Fat

January 8th, 2012 by Suzanne | No Comments | Filed in Damn, fashion Suzanne-style, other rants, those were the days

I’m back to the journal I kept for my AP Poli Sci class literally half of my life ago. I swear I wrote this 18 years ago.

March 7, 1994

Tonight I saw a report on the news which linked crash dieting to breast cancer. Earlier this evening, I read an article in YM (not a very intellectual magazine, I admit, but entertaining!), about a girl who was bulimic. Every model I see is thin, thin, and thinner. Very few women can attain these unrealistic standards of “beauty,” but we are constantly attacked with these evil images of what we “should” be.

What scares me about all this is how easily we fall prey to these messages. I’ve heard many sad stories about 7 year old girls believing themselves to be fat and going on diets. I consider myself to be a strong person, and yet I, too, am caught up in the weight traps society sets for me. I hate feeling fat and disgusting and I’ve even resorted to starving myself in the past. I once lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks by eating nothing by cereal and carrots. When I gained that back, I began forcing myself to throw up after I’d stuff my face. I remember being at a friend’s house last year over Winter Break, eating 3 pieces of thick crust pizza, throwing them up, then eating a piece of French silk pie, and throwing that up too. Luckily, I decided that business was bullshit, and I’d just be fat.

Well, it’s not so simple. Every time I see an Ultra-Slimfast or Nestle Sweet Success or Dexatrim commercial, I seriously consider using them. None of them are healthy, but women have done some pretty dangerous stuff in the past in order to fit society’s “beauty” standard. Plastic surgery is a whole other story.

Maybe I wouldn’t feel so pressured, despite the barrage of ads, if clothes were made to fit me. But the beauty politicians have set their own agenda here, too. Designers seem to believe that only tall and thin girls exist. Either that, or they are determined to makes sure that only tall, thin girls – or at least thin – exist by making clothes only for them. I like to go shopping, but at times it is a personal hell. It’s very depressing to try on 8 jillion dresses and not have one fit. In fact, it can make one downright hungry…

I read a section in Backlash by Susan Faludi about the fashion industry. It’s unbelievable how many women-haters are the ones who are dressing us. The more I learn about the politics of beauty, the more I understand why self-doubt, anorexia, and bulimia are so rampant through our culture. From wearing corsets that were tied so tight that the woman would faint from the slightest exertions (very bad circulation, mind you) to today’s teeny bikinis, women just are thrown from one extreme to the other. Very few people are immune to the quest for perfection and societal acceptance. Not even me.

Since You’ve Been Gone

January 7th, 2012 by Suzanne | No Comments | Filed in Asshole idiots, bad puns, What is wrong with people?

I kind of liked Kelly Clarkson. Her songs are snappy. She didn’t have anything handed to her on a silver platter. She’s cute. She weighs a little more than your average lady pop star and when critics snipe at her weight, she ignores them. I find that very admirable. And then…

She said she loves Ron Paul.*

Why, Kelly Clarkson, why? She later defended her statement, noting that she doesn’t agree with everything Paul stands for. She said, “I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women’s rights, men’s rights, white/black/purple/orange rights”. That is all very nice except that Paul kind of is adamantly opposed to all of those things (minus the men’s rights). Clarkson may like that he stands for less government interference, except that he stands for the highest levels government interference in the most private of realms. So I just don’t get it. It makes me think that Clarkson just doesn’t want to pay her fair share of taxes to support a fair and just society. If that’s the case, I’m super disappointed.

Once Ron Paul and his dangerous, fundamental-minded ilk are gone, I will breathe for the first time in a long time. Until then, Clarkson is gone from my list of neat celebrities.

*Although for a little while I was confused and thought she endorsed Rick Santorum, which would be even worse since we opposes all forms of birth control, but still…

Heritage

December 19th, 2011 by Suzanne | No Comments | Filed in Damn, evil, Jewishness, other rants, random, those were the days

The optimism (and lack of knowledge beyond Ashkenazi Jews) in this journal entry for my AP Poli Sci class just kills me. This is probably the issue in which my views have most evolved over the last 18 years:

March 2, 1994

I am so disappointed and hurt by the psychotic actions of the crazed Dr. Goldstein* in Israel. How can we ever expect to be taken seriously when we complain about terrorism and then we commit the same heinous crimes that we condemn? It is because of people like Dr. Goldstein, extremists, that other people hate Jews. OK, well, maybe not, but we’ll never solve anything by acting the same way as our enemies. It is for that reason that I am glad that Rabbi Kahane** is dead.

It crushes me when a Jewish person commits an act of violence like that. I realize that no race is perfect, but it still makes me embarrassed to be Jewish. It’s really weird because I usually consider myself proud to be Jewish. Over the last few years. I’ve become very aware of my Jewish heritage. In the past, when people would ask me what nationality I am, I’d say Russian and Polish. But recently I’d begun to rethink my position. True, my family came from these countries, but we don’t have any of their customs. In fact, Jews were never considered to be Russian or Polish or whatever nationality, but Jews. They lived in separate towns (willingly or forced), spoke a different language, and had their own culture. They were a nation of people without a nation, scattered around the globe, connected by religion, culture, persecution, and language. Now when I’m asked what my background is, I say Jewish.

The point of all this is that every nationality needs a nation, and that’s why Israel is so important. I don’t want it to lose respect in the eyes of other nations because of some crazy. We have too much to lose. It just really upsets me that we’ve come this close to peace, and now it may be lost.

*This evil person killed 29 Muslim worshippers in Hebron: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baruch_Goldstein
**I spit on his grave: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meir_Kahane

Classroom Politics

December 18th, 2011 by Suzanne | 2 Comments | Filed in hilarity, other rants, those were the days

From the journal I kept for my AP Poli Sci class when I was 18:

Feb. 21, 1994

In this journal entry I am lodging a formal complaint. “A complaint?” you may ask. Yes, a complain. What I want to complain about is the book we are currently being forced to use. I must point out that this book is unconstitutional. The Constitution clearly states that “cruel and unusual punishment” is forbidden. Yet that is exactly what is going on.

This book is the most boring, annoying, evil thin I’ve ever attempted to read. I’ve heard that it is prescribed to insomniacs to put them to sleep. It not only presents the material in the most boring way possible, but also in the most confusing. One second they say class is no factor in British politics, the next second they say it is the most important one. OK. Whatever.

At any rate, I feel that I am speaking for a large majority of the class in lodging my complaint. Maybe I should start a petition or something to formalize it. Yeah. Vive le Democracy.

The teacher’s response:
Your objections are noted. You should see the book we used to use…!

Don’t We Have Anything Better To Do?*

December 17th, 2011 by Suzanne | No Comments | Filed in bad puns, hilarity, other rants, those were the days

Feb. 15, 1994

Today 350 reporters were camped out in Sarasota, FL. Why? What event could be so newsworthy that required 350 reporters – the size of a small town population – to cover it adequately? A typhoon? UFO? Another sighting of the Virgin Mary? No, none of those, although there is a certain religious fervor to the whole thing. Actually, what happened was Michael Jordan practiced baseball.

Baseball, like basketball, is a sport. We enjoy sports in our leisure time. But the problem is that major league, even college, sports have moved beyond being just a fun way to relax. They’ve become multi-zillion dollar obsessions. People in America know more about their favorite athletes than they do about geography or other “scholarly” subjects. That scares me. Truthfully, that scares me a lot.

Where are we headed as a society who takes games more seriously than we do politics? I’m wondering what would happen if the Bulls become the “Quad Squad” this year and, on the same night they sweep the series, the President of the United States (god forbid) gets assassinated. I tell you, news rooms across the country would find themselves in the midst of a crisis: which even should get the headline. I’d hope it would be our President, but I’m not so sure it would be. That’s the significance professional sports have gained.

I don’t know how it happened, either. Sure, sports are fun to watch, but isn’t it a bit frightening that athletic superstars make 10 to 40 times more money than the President of our country?!? I mean, sure, all a President has to do is help run a country, but these athletes can hit a ball with a stick! (Take THAT, President Clinton!)

Maybe I’m overreacting, but I’m not a bit surprised that our country’s future is looking a bit dim in certain areas. I wouldn’t be the slightest bit surprised if a year’s salary for a superstar athlete is more than the entire budget for some schools. It’s enough to make a person want to drop out of school to make a nice buck shooting hoops. (I’m not saying no one should dream of doing it, but it’s bad to rely on it only.)

At any rate, I’m just looking forward to the day when I can look up proudly, solute the Commander in Chief, and say, “Just do it, President Jordan!”

*This journal entry has been brought to you by NIKE. ‘Cause NIKE understands that you can’t REALLY play ball without $185 pump up shoes! (But that’s another story!)

Campaign!

December 16th, 2011 by Suzanne | No Comments | Filed in hilarity, oh happy day, those were the days

Another entry from the journal I kept for my AP Poli Sci class when I was 18, and somehow thought I would be involved in politics:

Last month at the 25th anniversary celebration of NARAL,* I was asked to give a speech as the representative of the Teen Advisory Council. The speech went well, which is exciting, but to add to the exhilaration I felt, was the fact that I gave a damn great speech in front of so many important political figures. Among the people who heard me speak were Rep. Mary Flowers, John Cullerton, Dick Simpson, Richard Phelan, Dawn Clark Netsch, Maria Pappas, etc. etc. The best thing about it all was it gave me a chance to find out how to get involved in some campaigns. Maria Pappas even gave me her beeper number!

At any rate, today I followed up on one of my leads and went downtown to work on the Dawn Clark Netsch campaign.** I helped prepare a mailing of 10,000 invitations to a $1000 per plate benefit. I stuffed, sealed, and addressed envelopes. While I was doing this, I talked to other volunteers. They were of all ages and both sexes, and were very friendly. We shared our excitement over the latest “Tribune” poll results: Burris had 30%, Netsch 28%, and Phelan 13%. We were doing it! We were helping to close the gap and push our candidate to victory!

I personally liked doing the work because it allowed me to do several things: a) witness and observe first hand how a campaign works and b) make lots of connections for when I run for office in the future. Most important, though, is the feeling I got that I am partially responsible for helping my candidate; that I do and can make a difference!

Anyway, I’m very excited about this whole thing and can’t wait to go back! My first chance at voting will be coming up soon, and when I punch my vote for Netsch, I’ll feel part of it all!

*National Abortion Rights Action League.
**She was running for governor, and pretty much rocked, but lost by a landslide, which crushed me.

Sex Scandals and Other Universal Things

December 15th, 2011 by Suzanne | No Comments | Filed in bad puns, hilarity, random

This one was written in the AP Poli Sci journal in green pen. Exciting enough to ignore my lack of knowledge regarding the entire Victorian period…

Feb. 9, 1994

I saw on the news yesterday that the Conservative Party in Britain is once again suffering from a sex scandal. All these cabinet guys are being caught with mistresses and prostitutes. Another big honcho was found dead, wearing only a garter belt and tied to the bed posts with nylon stockings.

For some strange reason, I find this very amusing. I guess you can see the slow change from the tradition in this whole sex thing. It used to be that kings, aristocrats, and other noblemen had mistresses. It was common knowledge. They had “illegitimate” children and had houses built to house their mistresses and children. How times have changed! Now, it is NOT acceptable to fool around. A person could get in pretty hot water – no pun intended – politically. This is a pretty good illustration of how Britain has changed over time.

Truthfully, the whole thing just annoys me to no end. Historically, if a man had an affair, all he got was a slap on the wrist. But god forbid a woman should, well, she was forced to wear a scarlet “A” (in America, at least) or put to death in some societies. Now, the whole thing is pretty much a joke. Clinton had an affair, but that doesn’t mean he’s a bad politician. Prince Charles has an affair – who cares? I certainly don’t. Sure, they’re fun to read about, but what someone does in his/her sex life really doesn’t concern me. I have better things to worry about.

On an unrelated topic, today is the BEATLES’ 30th ANNIVERSARY! I just love the Beatles! They certainly impacted American culture! They are my favorite band! Hurrah!

“Never Again”

December 14th, 2011 by Suzanne | 3 Comments | Filed in Asshole idiots, evil, other rants, those were the days, What is wrong with people?

From the AP Poli Sci journal:

Feb. 6, 1994

At the end of World War II, someone promised that “never again” would there be a holocaust like the one that just ended. At the end of World War II, someone invented the word “genocide” to describe what had happened. Yesterday, 68 Bosnians were killed and 200 more injured when a market was bombed. “Ethnic cleansing” the Serbs and Croats call it. Not very much is being done to stop it.

Steven Spielberg has come out with his masterpiece “Schindler’s List.” He said in an interview that he hoped that people would be moved to action by it. He said that what is happening in Bosnia now, this “ethnic cleansing,” is genocide. “Never again” doesn’t mean that we will never allow another JEWISH holocaust, it means that we should never allow genocide again. Period.

Someone – a priest I think it was – wrote a poem. He said, “When they came to take away the Jews, I said nothing.” It continues about how they kept coming back to take more and more groups, and still he said nothing. It ends with, “Then they came to take away me, and nobody said anything.” The Talmud says, “He who saves one life saves the world entire.” Spielberg said that he hopes that “Schindler’s List” would wake the world, or just one person eve. Because one person makes a difference sometimes.

When I think about what happens in Bosnia, I cry. I see my family’s experience. I see people in trouble and the world turning their backs on them. When I think about Bosnia, I get angry. There people want democracy. The world claims to fight for democracy. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, a NONDEMOCRATIC country, we wasted no time getting our asses over there to “defend democracy.” Huh?!? Nice try. We just needed to defend our oil interests. We then stood by as the Iraqis slaughtered the Kurds, even though we provoked it. Ah, but silly me! I forgot that oil means more than human life. (Where are all the “pro-life” forces now?)

Silly me! I forgot that some people count more than others. I forgot that “never again” meant, “Well, only if we stand to profit from it.” What a beautiful world we live in!

I AM PRO-LIFE

December 13th, 2011 by Suzanne | 2 Comments | Filed in Asshole idiots, Damn, evil, other rants, those were the days, What is wrong with people?

From the journal I kept for AP Poli Sci, and I am glad that my thinking is a little more sophisticated now…

Feb. 3, 1994

19 kids found living in horrible conditions, fighting for food with the dog, crawling with cockroaches, etc.* The DCFS did nothing. My [relative] is a teacher in [a low-income suburb]. She told me that she knows of other children who live in similar situations. She told me that it recently took DCFS over SIX MONTHS to get one of her students removed from the CRACK HOUSE he lived in with his crack-addicted parents. What is going on here?!?

I’m so angry. I am also very bitter. So many issues are relevant, even contributing to, this disgusting abuse and neglect of kids. My relative pointed out two things. First, she said, DCFS is stuffed with too many burned out workers and people “who just don’t give a shit.” Second, she thinks that many families are not adequately taken care of because they are black. She feels the DCFS lets more bad things happen because they don’t care what happens to black children. I think that a lot of the mistakes DCFS makes is due to the screwy philosophiy that some members hold. I read a quote from a DCFS caseworker in some magazine (for the life of me I can’t remember which one) a while ago. He said that they feel it is more traumatizing for a child to be taken out of an abusive situation than to leave him with the ones he loves and is familiar with. Hmmm… when people who are in charge of protecting children from harm think such perverse, backwards theories, it’s amazing that anything gets done!

What makes me angriest, however, is the so-called “pro-lifers.” If they are so concerned about protecting life, where are they when children are forced to live under the poverty line, in misery, surrounded by drugs, gangs, prostitutes, and god knows what else?!? Are they down there working to clean up the neighborhoods? Are they clamoring for more health care benefits for these kids, better schools, better standards of living? Are they fighting for day care so that the women forced to bear children they don’t want can go to work to earn a living? Do they want to provide welfare so that mothers can stay home and care for their unwanted children? Are they adopting every single child who is born unwanted? If so, why are there more than 500,000 kids available for adoption that no one is taking? If 1.5 more children, unwanted by anyone, hated by society, are born EACH YEAR, where are they going to go?

Yes, all of this ties in to the 19 children who were found in their own hell. Because until our society is ready to care for every child who is born, we have no right to demand that women bear them.

PS – let’s not forget that poor women should not be able to have abortion because they can’t afford it. After all, they are the least able to raise children – with no resources, no education, small housing, etc. Women who can afford abortions are unaffected by the Hyde Amendment are allowed to plan their families. They can stop having children whenever they choose. (They also have better access to birth control.) Oh, never mind! I’m so frustrated!!!

*http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/1994/04/24/why-leave-children-with-bad-parents.html

The ‘Gates of Hell

December 12th, 2011 by Suzanne | No Comments | Filed in Asshole idiots, evil, other rants, those were the days, What is wrong with people?

From my AP Poli Sci journal:

Jan. 31, 1994

I am so damn sick and tired of reading about “Whitewatergate.” The whole thing is SO blown out of proportion that it’s not even funny. Yes, fine. Maybe the Clintons did a little financial dance or maybe they didn’t. I don’t care. I can think of many more people who screwed around with money in the ’80s and weren’t punished. The catch phrase of that sick and decadent ear was aptly coined by Michael Douglas in the movie “Wall Street”: “Greed is good.” A lot of people, then, deserve to be punished for the ’80s.

At any rate, this is nothing compared to the corruption of Ronald Reagan. This man is the ultimate evil.* If he didn’t have a role in the Iran Contras, my name is Bob Dole. This man is responsible for the bad shape of our country today. (Actually, I’m getting off the subject.) Why are there no special prosecutors investigating Reagan and Bush for their roles?!? Why are we wasting time on a stupid and annoying issue (Whitewatergate) when these people are getting away with murder? And good old Oli wants to run for Senate?!?! Excuse my language, but these crooks can just kiss my ass.

Another thing that annoys me about this whole every-scandal-from-now-on-must-end-in-the-word-”gate” thing, is that it really undermines what Watergate was about. It was about the President believing that he was above the law – he’s the President and can do what he wants. Nixon deliberately subverted the laws he was supposed to defend. How can one compare Clinton to Nixon? One (Clinton) works to make life better for people, while the other (Nixon) used his powers to make his enemies’ lives a living hell.

Clinton is a good, for the most part. This “Whitewatergate” (say in dumb guy voice) is just a pathetic effort by Republicans to discredit him. Truly, they’ve stooped to new lows by biting at every “scandal” that just suddenly conveniently pops up. If I were (stupid enough to be) a Republican, I would be quite embarrassed by my party’s desperate measures.**

*Oh man. If only I had known back then what was to come with George W. Bush….
**Ah, the good old days. I almost look back on that level of interaction with fondness. Yeesh.

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