This week over at Mama Nervosa, Lauren is thinking about Julie Blackmon’s photography and the intersections of femininity, parenting, and mess as art. We chatted about kids’ tv: what are our house rules, what shows we forbid because of sexist content (Phineas and Ferb), and the general awesomeness of the Muppet Babies. Mama Nervosa is a fledgling blog written by Jen and Lauren- we used to tour with jam bands, and now we’re trying to raise feminist daughters and figure out what to do with our lives post grad school. (We quit grad school. We are not ashamed.)
At Muslimah Media Watch last week: Guest contributor Christly looked at coverage of Hasna Kandatu, a Filipina woman who was recently featured in Newsweek‘s list of 150 Women who Shake the World, for her Lysistrata-like protest where she and another woman stopped having sex with their husbands until they stopped fighting. Tasnim wrote about women in Arab popular narratives, focusing on Shahrazad and Dhat al-Himmah. Sharrae covered a panel at the recent Left Forum, looking at how some transnational feminism can further Islamophobia and imperialism. Nicole responded to a music video by a man singing the praises of women who wear hijab, a topic that we’re all pretty tired of by now…
I read what Raj Patel has to say about what stuff really costs in The Value of Nothing. He makes a point of emphasizing all the unpaid work women do, so high fives there!
An in-depth report on the Stand Your Ground here law in SC (includes several local catastrophes): http://daisysdeadair.blogspot.com/2012/04/more-on-stand-your-ground-laws.html Ann Romney and Class war (just what it says): http://daisysdeadair.blogspot.com/2012/04/ann-romney-and-class-war.html Beautiful grandbabies (bragging): http://daisysdeadair.blogspot.com/2012/04/beautiful-grandbabies.html
I started an activisty website, at long last! It’ll mostly be queer stuff and mental health stuff, but I’m not sure yet. And it’ll be more personal than academic. Because I have actual essays for college at the moment, naturally I wrote loads of blog articles: Star Trek Online lets you play as races which have multiple genders in canon!. Guess how many genders you can actually play…? Everyday Feminism #1 – CLOTHING – a quick way to explain to someone who “doesn’t think we need feminism any more” is to point out the ridiculous discrepancies in quality between clothes for lads and clothes for lassies. Don’t ask me about my gender, please – A personal reflection on why “What’s your pronoun?” is one of my least favourite questions. Trangst central! Shouldn’t be taken as Representitive of anything, it’s more of me trying to figure things out than. I can see the code – the difference between activisty types and non activisty types? It’s a red pill/blue pill thing.
The Evolution of Snow White : With Mirror Mirror, Snow White and the Huntsmen, and Once Upon a time, it’s fair to say that there has been a resurgence of Snow White, but what does it all mean and has the fairytale evolved in a positive way? The Hunger Games Makes The Top Ten Challenged Books in 2011 : Yep apparently, the Hunger Games is anti-family and satanic. Review of Season One of Charmed : We take a look back at the rhyming witches to see if they were actually progressive, or just progressive for their time. Faceoff: Twilight Versus The Hunger Games : The popularity of the two series means that there is a lot of comparison, but one is clearly better than the other.
Review: Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward, Book 10 of the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series. : Yes, we have read the latest book and saved you the trouble Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 2: The Night Lands : A recap and review of the latest episode of Game of Thrones. Review and recap of Blood Ties Season 1, Episode 1: Blood Price
Today I ask ladies a question that was asked to me by my pageant program: What is the hardest thing about being a “Miss” in today’s world?”
A very short rant about a contest/promotion that didn’t need to be as cluelessly sexist as it is: http://ablogoftheirown.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/there-is-no-tr/ Happy Sunday!
This week, on “Ruining Disney”: I wrote about how Ursula the Sea Witch from The Little Mermaid was based on Divine, a legendary drag queen. I’ve included a few videos of Divine, one of which shows her eating fresh dog poo. I also took a look at the gayness portrayed in The Three Caballeros’ titular song. There was a lot more than I thought there was. Today’s Sunday Screencap comes from the Black Cauldron. It’s NSFW.
April is STD Awareness Month so we posted this comprehensive primer on sexually transmitted infections. Probably most people will learn something new, whether they were unfortunate enough to receive abstinence-only sex education or not. Also some cool pictures of sexually transmissible microbes, if you’re into that stuff. In addition, there is a post about STI testing in our “Over 90 Percent of What Planned Parenthood Does” series (see what we did there, Jon Kyl?). We also posted a plea to our supporters in Arizona to do what they could to stop the passage of HB2036, banning abortion after 20 weeks even in the case of fetal anomalies, but that has come and gone. Unfortunately it was signed into law by our “lovely” governor, so that’s a pretty big blow to pro-choice Arizonans.
Me on Daria: http://www.nerdyfeminist.com/2012/04/thank-you-daria-morgendorffer.html?m=1 And the Ann Romney stuff: http://www.nerdyfeminist.com/2012/04/mommy-wars-divided-we-fall.html?m=1
I react to the Hugo nominations, and wonder why a genre that’s about alienation has so many white male protagonists. And then I squee over the presence of a feminist science fiction podcast on the ballot. My March Monthly Reading Roundup, which includes (short) reviews of Jeffrey Eugenides’ The Marriage Plot (did anyone find it as problematic as I did? Especially the ending? Where the woman is never allowed to speak for herself?), Catherynne Valente’s Deathless (Russian folktale recast during russian revolution), Tansy Rayner Roberts’ Power and Majesty (urban fantasy in Roman style city with lots of seemingly gratuitous nudity), and Kameron Hurley’s God’s War (detective story in a matriarchal muslim society).
I dissected an old Patti Smith quote about gender, inspiration and muses; and I wrote a somewhat meandering personal essay about femininity and class.
Sun Tea for Spring, a quick how to for, you guessed it, sun tea! Sexy, dark, bloody is a poem for Pagan Culture’s Blogoversary in which we were encouraged to write on the stereotypes people have about modern day witches in fiction and in real life. Laussel Goddess is a short meditation on the ancient open-air art in France.
I’ve written about being a light-skinned Afro-German person, constructions of race and racism, and the dubious “joys” of “passing”: Keep Right, Except To Pass.
Northwestern Sex Week and Conservative Hypocrisy A Sacrifice They’re Willing to Make: Mississippi’s War on Abortion A Handy List of Ludicrous Anti-Abortion Legislation
This week, I wrote about “the glass wall,” in an entry that starts like this: “If glass ceilings keep women from moving up, glass walls can keep them from moving to the side. This metaphor describes the harsh realities of coaching college and university sports teams in the United States and it gives us insight into the plight of women faculty members, too. In high-stakes university sports programs in the U.S., there are coaching positions available for men’s teams and for women’s teams. Those positions, however, are not equally available to male and female coaches. In practice, men can coach women, but women cannot coach men. This effectively means there are twice as many jobs available to men as women.” Read the rest in The glass wall: A lesson from women coaches
Is The Hunger Games a feminist novel? http://clarissasblog.com/2012/04/15/is-the-hunger-games-a-feminist-novel/ Ashley Judd’s comments on objectification and my response. http://clarissasblog.com/2012/04/12/ashley-judd-on-objectification/ “Without homeschooling, Christian patriarchy would not exist.” http://clarissasblog.com/2012/04/11/without-homeschooling-christian-patriarchy-would-not-exist/
This week I wrote about how we understand the name(s) Jesus Christ, influenced by the work of evangelical theologian Clark Pinnock on the anointing of Jesus with the Holy Spirit. And I commented on a good series on reading Revelation over at another blog (complete with many links to the series).
This week, I wrote a series of blog posts on emotional and verbal abuse, focusing on Pakistani couples: Part I – signs of emotional/verbal abuse Part II: Important Pointers about Abuse Part III: What to do if you are in an abusive relationship/marriage
I had a guest post this week: How I Became a Political Activist [note for abortion and sexual abuse of a minor]. Some rambling thoughts about endometriosis, frustrating doctors, and further limitation of health care options due to cost. The temptation to classify different types of pain as real or imagined. And a “Keep Calm” parody poster for endometriosis.
Ahh, math humor. But must it come with a side of rape? http://onefemalegaze.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/mathochism-the-dark-side-of-math-humor/ On math manners — is it rude to ask your professor simple questions? http://onefemalegaze.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/mathochism-is-asking-for-help-just-rude/
A rebranded article about so-called (by me at least) ‘concern’ feminism: http://douchebagandshoes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/wonderful-world-of-lorraine-kelly.html ‘Homeland – The Grim Spinster’ http://douchebagandshoes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/homeland-grim-spinster.html ‘Mad Men – A Cinderella Story’ Extract: The Cinderella story in modern times has come to symbolise a rag to riches tale. Yet in episode 4 when Ginsberg proclaims, “Cinderella is too dark”, we see Weiner turn this fairytale on its head. http://douchebagandshoes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/mad-men-cinderella-story.html In response to Brangelina’s recent engagement, ‘The Million Dollar Question’. Extract: Between them, Brad and Angelina have tried and failed 3 times. Yet the need or want to marry again has made them overlook everything life has taught them. http://douchebagandshoes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/million-dollar-question.html ‘Men and Feminism, Me and Queer’ Extract: …while they [men] can be allies of the movement, appropriation of a feminist-identity is something else entirely.
The gendered nature of musical genres. http://noseriouslywhatabouttehmenz.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/fear-of-music-realness-and-rock-vs-pop/ People are people, not cliches. http://noseriouslywhatabouttehmenz.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/you-are-not-a-trope/ Book review of a book about homosexuality and masculinity in late Imperial China. http://noseriouslywhatabouttehmenz.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/book-review-the-libertines-friend/
New posts: Manners for misfits: reasons to care about wedding etiquette: http://www.bluecollarbride.com/manners-misfits-reasons-to-care-about-wedding-etiquette/ Ongoing: Seed bomb giveaway: http://www.bluecollarbride.com/seed-bomb-giveaway/
I was disappointed by two Ms. Magazine blog posts this week and had to voice my frustration with their overreach. Sometimes, we are trying so hard to find sexism in an incident that we pass over the real issues. Faking Antichoice: http://wp.me/p1FE65-53 Faking Sexism: http://wp.me/p1FE65-4T Also, I took some time to point out how the latest episode of America’s Next Top Model sends the wrong message to women: http://wp.me/p1FE65-5F On a lighter note, my husband continues to play tricks on me: http://wp.me/p1FE65-58
I ran into this great blog by a lady science lover. You should check it out! http://www.katiephd.com/
Trans Ally worksheet – I’m creating a worksheet for how to be a good trans ally, and would love feedback. Consenting adults: Arkansas court allowing student/teacher relationships – How should we regulate edge cases? Military drafting, beauty contests, surgery, and so on – A free association on being trans
I admit that I have a passion for fashion. But I am mostly passionate about things like local design and production, fair trade imports, and sustainable fabrics. So even though I was sorry to be away during fashion week, I was happy to be able to attend one show at Eco Fashion Week. Yes, it’s possible for fashion and style to be positive forces. That will be my goal as I tentatively begin a fashion merchandising program with a course called Fashion Forecasting. And here is a Shameless Self-Promotion Sunday feedback loop. Thanks to Shannon at The Feminist Mystique, which I found two weeks ago via Feministe, I am a convert to cleansing my face with olive oil!
Oops, forgot one of the links: ‘Men and Feminism, Me and Queer’ Extract: …while they [men] can be allies of the movement, appropriation of a feminist-identity is something else entirely. http://douchebagandshoes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/men-and-feminism-me-and-queer.html
Real women don’t mind that they get paid less for the same jobs, because they know that– Men Have Needs</a
6 tips for living with the darker emotions: http://humaneconnectionblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/6-tips-for-living-with-darker-emotions.html Exploring the true price of palm oil: http://humaneconnectionblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/exploring-true-price-of-palm-oil.html
[Mike] The Last Name Project. My husband gives his perspective on how we decided on a completely new family name when getting married as part of The Last Name Project. . Hint: A name is not just a name…especially to patriarchal male relatives. If you’re interested in contributing to the series, email me at Danielle [at] fromtwotoone [dot] com. [Alison] The Last Name Project: British feminist Alison explains why she kept her name when getting married as part of The Last Name Project. Again, if you’re interested in contributing to the series, email me at Danielle [at] fromtwotoone [dot] com. 30 Things to Do Before I’m 30. A list of some things to accomplish and experience within the next decade. What’s on your list? Eco-Friendly Versions of the 5 Things I Think I Can’t Live Without: Some eco-friendly alternatives to some of my daily “necessities”: Kleenex, Chapstick, contact lenses, internet, and hair ties. What I Read. A compilation of this last week’s reading, including the closing of Texts with Hillary (sigh), the reigniting of the mommy wars, and Ashley Judd’s excellent explanation of media, culture, body shaming, and patriarchy. Call for responses: Have any of you grown up in religious traditions that taught about modesty? I’ll be starting a new series soon discussing the conflict between modesty teachings and feminism. Email me at Danielle [at] fromtwotoone [dot] com!
This week, I’ve got a post that’s (kind of) in defense of Samantha Brick, the British woman who riled up the internet when she said women hate her because she’s beautiful. I also rant a little about food labeling after finding a monstrosity outside of my hotel room. And, finally, I analyze Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness” to figure out if it’s a how-to guide for misogyny or a feminist manifesto.
I wrote a short little piece on why sex ed shouldn’t just be diagrams and lectures. My post questioning the role of manhood in healthy societies was featured in The Bikini and RH Reality Check.
Kind of a slow week, post-wise, at Man Boobz. Men’s Rights Activists are still getting worked up about the Titanic, even though new research shows that “Women and Children First” is not really a thing. The Spearhead talks about love … and spews hate. Gamer asshole: Sexual harassment is part of the gaming culture. You can’t take that away from us!
I reviewed the disappointing ‘Friends with Kids’ on my movie review blog: http://film-nut.tumblr.com/post/21078249048/friends-with-kids-2011
I posted about how policy and social attitudes towards giving people rights ‘n’ stuff comes across as “Okay, you have permission to act like the people who already have rights!” rather than “Okay, you have the right to be you without persecution!”
This week I wrote about Rethinking Virginity, including how virginity is a concept that has absolutely nothing positive to offer feminism and how we need to stop assuming that someone’s first sexual experience is any more important or more human than any other experience.
I wasn’t around last week to post this, but I finally finished watching Friday Night Lights (the TV show), and loved every minute of it. And, believe it or not, it actually taught me more about feminism (and relationships) than football. Clear Eyes, Full Hearts
A new post one one woman’s experience being diagnosed with HPV. Kelly Nichols reflects on privilege, frustration and empowerment within the medical system.
Welcome to Tennessee – Try Not to Be a Woman While You’re Here – we keep making lists of bad places to be a woman, and our legislators are just making it worse.
Well, I read the last Thomas Pynchon called Inherent Vice, which is awesome, a novel by Paulo Giordano called The Solitude of Prime Numbers, which is horrible and offensive, and wrote a double review of Millar’s “Wanted” and “Kick-Ass”, both of which are offensive on multiple levels. Finally, I read Thomas Bernhard’s posthumous collection of weird acceptance speeches “My Prizes”
This week, I reviewed Mary Roach’s Bonk, and made a note of things interesting from both a feminist and an asexual perspective (TW sexual assault).
My friend D writes an awesome guest post, a response and critique of the images of women in miniskirts who hold signs that say “Not an excuse to rape.” Check out his alternative image and find out why he chose it. The Last Name Project is going strong! My intro to the project A, an academic researcher from the UK, talks about why she kept her last name. And her partner’s different response to her keeping her own last name vs. their future children’s last name. Balancing Jane writes about her decision, and why her choice had more meaning that she initially thought it would. M.C. writes about why she wanted to take her husband’s last name. Kayla breaks down the most common reasons she hears women give for taking their husband’s last name. Finally, some weekend reading!
The on-point analysis of our economic situation that Citigroup wants its investors to see–but not you. Show this one to all of your right-wing friends. Why I’m occupying the American Psychiatric Association on May 5th. (And so should you!)
Strip for This is my personal blog about stripping, anarchism, feminism, sex, etc. Two-part post! Update from Da Beach Pt. 1 and Update from Da Beach Pt. 2: Electric Boogaloo/More Beach for You/The Reckoning/This Time It’s Personal/Risque Business/Etc. detail my strip-trip to Myrtle Beach this weekend, and my pit-stop at Cafe Risque (a regionally-famous strip club/truck stop diner + sex toy/DVD/porn mag chain) on the way home.
So, since we’ve started up Occupy Minneapolis again, we’ve had a bit of national press about the police department’s actions against us, as well as zero support from our (“progressive,” LOL) mayor. As it turns out, the (“progressive,” LOL) Minneapolis city council president Barb Johnson decided to push through a secret agenda item for Friday’s meeting restricting the use of city plazas, in a clear attempt to halt our progress, and make even more difficult the lives of the local homeless community. Thankfully, our lone Green City Council representative alerted us the day before, so we had time to mobilize. I wrote about our victory at the meeting.
Very late to the party this week! I wrote about gender and sexism in the new Aardman film, Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! I also posted some pretty pictures of the sky, just for a change.
my thoughts on queer representations in Sex and the City: http://canbebitter.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/sex-and-the-city-part-2-or-maybe-youre-a-stanford/
testing again: http://thedelphiad.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/because-so-many-journos-covering-women-in-politics-dont-have-a-bleeding-clue/ Not sure why code not showing up as a link, but you can cut and paste.
I’ve been reading this blog for over a year, but I’ve never had anything to promote until now! http://youtu.be/w0ag8_Vg3Xg Please watch my video on the dangers of texting and driving. It’s not a specifically feminist video, but watching and sharing will help this feminist earn a scholarship for grad school. 🙂
I’m so very late to this, but what the hell. Has everyone read the Facebook rant making the rounds this past week, titled “For those who think I rant about the patriarchy and misogyny too much”? Yes? Great! My own rant here: On Being a “Downer”, or Why I Won’t Stop Giving Patriarchy the Finger Just Because You Like Hiding in Your Privilege
Okay, it’s already Tuesday, but I am so behind on blog reading this week! Yesterday I used my weekly “Monday Music Break” feature to talk about how listening to music can be really beneficial in processing intense emotions like anger:
New this week – Guest post: How to love your wedding… http://www.bluecollarbride.com/how-to-love-your-wedding-a-note-to-all-brides/ And ending soon – our giveaway for 100 wildflower seed bomb favors: http://www.bluecollarbride.com/seed-bomb-giveaway/