Smells like holiday spirit

As the days advance further toward the holidays, specifically Christmas and Hanukkah, there are more and more advertisements directed toward all of those shoppers out there in search of the perfect gift for loved ones.

A main focus that has seemed to suddenly clog the television screen is perfumes and colognes. The amount of skin shown in these ads is astounding. One must ask themselves, “why does there need to be half-naked people on a commercial in order to sell fragrances?”

Over and over again, the allure of sexual encounters on tropical paradises with half-naked bodies is the central focus of selling perfume. They are overdone and completely overused. Also, many are outdated.

Whether it is a Britney Spears commercial peddling products that debuted in 2005 or the many, many sexualized Calvin Klein ads, it is quite enough. Sex appeal has been overused in media, and as we see the objectification of women is often used in this field. However, it seems as though “holiday spirit” has driven this phenomenon to a new level.

While these commercials are definitely creative and have original aspects to them, the abundant and unoriginal ads splaying out naked body parts as though they are something to continually gawk at is not necessary to sell something that merely makes people smell better. Yes, I understand it is about allure and yes, I get that to some people perfume is about attracting people. But what happened to an independent self-satisfaction at smelling nice; to feel as though appearing nice is a sole purpose attained for no one else?

Sexualized images are not needed, and every time the media tells its audience that sexy is what should be on the television, it only further undermines the intelligence of its consumers.

Denying Civil Liberties

In honor of National Coming Out Day, this post highlights the struggles of LGBTQ individuals and how far the community has come as a minority searching for equal rights.

Recently, the Seattle Times released a poll regarding the viewpoint of gay marriage in the state of Washington. It showed that voters who supported same-sex marriage just slightly outnumbered those who opposed it. Could this possibly reflect more of the nation, and their opinion toward the subject?

This particular issue is largely debated, and has been, for some time. It seems for every person who is opposed, there is another for LGBTQ rights. Advocates for the minority fight to legalize marriage, to allow domestic partners the privilege of sitting by their loved ones’ hospital beds when they’re sick, and to be granted equal opportunities to have, adopt, and/or raise children. Some of the more affluent members of society are even going as far as to perform legal bribery for change.

In all fifty states, this has raised outcry and opposition. Civil liberties are only given to those most worthy, and if you happen to be one who loves someone of the same gender, you are, to these people, less of a person.

On Tuesday, a historic member of the LGBTQ community died. The death of Frank Kameny marks the day when many people open up about their lives, and his advocacy is remembered by those who fight the same battle he did in life; to be accepted as a human being.

In recognition of equality, and fair treatment to everyone, acknowledge this day by remembering that being opposed to gay rights is not only oppressive, but teaches hate.

Missing in action

Given that this blog has not been updated in quite a while, the theme applies to multiple facets of this writing, including the current topic: our government.

Not necessarily absent, but definitely maintaining a steady record loss in making decisions. There is no action. President Obama, his staff and their GOP counterparts are “stuck in action.” There is nothing but one step forward, two steps back. Constant, never-changing vigilance that puts our nation at a veritable stand still. Laws have passed and been debated, even pushed into a system that deliberates for months, halting progress. Social norms have changed but continue to be protested; the country seems very much split in their anger over what our representatives should be doing. Outcry expressed in recall elections demonstrated the turmoil and indecision many people have been facing since the economy took a turn for the worse.

And now, the frustration mounts, adding to the total every time a representative votes against common sense, every time the president is kicked down and does not fight back; all of this adds to conflict. To quote former President Bill Clinton, "conflict seems to be better politics; cooperation is better economics."

It seems that many politicians are playing with  fifth grade policies in which you have to “side with your friends” if you want to stay in the group. “If you’re nice to Kelly, I won’t hang out with you anymore” is now equivalent to “vote with them, forget about your support later.” With all of the people watching, it appears to be more important to be oriented toward polling numbers than it is effective government.

America does not need more chaos or to be given more options, it needs results.

BuzzNet Tags: U.S. Government,Journalism Blog,Journalism America,Missing in Action