Alyssa+Fujii


 * The Introduction: **

My name is Alyssa, and over the past eighteen years, I have struggled in the search to find myself both through writing and as a woman. I initially decided to take this class in order to broaden my ideas regarding feminism and everything it entails. Women and their place in society has been a reoccurring topic throughout the years (whether through the news, history assignments, or pop culture) and I wanted to expand my knowledge of the subject. This class has pushed me to think above and beyond the confines of what is merely taught to us in school. I have since taken it upon myself to spread my ideas through writing. Here is the end result.

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** The Blog: **

Immediately upon starting class, we were assigned a number of blog entries. In a series of short writing assignments, we touched upon such topics as gender assumptions, feminism, and what it means to be a boy, girl, man or woman. These entries, though short, forced me to think about what it means to be a woman. Because they were so short, I was forced to really compact my ideas into a short, coherent, work.

Personally, I connected most closely with my tale regarding gender lessons. The task was to retell an event in which some sort of lesson regarding the issue of gender or sexuality was learned. Of course, part of this connection stemmed from the fact that it was based entirely off of personal experience. Stories are extremely personal, and often function as some sort of link able to tie a variety of people together through shared memories or similar experiences. My entry was a story of innocence, nostalgia, and confusion-- emotions, I'm sure, everyone has felt. In reading this blog, I hope to spark in others an empathy and understanding regarding the concept of female empowerment and independence. Said blog can be found [|here].


 * The Writing: **

Being Human

Grandpa, what if?

GameGirl

Final Persepolis Scan


 * The Final Project:**

Women Warriors

[] **Extras:**


 * Outside Research:**

While conducting research for my research paper, I ran into a couple of sites that truly caught my interest.

[|Cerise Magazine]is actually an online magazine geared toward modern day feminism. The tagline, "Cerise Magazine: Encouraging princesses to save themselves since 2007" instantly give the reader insight toward the nature of the articles included in this publication. Many articles regarding technology and video games are here for the tech-savvy damsels of the world.

Likewise, [|The Scavenger] provided insight not typically found in mainstream sources of news. Employing a variety of writers from a multitude of backgrounds, the articles collected on this site express a wide range of opinions regarding every controversial topic known to mankind.


 * Inspiration:**

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Although often disregarded as just another pop music icon, P!nk's music is actually truly inspiring. Through her music videos, P!nk is able to express her opinions on such sensitive subjects as divorce, self-harm, and drug abuse. "So What," however, is by far my favorite music video of hers.

Penned shortly after the singer's divorce with motocross racer Carey Hart, P!nk shares her strength with the millions of others experiencing heartbreak. P!nk proved to the world that no woman needs a man to rely on, insisting that every girl was strong in her own way. This, I felt, was truly in line with the ideas espoused by third-wave feminists. Third-wave feminists believed in the concept of "girl power." This movement fought for the right of women to be regarded as equals-- not as sex objects or creatures to be protected, rescued, or controlled. Of the many pop singers out there, P!nk is one who I feel truly expresses the ability of women to be both feminine and strong, and is respected for just that.


 * In Conclusion: **

Although I always have had an interest in the study of women in society, I feel this class has opened my eyes even further regarding the possibilities for future progress. Clues regarding the balance of gender power are everywhere-- however, many of us remain ignorant to the true meaning of these signs. This class has allowed me read the various "texts" of life, whether as traditional text books, movies, or advertisements.

In all honesty, women are not the physical equivalents as men. Biologically, our muscle and bone structures make it difficult to reach the same athletic peaks that males can achieve. The composition of men is different than women, and in more ways than one, such differences are necessary for the survival of our species.

Mentally, however, women have proved extremely resilient. In many societies, there is an inherent bias against the inclusion of females in positions of power. This, fortunately, has not stopped women from trying to prove their worth.

In conducting research for my final project, I have seen how gender assumptions can find their way into even the video game industry. Whether as a clerk in a part time retail position or an advisor helping in the creation of future business partnerships, I must always be aware of the subtleties of every transaction.

As a woman, it is my duty to show the world that I can work just as hard as any other man around. As a soon to be high school graduate, I intend to enter college with a major in international business. Many foreign countries, however, are not as accepting of women in this aspect of the work force. Knowing such challenges await me, I am now more determined than ever to prove my qualifications to my future employers. I will face more opposition than my male colleagues, but somehow, I know I will always manage to pull through.

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