TOW #27: "The Girls Who Went Away" (IRB)

Upon reading The Girls Who Went Away, I've found myself come to terms with the fact that I may never understand what it was like to live in the oppressive culture of the 1940s to 1970s, where women were shamed for having sex and men were praised for it. It seems easy to compare that sort of dichotomy to today's world, but this goes beyond social stigma. Girls who were pregnant out of wedlock were sent away, hidden from family and friends, and forced into isolation for reasons they could not control. Most were presented with a single option - to be sent away and surrender their child for adoption - and saw this as a punishment for something they had done wrong.

The use of firsthand, eyewitness testimony from birth mothers attests to these extreme conditions, and is an eye-opening and emotional look at the impact the loss of their child has had on them. Many times when adoption is discussed, it is from the viewpoint of the adopted child, very seldom that of the birth mother. One mother recalls, "I couldn't talk about what had happened to me, about my daughter and giving her up, because every single person I told the story to judged me." (23) The haunting imagery of induced labors with nobody by your bedside, and young girls being sent away as though they were no longer 'useful' to the family is extremely painful to read. It feels as though these atrocities are happening to me personally, which makes for a very compelling argument.

Additionally, the author's own perspective adds a layer of credibility and an appeal to ethos to the argument. Ann Fessler was adopted herself, and in the beginning of the book recounts her experience with reaching out to her mother forty years after she gave Ann up for adoption. It makes these interviews seem more personal, and, as Fessler comments herself, gives a nuanced perspective to issues that are too often seen as black or white, right or wrong. The book is also extremely researched, not solely relying on firsthand accounts to give life to the social climate of the 1940s through the 1970s. Fessler includes citations and other works detailing the lives of young women in America, and how sex education was incredibly limited, if present at all.

Most importantly, The Girls Who Went Away asks readers to think and evaluate the society they live in, and compare it to that which she portrays. Have we really come all that far from the days of birthing homes for unwed mothers and parents sworn to secrecy to protect the 'family honor'? Have we really escaped the toxic culture that puts the blame on the young girls that fall victim to rape and sexual abuse, and not the men who are the active abusers? While we may have made steps towards change, there is still much to be done with the culture surrounding sex and pregnancy in America.

TOW #26: "American Dreamers"

American Dreamers is a new project presented by the New York Times, in response to the Trump administration's threats directed toward immigrants and their families. It features stories from young immigrants who were permitted to stay in the country and work during the Obama administration. The aim of the collection of stories is to call on Trump's administration to preserve Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which is a program that "temporarily shields some immigrants from deportation and allows them to work legally." Through the collection and its many appeals to pathos, the New York Times is shining light on the lives of millions of Americans whose livelihoods will be severely damaged through Trump's bigoted agenda.

The page is set up in column style, with quotations from each subject interviewed in big, bold letters. The centrality of such powerful quotations makes it hard not to notice them. The curators also selected each quotation purposely, not only to demonstrate the humanity in each one of the voices, but also to provide examples of how removing the DACA will affect their lives. For readers just taking a look at the website at a glance, these quotes will leave a lasting impression on their mind. Some powerful examples include "Let us walk along you, shoulder to shoulder, on that same road our hands help to pave", and "There are Dreamers that have become lawyers, doctors, police officers and small business owners thanks to DACA." The addition of such quotes adds an important layer and emphasizes each individual's place in the collection.

Another important aspect of the collection is the addition of portraits of each individual. The intimate, authentic style of these portraits make it feel as though readers already know these individuals, as though they can reach out and touch them through their words. These visuals are incredibly powerful, highlighting not only the diversity of those interviewed but also their resoluteness and strength. Alongside the pictures are their name, and a short description of their location and job. Scrolling through the website feels like you are meeting these people in person. It adds a level of personal intimacy that cannot be achieved through words alone.

Overall, the collection emphasizes two very important ideas that are often left out of discussions of immigration, the first being that immigrants are humans. They are just as real as anyone else in America. They have dreams, hopes, and goals, just like any other person. Too often, politicians leave out this important aspect of humanity. Additionally, it discusses the practicalities of new laws. By balancing the appeals to pathos with a solid footing in logic and the law, the American Dreamers collection is able to prove a strong message about the necessity for immigration aid to politicians and readers alike.

IRB Intro Post #4: "The Girls Who Went Away"

For the fourth and final marking period, I will be reading The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler. This book interested me for many reasons, the main one being adoption is a topic that most authors shy away from, and it is not everyday you get the chance to hear eyewitness accounts of surrendering a child for adoption. I am also interested to hear about the ways Supreme Court decisions have shaped society, especially Roe v. Wade.

TOW #25: "Censorship, Not the Painting, Must Go"

Artist and writer Coco Fusco's opinion piece on the recent controversy regarding a work surrounding the murder of Emmett Till was enlightening and genuinely interesting to read. I found myself questioning a lot about censorship and the things that constitute 'good art', alongside contemplating the boundaries of social commentary on race. The article argues for a multitude of things: less blind censorship in the art world while maintaining critical consumption of work, and more awareness and context placed behind criticisms of artists and their work.

The controversy in question is surrounding a painting by artist Dana Schutz entitled "Open Casket" which is being displayed at the Whitney Biennial. Protests have been staged in response to the work, calling for its removal and censorship due to the artist behind it being a white female. Heated debates have been sparked with sides in favor of, and against, the censorship of the work. Fusco takes a unique stance on the issue, examining it closely from all sides and doing extensive research to support her argument.

Fusco calls for awareness and context behind criticisms through her appeals to ethos, as her own awareness seems to reach deep beyond recent events. The research she does and knowledge she possesses about historical feats for black artists, alongside the various criticisms the community as a whole has held throughout the years, help pave a solid foundation for the audience's understanding of the events. Fusco uses evidence from various sources to prove that educated and rational arguments stem from analytical thought toward the subject.

Additionally, Fusco's perspective on racial issues adds to her credibility and increases the effectiveness of her argument. She cites sources where such strategies to negate any sort of controversial topic have only added to the problems marginalized groups of people (specifically, the black community) have faced. One quote that stood out to me on this issue was "In the absence of informed discussion, we get unadulterated rage." This rage is clearly displayed in the protests surrounding "Open Casket."

The article led me to think of discussions surrounding 'controversy' differently, and to examine an issue as a whole rather than one specific incident. It helped me get a better appreciation and understanding for the need of opposing viewpoints. It made clear that we need argument and dissent, we need political opposition, but we also need to consider the factors that may lead us down the wrong path.