weeks 8 and 9 blogs....

Week 8 Blog- Barack Obama

Considering Obamas political campaign message was for ‘change’, from what I can tell change is happening. His top priorities were health care and carbon emissions, both of which are massive issues in America. I think he is the right president but appointed at the wrong time. If the world wasn’t in a massive economic crisis I think that he would be able to make bigger changes quicker if he didn’t have to deal with the economic recession. He still seems to be a beacon of hope for the American people. 100 days, in my opinion, is not enough time to make any significant changes to base a whole presidency on, however I still think he has made vital decisions to have an impact on Americans. The closure of Guantanamo bay was something which people welcomed, it showed that he wasn’t just sitting around in the white house planning the new desk for his office, but was actually doing something (which I think in our government is quite a rarity!!!) this was on his second day of presidency. One of his main objectives which I agree with is his views on healthcare. He wants universal health care for all Americans. In the podcast I have previously posted, there was talk about introducing a government funded insurance system, (not too dissimilar to the NI payments we make from our wages) but would be an opt in system for the poor and those in poverty. In the book ‘The Audacity of Hope’ he talks about merit systems and strategic placements of teachers for under-achieving schools. Even if he doesn’t achieve this, the way he writes and is presented in the media, gives you faith in him. He seems liked a honest descent politician (yes I know who would have thought those words in the same sentence!!!) I like Obama, I think he is exactly what this world needs, he’s not offering radical and fantastical ideas of positive change, he’s not even a guarantee of a total optimistic change, but he is a friendly, honest and hardworking man, who provide hope if not permanent solutions for the long term.

Week 9- Feminist Figures

I’ve picked Jennifer Aniston for my feminist figure. Open any magazine or look at any celebrity news pages and Aniston always seems to have a spot. I think in a way she represents the women of our era, better than anyone from sex and the city. Similarly to them, she’s beautiful, successful and is adored by many people. But unlike them, in the real world, she’s been through a very public divorce from Brad Pitt, (once voted the sexiest man alive). I am firmly on team Aniston when it comes to this divorce issue. I believe she is a role model to many young women, unlike sex and the city, she’s happy being single, and is happy with her career, rumour has it Pitt wanted children and Aniston didn’t want to give her career therefore Angelina Jolie made an appearance! I think she’s incredibly dignified, she lost her husband to someone who let’s face it, is a bit mad, (full of French kissing her brother, the crazy blood stuff with her ex.-husband etc.) She married the all American heart-throb, had a beautiful wedding, then lost it all very publicly, but has managed to keep her dignity and her success. She played the comic part ’Friends’ and was highly liked as Rachel, she played Justine in ‘The Good Girl’ showing a sincere side to her acting ability. In a day when female celebrities would rather be known for their partying skills rather than their talent, I think Aniston stands quite well in stardom.