthday party, Koa threatened to kill Kahala if she left with the kids. Tragically Kahala was shot along with Koa’s dead body in the car.
Although there were many racist gestures in the beginning of the book, towards the ending, there were a lot of conflict between Claudia and Ken’s father. From Ken’s father calling Claudia a “yobo” to her retaliating back calling him a “jap;” every time Claudia did something wrong like burning her food or not tightening a faucet enough, Ken’s father would pull the Korean card. When things were messy such as newspaper being scattered, he would flip it and then use the Haole card (McKinney pg. 196). Ken’s father even brought up ethnic and class consciousness by telling Claudia how much more superior Japan is then Korea (McKinney pg. 198, Parillo pg. 59). The history between Korea and Japan was eminent in this chapter (Parillo pg. 159). Japanese and Koreans did not get along with each other and that tension was well showcased between Claudia and Ken’s father. There was also an issue of stereotype and racism when Ken, Claudia, Kahala, and Cheryl went to dinner (Parillo pg. 94). When Claudia mentioned that she went to Punahou School, “Snob, and rich haole central,”Cheryl replied back“poor child (McKinney pg. 186-187). That stereotype of Punahou still exists today.
It was easy to see that even after many years has passed and no matter how long or far away Ken was to his father, his father remained the same man. He was still a “hard ass” and still had a lot of hate in him. In the beginning of Claudia and Ken’s move to his house, he seemed somewhat decent and welcomed Claudia with open arms. But his true self surely turned up and it was getting hard for Claudia to stay in his presence. Ken’s father was harsh ever since Ken was little. But when Claudia and him got into an argument and Ken followed her to the room, his father yelled, “I neva teach you fo b one whipped boy (McKinney 198).” It’s very well known that in Asian countries, men were and maybe still is more superior to women. Gender roles still exist. When Ken’s father hurt Claudia towards the end of the book, it could be because he felt powerless and the traditional gender role was being downsized (Rothenberg pg. 286). But Ken didn’t want to be like his father and defended Claudia and their unborn child.
The book finishes with the last visit between Ken, Claudia, and their son Christian. Although Ken was in prison for man slaughter and should’ve been freed awhile ago, it seems like he decided to stay in there for his sake. Claudia mentioned that instead of hiring a lawyer he stuck with a public defendant and when Claudia mentioned that he shouldn’t be in jail, he replied back “…he should (McKinney pg. 225). Claudia was finally fulfilling her dream of going to the mainland and continuing her education in art studies. Ken mentioned that he didn’t want his son to know about him but Claudia wasn’t having that. Ken showed a new tattoo that read “The Book of the Void (McKinney pg. 224). This tattoo meant that the “lineage” of the Hideyoshi family ended with Ken. He didn’t want his son to grow up with hate and pride like the past generations did. Ken was being unselfish by letting go of Claudia and their son; he wanted Christian to have a better life. Ken might have done this unconsciously but he helped decide his son’s fate.
I enjoyed this book very much. It really did show the side of Hawaii that is rarely seen or even known. “God’s Country” is still used to describe Hawaii now. Race is still used to describe and differentiate people in Hawaii now. Koreamoku still exists and the stereotypes still live on. Although to outsiders Hawaii seems like paradise, but just like any other place we have our share of problems. Many people say we live in a time capsule because things change so slowly here. But, I have a special place for Hawaii because this is my home.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
magazines and pop culture
Celebrities have been around forever but only recently we’ve been acknowledging reality stars as “celebrities” as well. Every channel you flip through will have at least one type of reality show that appeals to certain categories of viewers. I can’t even remember when reality shows didn’t exist, but now days it seems like reality is more popular than fictional.
My guilty pleasures are about watching these shows. If that wasn’t bad enough, I’m hooked on magazines such as US Weekly, Life and Style, and the not so tabloid Cosmpolitan and Glamour.
Us Weekly magazine will have to be my favorite. It comes with everything. The newest gossip, fashion trends, advertisement of products, reviews on upcoming movies, etc… I will literally read the whole magazine front to back. There’s pictures of celebrities just being their normal selves doing things that are “just like us.” There’s just something so appealing to me about living vicariously through these people.
The tabloid’s intent could be to promote these celebrities whether it is in a positive or negative way. For example, as soon as the Chris Brown and Rhianna abuse broke out, it was all over the tabloids. The positive aspect of covering this story was educating consumers about relationship abuse, physical or verbal, could happen to anyone and it is never acceptable (http://m.usmag.com/?redirurl=/healthylifestyle/new/rihanna-on-chris-brown-i-needed-that-wake-up-call-20102610). This incident headlined on the magazine for weeks but the mood was serious and even frightening. Other celebrities came out and gave their opinions or even their own experience with such trauma.
But when the cover story is about how a celebrity, such as Janet Jackson, lost a good amount of weight from dieting, it promotes what the physical standard of beauty should be. This issue covered how she lost weight, what her diet approach was, and what she’s doing to “not fall off the wagon” again. Janet Jackson suppositely gained a lot of weight for a role in a movie that she was going to portray but the movie fell through and she was stuck with the weight. She blew up, the pictures of her were hideous. So when Us Weekly came out with an issue about her transformation, it became one of their best selling issues and even came with a follow up issue on how she kept the weight off ( http://www.health-emark.com/janet-jackson-diet.html , http://justjared.buzznet.com/2007/05/23/janet-jackson-weight-loss/).
Magazines are a huge contribution to popular culture. One magazine could have different types of issues around the world. Cosmopolitan Japan, Vogue China, even tabloids about American celebrities are being translated in different languages. Celebrities are a international market. Whatever they promote, people want it. Whether they’re your favorite actor or musician, these people survive on their fans. Businesses are smart to know this supply and demand factor and thrive on them. If a celebrity is going green, then people will try to go green. If there’s a charity telethon, people will call and donate. Celebrities seem to have some sort of power to do good for the world but vice versa, these people aren’t “real leaders” yet we listen to them as if they were. Popular culture is the BOOM in our modern world. From UFC going international to American celebrities doing international commercials, marketing which nation is more popular is what keeps all eyes on that area.
My guilty pleasures are about watching these shows. If that wasn’t bad enough, I’m hooked on magazines such as US Weekly, Life and Style, and the not so tabloid Cosmpolitan and Glamour.
Us Weekly magazine will have to be my favorite. It comes with everything. The newest gossip, fashion trends, advertisement of products, reviews on upcoming movies, etc… I will literally read the whole magazine front to back. There’s pictures of celebrities just being their normal selves doing things that are “just like us.” There’s just something so appealing to me about living vicariously through these people.
The tabloid’s intent could be to promote these celebrities whether it is in a positive or negative way. For example, as soon as the Chris Brown and Rhianna abuse broke out, it was all over the tabloids. The positive aspect of covering this story was educating consumers about relationship abuse, physical or verbal, could happen to anyone and it is never acceptable (http://m.usmag.com/?redirurl=/healthylifestyle/new/rihanna-on-chris-brown-i-needed-that-wake-up-call-20102610). This incident headlined on the magazine for weeks but the mood was serious and even frightening. Other celebrities came out and gave their opinions or even their own experience with such trauma.
But when the cover story is about how a celebrity, such as Janet Jackson, lost a good amount of weight from dieting, it promotes what the physical standard of beauty should be. This issue covered how she lost weight, what her diet approach was, and what she’s doing to “not fall off the wagon” again. Janet Jackson suppositely gained a lot of weight for a role in a movie that she was going to portray but the movie fell through and she was stuck with the weight. She blew up, the pictures of her were hideous. So when Us Weekly came out with an issue about her transformation, it became one of their best selling issues and even came with a follow up issue on how she kept the weight off ( http://www.health-emark.com/janet-jackson-diet.html , http://justjared.buzznet.com/2007/05/23/janet-jackson-weight-loss/).
Magazines are a huge contribution to popular culture. One magazine could have different types of issues around the world. Cosmopolitan Japan, Vogue China, even tabloids about American celebrities are being translated in different languages. Celebrities are a international market. Whatever they promote, people want it. Whether they’re your favorite actor or musician, these people survive on their fans. Businesses are smart to know this supply and demand factor and thrive on them. If a celebrity is going green, then people will try to go green. If there’s a charity telethon, people will call and donate. Celebrities seem to have some sort of power to do good for the world but vice versa, these people aren’t “real leaders” yet we listen to them as if they were. Popular culture is the BOOM in our modern world. From UFC going international to American celebrities doing international commercials, marketing which nation is more popular is what keeps all eyes on that area.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
sociology image
One of the entries that I found interesting was “Racial and Gender Themes in Sheikh Romances.” This article consists of novel series that dealt with both gender and racial differences in the Middle East and U.S. The plot of the stories usually involves a “sheikh,” “Sultan,” or some type of wealthy King that is modernized by his education in the U.S. or Europe. In the process they find a beautiful “white” woman that falls deeply in love with the so called “King” and decides to make a life together.
The gender culture differences we see right away is “masculinity.” Middle East men tend to “control” their wives and women are taught to just “obey.” However in the new series of Sheikh Novels, men will go against their customs to modernize their country such as obtaining only one wife. Although seen as “Barbarian princes” in the novels, Men showed their feminine side by falling in love, showing a sense of “feminine power.”
We learned recently about the “myth of catching-up development.” The Middle East has a dramatic difference between the wealthy and the poor, those who try to be modernized and those who stick to their traditions. With so many technologies taking over the world, more people are attentive to what the other countries are doing. For example Abu Dhabi has been marketed a lot lately from the first indoor ski lodge to the very popular “Sex and the City” movie. Trying to lure tourists in, Abu Dhabi has spent tons of money trying to make it the next “hot spot.”
The cover of the book features a man that is only slightly darker than the white female. Which is strange because Middle Eastern men are very dark skinned with dark features. This seems to be just a marketing scheme but it seems to be working since these novels are very successful and have a huge category base.
http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/tag/raceethnicity/
“Opposing Domestic Violence with Homophobia” is an article that writes about an anti-domestic violence ad in Chile. The ad goes on by saying whoever hits women are “faggots” and “barely a man.” It’s good to have an ad that educates people about domestic violence but it’s confusing to see the discrimination towards gays. They use gay slurs and even break it down to how gay men are not masculine.
We see this type of discrimination EVERYWHERE since gay men are seen as feminine more than anything even though not all of them are. Now days we are more opened to the gay society that we tend to accept certain gay slurs or interpretations of them. But in actuality gays are still very controversial and not everyone accepts their lifestyle. A huge and controversial topic for gays would have to be marriage. Many people are against the marriage of gays because it is unholy and apparently marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman. But I believe marriage should be about love and if the government isn’t suppose to base laws on religion, then why is it so controversial?
This also relates to gender issues that a man is supposed to be masculine but if they hit women, then their masculinity goes towards being “faggots.” This ad seems to contradict its self left and right. Hitting a woman has nothing to do with homosexuals yet they use derogatory words to describe the men who do these acts.
http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/tag/prejudicediscrimination/
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/eminem/lovethewayyoulie.html
“Men Dressing Up As Fat Women: Hilarious and Disgusting” is an article about sexist prejudice women Halloween costumes that men wear. They especially aim towards U.S. culture and how femininity is seen as a joke since men wear it as costumes. If that wasn’t bad enough, fatness to the costumes are added so they can be ridiculed because they do not obtain the “proper” body.
We see this kind of discrimination in celebrities since as soon as a famous person gains weight or loses weight; it is all over the tabloids. Many talk show hosts, such as Tyra Banks dressed up in fat costumes to feel the discrimination they go through in their everyday life. They often realize that people tease, stare, and look at them in disgust as they walk around minding their own business.
There is this idea in people’s minds that women are supposed to be thin, that thin is beautiful. But many women are not able to achieve the standards that society gives them. This leads to not only depression but also diseases such as anorexia and bulimia. This is similar to the “Mass Media: For the Many, by the Few” chapter of the textbook. Although different in the political perspective, media still has a great deal of involvement when it comes to what society should look and behave like.
http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/tag/prejudicediscrimination/
The gender culture differences we see right away is “masculinity.” Middle East men tend to “control” their wives and women are taught to just “obey.” However in the new series of Sheikh Novels, men will go against their customs to modernize their country such as obtaining only one wife. Although seen as “Barbarian princes” in the novels, Men showed their feminine side by falling in love, showing a sense of “feminine power.”
We learned recently about the “myth of catching-up development.” The Middle East has a dramatic difference between the wealthy and the poor, those who try to be modernized and those who stick to their traditions. With so many technologies taking over the world, more people are attentive to what the other countries are doing. For example Abu Dhabi has been marketed a lot lately from the first indoor ski lodge to the very popular “Sex and the City” movie. Trying to lure tourists in, Abu Dhabi has spent tons of money trying to make it the next “hot spot.”
The cover of the book features a man that is only slightly darker than the white female. Which is strange because Middle Eastern men are very dark skinned with dark features. This seems to be just a marketing scheme but it seems to be working since these novels are very successful and have a huge category base.
http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/tag/raceethnicity/
“Opposing Domestic Violence with Homophobia” is an article that writes about an anti-domestic violence ad in Chile. The ad goes on by saying whoever hits women are “faggots” and “barely a man.” It’s good to have an ad that educates people about domestic violence but it’s confusing to see the discrimination towards gays. They use gay slurs and even break it down to how gay men are not masculine.
We see this type of discrimination EVERYWHERE since gay men are seen as feminine more than anything even though not all of them are. Now days we are more opened to the gay society that we tend to accept certain gay slurs or interpretations of them. But in actuality gays are still very controversial and not everyone accepts their lifestyle. A huge and controversial topic for gays would have to be marriage. Many people are against the marriage of gays because it is unholy and apparently marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman. But I believe marriage should be about love and if the government isn’t suppose to base laws on religion, then why is it so controversial?
This also relates to gender issues that a man is supposed to be masculine but if they hit women, then their masculinity goes towards being “faggots.” This ad seems to contradict its self left and right. Hitting a woman has nothing to do with homosexuals yet they use derogatory words to describe the men who do these acts.
http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/tag/prejudicediscrimination/
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/eminem/lovethewayyoulie.html
“Men Dressing Up As Fat Women: Hilarious and Disgusting” is an article about sexist prejudice women Halloween costumes that men wear. They especially aim towards U.S. culture and how femininity is seen as a joke since men wear it as costumes. If that wasn’t bad enough, fatness to the costumes are added so they can be ridiculed because they do not obtain the “proper” body.
We see this kind of discrimination in celebrities since as soon as a famous person gains weight or loses weight; it is all over the tabloids. Many talk show hosts, such as Tyra Banks dressed up in fat costumes to feel the discrimination they go through in their everyday life. They often realize that people tease, stare, and look at them in disgust as they walk around minding their own business.
There is this idea in people’s minds that women are supposed to be thin, that thin is beautiful. But many women are not able to achieve the standards that society gives them. This leads to not only depression but also diseases such as anorexia and bulimia. This is similar to the “Mass Media: For the Many, by the Few” chapter of the textbook. Although different in the political perspective, media still has a great deal of involvement when it comes to what society should look and behave like.
http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/tag/prejudicediscrimination/
Friday, November 5, 2010
"TATTOO" review 2
“Tattoo” Review 2
I must say, this was the most interesting section of the book. It was so real, reading it literally felt like hitting home for me. This book just keeps getting better and better.
We just had a discussion on stand-up comics and how comics usually imitate different races. They do this by stereotyping and in Hawaii, we always categorize people in different races. In the book “Tattoo,” this is very evident since the section starts off with the typical Korean ma-ma san. Seriously, Keeaumoku is still currently called Koreamoku and is known for Koreans owning all the bars and restaurants around that area. I’m even familiar with the area because my parents used to work at a Japanese Restaurant called Sada’s back in the 80’s right on Makaloa street (Keeaumoku). I pretty much grew up around that neighborhood. There were many pretty Korean ma-ma’s that were fluent in Japanese and definitely knew how to make their money. Back then of course I didn’t know about massage parlors, strip bars, etc… but I knew these women were well off by the cars they drove, clothes they were, and the men they were with. Another stereotype was when Claudia, daughter of ma-ma san, said that Koreans ladies get a bad reputation for being bad drivers (pg. 107). I had to chuckle to myself when I read that because EVERYONE knows that in Hawaii. Also when Cal tried to imagine what Claudia would look like, he imagined Asian small eyes with a big Haole nose (pg. 154).
Then there were the random people that were in the scenes that were first described by their race. Ken got involved with ma-ma san in the first place by fighting a typical big Samoan guy. Apparently no one wants to get involved with Samoans because they tend to be big and tough. I went to a high school filled with Samoans and even though they were big and tough, they were extremely nice, just don’t mess with them. Then there were the Hawaiian and Haole security guards along with the Japanese and Portuguese cops. I really feel like this is how we describe people. Every time someone mentions someone with a common name, we follow it by race. For Example, “you know Andy? The Korean one?”
Another stereotype that stood out to me was Ken’s car in the beginning. A “suuped up Toyota Celica,” hilarious. Many think Asians always have “supped up” cars a.k.a. “ricers” because they are seen as racers, hence “Fast and the Furious” especially the “Tokyo Drift” edition. This relates to another discussion we just had between film and society.
One thing I could relate to was the “disowning” part of the story. Asian families always pull the “disown” card. I went through a rebellious stage in high school. All my friends were getting tattoo’s or already had them. I honestly wanted one too. So I asked my parents and all hell broke loose. It started with “BAKA (stupid in Japanese)” to “you’re NOT going to have a last name.” There old school mentality is, yakuza’s have tattoo and I would be disrespecting my WHOLE family. My mom literally said she rather cut her tongue out and die before I put ink on my body. But everyone was doing it and I wanted them to understand that it was a form of art. It didn’t have to be big, I just wanted one. I was born and raised in America and there was no way they could see my point of view. Of course as long as I live under their roof I would have to obey them. People in Japan have tattoo’s that aren’t yakuza’s, their becoming more modern but that meant nothing to my parents. No was a NO was a NO!!! I understand it’s still looked down upon because you can’t go into bath houses if you have any tattoo’s, even if you’re a tourist. For peeks sake it was hard enough to get approval to pierce my ears. Just a piercing and ONLY on my ears!!! Even babies have earrings.
During my high school days, all my friends started working at bars. Bouncers, cocktail waitresses, valet, bar back, and promoters. I felt like my whole high school days I was partying like crazy. Getting in to clubs even though I was underage was the best feeling, looking back at those days I can’t believe I had the guts to do it. My friends made really good money but the lifestyle was draining. Like Ken, many quit school because the money was so good. With no degree that kind of money was ridiculous. Back then, the economy was still good and everywhere was booming. But there were many illegal things that were going on in those businesses as well. Just like ma-ma san and her gambling house, massage parlor, etc… That’s how many of these places were able to stay in business. What’s sad is my friends that were in the industry are still there. They hate what they do and the money isn’t as good as before.
“Tanomoshi (pg. 105)” was another familiar thing. I think mostly every person I know does tanomoshi. But it’s not the same as loan sharks that are described in the book. Tanomoshi was made by Japanese people who wanted to help each other. It’s like being able to borrow money without getting approved when you need it. I would say it’s more like a savings account then a loan. When you need the money you can borrow it in advance and pay back slowly every month with a little interest. Of course not all tanomoshi is the same but from the day I was born and heard of it, this was the way it was dealt.
One more thing I had to bring up was Marco Polo. I live there!!! The revolving doors, the driveway, the security guard, I could put an image on every part of that story. Even Kapiolani Community College and how I also thought prerequisites were unnecessary and boring like Ken.
Sigh, the book is coming to an end but I can’t wait to see what happens. I never thought reading a book about the place I grew up in would affect me so much. Especially when we start to analyze and use the things we learn in to our readings.
I must say, this was the most interesting section of the book. It was so real, reading it literally felt like hitting home for me. This book just keeps getting better and better.
We just had a discussion on stand-up comics and how comics usually imitate different races. They do this by stereotyping and in Hawaii, we always categorize people in different races. In the book “Tattoo,” this is very evident since the section starts off with the typical Korean ma-ma san. Seriously, Keeaumoku is still currently called Koreamoku and is known for Koreans owning all the bars and restaurants around that area. I’m even familiar with the area because my parents used to work at a Japanese Restaurant called Sada’s back in the 80’s right on Makaloa street (Keeaumoku). I pretty much grew up around that neighborhood. There were many pretty Korean ma-ma’s that were fluent in Japanese and definitely knew how to make their money. Back then of course I didn’t know about massage parlors, strip bars, etc… but I knew these women were well off by the cars they drove, clothes they were, and the men they were with. Another stereotype was when Claudia, daughter of ma-ma san, said that Koreans ladies get a bad reputation for being bad drivers (pg. 107). I had to chuckle to myself when I read that because EVERYONE knows that in Hawaii. Also when Cal tried to imagine what Claudia would look like, he imagined Asian small eyes with a big Haole nose (pg. 154).
Then there were the random people that were in the scenes that were first described by their race. Ken got involved with ma-ma san in the first place by fighting a typical big Samoan guy. Apparently no one wants to get involved with Samoans because they tend to be big and tough. I went to a high school filled with Samoans and even though they were big and tough, they were extremely nice, just don’t mess with them. Then there were the Hawaiian and Haole security guards along with the Japanese and Portuguese cops. I really feel like this is how we describe people. Every time someone mentions someone with a common name, we follow it by race. For Example, “you know Andy? The Korean one?”
Another stereotype that stood out to me was Ken’s car in the beginning. A “suuped up Toyota Celica,” hilarious. Many think Asians always have “supped up” cars a.k.a. “ricers” because they are seen as racers, hence “Fast and the Furious” especially the “Tokyo Drift” edition. This relates to another discussion we just had between film and society.
One thing I could relate to was the “disowning” part of the story. Asian families always pull the “disown” card. I went through a rebellious stage in high school. All my friends were getting tattoo’s or already had them. I honestly wanted one too. So I asked my parents and all hell broke loose. It started with “BAKA (stupid in Japanese)” to “you’re NOT going to have a last name.” There old school mentality is, yakuza’s have tattoo and I would be disrespecting my WHOLE family. My mom literally said she rather cut her tongue out and die before I put ink on my body. But everyone was doing it and I wanted them to understand that it was a form of art. It didn’t have to be big, I just wanted one. I was born and raised in America and there was no way they could see my point of view. Of course as long as I live under their roof I would have to obey them. People in Japan have tattoo’s that aren’t yakuza’s, their becoming more modern but that meant nothing to my parents. No was a NO was a NO!!! I understand it’s still looked down upon because you can’t go into bath houses if you have any tattoo’s, even if you’re a tourist. For peeks sake it was hard enough to get approval to pierce my ears. Just a piercing and ONLY on my ears!!! Even babies have earrings.
During my high school days, all my friends started working at bars. Bouncers, cocktail waitresses, valet, bar back, and promoters. I felt like my whole high school days I was partying like crazy. Getting in to clubs even though I was underage was the best feeling, looking back at those days I can’t believe I had the guts to do it. My friends made really good money but the lifestyle was draining. Like Ken, many quit school because the money was so good. With no degree that kind of money was ridiculous. Back then, the economy was still good and everywhere was booming. But there were many illegal things that were going on in those businesses as well. Just like ma-ma san and her gambling house, massage parlor, etc… That’s how many of these places were able to stay in business. What’s sad is my friends that were in the industry are still there. They hate what they do and the money isn’t as good as before.
“Tanomoshi (pg. 105)” was another familiar thing. I think mostly every person I know does tanomoshi. But it’s not the same as loan sharks that are described in the book. Tanomoshi was made by Japanese people who wanted to help each other. It’s like being able to borrow money without getting approved when you need it. I would say it’s more like a savings account then a loan. When you need the money you can borrow it in advance and pay back slowly every month with a little interest. Of course not all tanomoshi is the same but from the day I was born and heard of it, this was the way it was dealt.
One more thing I had to bring up was Marco Polo. I live there!!! The revolving doors, the driveway, the security guard, I could put an image on every part of that story. Even Kapiolani Community College and how I also thought prerequisites were unnecessary and boring like Ken.
Sigh, the book is coming to an end but I can’t wait to see what happens. I never thought reading a book about the place I grew up in would affect me so much. Especially when we start to analyze and use the things we learn in to our readings.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
global review "Pharmaceuticals"
Global Issue Review
“Pharmaceutical Corporations and Medical Research”
Lately, all I see during commercials on TV. is “If you tried this drug and got these symptoms or another health problem due to this drug, please call blah blah blah law firm. You might be entitled to a cash settlement.” What’s scary is, I just saw a lawsuit against Accutane or the generic version Isotetrinoin, and I’ve used that in the past. I’ve heard so much negative feedback about Accutane but the doctor eased me into taking it. The process of getting this medicine was a lot of work. First you have to log into a website and PLEDGE that if we are a female; we will use TWO types of birth control. Whether it is abstinence, condom, birth control pills, etc… From then you have to take a urine test to make sure you’re not pregnant because this medicine will tremendously disfigure a fetus. Finally, before you get the medicine, you have to get a blood test to make sure your cholesterol is normal. Every time you get a new prescription, which is usually for six months and then you have to take a break, you have to go through the same routine.
For me, I thought it was worth is because I literally tried everything to clear up my skin. Certain blood samples would show that my cholesterol was high, but this was due to the drug so if it continued, the doctor would take me off of it. Well, I finished my six month trial, and ta-da…..CLEAR SKIN! My face was dry and my lips were always chapped, but all in all it was worth it.
When I saw the commercial about the “Accutane lawsuit,” everything they were accusing the drug about were common side effects. Don’t get me wrong, I was scared and traced back my steps to see if I had any of those symptoms but I think I’m ok.
Being raised in an Asian family, “Americans” are known to be “SUE” happy. Every time there’s an opportunity to make a quick buck, Americans would jump on it. How does McDonald lose a lawsuit against a woman that spilled hot coffee on her claiming there was no warning on the cup! Maybe that’s why with the newer prescription drugs that are coming out, they clearly state “side effects included this, this, that, and in severe cases this, which you should contact your physician.” Even though we know the side effects, we try it to ease or cure whatever it is we are diagnosed with. But how do we really know if the drug corporations are telling us the whole truth about the medicine we are taking. When we are prescribed something, we never really question what the medicine really is; we just want it to work.
This article is about the global issue pharmaceutical companies are constantly getting into scrutiny about. With the universal healthcare being one of the most important topics being discussed by the new president, medication is one of the hot subtopics.
Prescription drugs are ridiculously expensive nowadays especially if you are not covered by health insurance. It’s hard for us middle class to afford with insurance, so how does the poor who often need more medical help afford the same medical treatment? This article writes about the issues of pharmaceutical drugs and if the expensive prices that comes with it goes to the actual research of the product. It is said that many drug companies spend a lot of their money into marketing their product. This makes a lot sense because we are looking at the business aspect of it. But, if the money goes to marketing, they are cutting short on the other areas that are important. Many companies have been accused of unethical behavior such as not enough research, favorable results, and even using human guinea pigs without letting the experimented know. Although there are many “public announcements” about donating to third world countries, many drugs have been found expired or close to the expiration date. Even though these poor countries have brought up the issue to make prescription drugs affordable by using generic or use tools that are available to help with the pricing, companies are working harder to patent their product so they can’t make generic medicines. We just learned in our nursing class that drugs can be patented for a certain amount of time and then other brands are allowed to make the generic version of the product. That’s why many generic versions are just as good as the name brands because they are using the same ingredients, just under a different name.
Joseph Stiglitz made a great comment which basically said that drug companies yield their marketing to those who can afford it. They make “lifestyle drugs” more than “life saving drugs.” I can’t believe how hard this quote hit me. It is true with all the different “mood” drugs out there why aren’t their more on saving lives that are affected with diseases? Besides the fact that the poor won’t be able to afford them, but isn’t it ethical to help those that need it the most? I’m not saying the psychological problems aren’t diseases? It just seems like they are researching more on those types of problems than those who could help save an epidemic.
http://www.globalissues.org/article/52/pharmaceutical-corporations-and-medical-research#Distortingdrugtrialstohighlightpositiveoutcomes
“Pharmaceutical Corporations and Medical Research”
Lately, all I see during commercials on TV. is “If you tried this drug and got these symptoms or another health problem due to this drug, please call blah blah blah law firm. You might be entitled to a cash settlement.” What’s scary is, I just saw a lawsuit against Accutane or the generic version Isotetrinoin, and I’ve used that in the past. I’ve heard so much negative feedback about Accutane but the doctor eased me into taking it. The process of getting this medicine was a lot of work. First you have to log into a website and PLEDGE that if we are a female; we will use TWO types of birth control. Whether it is abstinence, condom, birth control pills, etc… From then you have to take a urine test to make sure you’re not pregnant because this medicine will tremendously disfigure a fetus. Finally, before you get the medicine, you have to get a blood test to make sure your cholesterol is normal. Every time you get a new prescription, which is usually for six months and then you have to take a break, you have to go through the same routine.
For me, I thought it was worth is because I literally tried everything to clear up my skin. Certain blood samples would show that my cholesterol was high, but this was due to the drug so if it continued, the doctor would take me off of it. Well, I finished my six month trial, and ta-da…..CLEAR SKIN! My face was dry and my lips were always chapped, but all in all it was worth it.
When I saw the commercial about the “Accutane lawsuit,” everything they were accusing the drug about were common side effects. Don’t get me wrong, I was scared and traced back my steps to see if I had any of those symptoms but I think I’m ok.
Being raised in an Asian family, “Americans” are known to be “SUE” happy. Every time there’s an opportunity to make a quick buck, Americans would jump on it. How does McDonald lose a lawsuit against a woman that spilled hot coffee on her claiming there was no warning on the cup! Maybe that’s why with the newer prescription drugs that are coming out, they clearly state “side effects included this, this, that, and in severe cases this, which you should contact your physician.” Even though we know the side effects, we try it to ease or cure whatever it is we are diagnosed with. But how do we really know if the drug corporations are telling us the whole truth about the medicine we are taking. When we are prescribed something, we never really question what the medicine really is; we just want it to work.
This article is about the global issue pharmaceutical companies are constantly getting into scrutiny about. With the universal healthcare being one of the most important topics being discussed by the new president, medication is one of the hot subtopics.
Prescription drugs are ridiculously expensive nowadays especially if you are not covered by health insurance. It’s hard for us middle class to afford with insurance, so how does the poor who often need more medical help afford the same medical treatment? This article writes about the issues of pharmaceutical drugs and if the expensive prices that comes with it goes to the actual research of the product. It is said that many drug companies spend a lot of their money into marketing their product. This makes a lot sense because we are looking at the business aspect of it. But, if the money goes to marketing, they are cutting short on the other areas that are important. Many companies have been accused of unethical behavior such as not enough research, favorable results, and even using human guinea pigs without letting the experimented know. Although there are many “public announcements” about donating to third world countries, many drugs have been found expired or close to the expiration date. Even though these poor countries have brought up the issue to make prescription drugs affordable by using generic or use tools that are available to help with the pricing, companies are working harder to patent their product so they can’t make generic medicines. We just learned in our nursing class that drugs can be patented for a certain amount of time and then other brands are allowed to make the generic version of the product. That’s why many generic versions are just as good as the name brands because they are using the same ingredients, just under a different name.
Joseph Stiglitz made a great comment which basically said that drug companies yield their marketing to those who can afford it. They make “lifestyle drugs” more than “life saving drugs.” I can’t believe how hard this quote hit me. It is true with all the different “mood” drugs out there why aren’t their more on saving lives that are affected with diseases? Besides the fact that the poor won’t be able to afford them, but isn’t it ethical to help those that need it the most? I’m not saying the psychological problems aren’t diseases? It just seems like they are researching more on those types of problems than those who could help save an epidemic.
http://www.globalissues.org/article/52/pharmaceutical-corporations-and-medical-research#Distortingdrugtrialstohighlightpositiveoutcomes
Thursday, October 7, 2010
tatoo review first
“TATTOO” FIRST REVIEW
When I first approached the book, I literally thought the book was about art because of the title, “Tattoo.” So when began to read the first chapter, I was a bit confused to what was going on. Interestingly enough the book is about the so called “paradise” state Hawaii, and the dark side of troubles that no one really voices. Finally, a book about the place that I reside in and the local who was braved enough to share his experiences.
Even though Kenji Hideyoshi was born in 1969, there was still racism present (Parillo 16 ). It’s not surprising that Ken would get taunted about his Japanese name. After World War 2, there were still concepts that Japanese were minorities (Parillo 13.) “Jap” was a common racial slur towards Japanese people during the War (34). But just as Ken was a victim of racism, he also was racist towards Haloes. “Spoiled-rotten, easy living, sick suburbia, white-picket fence mother fuckers…,” that was his perception of the white race (Mckinney 17.) Ken’s father was a distant local man that implanted fear in him ever since he was child. Learning how to fight, swim, or even touch a shark was all in a “fight or flight” system. On the other hand Ken’s mother was very warm and loving towards him. That was until she passed when he was six years old and eventually only remembered her vividly.
In the Japanese culture, material culture is usually passed on to the next generation of the first born son (Parillo 31). When Ken’s mother passed, his grandfather showed him a “katana” that would eventually be in his possession (McKinney 27). From here would be the true “Japanese history” that Ken would learn about his family and their journey to Hawaii (McKinney 29). “Dey die befo dey accept defeat! (McKinney 29). This was the ultimate “non material” belief of the olden days Japanese (Parillo 31). “Culture transmission” was huge in Japanese culture especially if we were first generation Americans (Parrillo 37). That’s because if we were to learn about what had happened between the West and Asia, it’ll be through the eyes of the West. By repeating the events the way the immigrants saw it, kept their culture alive.
Ken ended up living with his father again, a drunken abusive parent that kept talking about the negative aspects of his life. It was a “vicious-circle phenomenon” that kept repeating itself through his son, Ken. The story goes on to talk about Cal, his prison mate and how he grew up on hate and Koa his high school football teammate.
It was funny to read about the stories about “obake” and the Pali highway. That is the oldest myth I have heard. The pork on the Pali will bring bad sprits towards you. I don’t know any local who doesn’t know that story. Even the stories about the Japanese, China, and America were all similar to the stories I heard.
It’s amazing how easily I could read the “moke” quotes that were being stated. As much as my parents try to learn proper “mainland” English, pidgeon is just that much easier. Everyone in Hawaii understands so to them it’s not a big deal. However, my parents prefer I don’t speak pidgeon because they understand in the real world, no one would understand me. It’s not proper career ediquette. My parents are first generation and even though I was born and raised in Hawaii, I couldn’t speak English until I was placed in ESL in first grade. Amazingly, somehow I had friends in preschool and kindergarten. Thank god kids were not as cruel in my days than Ken’s. I have a hard time relating to these characters a hundred percent, but I could understand the issues Ken faced. The way his grandpa would talk to him about history. The way the father was a “manly figure” and fear was not to shown for men. Culture is very strong in my family and I could sometimes still see the racism that Okinawan people have against the Japanese. Just like the Hawaiian Monarchy, our monarchy was also tricked and taken. The stories people usually here are the American or Japanese point of view. The real stories that I hear from family members that were actually present during the war states a completely different story. That’s probably why many people claim they are Okinawan and not Japanese. Many don’t understand that concept and I understand that I’m Okinawan but I don’t distinguish it like some.
This story is really interesting and I can’t wait to continue reading the life of Ken and the many encounters he has with people that shape his life. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this book but apparently my younger brother read it in his English class for high school. Funny how I went to the same high school ten years ago and this wasn’t assigned to me.
When I first approached the book, I literally thought the book was about art because of the title, “Tattoo.” So when began to read the first chapter, I was a bit confused to what was going on. Interestingly enough the book is about the so called “paradise” state Hawaii, and the dark side of troubles that no one really voices. Finally, a book about the place that I reside in and the local who was braved enough to share his experiences.
Even though Kenji Hideyoshi was born in 1969, there was still racism present (Parillo 16 ). It’s not surprising that Ken would get taunted about his Japanese name. After World War 2, there were still concepts that Japanese were minorities (Parillo 13.) “Jap” was a common racial slur towards Japanese people during the War (34). But just as Ken was a victim of racism, he also was racist towards Haloes. “Spoiled-rotten, easy living, sick suburbia, white-picket fence mother fuckers…,” that was his perception of the white race (Mckinney 17.) Ken’s father was a distant local man that implanted fear in him ever since he was child. Learning how to fight, swim, or even touch a shark was all in a “fight or flight” system. On the other hand Ken’s mother was very warm and loving towards him. That was until she passed when he was six years old and eventually only remembered her vividly.
In the Japanese culture, material culture is usually passed on to the next generation of the first born son (Parillo 31). When Ken’s mother passed, his grandfather showed him a “katana” that would eventually be in his possession (McKinney 27). From here would be the true “Japanese history” that Ken would learn about his family and their journey to Hawaii (McKinney 29). “Dey die befo dey accept defeat! (McKinney 29). This was the ultimate “non material” belief of the olden days Japanese (Parillo 31). “Culture transmission” was huge in Japanese culture especially if we were first generation Americans (Parrillo 37). That’s because if we were to learn about what had happened between the West and Asia, it’ll be through the eyes of the West. By repeating the events the way the immigrants saw it, kept their culture alive.
Ken ended up living with his father again, a drunken abusive parent that kept talking about the negative aspects of his life. It was a “vicious-circle phenomenon” that kept repeating itself through his son, Ken. The story goes on to talk about Cal, his prison mate and how he grew up on hate and Koa his high school football teammate.
It was funny to read about the stories about “obake” and the Pali highway. That is the oldest myth I have heard. The pork on the Pali will bring bad sprits towards you. I don’t know any local who doesn’t know that story. Even the stories about the Japanese, China, and America were all similar to the stories I heard.
It’s amazing how easily I could read the “moke” quotes that were being stated. As much as my parents try to learn proper “mainland” English, pidgeon is just that much easier. Everyone in Hawaii understands so to them it’s not a big deal. However, my parents prefer I don’t speak pidgeon because they understand in the real world, no one would understand me. It’s not proper career ediquette. My parents are first generation and even though I was born and raised in Hawaii, I couldn’t speak English until I was placed in ESL in first grade. Amazingly, somehow I had friends in preschool and kindergarten. Thank god kids were not as cruel in my days than Ken’s. I have a hard time relating to these characters a hundred percent, but I could understand the issues Ken faced. The way his grandpa would talk to him about history. The way the father was a “manly figure” and fear was not to shown for men. Culture is very strong in my family and I could sometimes still see the racism that Okinawan people have against the Japanese. Just like the Hawaiian Monarchy, our monarchy was also tricked and taken. The stories people usually here are the American or Japanese point of view. The real stories that I hear from family members that were actually present during the war states a completely different story. That’s probably why many people claim they are Okinawan and not Japanese. Many don’t understand that concept and I understand that I’m Okinawan but I don’t distinguish it like some.
This story is really interesting and I can’t wait to continue reading the life of Ken and the many encounters he has with people that shape his life. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this book but apparently my younger brother read it in his English class for high school. Funny how I went to the same high school ten years ago and this wasn’t assigned to me.
Friday, September 24, 2010
domestic issue review
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/24/business/24muslim.html?_r=1&hp
“Muslim Say They Face More Discrimination at Work”
Review
With the ninth anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attack being remembered a few weeks ago, there are many talks about Muslims recently. It doesn’t help that Muslims are trying to build a mosque near ground zero either. Ever since the terrorist attack, many Muslims have been a victim of discrimination. Just by their physical appearance we could identify their race and many were uncomfortable. Conflict theory is more present than ever in the twenty first century (Parrillo pg.10). But almost a decade later, even though the war in Iraq cooled down, those who are of Muslim decent or have those physical features are still discriminated through the nation. Muslims will be a minority group as the Americans stand strongly as the dominant group of the nation and understanding ethnocentrism (Parrillo pg. 15-18).
This article reflects the hatred that certain Americans have towards Muslims and how it is especially affecting the work environment. Ethoviolence is constant whether it be name calling or being hazed, it is said that a record number of Muslims are complaining about the work environment currently and 2010 is going to be the year that suppositely sets the record (Parrillo pg.28). This is probably because of people’s perception (classification of others on the basis of limited information obtained visually and perhaps verbally) are that all Muslims are possible terrorists (Parrillo pg. 7). But with the help of “Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,” victims of this discrimination are able to find justice by taking some businesses that held these crimes to court. Although the population of Muslims are two percent in the county, according to the EEOC, out of the estimated 3400 religious discrimination claims they receive, a quarter is by Muslims.
Islam seems to be the main headline when it comes to racial and religious discrimination. When it comes to religious beliefs, “Federal law requires employers to accommodate head scarves, also called hijabs, as well as prayer breaks and other practices based on sincere religious beliefs unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the employer.” Symbolic interaction is the key to keeping your faith to religion and culture however it is the most problematic (Parrillo pg. 12). But many have broken this law by not hiring those who stay true to their religion or simply don’t want to. According to the functional theory, Americans want to keep a positive effect and maintain the stability of the whole (Parrillo pg.9). The country views strangers as possible threats that might change the stability of the country. I think fear is the base of racism or false consciousness (Parrillo pg.11).
What’s sad is it seems that the discrimination towards Muslims is getting worse. With so many Muslim-Americans, it’s hard for them not to be associated with “Osama” or “Al Qaeda.” Just when we thought that with the new African American president, who is Muslim could change the face of the country, we still see hate in this so called “land of opportunity and freedom.”
Parrillo, Vincent N. Understanding Race and Ethnic Relations. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008.
“Muslim Say They Face More Discrimination at Work”
Review
With the ninth anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attack being remembered a few weeks ago, there are many talks about Muslims recently. It doesn’t help that Muslims are trying to build a mosque near ground zero either. Ever since the terrorist attack, many Muslims have been a victim of discrimination. Just by their physical appearance we could identify their race and many were uncomfortable. Conflict theory is more present than ever in the twenty first century (Parrillo pg.10). But almost a decade later, even though the war in Iraq cooled down, those who are of Muslim decent or have those physical features are still discriminated through the nation. Muslims will be a minority group as the Americans stand strongly as the dominant group of the nation and understanding ethnocentrism (Parrillo pg. 15-18).
This article reflects the hatred that certain Americans have towards Muslims and how it is especially affecting the work environment. Ethoviolence is constant whether it be name calling or being hazed, it is said that a record number of Muslims are complaining about the work environment currently and 2010 is going to be the year that suppositely sets the record (Parrillo pg.28). This is probably because of people’s perception (classification of others on the basis of limited information obtained visually and perhaps verbally) are that all Muslims are possible terrorists (Parrillo pg. 7). But with the help of “Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,” victims of this discrimination are able to find justice by taking some businesses that held these crimes to court. Although the population of Muslims are two percent in the county, according to the EEOC, out of the estimated 3400 religious discrimination claims they receive, a quarter is by Muslims.
Islam seems to be the main headline when it comes to racial and religious discrimination. When it comes to religious beliefs, “Federal law requires employers to accommodate head scarves, also called hijabs, as well as prayer breaks and other practices based on sincere religious beliefs unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the employer.” Symbolic interaction is the key to keeping your faith to religion and culture however it is the most problematic (Parrillo pg. 12). But many have broken this law by not hiring those who stay true to their religion or simply don’t want to. According to the functional theory, Americans want to keep a positive effect and maintain the stability of the whole (Parrillo pg.9). The country views strangers as possible threats that might change the stability of the country. I think fear is the base of racism or false consciousness (Parrillo pg.11).
What’s sad is it seems that the discrimination towards Muslims is getting worse. With so many Muslim-Americans, it’s hard for them not to be associated with “Osama” or “Al Qaeda.” Just when we thought that with the new African American president, who is Muslim could change the face of the country, we still see hate in this so called “land of opportunity and freedom.”
Parrillo, Vincent N. Understanding Race and Ethnic Relations. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2008.
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