CONCLUSION!!!!

With anything in life we set ourselves goals and limits. With this there are expectations which allow us to push our own personal boundaries. To be 10 I had to let go a lot of what I knew and learn about the world from a new perspective. To be a child figuring out who you are is the hardest thing. The challenge is to be authentic and original. Yes my mum said every time I moved schools, "just be yourself, they'll love you" who's mother didn't say this. But in truth how do we know what being "ourself" is. Yes i may love horses and partying and reading,and I am loud...O and I'm from Zim. So who would like this? When we enter in a new school all we want is for people to like us and therefore at times we loose ourselves to fit in. This eventually creates a new person, you change and grow up and pick up things from others bad and good but all in all we effect one another.

We critic each other and place people in groups according to their likes, stereotyping based on physical attributes, preferences, looks, class, income...the list goes on and sadly it starts way before the age of ten without even realizing it. Kids can be cruel to each other with out realizing and those that are different are to shy and self-conscious to stand out. Later on though there will be the jocks, the arty kids,  and the Southern Suburb crowd and to be distinguished in this way carries expectations. However our biggest judge which is critical and punishing is ourselves. We may judge people but the saying goes the judge you right back.

I have definitely figured out from this brief that I want to be ME. NO longer a ten year old that still has to figure themselves out but me a young woman who is very harsh on herself, negative to protect herself but determined in the sense that who I am is everything. Where I have been, who I have met and interacted with, all my experiences up till now.My life till my 20th year has changed and is developing me into my  own unique person. Meanwhile Kayla my cousin 10 years younger exactly has a long way to go but each day will be something new without even realizing it and eventually looking back being somewhere for just a year will change how you hold your body and appearance to the world.

Being independent is a luxury that we are given from our parents and taking advantage of it is simply not fair. Being selfish and wanting everything in sight to me is not healthy there has to be a way to change the way people are with their children. We are the future and so far I have learnt we don't get what we want, we have to work for it. Each individual person has to have a sense of pride and status in the fact that they have achieved something in their life not by simply living off their parents credit.

I am glad I had this opportunity to deal with my passed and unravel the thought process and life of a 10 year old.

The Girl Effect

(The Girl Effect, Youtube Video,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIvmE4_KMNw)

WOMAN?!?!?

Growing up and becoming a Woman.

“Simon de Beauvoir suggest in The second sex that, “one is not born a woman, but rather becomes one”.” (From Subjects of Sex/ Gender/ Desire, the Critical Studies Reader 2A).  This quote opened up a new avenue for my Blog. While being a ten year old all I wanted to do was grow up and be able to do things again. This is true in comparison with Kayla my cousin as all she wants is to be older. Meanwhile now that I am 20 I am still not honest with my age when I go out. I say I am 21 trying to be older to pull off what? While my parents cringe at the thought of growing older and having to retire. Why retire, yes it’s connected to becoming old and incapable of doing your job but this does not suggest your life is over. I believe when you are young and carefree, with no responsibility it’s the only time in your life that you should be ever so grateful for, because as they say after that it “goes down hill”.  Simon de Beauvoir also talks about defining a woman through the complexities of time and discourse. He suggests when a woman grows up she obtains certain principles and attributes to define her gender. Her body becomes a medium for self-representation and is distinguished by comparing it to that of the male body. So does that mean as we grow, we grow into our gender? When we are younger is it excusable to act like a “tom boy” then because at that age you are only learning and some things like the “boundary” between male and feel is blurred. When I was younger it was like this. I grew up on a farm, loved the mud and being rough and playing with the boys. However when I left and went to Johannesburg I changed and became more feminine. To my family I was known as the “joburg girl” they said it changed me. BUT what if it was merely the fact that I was exposed to a different perspective and lifestyle in Johannesburg. It wasn’t that I did not want to be the girl from the farm I just enjoy dressing up but mixing it with casual. Now when I go home I am criticized for wearing to much make-up and dressing to fancy. So in different countries I am looked at completely differently. And even though I am still learning what it means to be a woman my body is definitely my canvas I incorporate where I come from and where I have been. I don’t fall into a box of the perfect woman and it was my upbringing that defines me. 

ALMOST OVER

Today was a pathetic day and after long consideration of what exactly to post about from puberty to young girls just struggling with their friendship I figured it was time to face my biggest challenge which i failed. Admittedly i really tried to conquer this but being positive 24/7 is one of the hardest things. I think people who are like this are insecure at the thought of a negative outcome. My thoughts on being negative are that if you plan  for the worst when the results are out it may not be as bad as you thought. And if it is bad at least you prepared yourself for it.  THis is my  way of thinking... and its been like that since I was young and I have no idea where it came from.  LIke with exams when I was writing my A levels i walked out of my economics class in tears and completely thought I had failed seeing as my predicted grade was a D but get this when i say my certificate I got an A. Know imagine how I felt so dam happy. Yes in a way i may be defying my own happiness but most of the time it doesn't last so rather be safe than sorry.  Of course being positive can change your life but what about failure.. there are times when it has opened up new doors of possibilities so it works both ways. 


I have been called the "black hat" of my  class due to my pessimism and my boyfriend has commented many times of how to change my approach to life. IT has made me made as I am stubborn in my ways but I really think its time to tackle this so for my last day on the Wednesday i am going to try my best to think and act positively. 


CHUCK GALLOZZI comments on  "Negative Thinking" and he states that, "complaining is the negation of happiness. It’s impossible to complain and be happy at the same time.

So, beware of that insidious disease known as ‘negativitis’ (negative thinking). It is as pervasive as the common cold, but far more damaging. It mutilates, cripples, and corrodes the human spirit. Those infected by it are broken men and women aimlessly plodding along. The dark clouds brooding over them obscure their vision and cause them to become confrontational, apathetic, and cynical."
 To be compared to this has really shocked me and r really do what to change the way that i approach Uni and my life in general because to be associated with that quote actually upsets me. So maybe its time for a change. 


Personal-development.com,A Blog,Negative Thinking (http://www.personal-development.com/chuck/negativethinking.htm,3/22/11)

MUUM you ruined everything

(Uploaded by shitstinx on Jun 25, 2007,AUDREY - the biggest & most SPOILED BRAT in the world,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90HhZ-pyC2Y&feature=player_embedded, 3/21/11)

ITS THE WRONG COLOUR.

(Spoilt Brat, by JazzFunky Jan 16 2007,HomorOn.com/Youtube,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSM1wZ5QEBM&feature=player_embedded)

NO School NO money BUT lets SHOP

(Is this the most spoiled child in Britain?Uploaded by GMTV on Aug 12, 2009, Interview, GMTV,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N9jgAfnfNA&feature=player_embedded, 3/21/11)

Having no school changes a lot of things some parents enjoy having the extra day with their kids but others dread it and now have to find ways to entertain them.. In most cases it involves taking them shopping mainly for the mums enjoyment but also because its easy...Put the child in the trolly or make them walk while percentage of the country (South Africa) lives on credit. It doesn't stop the shoppers. Most of their cards such as woolies or Mr Price cards are not even covered by their low income...But still mothers go shopping spoil themselves and their children. Yes i may be generalizing as I know some mothers are actually very disciplined with their children and know that they cant give them everything. But for this scenario I want to put emphasis on the amount of increasing mothers that spoil their children. It doesn't stop  when they are young as programs such as "the sweet sixteen" or "the Hill" recorded in america and the Uk reveal how spoilt children are. 

(The most spoiled girl in the world, Snotr Blog,http://www.snotr.com/video/902, 3/21/11)

Check out this site on a young girl called Alicia in America who is spoilt to the core with a christmas tree the whole year round because she deserves it. REALLY!!!!

I really don't get it 400 pounds her and there nut mum earns how much... I wanted a white pony.... my birthday has to be the best part of the century i want jaguars and photo shoot.... WOW WOW WOW..

Can any one please explain the mind set behind this..

LAZY SUNDAY....

Sundays in my family always involve a lazy day of board games, big cooked lunch and some quality family bonding time. Well that's when we are all together. Today my granny is here and her cousin and mums cooking up lekker roast chicken and veg.. Something Kayla loves to do is play computer games so today decided to try it out and they range from dress up, shoe quizzes and kiss me catch. 
(Girlsgogames,Gaming site,http://www.girlsgogames.com/, 2011 Spli games.3/20/22)

Now days instead of playing outside or being with your family and actually playing games together kids are on their phones or computers. Times have changed...at a young age kids are playing games which almost guides them into the "real" world in the eyes which have no limitations a pair of shoes for each outfit and each occasion. Therefore children are developing a self image of themselves and in terms of the outside world it contributes to the spiral effect of consumerism. They watch t.v, play these games, read magazines and want to be like their idols therefore value becomes placed on visual appearances. 


Reference from a reading: The body in Consumer Culture from the Critical Studies 2A reader: The body

PARTY TIME...

WOW WOW WOW...
know how to spoil a child. To really see how kids are i went with my cousin to a 9 year olds party. i have never been so gobsmacked by the way parents spoil their kids these days. So this girl only just turned nine and had a OSCAR party with the red carpet the photographers, the statues the trophy O and not to mention the butler which i decide to take full advantage of...making him work hard like he never has before. The parents were spoilt to the ends of having an array of alcohol from hard liquor to ciders and punch and bubbly and food galore. Mean while the kids had any sweet they wanted with non alcoholic champers. Jeepers i just cant get over it.. Yes it was fun but if i think this is her 9th what will her 21st be like or even 16th or any after this...It really does amaze me how some parents these days just give anything to their children...They ask and they shall receive. If you have the money by all means go for it but how does that teach your child the principles of money. That you wont always be able to get what you want.


I mean when i was 9 or 10 we saddled up the old farm horse which did pony rides and made a slip n slide from my mums black garden plastic and a hose pipe o AND  the bubbles from dish liquid. it was pure magic. So much fun but my time was different. Now birthdays have to be bigger and better than your friends and for mums it is a status to hold the best party of the year. Your child just climbs up the social ladder....


Heres some evidence from the party....

Give me some stories from your childhood birthday parties....I definitely have many more..

MANNERS

While I was at Elkanah the students had to make a manners manual for a alien from outer space incase one landed on earth. This had me thinking as it is a grate way to highlight manners and personal morals without the kids getting board. Since they are fond of playing teacher teacher in the playground the school is now incorporating it in class. Allowing them to pretend to teach and encouraging them to learn the difference between right and wrong and remember basic manners.  

FIRST DAAAY !!!!

SO first off my internet brakes yesterday and now i cant upload my whole blog which i just did through imovie very upset and almost in tears. O and  I have a broken toe.

Being at Elkanah was interesting and challenging. Before even arriving at the school i was freaking out. After having a reckless night at the thought of being back in school i was a bit late.Most of the children were extremely shocked at the fact that there was a 20 year old following around Kayla my cousin. 

Being on school ground brought back  so many memories from when i was in boarding school so far away from home. It was so strange because i didn't even what my mum to leave me there. Very intimidating entering a place where you know no one and you are meant to act in a particular way. Lining up fro roll call and calling out "Goooood mooring MR Thomson". Then heading in to the class room and starting off with a prayer for the day, which was very relaxing. Managed to calm down my nerves just a bit. Then the teacher had to mention me in front of everyone was embarrassing. 

So i basically did everything with the class including their Social Science Cycle test on mapping and problem solving. It was so weird to go back to being spoon fed by the teacher. The class room had such a relaxed atmosphere and the kids have such a personal relationship with their teacher. Even allowed to take their shoes off. Things have changed since i was in school, and i found their methods of teaching more advanced and attentive towards the kids. In some ways I could admit that i am not smarter than a 5th grader.

The other thing that i noticed was that being 10 you crave the spotlight in class. They want to answer questions when the teacher asks. However now in university i found that it is completely different. I try make myself invisible and try to hide from the teacher, begging in my mind for her not to pick me. Just the thought of being chosen makes my heart race and i begin to panic about if i say it wrong and if people will laugh and judge me. But the kids don't even worry and if they get it wrong no one laughs. Its normal. 

Being in the school environment was so inspiring. Sitting amongst young minds that are focused and open to learning new things. They are constantly polite and respectful towards each other and their elders. Which to be honest i feel people forget about when they get older. 

Near the end of the day I began to wonder what and where these kids will be when they are older. It would be so interesting to come back and see how they have changed and grown up. Also to see if the friendship groups have changed. Would the tall confident blond girl still be friends with the over weight self conscious girl.

Playing stuck in the mud, ningsees pinky swear and being a tittle tale were all fun and games but only once I got over the thought that I would be judged and laughed at. 

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader: Make The Grade

Seriously take the quiz it is actually quite hard to do. But most of the questions are from the US, but still a little bit of general knowledge is necessary.

Hox23.com,March 25, 2011 - 11:17 AM,his site is hosted and managed by Inergize Digital. ttp://www.fox23.com/content/areyousmarter/default.aspx (the quiz) 3/18/11

"The test of successful education is not the amount of knowledge that pupils take away from school, but their appetite to know and their capacity to learn. (Sir Richard Livingstone, 1941)

All skills will become obsolete except one, the skill of being able to make the right response to situations that are outside the scope of what you were taught in school. We need to produce people who know how to act when they are faced with situations for which they were not specifically prepared. (Seymour Papert, 1998)

One of the core functions of 21st century education is learning to learn in preparation for a lifetime of change. (David Miliband, 2003)

Pedagogy should at its best be about what teachers do that not only helps students to learn but actively strengthens their capacity to learn. (David Hargreaves, Learning for Life, 2004)

Effective teaching ... should aim to help individuals and groups to develop the intellectual, personal and social resources that will enable them to ... flourish ... in a diverse and changing world. (ESRC TLRP Evidence-informed principles for teaching and learning: No 1, March 2006)21"

These quotes were taken from the JOurnal of Expanding Young People's Capacity to Learn by Guy Claxton. (British Journal of Educational Studies, ISSN 0007-1005 DOI number: 10.1111/j.1467-8527.2007.00369.x Vol. 55, No. 2, June 2007, pp 1–20)

http://www.guyclaxton.com/documents/bjes_369_LOW.pdf 

Preparation for my day at primary school

A boy like me, Youtube videoUploaded by reelblack on Jan 27, 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EGLkvPfCbU&feature=player_embedded,3/16/11
This video opened up my options as too what I may experience tomorrow in the class room. Has it changed since back then? Is there still this perception and are children's drawings still studied in depth to help analyze their lives?

Coming to an understanding

So today started and i was in full swing of things. Living this intervention to the core but jeepers it has most definitely been the hardest day so far.  Sticking to the core attitude and idea of being a ten year old. Annoying people, helping them dealing with my emotions, thinking boys have cooties, not doing anything on my own.
Going back in time and trying to delve into how i was when i was younger is such a mission. So with the help of a few readings based on understanding child development i hope to get better insight before i go to my cousins school tomorrow.

Sean Brotherson, Family Science Specialist, states in his publication that, 
"The development of a child's brain holds the key to the child's future. Although the "first years last forever" in terms of the rapid development of young children's brains, the actual first years of a child's life go by very quickly. So touch, talk, read, smile, sing, count and play with your children. It helps a child's brain develop and nourishes the child's potential for a lifetime."
(http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/famsci/fs609w.htm. Bright Beginnings #4 Understanding Brain Development in Young Children fS-609,  APRIL 2005 Sean Brotherson, Family Science Specialist, NDSU Extension Service, 3/16/11

So from when a child is born to about the age of 18 a child is still developing however emotionally and mentally we are all still learning. In relation to this project i am learning how to let go and relax and maybe just be a child again. 

A child development Guide: 9- 10 by Washington state department of Social and Health Services gives a layout on what to expect from your child at the age of 10. 

(Education.com,Washington state department of Social and Health Services http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Child_Center_Nine/, 3/16/11)

Intellectual Development: 
Clear distinctive interests and are very curious interested in facts with abstract thinking and reasoning. Individual differences become more marked. Enjoy reading, writing and using books. Like to collect things.
Emotional Development: 
May have some behavior problems especially if not accepted by others. They are beginning to seek their independence and loyalty.
Moral Development:
Becoming conscious of fairness, highly competitive, argues over fairness, has difficulty admitting mistakes but is becoming more capable of accepting failures and mistakes and taking responsibility for them. Acquiring a conscience, is aware of right and wrong, mostly wants to do right but at times overreacts and rebels.
Social Development:
Boys and girls differ in personalities, characteristics and interests; are very group/ club orientated but always with the same sex. Boys especially begin to test and exercise independence. Mostly interested in friends and social activities like group adventures and cooperative play.
Physical Development: 
Mainly boys take interest in active rough games. Have good body control and begin developing strength, skill, speed and enjoy more complicated crafts. Girls on the other hand develop faster but subtly. 

Appropriate Relationships

Being ten has really heightened everything. I am more emotional and attached to my friends and family. Teachers shouting at me makes me sad I almost want to cry. The bed time is really hitting me hard and waking up so early. My life feels a bit out of focus at the moment. 
Not being allowed to have a boyfriend has been another issue which i am struggling with. As well as suddenly being closer with my parents who don't even live in South Africa. Now suddenly I am telling them about my day, how it went in detail which for me has been eliminated from my life since I was 10.

Kids these days are just expected to grow up faster, "growing up" and engaging in adult relationships at a very young age. I believe parents these days need to step up and a certain amount of toughness should be adhered toward ten-year-olds. The parent is the parent. There has to be a balance between involving your child in decisions and also setting the boundaries. Well this is what I feel.

Appropriate relationships for ten-year-olds certainly include the opposite sex, up to a certain point.  Ten-year-olds are learning to get along with everyone including the opposite sex. This involves play time, and learning how to  treat each other. Kids are also learning about being fair, being nice, sharing, finding common interests, doing well in school together, and providing support for each other in the face of difficult temptations such as drug use and gang violence.As well as facing puberty, with changes in their bodies especially for girls. So it is a fundamental time for parents to stay involved in their lives

The parent who helps steer their ten-year-old, lays the foundation for a full, happy life and guides them to understanding the difference between right and wrong. I really don't believe a parent should give in to their child.  There needs to be rules and punishment so the child can learn. Otherwise the child respects his or her parents less. 

For me I had great parents who did smack me but overall they taught me well and guided me into the mature lady I am today. I am not saying all parents should punish their child but really who likes a screaming kid in the super market demanding sweets.

As far as boys are concerned every family is different but I feel emotionally a child is too young to understand the boundaries that a proper relationship involves.

Reference: 

Posted by K on March 30, 2009 06:10 PM

http://www.improvingyourworld.com/relationships/appropriate_relationships_for_tenyearolds_003288.html, 3/15/11

Food and Diet

Being 10 doesn't really allow me to cook or prepare my own lunch. Thankfully my parents are here from zimbabwe so they are feeling the pressure of having a young girl in the house. I feel completely useless and tonight is going to be interesting as i might have to ask my neighbors to cook for me. Luckily my mum and dad took me too lunch so didn't have to bother my flat mate. However the waitress at the restaurant must have picked up how my parents were speaking to me and treating me as she offered me the kiddies burger and also a small juice. Felt extremely weird to be spoken to like i was either socially incapable and like a child.Being offered the child menu made me wonder about food and diets for the youth in South Africa.

 Government Medical field in Pediatrics state that on average a young girl needs 1740 calories a day. (Waitrose,15,2011,http://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/inspiration/health_and_nutrition/healthy_eating_for_children/7_to_10_year_olds.html, 3/15/11)


There is so much to say on the topic based around food and dieting. There is eating disorders in terms of anorexia and bulimia as well as obesity.  All in all they come down to appearance and perception, however I had no idea it started at such a young age.


Some Facts:

• 10% of children ages 10 years or younger have an eating disorder. 
• 91% of children aged 9-15 years begin dieting and exercising to loose weight.
• 80% of 10 year olds worry about being fat and are unhappy with their bodies. 
• In South Africa 20% of children between 6 and 13 are overweight or obese. 
• South Africa is second after America with worlds highest percent of obese children.

Looking at different articles and research done on the weight index for 10 year olds and younger there are so many internal and external catalysts that play part to the two extremes of our youths weight.  The unrealistic images portrayed in magazines and in TV programs is a huge factor. Children want to be just like Miley Cyrus or Hannah Montana. A child does not have the cognitive skills to understand persuasive advertising as well as the fact that percentage of the girls are airbrushed and photo-shopped to look perfect in order to sell either the product or magazine. So either you are obese and eating at the tuck-shop every day because mum has no time to make you lunch or you are worrying about your weight. Our lifestyles have changed and in our busy days we have some how become lazy with only a third of South African schools having sport available. Playing PC games online or watching High school Musical is much more entertaining now than when i was young and playing witches and wizards in the garden.

There is no where really in-between an average weight, the curves and bootie. Girls especially are still not happy, constantly comparing ourselves to our friends and other women in the room. I am just so shocked that young girls at 10 are already looking at their bodies and worrying not really about fashion at school but more about being fat compares.

References:
All  taken on the 3/15/11

ANA Health

http://anadeath.webs.com/statistics.htm

Clover, 2007, Nation Needs to move on diet and exersize.

http://www.clover.co.za/content/924/diet-and-exercise/

Food and Beverage Marketing to children in South Africa: mapping the terrain. (23,04,10)

Cassim SB, MCom, UHDE School of Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa Correspondence to: Prof Shahida Cassim, e-mail: cassim@ukzn.ac.za Keywords: food and beverage marketing; children; South Africa

http://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/article/viewFile/63114/50983A New Research Study Lifts the Lid on Kids, Nutrition and Exercise

 Fat, Fatter, South Africa Monday 22, 2008:

 http://www.health24.com/dietnfood/Weight_Centre/15-51-2954-2955,15364.asp

Uniform and Dress

The one thing about going back in time and becoming ten is the change in my “dress” in terms of everyday life. From the Critical studies reader 2A “Addressing the body” it says, “dress is more than a shell, it is an intimate aspect of the experience and presentation of the self and is closely linked to the identity.” (Entwisted and Wilson 1998).

However in school you all look alike and there is very little worry about status in terms of branded clothing or the latest fashion. The uniform keeps things on a par and every day it is easy to get dressed, no running out of clothing. In terms of different outfits and what your friends have seen you wear. The girls are not as self-conscious or judging each other based on looks.This in Grade five though.

http://www.st-johnschool.org/Portals/0/uniform%20girls.jpg\

                                                                                                            

http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m3/feb2008/7/7/6043D2DA-940B-F949-3DA3881FC0457A53.jpg

“The Body in consumer culture” also a chapter from the reader looks at Body Modification. (Russell and Taylor 2002) mentions that, “ clothes made for and aimed at children are increasingly undifferentiated from clothes aimed at more adult market and moreover, particularly for girls are typically endorsed by teen pop stars such as Britney Spiers.  This is most definitely true as if I look at my cousin’s cupboard and compare it too my own “civvies” the only difference is the size. For me Britney Spiers, changed the perception of a uniform as seen in  her music video “Hit me Baby one more time”. Even the name changed the way discipline is perceived in relation to sex and pleasure. Looking at the video you can see why, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOHeoIpufDc. Thankfully though there are still rules inflicted in primary schools. However when girls get to high school the mentality and dress for them changes, becoming more seductive and trying to show that they are no longer little girls anymore. 

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/04_02/AloudBIG_468x609.jpg

Its going to be interesting when I wear a 10 year olds uniform as a 20 year old girl. Already the idea has freaked out my dad because of the connotation behind an older woman in a school outfit (naughty or nice).

The Beginning

For Critical Studies and Creative Development we had to execute a body intervention for a period of 10 days. This project is based around living out of my comfort zone and adopting a situation that will have a personal affect on me. 

I decided after a difficult process to become a 10-year-old girl for ten days. Using my cousin as my coach I will follow and live her life. By getting into the head and living like her I will adapt the mindset. This is going to be a difficult process as I have been independent of my parents since I was 10 living on my own with another family. Not to mention I started boarding school when I was 5. So this project is taking me back to when I was younger and went through a change in my life. Becoming mature and independent from so young.

Over the next 10 days the challenge for me includes following a strict routine set by my mum. Having a bedtime, homework time and quiet time. There is also the disconnection with my cell phone, Facebook and TV programs all due to the legal age. Not too mention no driving, drinking or smoking. So from now on it’s reading my book and fun sleepovers with twister. The biggest challenge will also be speaking out in class and not being shy about people laughing at me. Not stressing or worrying and no negativity because I am refining my life to the simple things.

So here goes….