After reading this article I felt both liberated and disappointed at the same time. I think its great that students across Canada are uniting to stand for a cause they believe in, no matter how small the issue. This movement shows that students cannot be pushed around into paying rising tuition fees without something in return. What disappointed me was to read of the division among The Association for Solidarity Among Student Unions (ASSE), quote “going on strike” is meant to give a sense of political weight, a sense of radicalism, and a sense that students who “strike” are somehow more committed to the cause than those who simply “protest.” And that is dishonest.” To Torontonians such as myself, the fact that Quebec’s tuition prices are well below 5000 dollars a year seems quite reasonable. Including residence, meals and travel we’ve been trapped into years of debt, which is only getting larger and larger. It’s these protests that matter, whether its over a 50$ dollar increase or 5000 dollar increase, every penny counts. Students pay enough as it is for services that are far from necessary, such as a 150 pass selling during frosh week, to “introduce” you to university life. Or a 107$ dollar expense to the MSU Organization Fee, which registers you in several plans students are not even aware of. With the amount of OSAP being provided to residents only from Ontario, it seems we’ve taken money for granted because it’s simply given to us. It’s a shame student union activists say the real problem is getting students out to the provincial legislature. If students want to be taken seriously by the government we need to start showing concern for our futures today. I believe that public protest is an important and integral part of any democracy. Personally, Quebec’s francophone students serve as an inspiration to me, that hopefully one day it won’t be a matter of financial wealth for one to pursue an education that will help build ones profession.
The brutal shocking of a Polish immigrant took place at Vancouver International Airport on Oct. 14. The 40-year-old man, Robert Dziekanski was taken down with a taser by three or four RCMP officers at once and was later pronounced dead. The fact that Mr. Dziekanski spoke no English is one reason why police should not have taken such measures. You would think airports would have access to interpreters? Many issues need to be looked at when assessing this incident such as airport security, the use of weapons, and methods of the RCMP. If tasers were used to temporarily disable the man, why did he die? Reports say he was faced down with the officer’s knees pinning his back. “The man was sweating profusely and violent which could indicate either drug use or a medical condition” answered RCMP Sgt. Pierre Lemaitre. People suffering from mental illness can be violent, paranoid and out of control. The video shows Mr. Dziekanski behind closed doors in a contained area, where he could not have been a danger to others, as he stood against the wall when told. There have been many other incidents this year of death after the use of tasers in jails especially. Maybe its time to look at weapons which don’t harm people to the degree that taser’s do.
Since the headliner days of Diana Ross, Madonna, and Whitney Houston society has portrayed celebrity women as idols of drama, embarrassment shame and glory. Of course there is a double standard in celebrity gossip! Women have standards, which far surpass the interest of any man (well the ones in their right minds at least.) I actually feel sorry for celebrities, as they’re days are filled with people following them as they try and lead normal lives. I’d say celebrities have it much harder then the average Joe. Starting from the utmost of importance, females seem to be ridiculed on their dress, jewelry, makeup, and hair and last but not least, their shoes. Whether the designer is Prada, Gucci, Armani or no Named, you can bet there will be a critic waiting to point out those shoes are too red, or that make-up is much to pale. On the left: The sad clown. On the right: Paris Hilton crying after she and Brandon Davis were turned away from nightclub
Women have been put to a double standard so much so that much of their performances are based on their image instead of their talents. Whether they are actresses, singers, or dancers, women celebrities are idolized to the point of finding out what’s in their purses! What they eat, where, when, and with whom. They are critiqued upon their size, image, plus their love lives, and their works, if they do drugs, their past, and they’re family problems. It seems people want to read about others troubles, as long as it’s not affecting them; it’s just another form of entertainment. The newest ‘it girl’ show, gossip girl is a perfect example of women infatuation with the growing hype of celebrities. --->
It seems its not as attractive to watch a male celebrity not wearing underwear as they’re getting out of a vehicle, and not the least bit interesting when two malesmake out on stage of a music concert.
Male figures such as Tom Cruise married to the infamous Nicole Kidman, is a new parent with wife, Katie Holmes. Brad Pitt is also a welcomed dad to newlywed, Angelina Jolie coming from ex Jennifer Aniston. And who ever hears about Mark Antony? Well, because of newly pregnant J.Lo, Mark seems to be among the hottest men in 2007. It seems these men owe their celebrity status to their wives as we only hear about them as a couple. Who's this guy? you might be asking… My point exactly… Pete Doherty apparently checking into rehab Another great example is David Beckam…I mean, who really cares about a soccer player... But a soccer player married to a SPICE GIRL? Well that’s another story.
Media portrays ethnic races in a particular light to fit specific stereotypes. Male rappers such as P.Diddy are not so much known for his music anymore, but for running his mulit-million dollar label, Bad Boy Records. The scandalous Miss Universe is the ideal example of the good girl gone bad scenario, which we ate up.
Women like fantasy, and put themselves in celebrity women’s shoes, they like people and situations they can relate to, for example marriage and babies seem to be the hottest trend at the moment. Sinking yourself into celebrity land lets you revert back to your dreams, and lets you enter a world that would be your ideal life. The big house, nice cars, and beautiful people seems just alittle tempting.
It seems the question is, What are societies social standards of bad behaviour of this generation? Is it promiscuity? We hear about Lindsay Lohans drug incident from beginning to end, the charging of, in jail and post rehab. While Johnny Depp can be charged for cocaine possession without a paper front lining it.
Coming from a west-Indian background myself I use to think it was a cultural standard difference, but its not a cultural factor more then a sexist one. It doesn’t matter if your white, blue or pink, it seems women are held to a completely different standard of behaviour then men. "A guy who stays out late and parties a lot is a player, and a girl who does the same thing is torn to shreds. Nothing's changed."
It seems this show is popular for a reason… IT really is YOU!
as myself, the fact that Quebec’s tuition prices are well below 5000 dollars a year seems quite reasonable.
Ontario, it seems we’ve taken money for granted because it’s simply given to us.
