[ME] Morality in Going for the Look

Every clothing store always display trendy clothing, fit for certain genders or ages. The various styles are usually popular for a brief period of time; therefore companies constantly think of new trends. Cohen explains the increasing competitiveness in the retail world today, the need for effective advertising and representation by hiring an attractive “walking billboard”. Although I do agree with his idea, I would definitely disagree when it comes to morality. Not only does hiring good-looking people creates a slight distinction between them and the customers, but also faces gender, age, disability, and racial discrimination.

Our nation has always had certain racial issues; thus racial discrimination would most likely to appear when attempting to work at a company. Harassment such as degrading comments or gives raises to everyone except for a certain group and would most likely to make up such excuses. Even as job applicants who are “too ethnic” were diverted to a stockroom by the manager rather than the sales floor while anyone else who fits the standards are immediately hired, whether or not he or she had any experience. Whether direct or not, if there are signs of harassment such as when an employer calls an Asian worker out in front of the other employees, scolding him or her for a job the employer considers to be left undone, then it’s definitely the time to start a campaign against the company. If companies were to be critical towards all ethnic employees, this situation would end one big company full of one race and only for that race. There are other cases other than clothing stores have been exposed to racial discrimination. Hotel entrepreneur Ian Scharger settled a $1.08 million settlement when Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accused hotel Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood after firing 9 employees, 8 were “too ethnic”. Whether they had the experience or rather skilled in a certain expertise is what really counts. Having some random attractive person as a clerk with absolutely no skills and would have a higher chance of delay or other troubles is what managers should have in concern. Having a diversity of different ethnic people not only encourages more customers but also the communication barrier would lessen around the employee and customer.

Age Discrimination is also referred to in job interviews or even continuing employees. In most jobs, companies would most likely lay off anyone who is considered too old and raw the highest salaries. Even when both job applicants have the same criteria, the younger applicant has the highest potential to keep the company image youthful and fresh. Although there are some complications when hiring old people, if they are still in good condition and have much more experience, they have the potential to help out any new employee and have a much more welcome greeting to the eyes of any essential old customer. Younger inexperience employees would take the time to adjust their job and are more prone to cause some issues when someone older can demonstrate their work correctly. It is most certain that an employer cannot use an employee’s age to make decisions about hiring, salary, promotion, or termination unless the employee is not fit to work. That would definitely involve the law in order to maintain public safety. If figured so, the most chance of age discrimination would most likely be in restaurants or cafes. There was a case which the Equal Employment Commission reached a $5000 settlement with 36th Street Food and Drink, a restaurant in St. Joseph, Mo. after accusing it of age discrimination against a 47 year old waitress name Michele Cornell. To have such a sudden image change after renovation does not give reason for firing her. If not fit as waitress, she could still work but in a different position. Marketing such age groups would only just encourage a certain “look” for companies to aim for.

Not everyone is suited for the “look”. Abercombie and Fitch’s “classic American” look is simply marketing “a white-bread, Northern European, thin, wealthy, fashion model look” according to Donna Harper. What if you fit in the criteria except for the wealthy? Would that mean you won’t be chosen? Might as well request models and charge extra money for just standing at some display case. This would just create that barrier between the stores and customers. Just because they fit the “look” doesn’t mean you will fit in the trendy look everyone else is aiming for. To force yourself to adjust in yourself by dying your hair blonde, buy expensive accessories and clothing, and even bleaching your own skin doesn’t mean you will actually fit in with that “blond, blue-eyed and preppy” look. Being yourself is what really matters and you can attract more people with your own look rather than the look that will be popular for a brief amount of time. This certain image would just damage the diversity we all naturally have. If we all have blond hair and blue eyes, will we fit in that “classic American” look? In fact, you can’t even define “classic American” as blonde hair and blue eyes. If I name the look, it’ll be “Hitler’s dream look” as his goal was to create a place whether anyone with that look will be superior to everyone else despite his contrast in looks. A true American isn’t even blonde hair and blue eyes; nor is it black hair and brown eyes or brown hair and green eyes. You can’t just define that “classic American” look and state that when it’s what your look matters the most.

Overall, companies with Cohen’s idea are inevitable, but the morality is controversial. The decision in aiming certain age groups by using “walking billboards” isn’t illegal nor is it unsuccessful. However the specific images companies aim for would just isolate the rest of society and no matter how much people fall for the advertisements, they will never achieve that true look. No matter what situation we are in, from jobs to the educational systems, the morality in any view is never proper.

[FREE] Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Well I technically lied. A little. I’m a huge fan of Miyazaki’s films but I also love Isao Takahata’s Grave of the Fireflies. This 1988 film is an adaptation of the semi-autobiographical by Akiyuki Nosaka, intended as a personal apology to the author's own sister. When I first watched the film, I was bawling like a baby.  It’s like an animated version of to Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List only set in Japan but same time period. Here’s a trailer:

This animated film was heartwretching for me as it did for Schindler's List, only shorter and setting was at the otherside of the Earth but I cried for 10 minutes after the film. Although both the critics and I did view this film as an anti-war film, Takahata stated that he intended to convey an image of the brother and sister living a failed life due to isolation from the society and invoke sympathy particularly in people in their teens and twenties.

Overall, this film was tale of the relationship between two orphaned children, Seita and his young sister Setsuko as they recalled some of their memories before moving on to the next life. Yes, they died. I cried like crazy when the film ends as the contrast between one family and the orphans’ family after the war ended. It’s like as if that family didn’t even suffer from anything while the orphans had to survive against both the war and their relatives’ neglect. 

Although not as well known to Hayao Miyazaki, both he and Takahata are indeed co-founders of Studio Ghibli. I noticed compared to Takahata, Miyzaki’s films have a lot of adventure and loosely base on novels with his own twist. Although I’m not as certain, it seems like Takahata’s works are more on a realistic level than Miyazaki. Either way, I enjoy both of their works and always look forward to their future projects. If you were deeply moved after watching Schindler's List, this film is for you to watch. There's also a live-action film for you to choose.

[RE] EatReal

       I decided to do a response post to Nathan’s post since I’m recently doing something similar to his account of the event.

To add some community service hours to my resume and to help out people, i decided to participate in the EatReal fest in Jack London. It is always likes these little activities that leads to fun memorable times...Us four worked a greuling 7 hours with minimal break but it was a fun experience. In addition to having a nice time, the staff gave us a schwag bag with random coupons and miscellaneous things, drinks, and chipotle burritos. I guess this is one of example of good intention leads to good things.

This activity reminds me of the Day of the Dead event at Oakland Museum last year. I and 3 other members got to help out set up arts and crafts activities for kids. Although it was a grueling 9 hours of working and I minimal break, I did get to explore the other events, talked to some of my old friends who were also helping out, and managed to sneak in the PIXAR exhibit. I didn’t get as much miscellaneous things as Nathan had, but I did received a bright pink shirt. Although it seems like people thought I was an employee or something and was mistaken as one of the people in charge of the buses. Actually, I do have quite a number or volunteer shirts and it seems like I’m starting a collection, but it’s the memories that matters and the fun I got to experience instead of staying at home.  

Like other people who are aiming for the same idea as Nathan, I’m also doing a community service event. There’s another community service I’m doing is called Reading Partners program, which is a program where you get to do a one on one session with one or two students and helping them improve their reading skills. Not only does this offer you community service hours, but this is great on resumes and it does help the community by helping to improve kids of the future generation.

[CE] Alameda Firefighters now water-rescue team

        One of the problems about budget cuts is that we don’t even have the appropriate jobs for people. Even for a water-rescue team. So what do we do? Train firefighter, that’s what!

The Fire Department bought a boat in June, and nearly 60 firefighters have taken either boat operator or rescue swimmer training. Firefighters have used the boat for about six rescue efforts.

Talk about saving money! Not only will they be called firefighters, but also water-fighters! Or will it be Ocean-fighters? Anyways, although there are some benefits from improving our safety in the waters, I send my regards to Raymond Zack, the man who committed suicide and his family. If we have the power to save people from this event, we can do so in the future. I’m sure that just because of budget cuts, the police and firefighters were unable to catch up to the Zack. To be helpless due to lack of money is frustrating and this account will both improve our general welfare and strengthen the protests against these budget cuts. 

"We're surrounded with water, for crying out loud," she said. "It's necessary that we have something to protect us."

Berry, 84, said her son suffered from depression. "There was no reason for him to die," she said, her voice breaking. "I still can't get over being mad, and I know I shouldn't be. But I can't."

I do agree the fact that we are in fact, surrounded with water so not only do we need protection on land, but also on water. But I know that what I’m saying about protection from the waters is pretty limited, but a plan for this situation would’ve been useful.

        Although I think there was no helping the fact that Zack’s intention of dying, he might’ve changed his views if we were able to rescue him. Suicide is perhaps the solution of today’s society as unemployment rate of our nation gradually increases as our debt continues to increase. I hope that my generation doesn’t have to suffer due to such impact of our lives and fall of our American dream.

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[RE] Random Stuff That Happened to me This Week

Well since I also experienced what you read, I might as well do a response on Alex’s post. Honestly, I regretted reading that webtoon but at l didn’t read it at night like you did.

Have you ever had your online friends that send you a link that mentally disturbed you? Well, it happened to me yesterday. I was playing this game Tora no Tsubasa( TnT for short).
This game is a casual game that has no animation but you can dress up your avatar. Of course all the characters are anime girls. I mostly play this game to shave off my free time and talk to random people around the world. Most people would have some negative views since its all anime girls.

Well I have tried numerous games but not something like this. I kind of expected you would be involved with these kinds of games, Alex. Never have I been sent such a disturbing webtoon. For most people, it doesn’t seem so creepy. However, it’s a short moment horror if you scroll down fast enough to keep up with the short dialogue.

Back to my story, during a mission, my friend told me to check out a link in the forums. So I followed his instructions that led to the link. When I first saw the information, I hesitated. It quoted
Some scary stuff =D
I stared at the smiley face with distraught. I hate people that add stuff like smiley face that contradicts the statement.

Well I would definitely be thinking the same thing. That’s why I don’t trust titles with something added that contradicts the title. Although I never really encountered such titles nowadays, I do understand how Alex thinks about the title. Although it’s something that we wouldn’t take any interest, we just continue because of our curiosity. Unfortunately, “curiosity kills a cat”. Seems like most of our actions will ended up as mistakes and we take them for granted. Although taking a risk is better than not knowing what will happen and you could learn a good lesson from this situation and prepare yourself the next time.

Then I tried to be busy with other task such as homework (well I should get started on my typing my post more... but I hate writing...) but some reason that link keeps popping in my head.

Multitasking isn’t such a good thing when you’re doing something that is completely unrelated to something else. For example, watching television while working on your history homework will definitely mixed up the current news from the television to answer questions about historical events. Other than that, I think I might really regret this if I start having nightmares due to those webtoons. If that’s so, I might as well blame you for any related nightmares.