Articles Motivate New Thoughts

I learned a wide variety of information on several topics I was very unfamiliar with through the three articles we read. From the article “J.A.P.”-Slapping” I learned that the phrase J.A.P. was used to refer to Jewish women. I had little prior knowledge on Jews and their stereotypes before reading this article; therefore, I was entirely surprised that Jewish women are stereotyped as self-centered, rich girls referred to as Jewish American Princesses. I was also surprised as the author mentioned the self-hatred the Jewish people had come to develop. It is sad that they have come to accept this stereotype. While I think they should be able to laugh at themselves, they should not be doing it in a manner that puts other Jews down. The next article, “To Be Poor and Transgender” was unquestionably the most shocking of the three articles for me to read. As I come from a small town in southern Indiana, I was astonished to learn more about what happens outside the little world I have lived in. I had no idea what harmful things some people do to their bodies in order to fit in. The author effectively used pathos, in making readers feel sorry for those who are transgender. While I believe being transgender is a choice that conflicts with my way of life, after reading the article I truly felt for the stages of awkwardness those who are transgender go through. I think it is sad society shuns them, especially when they are going through such a confusing time in their lives. I had also never considered that it would be much easier to be rich and transgender, as one would have the money for the expensive and legal gender transitions. Those who are poor resort to the dangerous alternatives to these expensive surgeries that may eventually result in the loss of their life. The last article, “White Privilege and Male Privilege,” was also interesting, as I have to admit I had never thought of white’s privileges in the way expressed by the author. I generally think of it more as the disadvantages of other races. I was also amazed as the author appealed to ethos through her long list of conditions that a white person can continually count on that others may not be so fortunate to have. While all three of these articles dealt with completely different subject matters, they were intriguing and helped me see these issues from different perspectives.