I am really beginning to love this class and the things that are discussed. Thursday class period was very interesting to me. A lot of thing that we discussed caught my attention. The thing that grasped my attention the most during the discussion was the whole being a "Tomboy" discussion. I really don't think females should be referred to as a tomboy and a question that arises when I think of that term is what do you call a male with female characteristics? A "tom girl"? I don't find it appropriate to categorize females or males because of their characteristics which may have result from the way the were brought up. Another thing that I don't agree with is why is it when a girl does something boyish its look upon as being sexy but in turn when a male displays and feminine act, he is looked upon as being gay which I feel isn't right. Everyone has their own sexual preference and shouldn't be judged for whom they choose to date which brings me into the next subject of being homophobic. I wouldn't say that I am homophobic but I am extremely uncomfortable around some lesbians. Reason being is because I have seen females that are lesbians come on to females who aren't which i see as being an act of disrespect. But i don't think no one should be looked down on because of who they choose to date.
Another thing that we talked about was the racial barriers that still exists. I didn't know that using the word mixed was derogatory. I have always used that term, but now I catch myself and try using the correct term which is bi-racial.

My name is CharQwan Palton and I am a senior here at Western majoring in Nursing (even though my life long dream is to become a mortician specializig in reconstruction). I am originally from Memphis Tennessee. I am a sports fanatic (preferably basketball, track, and tennis). I am the only child but realy want a sibling (preferably a boy because it's less drama). Some of the things that I enjoy doing is playing basketball and video games, spending time with family and friends, shopping and eating.

I really don't know why I came to Western. It was a last minute decision and I really wanted something different. I wanted to become a more diverse student and stray away from what I was use to.

I have heard so many great things about Women Studies and I just want to gain as much knowledge as possible and I really look foward to having a great semester!