My Blogging Journey Comes to an End

When I first started this blog, I did not expect much feelings to be involved. As time past, I came to realize that I have a passion for learning new things. This blog allowed me to learn about different countries and cultures. I found many interesting facts. For example, that Qatar is the wealthiest country, Mauritania loves fat women and also that Chinese foot binding caused many scars. As I read other peoples blogs, it was interesting to learn about peoples lives and their viewpoint on things. This one blog I read was called Kicking back in Kahlua and the author writes about her life in Hawaii. Learning about Hawaii and other cultures fascinated me. Another blog was on fat feminism. The author wrote about how fat women are being discriminated against. This blog was interesting because I can relate to the pain of not being the ideal size. At a young age, I loved learning about new cultures and traditions. In writing this blog, I have found my passion for exploring new things once again. As my writing comes to an end, I will indeed keep on trying to learn about new and exciting traditions.

Chinese Foot binding

Most women all over the world have heard the saying, "beauty is pain." Around the world people are striving to be beautiful. Every culture has different beauty traditions. In America, women usually go wax their body or get their hair done to feel pretty. On the other side of the world, China has a beauty tradition that most Americans may find taboo. Foot binding is a long kept tradition in china and is a symbol of beauty. Although, as I researched foot binding, the tradition seemed harmful and outrageous.

The binding of the feet "was said to be an indicator of Chinese class and a symbol of beauty" (Evans). Young Chinese girls were subjected to foot binding as soon as they were
able to walk. Mothers bounded their daughters feet at a young age because children have soft bones (Lim). The foot would be wrapped with bandages to prevent the normal growth. The foot would then be placed into what is called a lotus shoe. The lotus shoe was no more than 3 inches long. As the foot was forced into the shoe, the foot would then gradually become smaller and disfigured (Evans). As I saw the disfigured toes curl into the foot, I could not imagine the pain these women had to go through.

The Video of the bounded foot saddened me. The tiny Chinese women looked so peaceful sitting on the chair. As I saw her disfigured foot, I was upset that people would hurt themselves like this. Although the foot binding tradition is not really practiced today, older women still carry deformities and scars. Some women even regret binding their feet.

Zhou says " I can't dance, I can't move properly. I regret it a lot. But at the time, if you didn't bind your feet, no one would marry you" (Lim).

It is sad to know that people go through such great lengths to be considered beautiful. If you think about it, foot binding is no different than waxing or even plastic surgery. These practices also include pain. I wonder if there will come a time when beauty isn't skin deep.

References

Evans, Myfanawy. "Pattaya Daily News." Pattaya Daily News Pattaya Newspaper Powerful News at Your Fingertips. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.

Lim, Louisa. "Painful Memories for China's Footbinding Survivors." NPR. NPR, 19 Mar. 2007. Web. 17 Apr. 2013.

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Mauritania: Love of Fat Women

As I was reading through Amanda Arp's blog on Fat Feminism, I asked myself a question. Is there any country in the world that embraces fat women? On my search, I came across the country of Mauritania. In the U.S skinny means beautiful, but in Mauritania, skinny is ugly and undesirable. I was delighted at the fact that there was a country that supports big beautiful women. While researching, I found that although Mauritania prides themselves on big women, the way it is practiced is outrageous.

In Mauritania, "Obesity is so revered among the Moor Arab population that the young girls are sometimes force fed to obtain weight" (Harter). This phenomenon of fat women is a sign of wealth. If a woman is skinny, she was considered poor and undesirable. At a young age, mothers force feed the girls to fatten them up.

In the rural parts of Mauritania, fat farms were created to fatten young girls (Harter). This tradition of force feeding is known as leblouh. Young girls are forced to eat 4 pounds of mixed food, along with 2 cups of butter and 20 liters of camel's milk in a day (Sumitra). If girls do not eat, or throw up, they are punished by pinching sticks and more food. I was saddened to watch a video on how the young girls are fed. Many are crying and clutching their stomachs in pain. Mothers are sitting back and watching, ready to give another bowl of milk and food. In the video, women explain that if the girl gets fat quick, they can get their period faster and get married. Although this phenomenon is a sign of beauty, it comes with a harsh reality when women get older and suffer from health problems.

Many women in Mauritania suffer from weight related health problems. 

A quarter of the 1.5 million women in Mauritania — a barren, dune-enveloped country in northwest Africa more than twice the size of Texas — are obese, according to the World Health Organization. That’s lower than the 40 percent of American women who the WHO says are obese, but surprisingly high in a country that has not a single fast-food franchise (Mauritania).

The government of Mauritania also has concerns with the rising obesity problem. They have launched campaigns to try and stop the obesity epidemic. Although, for a young women named Mint, her problem has already hit. She states in NBC News “My mother thinks she made me beautiful. But she made me sick,” says Mint, who suffers from weight-related illnesses including diabetes and heart disease. It is so different to see people suffering from this. In the United states, everyone strives to be skinny and fit, so researching Mauritania was insightful.

Women all around the world strive for one thing, to be accepted and beautiful. In the U.S, it is skinny and fit that is wanted. In Mauritania it is fat, plump and thick that has men turning heads. It is refreshing to see a country that believes fat is beauty but, at what cost? Harming your health, children and society? I guess it is no different than women in the U.S spending countless times in the gym and operating room to achieve what they believe is beauty. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, I hope one day the world will realize this. 

References

Harter, Pascale. "Mauritania's 'wife-fattening' Farm." BBC News. BBC, 26 Jan. 2004. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.

"Mauritania Struggles with Love of Fat Women." Msnbc.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.

Sumitra. "Leblouh - Force-Feeding Young Girls in the Name of Beauty | Oddity Central - Collecting Oddities." Oddity Central Collecting Oddities. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013.

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El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead)

Americans traditionally celebrate Halloween on October 31 but recently, a new trend has hit the states. El Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead, is a Mexican celebration that honors the deceased.  Some Americans love the female skull face trends that originated from Dia de los Muertos. Many do not know that the skull face evolved from a celebration of the dead. On Dia de los Muertos, people in Mexico paint their faces as skulls, make alters and also give offerings to graves (Hernandez).

Dia de los Muertos has been practiced for at least 3,000 years. "The celebration traditionally starts at midnight the night of Oct. 31 and... continues until Nov 2nd" (Erichsen). During this time, people prepare for the celebration by making alters and food as an offering to deceased souls. "An area of the house is cleaned up and the furniture removed to make room for the altar," this is when families will put the a picture of the deceased and also things that the deceased used to like, such as candy, food or even a toy (Kenyon). Other times, family members will enjoy eating a meal at the grave site of their passed loved ones. People would bring candles and flowers to the grave yard to show that they are welcoming souls back to the world of the living.

Another big tradition of Dia de los Muertos is the skull face painting.  "Many euphemisms are used for death, like La calaca (the skeleton). It might sound somewhat morbid, but the Mexicans react to death with mourning along with happiness and joy. They look at death with the same fear as any other culture, but there is a difference. They reflect their fear by mocking and living alongside death" (Hernandez).  In the U.S many girls on Youtube teach viewers how to achieve the skull face look for parties or for Halloween. Also, the female skull face has been a big trend on clothing for men. However people use it, the skull face is almost everywhere.

The day of the dead may seem morbid and taboo to some Americans but the tradition is depicted beautiful in this video. Being half Mexican myself, I feel closer to my heritage from researching the tradition. Although my Mexican family does not celebrate Dia de los Muertos, it is fascinating to know people are celebrating the dead with unique traditions and good intentions.


References

Erichsen, Gerald. "Day of the Dead Honors The Deceased." About.com Spanish Language. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2013.

Hernandez, Aracely. "Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)." Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2013.

Kenyon, Chelsie. "Dia De Los Muertos "Day of the Dead"" About.com Mexican Food. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Apr. 2013.

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Evolution of St. Patricks Day

St. Patrick's Day was just celebrated on March 17th. Americans now of days celebrate St. Patrick's Day "with parades, good cheer, and perhaps a pint of beer" (Roach). Many Americans do not know Ireland's historic story of St. Patrick's Day. Over the years, St. Patrick's Day evolved from a religious feast in Ireland, to a celebration of beer and green leprechauns in the U.S

The original St. Patrick's Day celebration originated in Ireland. The story goes, Saint Patrick was kidnapped from Britain and brought to Ireland as a slave. Saint Patrick "later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people" (A&E). After St. Patrick's death the Irish culture integrated the " known legend... holy trinity (father, son and holy spirit) and using the leaves of the native Irish clover, the shamrock" (A&E). In the 1970s, "St.Patrick's Day in Ireland was a minor religious holiday. A priest would acknowledge the feast day, and families would celebrate with a big meal, but that's about it" (Roach). After Irish immigrant came to the U.S, they brought the traditions with them. Some people may ask "but how did it evolve into green and leprechauns?"

National Geographic  states that "St. Patrick's Day was basically invented in America by Irish Americans." Americans would wear Green to show commitment to Ireland on the St.Patrick's Day. "In 1962 the show of solidarity took a spectacular turn in Chicago when the city decided to dye a portion of the Chicago River green" (Roach). Steve Bailey used green in the river to track pollution and then the tradition of green began on every St. Patrick's Day.

 Leprechauns and beer are also a modern part of the St. Patrick's Day celebration. On St. Patrick's Day "more than 13 million pints" of Guinness is consumed. Irish immigrants brought the beer when they migrated to the U.S and every St. Patrick's Day since, the beer is used to commemorate the Irish tradition. Leprechauns are also used to symbolize modern St. Patrick's Day. Leprechauns are known as little mischievous fairies that hide their pot of gold in rainbows. "Leprechauns were originally depicted wearing red, not green. The idea of wearing green was at 20th century invention, when it became used as a short-hand for everything Irish" (Johnson).

Today, People from all around the world come together and celebrate St. Patrick's Day. In the U.S, people may celebrate by going to the pub and drink Guinness or even show appreciation by wearing green. Some people, not knowing its historic origin still have a good time on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day.





References

Johnson, Bailey. "St. Patrick's Day: History of Leprechauns." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 17 Mar. 2011. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

Roach, John. "St. Patrick's Day 2012: Facts, Myths, and Traditions." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 16 Mar. 2012. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

"St. Patrick's Day." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

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Spain: Influence on Hispanic Countires

When people think of Spain, what do they usually think of? Its capital Barcelona? Maybe the famous soccer team Real Madrid. Well, some people may think like I do and forget a great influence Spain had on the western world. Spain conquered over what is now central America and south America and taught Spanish to the natives. When I think of modern day Spain, I forget that they have the biggest contribution to Latin countries today and even the United States.

Separated by the Atlantic Ocean, Latin America still practices the Spanish culture and has evolved from its influence (Presilla1). All the Latin countries from Mexico all the way down to Argentina, still speak Spanish. As I meet new people with a Latin background, there are differences in the language. My father is Mexican and the words that he uses are different than my friend who is Puerto Rican. Spain Spanish phrases are very different then the Spanish used in the Americas. While searching the web for the differences in wording I found on www.humanities.uci.edu unique terms. For example:







-->

English                                                Spain Spanish                                    Hispanic Spanish

Do you have money?	¿Tienes Pasta?	¿Tienes Dinero?
Party	Movida	Fiesta
Girl/Chick	Tia	Nena/Chica

 The difference of these words are weird to me because the words used in Spain are used differently in the Americas. "The differences between the Spanish of Spain and the Spanish of Latin America are something like the differences between British English and American English" (Erichson1). For example: Pasta is just a dish people eat, movida is to move or dance and tia is aunt. I find it interesting that the word choice are different. It is fascinating that all 19 countries derived from one single European country  and have grown into their own unique culture. It is as if Spain planted seeds across Latin America and watched it grow into its own fruit. As the Latin American Countries starting becoming their own, there is a lot of mixed feeling about their motherland Spain.

While doing further research, I asked a few of my friends about their opinions on Spain.

Emily: " I think Spain is beautiful, it's like the mother of all the Spanish countries and i don't think Spain is better than any of the other speaking Spanish countries because all Hispanic have a uniqueness that defines them."

Nelson: " I never really think about Spain, no one talks about them anymore and I have never met a Spaniard before. I have people from different Hispanic countries and Spain isn't really doing anything."

 Pru: " Spain is nothing now, yeah they're cool but who talks about them anymore? All they did for us was give us the language. Us Hispanics have more pride in our own country then they do. I'm a proud Mexican and have never thought they were better then us."

 I remember meeting this Spaniard guy in my Health class and he boasted Spain. He told me " I am the Real Spanish, I'm from Spain." I was offended by the comment because he was boasting Spain. He previously told me, he does not speak Spanish nor was he born there, so I was confused about the topic. If I am half Hispanic and can speak more then him, then he should not boast.

I have never understood the hierarchy of Spanish cultures but it is as if Spain is the mother duck and the Hispanic countries are her ducklings growing into their own. Spain has had a great impact on many countries and is beautiful in its own way. All Hispanic countries have their own culture and beauty. Spain has been the biggest contributor to Hispanic countries and will forever be its motherland.




References

 ." Slang Terms (Spain). Web. 13 Mar. 2013.

"Spain and Latin America | Worlds of Flavor Spain." Spain and Latin America | Worlds of Flavor Spain. Web. 13 Mar. 2013.

"Varieties of Spanish." About.com Spanish Language. Web. 13 Mar. 2013.


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France

When people think of the "City of Love," what usually comes to their  mind? Paris, France? Paris is one of the most known cities in the world. France is also one of the most influential country known. From Fashion to sterotypes, France has influenced America in different ways.. As time evolved, France became a republic and is "one of the most modern countries in the world" (Central Intelligence).

 Fashion

Paris is one of the biggest fashion cities in the world. "Parisians definitely have a certain chic sartorial air about themselves. They can appear casual and elegant without being overdressed or under dressed" (Kelsey). Although the fashion in France is widely adored, the models are known for being very thin. An article titled  France urges care on skinny models but rejects ban  explains that  "France will not ban skinny models from Paris catwalks but will introduce a voluntary charter to make the fashion industry more aware of the health risks of being very thin" (Willard). I can understand this pressure because my cousin lives in France and when she came here to visit, she would run every morning and not eat carbs. She told me that in France, being thin is normal because food is expensive over there. 

French Etiquette

 The French have similar etiquette values like Americans do but there are some differences.
  

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·      <!--[endif]-->Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·      <!--[endif]-->First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someones first name.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·      <!--[endif]-->You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·      <!--[endif]-->Flowers should be given in odd numbers but not 13, which is considered unlucky.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·      <!--[endif]-->If you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford. The French appreciate their wines.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·      <!--[endif]-->Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.

I found the table manners to be odd because I am right handed. I have tried to eat with my left hand and it did not go so well. Reading these etiquette's makes me feel like Americans don't have manners because we are a big melting pot of different cultures.

 Influence on America

Mustache, chauffeur and bouquet are all french words that we use in English. Not only only does Americans use French words but also in dance, food and architecture. The french brought Ballet dance to America and now ballet is danced around the U.S. In D.C there are ballet performances you can go see. If you go to http://www.washingtonballet.org/ to buy tickets if you want a taste of French ballet. Speaking of taste, there are French restaurants in the U.S and the closest to Woodbridge is in Tyson's mall. The restaurant is called La Madeleine and although I have not tried it, the restaurant looks pleasing. The French also influenced architecture in the United States. "French Settlers introduced French building styles to Quebec and Louisiana" (French). Since the French settled in Louisiana, there are many influences there. France has influenced America in many ways and the French even let the United States film movies there.Recently, movies like Pink Panther, Taken and Rush Hour 3. It is certain to say that the movies that these movies that were shot in France was a big hit. This may be because of the unique and romantic culture.

Stereotypes 

Americans stereotype many ethnic cultures and French is one of them. I have heard that French people don't take a lot of showers and they don't shave. I realized this is just a rumor because my cousin showers everyday and keeps up with her hygiene. She is as Parisian as it gets and laughed at the stereotype. While searching the web I found on connexionfrance.com, stereotypes that Americans perceive about the French. It listed  "prejudices Americans have about the French, based on their portrayal in the US media" (Connexion).

1. The French strike all the time, are lazy and are Communists
2. All French people smoke
3. French women don’t shave; especially their armpits (but the French think this applies to Germans, said TF1)
4. They love wine and cheese, often eat snails and frogs’ legs and always walk about with a baguette under their arms. “Americans think of the baguette in the same way as they think of the Eiffel Tower: a French person without a baguette isn’t French”
5. They are chic and sophisticated. For example, dinners among friends are often more refined than American ones

I found the stereotypes ridiculous because anybody can be lazy, smoke, love wine, and sophisticated. My family from France are nice and down to earth. Judging French people from the media and rumors make a person ignorant.  

Learning about France has made me feel closer with my other family. They have lived on the outskirts of Paris for years and I realize that I have overlooked the country. From the Fashion, Culture, and Influence, France has maintained its power and class for years and by the looks of it, will maintain it for a long time.

References

"Central Intelligence Agency." CIA. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

"France - French Culture, Customs and Etiquette." Kwintessential. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

"French Influence in North America." : Text, Images, Music, Video. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

"Website Lists Americans’ Top 10 Prejudices about the French – The Connexion." Website Lists Americans’ Top 10 Prejudices about the French – The Connexion. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

Willard, Anna. "France Urges Care on Skinny Models but Rejects Ban." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 30 Mar. 2007. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

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