Class Reflection

Firstly I would like to say this class was like no other I have ever taken. I admit it was not exactly what I thought it would be at the beginning of the semester however I learned a lot about a subject I honestly didn't know much about. I enjoyed the setup of the class in which I was able to sit back and listen to others on the subject matter in which each voice built on one another instead of being forced to voice my opinion on a matter I didn't really have enough of a knowledge base to form an opinion about.  On the other hand there were other times when I really did want to talk but by the time I was up we were on a completely different subject due to some of the tangents we would go on. In the end this was just a minor problem, the pros of the class setup significantly outweighed the cons. I definitely enjoyed the class and hope that I get the chance to take a class similar to it in the rest of my time at Fredonia.

John Plevel

Tattoos

In general before this weeks class when I thought of Tattoos I mostly imagined the hard nosed tough guy in prison whose got 10 or more of them, this is even though I myself have thought about getting one and many of my friends have 1 or 2. I don't know why, I have just always associated the word with people who some would say have overdone the body modification of it. When we broke into groups and saw the different versions of the blond girl my group called "Brandy" we really saw how different tattoos can represent different things and how tattoos can really change your judgment of people. I believe this is completely unfair, in my personal experience I had a teacher in high school who always wore long sleeve shirts even in the hot June summer times because he had arm tattoos he couldn't show while teaching. While we must work hard to improve the social perception of tattoos, those with them must understand that some may not understand their expression the same way they do.

class reflection

I really enjoyed this class. The topics that we covered were interesting. When I signed up for the class, this is not what I expected at all. I was thinking it was a history based class but enjoyed it anyways. I like how Jeff set up the classroom with the circle every class so that we could talk to each other. The amount of readings were a little much, especially combined with my other classes. Some were very relevant that we discussed in class but some were a little far fetched to relate. I loved the guest speakers, especially Meghan, she was so fun and interesting to hear her story. Overall, it was a good class. I learned a lot and would defiantly take another class with Jeff in the future.

Class Reflection!

When I signed up for this class I was expecting it to be my least favorite class. The description of the class didn't really get me excited about taking the class. When Jeff first told us what the class was really going to be about I still wasn't too  sure if I was going to like it. With that being said I would like to say that it was my favorite class I took this semester. I am so happy I signed up for it. I do agree with Jordan when he said that the course should be renamed with a new description for it. Once that is done I think that more people might take it. Originally the only reason I signed up for it was because it counted for my major and fit into my schedule. I think that this is the type of class that many people would like to take this class, and that they should because of all the different information that we covered. 


I really liked the way that this class was discussion based. I feel like that I learned way more than I normally would have if it was just a lecture based class. Being able to hear different viewpoints and opinions on the topics gave me a better insight on the subject matter. When there was a topic that I wasn't quite sure where I stood on it, hearing what other people thought about it helped me form my own thoughts. I really liked that our class was able to share our thoughts without fear of being judged or being wrong. I don't know if it was the individuals in our class that made it that way or something else, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Most classes where discussion is involved, it seems awkward and forced. This class was not, which was very refreshing. The material we talked about was eye opening to me in some cases. Other cases it made me really think about things that I never really gave a second thought as to how it affected me or society in general. The only thing that I would change is some of the work load. The discussion questions were great because they really made me think critically about the readings (which I also really enjoyed). I think that if all the papers (event paper, book review, and scholar activism project) are going to stay, they should be shorter. At least the event paper and book review should be shortened. I do understand the reason behind them being assigned and think that they are a good idea. However I do have tons of other papers, projects, and readings for other classes. The longer papers in this class added to my stress at times. 


I want to thank Jeff for making this class what it is and helping facilitate our discussions. I wish that I had more time left in my time here in Fredonia to take more classes with Jeff. I liked that he brought in the guest speakers to help us connect to our learning. I especially liked Meghan Tonjes. I was really inspired by her Project Life Size project. I am glad she sang for us, I listen to her music all the time now. I also want to thank everyone in the class for making this class as great as it was. I am kind of sad that it is coming to an end. I am glad that I could be part of such a great class.

Birth Rape?

This topic is a bit late in our discussion of women and childbirth but I just found this article on Yahoo and thought it would pertain to all that we have talked about. It is about a woman who was operated on (c-section) without her permission. This makes me so mad and I am sure it will anger you all as well. I am not sure what legal action was taken against the hospital and doctors who did it but I am sure that the woman and her husband did take action.


Click here for the Yahoo Article


Click here for the woman's original blog post

Reflection

This class has been an eye-opening experience.  The readings have been enriching to the point of enlightenment and represent everything that a college course should be.  We were tasked with reviewing material and formulating our own opinions.  As such, we were treated as adults who were capable of comprehending complex ideals and creating judgments based on them.  As if that wasn't enough, there was a genuine goal with the classroom discussions as well.  Discussing material in a group setting that is rational and calm is a very effective way to see both sides of an issue.  Unlike Jeff's section of 359, these classroom discussions didn't get as heated.  This could be due to the makeup of the classroom or the subject matter, but it was very enjoyable.  (BTW: That is not to say that heated classroom discussion wasn't fun or educational...it's my favorite).  The assigned readings were perfect for the topics and I think if the title of the course was changed a little bit (i.e. History of Medical Authority, Scientific Authority, etc.) more people would take it.  The current title conveys the idea that the course is focusing on governmental or military authority.  Many don't even take the time to read the course description.

The reading material was perfect because they presented relevant examples of everything that we were talking about.  All of the topics that we discussed in class were real-world examples, the speakers were first rate, and Megan Tonjes is the new love of my life.  This makes the class "hit home" a little more than basic lecture, study, test platforms.  Overall, I would say that all of this needs to stay exactly the same.  Perfection doesn't even begin to describe the way in which this classroom was taught.  As an education major, much of the focus is on Bloom's taxonomy.  This format mandated that we synthesize higher order questions and think at a level that might be outside of our comfort zone.  Regardless, we learned.

Reflection

I learned a lot in this class.  I liked how Jeff brought in the speakers class discussion was always interesting and engaging.  I also liked how he used different medium to engage the class.

What I did not like about the class was that nothing had a definite answer to it.  I like discussing the "grey area" but on some topics, I was interested in finding out a definite answer.  I also don't think that an event paper, book review and this scholar activism project is realistic. I take 22 credits, work 2 jobs and run three clubs finding the time to fit this all in with other projects that pertain to my actual major was difficult and sometimes I had to choose what assignment to do. 

Overall, I really did like this course and if the workload was adjusted, I would have been less stressed out about it.

Leslie Walter

Class Reflection

I have to say that when I first signed up for this class, I expected another boring, content filled history class but this has been anything but.  With the theme of the class being revolved around social deviancy and the medicalization of race and sexuality, it is always an interesting topic with different ethical issues.  I also enjoyed how the class is discussion based because I think that it is way easier to get involved and interested in the class readings when you talk about it with other classmates.  Also, there are numerous times that other students in the class brought up something about the readings that I completely missed or didn't understand and it helps a tremendous amount.  In addition, I think that it was fun to have a student lead discussion pretty much every class because it was interesting to see how they interpreted the readings and their opinions on the topics.  With that said, I have to say that my favorite class of the semester was the one with Meghan Tonjes because she was extremely talented and inspirational with her activist youtube channel. 

Body Modification

During class on Tuesday we discussed the gender differences that exist when choosing tattoos and the location on the body where you would put a tattoo.  Even though you don't necessarily associate gender differences in tattoo selection, there are definitely social norms when it comes to choosing where you put the tattoo on your body.  For example, there is the "tramp stamp" which is something females get on the lower back, right above the butt.  This would be only acceptable for a trashy girl to get and it is a known name that a tattoo in that location is called such a name as "tramp stamp".  In addition, it is much more common for men to get a tattoo around their bicep then a woman, and if a woman does, it is often seen as a sign of masculinity.  All in all, body modification and its many forms still often conform the gender roles as much as other social norms. 

Visibility of Radical Forms of Body Modification

One thing which has been really swirling about in my brain since our discussion body modification is the invisibility of certain radical forms of body modification practices as compared to those which are considered to be cultural appropriate body modification practices such as cosmetic surgery. Is this essentially a way to a conceal the deviant and market the norm? When radical forms of body modification are often displayed within public view they are often highlighted as primitive, taboo, freakish, and even inhibitor to one’s well-being. Often harnessing historical and contemporary perceptions and attitudes of radical forms of body modification. Furthermore, the significance of radical forms of body modification is diluted. For the stories and relevance behind the procedures are often removed, or the certain form of body modification is portrayed as less of resistant movement and more of a subcultural practice.Whereas, cosmetic surgery is treated as a normal, medical procedure, which can ultimately improve one’s well-being. Does the invisibility of the radical forms of body modification aid in their resistant purpose? Or should more radical forms of body modification be made more visible?

Angela B.

Final Reflection

This course has offered me a critical lens to examine and analyze different historical and contemporary events, and explore the way in which science, society, and authority become interwoven, influencing one another in dramatic and sometimes detrimental ways. Furthermore, I have been able to apply the course material beyond the classroom to my everyday life. For I constantly find myself thinking of  a new question which applies to the course or recognizing something which relates to a topic covered in class. It has also help to inform my efforts of understanding a variety of different areas such as women’s reproductive health, disability, and body modification. Also, the information I've gained I have been able to use and apply to a variety of other courses and course work, including my Psychology independent study and Women's Studies capstone project which seeks to examine the stigma of menstruation. I feel that the knowledge which I have gained from this course will continue to have a profound impact on my life, and the way in which I view society, medicine, deviancy. With new knowledge gained from this course, I am able to make more conscious decisions regarding not only my healthy, but has inspired me to offer alternatives and information to others. Also, I must mention that the atmosphere of the class truly allowed for discussion and thoughts to flourish in a respectful and educating manner which I greatly appreciated. History of Authority was truly one of my favorite courses I've had the privilege of attending, and will continue to carry the knowledge which I've gained with me throughout my life and career.

Angela B.

Final thoughts

This class was by far my favorite class this semester, and one of my favorite in the four years that I've been here at Fredonia. All of the topics were so fascinating! I really learned a lot. One of my favorite parts of the class was the great discussion that we always had. I'm really glad that there were so many students with different majors and with different hobbies and lifestyles because it added so much to the class. With all the different topics we covered, from race to disabilities to sexuality and everything in between, there was something that everyone could relate to and that everyone knew something about. There was also something that everyone had never learned about before, and we all had the opportunity to be educated on various subjects. In the beginning of the semester, I admit that I wondered a few times how the lessons we were learning would be relevant to my life or my future career and how I could use them. I realize now that learning about deviance and normalcy and being aware of the medical community's role in forming those idea throughout history can be very relative to today's world and many different fields. As a school/youth counselor, I'm guaranteed to come across various individuals that fit into one or more of the categories of "deviance" that we've discussed. Taking what I've learned from this class will help me help them through struggles they may be having with their identity or with being judged by other people, and I can help them realize that they're not deviant or abnormal and that there's a great history that's relative to their situation.

The most important thing I'm taking from this class is what I've learned about other people and about myself. I never would have given most of these issues a second thought if I hadn't been forced to learn about them and really think about how I felt. Now, I can have a more educated opinion on issues that will certainly come up in my future and I have a little more experience discussing them with my peers. Thanks to all the other students in the class; you made it so much fun for me, and I really hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did! And thanks, of course, to Jeff. Your class rocks, and I'm really glad that more students will have the opportunity to take it next semester.

Sarah Bradley

Tattoo Perception

I think that many people today still judge people that have tattoos. People say that they are becoming more widely accepted, but I think they really mean that tasteful and a limited amount of tattoos are accepted. Those who have multiple visible tattoos or entire sleeves are judged for it. Many make assumptions about that person before even getting to know them. I agree with Erin's post where she said that "all of who we are is just little pieces put together." I myself don't have any tattoos yet but I don't want to be judged for what I decided to do to my body. While some people may get meaningless tattoos, numerous others have a reason for getting their tattoo. Their tattoo is a sign of strength or in remberence of someone for them. They don't need to be judged for their decisions to get a tattoo. Unfortunately our society is too quick to judge one another.  

Body modification

When I used to think of body modification, I always thought of tattoos and piercings. It never occurred to me that cosmetic surgery, bodybuilding (or working out in general), and even tanning can also be considered body modification. I find it interesting that a lot of people judge someone that they might see who has had plastic surgery or who has a lot of tattoos or piercings, but they themselves could also be modifying their body in an unnatural way. Our bodies are just that--OURS. Everyone has the right to do whatever they want to their own body regardless of what other people may think about it. I found Angela's activity in class on Thursday really eye-opening because it proves how quick we can be to judge someone based strictly on their appearance, and how wrong we can  often be. And as long as someone understands the risks that they may encounter when changing their body in a drastic way, I don't think anyone should tell them it's wrong if it will really make them happy.

Sarah Bradley

Final Thoughts

Before this class, I had a very uncomfortable relationship with my doctor. Every time I had to go visit him I dreaded it. The entire time I was there I was sweating bullets in that thin paper gown. My doctor never really listened to me. If I complained about anything he was very dismissive, almost as if he didn't care or trust me. In all honesty, I thought that everyone had a relationship like this with their doctor, and thought that I was just going to have to get used to it. But taking this class made me realize the very complicated relationship between doctor and patient. It also made me realize that my relationship between my doctor wasn't supposed to be that way. Needless to say, I ended up switching doctors, and I am much happier! I really enjoyed the class. History of Authority took and alternative perspective on oppressions in our society that I never really thought of before. The class room environment was wonderful. Thank you everyone for creating a safe atmosphere where I could talk freely without being judged. I don't feel like I can do that in many other classes. Thank you Jeff for always putting 200% into your students and your teaching. I am glad I got to take this class my last semester.

I’m really glad I took this class this semester.  I was able to learn a lot of useful and interesting information that has brought me to question aspects of society that I had not considered.  I was most intrigued by the medicalization of women in the gynecological field, and in the medicalization of pregnancies.  Before these issues were discussed, I feel I hadn’t even thought twice about what steps to take when having a baby.  Although I was aware of different birthing methods, for some reason I just assumed you go to the doctor and the doctors take care of all of the decision making.  I think this is the idea that media and society encourages, probably to keep the medical field in higher authority than the common person.  I feel the medical field in some ways desires to make society feel ignorant, and as if they absolutely need the help of doctors and should always trust a doctors judgment.  So, I'm very glad I got to take this class to broaden my judgement and knowledge of the many injustices society can normalize.  Thanks Jeff & class! It was a great semester.
-Allison B

I really liked Angela’s activity for class yesterday; we could see how our attributions about the girl’s personality and life-style changed, depending on her tattoos.  Although we discussed how the story behind a person’s tattoo could alter our perception of the ink, our society enforces judgment based on appearance.  Our group assumes the heavily tattooed girl wouldn’t be in a traditional profession, and sadly that’s probably correct.  Employers make a lot of personality and work ethic judgments based on a prospect’s appearance.  Josh even told us how his tattoo could have affected his military career, I wonder if the strong stigma correlates with the prevalence of tattoos in prisons and gangs.  Does simply having a tattoo in our society, regardless of the meaning, make you a larger liability of violence and criminal behavior?

-Allison B

Tattoos & Body Modification Questions

I loved being able to present on body modification and tattoos yesterday, and I hope you enjoyed the activity. I thought it might be an interactive and interesting way in exploring the way in which we may make assumptions about one's character and behaviors depending on the amount, type, and placement of tattoos. So, thanks for your participation! However, I was unable to get to all my questions, so I thought I might share a few in case some of you are perhaps looking for something to write about for your one blog post or maybe didn't get a chance in class to share your thoughts.

1. Consider the way in which tattoos and other forms of body modification often mark one as "primitive" or "freak." Has the view of certain body modification evolved from this perception and attitude, or are individuals who practice certain forms of body modification still marked as "primitive" and essentially deviant?

2. Kat Von D and her television show often features women tattooists and clients. Does her show provide a false sense of equality or that anyone can do it? Is it another form of freak shows? Does it "dilute the significance," (273) of body modification practices?

3. Are tattooing and radical body modification practices an appropriate form of resistance? Are tattooed women transgressing the gender norms?

4. Some of the radical forms of body modification procedures have a spiritual aspect to them, (274). Are certain body modification procedures such as cosmetic surgery considered more appropriate and acceptable because they are situated within a medical realm?

Thanks again!
Angela B.

Final comments

This class should be considered for inclusion in the African American studies program.  The bias toward the poor African American victim has made this class, in my opinion, less informative than it could have been.  There are other victims of the establishment, perhaps their victimization has not been as well documented and therefore would be more difficult to introduce to the students, but this bias prevents a balanced view of how authority is used and applied to the less fortunate.  Other than this shortcoming the class was informative and interesting and provided an alternative view on the world as we know it.

Joyce Abbott

Tattoos

Today in class we discussed tattoos and the stereotypes behind them. Where you place a tattoo can say a lot about what kind of person. People are going to judge not only the placement but the tattoo itself. Looking at someone's tattoos you can not know the story behind it or the significance. I think that this is why they are received so negatively. I loved Angela's activity with the girl and the different amounts of tattoos, it really put in perspective how we could come up with a whole back story just based on her appearance, which happens everyday when you look at someone. I found a picture that I though was humorous, charting the meaning of tattoo placement that is usually assumed. Check it out! 
http://www.cracked.com/funny-298-tattoos/