A College That Doesn't Require Thinking

This post is a bit huge for me, as it reveals a little more in depth of what I think on a specific issue that *can* offend people - in this case I don't really care if I do. I feel because I've been exposed to both sides of the spectrum, the topic is addressed how I want to address it, and that is to be open about it [comments are welcome]. It may be eye-opening to some, or just simply interesting. So, here goes:

I want to write about my frustration with uber-conservative Christians. You see, growing up, Amy and I had a best friend. We would hang out with her maybe 2-4 times a year, so every time we spent the night for 2 days, it was special. Even though we were apart, I always labeled her my "best friend" - that stuck for years. We even supported each other through high school. She would surprise visit and watch a couple plays we were in at school and when we learned to drive, we would grab our licenses and drive to Fremont. Things changed when her family moved to SoCal. Her sister went to the Christian college in Lancaster. I've been to a couple of their conferences, and it appears decent, so I considered at one point going. I'm actually glad I didn't opt that way

1) It would've been to please others [my parents never once pressured me going there, others did]
2) I would've just gone out of having an answer to the uncertainty of what I wanted to do or where I was going
3) I've listened to people tell me how to dress, behave, etc my whole life at this point (the territory of a private Christian school).

The problem began with my best friend attending the college. Which in all honesty is a fine choice since I don't think she was pressured into it. But from observation, that school is stubborn, crazy conservative, and think the world is "so evil" (I wouldn't be surprised if they also stated it is 6,000 years old). When we hung out we couldn't do our usual movies because she could possibly get suspended for attending. Her way of dress changed (because her closet had to if she was going to live at this school four years). She lived in culottes, skirts, dresses, and more of nylons and closed toe shoes. What's ridiculous is when she said her church youth group went to the snow and they had to wear skirts... Ok, sexist, I get it (not really) - only guys can do snow activities? *gasp* Oh no! A girl wearing pants for a practical reason?!! Some guy might imagine her naked, seeing that she actually has legs! Have you worn a skirt? It's restricting, and in my opinion (I know not all girls think this), it's uncomfortable.

Who decides this? Certainly not God [One, if the assumption is that God exists, and two, the assumption that if God does exist, this is the SAME God they believe in].

I'm tired of being grown up and seeing my peers being told wearing pants is a "wrong thing" or going to movies is, or that... (list goes on). I feel I get the cold shoulder because I made the decision not to go, so now I'm in the world and has been corrupted (speaking against this is probably evil too). They put on fake smiles and high-pitched voices like they're impersonating Barbie and act like their life has never been better without all this. Now they could think that their life has never been better, but they certainly aren't being prepared for this so-called "evil world" they'll be thrown into once they get their Bible degrees or whatever it is, get out and find a job - just really naive and ignorant - would it be better then without their bubble? I'm not saying everyone who goes there turns out that way, but I see it in the majority. They learn not to think for themselves (how can you when you're told how to live in every aspect of life), and that idea saddens me and is messed up. They're grown- ups! It's that age you meet a future spouse, so why do they still have that mindset that girls and boys need to be divided like elementary school all over again (actually I'm not even sure public schools did that?).

Well, I have peeled a layer off from vulnerable me and now you can see a bit more to who I am, or what I've become. This is the sort of thing I journal these days, but I don't always blog it to the public. To be honest, I feel better about it in the open. ~Brenda

Happy Independence Day, America!

My alien parents did a good job of raising me with a culturally open mind. Growing up as first generation in America, I had this sense of loving another country on top of identifying with the one I'm living in. I'm not sure how easy it was for them to assimilate here, as they must have received many glares from citizens when they didn't recite the pledges. To have us kids take part in Thanksgiving, July 4 celebrations, and other American traditions coerced us to feel affiliated and was memorable.

Though I won't be the one to state "America is the best country on Earth," I absolutely love learning American history (and like I state many times, specifically the Civil War) and am glad America gives many immigrants opportunities.

This holiday wasn't much for us besides seeing fireworks behind Great America in a levy a few times, and one year we spent it in New Zealand. I'm working today, but I'll pull out a Statue of Liberty foam headpiece to celebrate while making smoothies for thirsty customers. Have fun at your bbq's, beaches, piers, or whatever you do and have a safe July 4!