Hello "Women and Writing" Class

Hello members of ENG 306j: Women and Writing ["Plastic, Flesh and Desire"].

I thought I'd take a moment to introduce myself and this course. My name is Lydia McDermott and I'd prefer you call me Lydia. I have a BA in English Literature, an MA in creative writing/poetry and am currently working on my dissertation for a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition. I have a graduate certificate in Women's and Gender Studies, and tend to write a lot about issues related to that field.

I love teaching Women and Writing because I love writing that challenges, interrogates, or engages gender construction. I think Barbie is a ripe topic of discussion and she will be the centerpiece of our class, though we will discuss issues related to body image and desire from other angles as well.

We will write. A LOT.

You will be creating your own blog, following the directions I've linked to on the right. Your first post should be a lot like this. Who are you? Why are you in this class? How do you feel about writing? About Barbie?

I currently own a few Barbies, though as a child I did not actually own very many. My favorite Barbie is actually Midge: I have the pregnant Midge that was released in 2003, and is no longer made. She was pulled off of Wal-Mart shelves for encouraging teen pregnancy. Her belly is magnetic, and it pops off. Inside is an itty bitty baby girl, with diaper already painted on. The baby comes with accessories, though just like real life, they do not fit in Midge's belly.

Here is a picture of her, though I'll be sure to bring her to class.

I also have a Daphne doll, which I like a lot (Daphne as in Scooby-Doo).

I have three little boys at home: Fionn:8, Sawyer: 4 1/2, and Thatcher: 14 months. They do not play with the Barbies much, but every once in a while my middle son finds a renewed interest in them. I bought Daphne for him at a yard sale. He loves Scooby. (Surprise Surprise). Midge stays on a shelf in my office because she's in good shape (so to speak) and is a collector's item (not that I normally collect).

I look forward to meeting all of you and to reading your blogs.

Lydia