SELF INTRODUCTION POST - Veronica Gomez

 Hey everyone! I’m Veronica Gomez, a sophomore majoring in Exercise Science here at NJCU. I was born in Jersey City, though my roots are in the Dominican Republic, where my family is from. I have a passion for music—I love listening to different genres, and I also play the guitar. Staying active is important to me, so I spend a lot of time at the gym. Looking ahead, my goal is to become a nutritionist, where I can combine my love for fitness and healthy living to help others achieve their wellness goals.

 1. ‘Understanding Patriarchy’ by bell hooks

•  “Patriarchy is the single most life-threatening social disease assaulting the male body and spirit in our nation.”

•  “To indoctrinate boys into the rules of patriarchy, we force them to feel pain and to deny their feelings.”

  
  

In Understanding Patriarchy, Bell Hooks argues that patriarchy harms not only women but also men by perpetuating a culture that suppresses emotional expression and enforces rigid gender roles. By labeling patriarchy as a "social disease," she highlights its pervasive and destructive impact on both individuals and society as a whole. Hooks urges a reevaluation of how we raise boys, advocating for a shift towards emotional openness and the dismantling of patriarchal norms.

2. ‘What Memes Owe to Art History’ | Artsy

•  “Memes often recontextualize art in ways that are irreverent and humorous, but this can also breathe new life into old works.”

•  “The appeal of art history memes lies in their ability to blend highbrow and lowbrow culture, making classical art accessible to a wider audience.”

The article ‘What Memes Owe to Art History’ discusses how memes serve as a bridge between classical art and contemporary digital culture. By reinterpreting classic artworks in a humorous context, memes make these pieces more relatable and accessible to the public. This fusion of "highbrow" and "lowbrow" culture democratizes art, allowing more people to engage with it in a way that resonates with modern sensibilities.

3. ‘Memes Are Our Generation's Protest Art’ | VICE

•  “Memes allow for the quick spread of ideas and sentiments, often carrying strong political messages that resonate with a large audience.”

•  “The simplicity of memes, combined with their potential for virality, makes them a powerful tool for modern protest.”

In Memes Are Our Generation's Protest Art, VICE explores how memes have evolved into a form of digital protest art, amplifying political and social messages in an era where online communication is dominant. The article highlights the efficiency of memes in spreading ideas quickly and effectively, making them a crucial medium for grassroots activism. The viral nature of memes ensures that powerful messages reach a wide audience, sparking conversations and movements across the globe.