Prompt 2

The "New World Body" is different. It is not a white male of European decent, instead it is a dark complexioned body that has no dominant gender. This body can be female or male. This male body does not walk around carrying guns at its side, instead it carries sharpened sticks. It does not dress in trousers and shirts, instead it is quite naked, covering only what is necessary. It does not shave, instead it embraces the hair that grows on its face. It does not ornament itself, not even to distinguish power, instead a man of authority looks like the rest of his tribe. This female body is seen as something that should be offered up or exchanged. The purpose of this body is to bear children. This body is expected to endure hard labor, cook and care for the family and by accomplishing these tasks is this body then seen as beautiful. This body does not partake in warfare, yet it is not speared during battle. It is this body that is abused even after death.

When my definition of the "New World Body" is compared to the images depicted on the map, no body perfectly meets my criteria. My first observation was that many of the bodies were ornamented. There is actually a picture that shows ornamentation to distinguish authority, which is the complete opposite if my description of a "New World Body". The bodies either have too much clothing, or too little clothing. If you refer back to my definition; they are again disputing it and the little clothing some wear do not cover the essentials. The one aspect of my definition that lives through these is the fact that the "New World Body" can be either male or female.

Extra Credit - Atkinson

This seems like a very basic question, but I was confused about the purpose of Atkinson' s essay. Therefore, I ask, is Atkinson explaining the evolution of the view of the body because she agrees that it should be cut open and displayed in the Body Worlds exhibit? Is this entire article suppose to be supporting the Body World's exhibit?

Prompt 1

I am a freshman here at UT, therefore my environment is the twelfth floor of Jester West. Over the course of a semester, I have found myself referring to these musty halls as "home". I surround myself with bodies that give affection, something I would get at "home". The bodies in my environment function as shoulder's to cry on when I am upset; ears to listen when I have had a hard day; and mouths to scream with joy when the day goes better than I expected. I have found an emotional connection with the bodies in my environment, and a lot of times, I do not view them as mere bodies. I like to think my friends and floor mates are unique, but if I throw aside my emotional connection with each, I realize that these bodies I encounter everyday are obsessed with society's view of beauty. In front of each mirror in Jester, there is a body trying to inspect itself in a "not so obvious" manner. The clothing, ornaments, hairstyles and make-up of one body can be seen on another body a few seconds after. I believe personal identity (body wise) does not exist, because we are all too scared to express ourselves outside of society's norms. Have you ever realized style is not identified as "oh, that's Aisha's style", instead it is referred to as punk, prep, goth or urban. The bodies that surround me demonstrate a desire to fit into society's values and accepted identities.