Do Men Make Better Soldiers?

Jessica: That's a hard question. I think that they probably are better because we live in a culture that tells us that men should be more physical and aggressive than women. So they try to act that way to fulfill the stereotype that is placed upon them. As a woman, I sure wouldn't want serve in the army.

Oscar: No, we don't make better soldiers because females are equal to men so men can't make better soldiers.

Tameeka: Men absolutely do not make better soldiers than women. A good solider is determined by factors that have nothing to do with gender, such as honor, loyalty, and intelligence. Therefore, it is impossible to perceive that a man will be able to live up to these qualities better than a woman and vice-versa.

Khalid: Yes, men make better soldiers because we are stronger than women are. Women get tired quicker than men. I'm not saying that women can't make good soldiers, but men just make better ones.

Since women are allowed pregnancy leave, should they get equal pay?

Justin: Of course, it's called "Pregnancy Leave" not retirement, so technically they are still working.

Jessica: Yes, we work just as hard as men and have the babies too. Statistics show that women with families still have to go home and work a second shift because they have to cook dinner and take care of their children and spouse.

Tameeka: Definitely, we are still working during that pregnancy leave; we have to go prenatal care check-ups, OBGYN appointments, endure contractions, and blow up to the size of a whale till we can't see our swollen feet anymore. Let's not forget that fateful day when we have to deliver the baby with all the hours waiting for a 15-20 minute delivery full of excruating pain to push a 10-pound kid out of us.


Do you think that the physical images portrayed in the music and film industry contribute to negative self images women sometimes have?

Jessica: We see so much violence against women on TV and so many songs refer to women in a derogatory way. But, there are women who are working to change those images into positive ones like Julie Dash (Director), Leslie Harris (Director), and Mary J. Blige (Music Artist).

Justin: It all depends on the music and movies, certain songs and films have a set pattern as to what women should look and be like.

Khalid: No, women play huge roles on TV and in the movies that are equal to those played by men. They get ample time to change their images. It is all up to them.

Tameeka: Yes, I think both music and movies can contribute to how women are portrayed to society and how they can start to feel about themselves, especially young women. Therapists say that adolescence is one of the most fragile, formative, and vulnerable times in a person's life. So, as young girls are developing and forming their thoughts and ideas on how they should be they see these images and believe that they should be that way. These images like the waif, thin model girl or strong but manless female that can have a great career but can't have a successful relationship help to turn girls into anorexic depressives before their sixteenth birthday.