Why does advertising define us?

We've all seen them. Those pesky make-up or underwear commercials that tell us we are better with them. I find myself telling people that they don't need make-up to be pretty or Hanes boxers to be hotter. I see it everywhere. A new commercial telling us that one football team is better and then I see people wearing the jerseys. The only reason products that we use keep changing is because the businesses need a way to keep selling their products. Take high heels for example. The heel has ranged from thin to thick back to thin again. The reason that this continuously changes is because the shoe company needs to sells shoes. Nothing is better just because it has a thicker heel, it's just different.

This goes not only for the things that we wear so think about cars for a second. All the cars coming out now a said to have better gas mileage. This is great, if only we could afford to buy new cars. Thinking about cars brings me to thinking about transportation. Why is it that everything that I see on TV or read in the newspaper have a motor? I look forward to a day when bikes and rollerblades are advertised again because I think it would be enjoyable to see more people on the bike trails. When I do see those things being advertised, I don't want the fastest or the "best." I want the easy to use, safe, and sturdy piece of equipment.

I don't know about you, but I find myself happy with what I have. Buying whatever is advertised doesn't make me happy, but buying what I use and enjoy does. However, I can't buy friends or family. So think about it, Would you rather buy everything seen on TV or create memories with friends?

Whatever Happened to Chivalry?

Lately, I have beening asking myself, "Is the act of chivalry dead?" I ask myself this because I have looked up the knight code of chivalry and thought about how they would be different for today's society. To sum up how I view chivarly, it is:

• To respect the honor of women
• At all times to speak the truth
• To obey those placed in authority
• And to be able to take charge when needed

I ask this question because I read in the news about how women live everyday in an abuvise relationship. When did men because abusive? We hear about the knights code of honor and chivalry in history class. Why is it history? Shouldn't we still be teaching young children the code as a way of life? I find it irritating when I hear the stories about these abuvise men. I have lived as a man as integrity. However, because of these stories and being a male, I have been viewed as abusive, untrustworthy, and avoided. I don't think anyone should be judged before they are given a chance to share about themselves.
So I would like to offer a few suggestions. Men,  if you live by a code of honor, keep it up. If not, look in a mirror and tell yourself that you want to change and change what needs to be changed. Women, if you are with a man of honor, don't try to change him. If not, tell him he needs to change or leave him because you deserve better.