Things that make me sigh heavily.

How very few have awesome connotations.

Article about preschoolers becoming obsessed with being thin.

Addendum: There's such a thing as the Lingerie Bowl and it reeks of sexploitation.

You're kidding, right?

Yesterday's headline: Generation Y women losing 'female' skills such as cooking, ironing and sewing. [Oh, Heaven help us.]


Smaller the body, bigger the paycheck: Washington Post article about a new obscene study finding that could mean $16k more for thin women.


Family Shield: Because seeing a celebrity, his husband and their baby makes me want to go gay and, therefore, destroy the 'natural and good' structure of the nuclear hetero family.

Atten-what?

Should I even inquire anymore about new fashion crazes I don't understand? Yet again, the military is seen as too masculine for women, so "we've" changed it, given it flair, and heels. My God, is there nothing that can't be sexualized? I'm all for finding inspiration in the darkest of corners, but this is trying too hard, fishing really. From the time women were allowed to serve, the military should have meant an arena for dual-sex participation. Much like in Cinderella, we're now forcing the military to become something overly feminine [why can't it be androgynous?], but not for women who are even in the military. Pardon my pun, but the shoe just doesn't fit.

Response #9 - My Own

1. Absolutely. [If this blog didn't make it obvious enough.] I think understanding the power relationships between men and women (and other genders) all over the world is key to approaching any sort of equilibrium. Patriarchy can be a despotic mold and empowering all people to shatter said mold, break gender stereotypes, and kick oppressive ass is, frankly, a message I think I'm born to share. No one should have to change their body, change their personality, feel or think a certain way, or live in fear because of a contrived political force.
2. Again, absolutely. It is a word that has no set definition. This can be liberalizing for those who want to make of the movement what they wish. For others, it's a golden opportunity to besmirch its followers and the cause itself.
3. Word of mouth and self-publication can be very powerful. I think if the pool of feminist thinkers is to grow, the truth about the movement needs to circulate in as many ways as possible. It needs to be understood that feminists are not vindictive lesbian man-haters, that feminism is not just for women, that feminism benefits all genders, etc. However, the premise that this movement and school of thought balances on - gender - is something that's been deliberately restricted. The idea of two genders is a ludicrous one. The standards that society tries to impose regarding this ideology are there to diffuse fear/infuse homophobia.
4. As has been articulated by a previous faculty response, feminist blogs may not do much on their own to increase the conversion of non-feminist thinkers, but they may be a sufficient outlet for feminists to easily get the word out to their non-feminist friends.
5. One of my top concerns, barring dragging the term itself through the mud, is disempowerment of women. I grew up with wicked body issues that still sometimes find ways to sneak in thanks to the media. But now, I'm an advocate of not wearing makeup, and I rejoice in the fact that I'm free to choose my wardrobe and wear what makes me feel good. Here, if I may via shameless plug, I'd like to promote Eve Ensler's efforts with V-Day. Acting in and producing the Vagina Monologues has been a wonderful experience for me in terms of my own self-image and buffering others'.

Response #8

1. I don’t like to categorize myself; like, in elections, I don’t vote based on party lines. This particular topic, this term, has always uprooted common perceptions: people hear “feminism” and they think of people like Gloria Steinem and the issues that come with it: birth control, wage equity, abortion. But you have Sarah Palin who is on the other end of the political spectrum who has publicly identified herself as a feminist. She might see a completely different perspective on the same issues as another person who identifies as a feminist. I would try to define it as depending on what perspective you’re coming from, you’re doing what you think provides women with their best chances for being able to contribute to society with their talents, in the best way possible and the most productive way possible, in an equal way to men.

2. I think the term in some circles has been developed a stigma. Particularly when you have people from an extreme conservative side using the term in derogatory ways, and stereotyping people who identify with that term based on their beliefs. That term is identified with issues that are very polarizing in this country. People have strong beliefs on both sides. I think it will be very difficult to find common ground. Sexual issues seem to be the most volatile (orientation, reproductive rights). The term “feminist” has come to be identified with the left/more liberal perspective on those issues. Arguments against feminists are sometimes generalized: “All feminists believe this so all feminists are bad.”

3. Finding common ground on some of the polarizing issues. There’s been some lipservice trying to move in that direction. For example, common ground with the abortion issue would mean promoting things that reduce the need for abortion, providing more access to contraceptives and health care. The issues overlap with one another. Sometimes the same person who tends to be against abortion is against sex ed in schools/ birth control. The biggest challenges come in finding common ground with polarizing issues that give feminism a bad name. There needs to be some meeting of the minds from both sides. Understanding and respect of why people believe certain things, whether or not it’s your side, is important.

4. I’m not familiar with them. But I think there’s a place for those national and internationally. A blog could be a place for getting the word out about both current events and issues from a feminist perspective. The key would be letting people know about the blog. It’d be a shame for no one to see it. I think that’s the greatest challenge.

5. I think the best way to put feminism in a more positive light is by people of both sides of “feminist” issues to find common ground. I think that would be the key to keep the movement going and strong and relevant.

Response #7

1. I do identify as a feminist because I’m very unhappy with the gender role issue in our society. I don’t think people who are ‘for equality’ are automatically feminists. Being ‘for equality’ is a little bit trivial. I define feminism as attempts to move beyond the ridiculous gender distinctions and binaries that we have. Feminism is not about aligning women with men, but rather radically changing our current power structures. As a woman, you often have temptation to mimic the master discourse and be as ‘normal’ as possible. If you want to empower yourself, you might make yourself a copy of the ‘supermale.’ The problem for me about picking sides is I try to be compassionate about everyone’s views. I have lots of sympathy for the radical feminist approach because maybe it should be revolutionary.

2. I did not know there was a problem with the term. I do think from what I’ve gathered, maybe it is time not to use that term for strategic reasons. Although it might be difficult for those who identify not to call themselves so. As far as the greatest deterrent, I can only respond in clichés: deeply engrained prejudices. The great deterrent is that we continue thinking in male v. female.

3. One important thing is gendered color and gendered toys: stop! We should really reflect more about what exactly is going on with objectification and pornification in our time. We should become more aware of what role that plays in our lives.

4. I’m only familiar with one and if I take that one as standard, I think they can have an amazing impact. I think pop culture is a good addition because that’s where we live. I think it’s an important lens to look through. I wonder how much the feminist agenda can really progress through pop culture. Sometimes I watch shows that seem to liberate and break a stereotype, but then they regress. Also with cop shows with the strong, hot female cop (women are able to be cool cops) but there’s a lot of objectification: “Oh my God, a chick who wields a gun.”

5. What I would like to change is throwing out the terms ‘male’ and ‘female.’ I think empowerment of women will also mean the empowerment of men. From a Marxist perspective, the workers are exploited, but the leaders and people in charge are exploited as well. I don’t like gender distinction whatsoever.

Disgusted

The Vagina Monologues are coming up in 13 days. In which ways can one promote such an event on a conservative campus besides posting approved fliers wherever possible? Unfortunately, such an action did not settle well with someone. They took some posters down. Large posters. Colored posters. Expensive posters that were paid for out-of-pocket by cast members. Assuming this was an isolated incident, perturbed performers copied new posters and covered empty bulletin board space. These? Gone. I'm heartbroken by this disrespect.

For a different kind of disturbed, I leave you with this link about pole dancing for children.

Response #6

1. Yes. I identify because not only do I believe in feminist principles but I try to support things that are the foundation of feminism: that women should be treated equally, should be given equal opportunities, that our social system should acknowledge women. I enact these in concentric circles. In my personal life, I try to assert and teach my children gender equality, not use gender stereotypes, even though we all find ourselves doing so every day. Society is powerful. I view myself as capable and possible, I try not to buy in to stereotypes, and share and encourage this within my family. In my role as a teacher, I try to be a role model and break stereotypes. As for my involvement in the broader community, I try to bring about change in the social system and make a difference.

2. Yes. I think people are apprehensive to identify as feminists. Stereotypes of feminism are negative in society. People tend to associate the movement with the days of bra-burning and butch women or they think that ALL feminists are lesbians and aren’t feminine. Some people believe feminists are fighting against some of the things valued about being a woman. These are all incorrect. Since the seventies, it is perceived as a negative thing to be a feminist. Even women don’t want to be labeled that way. I think this is tied into homophobia. People will think you’re a radical lesbian if you’re a feminist. There are other inappropriate connotations like “feminism is just for women.” In response, I lead my students to the Meninist website. I think it’s remarkable for men to identify as feminists. I think a lot of men are but they don’t want to put that label on themselves. They think, “It’s a women’s issue, it has nothing to do with me” but it can make a big difference.

3. I think engaging more men in efforts so the face of this kind of activism is updated. The movement has an identity problem and we need to correct our current society. I think we should have more men and boys involved, but also more women and girls. This all starts with education. We should work to clarify the identity of feminism. This could happen quickly if visible, prominent, figures identify themselves that way. Also, when activist groups are making feminist efforts, I’d like to see institutions better financially support that.

4. I think they can have the most impact with the younger population because their primary form of information is social media. If you can get people there and have them feel like they are a part of the process, like with anonymous comments, the public can take part without taking risks. Anything that shines the light and keeps people talking about an issue is helpful. The worst thing we can do is not talk about it and go along with the way things have always been. A blog hopefully challenges that.

5. I wonder how the movement is going to evolve with contemporary society. It has rich and deep historical roots but we live in such a different world now. How is it going to evolve to stay relevant? I think young people are getting hooked into the ideas held by other young people is how that will happen: buy-in from trusted friends who say “You should be paying attention; this does matter.”

Gender-Neutral Names

Read a Salon article about a female-identifying boy who just wants to choose her own name.

An excerpt: "She'd respond, "Ariel, Cinderella, Belle!" all Disney princess names. No way was my child being named after a Disney princess or a pop star like Britney Spears or Hannah Montana. 
Some trans kids end up with names that could be for girls or boys. This can make it easier on the parents who may hold a last vestige of hope that it will be only a passing phase. The problem is that as your child becomes an adult she may still look androgynous, which is fine for some, if they are merely gender variant. But a truly transgender person with a unisex name might ever be inviting the question, "Are you a man or a woman?"
Others let their kids choose entirely -- let them claim their right to be who they want. I get it, but it just wasn't working for me. Parents name their children (or at least have veto power)."


The bold parts I disagree with. A child's gender identity may be confusing, but should certainly not be 'vetoed' or thought of wishfully as a 'passing phase.'

Responses #4 and #5

1. Yes. I believe in equal rights and opportunities for all human beings. 

2. I think it can be a deterrent if the feminist movement is portrayed as extreme or inflexible.

3. The movement must be supportive of all types of opportunities for women, including the opportunity to stay at home with young children.  Feminist values should be supportive of women having many choices.

4. Hopefully, the blogs will be open-minded and educational for all.

5. Supporting young, independent females who do not feel like they have to be involved with a “significant other” to be valued by their peers.

1. Yes I do. I think choosing to adopt the label positions me as someone who’s interested in working toward equality for the genders. Feminism is the political movement that works for fair and equitable treatment for people of all genders.

2. The biggest deterrent has been the media’s treatment of the feminist movement. For example, Rush Limbaugh coined the term “feminazi” and is proud of that. Conservative radio and TV has slanted the political movement in certain ways. This is always done via the branches; there are extreme branches of the feminist movement as there are with any movement. I don’t think the movement is represented well via media. I know some people don’t like the term because it has been co-opted.

3. Make toys gender neutral. Gendered socialization of children is insane. People critique the fact that I’m not doing more to gender-please my son. People think it’s wrong if I let him play with a doll.

4. I follow several feminist blogs. One concern I have is that they’re not very mainstream and not widely read out of feminist circles, which is typical. People are misinformed but it’s not their fault. Just because CNN doesn’t have feminist issues as their main headline doesn’t mean they’re not being discussed. Terming blogs as “feminist” blogs identifies them in a way that they probably won’t maybe ever be mainstream.

5. Being misunderstood /narrowly understood. The breadth of the feminist movement isn’t clear. We need to take our voices into the mainstream, like Eve Ensler and Jessica Valenti have attempted by writing for The New York Times or The Huffington Post.

After reading Freud for an hour and a half, I'm callous and cynical.

A recent blog post matched my mood, and covers a topic I feel very strongly about. Rape is not a joke. There is nothing funny about it. People who use it in a context to mean 'dominating' or 'oppressive' understand that it's a horrific thing, but not that survivors should be respected, no matter if the person you're 'joking' with is a survivor or not. Rape jokes contribute nothing intellectually stimulating/positive to conversation.

"Comedian" Daniel Tosh figured he'd get a lot of viewers if he brought an internet sensation on his show. Antoine Dodson, a brother to a near-rape victim was publicized after his unorthodox reprimanding of the rapist in a news interview. His response was autotuned and quickly became a YouTube and iTunes celebrity. Autotuned Youtube clip here.

 I had never before watched Tosh's show, Tosh.0, but saw a commercial for it recently, advertising Dodson's upcoming appearance on the show. Dodson quoted from his famous clip that viewers would have to hide [their] kids, hide [their] wives, and hide [their] husbands because, as Tosh interjected, "we're rapin' errbody." I was devastated. I was sour. I was fuming. My angry-letter-writing hand itched. Then I found this blog post about the actual episode of Tosh.0 in which Dodson appeared and in which Tosh makes 30 - yes, thirty - 'jokes' about rape in 30 minutes.

Thankfully, the blog post provides a transcription of the happenings instead of a video clip so as not to give Tosh any more 'views.'

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time for me to write a letter.

Response #3

1. Yes I do identify as a feminist but I am at times reluctant to use that label. I prefer the liberal definition of the word which strives for equal opportunities for everyone.

2. I have mixed feelings about the label. “Feminism” is one word that has been deliberately demonized and tarnished. It’s been deliberately subverted by design, and politically targeted so that people are reluctant to use it. If I use the word, I’m careful to use it in front of people who have a similar idea to what my definition of feminism means. We see this demonization happen now with the words ‘liberal’ and ‘progressive.’ People switch their labels so as not to be judged. I don’t think this is as easy for ‘feminism.’

3. I think it would be helpful if more men/young men would feel more comfortable if not identifying with the word, then enacting what that would suggest. This would mean trying to work as closely as possible with women/ not holding them back. The idea that feminism benefits men is a tenet of liberal feminism but is not repeated enough. Men are reluctant to identify with it. They stand to benefit from the values. The better they understand it, the better off they will be. We’re looking at something like a demographic feminist crisis in this generation: there are way more women going to college but they prefer to date men who have the same education as they do. This will be impossible in years to come if the trend follows. It will be interesting to see what happens with relationship shaping in years to come.

4. I want to say it can have a pretty big impact, but blogging in general has changed perceptions of things. In the past, people who needed to react to something would have either done nothing or written in a journal and no one would have seen it. Readership is important. I think people are reading them - not a huge number - but people who do read them get a dedicated niche of readers. Who are drawn to the personal of blogs. Plus, if readers choose to comment, they know their voice will be heard, as opposed to people who, for example, write letters to the editor.

5.  It seems like right now the word is a bit of a blank slant for projection. This can be a bad thing but also good. It is interesting to think about whether or not people like Sarah Palin or Lady Gaga or Madonna is or is not a feminist. I think we should continue the discussion of what the term means and how or why some people would fit into that and how it can be articulated.

Response #2

1. Yes, I strongly identify as a feminist. To me feminism is about equality of the sexes, in terms of gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. I find that both men and women face unique challenges as a consequence of their gender and gender role expectations. I have experienced sexism first hand (when the bank associate, car sales associate, etc. insist on speaking only to my husband)– and I have observed my husband experiencing sexism (when daycare centers directed all of their questions towards me, instead of towards my husband) and my children (such as when people cannot believe that I would let my 3 year old son would wear his pretty pink princess shoes). I believe that in order for both men and women to experience  their full potential they cannot be limited by gender role expectations. 

2. Yes, I think that the term feminism has developed negative connotations – but truthfully, I do not think that changing the term is going to make feminism any more popular. Gender differences are complex and challenging. Science reveals that men and women may be truly, fundamentally different from one another (the obvious example is child birth, but there may be other biological differences in the way that men and women think, learn, and reason). It is so difficult to parse apart nature versus nurture when it comes to this issue. Especially since people are gender socialized from day 1 (pink for girls, blue for boys). I think that a challenge is that most people are comfortable with their gender role expectations and so there is no motivation to question these expectations or to change them. 

3. I think that we need to try and lessen the impact of gender socialization in children. From birth things are categorized as ‘boy’ versus ‘girl’ clothes, toys, etc. Even at McDonalds, the associate happily asks, is that toy for a boy or a girl – without any recognition that toy preferences may cut across gender lines. As long as we continue creating highly defined differentiations between males and females, we continue to provide means by which to discriminate against one group or the other. 

4. I think that a blog could potentially be used to mobile in very specific ways people who identify as feminists. As for creating new feminists, I do not think that a blog would be very effective. The people who would read such a blog are probably already on board with feminist thinking. Unless it is organized in a very unique and broad reaching manner I think that such a blog would probably end up ‘preaching to the choir’.
5. Minimizing gender socialization and the impact it has on keeping people locked into gender boxes.

 

And thus, my day begins in seething rage.

The Pitt. The University of Pittsbergh's student newspaper. Article headline: "After MLK day, now time to seduce 'sweetie'". Hmmm. After reading, I understand why the first comment says, "This is pathetic. Attempting to eke humor out of the derogation of women is neither creative nor interesting." Even if it is meant to "[mock] men who do these kinds of things, not the women they do them to," as another commenter replies, how is it in any way funny? There's no obvious explanation that this is satire/should be treated as such. To petition an apology to students, click me.

So many factions of my inner being are cringing right now.

Response #1

I had a total of eight faculty responses to my questionnaire and will post the responses of one, anonymously, each day. [To lighten your reading load and to give reflection time.] I have bolded the text of statements I heartily agree with.]

1. Because of my mother’s past, I don’t identify as a feminist, but rather as someone who is interested in women’s studies/rights. I do realize that, living through the second wave, people needed to be radical and needed to get noticed because early voices had been lost to us until then. Women’s studies wasn’t something brought to me in high school or college so it wasn’t until literature emerged around the second wave that abilities of women recognized. I didn’t have an appreciation for what was going on at the time and feel I have missed earlier voices – they were ignored. Now that I’ve taught a course on women’s lit, I feel educated in what I should have been. You’d think that type of education wouldn’t have been hard to come by at an all-girl school. During the early days of the second wave, women activists were seen as judgmental; there wasn’t appreciation for the wide range of possibilities for women because it was viewed as an angry movement. But I now understand why this was the case.

2. I think it was a deterrent in the sixties/for my generation. It was seen as a limited-focus, angry group of people. I think it’s making progress because the feminist movement now does show an appreciation for wide range of choices that women. I think it’s getting much more acceptable.

3. Women studies programs in education. As women are becoming more prominent on Supreme Court and in political positions, like Hillary Clinton, they are living feminist values and people identify with that/them. It has been hard and is still really hard to emerge as a female leader. Education is always a good place to start. I don’t know what’s going on in high schools now to help young women start appreciating/start identifying with feminist values. I think employers are getting better about knowing the importance of having those values being a part of their teams. It’s often the woman who are able to bring people together, who are not as tied to their way of doing things. They are added as consensus builders; they note consequences of business actions. People are appreciating women more in the workplace.

4. I am hoping that they show the breadth of women’s possibilities because there is so much out there and a lot of educated women in different areas are blogging.

5. Locally, employment. Larger picture – international rights of women, or lack thereof. I don’t understand why there is such a lack of rights. Even here at Maryville we have international students with arranged marriages. I am concerned about where women really still stand. I’m amazed by how many women still don’t have a voice.

Gettin' my primetime on.

Context: Last night's episode of "What Would You Do?" a T.V. program that stages racism, religion bashing, etc. with hidden cameras to see how strangers react to taboo issues we still face.

This episode staged a young boy at a toy store with his father. The boy wants to get a Barbie doll and says he loves them. The "father" says things like, "Since when do you love Barbies?" loudly to get people to react. Immediately, in the first trial, a mother and son come over. The woman says to the boy actor, "There are a million good toys, why don't you pick something else?"

A second woman jokes, "It's probably because he likes girls."
Actor dad: "Really?"
Woman 2: "Nah."
Actor dad: "Well if this was your son, what would you do?"
Woman 2: "I wouldn't get it. I would distract him with something else."

A third woman suggests a compromise, "They have a Ken."

A fourth woman enters and says, "I was a kindergarten teacher. Some kids go through a stage where they like to do that."
Actor dad: "See I'm worried that he'll play with the doll now and, next thing you know, he'll start to wear, like, pink dresses."
Woman 4: "I don't think so."

In her interview (when the camera crews are revealed), the woman says children should be encouraged to explore whatever they want to do. Childhood is the time to do so.

Woman 5: "It's alright!" (that the child wants to play with a Barbie)

Woman 6: "I think you're making it into a bigger deal than it is. You'll probably buy it and he'll be done with it in a day. Unfortunately, what scares you [the child being gay], if it's there, it's there, and if it isn't, it isn't. I had a son who, when he was eleven, I was positive he was gay. And now he's married. So, yes [to the boy], you can have the Barbie." In her interview: "I was bothered that the father was so upset about it. Whatever the child is going to be, he's going to be, so the father should let him be."

Woman 7 writes a note to the actor dad with the title of a book: "William's Doll" which is about a boy who wants a doll and whose father is dead set against it. Her interview: "There's absolutely nothing wrong with it. Just like a little girl should be able to play with trucks and anyone should be able to play with whatever they like."

[[No men spoke up during this experiment.]]

In the next experiment, the actor son wants to wear a princess dress. The actor dad in this case is completely okay with the child wearing the dress. An third actor man stages ridicule against the boy's choice of dress.

Woman 1's reaction: "It's none of your business. If my son wanted to dress like that I'd let him."

Woman 2: "I feel bad for your kids if you have this issue. If it doesn't affect you, why should you care?"
Actor man: "My kid could be going to school with his son."
Woman 2: "And it'd be good for your kids to learn a lesson from his son."

Woman 3: "You're a grownup and you're picking on him. I think you should stop."
Actor man: "What if he grows up and he still wants to wear that dress."
Woman 3: "And? What's your point? Actually, I don't care about your point because it's none of your business." Her interview: "I have children and I really care if people are being insulted or judged, especially in front of a child. I don't know why anyone would find wearing a dress upsetting. It's your life. Enjoy it how you want to."

Woman 4: "I think you're absurd and I don't think it's your business." [To the actor man.] Her interview: "Gender identity is up to an individual to feel. Maybe it will influence who they turn out to be, but who am I or who is anybody to choose that or stop it?"
Woman 5 congratulates the actor dad for what he's doing with his child.

About 2/3 of the women shoppers seemed to support gender equality when it comes to the child's choice of toy/dress. Only a few expressed fear that it might actually impact a child's gender identity. I was kind of bothered by the fact that NO men were shown reacting, but if this really is live television, so to speak, and the strangers were coming in on their own and reacting candidly, maybe the store didn't have many male shoppers that day. Either way, I appreciated the show bringing the issue of gender identity to the forefront via mainstream media.

Celebrities Give Me Hope

Singer, "Jason Mraz[,] told Tristan Prettyman 'I'm Yours,' but he won't say "I do," for perhaps quite a while.
Mraz, who popped the question to Prettyman right before Christmas, told attendees of the Concert to Benefit the American Foundation for Equal Rights on Wednesday that he won't walk down the aisle until everyone can -- including gay couples." See the entire Huffington Post article.

And now for some stark contrast:

Taking a Stand

Although I've been holed up in my room for a majority of the day due to the snow, I've been finding ways to make my voice heard: democratic participation, whatwhat!

The Roe v. Wade anniversary is tomorrow, celebrating 38 years of mobility toward reproductive choice. "Stupak on Steroids" is trying to diminish the rights of pregnant rape and incest victims, and increase health insurance costs if policies include abortion coverage, of which 87% currently do. Petition and more information.

An equally disturbing realization about women and girl who aren't receiving education in lesser developed countries like Malawi: Time-consuming household chores take time away from studying. If families can't afford fees or supplies, girls are pulled out of school. Other girls are forced into an early marriage -- ending their educational opportunities. Hopefully, through voter submissions and petition signings, the UN will continue its progress on expanding worldwide education for all genders. Petition and more information.

For some young women, cheerleading means popularity. For others, humility. A high school girl, having recently reported being raped by a schoolmate, was threatened to cheer for her rapist at a high school game, or she'd be kicked off the squad. The young woman should be issued an apology and her case should be dealt with sensitively by officials. Petition and more information.  

Meninism

I wish this group didn't have to go under a different title, because they're still following feminist principles. But, needless to say, I'm very thankful that some men practice these tenets and are willing to involve others.

Meninist is a global organization of men that believe in and support the feminist principles of women's political, social and economic equality. The following represents the platform we believe in (but the need for equal rights for women should be self-evident in this day and age). This page hopes to convey that a growing movement of men recognize and support the women's movement, for the benefit of women, men and all of humanity.
 
1) We are opposed to all forms of misogynist behavior and sexist attitudes; we respect all women.
2) We believe in a woman's reproductive freedom and right to control her own body.
3) We oppose all forms of violence against women, including rape, sexual harassment and domestic violence, as well as all negative stereotypes and violence against women in film, television and advertising.
4) We understand the need for men to participate in the women's movement and help end 2000 years of men's patriarchy. We pledge to support women in every possible way we can, including sharing responsibilities around the house and in parenting.
5) We believe that women should be paid in parity to men for the same work done and women should be given the same opportunities in the work environment. We oppose the so-called "glass ceiling" (the oppression of women's ability to advance at the workplace). We oppose the "Old Boy's Network."

Source.

Ah, here's where I stuff in the 'pop culture' part of this blog.

Venus Williams: African-American female tennis legend. Headlines are screaming about her no-nonsense approach to tennis fashion, claiming her dresses are "too short." The latest, with a pie-crust top and Monet-like skirt, below:

Critics say she's a distraction/not taking the game seriously. I call shenanigans. She's taking it more seriously than her competition hopes to imagine: she's making tennis into more than a game; it's now an expressive outlet for her, a boundary breaker. Quoted, she remarks on the above dress creation and inspiration from Alice in Wonderland: "It's kind of about a surprise, because when Alice goes down the...rabbit hole, she finds all these things that are so surprising. This outfit is about having a surprise in tennis (a dress) and kind of, you know, showing some skin and then just having a print. Prints don't happen that often in tennis. So it's called the Wonderland dress. It was fun."

So I say, let her whatever the hell she wants. She's not indecent (note the flesh-colored shorts). And, need I mention, she's a seven-time Grand Slam champ. Go, Venus. Do your thang.

Questionnaire

I have sent the following questions to twelve faculty members of varying generation at Maryville University:

1. Do you identify as a feminist? If so why? If no, why not? AND/OR “_____ is what feminism means to me.”

2. Do you think the label “feminist” is a deterrent to others identifying as such? Why or why not? AND/OR What do you believe has been the biggest deterrent regarding the progress of the feminist movement?

3. What is one thing you think our society could begin/change in order to enlarge the pool of our population who identify with feminist values?

4. What impact do you think feminist pop culture blogs can/do have in our society?

5. “My top concern in the feminist movement is _____” (What you would like to change/see more of.)

Until the results of my questionnaire are tabulated within this week, I'm linking an interesting feminist survey video here.

Consciousness: raised.

"I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought, there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you." -- Frida Kahlo

"I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood." -- Audre Lorde

"I am a bonsai tree. Clipped and calculated. Pruned and precious. I take in. I give away. I stretch my limbs as an itty bitty masterpiece." -- me

Liberal Feminism

Finished Tong's chapter on Liberal Feminism today. An initial thought for those seeking to discredit liberal feminism: why the hellbent defaming of Betty Friedan? She's one woman, entitled to her opinion, who wrote two books after her first, detailing her growth in thought. While her initial design may have been flawed regarding "the problem that has no name" because she failed to consider women of different class or social standing than white, middle-class, she spent time reconstructing her ideas and writing two more books about her intuitive growth. And that's an extreme example of human development, if you ask me.

This inter-factional feuding is just one more thing complicating the goal achievement sought by those with feminist intent. So, if I'm at liberty, may I just say, "stop, already"?

Annnnnd, here's an example of rampant internet sexism via Facebook:

Final Thoughts Before First Chapter

Similar to Rosemarie Tong's notes on page 9 of her book, Feminist Thought, I will attempt throughout this blog to "[aim] not so much at neutrality as I [will] at respect, since each feminist perspective has made a rich and lasting contribution to feminist thought." Ultimately, I hope to discover for myself a better understanding, as Tong does, of "why women worldwide are the 'second sex' ad how to change this state of affairs" (9).