Media Portrayal of Women

I am horrified by the sexualization of children, particularly adolescent girls who are encouraged by the media to view themselves as sexual objects. Young women are modelling themselves on the likes of Paris Hilton, famous for her wealth and for her appearance in a pornographic video, and celebrity has become an end in itself. It is sickening to see girls aspiring to emulate Paris Hilton and her empty,consumerist values...as though having the right handbag and being 'sexy' were fundamental virtues.

I believe this trend represents a backlash against feminism and has swung too far the other way. Women certainly need to be in control of their own sexuality but it is not the most important measure of their character. The media consistently portrays women in terms of their sexuality, rather than by their achievements, particularly on television shows aimed at a teenage audience. Young girls need positive role models that inspire them to explore diverse possibilities....self-respect is not earnt by looking permanently available for sex. Being desirable is not empowering as the media would have us believe...it's like sovereignty rather than independance.

Solutions to Community Issues/concerns

In class we have explored issues and concerns that are out there in our communities. These included

Domestic Violence


Terrorism


Rape and Sexual Assault


Child Abuse


Centrelink Cut-off with 6 to 8 weeks without income


Police Academy - Trainers have sex with students


Portrayal of women in the Media


Child Obesity


Traditional Roles of Men and Women

As a class lets choose one topic and post some solutions to this issue.

Church Charities Boycott Govt. Demands

Members of the Catholic Church recently rejected the governments' new scheme to deal with people who have defaulted Centrelink. The government proposes to withdraw payments from people who fail to comply with Centrelink requirements, missing appointments or submitting forms late for example, leaving them with no income for eight weeks. The government has asked for charities to step in and 'manage' these cases, for which the charity would be paid approximately $600 per month.

The Salvation Army, the Smith Family and now the Catholic Church are amongst charitable groups who reject this scheme. Personally, I think it is outrageous that the government seeks to offload responsibility for members of society who are most vulnerable. Many people recieving Centrelink benefeits have great difficulty with bureaucratic processes such as attending interviews, filling out forms, or participating in society in a structured way. This is often due to mental health issues, a recognized disability, isolation due to language or domestic abuse or simply through lack of education.

Whilst abuses of the welfare system do occur, they are completely insignificant compared to those who abuse government systems at a higher level through tax rorts or the recent AWB scandal where millions of dollars are involved. The one charity accepting this proposal is the Hillsong Church, who were recently charged with misappropriation of funds supplied by the government for an Aboriginal welfare scheme.

I think for the government to abandon those members of society unable to cope with Centrelinks' confusing and complicated procedures to already overstretched charities shows a complete lack of compassion. More money should be directed into the Centrelink infrastructure to enable people on welfare to fulfil their obligations. I wholeheartedly support those organizations who reject this corrupt and cynical scheme.

What is happened over the weekend in NSW!!!

Did you hear something 'news worthy' on the weekend that you would like to share with the rest of the class?

What were the main points? Why is it worth telling us about us? Why are you concerned about this matter?

ferragosto in five dock

. Yesterday Five Dock community celebrated every august Italian holyday Feragosto.There were a lot of people in the centre of Five Dock. The centre was closed for the transport. Among the main street in Five Dock named Great North road ,kiosks ,cafes, shops and places for entertaitment were erected. Our family was enjoied of nice Italian singing and coutry music. We did not want to taste Italian wines,but I guess ,they had a great success. My daughter Olga b ought different Italian sweets , and we watched Five Dock girls show. Girls of different ages in beautiful bright clothes were singing and dancing. We like this every year Italian festival and every year take part in it with our frieds and relatives.

Domestic Violence

I am very concerned about the lack of support for victims of domestic violence and the lack of information about this issue in our general community. Domestic violence affects a wide range of people from our community: rich and poor, educated or not, young and old, men and women.

In the majority of D.V. cases, it is men perpetrating violence against women but violence committed by adult children against their parents is increasingly common.
Identifying D.V. can be hard, let alone taking action to stop it. Many men, for example, are in denial about their violent behaviour, verbal or physical, and choose not to acknowledge the terrible, dehumanising results of their actions.

The first step in dealing with the huge problem of D.V. is with education: we all need to understand how to respect each other and when to draw the line with bad behaviour. In the context of close relationships, personal boundaries often get blurred: people can end up hurting the ones they love, or being scared of someone they thought they could trust and this confusion affects all other areas of their lives.

One way to promote awareness of these issues would be increased advertising on television. David Gallop, director of the National Rugby League, claims the NRL are at the forefront of campaigns condemning violence against women. If so, why can't we see some footballers talking about domestic violence and how to avoid it? Sportsmen advertise muesli bars and weet-bix; it's about time they used their platform to raise awareness of something important with particular relevance to their own community. Imagine the impact of a discussion of domestic violence on 'the Footy Show'?

Refugee Policy

The John Howard Government has just hit a dead end. The Senators are most likely not going to let the bill on refugee status be passed. The current policy is that would be refugees are not allowed to come ashore and the new policy will see these people to be assessed offshore.

I think this is because genuine refugees deserve to be dealt with humane treatment. The Liberal Government would like boat people to return back to their own country which I think is insane.
Australian's need to count their blessings and have compassion for people who may need our country to give them a go. To find a safe place to live and feel that their lives are not in danger. And that we can help them believe that they do have a future life ahead of them. Together we are one. We owe it to ourselves and our future generations to care about others as well as our environment.

News! News! ...and more News! Current Affairs

There are lots of things that are happening in our local communities, our region, NSW and Australia. Not to mention whats happening on an international level.

The newspapers are full of it. TV can't get enough of it.

What is a current issue in our community; where is being reported and what are your thoughts on this matter.

Welcome to WOW Computing

This class will be every Monday from 31st July to 27 November. The class will be conducted between the hours of 0930 - 1230 with a break at 1045 - 1100 in room NG22.

The course will include:
(i) Access to Vocational Studies,
Students will be able to use vocabulary and terminology common to the industry; describe the function of some basic tools, equipment and materials pertaining to the industry/occupation; demonstrate competency in some core skills used in the industry/occupation, as determined by the teacher; complete a project/s relevant to the industry/occupation; identify job opportunities and possible career paths within the industry; identify other courses appropriate to further study in the industry; and identify and use safe/healthy working practices for the industry/occupation.

(ii) Computer Essentials
On successful completion of this module you will be able to
understand and operate basic computer technology. Under supervision, you
will be able to identify and operate basic computer hardware, manage electronic files, describe computer software applications, undertake basic wordprocessing tasks and use correct occupational health and safety standards.

(iii) Extras
On successful completion of this course you will also experience an introduction to digital cameras, scanning images, writing for the world wide web and social software.