Polygamy. It can be defined informally as the belief that a man can have multiple wives. Although it is illegal in the United States, polygamy is still practiced by people of the Mormon Church and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (not to be confused with the non-Fundamentalist Church, which does not practice polygamy). I am not here to debate over whether or not polygamy is acceptable. I am determined to keep an open mind about people with multiple wives, although I would never practice it myself.
Perhaps you remember in April, when a community of FLDS men, women, and children in Eldorado, Texas was raided because a 16 year old girl called authorities reporting child abuse in the community. Children were taken from their families and held by the state while the area was investigated. The Texas Supreme Cort did rule that the state abused its power in their investigation. Several of these families have returned to their "ranch," as they call it. Some men in that community have had over 60 wives. Having wives, in that culture, is something to be respected, and the more wives a man has, the better/more powerful he is.
But there is a good chance there is something happening behind the walls of the homes in this polygamist sect and others. As one can note from Carolyn Jessop (below), she witnessed abuse of her children. She escaped with all of her biological children one very early morning when her husband was not around. As a child, her mother would beat her every day, and it was just accepted in society.
Another victim of the practices of this religious group is rape victim Elissa Wail. At 14, she was forced to marry her 19 year old cousin, who was very aggressive towards her. She was able to leave the church, and her former husband could face life in prison for his acts.
The FLDS community treads the thin line of the seperation of church and state here in the United States. The question for us: if religion allows young girls to marry 50 year old men, is it law abiding, or is it assault of a minor?
The way some of the inhabitants of Eldorado speak and react worries me. They seem soft and shy and distant, almost as if they are somewhere else. These women are incredibly timid and pert. I do believe that comes from a very disciplined society where beating is acceptable and sex is done behind very closed doors so that others do not gain any knowledge they shouldn't. These women could very well have no idea about what is going on around them. Even if they are unhappy, many are afraid to leave; since birth they have been taught that the apocalypse is coming and only they will be spared from its wrath. Thus, leaving sounds too risky for a person who might want to. The religion claims that its people have free will, but they are confined by their religious tendencies.
What do you think? Is either side right?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
today for you...
Tomorrow... for me.
If you have ever seen RENT or heard the soundtrack, perhaps you know of the punchy, rock-pop musical that became a mega-hit on Broadway in the 1990's. The man behind the musical was dying from AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome before it premiered. He never got to see it performed in an actual Broadway show, but he brought to the light a very important issue that faces the entire world today: AIDS.
What is AIDS?
So many people know that the epidemic is "bad," but so many do not even know what it is. In case you dozed off in health class (as so many do), AIDS, which stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is a condition where the immune system has been weakened so that it has trouble fighting off even some very basic viruses that can cause the common cold and other illnesses that most people would be easily able to recover from. Being so susceptible to disease in a world where germs are everywhere is dangerous, and almost always results in untimely death.
How do you get AIDS?
It is impossible to come into contact with AIDS and automatically have it. That is because AIDS is a series of symptoms that are caused by the sexually transmitted disease, HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is the virus that causes the condition known as AIDS. It is what causes the immune system to weaken, and once it is weakened enough, the victim of the virus is no longer just HIV positive, but AIDS positive as well.
HIV can be transmitted by:
If you have ever seen RENT or heard the soundtrack, perhaps you know of the punchy, rock-pop musical that became a mega-hit on Broadway in the 1990's. The man behind the musical was dying from AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome before it premiered. He never got to see it performed in an actual Broadway show, but he brought to the light a very important issue that faces the entire world today: AIDS.
What is AIDS?
So many people know that the epidemic is "bad," but so many do not even know what it is. In case you dozed off in health class (as so many do), AIDS, which stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is a condition where the immune system has been weakened so that it has trouble fighting off even some very basic viruses that can cause the common cold and other illnesses that most people would be easily able to recover from. Being so susceptible to disease in a world where germs are everywhere is dangerous, and almost always results in untimely death.
How do you get AIDS?
It is impossible to come into contact with AIDS and automatically have it. That is because AIDS is a series of symptoms that are caused by the sexually transmitted disease, HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is the virus that causes the condition known as AIDS. It is what causes the immune system to weaken, and once it is weakened enough, the victim of the virus is no longer just HIV positive, but AIDS positive as well.
HIV can be transmitted by:
- Having unprotected (ie:without a condom) vaginal or anal sex with someone infected with HIV.
- Having oral sex with an infected person. There is elevated risk if ejaculation in the mouth occurs and that risk increases even more if either person has mouth sores, canker sores, bleeding gums, or another STD.
- Sharing needles or syringes with anyone who has HIV.
- Having and breast-feeding a child if the mother has HIV leaves a high risk that the child too will become infected.
Where did AIDS originate?
The AIDS condition began to become problematic in the early 1980's, and the US began tracking it in 1982. But the trouble was, they were not sure where it came from. In the mid-1970's doctors in New York and Los Angeles noticed more and more gay men developing rare cancers and other illnesses. Then, from a sample of blood taken from a man that lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1959, doctors were able to identify the virus that was becoming more common in big cities as HIV-1. It turns out the disease originated in Africa from chimpanzees in west Africa. When hunters came into contact with the blood of infected chimps, they were exposed to the virus.
How can I help?
You can donate to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which is a large, reputable, and reliable organization that helps clients around the world receive medical care, treatment, prevention, testing, and helps fund research. To help fight AIDS worldwide, donate or learn more here. If you are thinking a little bigger, why not try organizing a fundraiser? For questions about donating and fundraising for the AHF, please call Julia Miele, Director of Fundraising at 323.860.5240.
Love shopping, or just have some old clothing to give away? Maybe it is time to donate or shop for a good cause. Out of the Closet thrift stores take donations a welcome shoppers with a promise to help an important cause. To see if there is an Out of Closet near you, click here. Unfortunately, they are only located in Florida and California, but I am sure they will be expanding should their cause find success.
I'm sure you have heard of Bono's organization, (PRODUCT) RED. Gracing gadgets from Apple, Motorola, Dell, and many others, consider spending on something red, such as the Apple iPod Nano, starting at about $200.
Gap also sells an assortment of clothing including tee shirts, bags, and shoes. Check out the more subtle CULTU(RED) tee for fall.
Although a significantly lower percentage of what you pay goes to the foundation than if you were to simply donate, these products are a way to incorporate an important cause into your every-day life. To purchase this tee, click here. You also might want to check out H&M stores for their collection of charitable tees designed by musicians such as Rihanna.
If we work together, we may some day be able to live in a world where poor children are born into life with the virus and no one loses a daughter or son or husband or wife or mother or father to AIDS.
Friday, July 25, 2008
fall fetched
I know it is still summer, but I cannot help but rain on the sun-kissed, chlorine-damaged parade of all the summer lovers. Here are 5 reasons why summer is not the best season of the year:
1st: It gets hot. Now, I hate to point out the obvious here, but summer is a season of smelly people in tank tops who neglect to shower due to their laziness. When it is 95 degrees and humid, who wants to hang poolside sipping something fruity? Well, I, for one, do not. But my parents do, and all too often they insist I come with them to the club that we belong to... after all, it is right across the street. In that weather, the only things I am interested in is indoors. And when the back of your legs stick to leather or plastic? That hurts!
2nd: Harmful, cruel, and chemical-laden products. From insect repellent to sunscreen, you want to stay protected from the constant curve-balls summer throws your way. Whether I am hiking in the Rockies, playing field hockey on the turf field, or collecting shells at the beach, I am probably wearing some very strong-smelling product. While wearing something that doesn't smell like lavender and rosewater is OK, what isn't is the ingredients. A good percent of what we slather on in these hot months is absorbed into our bodies, and I really don't want toxic chemicals from insect repellent lounging around in my bloodstream with the olive oil and yogurt mask that was on my face last night. But if you don't wear them, suffer the consequences. What I hate most is, I can never find cruelty-free sun protection. Bunnies should not be held subject to painful tests just so humans can be sun-safe.
3rd: Skimpy clothes. Although the prospect of running around scantily clad in a bandeau and boy shorts for two months sounds incredibly endearing, I would rather not. To be perfectly honest, I prefer fall and winter clothing to that of summer and even spring. To face a mirror before a walk on the beach does not always make a girl feel her best as variations of I look fat dance around in the heads of millions. And how about someone tells that woman she is wearing underwear and not shorts. If someone can see your butt, then it is inappropriate to wear in public.
4th: Mosquitoes. They bite and leave you itchy. I hate to be so plainly blunt, but there really is not much more to my hatred of the pesky insects. And when your legs swell up and turn red, it just isn't attractive. So much for looking amazing in that dress for the garden party.
5th: Being away from people. I know summer gives you ample time to hang out with your friends and make new ones without schoolwork getting in the way, but sometimes friends leave you... and go to camp or Europe. The summer is nice for friendship, but I'd rather walk to class where I can learn while simultaneously smiling at people from across the room.
I can't wait for the fall! New pens and twill trenches and crisp apples all mixed in with deep raspberries and mustard yellows. I can just taste the pumkin pie!
Love always,
rb.
1st: It gets hot. Now, I hate to point out the obvious here, but summer is a season of smelly people in tank tops who neglect to shower due to their laziness. When it is 95 degrees and humid, who wants to hang poolside sipping something fruity? Well, I, for one, do not. But my parents do, and all too often they insist I come with them to the club that we belong to... after all, it is right across the street. In that weather, the only things I am interested in is indoors. And when the back of your legs stick to leather or plastic? That hurts!
2nd: Harmful, cruel, and chemical-laden products. From insect repellent to sunscreen, you want to stay protected from the constant curve-balls summer throws your way. Whether I am hiking in the Rockies, playing field hockey on the turf field, or collecting shells at the beach, I am probably wearing some very strong-smelling product. While wearing something that doesn't smell like lavender and rosewater is OK, what isn't is the ingredients. A good percent of what we slather on in these hot months is absorbed into our bodies, and I really don't want toxic chemicals from insect repellent lounging around in my bloodstream with the olive oil and yogurt mask that was on my face last night. But if you don't wear them, suffer the consequences. What I hate most is, I can never find cruelty-free sun protection. Bunnies should not be held subject to painful tests just so humans can be sun-safe.
3rd: Skimpy clothes. Although the prospect of running around scantily clad in a bandeau and boy shorts for two months sounds incredibly endearing, I would rather not. To be perfectly honest, I prefer fall and winter clothing to that of summer and even spring. To face a mirror before a walk on the beach does not always make a girl feel her best as variations of I look fat dance around in the heads of millions. And how about someone tells that woman she is wearing underwear and not shorts. If someone can see your butt, then it is inappropriate to wear in public.
4th: Mosquitoes. They bite and leave you itchy. I hate to be so plainly blunt, but there really is not much more to my hatred of the pesky insects. And when your legs swell up and turn red, it just isn't attractive. So much for looking amazing in that dress for the garden party.
5th: Being away from people. I know summer gives you ample time to hang out with your friends and make new ones without schoolwork getting in the way, but sometimes friends leave you... and go to camp or Europe. The summer is nice for friendship, but I'd rather walk to class where I can learn while simultaneously smiling at people from across the room.
I can't wait for the fall! New pens and twill trenches and crisp apples all mixed in with deep raspberries and mustard yellows. I can just taste the pumkin pie!
Love always,
rb.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
twelfth night
Welcome to my little corner of the world. It isn't much, but it sure is cozy here. I doubt you, lovely reader, have found yourself here by chance or a great twist of fate. I most likely know you. Or you know me. But I'm sure you don't know everything about me. I once read in my dictionary of proverbs (yes, I have one of those) that "to whom we love the best, to them we say the least." Well, you may not agree with that, but I find it, as the months go by, increasingly true. So, the reader, whom I cherish and love dearly, I give you 12 things you probably didn't know about... whatever you will
1st: Out of the spontaneous and adventurous spirit that I have invested in myself, I started this blog on whim at 6 in the morning on a summer Thursday. I can never follow a normal sleeping pattern in the summer, which is an unfortunate and fateful aspect that distorts my social calender and restricts me from having real fun during the day. But, as an upside, I definitely get more thinking in than most.
2nd: I have a confession to make. I don't really love you. Maybe I do, but I cannot say I know what love means. It is one of those words that is always carelessly tossed around in society until a special someone comes along and tells says "I love you," and everything changes. Or at least I hope that is how love works. If only things were that simple...
3rd: I really enjoy the works of this man:
If you are not familiar with him, his name is William Shakespeare. Does that ring a bell? The writer was born in 1564, and completed most of his 38 plays between his late 20's and early 50's before dying in 1616. He was rather sexist in his works, portraying women as weak characters that needed men for stability. I cannot blame him however, because it was characteristic of the time when a woman could not even act on stage.
4th: I live in a suburb. Now, you might know this, or you might not. You might even live in the same suburb. I can say, though, I live in one of the nearest suburbs to New York City and my house is approximately 200 yards from the city line. When I say "city," don't automatically envision walking under the lights of Time's Square, a suite overlooking Park Avenue, or shopping on 5th. New York City has Manhattan, yes, but we also have Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn.
I generally don't frequent the other boroughs unless I am visiting a zoo, aquarium, science center, museum, or other educational establishment. My parents feel it is rather unsafe. I would really like to do some tutoring in the South Bronx, but alas, I am not allowed. However, I am allowed to visit my favorite museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art every so often, which brings me to my next subject.
5th: While I definitely can boast more talent than most people with the pencil or paintbrush, I am not at all a conventional artist. I however do enjoy art and art through history. This painting by Charles Wilson Peale shows a young George Washington around 1772 with both of his hands hidden in the painting.
Being incredibly invested in American anthropology, I did wonder why he and so many others often only had one hand that showed in paintings. It turns out, our first president was also a bargain hunter. To paint a hand in a picture, it would cost significantly more during the pre-Revolution era. If you didn't wish to pay so much, an artist could hide your hands for you in the painting. Clever, no?
6th: My favorite place in the world is not some exotic Caribbean island. It is not a resort in Europe. No, my favorite place is one that people pass by each day without ever realizing how special it really is. Mine is the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
Not only is it situated in one of the nicest and most exclusive communities in the best city on earth, the Met boasts that it has enough pieces in its collections that you could stand and look at a piece for one minute each for five years and still never view every work that the Met has to behold. That does seem kind of intimidating, but I really tend to shy away from ethnic art, including the African gallery, opting for my favorites: the 18th and 19th Century gallery, the American Portrait gallery, and the Costume Institute. Once I have graduated college and have a job, I would love to live in one of those beautiful townhouses in close proximity to the lovely Met exterior and Central Park.
7th: I really enjoy interior and fashion design and styling. I like the idea of being able to do something yourself that you can be proud of. So many people see the design industry as a powerhouse of frivolity, but I must ask, where else would you get your clothes? As long as there are laws against public nudity, clothes will always be in style. Perhaps sometime I will post one of my creations. I am planning on making toile quilts to add some vintage European flair to my bedroom. I hope they turn out as well as quilts I have made in the past.
8th: I like to think of myself as a tasteful individual. I don't drink or smoke or do drugs like some of my peers do. I would never wear sweatpants to school. I shower daily (that was a given).
I have yet to crack open the pages of a CosmoGIRL at the drugstore because I find magazines with such socially liberal tendencies to be utterly distasteful. If you are looking for a tasteful newsstand read, do not pick up The New York Post, People, Star, Us Weekly, or J-14. I opt for The New York Times, Vogue (American or British), Teen Vogue, and sometimes InStyle.
I don't eat meat either. I find meat to be utterly distasteful. Methane from the meat industry is the number one cause of the accelerated rate of global warming. It also happens to be laden with preservatives and saturated fats, not to mention, it is a little gross.
9th: I get very into celebrating things. That means I wear the colors of the American flag on July 4th and slightly excessive amounts of red and green when the holidays come rolling around. But it also means that I wear all green on St. Patric's Day and make cold coca in my PJ's to celebrate Christmas in July. Speaking of which, Christmas is today. Christmas in July, that is.
10th: I am mildly obsessed with anything classic. Classic music, classic clothing, classic literature... and the list goes on. If it doesn't look classic, it better look like it. I guess I am a tad picky sometimes.
11th: I absolutely adore the Beatles, my favorite band. Half the band may not be around anymore, but their music lives on in the hearts and heads of millions.
12th: I am always chewing gum. While eating is nice, I prefer to aim at single-handedly trying to sustain the chewing gum industry. Personally, I think I do a rather good job at it.
"And what here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend." -Romeo and Juliet
1st: Out of the spontaneous and adventurous spirit that I have invested in myself, I started this blog on whim at 6 in the morning on a summer Thursday. I can never follow a normal sleeping pattern in the summer, which is an unfortunate and fateful aspect that distorts my social calender and restricts me from having real fun during the day. But, as an upside, I definitely get more thinking in than most.
2nd: I have a confession to make. I don't really love you. Maybe I do, but I cannot say I know what love means. It is one of those words that is always carelessly tossed around in society until a special someone comes along and tells says "I love you," and everything changes. Or at least I hope that is how love works. If only things were that simple...
3rd: I really enjoy the works of this man:
If you are not familiar with him, his name is William Shakespeare. Does that ring a bell? The writer was born in 1564, and completed most of his 38 plays between his late 20's and early 50's before dying in 1616. He was rather sexist in his works, portraying women as weak characters that needed men for stability. I cannot blame him however, because it was characteristic of the time when a woman could not even act on stage.
4th: I live in a suburb. Now, you might know this, or you might not. You might even live in the same suburb. I can say, though, I live in one of the nearest suburbs to New York City and my house is approximately 200 yards from the city line. When I say "city," don't automatically envision walking under the lights of Time's Square, a suite overlooking Park Avenue, or shopping on 5th. New York City has Manhattan, yes, but we also have Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn.
I generally don't frequent the other boroughs unless I am visiting a zoo, aquarium, science center, museum, or other educational establishment. My parents feel it is rather unsafe. I would really like to do some tutoring in the South Bronx, but alas, I am not allowed. However, I am allowed to visit my favorite museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art every so often, which brings me to my next subject.
5th: While I definitely can boast more talent than most people with the pencil or paintbrush, I am not at all a conventional artist. I however do enjoy art and art through history. This painting by Charles Wilson Peale shows a young George Washington around 1772 with both of his hands hidden in the painting.
Being incredibly invested in American anthropology, I did wonder why he and so many others often only had one hand that showed in paintings. It turns out, our first president was also a bargain hunter. To paint a hand in a picture, it would cost significantly more during the pre-Revolution era. If you didn't wish to pay so much, an artist could hide your hands for you in the painting. Clever, no?
6th: My favorite place in the world is not some exotic Caribbean island. It is not a resort in Europe. No, my favorite place is one that people pass by each day without ever realizing how special it really is. Mine is the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
Not only is it situated in one of the nicest and most exclusive communities in the best city on earth, the Met boasts that it has enough pieces in its collections that you could stand and look at a piece for one minute each for five years and still never view every work that the Met has to behold. That does seem kind of intimidating, but I really tend to shy away from ethnic art, including the African gallery, opting for my favorites: the 18th and 19th Century gallery, the American Portrait gallery, and the Costume Institute. Once I have graduated college and have a job, I would love to live in one of those beautiful townhouses in close proximity to the lovely Met exterior and Central Park.
7th: I really enjoy interior and fashion design and styling. I like the idea of being able to do something yourself that you can be proud of. So many people see the design industry as a powerhouse of frivolity, but I must ask, where else would you get your clothes? As long as there are laws against public nudity, clothes will always be in style. Perhaps sometime I will post one of my creations. I am planning on making toile quilts to add some vintage European flair to my bedroom. I hope they turn out as well as quilts I have made in the past.
8th: I like to think of myself as a tasteful individual. I don't drink or smoke or do drugs like some of my peers do. I would never wear sweatpants to school. I shower daily (that was a given).
I have yet to crack open the pages of a CosmoGIRL at the drugstore because I find magazines with such socially liberal tendencies to be utterly distasteful. If you are looking for a tasteful newsstand read, do not pick up The New York Post, People, Star, Us Weekly, or J-14. I opt for The New York Times, Vogue (American or British), Teen Vogue, and sometimes InStyle.
I don't eat meat either. I find meat to be utterly distasteful. Methane from the meat industry is the number one cause of the accelerated rate of global warming. It also happens to be laden with preservatives and saturated fats, not to mention, it is a little gross.
9th: I get very into celebrating things. That means I wear the colors of the American flag on July 4th and slightly excessive amounts of red and green when the holidays come rolling around. But it also means that I wear all green on St. Patric's Day and make cold coca in my PJ's to celebrate Christmas in July. Speaking of which, Christmas is today. Christmas in July, that is.
10th: I am mildly obsessed with anything classic. Classic music, classic clothing, classic literature... and the list goes on. If it doesn't look classic, it better look like it. I guess I am a tad picky sometimes.
11th: I absolutely adore the Beatles, my favorite band. Half the band may not be around anymore, but their music lives on in the hearts and heads of millions.
12th: I am always chewing gum. While eating is nice, I prefer to aim at single-handedly trying to sustain the chewing gum industry. Personally, I think I do a rather good job at it.
"And what here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend." -Romeo and Juliet
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