Reading Response; Yes Please by Amy Poehler

          In our lives we find that every problem we come across whether it be big or small can isolate you and make you feel alone. We find it hard to relate since we live in a society where covering up your mistakes or problems comes naturaly. Amy Poehler's "Yes Please" shows the difficulty of being a woman or just an average person in the real world in a honest and sometimes not so happy light. Poehler's voice gives the book a clear and relatable prespective on every day life problems without any sugarcoating. She tells stories of her past experiences not leaving out some of her most vulnerable moments which makes the book seem more neutral and does a great job of showing the good and bad of life in it's entirety. She speaks about a wide range of topics such as her career, making mistakes and learning to accept them, and what her role is in the family.
          Poehler's book definitely has a large focus on career, specifically her place in her career as a woman. Through out the book she gives examples of sexism in her career. One specific example is on page 240 she mentions in an interaction she had with a  male college who messed up her stand up routine. She describes the interaction " I let him hug me. I let a man who messed up my show hug as if to show sympathy. I thought it would make me feel better. But it didn't. Do you think he would have hugged a male performer? Me neither." This statement is a perfect example of how women are seen in the workspace. Women are seen as the minority and are treated as if men are the support for their careers. Poehler's experience relates to women all around the world who feel looked down upon by men in their career's.
           " Yes Please" also speaks about making mistakes which is something that everyone can relate about. Mistakes are something that can haunt people and cause feelings of isolation. Poehler speaks about one particular incident she had when she offended a disabled girl in her SNL skit unintentionally. She speaks about making the mistake of denying her mistake. The text says " I shared the story with others in hopes they would agree with me. I desperately searched for an excuse but felt the guilt knowing there wasn't one."  This evidence shows how often times people try to run from their mistakes and don't realize that the best way to somewhat undo a mistake is to accept it and acknowledge it. 
             The book also has a large focus on a persons role in a family specifically a women's role. She speaks about multiple incidents where she being a working mother has been suprising.On page 230 she said "When people learn that I work full-time, just got divorced and am raising two boys, they always say 'I don't know how you do it' I always feel like they're telling me that I shouldn't be able to do it." This text shows that a woman is often looked as someone who is weak and not expected to do much. Poehler helps to give understanding to the idea that a woman is fully capable of working and being successful.
           In conclusion, being able to relate with honest stories of not unusual scenerio's. Amy Poehler's " Yes Please" is full of  honest stories of being a woman and just a person in general. This book teaches readers that they're not alone and prepare them for obstacles in their lives with themselves and others.
















































































































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First Draft

There once was room. The most glorious room a little girl such as Poppy could have. With pink velvet curtains and rose satin bed sheets, pretty dolls and puffy princess dresses the room was a dream. Across the hall there was a room with toy trucks and soccer trophies, baseball bats and plays cards. This room belonged to Poppy's older brother, Hugo.

Poppy and Hugo like most brother and sisters had many fights and even if they didn't show it still loved each other very much.

With Hugo's soccer matches and Poppy's ballet classes ( which her mother signed her up for) the two rarely got time to spend time with one another but when they would Hugo would make it very clear that he was going to spend time in his room. His room was a mystery to Poppy since the words her brother said stuck in her head “NO GIRLS ALLOWED IN MY ROOM!” As time went on Poppy got bored with her pretty dolls and princess dresses, pink velvet curtains and rose satin bed sheets. One day her growing curiosity about her brothers room got the best of her and before she knew it she was turning the doorknob directly under the sign reading “ NO GIRLS ALLOWED”.

As she entered the blue room filled with toy trucks and paper planes, baseball bats and playing cards her eyes gleamed with sudden satisfaction. Picking up an airplane from the floor she flew it around having more fun than she had had in a while. And so there she was on the floor of a boys palace being a girl.

So that's how she began sneeking into Hugo's room while he went out with friends or to a baseball game with dad. She would spend hours and hours amidst collectable cars and motorized trains. And it soon became clear that Poppy's princess palace was not as much fun as Hugo's boy land.

That got Poppy to thinking why she liked all of Hugo's things and why she was never given any of those things. So like most little girls she asked her Mom for advice.

“ Why are my things different from Hugo's things?”

Her Mom would reply with a slight laugh and a “ Boys and Girls like different things, that's the way it is”

This confused Poppy because she didn't like her things as much as she liked Hugo's. If you asked her if she would rather go and play cars or play dress up she would without hesitation reply with wanting to play cars. But according to her Mom she was a girl so she had to like the dresses.

Time went by and as much as Poppy wanted to play with her dolls she kept thinking about all of the toys that hid behind the door of Hugo's forbidden room. So that's when she decided to go to her father.

“ Why are my things different than Hugo's things?” Asked Poppy.

Her father responded with a light chuckle and a quick “ Because some things are made for boys and some are made for girls. That's just the way it is.”

This was not what Poppy wanted to hear. But yet again she was told that this is what she is supposed to like so that's how it's supposed to be.

And so Poppy continued brushing the hair of her doll and twirling around in sparkly dresses.And yet again she kept craving the feeling of her brothers basketball in her hands. And so she went to the last person she could think of . Her teacher Mrs.Smith.

“ Why do me and my brother have different things?”

“ What do you mean?”

“ Well me and my brother we have different toys but I want to play with his toys but my parents and my brother say that those aren't toys for girls.”

“ Well I'll tell you a secret there is no such thing as girls toys and boys toys. They are all the same just people have labelled them to be boys and girls toys.”

To this Poppy smiled. She didn't feel weird and for the first time she went home to play with toy trucks and paper planes without feeling ashamed because after all toys are just toys.

Picture Book Forward

The topic of gender stereotypes or what is expected of a boy or girl to do based on societies view has been one for decades. Should women be able to have the same jobs as men? Should they be payed the same amount? Is a woman suitable to provide for a family? These are all questions that are brought up to adults and gender specific stereotypes. But this mindset of comparing men and women and putting them into categories starts at a very young age.

I was raised in an extremely political family where gender equality along with many others was a topic at the dinner table. I remember once when I was in elementary school, a boy sitting next to me had spilled his water all over the table to which the teacher responded by telling him to clean it up. His response was one that agrivated me to the core. He said and I quote “ Why can't she do it she's the girl?”Now although the topic was always around me I had never experienced this first hand. Strangley enough my response was quick and looking back in heinsight was genius. I replied with a simple “ I suck at cleaning”

The idea that a boy or girl might be a afraid to do what they like and persue their dreams just because of their gender is toxic to society and the future. This book is for anyone who has ever wanted to or has stepped over the boundries simply for themselves. I hope it inspires young children and helps to teach a new idea of the phrases “ You're a girl” or “ You're a boy”.

Synthesis Page

Reading Reflection

These past couple of months my reading life has really expanded, I've discovered other types of literature that I really relate to. A book that really stood out to me is “ Not That Kind of Girl” by Lena Dunham. Dunham is known for being controversial with her opinions and that is one of the reasons that I really liked this book. The book is a collection of essays written by Dunham about what she has learned in life and how she views the world. Since I am young this kind of material is really comforting in some ways. Her opinionated voice is one that really made me want to read more and develop a reading taste. The book which is filled with opinions, truly reflects her personality.

In the book Dunham describes her relationship with her parents saying that it was/is like a “ongoing roller coaster”(p.234). I find this the most relatable section of her book because I think almost every person has ups and downs in their relationships with their parents. On page 226 she states “ There are times where I am speaking to my parents and I feel as if I am talking to a complete stranger”. This elaborates on the idea of relatable text. Her vulnerability when admitting this almost unspoken global feeling is something a lot of teenagers thrive for when reading. It's the whole concept of trying not to feel like you are the only one with problems. Another chapter in the book is one about finding your sexuality. Now although Dunham is straight she doesn't hesitate to share what almost everyone goes through which is trying to find your sexuality. On page 183 she states “ There were more than just a few times where I felt that I was gay. And maybe it was because my sister was or maybe just the infamous teenage questioning faze”. This evidence also is one that provides comfort. It is yet another globally shared problem teens face.

All in all Dunham book is one that is honest and true. It is the perfect book for teens to learn from without any sugar coating. That is why it was my favorite book that I have read.

Argument Essay

Should Ellen Hopkins Books be Banned?

Countless books and authors hold heavy topics in their literature, stirring up controversy in schools all across the country. The topic of banned books has been one for many years. Books such as the Ellen Hopkins series which deal with the topic of young adults dealing with sex, drugs and violence. It's no wonder why people might want them away from their children. However, these books can educate young adults about the consequences of such actions and comfort those who might be going through the same thing as the characters in the book.

For young adults who are having trouble with things like the characters in Hopkins books then they can be a source of comfort and understanding rather than a bad influence. In the article “ Darkness too Visible” by Meghan Cox Gurdon, says “ The argument in favor of such novels is that they validate the teen experience, giving voice to troubled adolescents”. This quote shows how some believe that these books can help young teens. To further support this, in the book “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins, it tells the story of a girl named Kristina who is having trouble with her boyfriends cocaine addiction and is feeling pressured. The text says “ I watched him pour the powder, yellowish white. Use the blade to chop the chunks fine, draw two crooked lines”. In this piece of text, the main characters unsure mindset is very apparent when she describes watching her boyfriend prepare the cocaine. For someone who is feeling pressure about doing drugs, this might be a source of comfort letting them know it's normal. The article “ BBW DAY7- CRANK BY ELLEN HOPKINS” tells about why “ Crank” should be read, it states “ ...60% of teens have trouble with drugs among them and peers. 'Crank' can show kids a side of drugs they see most which is insecurity.”This further explains how teens can be comforted by mature themes especially since they go through similar situations in their peer groups.

Books such as the Ellen Hopkins books, teach teens about this dark side of life and prevent them from acting on these actions. If kids are exposed to dark themes and life choices through literature it would be better than if they were to learn about them from experience. Learning about the consequences of such actions can also help to scare teens away from the wrong life choices. In the article “ BBW DAY7- CRANK BY ELLEN HOPKINS” states “ Teens should read Hopkins books in general so they can see what happens to the characters and what could happen to them”. Further explaining the idea of teens learning their consequences. The book includes a very scary text “ I watched his body shake and turn. Over taken by the crank”. Describing her boyfriends overdose seizure Kristina is seeing the consequences and maybe the reader can as well. Mature themes in books are a way for teenagers to prevent themselves from doing stupid things by learning the consequences of them .

On the other hand, it is understandable that some are unsure about Hopkins books. Her books speak about sex, drugs, depression and violence within young adults. The fear that kids might be influenced by the characters in the books. Young adults might feel the need to do what the characters are doing because they're seeing the same thing in their friend group and would like to fit in. Young adults reading this kind of literature might be influenced and not only harm themselves but possibly others as well. The fact that they are being banned is understandable but that doesn't mean they should be banned.

All in all, banned books, like most things in this world, have their pros and cons. However, I believe that these kinds of books can really benefit young readers more so than they can hurt them. A young reader going through troubles might be comforted seeing that it is not unusual and they can also see the consequences of those actions. These books can steer teens away from dangerous actions more than they can influence them.

Social Awareness Project

Poem

She

She walks step by step

Her mind in a world of its own

Interrupted

The sound of male barking fills her ears

Give me a smile

Hey Beautiful

The words seep in

She feels like a circus act

Only there for other's amusement

And she wonders how

She is supposed to feel flattered

When all she feels is emptiness

The process of writing this poem was new territory for me. I have never really written poetry, only personal statements and opinionated rants.That of course is why I tried to have my poem reflect my personal statement on the issue of catcalls. In terms of writing about this issue, I found that I could really easily relate to the issue of catcalls. I took a deeper look into my own feelings on the situation and tried to minimize my outlook on it. My goal when writing this was to be able to tell the story of general female experiences when being catcalled. I took my strong opinion and tried to translate it into a more poetic text. Finding the right words and tone was difficult since this topic is filled with a wide range of view points and stories. I kept my poem short to reflect kind of the message that this social issue gives, which is that catcalls happen very quickly but can still leave a long lasting stir of emotions. The hardest part about writing this poem was finding a way to get my point across in a short amount of text while also showing how important the issue is.

The issue of catcalling and men objectifying women is one that has been ongoing long before my life time. It's just that age old idea that women are there to entertain/amuse men and I believe that it is a big problem. The thing about this problem that people need to understand is that it doesn't only affect women, but men as well. Men are somewhat raised to feel better or more important than women and that can really damage our environment. It goes way past the idea of men calling out to women, but also goes into more intimate situations such as work or school. Women can feel obliged to live in the shadow of the man and not exceed to their full potential with the fear they might overpower the man. Men can can use this sexist mind set to dismiss work of females that can better both of their careers. This is an issue not only affecting how women view themselves, how men view themselves, and how they view one another.

Personal statement

As a young women growing up in New York, I find that the social issue I find most apparent is catcalling. Now despite the playful reference to warm cuddly creatures, this phrase to most women means embarrassment,degradation and the loss of power and respect. It's something every female deals with in her life time, men calling out giving unnecessary commentary on the appearance of a women. Even though I am only fourteen, I still experience this roughly every week.Living in a huge city might be a part of it, but this is a really unfair issue.

Some men will tell you that a women should feel flattered to be acknowledged for their beauty by a complete stranger. I find these kinds of statements comical.How is a women supposed to feel flattered when she feels intimidated?The light-hearted and supposedly 'sincere' comments can make a woman feel like she is an object whose entire existence is centered only for the amusement of men. Comments like these can also seep into a woman's brain and affect her work/school. Unfortunately a woman can start to believe that this sexist mindset some men have is the truth and that they are there simply to impress men. In a workspace this can lead to a woman not living up to her full potential and constantly making sure she is in the shadow of men.

However, there are ways to prevent these types of situations. Although I disagree that women need to change to improve male behavior, I truly believe that women can be the solution just by doing nothing. If a woman keeps her head up and ignores the ignorant comments, men will see that she is strong and that comments will not affect her, in any way negative or positive. This, of course, does not mean it will stop. Men will always find a way to objectify women but it's up to women to decide how it will affect them.

Disclaimer: I am in no way saying that all men catcall and objectify women. That would be stereotypical and unfair on my part. I am only referencing the men that do. There are m

Interview #1

A female's point of view on catcalling. My stepmother who has had a fair share of experiences on her hands in terms of this situation. I thought she would be a good source to interview because she has experienced it first hand.

1.When a man comments on your appearance while you're walking down the street, how does it make you feel?

In general I view catcalling as a form of typical sexism. Men should not have the right in any way to objectify women, look down on them, or treat them like they are a piece of meat, and can be openly commented in public. Its a bad stereotype and it puts women in the position that they are serving with their existence the pleasure of men. If I get catcalled on the street, I feel annoyed and disturbed depending on the sort of comment, also I feel labeled and powerless.

2.What do you do in those situations?

Usually, I would just walk away, ignoring the person, and by this showing, that I can not just be talked to randomly and judged by my appearance and my gender.

3.What is your advice to other young women experiencing the same thing?

As talking back is usually not helping and can also be dangerous four young women. I think in general there should be more discussions in the society, starting in school with young kids about this kind of stereotyping, sexism and harassment. There should be space to reflect on that issue, on emancipation in general and the awareness focussed on women rights in the society.

Interview #2

I thought it would be interesting to include a male's point of view. So I interviewed my dad who might show a different perspective on this situation. Also to make it abundantly clear he in no way whatsoever objectifies women.....I hope.

1.Being a man, what is your opinion on catcalling and female

objectification in general?

Any man who "catcalls" women is engaging in sexual harassment. The

fact that almost every woman has to deal with this on a regular basis

in New York City is evidence that our society allows and encourages a

culture where women are viewed as objects to be publicly praised or

denounced by men as though they are unwilling contestants on a sick

game show.

2.How do you think our society can improve on this situation?

A big part of this problem stems from the way women are portrayed in

the media and undervalued in the workplace. The fact that women are

paid less than men for the same jobs is indicative of the fact that

American society believes that men are worth more than women and

therefore superior to women. Of course, it is important that parents

of boys raise them to be conscious of sexism and misogyny and to be

committed to ending those horrid institutions. But it is also

important that people who witness this sexist behavior in public

confront it wherever it exists. It is not the job of women to endure

consistent sexual harassment or to be left alone to object to it.

Silence is complicity.

3. If you could say a few words to men concerning this situation, what

would they be?

Before you catcall another women, imagine that she is your daughter,

your wife, your sister. If you would not want some gross asshole doing

what you are about to do to your loved one, then stop and think about

why you think the woman you are about to violate deserves your

disgusting, unwanted harassment.