WOMEN PAYING MORE IS NOT A NATIONAL ISSUE!!!

“WOMEN PAYING MORE (or “pink tax”) IS NOT A NATIONAL ISSUE!!!” ... some might say or have this mentality, but the more you think about it and begin to explore it, you will see how it affects the population of the U.S.  When I first read the instructions for the blog no. 5 assignment issues such as immigration, national security, healthcare, amongst others crossed my mind right away but this issue never crossed my mind to talk about as a national issue. Yet this issue affects a great portion (women) of the U.S. Population (more than half) and therefore it should be brought up for discussion and be seen as a national issue. 

The first time I heard this statement I honestly thought it was just something being made up. I didn’t think nor imagined that women would get charged more for similar products that men also use. I heard women pay a higher prize for some pink razors than those blue or black razors from the same brand but are in the men department. I have begun to wonder more and more on things such as why I can get a $20 that takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes yet women with long hair (and maybe even men with long hair, I need to ask about this) get the hair ends of their hair evened out or cut slightly and yet get charged double or even more compared to what.  

Could it be that beauty has a price? But what about men then? Does their “beauty” also have a price?  

I wasn’t even aware of other items that you mentioned that are priced higher for women, like diapers or canes. Could it be that the pink dye is more expensive? If someone makes that argument, honestly- no comment. Could it be that they have to add extra glitter, sparkles, designs, etc.? Something simple shouldn’t double the price of things. Extra money here and there for services and products does begin to add up and there should be more equality for the same or similar products offered to both men and women, changing the color or things of that sort on the products shouldn’t increase the price outrageously.  

Rayroo, you also argue that women shouldn’t give into buying the men version, as others may suggest, and should instead fight it. But how can or will you fight it? I believe if many women just started to buy the men (same thing less cost) that would send a clear message to the companies. And hopefully, equal the prices. Social media would be a great tool to communicate with other women, make plans of boycotting, and even reach out to the companies and in great amounts and send emails or to let them know about the concerns.  

It makes me happy to read when you mention that other companies and congresspeople are bringing awareness to this is issue and fighting for a change. And it also makes me wonder why I haven’t heard feminist groups bring this up or seen them fight for it. I believe unity is the key to making a change. More people should be aware of this issue and fight together to make a positive change. 

Commentary on rayroo blog five

Marijuana, don't mess with Texas?

Was I the only one or how many people were told/taught things like “don’t do drugs” “stay drug-free” or “marijuana is so bad”? As a result, I always had that idea that anyone who smoked marijuana would be a bad person, someone my family didn’t want me to talk to, and that if I ever consumed marijuana I would end up on the streets. When I grew up and was more able to think for myself, read articles, interact with marijuana users, I began to realize marijuana was not this horrible life-ending drug that people such as teachers, media, and family had told me. Just like we learned a few weeks ago, our world view is really shaped by the people around us.

IF marijuana is this horrible thing, why is it being allowed in other countries? And also being legalized in other states? I understand hardcore drugs being illegal such as heroin or cocaine, which can cause addiction or even worst; death right away when overdosed. But marijuana not having any reported overdose, horrible side effects, etc. and yet being illegal? My question is why?

IF the people that don’t allow the legalization of marijuana say that it’s because of health concerns and they worry for the public, then why are things such as tobacco (which has been proven to cause lung cancer) and alcohol (which has been proven to damage the liver) still okay to sell and buy?

I don’t want to call it a conspiracy theory because I believe any time that word is heard, whatever sentences follow after, will be discredited. So I will just call it a theory; what if someone is giving money or should I say “donating” to people who pass/make laws in order for marijuana to not be legal? But then two questions arise: who would be so interested and with what purpose do they want to keep marijuana illegal? Could it be pharmacy companies? Instead of just using medical marijuana, they would rather sell you ten different medication to treat the same health problem. What would be more profitable, one medication or ten medications? But would this be like corruption? Corruption in the US? I find that a difficult pill to swallow. And unsure if there’s much corruption in the US. We live in such a big state, other states have already legalized it. Then what is the holdup Texas?

Perhaps many people already have a similar belief, perhaps others believe marijuana is this horrible thing, but when my family makes comments about marijuana such as “look at that drug addict” or “look at that stoner” I try to educate them by asking them if they know that marijuana has medical uses too. That no one has ever died from a marijuana overdose, that it doesn’t cause damages like alcohol and tobacco. Etc. It is very valid to form arguments against this theory. And I’d like to read those arguments. Being educated and learning from others is a life experience that we are lucky to have.