Thoughts On My Mind: Jane Austen, Media Education Foundation, Rant

I love Jane Austen novels. As a woman, that may sound cliche. I think most women love Jane Austen novels or movies in some way shape or form. What do I love about her stories? The truth behind how silly love can be. How silly its boundaries are and how silly people in love can act. What I think I adore most about her writing is that there is a sexiness behind it without actually having sex... or much physical touch for that matter. Even in the movies, there is usually a kiss that signals the climax of the story. I also like the fact that so many people who don't read very much or even like to read, read Jane Austen. This in and of itself is a tribute to her story telling abilities and classical aura.

Let me take a moment to say that I love the Media Education Foundation. With that being said, I also am really disappointed in them. They make some of the most amazing movies on the planet. They are educational, interesting, and essential to helping dissect some growing social issues. Why are their DVD's so expensive? I mean I get that they have to make money and cover the cost of filming. Sadly educating the people costs people. I wish there was a way to make the information in their movies accesible to the public. What if they had a MEF app? How cool would that be? How about having viewings of their movies better advertised through bigger websites like Huffington Post and Feministing.com?

Look at the following image.
What do you think?



I see the following things. A man with very large arms and a nice butt. Wooptie doo. Why are we exploiting a mans body to sell jeans? Yes, he is a very nice looking man and is using his looks to make money but why does someone have to use their body to make money? Why is that the sign of success? A nice body makes money. I mean I know why. I studied this. But I still don't see why it matters. Why aren't we evolving? Is this man's nice body supposed to be make me want to buy Evan a pair of jeans? It doesn't. Advertisement fail. Just my opinion.

Conquistadora

I am currently reading the novel Conquistadora by Esmeralda Santiago. Beautifully written book that depicts women as a complete force of nature. Her character Ana travels to a new world, engages in lesbian sex, loves two brothers, has influence, and a determination to be free in all that she does. This character is not only intriguing but inspiring. Ana shows me that being a woman has no limits. As you read the story you will dislike some of her decisions but be cheering her on in some of her paths. It's refreshing to read a book where the woman character has a spirit that's accepted. A lot if novels showcase the pain or feeling of being different. This book embraces the differences of women. Check it out.

West Seattle

I love West Seattle. It has the feel of Bellingham but the Seattle urban element that spices it up a bit. West Seattle has some cool restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques.
Evan and I were walking around the other night and we really felt like we could live over here one day.

Places to check out:
Husky Deli
The Matador
Thriftway
Amy's Nails

All I really wanted to say was... I love West Seattle!

RANT: Can-Am Roadster

** Thank you Rob for sending me this link.
Okay I will admit that this advertisement isn't super in your face crazy. The craziness, as I see it, is rather subtle. Notice how in the beginning of the commercial the man is putting on his helmet and the commentator is saying, "Of all the things you've ever ridden..." and then the image cuts to a young attractive brunette. To me that implies that among many things, this guy apparently "rides" this woman.
After this the advertisement goes on to sell the product. BUT really. Let's talk about this. "Of all the things you've ever ridden..." . Am I supposed to be impressed with this guy? Oh wow. Good job. You can "ride"! You can ride a Can-Am Roadster OR a woman. Talent.
When women are in commercials that involve cars, motorcycles, or some kind of moving vehicle, they can be extremely oversexed. I will give the director of this commercial credit- he/she doesn't sexualize the woman with her clothing or make her the center of the advertisement. Instead they make her an attractive accessory. This guy rides a hott woman, so therefore he is capable of riding the Spider Can-Am Roadster. And since he is the one driving the roadster, he is the dominant figure. Think about it. Thoughts?

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Okay. I actually saw this. Evan really wanted to see it, so we went. Let me just say this... It sucked. BUT it only sucked as a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. As a movie about Jack Sparrow, it was actually pretty funny. I would rename it, "The Adventures of Jack Sparrow." It was a rather long movie. If you love Johnny Depp, support him and see it. If you don't really care, netflix it!
OH! And Penelope Cruz. I wanted to like her character because I wish I was Penelope Cruz. She is gorgeous! But she was just okay. Granted, she was way more entertaining that Keira Knightly and her pouty lips that annoy the crap out of me. Tangent: I only really started to not like her when she got the role of Elizabeth Bennett in "Pride and Prejudice." She sucked as a Lizzy. AND then she got nominated for an Oscar for her acting? Yeah right.