Introduction (Blog Post #7)

How do you discuss gender and race without mentioning discrimination? (hook) People of all genders and race are continuously being discriminated against in many ways. The growing relationships between men and women in Antigua and Barbuda have been a fiercely debated issue and people have demanded that it be addressed. Antigua and Barbuda is just one of the many regions going through changes when it comes to gender and race relations. These changes have been powered by historically strengthening movements focused on improving the nation. (bridge) The people of Antigua and Barbuda constantly debate over gender and race relations due to the fact that these relationships have led to domestic violence, rape, and overall discrimination. (thesis)

“‘Gender Equality in Antigua and Barbuda’ – Call for Papers.” Wadadli Pen, 8 Apr. 2016, wadadlipen.wordpress.com/2016/04/08/gender-equality-in-antigua-and-barbuda-call-for-papers/.

         

Module 2 (Blog Post #6)

So far, in my research for gender and race relations in Antigua and Barbuda, a few highlights I have found, include the constant violence that goes unreported due to the fact that many victims are afraid to speak out because they do no want to be abused again. I would also like to highlight the racial divide that once existed in Antigua and Barbuda. Some races were seen as better than others just because of lighter skin pigmentation. An interesting fact that I found while researching, was that husbands potentially face up to 15 years of imprisonment for non consented sexual intercourse with their wives. The main challenges that I am facing would be finding enough information involving race. It has become quite difficult to find certain information on race in Antigua and Barbuda. With that said, I plan on researching more facts and information on race relations in Antigua and Barbuda.


         

Little Cog-Burt & Cotton Candy (Blog Post #4)

In the story "Little Cog-Burt," Moira and Richard host a Christmas party for the plantation workers and the plantation workers kids. Moira is not too fond of the plantation workers or the kids especially Cog-Burt. Cog-Burt is a very sensitive and tiny little boy but, Moira views him as a whiny little kid. At the Christmas party, Cog-Burt is given a gift but, he has a fit and expresses that he does not want the gift that he received. Instead, Cog-Burt wants the fairy on the Christmas tree and Moira is very hesitant about giving him the fairy but, she gives in because she realizes that Cog-Burt is so tiny and he is not going to get any stronger or bigger.

In the story "Cotton Candy," Lola suffers from not being able to fulfill her sexual needs because her mother did not want her to grow up and live life on her own. Growing up, Lola named butterflies after some of the men in her life that she felt lust for. As Lola gets older, she gets a job at a zoo spinning cotton candy. Lola is so fascinated with her new job because she is able to watch the animals engage in intercourse which is something she missed out on and was never able to experience. One spring, Lola finds a mirror and when she looks into it, she sees herself as young and covered in makeup and jewelry. Towards the end of the story, Lola encounters a black man who is a Jockey, with very defined features. Lola is in so much shock that she takes out her mirror and when she does, she sees the girl from Minas smiling at her.

These two stories are similar because both Cog-Burt and Lola are struggling when it comes to their looks and they have trouble expressing the things that they want. Lola was unable to find a man and have her sexual desires met because of her mother trying to keep her from growing up. Cog-Burt was unable to tell Moira that he wanted the fairy on top of the tree so, his mother speaks up for him so that he is able to get what he wants. Essentially, both characters are impacted by their mothers whether it is in a good or bad way.

Tétiyette and the Devil (Blog Post #3)

In my opinion, the author of "Tétiyette and the Devil", is trying to convey the message that just because someone is good looking or handsome, does not mean he/she is good for you. Basically, looks can be deceiving. By making the Devil a handsome looking gentlemen in the story but, naming him "the Devil" was the authors way of showing that even though his name was a dead giveaway, Tétiyette did not care because all she cared about was his looks. "The young girl came out, picked up the most beautiful of her silver cups and gave the goat to drink from it. Afterwards the mother said to the young girl: "Tétiyette, Tétiyette, that goat wants to marry you!" (Tétiyette and the Devil) In the beginning of the story the goat tries to marry Tétiyette but, she declines because she views the goat as not attractive enough and she dislikes the fact that he eats grains, so she expresses that she wants nothing to do with him. The next day, a pig comes along and tries to propose to Tétiyette as well but, she declines once again because she does not find the pig to be enough in features hence why the author uses a pig for this story. Pigs are not the most attractive or clean animals. Once the Devil comes along, he wears gold and very nice clothing, then he asks the mother about Tétiyette. When Tétiyette sees the Devil, she does not hesitate to express her wanting of him. When asked for her hand in marriage, Tétiyette immediately accepts the Devil's proposal and they choose a date for the wedding. Tétiyette's mother warns her "Tétiyette, no man can be that beautiful! Here, your mother is going to give you a pin and a handkerchief. At night, after you go to bed, you will stick your husband with it. If blood flows, he's a human being, but if slime oozes out, he 's a devil." (Tétiyette and the Devil) Tétiyette did as her mother said but, when she stuck the Devil with the pin, slime oozed out so, she washed it off and stuck herself and lied to her mother and made it seem as if the blood came from the Devil himself. Tétiyette is so naive that she did not want to believe that the Devil was a bad guy. The author does an exceptional job of making this story as creative as possible because she uses animals to describe the men that Tétiyette did not want and she used the Devil to describe the man that Tétiyette did want. Essentially, the author intended for the audience of this story to be teenage girls. Young girls can learn a great lesson from this story which is just because someone may be handsome, that does not mean that person is good for you. The story also teaches that just because a person may not be attractive as someone else, that does not mean you should just shut them out; it is
okay to give them a chance because they might have other great qualities aside from good looks.
         

Antigua and Barbuda (Blog Post #2)

Antigua and Barbuda are two islands located in the Caribbean that form into one country. This country is between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. Antigua and Barbuda is also east-southeast of Puerto Rico. The capital of this beautiful country is St. John. Unlike in the U.S., individuals drive on the left side. English is also the official language of Antigua and Barbuda. The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. In order to call in this country, the calling code is +1268. The climate is primarily tropical; it is hot and stifling all year round, with a fairly cool and dry season from January to the middle of April, and a hot, muggy, and wet season from the middle of June to the middle of November. The government here is a constitutional monarchy with a United Kingdom style parliament. The national dish of Antigua and Barbuda is called "Fungie" (foon-gee). This dish consists of mainly cornmeal. Lastly, Antigua and Barbuda is such a unique place to visit; you can visit a different beach every day and not repeat locations for an entire year.
       

Traveling To Antigua and Barbuda:

In order to get to Antigua and Barbuda, it is best to travel by plane, and of course you will be needing your passport. The best hotels/resorts to stay are Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa, as well as, St. James 's Club & Villas Antigua. Both hotels are almost 5-star and they provide free Wi-Fi and St. James's provides free breakfast. The best places to visit in Antigua and Barbuda are Nelson's Dockyard which is a naval base that has been around since 1725. Nelson's Dockyard consists of a museum, gun sites, monumental stores, barracks, and a multimedia center. Another great place to visit is Barbuda Frigate Bird Colony. Barbuda Frigate Bird Colony has over 5,000 birds that live on Barbuda, and their nesting area is only accessible by boat. There are many things to be done in Antigua and Barbuda but, zip lining is a great way to have fun. Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour has six different zip lines that differ based on location and length. The zip line tours are fun and safe for visitors ranging from 4 years old to 99 years old. Another great thing to do in Antigua and Barbuda is to visit Antigua's Donkey Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home for over 150 donkey's that were in danger. Visitors come here to pet, brush, play, and feed the donkey's, as well as, take pictures with the donkey's. An island safari historical tour of Antigua's Donkey Sanctuary starts at $115.00. Zip line tours at the Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour ranges from $69.00-$89.00 based on how many zip lines and whether or not you want to do a zip line challenge and course. Visiting the Barbuda Frigate Bird Colony ranges from $120-$150. Admission for visiting Nelson's Dockyard starts at $8 and it comes with a tour and entry to all sites. As far as the resorts, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa starts at $1,500 and St. James's Club and Villas Antigua starts around $500.

About Me (Blog Post #1)

My favorite hobbies are to go shopping, trying new foods, sleeping, and reading new books. A few of my favorite interests are makeup and nails. Over spring break, I plan on taking nail classes so that I can eventually build a clientele and begin doing nails professionally.