Masculinity: Who made that up?
Masculinity and Femininity have always been around. It is written in our genes that there are certain roles that are to be played by each sex. The power given to these two terms is what defines them and what defines the culture in which those definitions take effect. This leads to a mis-communication or overcompensation of the flawed power given to these terms to find there place in an ever changing global society. Faith in these flawed powers leads to inequality and general misunderstanding of the true roles each sex plays which results in a fundamental breakdown in the inevitable progression to an utopian society which all rule driven humans seek. I plan to illuminate these powers and the effects they have in certain societies and how they are constantly combating our want to progress. I will use Kimmel's "Bro's before Ho's" to magnify what he believes these flawed powers are and how he sees their effects being played out in society. The evidences provided will be abstract in the sense that it is not tangible to those who don't look for it or those who choose not to see it, yet it will show exactly how gender roles can and do hurt the human race. The bulk of my argument will be backed up mostly through the use of pathos to convey the realty of these powers and their effects on people on a global scale
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
RA 3- Salam
In Reihan Salam's article written in 2009 titled "The Death of Macho", he explains how a male dominated society is beginning to decline and recede to an equal gender society and how the engrained ideal of macho is beginning to diminish. He notes that the recent recession is the consequence of male incompetence in the financial capitalism world and how men can either accept the fact that women will soon be equally responsible for financial security if not the main caretakers. Salam is writing to anyone who cares to listen, generally those who are obsessed with their ideals and refuse to accept the way of the future tend not to listen to radical new theories based on fact or not, so his message will not be heard universally and arguably to those who need to hear it most. Salam wants to see a more successful society and believes that equality is of the utmost importance if this is to be done. Salam states there are now only two choices left to men "adaptation: men embracing women as equal partners and assimilating to the new cultural sensibilities, institutions, and egalitarian arrangements that entails." or " resistance. Men may decide to fight the death of macho, sacrificing their own prospects in an effort to disrupt or delay a powerful historical trend" (633).
Salam uses pathos by making connections of the oppression women face in other countries such as Russia and China and yet are still upholding jobs and taking in money to support their families. There are 10.4 million more women than men in Russia and yet they still make less money and are exposed to sexual exploitation at work and hypocrisy at home while having the highest working age women employment rate than any other country. Salam explains "Puttin has aided and abetted these men, turning their nostalgia for the lost macho of Soviet times into an entire ideology" (634). Which translates into a resistance to this new movement resulting in all around loss of total income and a drop in their economy and country-wide health and satisfaction. This is the result of flawed and outdated ideals that eventually hurt everyone and is translated to his audience as being the tell tale signs of a new world with new ideals.
The author uses logos by describing the problems in the current economy with job losses and general sociological changes that have been products of the recession both here in the US and in Europe. He recites " soon, there will be three female college graduates for every two males in the United States, and a similarly uneven outlook in the rest of the developed world" (630). Salam calls this a "he-cession" which means it is not only a loss of jobs for men, but a loss of this so called "macho" which is results in an increase in the need for females to step up. Men are not suited for the jobs that are becoming available in this new world while women have been preparing and are ready to accept responsibility that men are not. This back up the theory of this new world change where men choose to resist and lose out or adapt and reap the benefits that it entails.
Salam's use of this term "macho" is an important factor in his persuasive writing. It encompasses not only the ideals in the "guy code" but it represents a flawed perspective on the current roles in society in regard to working families and what is the sociological norm. Salam explains "the problem of macho run amok and excessively compensated is now giving way to macho unemployed and undirected- a different but possibly just as destructive phenomenon" (632). The buying in to this idea of macho and social norms is causing self-inflicted wounds on men around the globe and hurting women trying to make a name for themselves as individuals and as an equal gender which is resulting in an overall decline of socials acceptance and household income. Disturbing and real, this irresponsibility of men to accept reality and move on accordingly will hurt the global society and lead the U.S to an even more divided country, adding another reason to manifest hatred and inequality. This is portrayed by Salam in his constant use of "macho" derogatory or not.
This article is effective and interesting and holds a message that would not be wise to disregard. It is obvious that the global economics and sociology is changing, and those that refuse to listen or even hear it will be left in the dust and end up regretting it. The world moves quickly and this is just one example of how those who are too out of touch to understand it and refuse to acknowledge it are the perpetuators of problems that cannot be rectified without support.
Salam uses pathos by making connections of the oppression women face in other countries such as Russia and China and yet are still upholding jobs and taking in money to support their families. There are 10.4 million more women than men in Russia and yet they still make less money and are exposed to sexual exploitation at work and hypocrisy at home while having the highest working age women employment rate than any other country. Salam explains "Puttin has aided and abetted these men, turning their nostalgia for the lost macho of Soviet times into an entire ideology" (634). Which translates into a resistance to this new movement resulting in all around loss of total income and a drop in their economy and country-wide health and satisfaction. This is the result of flawed and outdated ideals that eventually hurt everyone and is translated to his audience as being the tell tale signs of a new world with new ideals.
The author uses logos by describing the problems in the current economy with job losses and general sociological changes that have been products of the recession both here in the US and in Europe. He recites " soon, there will be three female college graduates for every two males in the United States, and a similarly uneven outlook in the rest of the developed world" (630). Salam calls this a "he-cession" which means it is not only a loss of jobs for men, but a loss of this so called "macho" which is results in an increase in the need for females to step up. Men are not suited for the jobs that are becoming available in this new world while women have been preparing and are ready to accept responsibility that men are not. This back up the theory of this new world change where men choose to resist and lose out or adapt and reap the benefits that it entails.
Salam's use of this term "macho" is an important factor in his persuasive writing. It encompasses not only the ideals in the "guy code" but it represents a flawed perspective on the current roles in society in regard to working families and what is the sociological norm. Salam explains "the problem of macho run amok and excessively compensated is now giving way to macho unemployed and undirected- a different but possibly just as destructive phenomenon" (632). The buying in to this idea of macho and social norms is causing self-inflicted wounds on men around the globe and hurting women trying to make a name for themselves as individuals and as an equal gender which is resulting in an overall decline of socials acceptance and household income. Disturbing and real, this irresponsibility of men to accept reality and move on accordingly will hurt the global society and lead the U.S to an even more divided country, adding another reason to manifest hatred and inequality. This is portrayed by Salam in his constant use of "macho" derogatory or not.
This article is effective and interesting and holds a message that would not be wise to disregard. It is obvious that the global economics and sociology is changing, and those that refuse to listen or even hear it will be left in the dust and end up regretting it. The world moves quickly and this is just one example of how those who are too out of touch to understand it and refuse to acknowledge it are the perpetuators of problems that cannot be rectified without support.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
RA #2- Morgan
"From Fly-Girls To Bitches and hos" is Joan Morgan's attempt to spread awareness of how rap and hip-hop is affecting the black community and how women are buying into the sham of idolizing these deeply troubled men. Being a woman, black, feminists and a fan of rap music gives Morgan an extremely credible view on the intricacies of the rap community including their cause and affect on the black community. She speaks about responsibility; how and why these rapper's lyrics represent their true feeling and attitudes as well as how women react to fame and fortune, throwing away all sense of pride and compassion. Morgan is speaking to anyone affected or offended by these rappers, to bring to light how complex and underestimated these problems are in all communities. That the shallow insults are simply a cover up for deep, concise issues that has taken hold of the rap community in the form of self perpetuation.
Morgan gives us a small eyewitness to how her views are credible and well researched based on the terminology she uses. We know now that she is from the very community she is talking about and that she has and friends and family involved in the dangerous rap world being used or abused in some way shape or form. She does an excellent job in explaining to the audience how she is hurt by the lack of compassion in her community and how her love doesn't seem to be reciprocated by her "brothers" and "sistas". She explains "[y]eah, sistas are hurt when we hear brothers calling us bitches and hos. But the real crime isn't in the name calling, it's their failure to love us- to be our brothers in the way that we commit ourselves to being their sistas" (604). This magnified views of the lack of chemistry between these men and women is a root problem according to Morgan, it highlights a fact that many people seem to not recognize while listening to their albums, "Any man who doesn't truly love himself is incapable of loving us in the healthy way we need to be loved." (604). The fact that Morgan exemplifies this common tend in black rappers speaks volumes to their character and why they do what they do, an integral piece to the self perpetuation of their problems. This brings the reader to an understanding of where Morgan is coming from and gives a brief window to where she wants to take this argument in an attempt to provide a solution. This is important because it is not a govt official making broad generalizations on issues he has no knowledge on, but an involved activist that truly wants to help using her obvious expertise.
The use of emotional appeals is evident and mandatory in this piece in order to convey the reality of the black community in what they've been through to what they are going through. Morgan centralizes on how the common enemy of her community is not who they are fighting, they are fighting against each other in a war with no end in sight before a change in the priorities of those involved. She states "According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of black two-parent households has decreased from 74 percent to 48 percent since 1960. The leading cause of death among black men ages fifteen to twenty-four is homicide. the majority of them will die at the hand of other black men"(602). Depressing figures convey the reality of this war the black community is so involved in and her obvious hatred for it. She is speaking out to the world in this article but really wants to hit home for those involved in this war and try to spark a realistic hatred for it in others.
Another aspect of Morgans writing is her use of cause and effect for the women involved in these rappers lives and how they are not only hurting themselves but helping refuel this self-destructive cycle. Morgan explains that the rappers use these women to hide their pain and true struggles and that they are more than happy to oblige, she explains "Backstage, the road, and the hood are populated with women who would do anything to be with a rapper sexually for an hour if not a night."(605). She sees these women going after what they want and doesn't criticize them for that, its for the self humiliation they put themselves through in order to get what they want she has a problem with. She has a problem with degrading all women by perpetuating this idolization and fascination with these men by doing absurd and ridiculous things that make rules for other women as to what is acceptable and what is successful which in turn simplifies all women and turns them into objects just for an individual's success for a night or a day or a week. This all centralizes around the war the black community is facing, Morgan wants to stop the root of this problem by making women aware of what their sacrifice does to all women and what they really gain from it.
I enjoyed this piece and learned a significant amount from it. It is an important front that Morgan is facing and I support her movement. Anyone who reads this article will walk away a bit more educated and understanding. I really like the idea of understanding the demographic of this country just a little bit more, considering it is the most complicated and layered collection of people in history, provides a new insight every time you are given a new perspective, and I don't plan on letting it go to waste.
Morgan gives us a small eyewitness to how her views are credible and well researched based on the terminology she uses. We know now that she is from the very community she is talking about and that she has and friends and family involved in the dangerous rap world being used or abused in some way shape or form. She does an excellent job in explaining to the audience how she is hurt by the lack of compassion in her community and how her love doesn't seem to be reciprocated by her "brothers" and "sistas". She explains "[y]eah, sistas are hurt when we hear brothers calling us bitches and hos. But the real crime isn't in the name calling, it's their failure to love us- to be our brothers in the way that we commit ourselves to being their sistas" (604). This magnified views of the lack of chemistry between these men and women is a root problem according to Morgan, it highlights a fact that many people seem to not recognize while listening to their albums, "Any man who doesn't truly love himself is incapable of loving us in the healthy way we need to be loved." (604). The fact that Morgan exemplifies this common tend in black rappers speaks volumes to their character and why they do what they do, an integral piece to the self perpetuation of their problems. This brings the reader to an understanding of where Morgan is coming from and gives a brief window to where she wants to take this argument in an attempt to provide a solution. This is important because it is not a govt official making broad generalizations on issues he has no knowledge on, but an involved activist that truly wants to help using her obvious expertise.
The use of emotional appeals is evident and mandatory in this piece in order to convey the reality of the black community in what they've been through to what they are going through. Morgan centralizes on how the common enemy of her community is not who they are fighting, they are fighting against each other in a war with no end in sight before a change in the priorities of those involved. She states "According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of black two-parent households has decreased from 74 percent to 48 percent since 1960. The leading cause of death among black men ages fifteen to twenty-four is homicide. the majority of them will die at the hand of other black men"(602). Depressing figures convey the reality of this war the black community is so involved in and her obvious hatred for it. She is speaking out to the world in this article but really wants to hit home for those involved in this war and try to spark a realistic hatred for it in others.
Another aspect of Morgans writing is her use of cause and effect for the women involved in these rappers lives and how they are not only hurting themselves but helping refuel this self-destructive cycle. Morgan explains that the rappers use these women to hide their pain and true struggles and that they are more than happy to oblige, she explains "Backstage, the road, and the hood are populated with women who would do anything to be with a rapper sexually for an hour if not a night."(605). She sees these women going after what they want and doesn't criticize them for that, its for the self humiliation they put themselves through in order to get what they want she has a problem with. She has a problem with degrading all women by perpetuating this idolization and fascination with these men by doing absurd and ridiculous things that make rules for other women as to what is acceptable and what is successful which in turn simplifies all women and turns them into objects just for an individual's success for a night or a day or a week. This all centralizes around the war the black community is facing, Morgan wants to stop the root of this problem by making women aware of what their sacrifice does to all women and what they really gain from it.
I enjoyed this piece and learned a significant amount from it. It is an important front that Morgan is facing and I support her movement. Anyone who reads this article will walk away a bit more educated and understanding. I really like the idea of understanding the demographic of this country just a little bit more, considering it is the most complicated and layered collection of people in history, provides a new insight every time you are given a new perspective, and I don't plan on letting it go to waste.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
RR: Kimmel
In Michael Kimmel's "Bro's Before Hos: The Guy Code", he elaborates on how men are meant to operate in today's society with respect to general acceptance by other men. He says that men are constantly being judged and scrutinized by other men based off what they say, how they dress and if they are emotionally open, leading to exposed weaknesses and forced defense systems that have no connection to biology or the general make-up of man. In other words, "the guy code" is essentially a a false belief system comprised of ideals that conflict with man's natural growth and biological harmony with their bodies, minds and general well being.
Homophobia definitely plays a huge role in "the guy code", perhaps the most central role simply because the ideals in the guy code itself are polar opposites to the ideals of the stereotypical homosexual. Kimmel certainly feels it plays a factor by saying "[t]he cardinal rule of manhood, the one from which all the other characteristics- wealth, power, status, strength, physicality- are derived is to offer constant proof that you are not gay" (613). Although not congruent with all powerful men, the fact that we are all trying to escape from a single idea or a single perspective of ourselves makes all too much sense. Why else is our society so successful and clearly striving for dominance and competition when as children these ideals of emulating an immovable object are so prevalent? It is because we as men, every minute of every day are battling our innate need for emotional connectivity, centralized self-awareness and ability to say "I'm wrong" which has lead to a warped view of not only what a man truly is but what reality is and how any individual actually effects it. The idea of being gay has manifested into the opposite of what it takes to make your mark on the world and therefore been considered taboo by those who have lead the example of success and power. There is no logic in "the guy code" other than the man next to you is better, therefore something is wrong with you, you need to fix it. It is a complete fallacy created by greed and competition derived from our need to not be misperceived as strange or abnormal which has taken physical from as gay.
Homophobia definitely plays a huge role in "the guy code", perhaps the most central role simply because the ideals in the guy code itself are polar opposites to the ideals of the stereotypical homosexual. Kimmel certainly feels it plays a factor by saying "[t]he cardinal rule of manhood, the one from which all the other characteristics- wealth, power, status, strength, physicality- are derived is to offer constant proof that you are not gay" (613). Although not congruent with all powerful men, the fact that we are all trying to escape from a single idea or a single perspective of ourselves makes all too much sense. Why else is our society so successful and clearly striving for dominance and competition when as children these ideals of emulating an immovable object are so prevalent? It is because we as men, every minute of every day are battling our innate need for emotional connectivity, centralized self-awareness and ability to say "I'm wrong" which has lead to a warped view of not only what a man truly is but what reality is and how any individual actually effects it. The idea of being gay has manifested into the opposite of what it takes to make your mark on the world and therefore been considered taboo by those who have lead the example of success and power. There is no logic in "the guy code" other than the man next to you is better, therefore something is wrong with you, you need to fix it. It is a complete fallacy created by greed and competition derived from our need to not be misperceived as strange or abnormal which has taken physical from as gay.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Final Polish Proposition 30 OP-ED
Proposition Education
Ethan Ahlstrom
10/16/2012
English 2
It is well known that this nation is facing a financial crisis, leading to cuts
in valuable programs that not only help our nation progress, but bring more
money back into our economy. California is a shining example of how improper
usage of funds and mismanagement of essential programs has lead to devastating
cuts. Everyday schools seem to lose more than they give. With class sizes
shrinking, course offerings disappearing and tuition exploding the education
system is enduring a problem that has never been seen before. In Community
Colleges alone we have seen $809 million in budget cuts in the last 3 years, and 485,000 student
enrollment decreases with a 24% reduction in course sections over the past 4 years.
Governor Jerry Brown has taken the role of foreman for the California
redemption job site by advocating Proposition 30 hopefully bringing billions of
dollars back to our schools. With voting day within sight, it is important for
residents of this great state to see our issues and realize what will happen to
our schools should Prop 30 not pass. Education needs to be our priority, it is
the key to a future of plenty for Californians and everyone needs to do their
part to save our most important commodity, an educated populace.
What we as a state face on November 6th is a chance to save our
schools from a near $6 billion cut affecting K-12, Community Colleges, CSU and
UC school systems. This gives us a chance to save thousands of jobs for
instructors and administrators, save courses, resources and enrollment cuts.
Prop 30 avoids a $250 million cut to CSU and UC each and stops an additional
$150 tuition increase for CSU this coming spring. CSU tuition has increased 300% in
the past decade and at Cabrillo College we have seen over 400 classes dropped,
roughly 95 staff jobs lost and a tuition hike from $26/unit to $46/unit. These
classes are too expensive as it is and we can expect more loans for students
and an increased drop-out rate due simply to a lack of means as opposed to a
lack of motivation or need.
In
recent years we have seen numerous measures to raise taxes fail under
California voters. This is due to the lack of concise assurances that these tax
raises will go to what is needed, not for the state government, high/low income
families, cancer research, state parks, but for the entire population and
future of the state. These are all factors in a healthy economy and thriving
community but in order for a population to willingly vote to pay more, they
must be convinced that there is no alternative to enhancing their lives and the
lives of their children. Proposition 30 is what the state has been waiting for,
we have the need, the representation and the means. These means include an
increase on sales tax for .25% for 4 years and an income tax increase of 1%-3%
for high income earners of over $250,000 annually for 7 years. These earners
make up 3% of the population and yet would generate 90% of the Proposition’s
revenue, should it pass.
Now, in the past Californians have not been keen on the idea of taxing those who have earned there money. Are they simply putting their
hard earned dollars to programs that are destined to fail? To politicians and
administrators who are not doing their jobs? Perhaps in the past, but now in
2012 as we see the rich get richer and poor, poorer, with unemployment rising,
college degrees decreasing and schools losing money we can see the need for change. It is
evident that this tax increase is not only necessary it is ethically correct.
It is in the best interests of those who can afford it to give to those in need
for the success of our state community. As Governor Jerry Brown stated, “If
people say no, we don’t want to tax the most rewarded and blessed among us, we
want to close schools, ok. I’ll manage the best we can”. Taxing the rich has
become California’s fail-safe. The state is on the shoulders of these high
income earners and it is time for them to make the difference. Voters need to
understand that without this tax increase our schools will continue to take
cuts, lose jobs and paint a grim picture for the future and generations to
come.
As a Community College student and future CSU student, I find myself jumping
from one cut to the next. College has changed in the way that not only do you
need more units and a broader spectrum of subjects in order to get a degree,
you have to wrestle to get into these classes as well as paying a minimum
of $70 per textbook on top of the near doubled tuition since 2009. It
seems an uphill battle has turned into a rock climb with no equipment, and the
only way to continue is take loans from one source or another, making every
student stop and wonder “Is this worth my time?” I've gone through semesters
where I haven’t gotten over 9 units simply because I was sitting on the floor
with 10 other hopefuls. This does not make for a good learning atmosphere.
There is plenty of competition after college, seeing this much now in the
beginning stages of my adult life and the reality of the importance of
succeeding and the consequences of not, when there is only so much in your
power is simply depressing.
On top of the seemingly unacceptable cuts our schools are taking currently, we
can expect much worse should this Prop not pass. California is preparing for
either outcome from the measure and the motions that have been set are
disturbing for any involved in the schooling system. H.D. Palmer, spokesman for
the state department of finance explains that if the measure doesn't pass “we
still have an obligation to maintain spending closely to the revenues we take
in, so the legislature pre-approved a package of so-called trigger cuts,
reductions in state spending, that will automatically take effect on Jan 1 of
next year”. Together, K-12 and College school systems make up over half of the
California state budget meaning these “trigger cuts” will result in $5.4
billion being cut from K-12 schools and Community Colleges. Alternatively,
Proposition 30 states that temporary tax revenues from the measure will be
applied specifically to K-12 at 89% and Community Colleges at 11%. Meaning, the
failing of Proposition 30 will result in no new funding for the schools as well
as a massive cut to an already dwindling system.
The future of California is at stake. We need to show support for students,
teachers and administrators so they can make our education system as meaningful
and effective as it used to be. In K-12 we are seeing the lowest SAT scores in
history, grades are down, teachers are losing jobs and resources and we are
facing a 3 week cut in K-12 schools, while the rest of the world seems to be
excelling. I went to boarding school in Great Britain for 8th grade.
I was 13 years old, went to school at 7 am, took twelve classes per day and
finished class around 5 pm. This was normal to most students, most of them got
off class and immediately started working on course work. They were introduced
to critical thinking and argumentation long before I arrived and I found myself
overwhelmed and under-prepared. We simply cannot afford to be making cuts to
our schools that are teaching our children how to live and grow and succeed in
the real world. There is no question why we are outsourcing jobs and degrading
our own achievements when we are facing a world that is steaming ahead.
I see Proposition 30 as the beginning of the new education
system in California, we have a chance to shape the future of this state.
We need to set an example and prove to ourselves and this nation that education
is the key to our success, not only in our personal lives, but on a global
scale. If we want to be considered a world leader, if we want to be proud of
where we’re from and how our labor shapes our society then we need to invest in
education. Stopping catastrophic cuts, funding our schools and changing our perspectives
for the greater good is how we create a foundation for future generations for
years to come. Where children go to school with books and motivated teachers,
where college students find their goals are not being prohibited by obstacles
they cannot defeat and where we create a more unified state with the sole
purpose of improving our future.
Works Cited
"California
Proposition 30, Sales and Income Tax Increase (2012)." - Ballotpedia. N.p., 23 Sept. 2012. Web. 23 Sept. 2012.
<http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_30,_Sales_and_Income_Tax_Increase_(2012)>.
Kelly, Erika.
"Prop. 30: Taxes for Schools and Public Safety: The California
Report." The California Report. KQED Public Radio, 3 Oct. 2012. Web. 14 Oct. 2012.
<http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201210030850/a>.
Mapp, Lauren J.
"The Mesa Press." : Looming Budget Cuts May
Depend on Prop 30. N.p., 11 Oct. 2012. Web. 14 Oct. 2012.
<http://www.mesapress.com/news/2012/10/11/looming-budget-cuts-may-depend-on-prop-30/>.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Final Draft
Proposition Education
Ethan Ahlstrom
It is well known that this nation is facing a financial crisis, leading to cuts
in valuable programs that not only help our nation progress, but bring more
money back into our economy. California is a shining example of how improper
usage of funds and mismanagement of essential programs has lead to devastating
cuts. Everyday schools seem to lose more than they give. With class sizes
shrinking, course offerings disappearing and tuition exploding the education
system is enduring a problem that has never been seen before. In Community
Colleges alone we have seen $809 million in budget cuts in the last 3 years, and 485,000 student
enrollment decreases with 24% reduction in course sections over the past 4 years.
Governor Jerry Brown has taken the role of foreman for the California
redemption job site by advocating Proposition 30 hopefully bringing billions of
dollars back to our schools. With voting day within sight, it is important for
residents of this great state to see the issues and realize what will happen to
our schools should Prop 30 not pass. Education needs to be our priority, it is
the key to a future of plenty for Californians and everyone needs to do their
part to save our most important commodity, an educated populace.
What we as a state face on November 6th is a chance to save our
schools from a near $6 billion cut affecting K-12, Community Colleges, CSU and
UC school systems. This gives us a chance to save thousands of jobs for
instructors and administrators, saving courses and resources and enrollment cuts.
Prop 30 avoids a $250 million cut to CSU and UC each and stops an additional
$150 tuition increase for this coming spring. CSU tuition has increased 300% in
the past decade and at Cabrillo College we have seen over 400 classes dropped,
roughly 95 staff jobs lost and a tuition hike from $26/unit to $46/unit. These
classes are too expensive as it is and we can expect more loans for students
and an increased drop-out rate due simply to a lack of means as opposed to a
lack of motivation or need.
In
recent years we have seen numerous measures to raise taxes fail under
California voters. This is due to the lack of concise assurances that these tax
raises will go to what is needed, not for the state government, high/low income
families, cancer research, state parks, but for the entire population and
future of the state. These are all factors in a healthy economy and thriving
community but in order for a population to willingly vote to pay more, they
must be convinced that there is no alternative to enhancing their lives and the
lives of their children. Proposition 30 is what the state has been waiting for,
we have the need, the representation and the means. The means include an
increase on sales tax for .25% for 4 years and an income tax increase for 1%-3%
for high income earners of over $250,000 annually for 7 years. These earners
make up 3% of the population and yet would generate 90% of the Proposition’s
revenue, should it pass.
Now, in the past Californians have not been keen on the idea of taxing those
who can afford it. Are they simply putting their
hard earned dollars to programs that are destined to fail? To politicians and
administrators who are not doing their jobs? Perhaps in the past, but now in
2012 as we see the rich get richer and poor, poorer, with unemployment rising,
college degrees decreasing and schools losing money we can see the need for change. It is
evident that this tax increase is not only necessary it is ethically correct.
It is in the best interests of those who can afford it to give to those in need
for the success of our state community. As Governor Jerry Brown stated, “If
people say no, we don’t want to tax the most rewarded and blessed among us, we
want to close schools, ok. I’ll manage the best we can”. Taxing the rich has
become California’s fail-safe. The state is on the shoulders of these high
income earners and it is time for them to make the difference. Voters need to
understand that without this tax increase our schools will continue to take
cuts, lose jobs and paint a grim picture for the future and generations to
come.
On top of the seemingly unacceptable cuts our schools are taking currently, we
can expect much worse should this Prop not pass. California is preparing for
either outcome from the measure and the motions that have been set are
disturbing for any involved in the schooling system. H.D. Palmer, spokesman for
the state department of finance explains that if the measure doesn't pass “we
still have an obligation to maintain spending closely to the revenues we take
in, so the legislature pre-approved a package of so-called trigger cuts,
reductions in state spending, that will automatically take effect on Jan 1 of
next year”. Together, K-12 and College school systems make up over half of the
California state budget meaning these “trigger cuts” will result in $5.4
billion being cut from K-12 schools and Community Colleges. Alternatively
Proposition 30 states that temporary tax revenues from the measure will be
applied specifically to K-12 at 89% and Community Colleges at 11%. Meaning, the
failing of Proposition 30 will result in no new funding for the schools as well
as a massive cut to an already dwindling system.
As a Community College student and future CSU student, I find myself jumping
from one cut to the next. College has changed in the way that not only do you
need more units and a broader spectrum of subjects in order to get a degree,
you have to wrestle to get into these classes as well as paying a minimum
of $70 per textbook on top of the near doubled tuition since 2009. It
seems an uphill battle has turned into a rock climb with no equipment, and the
only way to continue is take loans from one source or another, making every
student stop and wonder “Is this worth my time?” I've gone through semesters
where I haven’t gotten over 9 units simply because I was sitting on the floor
with 10 other hopefuls. This does not make for a good learning atmosphere.
There is plenty of competition after college, seeing this much now in the
beginning stages of my adult life and the reality of the importance of
succeeding and the consequences of not, when there is only so much in your
power is simply depressing.
The future of California is at stake. We need to show support for students,
teachers and administrators so they can make our education system as meaningful
and effective as it used to be. In K-12 we are seeing the lowest SAT scores in
history, grades are down, teachers are losing jobs and resources and we are
facing a 3 week cut in K-12 schools, while the rest of the world seems to be
excelling. I went to boarding school in Great Britain for 8th grade.
I was 13 years old, went to school at 7 am, took twelve classes per day and
finished class around 5 pm. This was normal to most students, most of them got
off class and immediately started working on course work. They were introduced
to critical thinking and argumentation long before I arrived and I found myself
overwhelmed and under-prepared. We simply cannot afford to be making cuts to
our schools that are teaching our children how to live and grow and succeed in
the real world. There is no question why we are outsourcing jobs and degrading
our own achievements when we are facing a world that is steaming ahead.
I see Proposition 30 as the beginning of the new education
system in California, we have a chance and to shape the future of this state.
We need to set an example and prove to ourselves and this nation that education
is the key to our success, not only in our personal lives, but on a global
scale. If we want to be considered a world leader, if we want to be proud of
where we’re from and how our labor shapes our society then we need to invest in
education. Stopping catastrophic cuts, funding our schools and changing our perspectives
for the greater good is how we create a foundation for future generations for
years to come. Where children go to school with books and motivated teachers,
where college students find their goals are not being prohibited by obstacles
they cannot defeat and where we create a more unified state with the sole
purpose of improving our future.
Works Cited
"California
Proposition 30, Sales and Income Tax Increase (2012)." - Ballotpedia. N.p., 23 Sept. 2012. Web. 23 Sept. 2012.
<http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_30,_Sales_and_Income_Tax_Increase_(2012)>.
Kelly, Erika.
"Prop. 30: Taxes for Schools and Public Safety: The California
Report." The California Report. KQED Public Radio, 3 Oct. 2012. Web. 14 Oct. 2012.
<http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201210030850/a>.
Mapp, Lauren J.
"The Mesa Press." : Looming Budget Cuts May
Depend on Prop 30. N.p., 11 Oct. 2012. Web. 14 Oct. 2012.
<http://www.mesapress.com/news/2012/10/11/looming-budget-cuts-may-depend-on-prop-30/>.
Schiff, Lisa.
"BeyondChron: San Francisco's Alternative Online Daily News » School
Beat: CaliforniaÂ’s Competing Tax Measures." BeyondChron: San Francisco's
Alternative Online Daily News » School Beat: California’s Competing Tax
Measures. Beyond Chron, 6 Sept. 2012.
Web. 23 Sept. 2012.
<http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=10463>.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Rough draft
Proposition Education
Ethan Ahlstrom
It is
well known that this nation is facing a financial crisis, leading to cuts in
valuable and programs that not only help our nation progress, but bring more
money back into our economy. California is a shining example of how improper
usage of funds and mismanagement of essential programs has lead to devastating
cuts. Everyday schools seem to lose more than they give. With class sizes
shrinking, course offerings disappearing and tuition exploding the education
system is enduring a problem that has never been seen before, at this
magnitude. Governor Jerry Brown has taken the role of foreman for the
California redemption job site by advocating Proposition 30 hopefully bringing
billions of dollars back to our schools. With voting day within sight, it is
important for residents of this great state to see the issues and realize what
will happen to our schools should Prop 30 not pass. Education needs to be our
priority, it is the key to a future of plenty for Californians and everyone
needs to do their part to save our most important commodity, an educated
populace.
What we
as a state face on November 6th is a chance to save our schools from
a near $6 billion cut affecting K-12, Community Colleges, CSU and UC school
systems. This gives us a chance to save thousands of jobs for instructors and
administrators, saving courses and resources and enrollment cuts. Prop 30
avoids a $250 million cut to CSU and UC each and stops an additional $150
tuition increase for this coming spring. CSU tuition has increased 300% in the
past decade and At Cabrillo College we have seen in the past few years 400
classes dropped, roughly 95 staff jobs lost and a tuition hike from $26/unit to
$46/unit. These classes are too expensive as it is and we can expect more loans
for students and a drop-out rate increase due to simply a lack of means as
opposed to a lack of motivation or need.
In
recent years we have seen numerous ballots to raise taxes fail under California
voters. This is due to the lack of concise assurances that these tax raises
will go to what is needed, not for the state government, high/low income
families, cancer research, state parks, but for the entire population and
future of the state. Yes, these are all factors in a healthy economy and
thriving community but in order for a population to willingly vote to pay more,
they must be convinced that there is no alternative to enhancing their lives
and the lives of their children. Proposition 30 is what the state has been
waiting for, we have the need, the representation and the means. The means
include an increase on sales tax for .25% for 4 years and an income tax
increase for 1%-3% for high income earners of over $250,000 annually for 7
years. These earners make up 3% of the population and yet would generate 90% of
the Proposition’s revenue, should it pass.
Now, in
the past Californians have not been keen on the idea of taxing those who can
afford it, is it their responsibility? Are they simply putting their hard
earned dollars to programs that are destined to fail? To politicians and
administrators who are not doing their jobs? Perhaps in the past, but now in
2012 as we see the rich get richer and poor, poorer, with unemployment rising,
college degrees decreasing and all the while schools losing money. It is
evident that this tax increase is not only necessary it is ethically proper. It
is in the best interests of those who can afford it to give to those in need
for the success of our state community. As Governor Jerry Brown stated, “If
people say no, we don’t want to tax the most rewarded and blessed among us, we
want to close schools, Ok. I’ll manage the best we can”. Taxing the rich has
become California’s fail-safe. The state is on
the shoulders of these high income earners and it is time for them to make the
difference. Voters need to understand that without this tax increase our
schools will continue to take cuts, lose jobs and paint a grim picture for the
future and generations to come.
On top
of the seemingly unacceptable cuts our schools are taking currently, we can
expect much worse should this Prop not pass. California is preparing for either
outcome from the measure and the motions that have been set are disturbing for
any involved in the schooling system. H.D. Palmer, spokesman for the state
department of finance explains that if the measure doesn’t pass “we still have
an obligation to maintain spending closely to the revenues we take in, so the
legislature pre-approved a package of so-called trigger cuts, reductions in
state spending, that will automatically take effect on Jan 1 of next year”.
Together, K-12 and College school systems make up over half of the California
state budget meaning these “trigger cuts” will result in $5.4 billion being cut
from K-12 schools and Community Colleges. Alternatively Proposition 30 states
that temporary tax revenues from the measure will be applied specifically to
K-12 at 89% and Community Colleges at 11%. Meaning the failing of Proposition
30 will result in not only a massive cut, but a loss of much needed funding.
As a
Community College student and future CSU student, I find myself jumping from
one cut to the next. College has changed in the way that not only do you need
more units and a broader spectrum of subjects in order to get a degree, you
have to wrestle to get into these classes
as well as paying a minimum of $70 per textbook on top of the near doubled tuition since 2009. It seems an
uphill battle has turned into a rock climb with no equipment, and the only way
to continue is take loans from one source or another, making every student stop
and wonder “Is this worth my time?” I’ve gone through semesters where I haven’t
gotten over 9 units simply because I was sitting on the floor with 10 other
hopefuls. This does not make for a good learning atmosphere. There is plenty of
competition after college, seeing this much now in the beginning stages of my
adult life and the reality of the importance of succeeding and the consequences
of not, when there is only so much in your power is simply depressing.
The
future of California is at stake. We need to show support for students,
teachers and administrators so they can make our education system as meaningful
and effective as it used to be. In K-12 we are seeing the lowest SAT scores in
history, grades are down, teachers are losing jobs and resources and we are
facing a 3 week cut in all schools, while the rest of the world seems to be
excelling. I went to boarding school in Great Britain for 8th grade.
I was 13 years old, went to school at 7 am, took twelve classes per day and
finished class around 5 pm. This was normal to most students, most of them got
off class and immediately started working on course work. They were introduced
to critical thinking and argumentation long before I arrived and I found myself
overwhelmed and under-prepared. We simply cannot afford to be making cuts on
these schools that are teaching our children how to live and grow and succeed
in the real world. There is no question why we are outsourcing jobs and
degrading our own achievements when we are facing a world that is steaming
ahead. I see Proposition 30 as the beginning of the new education system in
California, where children go to school with books and motivated teachers,
where college students find their goals are not being prohibited by obstacles
they cannot defeat and where we create a more unified state with the sole
purpose of improving our future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)