Sweet Tea and a Cloudy Sky

The framework essay outlines the basic ideas to keep in mind while doing observations and reading the rest of the texts. Out of this, I was able to gather a large amount of information, and apply some basic concepts to my observations. First of all, I view most of what I have seen from a constructionist perspective. All the evidence I have points to this viewpoint as the “true” or “right” way to view the world, including class readings, content from previous courses, and real life experience. I chose to conduct my observations primarily in the Pride Office, a location which is technically part of the LGBTQ Resources office. This space is an area where people gather to hang out, socialize, and meet people, as well as a space to casually discuss identities. The space is not simply a social avenue for students, however – people also come here to conduct business with Ric Chollar, the Associate Director of LGBTQ Resources, or to work on homework or projects. I have in my observations seen people in this space “construct” their identities, and this may change daily, weekly, or over a longer time period. Because of the nature of this space as a “comfortable and “safe” location to discuss the “typically taboo” topics of sexuality, it is also a space where people feel comfortable to discuss other things which may not be seen as “okay” to discuss in a general everyday situation, such as other master statuses.
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I’m having a good day today. That means that I have the available emotional resources to cover a topic that might normally be a bit too much for me to bear.

Something shitty happened to a friend today. On the website Moustache May, participants sign up and show off their moustaches for the month of May. On the “about” page, the creator states that females may participate, given that they prove that they wear a moustache for the entire month.

One of my friends decided to participate this year. This friend is a cisgender female, and over the past few days she’s had to deal with a wide variety of responses. Today, she was demoted from ‘participant’ to ‘lurker’.

This doesn’t seem right, especially considering the fact that the website specifically states that females may participate.

Additionally, most females have facial hair. For a long long time they have been undergoing painful procedures to remove said facial hair. This is the sort of thing that may perpetuate this process and make it hard for females to accept themselves as they are. Since females are unable to embrace their own face follicles, they will continually try new ways to rid themselves of said hair.

It just doesn’t seem right. I would really appreciate any comments outlining your thoughts on this matter.