Things are not always as they seem
Kimmi Martin
Reflections of a Nice Girl
Can what seems like exploitation and degradation to one person not be that for another? I have often wondered what this world would be like if we all thought the same way. Lord knows our society would not be as interesting as it is if this were to happen. I am constantly reading about people engaged in controversial behavior and activities that many interpret as degrading.
I recently read an essay condemning the tradition of women dancing either on the sidelines or during halftime as part of football games. The author talked about how there was nothing admirable about a woman dressed in skimpy clothing being the focal point of lustful men everywhere in a stadium.
This controversial topic was not new to me. I often find it interesting that people are so quick to jump on someone else based on their own presumptions about whatever it is the subject of their scrutiny is participating in.
Take the Dallas Cowgirls for examples, clad in blue and silver. Are they taking the "woman's movement" back a step? Certainly not! These are women who work-out constantly, monitor what they eat and endure a very selective tryout process. Hmmm. Sounds like the sport they cheer for. You can bet that if I had their talent and a body that looked that good, I'd be out there shaking my stuff too.
Before you criticize others for your own beliefs, you better make sure you understand exactly what it is you are criticizing.
How can I go on without mentioning pageants? Consider the Miss America pageant. This contest does not simply showcase 51 pretty faces who parade around in bathing suits. What you see on the night of the telecast hardly sums up what these women endure throughout their week of competition. In addition to the hundreds of dollars used for dresses, swimsuits, hair and make-up, these women are constantly on the go. Judges base their decisions not just on looks, but personality, grace, personal goals and whether or not this woman would be an accurate representation of the beauty within all American women.
If you notice, these pageants are no longer the "dog and pony" show they used to be in the 50's. I think it is appropriate that these contestants participate in evening gown and swimsuit competitions. Anyone who walks across a stage wearing only a swimsuit has some guts.
How much do you know about the marriage traditions of the Mormons? Now I admit, I know little about this religious faith and social customs. I do know that there are sects of Mormons that still have multiple wives per husband. For many in this group, this act is a way of life. Is it right to criticize something that we do not understand? I have to remember that I am thinking with my Catholic, women can do anything, power to the people attitude. We do not have to completely understand why people do some of the things they do, but we must understand that people do things based on their own views and interests.
With the events surrounding Elián Gonzales this past weekend, I have heard so many people in the media criticize the entire country of Cuba. It is sad that this little boy is in the middle of an American/Cuban political war. Yes, this is all political. Everything we see on television revolves on America's hatred for Castro and how Cuba functions as a nation. Everyone is so critical of how life in Cuba is so horrible for everyone who lives there. Not once have I heard from a Cuban who presents the other side.
I was amazed to see on television, a rally in Havana where Fidel Castro made an appearance, he was greeted with an incredible amount of applause. I remarked how apparently not everyone thought he was horrible.
Now don't get me wrong. I do not condone some of the things he has done over the years with situations involving the United States, however, I also know that America has trained me to hate this man. The media has trained me to see Cuba as a country to be afraid of. It is so easy to deem something as barbaric and wrong when we do not understand it.
How can we understand it if we are only presented with one side of the coin? We have to realize that there is always another side.
Listening is essential. Questioning is vital. Everything is not always as it seems. There is nothing wrong with having a personal opinion about issues. Effective argumentation only results from adequate research if not experience.
Kimmi Martin is a senior at Saint Mary's. Her column appears every other Wednesday.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
All Viewpoint Stories for Wednesday, April 26, 2000
