Act of Resistance/Awareness

On this November 29, 2008 David, Jenna, Naomi, and I went to Bayshore mall to hand out awareness flyers regarding Native Americans. The flyers supported a program called Adopt-a-Native-Elder, in which support is provided to Native Americans living on reservations in order from them to maintain their traditional way of life. The reason I was motivated to raise awareness for this cause was for three main reasons. One, Thanksgiving had just passed and the recognition of Native Americans in our culture would still be fresh in the minds of those we meet. Two, I am Native American and I felt a connection to the Elders of which they spoke since I don’t live a traditional lifestyle. Three, I felt this flyer would benefit those of many different cultures and gain Native Americans more recognition as they are often forgotten about.
We set out to hand the flyers out around 2pm at the mall. When handing out flyers people would look at it briefly and just say thanks for the most part. Mostly just being polite in taking a flyer but not really caring what it said on it. Other said “no thank you” and it that case it was okay, since at least they were honest about not reading it. In two cases people plain out ignored us, which I though was really rude, like its hard to say “no thank you.” We did have a few positive responses in which they stopped in front of us to talk with us and ask us what the program was and why we supported it, wishing us luck. Overall, I don’t think we made that big of a difference. Out of all the flyer given out, I would assume that only one person may have made the effort to look at the website when they got home later that day. I definitely think that those who read it however will have been more informed regarding the Native American and how one can help but not many people will take action. In my personal opinion I do not see myself doing this again unless it was another assignment or was something I was extremely passionate about. Its hard to get people to take a flyer let alone actually take the suggests the flyer says. Maybe there is better way to get people to listen, but I’m not sure. In the future I might choose a different spot to hand out flyers since people at the mall were all shopping.
Well, this was my act of awareness. I hope you all fared better.

Final Thoughts on Lysistrata

Alright so this is number ten and my final thoughts on Lysistrata. Firstly I would love to discuss my favorite part of the play. It was when the commissioner orders Lysistrata's arrest but all the women set up to stop him. The reason I was drawn to this part was because there were three women that stepped up to protect her, demonstrating the power of a woman's force is just as great as a man, but also they alluded to Artemis. For some reason I have always been drawn to the goddess Artemis, huntress and of the moon, I found this very important part of the play. First she is referred to as "Artemis, goddess of the hunt" by Lysistrata, implying that Lysistrata herself is the huntress and that it is she who is fighting for the end to the war. Kleonike then exclaims "Artemis, goddess of dew" and although she is not affiliated with the dew,etc, the connotations refer to Artemis's fertility and virginity, which applied in the play represents the women's fertility and yet they resist it. She is also proclaimed "bringer of light," by Myrrhine referring to her affinity with the moon and bringing light in the darkness and therefore it can be seen that the women are trying to bring light to the darkness of battle. Lastly she is the "goddess of Tauris," which is a place Artemis sent people to after saving them, and so in some ways it refers to the saving of Greece if they can end the conflict. So that is all...I just really loved this part and wanted to share my thoughts in it with you. Thanks...

Comparing Between

I already related a theme of love between the books but since world lit is coming up I thought I should also look more at characters and such. When I thought about it, Lysistata is so different from the others we have read that finding a comparison was difficult. Firstly, the characters Brack and Kinesias jumped out at me. I think my impression regarding these two is their hopes of having control of the women around them for their own sexual purposes and may or may not give what they promise. For example Brack tries to be apart of the triangle with Hedda and Kinesias tries to persuade Myrrhine to lie with him. These men are very sex-driven and I think that's what made them stand out at me as similar and they each make promises to the women but Brack succeeds in getting the upperhand in the relationship but Myrrhine wins out and gets what she wants first. Secondly, when looking at Bernarda and Lysistrata one can see some similarities. The women look to them and have this idea of they must follow their orders. In Lysistrata's cause however I think it is more out of respect, whereas Bernarda frequently uses violence (hitting her daughters etc). However both women have a commanding presence and seem to have a plan and have the means at which to achieve there plan, but Bernarda is more cut off and unwilling to listen whereas Lysistrata seems to be more open and can translate new ideas/thoughts. These are the main similarities I saw between the characters...But I think there is also something to be said about the themes because all the plays deal with the differences between the men and women.

Love for all

I talked a little bit about love when we studied The House of Bernarda Alba and Hedda Gabler but I think its important here too. I wanted to explore: How is love portrayed? How does love guide the plays differently? In Alba Adela has this bright idea that love will save her. That her love for Pepe will bring about a wonderful end if only she can run away with it. In a way I see this similar to Lysistrata because the women see there bodies as tools for love, which we could say that when Adela was giving herself to Pepe she felt loved, and so to be deprived from love would result in desperation of the men in Lysistrata. It also caused desperation in the women of the Alba household in the same way. And so it shows a perfect example of how love and abstaining from sex can cause radical measures to be taken. More so in Lysistrata love was viewed as a mutual agreement, that men could take and rape their wives but would perfer a mutual idea. In Hedda Gabler, the talk of love is as a tool to manipulate and gain the usage of another as Hedda did/tried to do, but it is most seen to be successfull when the women of Lysistrata receive their happy ending. I noticed that all these plays were very sexually oriented. Does IB have a reason for that? Hedda Gabler discussed the threesome, Alba related humans and animal wildness, and then of course there was Lysistrata which is pretty self-explanatory of how it was related to sex. But I was just curious if the sex related themes were important to Ib or what> I just found it interesting...

The Chorus

Okay I have to say that the most confusing parts of this play were the Choruses. I mean half the time I had no idea what was going on. It was extra confusing. Maybe it would be easier to visualize them speaking but Idk...each time the chorus of women speak they are usually answered by the chorus of men or vice versa. After some analysis of the choruses I realized that the depict the theme of the battle of sexes. The first women chorus (41) illustrates the radical women's actions and the fire of their emotions to threaten. The men respond (52) thinking the women to be a bunch of animals gone wild. Again the women do not back down (58) exclaiming that with their assets they will prevail and "fatigue won't weaken [their] will". The men are unsure what to do (64) and think it is a plot from the Spartans that caused this because the women should not and could not do such a thing. The women say that they have always lead the procession in such ways and now will do it again in a dignified way (65), the men think they are being disrespected and say they always were the fighters so its not hard from them to fight these women back (67). The women are angry at this statement refusing to give in (68). The men and women realize that fighting is reaching some conclusion and so the men tell of Melanion and his celibacy in the wild (75) saying they want to be like him. The women respond (76) talking about Timon being the best because he stayed within the city walls but still fought against the ruthless men. This bickering back and forth between the choruses until they unite demonstrates the battle of the sexes. The men continually are underestimating the women thinking they cannot fight men or have ideas, and they definitely should not be out of the house opposing the war. And the women are doing everything they say they shouldn't be doing, also they are opposing the men's actions laughing at their claims to be decent men..haha... Even though the choruses are hard to understand I think it is where they are placed within the play that really demonstrates how it is a battle of the sexes

Piece of Peace

These men are greedy, and promiscuous (this is the most appropriate word for them, the others would be quarantined). This is most notably shown at the scene when Lysistrata brings them the girl Peace. Firstly, due to the fact that she is woman all the men are fighting over her due to their conditions. Kinesias even says when looking at peace that he is "destroyed if this is drawn out much longer," which is only because he is fully aroused and in pain. And as they look at her during the delegations they each put out similar sexual innuendos...purtiesh behind...so much to top...thet butte...Secondly, because Peace also refers to the end of the war they are all eager to be apart of it and eventually get what the first peace offers as well. In doing so they have this fight over the pieces of peace which is ironic because Peace is supposed to be the ceasing of fighting and conflict and yet it continues over the cities and towns that each side wishes to posses in order to have piece. In doing so they are also breaking up the girl Peace...thet butte, refers to the town and her butt...and then down to Megara for the legs, referring to Peace's legs but also the towns... These talks demonstrate how the men aren't really worried about the end of war, because even Kinesias says the price is to high to give into all the demands, but does so anyway because he is looking at the woman Peace and wants a part of her. I don't think I really like how they came to the outcome at the end, I'm glad they were able to reach a conclusion regarding the end of the war but I don't like how they came to it. I'm just a little conflicted in my own person views... but overall I'm just glad nobody killed themselves.

Myrrhine and Kleonike

These two women are Lysistrata's backbone...I saw it sort of like the three musketeers since it was mainly Lysistrata, Kleonike, and Myrrhine and the two later women were quite different as the play progressed. Initially Kleonike and Myrrhine enter to here about the oath. It seems that Kleonike is closer to Lysistrata than Myrrhine, they are next door neighbors but also when she first enters she says "don't look so barbarous, baby; knitted brows just aren't your style," this very casual insult and conversation leaves the impression that they are quite close whereas with Myrrhine when she enters late, which can show that she does not think highly of these meetings or Lysistrata, she is belittled by Lysistrata who is appalled by her rudeness. Even so Myrrhine and Kleonike are the first to reject Lysistrata idea for the strike. They both exclaim the same thoughts...can't give it up... rather walk through fire...what if they beat us...Eventually they are persuaded. During the oath taking it can also be seen that Kleonike is closer to Lysistrata and more important to the cause as she is the one to take the oath whereas Myrrhine sits back and watches. When Lysistrata is attacked Kleonike is first to protect her and take out and archer and Myrrhine is second. This once again shows that Kleonike is higher ranking than Myrrhine in the friendship pyramid. However when Kinesias shows up Myrrhine shows how important she is when she is able to fend off her husband. Demonstrating the effectiveness of the oath. In my opinion Lysistrata values both women as assets to the cause but due to the ease of conversation she has with Kleonike I would she she values her friendship over the other.

The Boycott

I saw the Boycott on Thursday and I really liked it. I think Ms. Blume did an excellent job incorporating Lysistrata with the idea of ending global warming. The characters themselves were not exactly the same. For example, in the play Lysistrata is characterized as the informed and strong individual in which all women look to and follow. However in The Boycott she was not informed regarding global warming right away and her boycott did not take hold right away. The Boycott demonstrated how it would take longer for the goals to be met. It was more realistic than Lysistrata which ended within a 24-hour period. I also thought she did a great job re-enacting the scene between Kinesias and Myrrhine, and in her version it was between Ismenia and Jack. I thought it was really funny and was a great visual to examine how frustrated the men were becoming. At first I was confused as to why she used Ismenia because she only had one line in the play and so I made the assumption that because Ismenia has only one line in the play and she is an important figure defending Lysistrata, that Ms. Blume used this character because it allowed her to have the most freedom in characterization but also because Ismenia was a firm believer in Lysistrata. However I was wrong because when I asked her way she chose Ismenia she said it was only because it was a Greek name and she was referring more to Antigone than Lysistrata. One more thing that really showed a difference that I thought was important between the play and the production was the scene when the men gave in. In Lysistrata it was clearly evident that the men did not want to give in because they desired the ending of the war but only to get in bed with the women. In the Boycott the president had already slept with his wife and so he decided to help with the cause because he actually was sympathetic to the cause. I think this is important because it demonstrates the differences in the society of B.C Greece compared to Present day. In that there are more individuals today that choose the cause rather than the means by which the cause is reached. So if you got to see the play you know what I'm talking about and if you didn't you really missed out!

Differences can be better

I've already talked about how I like this play, but I think one of the main reasons I like it is because it challenges the role of gender in society. In the beginning Lysistrata claims women to be "utter sluts" initially implying that the power of a women lies only in her ability to please a man. It is also is discussed how a man is physically stronger than a women as he can beat her or force her to have sex with him and if she tries to put up a fight than only the woman would get hurt. Additionally when Lysistrata is talking with the commissioner she talks about how women age over time and even when a man is many years older they can still find a young bride whereas the women become old spinsters. These comments illustrate that women are inferior to men. Even when they fight against the men they use household goods meaning that the house is were a woman really belongs. More so are women put into place when the commissioner tells how a woman should "shut up" and just listen to the man. Aristophanes is depicting the struggle of women who are seen as inferior to men in many different ways. And yet he is allowing them to use the power given to them by the men to break free. This is most notably seen when commissioner tells Lysistrata that he can't talk to her properly because of her veil and so she de-robes it. In doing so she changes her appearance and chooses to play at the same level. With this action it can be assumed that gender and gender roles are only superficial and can be changed easily by just changing the image of what one sees.

Words and More Words: it just gets better

Okay, I bet we have all noticed how many sexual puns and all that jazz are in this play. But i also particularly enjoyed the metaphor on page 60-61. Lysistrata is talking to the commissioner about the state of affairs comparing government to wool. This basically gives more information about the terrible situation Athens/Greece is in due to the war, which makes more sense as to why the women are abstaining from sex to stop all these problems. I think it tells a lot more about women though. Lysistrata says to "consider the city as fleece..first cleanse...next to the couch for scutching and plucking.. next..you card citizens together in a single basket...lastly cull the colonies..then...spin a mighty bobbin of yarn." In this metaphor she discusses the common corruption of government due certain individuals and so take them out of posts and make rules right. Then she says to unify the people, give them stuff...and also allow trade between and gather colonies together so that the strength comes back to Athens. This plan demonstrates how women were just as intelligent as men and understood the politics of war and such... but because she compares the state to wool it can also demonstrate difference's in sexes as wool is a common household item that would seem normal for a woman to have at her disposal. So I wonder, if by using this metaphor she is just putting herself in place?

This is quick

I really, really like this play, especially compared to the last two. It is light, comical, and is NOT a tragedy. The plot takes off right from the start and just keeps going. I feel like I'm watching an action film like one of the original die hards, because it just keeps getting better and more intriguing. The plot jumps the moment Lysistrata exclaims to the women that they will abstain from sex to end this war. Such a simple phrase initiates a whirlwind of events to follow. First the women disagree, and their hesitation causes a battle of words and women's roles as Lysistrata tries to make the women agree and see that they are more powerful than bodies in the bedroom. As they all take the oath, it seems a fire is lit within the women as they begin the fight and hold firm to the oath. Using household goods they fight the men's swords and arrows holding their ground. Its amazing how far they go... Kleonike takes down a couple archers and the women throw water at the men. (putting out their literal fires and those only women can start/put out, lol) It is especially humorous during the bickering between the Koryphiaos' of men and women due to the use of sexual puns (he he). The plot thickens more when Lysistrata and the commissioner face off. I love this part because Lysistrata basically tells him he is incompetent in his position and he doesn't have to worry because she'll take care of everything. Awesome. Totally awesome. I haven't finished reading, but this plot is really amazing and well developed. I think it really shows the strength of a woman as Lysistrata and the other women demonstrate how they hold true to their beliefs, can strategically plan an attack, and are proud, intelligent, and stubborn enough to see it through...