Shekar, Preeti. "Reproductive Racism." OCT 2007: 23-24.SIRS Researcher. SIRS
Knowledge Source . Edina High School. 7 Dec 2008
http://www.sirs.com/.
Preeti Shekar is an Indian feminist activist and journalist who is very familiar with issues concerning reproductive technology and genetic engineering. In her article “Reproductive Racism”, Shekar analyzes the growing popularity of gender selection for many sexist societies, for example South Asian societies. In such societies, immense pressure is pressed on women to produce male heirs. Because of this pressure, women are trying to take advantage of the gender specifying technology provided by the United States to satisfy their husbands and in-laws. Shekar aknowledges the technology as an advancement and better alternative for abortion, but also argues that it justifies sexism and an imbalance in nature. Shekar is in agreement with many other women and feminists who oppose gender selection. Shekari and other opponents to gender selection present the negative aspects of using this new life-changing technology and the horrors it could bring to the human race.
Callahan, Marion. "Is Gender Selection Too Much Family Planning?." The Morning Call (MCT) Jun 2008
SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source . Edina High School. 7 Dec 2008
http://www.sirs.com/.
Marion Callahan is a writer journalist for The Morning Call in Allenton, PA. In her article regarding gender selection, “Is Gender Selection Too Much Family Planning?”, she presents both sides of the ethics behind using reproductive technology. The negative side argues religion and fate as well as the mechanizing of family. The affirmative, however, argues that it is a choice completely dependent upon the patient. A plus is also that most families who use this procedure do it out of love, not for financial or materialistic reasons. Most famillies want to experiance the raising of both genders. Overall, the article supports the issue of using reproductive technology for gender selection, viewing it as “family balance”. Callahan’s support for gender selection clashes with that of Shekar. Both sides argue the ethics behind this new technology and argue so fairly. PGD, Pre-Implantaion Genetic Diagnosis could have a disasterous outcome yet it might indeed balance famillies and promote peace and happiness for families as well.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
New Moon Post 10
Aro has just touched Bella, failing to read her mind. I find this amazing because Bella seems very subjective. She is vulnerable to the powers of some vampires, yet she is immune to the powers of others. Why is this? What is the difference in vampires that either overcome her resistance, or are deterred by it?
Alice for example, has minimal trouble predicting Bella’s future, or rather seeing her decisions. But Edward is incapable of penetrating her mind and reading her thoughts. Also, Jasper has no trouble at all affecting Bella’s emotions through the atmosphere surrounding her. Yet Jane cannot best Bella either. This is all very strange to me because I don’t see why some are able to influence Bella with their talents while others are not. Is it arbitrary? Stephenie Meyer picks and chooses who can or can’t overcome Bella’s barrier? Or is there something more? What categorizes these vampires as such? I can only hope for a detailed explanation in future books.
My final note as I end my blogging on New Moon is the theme. Stephenie Meyer has definitely based her book New Moon on Romeo and Juliet. Sacrifice is a major element in this book. Edward and Bella replace Romeo and Juliet in a more modern and fantasy-based tragedy. Aside from the modern 21st century aspect of New moon, there is also the characterization to consider. There are no supernatural creatures in Romeo and Juliet, save a fairy tale Queen Mab.
Also, the presence of Jacob in the book represents a different side of Paris. And Paris is more understood as a major character rather than just an adding cause of conflict.
The best difference though, in my opinion is tragedy versus happily ever after. Romeo and Juliet, yes it is most unfortunate that they lived apart and died together but Bella and Edward fortunately did not share the same fate.
Which is why I am going to reread Eclipse!!!
Alice for example, has minimal trouble predicting Bella’s future, or rather seeing her decisions. But Edward is incapable of penetrating her mind and reading her thoughts. Also, Jasper has no trouble at all affecting Bella’s emotions through the atmosphere surrounding her. Yet Jane cannot best Bella either. This is all very strange to me because I don’t see why some are able to influence Bella with their talents while others are not. Is it arbitrary? Stephenie Meyer picks and chooses who can or can’t overcome Bella’s barrier? Or is there something more? What categorizes these vampires as such? I can only hope for a detailed explanation in future books.
My final note as I end my blogging on New Moon is the theme. Stephenie Meyer has definitely based her book New Moon on Romeo and Juliet. Sacrifice is a major element in this book. Edward and Bella replace Romeo and Juliet in a more modern and fantasy-based tragedy. Aside from the modern 21st century aspect of New moon, there is also the characterization to consider. There are no supernatural creatures in Romeo and Juliet, save a fairy tale Queen Mab.
Also, the presence of Jacob in the book represents a different side of Paris. And Paris is more understood as a major character rather than just an adding cause of conflict.
The best difference though, in my opinion is tragedy versus happily ever after. Romeo and Juliet, yes it is most unfortunate that they lived apart and died together but Bella and Edward fortunately did not share the same fate.
Which is why I am going to reread Eclipse!!!
New Moon Post 9
"Edward let me fall" (20. 458).
This quote hit me hard the first time I read it. It seemed just about the worst thing to say after Edward and Bella’s reunion. Not only that, it just didn’t fit. This one short sentence was so out of place I couldn’t believe I read it. Right smack at the end of the paragraph when the Volturi vampires, Edward, Alice and Bella continue their path to the Volturi headquarters through the hole in the alley. In order for Bella to get to the bottom of the hole, she has to jump down, and Edward just drops her safely into the arms of Alice then rejoins her in a matter of seconds. It wasn’t like he was going to leave her, or he was going to drop her intentionally, or he was trying to get rid of her. It was the most insignificant event in the book yet this one sentence made all the difference. It gives the reader the feeling of an end. Or of some terrible thing to proceed. Yet nothing.
But after much ignorant criticizing, I realized that this quote really stood apart. And it was extremely important in understanding the scene.
This sentence, however short, gives us a fraction of the thoughts occupying Bella’s mind at this very moment. The moment before she drops in the hole. Or more accurately, memories. Not just any thoughts but memories. Months, seeming years ago, Edward had “let her fall” only not as literally. I can only imagine what horrors must be creeping, uninvited, through her mind at this fraction of a second. What if Edward lets me fall, again? What if this whole, Edward-letting-me-fall trend is to continue? How many times am I to be dropped? Is this the last time Edward will ever let me fall?
These are the questions I would be asking at that moment. Will I fall again? Or more importantly, will he be the cause of my fall?
This questions of four words is probably the most influential to me in the whole book if not the series.
“Edward let me fall.”
This quote hit me hard the first time I read it. It seemed just about the worst thing to say after Edward and Bella’s reunion. Not only that, it just didn’t fit. This one short sentence was so out of place I couldn’t believe I read it. Right smack at the end of the paragraph when the Volturi vampires, Edward, Alice and Bella continue their path to the Volturi headquarters through the hole in the alley. In order for Bella to get to the bottom of the hole, she has to jump down, and Edward just drops her safely into the arms of Alice then rejoins her in a matter of seconds. It wasn’t like he was going to leave her, or he was going to drop her intentionally, or he was trying to get rid of her. It was the most insignificant event in the book yet this one sentence made all the difference. It gives the reader the feeling of an end. Or of some terrible thing to proceed. Yet nothing.
But after much ignorant criticizing, I realized that this quote really stood apart. And it was extremely important in understanding the scene.
This sentence, however short, gives us a fraction of the thoughts occupying Bella’s mind at this very moment. The moment before she drops in the hole. Or more accurately, memories. Not just any thoughts but memories. Months, seeming years ago, Edward had “let her fall” only not as literally. I can only imagine what horrors must be creeping, uninvited, through her mind at this fraction of a second. What if Edward lets me fall, again? What if this whole, Edward-letting-me-fall trend is to continue? How many times am I to be dropped? Is this the last time Edward will ever let me fall?
These are the questions I would be asking at that moment. Will I fall again? Or more importantly, will he be the cause of my fall?
This questions of four words is probably the most influential to me in the whole book if not the series.
“Edward let me fall.”
New Moon Post 8
Relief… unspeakable, indescribable, overpowering relief. Cold, sweet, sparkling water splashed on the face of a desert wanderer after months of scorching thirst and smoldering heat. The sight of green beautiful hills after years of endless, rolling, sickeningly gray sea. Basically, recapturing all that matters after a living-death. This is how I see Edward’s rematerializing into Bella’s life. Which ultimately brings him back to mine as well. What a scene. Edward in bones, muscles and flesh… to witness him again. To have him back. What a gift.
Of course it is wrong to feel this way, after his thoughtless departure, but to have Edward back again is beyond imagination.
Actually, it is well in the boundaries of imagination because it’s the only happily ever after and besides, Edward would not have been such a major part of Twilight if he were to just leave and never come back. When you put yourself in Bella’s shoes, or rather emotions, you are bound to experience the same head spinning and gratifying relief. Truly this is the most miraculous miracle there ever was. To have your Edward back. Is there anything else that really matters?
I don’t say this as Edward Cullen, the protagonist in Stephenie Meyer’s fictitious novel, Twilight, no not at all. The idea of Edward, the very idea of Edward, perfection. To attain this, what more could really be?
The idea of Edward is what attracts me to him most. That degree of “good”. The possibility that such “good” could exist.
So, I don’t think it as a dream come true hot vampire coming to me, I see it as wow. Am I really on the receiving end of pure perfection and all that ever mattered, matters and will matter?
Of course it is wrong to feel this way, after his thoughtless departure, but to have Edward back again is beyond imagination.
Actually, it is well in the boundaries of imagination because it’s the only happily ever after and besides, Edward would not have been such a major part of Twilight if he were to just leave and never come back. When you put yourself in Bella’s shoes, or rather emotions, you are bound to experience the same head spinning and gratifying relief. Truly this is the most miraculous miracle there ever was. To have your Edward back. Is there anything else that really matters?
I don’t say this as Edward Cullen, the protagonist in Stephenie Meyer’s fictitious novel, Twilight, no not at all. The idea of Edward, the very idea of Edward, perfection. To attain this, what more could really be?
The idea of Edward is what attracts me to him most. That degree of “good”. The possibility that such “good” could exist.
So, I don’t think it as a dream come true hot vampire coming to me, I see it as wow. Am I really on the receiving end of pure perfection and all that ever mattered, matters and will matter?
New Moon Post 7
Yesssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!! Finally one vampire with some sense. And I am not surprised it is Alice. Although for a vampire, she was terribly slow to come to her legendary “strong” senses. “The Great Realization” took place on the plane as Bella and Alice were flying to Italy. It somehow magically struck Alice that she would change Bella whether Edward liked it or not. Now, if our beloved and “brilliant” vampires had come to this conclusion earlier, oh, perhaps A YEAR AGO or when Edward first fell in love with Bella, Edward would not be trying to kill himself (or re-kill himself), Bella would not give Jacob his time of day and everything would be at peace in Forks.
Which would also ruin the story but still for me, it’s never too early for a happy ending. Especially when involving vampire/human relations.
But for any reader, so many different scenarios swim around in the mind of what COULD have happened. For example, at the moment, I wish for nothing more than Bella existing as a vampire. Of course, this is my opinion and would never have sold any books and I am extremely glad than no body cares about my opinion on the matter. Because I know in a matter of days, Edward will gracefully reappear in my Twilight world and nothing but his trip to Italy would have satisfied me more. Stephenie Meyer really knows how to toy with her readers. She has definately got me twisting and turning in all directions waiting for the light of Bella’s eyes, which have become mine as well.
Which would also ruin the story but still for me, it’s never too early for a happy ending. Especially when involving vampire/human relations.
But for any reader, so many different scenarios swim around in the mind of what COULD have happened. For example, at the moment, I wish for nothing more than Bella existing as a vampire. Of course, this is my opinion and would never have sold any books and I am extremely glad than no body cares about my opinion on the matter. Because I know in a matter of days, Edward will gracefully reappear in my Twilight world and nothing but his trip to Italy would have satisfied me more. Stephenie Meyer really knows how to toy with her readers. She has definately got me twisting and turning in all directions waiting for the light of Bella’s eyes, which have become mine as well.
New Moon Post 6
I just finished the part where Bella considers having Jacob as a brother. I really really like the idea. I just wish it were true. I honestly think that this Jacob deal has gotten way out of hand. Everytime Jacob appears in a scene a just wish he would dissappear and I would never have to even read his name again. Actually, I have developed a dislike for the name alltogether. No offence to anyone whose name is Jacob, but I would rather such a name never even existed. I am sure however this is just a phase, and the name Jacob will be completely erased from my own personal little black book, but for now, I cannot stand him or the name!
I think the real problem is that I can’t bring myself to hate him. Who could? He is the only reason Bella is alive, I am sure that Bella would not have been able to live if Jacob had not been her “brotherly” (I wish) figure. In other words, if she jumped off the cliff just for the thrill with Jacob around, I am POSITIVE she would have jumped in a less joyous attempt, an attempt on her own life. The only reason I can’t bring myself to hate him, is because he is holding Bella together untill Edward comes back.
I am sure Jacob’s motivations behind protecting Bella are not keeping her in tact for Edward’s sake, but nevertheless, it is true.
I really really wish he were her brother. Then they could love eachother as much as they wanted without interrupting Edward. How selfish of me, I know, yet I just wish...
I think the real problem is that I can’t bring myself to hate him. Who could? He is the only reason Bella is alive, I am sure that Bella would not have been able to live if Jacob had not been her “brotherly” (I wish) figure. In other words, if she jumped off the cliff just for the thrill with Jacob around, I am POSITIVE she would have jumped in a less joyous attempt, an attempt on her own life. The only reason I can’t bring myself to hate him, is because he is holding Bella together untill Edward comes back.
I am sure Jacob’s motivations behind protecting Bella are not keeping her in tact for Edward’s sake, but nevertheless, it is true.
I really really wish he were her brother. Then they could love eachother as much as they wanted without interrupting Edward. How selfish of me, I know, yet I just wish...
New Moon Post 5
What is the deal with Edward’s voice?
I truly do not understand the phenomenon of the connection between Edward and Bella. Edward is long gone. Yet, how can his voice be heard at certain times, during certain situations so clearly by Bella? I can think of a few answers to this question.
Firstly, maybe Edward is finally capable of reading Bella’s mind. Maybe being apart from Bella has triggered something in either his or Bella’s brain, connecting the two. So, perhaps, As Bella does dangerous things, or before she does them, Edward can read her mind. And therefore keep in touch with her with quite an anxious voice. By the way, I LOVE how Edward reacts to Bella’s little challenges. They make me laugh and also a sense of relief washes over me. Knowing the fact that Edward still cares, and Bella does as well, is the only reason I did not put this book down for ever. Knowing that Edward will be back motivates me to continue the book.
Back on track, I think that maybe, Bella’s challenges are stimulating this mind reading thing that has evaded them so far.
Another guess is that Bella is just imagining it. I don’t really like to think of this as a possibility because I really want Edward to be there, to know what is going on. I hate being so detached from Edward for his absence. So, if this is the case, Bella is just hallucinating.
Another reason I can come up with is that Edward is speaking through Alice, or another vampire, somehow using another power to communicate with Bella. I really can’t come up with much more solutions at this point. However, I am rooting for the first guess. I guess I will just have to wait and see.
I truly do not understand the phenomenon of the connection between Edward and Bella. Edward is long gone. Yet, how can his voice be heard at certain times, during certain situations so clearly by Bella? I can think of a few answers to this question.
Firstly, maybe Edward is finally capable of reading Bella’s mind. Maybe being apart from Bella has triggered something in either his or Bella’s brain, connecting the two. So, perhaps, As Bella does dangerous things, or before she does them, Edward can read her mind. And therefore keep in touch with her with quite an anxious voice. By the way, I LOVE how Edward reacts to Bella’s little challenges. They make me laugh and also a sense of relief washes over me. Knowing the fact that Edward still cares, and Bella does as well, is the only reason I did not put this book down for ever. Knowing that Edward will be back motivates me to continue the book.
Back on track, I think that maybe, Bella’s challenges are stimulating this mind reading thing that has evaded them so far.
Another guess is that Bella is just imagining it. I don’t really like to think of this as a possibility because I really want Edward to be there, to know what is going on. I hate being so detached from Edward for his absence. So, if this is the case, Bella is just hallucinating.
Another reason I can come up with is that Edward is speaking through Alice, or another vampire, somehow using another power to communicate with Bella. I really can’t come up with much more solutions at this point. However, I am rooting for the first guess. I guess I will just have to wait and see.
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