YOUR SAY

FIRST GAY KISS IN DISNEY?

Disney has made a huge progress by showing a gay kiss on a cartoon for the first time. I wanted to talk about it because I think it’s a big improvement in the normalization of the LGBT community. Also, since in the project we are working on in this term is about “Love and relationships”, I think this fact is related to it.

The gay kiss was shown in a cartoon called “Star vs. the Forces of Evil”. In the scene, you can see some gay and lesbian couples kissing, among heterosexual couples. Also, some days ago the director of the remake of the “Beauty and the Beast” film said it would be a gay storyline in it. So yes, Disney is modernising itself (it was about time!). 

Unlike some people’s opinion that gay love shouldn’t be shown in films destined for kids, I think if kids are old enough to see a kiss between a woman and a men, they are old enough also to see a kiss between two people of the same gender. There’s not so much difference, isn’t it?

Besides, there are people who maintain than showing love between two persons of the same gender will “influence” kids, and make them gay or lesbian too. I think I’ve never seen such a ridiculous argument before. Sexual orientation it’s not something you can choose, like you see a gay couple and you say “Oh, I want to be like them” and you become gay. No, it doesn’t work like this. It’s something you feel inside, and seeing a gay kiss in the television will not influence you to change your sexual orientation.

In this picture you can see some gay couples
kissing each other.

So I think showing all types of love in the television, cinema, Internet or wherever will only be positive for normalizing it. In that way, if kids see that a relationship between two persons of the same gender is something completely normal, in some years there will not be persons afraid of saying they are homosexual, there will be no bullying to the people who are gay or lesbian and people will see a kiss in the street between two persons of the same gender as something completely normal and acceptable. Let’s teach kids tolerance and respect!

VIDEO:

NEWS

A TRANSPHOBIC BUS DROVE AROUND MADRID

Earlier this month (March 2017), a bus of the group Hazte Oír was immobilized for sending an anti-transgender message. Hazte Oír (which in English means “Make Yourself Heard”) is a right-wing Catholic group that was created in 2001 by Ignacio Arsuaga, a Spanish lawyer, but it wasn’t approved by the government until 2013 (as a non-for-profit organization). They are against the abortion rights and have launched messages against the LGBT community in general. They claim they have 7000 members and receive €2.6 million from supporters. 

Boys have penises, girls have vulvas. Don’t let them fool you.
If you’re born a man, you’re a man. If you’re born a woman,
 you will continue to be so

The transphobic group drove all over Madrid with a bus including this message: “Boys have penises, girls have vulvas. Don’t let them fool you. If you’re born a man, you’re a man. If you’re born a woman, you will continue to be so”. This message is a response to another campaign launched by Chrysallis, a transgender support group, which said: “There are girls with penises and boys with vulvas”. At first, Hazte Oír made an online petition to remove the campaign, but it couldn’t obtain enough support.

Hazte Oír wanted to drove around the Spanish capital for a week, and then go to another important cities in Spain, to spread their message. But, since there has been a lot of protests from political parties, organizations and people in general (using social media), the mayor of Madrid, Manuela Carmena, ordered to immobilize the bus.

The campaign in defense of transgender kids
 launched by Chrysallis.

Rita Maestre, Madrid Hall spokeswoman, said that due to Madrid is an inclusive and welcoming city, they cannot let a discriminatory bus to drive around it. There have been more protests, even from the president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, Ricardo Blázquez, who asked for respect for children. The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, has also criticized the campaign and forbid the bus to go in Barcelona, and if it does it, Hazte Oír will have to pay €3000 as a fine.

In defense, Hazte Oír said that the message wasn’t against anybody, neither wanted to offend or discriminate, it just wanted to “recognize a biological fact that we all have studied at school”.


PERSONAL OPINION:

From my point of view, I think it’s correct what the mayor of Madrid has done: not letting the bus drive around the city. Hazte Oír is sending a message of hate and intolerance. Imagine you are a transgender kid and see this: you would feel insecure and strange with yourself. It makes me angry the fact that Hazte Oír tries to defend themselves saying that they just want to “recognize a biological fact that we all have studied at school”, but it’s not the same the biological sex and your gender: you can have a man’s body but feel like a woman, or vice versa. I think we all have to respect each other; we don’t have to generate hate or intolerance.

NEW WORDS:

Diocese: diòcesi (districte de l'església catòlica presidida per un bisbe, arquebisbe...).
Fine (verb): multar
Revenue: ingressos


Link: http://elpais.com/elpais/2017/03/01/inenglish/1488358583_324566.html

YOUR SAY

WEAPONS IN THE USA

A recent study has shown that more than 50% of the homes in the USA have a weapon. Also, the dissatisfaction with the weapon’s regulation has increased among the inhabitants of the country, and now more than the 60% of the people don’t agree with it. I think the reason is because of the shootings that have happened in the last year. 

Some Americans defend having weapons, saying that it helps them feeling safer, because they can protect themselves if someone is trying to kill or attack them. But take a look at how many people have died because of a weapon in the last years: the number is terrifying. In my point of view, I think it’s safer the way it works in Europe, where almost anybody can have a gun or any weapon.

These defenders of the weapons also say that if Europe worked like the US, and some people could have weapons, some terrorist attacks could have been stopped, but I don’t think so. The USA has also received terrorist attacks that couldn’t have been stopped, like the one that happened in Boston in 2013, so this theory is not valid. In fact, in the country more people have died because of shootings or killed by anyone with a gun than being victim of a terrorist attack. 

But, what can they do to change that? I think they have to change their law about weapons, restrict the people who can have weapons and remove them from some people. But a lot of civils are against it, and they say that if the government takes off the weapons of the people, this would be an attack to the private propriety of them. Personally, I don’t think this is a valid argument, because I think it’s more important to avoid slaughters done by crazy people with guns, than worrying about private propriety. Yes, they will take your gun away, but with this you can avoid people being dead unfairly.

So, in conclusion, I am against weapon regulation in the USA, and I think they have to change it to stop shootings and the death of innocent people.

NEWS

NEW CONTINENT FOUND

This year, in February 2017, there has been found another continent. It has been found by a research team of the University of the Witwatersrand, in South Africa. This new continent is located under the island of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean.

The shame is that there are only remaining small parts of it. A recent report from Nature Communication says that these parts that left belonged to Gondwanaland, a giant continent that existed 200 million years ago. The separation of this ancient continent caused gave rise to Africa, South America, Australia, India and Antarctica. Now, there are some pieces of this “new” continent spread over the Indian Ocean, but there are under the sea.

But, how did they claim that this is a new continent? First, the team analyzed a mineral (zircon) found in rocks in the island of Mauritius. They reached to the conclusion that the remnants of this mineral were too old to belong to Mauritius: in the island there isn’t any rock older than 9 million years old, but the zircon found on these rocks was 3 billion years old. This fact demonstrates the existence of an ancient continent.

PERSONAL OPINION:

Even though I don’t really have anything to say about this news, I found it very interesting and curious. Furthermore, this report makes you think: if we have just found another continent, maybe there are some more and we don’t know it.

NEW WORDS:

Dub: annomenar, posar un sobrenom.
Crust: escorça.
Remnant: restes.


Link: http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/03/world/lost-continent-mauritius-trnd/

NEWS

TENSIONS IN SWEDEN DUE TO REFUGEE POLICY
This report talks about Sweden and its refugee policy, and the problems it has caused. It starts presenting Rinkeby, a Swedish town where mostly of its citizens are immigrants. Unlike other immigrant neighbourhoods in Europe (like the banlieues of Paris or Molenbeek in Brussels), Rinkeby seems like a place without problems or disturbances; but actually that’s not true because recently there has been riots.

Also, just a few days before riots happened, Donald Trump said that something was going wrong in Sweden, due to its decision of welcoming a huge amount of refugees. Swedes reacted to that with derision, but after riots happened in Rinkeby, some people have been expressing their dissatisfaction with the immigrant policy of Sweden. In the other hand, there are other people who think this policy is something to be proud of.

It’s true that Sweden has received a lot of refugees; actually, it’s the country in Europe that has received the most. For example, more than 160,000 people arrived in Sweden in the peak of the European migrant crisis in 2015. Therefore, that’s normal the fact that there has been problems with the integration of these people. As Josefin Larsson, a salesperson who is half-Swedish, half-Bolivian, says that nowadays it’s difficult to see people native from Sweden in the streets, because most of the people are immigrant. Also, she compares how it is now and how it was 20 years ago, and the difference is considerable: some years ago it was so much easier for immigrants to become part of the society. To face this problem, some organizations and community groups, like Kompis Sverige and Invitationsdepartementet, are helping the immigrants to fit in the Swedish culture and society.

The tension is growing, and some people say the government is not doing enough to solve this problem. Also, in January 2016 a woman was killed at the asylum centre where she worked, so the pressure increased more. There are also people who think that now it’s not safe to walk in the streets, due to all the immigration issue. But police denies the fact that refugees are responsible for crime in neighbourhoods like Rinkeby.

Apart from that, the crime against Muslims has increased nearly 90% between 2012 and 2015. The hate is rising in the country, and now a Muslim is more likely to be the victim of hate crime than actually be the author. Therefore, because of all these problems with refugees and immigrant, far-right and nationalist parties are rising.

PERSONAL OPINION:

The issue about refugees is complicated. In my opinion, I think we should help them, because after all they are humans just like us. Also, citizens do not have the fault about the war, and I think the moral thing is to help them. I know that they are a lot of people and letting them in our countries will suppose problems (besides the ones we already have), but I think we all have to help a little bit because, as I said before, after all we are all Human and we should help each other, no matter the color of our skin or where we come from.


NEW WORDS:

Derision: burla.
Riot: disturbi, vandalisme.
Peak: pic, màxim


Link: http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/23/europe/sweden-trump-refugees-integration/index.html

TDR: Abstract

THE MUSIC AND ITS ROLE IN EDUCATION

It is an extended opinion that the Spanish educational system is out-dated. Currently, new ways of learning are appearing, some of them involving music. That is why the aim of this project is to demonstrate the important role that music plays in education.

Therefore, the theoretical part is about discovering which are the benefits that music provides in education, and the historical relation that has existed between these two topics. On the other hand, the practical part is about verifying those benefits with kids studying Primary Education.

YOUR SAY

THE RESEARCH PROJECT: IS IT WORTH IT?

Last Monday 16th of January my classmates and I from 2nd Batxillerat presented our Research Project in front of a court; We had handed it over the 19th of December and finally, in the 23rd of January I had the results. We have worked so hard for it, in my case, I'm so happy with my mark and with all the knowledge I have acquired.

But, is it really worth doing the Research Project? You can learn the things you like, and you can also choose the topic, so often you learn things about something you like or are interested in. You will also learn how to do professional work, and this will be useful for the next year, in University. But we can not forget the cons of doing the Research Project.

The first one is that it takes you a lot of time. It counts like another subject, but you do not have any hour in the high school to do it; And we have to accept that these projects are long, hard, and you have to spend a huge amount of hours to do it. The problem is that we are coursing 2nd of Batxillerat, the most stressful and hard school year of all. We do not even have time to do the homework and study for the normal subjects, how are we supposed to have also the time of the Research Project?

Another con is that you get stressed a lot during the process. Most of the teachers keep reminding you of the importance of that project, so you get nervous about it. But, maybe, the part when you get nervous the most is during the oral presentation of the project.

Another thing that pisses me off is that Catalonia is the only autonomous region in Spain that has to do it, and that's not fair. Especially because, as I said before, it takes you a lot of time, that you could use to study other subjects, doing homework or even relaxing or spending time with your friends.

In my case, I have to recognize that it was hard to do the project, especially at first, because I was just lost about what I had to do. It's true that I have learned a lot, and doing the practical part was positive and I can say that I really enjoy doing it. Now that it is finished it is easier to focus on the positive parts and you have to forget the bad moments you have gone through. But, of course, there were times that I got stressed out.

So, in conclusion, doing the Research Project has its pros and cons, and I'm not sure now which one imposes the other one. The only thing I can say is that I'm glad it's over and that I'm proud of my result.

NEWS

GAME2: WINTER, THE RUSSIAN HUNGER GAMES

In Russia there will be a reality show called Game2: Winter, which some people have said is similar to The Hunger Games. 30 men and women will be in Siberia and they will have to survive if they want to win a cash prize. What impacts the most about this show is that participants can be raped or killed. They can also fight against each other, drink alcohol, smoke or anything. So basically, there are no rules in this game.

Therefore, this show consists of surviving in a place where the temperature can reach the -40ºC, and the participants are able to do whatever they want or need to survive. It's important to stand out that the show will be streamed internationally all day long.

To participate you have to be more than 18 years old, be mentally sane and pay over 10 million rubles (£ 130,000). If you want to skip paying, you can be voted via online. Surprisingly, in December 2016 they already had 60 applicants.

Although the rules in the reality show say participants can rape or even kill other participants, if anyone does it, they will have to face the Russian law. The show allows doing it, but not Russia's law. So, basically, if any participant dies, the show will have nothing to do with it.

Another feature of the show is that there will be no filming crew; Instead, there will be cameras spread all around the area and also all participants will be carrying a camera, so everything will be recorded.

PERSONAL OPINION:

When I first read this, I thought it was a joke; “Hunger games in real life? That’s not possible”. But then I realized this is real and I couldn’t believe it. This is not just a survival TV show, because in these type of programs you get health assistance if you get injured, you can just give up and go home. But in this case if you are dying or being murdered no one will help you. Your death will be recorded and shown to everyone who wants to see it. In the other hand, one thing that I don’t understand is why participants have to pay such a high amount of money. That means that basically only rich people can participate; so they will not be participating to win money, but just for… I don’t know… try to survive? Kill people? I don’t understand how somebody can risk their lives for money if they already had money. Anyway, I don’t think it’s normal to do this show, especially because people can die participating and this will be shown on the TV or Internet.

NEW WORDS:

Unfathomable: immesurable
Carnage: matança 
Wrath: ira, ràbia
Applicant: candidat, aspirant


Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/12/16/russian-survivalist-reality-show-will-permit-contestants-rape/

NEWS

TRUMP'S IMMIGRATION BAN

The president of the United States Donald Trump has signed the 29th of January an executive order that will ban Syrian refugees to enter the US and limit the entrance of other refugees. To be more specific, the order bans people from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia to enter in the US for 90 days. Also, Trump has suspended the US Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days.

The main objective of this order is to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States, as Trump says. Therefore, the number of refugees admitted in the US will be reduced to 50,000 (until now it was 110,000). Apart from that, Trump also signed a second executive order that will increase the military expense, to rebuild the Army.

It is important to stand out that the executive order to restrict the entrance of refugees in the US prioritizes Christians over Muslims. Trump specifically said that they want to help Christians because "they've been horribly treated". If you are a Christian living in Syria you will have a lot of obstacles to enter in the US, so that's why Trump is making easier for Christians to enter in the country.

Reacting to this fact, Democrats have criticized the order, describing it as discriminatory against Muslims.

PERSONAL OPINION:

In my opinion, this order is extremely discriminatory, not only for Muslims but also for all the refugees. Some people have to stop relating refugees or Muslims to terrorists; it’s obvious that not all Muslims are terrorists. Refugees are people who are running away from a horrible war, and I think our responsibility is to help them. At the end, we are all humans, no matter the colour of our skin, our religion, or the place we were born. Also, it’s kind of ironic that a country like the United States bans immigrants to enter, because almost all the people from there are immigrants.

NEW WORDS:

Pletge: promesa

Forgo: abstenir-se de (alguna cosa)

Readiness: preparació, disposició

Link: http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/27/politics/trump-plans-to-sign-executive-action-on-refugees-extreme-vetting/

ORAL PRESENTATION ABOUT MY RESEARCH PROJECT

The 24th of January I did an oral presentation about my Research Project, called The music and its role in education. Now I’m going to comment it a little bit.

First of all, I think the recourses that I used were fine: I tried to do the Prezi as visual and dynamic as possible, and I also put three short videos. About the body language, I tried to look at the audience as much as possible, not to read from my notes and make gestures and movements to keep everyone’s attention.

About the structure, I think I organized the presentation well; I did a brief introduction and a conclusion and I used connectors and markers. I also think the content was good: I tried to summarize and keep the main ideas of my Research Project to make it as interesting as possible.

In my opinion, the language I used was correct. I don’t think I made too many mistakes, and the ones I did I tried to correct them fast. Of course, I’m not perfect and I could do it better. I was a bit nervous, so that’s one of the reasons I was mistaken sometimes. About the pronunciation, I think it was good, but I’m sure my teacher found some mistakes; I still have so much to learn.

So, in conclusion, I think I did a good presentation, although I can always improve.

DIALOGUE

SCENARIO: Two women come across in the middle of the street.

CHARACTERS: Nancy, Claire

NANCY: Claire!!! What are you doing here? I haven't seen you in years, girl!

CLAIRE: Hmmm...

NANCY: What've you been up to? Are you still dating Johnny? He was such a cutie!

CLAIRE: Eeh... wait... and you're...?

N: Ha, ha, ha! You're still so funny! Tell me, are you married? I was, but I divorced a year later, because the man was so...

C: Wow, wow, stop. I was serious before, I haven't a clue about who you are. You must be mistaken...

N: Oh, no, darling! But I haven't changed at all. Well, maybe just a few tweaks, you know.

C: Hmm.. you mean, makeup?

N: Ha, ha, ha!! You're always with your jokes!! Sweetheart, don't make me say it out loud...

C: Say what?

N: Girl, are you living under the rocks or something? We're in 21st century! I can't believe you haven't tried with botox.

C: Botox? No way, are you crazy?!

N: Baby, getting botox nowadays is like buying a pair of jeans. And there are even discounts on it!

C: I guess you have taken advantadge of them a lot...

N: Haven't you recognized me yet?

C: Being honest... I have no idea.

N: I used to be the high school queen!

C: Rebecca Stewart?!

N: Are you kidding me? No! I'm Nancy Wallace!

C: What?! But you were brunette, and... your boobs were like two fried eggs!

N: And now they're like two watermelons. You should totally try it. Not meaning to offend.

C: Non taken. No.. em... I'm not really into these kind of things.

N: Come on! I have a lipo in half an hour and the surgeon owes me a favour... How much do you want to pay? 3000? No, no.. too much... 2000 is ok, isn't it?

C: Wait, what??? No, no, no...

N: Yeah, you're right... It's still too much. I can lower it to 1000. Trust me, the doctor is the real deal. I'm gonna call for a taxi. TAXI!

C: What the hell... You're fricking insane!!! I'm leaving.

N: Bye!!!! What a weird girl... It's curious how people change... TAXI!