The New York Magazine "Sex Issue"

This month, The New York Magazine released a "special double issue" all about sex.  I haven't read the entire issue yet but from what I've read, it's really interesting.  The issue doesn't only talk about heterosexual sex and couples but also other sexual acts that considered out of the "norm".  For example, the article has small excerpts discussing feet fetish, online dating, older couples, prostitution, S&M, bisexuality, and others.  There are also longer articles about heterosexual married couples, "throuple's" (3 boyfriends), and sex between elderly.
From what I've read, the articles are not meant to promote heterosexuality or be discriminatory.  It simple introduces and highlights other forms of sexualities that exists in our society, more specifically, NYC.  Many of the articles have a "matter of fact" kind of tone and some are even written in the perspective of the participants.  I think this issue is a good step towards removing stigma often attached to many acts that are not considered traditional heterosexual acts.

Women's Rights in the Chinese Community

I think for most people, including myself, China and Chinese people are relatively liberal and modern.  Women and men are allowed to have jobs, go to college, choose their partners and so on.  Yes, China is still a Communist nation, but we can live with that because they make almost everything we buy and they listen to the U.S.  In other words, even tho they aren't Capitalist, they aren't "bad Communist" and they "support freedom."
I think this is very interesting because you hardly ever hear how China is suppressing their women.  But the sexualities and expectations of Chinese women (in China and anywhere else in the world) are pretty strictly controlled.  Even though women are allowed to go to school and such, they are also expected to want a family and one day drop everything they know to support and raise their children and husband.  Women are suppose to remain virgins till marriage and they get passed on from their father's house to their husband's house through marriage ONLY.  Almost everything she does is used to judge whether she will be a fit mother and wife.
Sounds like I'm talking about Ancient China, but unfortunately, it's still true today.  Even myself, born and raised in NYC, I was raised to believe that to be a "good" Chinese, I'm suppose to have Chinese friends, meet a nice Chinese boy, marry that nice Chinese boy, and then make little Chinese babies.  Although my parents have always supported me in my education, they have also stressed the importance of taking care of my family later.  It is expected that once I have children, I am to devote all my time (quit my job) to them.
For the longest time, I couldn't argue with them.  Even though I didn't believe that that's how it has to be, I know it's their belief and part of their culture.  Since these expectations aren't unreasonably demanding, I've had no reason to step up to them.  It's interesting because I don't think anyone really criticizes Chinese customs because they aren't as extreme as certain cultures.  Even in the Gender Studies sphere, I hear a lot about gender issues in India, Egypt, Iraq, and so on, but barely any from China.  It's true that Chinese customs no longer require arranged marriages or forbid women from going to school, but they are not completely liberal either.  Although it's important to talk about issues in India and Egypt and so on, it's just as important talking about issues in "liberal" nations like China and even the U.S.

Marking Your Body

My parents are immigrants from China so they have always been extremely strict with my sister and me.  There are rules about almost everything, but one of the few things they stressed the most were body piercings and tattoos.  My sister and I each got our first set of earrings when we were very young.  It allowed us to wear pretty earrings all our lives.  However, as we got older, we want more piercings (at least I did).  Maybe an other set of earrings above our 1st set or one on our cartilage.  We never wanted anything crazy like a nipple ring or even tongue rings, but it become clear very early on that any other piercings besides the one we already have are unacceptable.  My parent's reason? They make you look inappropriate and low classed (roughly translated from Chinese).  For a long time, I've dreamed of getting more piercings and maybe a tattoo or two (if I ever get over my fear for the pain!); but, I've never thought of actually getting them.
A few months ago, I got a belly ring with a few of my friends.  Yes, it was an act of rebellion but unfortunately it was also a secret act of rebellion. To this day, my parents still don't know I have the ring and I intend on keeping it that way. I've also been obsessed with getting some tattoos, but again, I will probably have to wait until I'm no longer under my parent's roof. The reason I'm talking about tattoos and piercings today is because I don't think I'm the only person with this issue.  It's also not an issue that is unique to Asian families.  Even in America, many people are averted towards tattoos and other body markings. Some are even appalled by them. I found this meme recently that   I thought was perfect: 

If one sees someone with tattoos all over their face or any other place that can't be covered, one would probably assume that this person doesn't have a job or is poor.  Even if one sees a tattoo that one might think is beautiful or is really cool, the reaction would probably be: "that's cool, but I can't do that."

Why is there such a negative reaction towards body markings?  What does it mean when it's acceptable if you can cover it during "formal" or "professional" settings?  I've always wondered where this idea, that when your body is marked, then it is no longer beautiful, comes from.  To me, tattoos and piercings are just tools for people to identify and express themselves. The only difference between body markings and a necklace or a ring is that they aren't permanent.  But what's wrong with that?  Yes, you might regret a tattoo later, but is it any one else's right to judge you because you want your mom's name or some stars on your arm?

Breaking Bad and Masculinity

I've recently started watching Breaking Bad because of the hype (yes, hypes get to me).  It is a good show but more importantly, I think that this show is a really good example of how masculinity is dangerous for men.

I think often times in Feminism and Gender studies, there is a pure focus on the exploitation and consumption of femininity (I'm in no way saying that it's wrong or that I don't believe there should be focused research on women in our society).  However, since our society mainly operates in binary, it makes sense to also understand the production and reproduction of masculinity.  Yes, male privilege is very real, but I also think it comes with a very big price.  I'm not sure if Breaking Bad meant to address this issue but I think it really illustrates the dangers of trying to play the role of "the man."  
For those who haven't seen the show yet, here is a short synopsis and spoilers:
Walter White, an over qualified high school chemistry teacher, learns that he has 3rd Stage inoperable Lung Cancer.  To help his family secure financial stability after his death, he partners up with his former student to cook Crystal Meth (Methamphetamine).  Things accelerate very quickly and he gets trapped in this super complicated and violent drug scene.
At the beginning of the show we learn that Walt is a dedicated father and husband who works several jobs to keep his family above water.  However, after he learns about his illness, the pressure to provide for his family (even after his death) pushes him over the edge.  He gets involved in an extremely violent drug scene to make the money.  He also starts hiding secrets from his family, treat people more aggressively and violently, and gives up some of his morals and values.  Eventually, his family starts to desert him because of his secrets and changes.  There is also a significant amount of peer pressure in the show.  There are many times where his brother-in-law and son calls him a "pussy" and asks if he's "a man" when questioning his behavior and actions.  A employer even pressured him into taking a job by telling him that as a man, it's his sole responsibility to provide to his family, even if they don't want it.  Clearly the language provides us with an extreme display of masculinity and what it can do to a person.
Even though I'm not sure how much this show translate to reality, I'm sure the belief that it's a man's responsibility to provide for his family (no matter what he has to do) is not uncommon.  It becomes important to break apart these responsibility from the identity of masculinity to prevent tragic plots from becoming a reality.

Another thing I want to add is this poster I found just now:

I thought this poster is a very good portrayal of Walt's position.  His wife is a stay at home mom (also pregnant) with a teenage son suffering from Cerebral Palsy.  Both his wife and his children are helpless and they need him to protect and provide for them.  Even though he is sick, he cannot show his suffering and needs because he is the "head of the house."  He's put front and center and he's required to prove his masculinity to his family and to the world.