The online module, Representation Reproduction, evoked some strong reactions in me that I was surprised by. I had no idea how much I care about the politics surrounding abortion, but apparently, I do. After listening to “Abortion controversy heats up for Morgentaler” (http://www.cbc.ca/archives/categories/health/reproductive-issues/dr-henry-morgentaler-fighting-canadas-abortion-laws/abortion-controversy-heats-up.html), I really heard and listened to the Pro Life side for the first time without automatically dismissing it. I recognize that there are different perspectives other than what this women had to say but I will use this example for simplicity sake. To me, what reproduction politics boils down to is murder, morality, and women’s rights. These are HUGE concepts on there own and to be concentrated all together in the discourse of abortion leaves the doors wide open for controversy.

Dr. Morgentaler repeated over and over again “You have a right to your opinion but why do you want to impose your morality onto other women?” This really stuck out to me and I think is a very good point. Being in the situation is very different than being outside, looking in, and casting judgement. There are so many factors that surround the decision to have or not to have the baby and it is ultimately up to the woman, the one who holds the weight of that potential life, to make that choice. It is not up to people who do not understand her circumstances, who do not know her personally, and who do not share her beliefs surrounding sex. Ultimately, everyone is entitled to their own ideas or morality, sex, and abortion. That does not mean that anyone has the right to tell others what is right and wrong.

My Experience with this Module:

Overall, I enjoyed and gained a lot from the material and content portrayed in the module but I would prefer learning it in a classroom setting. I missed interacting with my peers face to face and having heated conversation and debate. Hearing other perspectives and ideas is always a useful exercise and one that I feel is lacking if class is online. It just doesn’t feel right to be sitting at home, alone, in my PJs, talking to my computer, and somehow being “in class.” We talked about the structure of the classroom at the beginning of the semester and how we would feel disappointed if that changed. I feel disappointed and unsatisfied somehow by not being in that structure. By posting this I’m hoping my thoughts are read and understood appropriately but I don’t have the immediate opportunity for clarification that would exist if we were face to face. I’m generally against the shift towards online learning in universities and schools because the experience of physically being in the classroom holds so many more lessons than just the material being taught. People are becoming less relevant as computers become more relevant and I think that holds severe consequences.

All that being said, I think the material conveyed in the module could bring about a whole host of issues if taught in the classroom. People are very attached to their ideas, beliefs, and moralities (me included). To discuss such a sensitive issue of abortion could lead to hostile conversation and be triggering to those who have experienced abortion in some way.