Finals Week and English 306J Final Web Essay

As for all other students at Ohio University, the past five days have been caffeine, late nights at the library, and stress. I have already completed two finals last week, and have two more finals/assignments Monday and Tuesday. I can say that one of these will be fun, while the other will be torture. For my English Web Essay I chose the topic of Male Contraception to research.

This topic has been so interesting and has been the fuel for many heated debates and discussions among my friends. After reading my essay, I'm sure that you can feel my passion for this topic as I think that men need to become more responsible for their sexual health and reproduction. I have learned so much in this class, not only writing skills, but technology skills as well! Never would I have imagined I would be creating websites and blogging on the internet!

As this will be my last post, I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday, safe travels to all!

Male Contraceptives

For my web essay, I really want to research the topic of male contraceptives. Since women are the biological sex that become pregnant, there is always so much sexual responsibility put upon the woman to ensure safe sex. Although no form of male oral hormonal contraceptives have been FDA approved for the public, there are many forms of contraceptions still in research.

Injections seem to be the first form of contraception that could become available to men. Research shows that injections and/or implants are being studied in China, and could possibly be on the market in 8 to 10 years. A form of "pill" is also being studied, but the development of that drug seems to be taking longer.

According to studies in Seattle some men are excited for the new medical technology to be developed, where as others are not. Some men seem concerned about an oral hormone pill.

I found one section of this article to be a little disturbing...“It is time for men to have some control. I      think it would empower men and deter some women out there from their nefarious plans,” says Brown. “Some women are out there to use men to get pregnant. This could deter women from doing this. An athlete or a singer is someone who could be a target and they could put a stop to that.”

- From MSNBC

I agree that this new form of hormone contraception would definitely give men more control and power over their sex life, but I did not agree or like the stereotype against women here. Stating that women use men to get pregnant and ultimately get money or fame. Although I am sure there are a few women out there who do act like this, I do not like the broad generalization.

Discovery Health
"Beyond the Pill"
- Showing Male Implant/Injection

Barbie's Panties

After learning of this assignment I knew exactly what I wanted to address from the books Kinky and Barbie's Queer Accessories. The issue of Barbie and Ken not wearing undergarments. 


From Kinky: "It is a complicated issue, Barbie's signature trait of forgoing bra or panties...Ken wears his tux, unapologetically, without boxer shorts underneath...Without crotch moistness to ruin clothes, maybe the dolls figure: Underwear? What's the point?" 


- Why Barbie and Ken Don't Dress in Underwear - For Sharon Stone


This poem correlates to a discussion in Barbie's Queer Accessories. 


7. My Barbie didn't come with panties. Are they missing? No. Barbies do not come with panties unless the doll is wearing a short skirt. - From "Barbie Questions and Answers," distributed by Mattel.


- Chapter 1 Making Barbie


These poems/articles brought up an issue I wanted to discuss. In regular society, are undergarments even needed? If I wore jeans without undergarments, would anyone know? I know plenty of people that can go a with out panties and live a very comfortable day. Undergarments are not necessary!


I applaud Barbie for forgoing panties!

Gender Experience as a Kid

I would say my most vivid memory of learning my gender role as a child came from elementary school. My mom worked at the elementary school by my house and I would go up to school and visit her often after work. I would always see the elementary school boys playing football behind the school and wanted to be a part of this team! As a child who wouldn't want to get to hit people and throw them on the ground! It all seemed so fun. But when I talked to my mom about wanting to join the Anderson Hills football team, instead she directed me towards signing up for cheer-leading. As both of my older sisters were cheerleaders, they both pushed me in the direction of becoming a cheerleader at age 7. Instead of wearing padding and getting to hit people, instead I was in a skirt with pom-poms jumping up and down. I was wearing make up age 7 and my sisters were curling my hair. I wanted to be playing in the mud and in the woods not sitting in the bathroom getting my makeover. This very vivid memory will stick in my mind forever, as I was told that football is for boys and cheer-leading is for girls!

Write Your Own Autobiography

I consider myself to have amazing talents and qualities I am a work-a-holic and a task master. I am organized and responsible and can be trusted with large tasks/requirements. I enjoy the outdoors and I have a great love for children. I could spend all day in the woods hiking or horseback riding and would be perfectly content. I don't need much. I would love to live back in the olden times in a log cabin. My friends come to me for advice and trust my opinions and judgments. People say I am level headed. I don't have a temper. I can keep my calm if necessary and like to put my best foot forward. I am involved in 2 clubs/organizations and am getting a part time job, on top of maintaining a 3.4 GPA. I know how to balance work and fun. Although I have a boyfriend, I know how to be independent and I enjoy being independent. If I lived alone in a studio apartment I would not once want someone else to do something for me. I like to think I come of as confident, even if I am not 100% of the time. I have learned to be able to put a smile on my face when all I want to do is sit down and cry. I've endured bad break ups and an aunt that died of breast cancer. I believe that what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger. I am way too blessed to be stressed. I try to live in the now, while planning for the future. My family is a top priority for me in life and I have two of the best sisters anyone could ask for.

I know this seemed a lot like word vomit here but I was just trying to get all my thoughts down!

Men's Knowledge vs. Women's

Men vs. Women

Okay I am getting carried away here...I realize, but this commercial is hilarious and worth spending two minutes to watch!

Kotex Commercials

U By Kotex

Kotex U

Above are two links to YouTube videos I found interesting. They are both using marketing techniques that aren't sex! Haha, check them out if you are interested.