Ethno paper

Research Design:

When I finished reading Belkin's Article, "Opt Out"and read about women and them being able to stay at home with their kids as an option even though they have a high degree baffled me. Then she stated that minority women don't have as much of a choice as caucasians because of their class. At first I could not disagree, then I started to think that I knew of an example that could easily disprove that statement. Social class plays a big part in the women having the "option" to stay at home with the kids or work. a minority, single parent mom may have to work two jobs just to pay rent and get by, while a caucasian more affluent lady could have a master in Business Administration and have a high-paying salary and decide to quit one day to take care of the kids. I was curious to find out if there were options that could help make it so all women have a choice to work or not, not just rich people.

Methodology:

I decided to interview my step-mom, who has been staying at home with children off and on since my little sister has been born 8 years ago. I figured she had both experience with working and staying at home, so she would not be biased. My step-mom is a good example to me because she has 4 degrees and even a master's degree, yet stays at home to watch my sisters, the youngest being 5 months! That means she will have a lot more years baby-sitting if you want to call it that.

Overview of the Interview Questions:

Blog 8

Belkins essay "Opt Out" has caused much controversy and debate. Some agree with her and think that women choose not to follow the prototypical way of doing things and decide to stay at home, while others feel like it is forced onto women because of society.  Belkin says that some women just do not want to make it to the top. I find that hard to believe in today's society. Yes, it is true that some women may not want to work everyday for whatever reason, rather it be lazy, family, or the husband is making enough money, but I find it hard to believe that a women would choose to not get to the top on her own. Definitely in today's society and everyone wanting to be treated equal and have the same opportunities and such. I feel like some women just can't make it to the top because of certain circumstances that are not always their fault. I am not blaming women for getting pregnant and having to bear the child, but I think that is a reason that some women cannot gain power or be as successful. It is hard carrying a child for 9 months and taking all that time off work and expect to be able to compete with a male in the same job field for a higher position. Why would a boss give a female who has a family the job over a male who won't have to take time off of work to carry a child and things like that. I feel like it is good that women do stay home and take care of their child, because childcare cannot raise a child right. My step-mom has multiple degrees and a master's, but has decided in a way to stay home and take care of my sisters until they reach a certain age. I find this good because she can raise them how she wants and not let them pick up bad habits at daycare an be neglected like some children, but I also feel like it is not her choice to stay home. My dad works and my step-mom feels like someone has to take care of the children and she feels it is her responsibility. She is kind of forced to stay home and this idea goes against Belkin. While it is true that some women want to stay home and take care of their children, what about the ones who just stay home because they feel they have to, but really want to be making use of their degrees and earning their own income.

I feel like everyone should be able to have welfare and that they should not try and take that away from people because it is there to help. Even though it is not the government's responsibility to take care of everyone, I feel that as long as a person is not just abusing the system, then there is no reason to get rid of it. 

Blog 7

A movie that I have seen recently is "Boyz in da Hood". It is a John Singleton produced film starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ice Cube. John Singleton is known in the black community for his betrayal of black families and everyday black struggles which is why it is important to note who produced the film. This movie tells the story of probably a lot of African Americans in the United States, particularly the urban communities in the inner cities. It showed the stereotypes of a black family in the movie. A particular scene that stands out to me is when the 10 yr old or so boy got in trouble in class and sent home and the teacher called his mom at home and asked if the boy had a father. This shows the stereotype that people think all black kids do not have a daddy because of the negative portrayal of the black man in America. People tend to believe that black men are not worth a damn and do not take care of their responsibilities, but that is not true because my father is the one who raised me. This movie shows the idea of a black mom, which is taking care of the child and working to support the family. It also feeds into the idea of high divorce rates since the mom and dad are not together anymore. Divorce is not only relevant in the black community, but in all communities across America.

Chapter 7 was about relationships and women basically complaining about being married and not being satisfied called the "housewife syndrome". I found this interesting in the fact I believe it goes both ways with men and women. I feel even in my life now when I am in a relationship with a female that I try my best to keep it fun and interesting so they or I will not get bored.  Doing things at the spur of the moment and doing fun, new things is what keeps relationships going and healthy.

To me the women who were happy single were in some cases being fake or over exaggerating.  Relationships are a big part of life and I feel there is someone for everyone and that a big part of life is to find that one person you are compatible with and start a family.

Blog 6

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