"The Evolution of the Swimsuit" by Jessica Rey: Summary and Analysis

   In "The Evolution of the Swimsuit," by Jessica Rey, actress and designer, she argues that swimsuits have become too revealing and objectify women.  She provides pictures of swimsuits over time as an example of how far the swimsuit has come.  The swimsuit from the earliest time shown was actually a full suit for women, and they would have a horse and carriage pull the changing house they were in up to the water just so they would not be seen.  Rey also explains that men naturally objectify women when they wear bikinis.  She gives a study of male brain activity as evidence that they automatically see scantily clothed women as objects.  Rey suggests that women quit giving in to the views of society and wear swimsuits that cover their bodies.  She shows her swimsuit line as a solution to the issue. 
   I believe that swimsuits definitely do not cover enough.  Young girls go out practically naked in bikinis for the world to see them, and many parents allow it.  Jessica Rey makes a very good argument that women should dress modestly.  Dressing in revealing clothing does not give a woman power, it objectifies her. 
   I think Jessica Rey's swimsuit line is a great solution to the issue.  If women can be brave enough to stop wearing bikinis, the trend will end.  Women will learn to have respect for themselves, and men can then stop seeing them as objects.

Summary and Response to "A First Amendment Junkie" by Susan Jacoby

In "A First Amendment Junkie" by New York Times author Susan Jacoby, she argues that censoring pornography goes against the First Amendment.  She believes that the First Amendment should be absolutely interpreted.  She states that people will never be able to agree on what should be censored.  Jacoby points out that censoring pornography will lead to censorship of other topics that need to be discussed and brought to attention in American society.  She believes that pornography cannot even be defined as to what is obscene or what is art, therefore it cannot be censored.

I believe that Jacoby is right.  Pornography should be available for those who wish to make it or view it.  While it is offensive to many people, they have the choice not to view it.  Pornography is not just posted publicly so that people can just see it anywhere even if they do not wish to.  You have to go looking for pornography, or either you are warned with a cover on a magazine or the rating of a movie.  That is censorship enough.

I agree with Jacoby that we should interpret the First Amendment as is.  If we change it, it will only leave more grey areas that people will dispute over.  People will always disagree and find something to argue about, no matter how much our government bends to fit their needs.  

Summary and Response to "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" by Peggy McIntosh

In "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" by author Peggy McIntosh, she lists the many ways that white people seem to be immune to racism that other races experience.  She gives examples from her life of things she does that any other race would have to think twice about.  White people in this country are not stereotyped the way that other races are.  They do not live in fear of being a victim of racism because they are not used to that treatment.  Being white is viewed as the norm in American society, while it is also a norm to treat anyone who is not white differently.  McIntosh makes this clear in her observations of her personal life.

I believe McIntosh has a very valid point in the article.  Whites tend to take for granted and not even realize how easily they can live their lives without the racism that others have to endure.  We are viewed as the average person, and nobody will single out whites for that reason.  White people get way more privileges than any other race because society has become accustomed to it.  Nobody in society seems to think twice about the way they treat or view a white person.

With other races, anyone who is not white must constantly have their guard up for racism.  They know that they will always be a victim, and therefore seek out even hints of racism.  People in American society are very quick to automatically stereotype any race that is not white.  These races are often stigmatized when they do not deserve to be. 

Summary of Harlan Coben's "The Undercover Parent"

In this essay, Coben is suggesting that parents put spyware on their children's computers so that they may monitor their child's activities online.  He argues that parents should be able to know what is going on in their children's lives, and that bad situations can be avoided by monitoring what children are doing online.  While it is a violation of a child's privacy and innermost thoughts, Coben states, it is the responsibility of a parent to know what goes on in a child's life.  Spyware can prevent children from being targeted by internet predators on social networking sites and even prevent children from being cyber bullied.  Coben states that parents should also be able to discuss such matters with their children in a calm way.  He says that with new technology and such bad things that children can find on the internet, spyware is necessary.