Go GAP!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/someone-wrote-very-very-racist-comments-on-a-gap-ad-and-gap

As part of the "Make Love" campaign, GAP has been diversifying the models that they feature. This article focuses primarily on Sikh model Waris Ahluwalia. There was an overwhelming positive reaction to this advertisement from Sikh and non-Sikh individuals applauding GAP for their use of diversification and showing the beauty in everybody, not just in muscular white males or skinny white females. Unfortunately, due to the uneducated, uncultured society in America, somebody vandalized this advertisement in the subway system. GAP, however, did not let these blatantly racist actions bring down the message of their campaign. It was so cool to see how GAP even made the photo their Twitter and Facebook cover photo! I think this is a perfect example of how an anti-activist group/individual can light a fire under a movement, bringing more attention to it and hopefully educating people further on why this action is wrong.

One thing that really stood out to me was a quote made by Arsalan Iftikhar as he said, "More than anything else, though, the moral of this story is to prove yet again that we certainly do not yet live in a 'post-racial America' since minorities like South Asians (or other brown folks perceived to be Muslim or Arab) cannot even grace fashion advertisements without having nasty racial epithets hurled their way… I want to live in an America where a fashion model can be a handsome, bearded brown dude in a turban who is considered as beautiful as a busty blonde-haired white girl in see-through lingerie."

We do not live in a post-racial America! If we did, then we would see our society like the melting pot it is supposed to be. Instead, it is a tossed salad that is not blended very well at all. So what do my fellow feminists think?

Gender stereotypes and rape

http://everydayfeminism.com/2013/11/raped-by-a-woman/

I think this article does an excellent job of showing a real-life example of female-on-male rape. I think it is sad that I even have to say "real-life example", like this issue is too foreign to even comprehend.

I couldn't believe that this man decided not only to be in a relationship with his attacker, but a two year relationship at that. I can't imagine how confusing it would be to be raped as a man. Men are supposed to want sex anywhere, anytime, with anyone.

So, this makes me wonder how many men have been raped, and how many men continue to be raped on a daily basis. How can we as a society bring attention to this issue? Do you think it is a realistic goal to have? Personally, I feel like we have so much work to do on gender norms before this kind of rape can even be talked about seriously.

My sentiments exactly.. Greek Life and Pivilege

I was trolling the internet the other day, wanting a good solid critique on Greek life and the Greek system as a whole so that I could have a reference point for the friends I try and explain to but don't see it.. I stumbled upon this one from a student at UNC- Chapel Hill and it's been one of the better ones I've read (sad that it's been actually difficult to find a good critique... -_- )

http://thrillcitync.com/paddles-and-privilege/

Thoughts? And any suggestions for good articles that offer a well-rounded, intersectional, criticism on the institution of Greek life on college campuses. Especially with pig-headed publications like "Total Frat Move" and "Total Sorority Move".

Maybe don't make a rape analogy

http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2013/11/22/rush_limbaugh_on_filibuster_reform_it_s_just_like_allowing_rape.html

Ugh. Not that I'm surprised, but Rush Limbaugh deemed it appropriate to compare changing filibuster rules to a gang-rape. I have an idea- similarly to how we should stop likening non-genocidal murderers to Hitler, let's stop likening things that aren't rape to rape. Okay? Thanks!

25 Totally Acceptable Ways To Respond to Catcallers

I found this list of ways to respond to catcallers and I thought it was awesome.

1. Keep your head down and keep walking.

2. Hold your head higher and keep walking.

3. Flip him off.

4. Be like, “Wow, yeah, let’s get married.”

5. Stop and glare at him intensely until he looks away.

6. Take a voodoo doll out of your pocket. Stick a pin through its heart.

7. Hand him this form.

8. Turn up the volume on your iPod and gallop away Gangnam style.

9. Start muttering gibberish.

10. Say, “Why thank you, sir, I do have a great ass.”

11. Growl like a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

12. Ask to take his picture.

13. Start reciting Mel Gibson’s freedom speech from “Braveheart.”

14. Roll your eyes dramatically.

15. Take a steak out of your purse and say, “No, THIS is a piece of meat.”

16. Ask him for his thoughts on string theory.

17. Write “Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?” on a piece of paper, fold it into a paper airplane, and throw it at him.

18. Fart. Loudly.

19. Be all, “Really? REALLY?!” Amy Poehler-style.

20. Ask for his address. Send him a postcard that says “I’m not here to decorate your fucking world.”

21. Curtsey.

22. Pretend you didn’t hear him.

23. Quietly hum the tune to “No Scrubs.”

24. Catcall him back.

25. Whisper, “Be careful what you say … to ninjas!” Throw down a smoke bomb. Disappear.

ADDITIONAL : One tactic that I always wanted to use:  Say, (in a schocked tone) "Oh my gosh, you can actually see me?" 

Source: http://www.thefrisky.com/2013-11-13/25-totally-acceptable-ways-to-respond-to-catcallers/

Immigration is a Feminist Issue-We Need To Treat It That Way

After that whole disgusting mess with the "catch an illegal immigrant" event I came across a really important article. The article argues that feminist should care about the way our country treats undocumented immigrants. One of the reasons out of many that they give is because immigration policies leave women sitting in detention for months. Some of the detained women are not only being kept from their children but are also being sexually accosted and raped by the officers.

The article argues that the main reason immigration isn't being treated as a feminist issue is because mainstream feminism fails at being inclusive of women of color and understanding intersecting identities.

The author gives the example of MS. Magazine tweeting a congrats to Janet Napolitano being named the first woman president of the University of California, when in fact this was not positive. As Homeland Security secretary since 2009, Napolitano has presided over the deportation of 1.5 million undocumented immigrants. The author argues that its things like this that cause many women of color to be apprehensive about calling themselves feminist.

I totally agree with this article. Immigration is definitely an immigrant issue and its not being treated as such. This is a good reminder that every woman faces oppression differently and that we must listen to women's own experiences and not generalize if we are to end patriarchy for good.

Source: http://bitchmagazine.org/post/immigration-is-a-feminist-issue%E2%80%94we-need-to-treat-it-that-way

Plastic Bodies

Sheila Pree Bright a photographer created a series called "Plastic Bodies" in which she juxtaposed doll facial features with a real woman's. She says the idea behind this came from American concepts of the "perfect female body" that introduce trends that many spend hundreds of dollars to imitate and as a result the female body becomes a replica of a doll and the essence of natural beauty in popular American culture is replaced by a fantasy. She says, "The body of work addresses the loss of personal identity many women experience, specifically women of color."

I found her photos to be super creepy but the message behind "the perfect female body"  is really powerful.






Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/22/plastic-bodies-sheila-pree-bright-beauty-identity_n_4324403.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003&ir=Black%20Voices#slide=3144102

10 Teenage Girls who have Changed the World

http://www.buzzfeed.com/alannabennett/10-people-who-are-proof-that-we-shouldnt-look-dow-d2yp

Buzzfeed has been doing a phenomenal job lately at showing how awesome women are. What I love about this article is that it shows how teenage girls have made a difference in the world, proving that activism is possible even at a young age. In class, we have discussed numerous times how individuals think that activism is too difficult to do or that they simply do not have the time to do it. These ten girls show how activism can be used in one’s daily life. Angela Zhang, for example, took a high school science fair project to the next level by potentially creating a cure for cancer.

Another thing I really love about this article is that it proves that anybody can be an activist, even a teenager! Each of these ten girls are completely different and bring their own talents to the table in regards to changing the world and making a difference. As the article examines, there are girls like Mary Shelley and Tavi Gevinson, who have changed our world on a culture level through their contributions in science fiction and in fashion respectively. Both of these teenagers obviously took something that they were passionate about and made it their own, which is what activism is all about.

Also, this article does a phenomenal job in showing girls of different ethnicities and social classes. Brittany Wenger is a 17 year old girl from Florida who designed a computer program that can diagnose breast cancer and leukemia. Duro-Aina Adebola, Akindele Abiola, Faleke Oluwatoyin, and Bello Eniola, on the other hand, are from Nigeria, and worked together in order to invent a urine-powered generator. And through a life or death situation, Malala Yousafzai began speaking out on behalf of women’s education when she was only 11 years old, not letting the threat of the Taliban infringe upon her mission. 

I think these teenager girls are a perfect example of how activism can truly be done by anyone, regardless of age and that all talents can be utilized in order to carry out a truly activist mission. 

We Are Empowered Campaign

Mackenzie Kuffenberae s senior at the University of Pittsburgh created a campaign to show that bullying comes in all forms. She says, "The idea is to share your story wit people who don't know you, but they know how you feel." She created a website where people can share their own personal stories about bullying. I found this to be a really inspiring campaign. Here are some pictures from the campaign. Click the source links to see more.



Sources : 'We Are Empowered' Campaign Proves That Everyone Struggles With Bullying.. But Anyone Can Overcome It, Too (PHOTOS)


We Are Empowered

Women artists in museums

I was having issues as to why intro art history courses (it depends maybe also at what time period the class is discussing), never touched the issue of lack of women artists. I remember going to a panel last semester with profs on the panel from history and other subjects. But even they thought that it was important to talk about either the lack of women or the role of women even if it was not necessarily in the course book. When I talked to my art history mentor about it, the only prof that actually teaches feminism in art, why it isn't discussed in class. He mentioned the fact that there is a greater prevalence of women artists in this time period. And I do understand that there is a canon for art history, i still think that its very important to talk about it especially in an intro art history course.
     I started to look at the collection at SLAM, how great the differences were in number of women and male artists. There is such a huge disparity still within the numbers. But not only that some artists in the museum have more than 10 paintings or pieces at SLAM. With the image  from guerilla girls although that certain photo goes more for auctions/monetary value of art/the fact that art from women barely touch the price value of art works from males. I would take a big guess that for the most part the paintings from the males would have been much more expensive. The highest I have counted so far was from Max Beckner (german expressionism, which i didn't think would have been that popular here but hey why not) with about 23 paintings. I was wondering what if with that money they had bought female artists' artwork rather than having such a high amount of paintings from one individual.
    I'm not taking away that the male artists are not any good, but why are they far better distinguished and respected. I understand that idea might not be as heavily thought of compared to just the 1900s (an example being Steiglitz being unhappy with some of O'Keefe's works when she started to depart from flowers because it wasn't representing females anymore/essentialism). That thought still exists today, I don't think that any female artists any time soon would be breaking the most expensive painting auctioned like Francis Bacon's triptych for about 142 million.
   I'm not asking to be inclusive for the sake of bring more women artists into the space of museums, but I do not think that there would be such a lack of female artists in all styles of art. I thought that maybe the contemporary wing would have provided more since it contains work from post-modernism/closer to this time period. But it was about 61 male artists to 13 females, I don't get how there are only 13 females to 61 males especially within contemporary.

Senator Kirk rocks my socks off!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/lesterfeder/senator-kirk-pulls-senate-meeting-room-for-group-supportive

So many issues with anti-LGBT individuals. There seems to have been a tired Senate meeting about the attack on the traditional family. Of course conservatives are oh so scared that, "natural family and faith that have made our nation free, prosperous, and stable for more than 200 years"will disapear because of the LBGT community. I thought everyone knew with was our mission. We want to rid the world of heterosexuals! DUH!

Senator Kirk fought back though, and cancelled the meeting! He did not know what the meeting was about at first, and then upon further information cancelled the whole thing :D (he obviously wants to get rid of the hetero's too!) Sen. Kirks spokesperson informed people that “Sen. Kirk doesn’t affiliate with groups that discriminate.” FUCK YEAH!!!

Anyways the traditional family lovers are pissed, and are saying that Sen. Kirk is taking away the freedom of the traditional family, and has decide to "side with the policies of decline, death and disease promoted by the Sexual Radicals.” Yes finally I AM A RADICAL! Thank you conservatives for clearing that up for me.

Traditional family lovers brought in very interesting information about LGBT rights across the world for instance: "the nontraditional sexual relations’ to minors; and across Europe and Africa, nations are concerned with life issues, shrinking populations, and the disintegration of the natural family." Nope most really aren't. Actually Europe is kinda happy our population is shirking because it means more jobs, food, and fun stuff for people. Also what is this about the "natural family"? Hello dolphins, chimps, seahorses, and swans (to name a few) can be GAY! Obviously that is not natural enough for them!

Anyways interesting article. I could go on more and more, but I'll leave that for another post. In the end I at least know that Sen. Kirk rocks, and is behind my radical sexual needs that will destroy the earth once and for all. ;)

workplace dynamics

http://www.buzzfeed.com/tabathaleggett/could-cellular-solutions-be-britains-best-looking-company

I haven't done much research on this exact topic, but this is very much how I see the interaction of men and women in the workplace today. Yes, more women are entering the workplace, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are in positions of power, or that their circumstances are dramatically improving. I just found this link to be disgusting- a bunch of gross white men hiring a bunch of pretty white women. What year is this?

"Catch an Illegal Immigrant game" at UT Austin

Conservative College Kids Host “Catch an Illegal Immigrant” Game

Damn. So many things wrong with this. I would have hoped that being closer to the border, there might be more sensitivity to these issues. But alas, just like in Phoenix, some people are just fucked up.
Even if the conservatives upset by this are just criticizing because they're hurting the conservative agenda, at least someone is calling them out. UGH, keep working everyone...

VOTE for Superbowl commercial!

I hate upworthy also...

BUT finally a really awesome worthwhile cause! This is a follow up to Ebony's post inspiring young women and girls to challenge their intellect!

Here's a line of toys, or at least a few games, that are geared for girls (or not!) designed to inspire their sciencey and creative minds! HOW COOL! This little commercial is so sweet, paired with the song, and their bad ass glares at the camera at the end. 

And watch the video, VOTE at the end to have this commercial aired during the superbowl...possibly right before or after the practically naked Miss America eating Carls jr....UGH, what an awesome way to combat that!

GIRL POWER TOYS

If you like it, VOTE!

40 Reasons We Still Need Feminism

http://www.buzzfeed.com/janeclaireh/40-reasons-we-still-need-feminism-cqtr

Upon discovering this BuzzFeed article, I got really excited to see what it entailed! It reminded me a lot of the poster series that Hannah did for the Women's and Gender Studies Department, but just on a much different level, kind of like the All of Us Campaign. I think this would be an awesome activism project for someone to do or for Una to conduct! It definitely spoke volumes to read all the reasons why feminism is still needed in our society, especially when so many people think that feminism is dead or that equality has already been achieved...it still saddens me to think that some people actually believe that.

One thing I loved about the campaign was all the diversity in it. There were girls of different races, different ages, different sizes, and even men took part in it! Even though I do not know the demographics of the community where this was conducted, I would have loved to see even more diversity in this! Nevertheless, it spoke volumes to me. Some of the things that I read I also have experienced in my own life, but some of them seemed to give me a whole other perspective on feminism and why some individuals become involved in the movement.

Here are the ones that really stood out to me:

"I didn't learn about feminist issues until college. Crazy."
"I'm tired of having to remind people I'm a person not an object."
"Ain't nobody go time fo' sexism."
"There's nothing negative about being a pussy!"
"Our bodies are still being legislated and we all deserve autonomy."
"Feminism helps men become fully human."
"Because it's 2013 and politicians are still arguing about women's reproductive rights."
"I want a job!"
"Women have a small penis. It's called a clitoris!"
"When I tell people I'm majoring in physics, I shouldn't hear, 'But you're a girl!'"

So what do you guys think? Think this would be something really cool to have at SLU? We have the All of Us Campaign and the Women's and Gender Studies Department poster series...why can't we have photos stating why feminism is still needed in our society?!?!

female? male? transformation

So I was scanning Buzzfeed today, and came upon this article. http://www.buzzfeed.com/lilyhiottmillis/artist-documents-her-experience-dressing-more-feminine-to-ge

So a couple of days ago I got into another fight with Shannon's brother. This time about hiring female workers. To shorten the trip from hells deepest depths and back: he doesn't hire women as much because of the fear that they will sue the company later if they are hired. By these women suing the company HE has to do more paperwork. And he doesn't want to bother himself with it!

So I thought to myself well FUCK IT why do women constantly have to change themselves to be hired. Why do we have to prove to people that we won't sue (even if the company is patriarchal), and prove that we are sweet docile humans.

Well here pops up onto my Buzzfeed this short post about a gender queer woman, who has to dress more feminine to get her job. The post takes one through the whole transformation of comfort zone to objectification of the female. (Watch the video at the end) I would never want to wear something that I didn't for work, but many women (and men!) do all the time. Many employers want the 'normative' male-female because that is safe. Well safe my ass! Discrimination IS discrimination and I'm tired of it being called different things. Wants and desires can be discriminatory; just like when boss WANTS to do less paperwork.

So what do people think? Fascinating post? Or just another female feeding into the system?

Pink Ribbons, Inc.

So "Race for the Cure" "Relay for Life" and "walks" to help end cancer have never sat well with me.. I don't understand them, I don't get why you would go to it to "show your support" and I have NO IDEA where all of those millions of dollars that average citizens raise goes to! Why the ef has there not been a cure yet!? Even more troubling, why are multi-million dollar corporations like Yoplait, Avon, freaking KFC getting on the breast cancer "awareness" bandwagon?

I never vocalize my opinions on it much, because it's very mainstream- but my public health mind has always thought "we need to catch the problem before even the mammograms detect it"
-Why are poor women more affected?
-Why is the incidence and prevalence of breast cancer disproportionately on women of color? And if there's no "race gene" (as race is, in fact a social construct), why is this so?! There's obvious issues of class then, too!
I get really pissed that these numbers exist, that there are known risk factors and known populations that are more at risk than others and still nothing is being done to PREVENT IT FROM EVEN EXISTING!

I watched this awesome documentary on Netflix, I just happened to be looking through the available documentaries (I was in one of those moods) called "Pink Ribbons, Inc." I highly recommend everyone watch it. It answered a lot of the questions I had.
The claim is that the pink ribbons and all the campaigns from Komen to pharmaceutical companies to Avon, it's all an obvious and blatant exploitation of women and our "emotions" and "ethos".
I thought about it after, you don't see "Prostate Cancer walks"! The NFL isn't wearing blue ribbons to support prostate cancer "awareness"! I don't know, I'm very angry at this because I feel like I've sort of known this for awhile, because it's never sat well with me... And now that these experts- scientists, environmental and occupational health scientist, activists, women and men are exposing the truth behind Susan G Komen and Avon and all of them.. I feel so.. lied to? I don't know. Watch the documentary, it isn't that long and it is on Netflix. I'd like to know ya'lls thoughts on this...

You're not a princess.

An ad campaign from an all female Catholic college prep academy in Kentucky recently went viral. The campaign's tagline is to "prepare for real life" and it features ads that challenge themes from princess culture. This ad campaign has received a lot praise for its feminist views.

I think this is a great campaign that erases some of these harmful messages that Disney movies put out. Its a great thing to teach girls and I'm pretty sure that the enrollment for this school has increased.



See more here: http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/intriguing-ads-tell-young-girls-youre-not-princess-and-lifes-not-fairytale-153788

Rape Prevention Clothing

I came across an indiegogo fundraiser for rape prevention clothing. The people behind the brand refer to it as AR Wear- a clothing line offering werable protection for when things go wrong. The company does acknowledge that the underwear will not solve rape but instead offer women and girls better protection against rape.

The line will offer assorted types and styles of underwear, running shorts, and traveling shorts that are resistant to pulling, tearing, and cutting, while being comfortable to wear. The clothing will be made out of reinforced material and have a unique locking device that will stop the garment from being pulled down.

They had a goal of raising $50,000 and with only 8 days left in the fundraiser they have raised $52, 599.

It's kind of scary that we have a need for this in our society. I'm interested to see how these will work.

Source: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ar-wear-confidence-protection-that-can-be-worn

Women Studies Event: Coffee With Cool Women

On Wednedsay Novemeber 6 I attended an event hosted by PEEPS called Coffee With Cool Women. This event featured the artist Ilene Berman. Ilene created NODhouse which is an art project that she used for social justice activism. She created NODhouse in order to bring attention the racial divide in St.Louis City Neighborhood. NOD stands for North of Delmar that she learned about after moving to St.Louis during her search for a place to live. People told her not to live North Of Delmar so Illene became aware of the invisible barrier that separates the city by race.

Ilene also found out that one of the many problems that resulted from this invisible barrier was that when the Grand Art Center hosts their art events they never hold anything past Delmar. In that way the Grand Art Center is deciding which part of the neighborhood is worthy of art and what part is not which further perpetuates the barrier.

Ilene started her project by creating a manifest and sewing it into cloth napkins, which symbolizes bringing everyone to the table. She then took the napkins into business on Delmar and Grand and asked the owners if she could hang them up on their walls. She said that the business owners were receptive and open to her project while the Grand Art Center was not.

One thing that Illene talked about that really resonated with me was about graffiti. She pointed out that past the invisible Delmar line there is not much graffiti to be found. When she said that I thought it was an odd statement. Most people consider graffiti to be defacing and devaluing but then Ilene explained her statement. She said that the part of the neighborhood was so run down and neglected that people are not adding graffiti to it because they don't want to claim it is their own. I had never thought of graffiti that way and I found it to be an extremely powerful statement that speaks volumes about the racial divide in this city.

Overall this was a great event. The dialogue created at this event was very inspiring and it was also a great example of how you can use your own personal interests and talents to create social justice and change. I hope to attend many more Coffee With Cool Women events.

More info on NODhouse: http://nodhouse.com/about-nodhouse/

hard for a bitch

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/lily-allen-explains-how-i_n_4261914.html?utm_hp_ref=women&ir=Women

You hip-kids have probably seen this new music video, but I thought it was worth posting on here anyway. Here are some thoughts I have after watching this for the second time:

1) Lily Allen is one BAMF

2) I love that she is reclaiming the word "bitch," reminiscent of the post Amelia had on here. My friends and I exclusively use this term as a compliment when a woman is being a badass/ tough/ strong/ hard-working, etc. I love seeing this reflected in pop-culture. Let's not let this term be a way of tearing each other down, but rather turn its implications on their head and use it as a compliment.

3) I love that she mocks Miley and Thicke- I particularly loved the "Lily Allen has a baggy pussy" .... bringing a sense of humor into the fight!

4) While I totally understand and appreciate the use of satire in this music video, I was a little thrown by the extent that she traveled into the belly of the beast. That is, she did not shy away from displaying all the twerking, champagne bottle dowsing, and sexualization of the female body that her mockee's embrace... not sure how I felt about this.

What did you all think?

Resurrection of the Condom Fairy!

So I'm doing some research on how to bring back the Condom Fairy here on campus and I came across this letter to the editor on the U News site: B*llikens for Choice's actions were Immature

OH MY GOD. SOME PEOPLE.

Apparently, B*llikens for choice were acting maliciously in trying to taint the pure memories of this students childhood Easters.

Maybe I'm being unfair though. While I disagree with her that they were immature and not actually promoting safer sex, maybe B*llikens for Choice should have been more considerate of the religious connection to the Easter eggs with such a (unnecessarily, imo) disputed topic: sex. But also, maybe not.

I think I'm going to try to *grant wishes* and distribute on weekends, possibly near bars. But do you guys think that could the presence near a bar could send the wrong message, be a bad idea, as consent and intoxication don't go well together? Or if I am also distributing during the day, do you think it would be alright to be present by the bars near campus, as we all know that it's going to happen anyway.

Do you guys have any thoughts about this or suggestions?
Also, if anyone wants to help, it would be a grand old time. I'm pretty excited to create a little stir here...

As far as I can tell, if I'm technically off campus, I don't think I can really get in trouble for this.

Womanhouse

      With the activism project in this class I thought about the pieces that were in my Feminism in Action class. One of the works that always had stood out to me was Womanhouse partly because of the process that they went through prior to the manual labor that went into renovating a run down house. In the end result they dedicated each room for an issue that they thought was important to be talked about. I found it kind of suprising that after so many years that no one has replicated the same idea of Womanhouse. Not sure if its an issue of originality in the art, but I think with its main purpose it would be an interesting idea to actually recreate it. Since it is an interactive environment I feel that it might make for a good place to maybe start conversations with people and what they think about the issues (although a bigger issue than that might be getting them there in the first place).

more information on womanhouse

and this is one of their performative pieces that they had at Womanhouse ;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x07AtDl69F0

An Open Letter to Non-Black Persons of Color

So I've been doing a lot of thinking about solidarity and representation of minority voices, and where I fit in the conversations of people of color, identifying as one myself but possessing no outward physical qualities that would allow people to "other" me. My activism project is the implementation of the Diversity Leadership Cabinet seats that well seek to create equitable representation for students from different identities- one seat to voice any sexual orientation/ gender identity concerns, one multicultural concerns seat, one interfaith , and one socioeconomic concerns seat, all under the "DLC" umbrella. After being asked countless times to represent all diversity and social justice issues (hah, I'm sorry, WHAT?!), I've had to grapple with the concept of being an ally- when to shut up and when to speak up..
These two articles have helped reconcile some of the raging feelings I've had this whole semester regarding allyhood and what that really means in the context of my life and my skin color..

From blackgirldangerous (thanks Claudia!):
http://www.blackgirldangerous.org/2013/09/30/no-more-allies/

And a really cool letter from the University of Michigan:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/181641070/An-Open-Letter-to-non-Black-POCs-pdf

I'm curious, cause I don't think I've ever asked.. How comfortable are ya'll with talking about race and race relations in the US?

#RapeFace

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/sandra-hawken-diaz/rapeface-meme_b_4136653.html#slide=1742173

So, first of all, one of my residents sent me this link. She told me she decided to look at it because she knew I was passionate about "this stuff." I'm pretty stoked that I influenced someone to look into an issue!

Okay, I'm done bragging.

Before reading this article, I had never heard of this rape face meme. Sadly, I am not at all surprised that this became a popular thing. It's things like this that make me want to pull my hair out. As a society, we belittle sexual assault to such an extreme that we aren't even aware that we are doing it, and unfortunately it seems like our generation is the worst about making rape a joke. All of the time we hear things like, "That test just raped me" or hear people using it to describe getting beat in a video game. I cannot imagine what it is like for a person who has been sexually assaulted to hear the word "rape" and laughter in the same breath.

Boy Girl Closets

http://www.upworthy.com/a-4-year-old-girl-asked-a-lesbian-if-shes-a-boy-she-responded-the-awesomest-way-possible?c=fea

This video is taken from a Ted Talk series in Boulder Colorado. I decided to post it because of how Ash Beckham explains that everyone has closets. Until we stop comparing our closets/fear there will still be a huge hype about people coming out as gay, and defying gender norms. After watching it I really felt enlightened no how I compare my closets to others. Sometimes I become so angry that others have different closets from my own; it doesn't seem fair. My closet needs to not be compared to anyone else, because it is my own closet. In comparing we belittle others. Awesome video; personally I think it's a must see!

Links from class today-DivaCup, Black Girl Dangerous

OH MY GLOB I love these coloring books. I am going to have to email Jacinta back and get some for some arts & crafts fun. 

here's some of her stuff: etsy & personal site

It seems that she is not doing so much of her gender subversion coloring books, but other random art stuffs now.

I thought I'd share this link so you all could take a look at it if you like, so we can talk about some stuff in Tuesday's class, as Ina said.
Black Girl Dangerous blog

Also, if anyone has more questions about the Diva Cup I'd be happy to talk about it! I love it, like I said. And today, I learned of other women/girls on SLU's camups that use it that aren't in our class even! Save $$ save energy and woooo!
Diva Cup site

Their website has more tips on staying comfortable during your period too, things like dietary suggestions and other goodies. I truly felt empowered when I began to use this...I wanted to tell everyone about it, so I was so excited to hear people had an interest!

How Two Totally Different Women Can Promote Activism

http://www.buzzfeed.com/skarlan/documentary-explores-how-elizabeth-taylor-joined-forces-with

The above Buzzfeed link discusses an upcoming HBO documentary entitled "The Battle of amfAR," which follows the lives of actress Elizabeth Taylor and Dr. Mathilde Krim as they joined forces in 1985 in order to create America's first AIDS research organization. As I am sure all of you know, when AIDS was initially introduced in the United States, it was such a huge clusterfuck. It was initially labeled as gay-related immune deficiency disorder, with people believing only members of the LGBT community contracted AIDS. And since no one knew anything about this incurable disease, people were terrified! But I had no idea the impact that both Elizabeth Taylor and Dr. Mathilde Krim had on the AIDS movement!

I think this is a PERFECT example about how virtually anyone can be an activist in their own special way. Elizabeth Taylor used her popularity as a well-known Hollywood actress to become a spokeswoman for the AIDS movement, following the death of her close friend Rock Hudson. Dr. Krim, on the other hand, used her knowledge in science and research to understand the implications that were associated with the AIDS crisis. Two totally different women, yet they both can promote support for the same cause with their own set of special skills. This seems like a really phenomenal movie that I look forward to seeing on October 2nd...even though I don't have HBO...

I think this movie definitely shows that anyone can make a difference if they just put their mind to it and become passionate about a cause. It may seem really difficult, and it obviously takes a lot of work, but activism can really be achieved by anyone!

Takeover Thursdays!

On Thursday, I went to my very first Takeover Thursday at Diablitos. I would definitely recommend for everybody to attend a Takeover event in the Women's and Gender Studies Department! It is awesome. Not only do you get free food (I swear by free food), but you also get to mingle with some awesome students and professors in the department. I met some fabulous professors in the Women's and Gender Studies department, and we got to talk a lot about the Reclaiming Feminism event, as well as other cultural implications that come with women aka how women are expected to change their last names when they get married. Who knew topics like that could come up so easily in every day conversation?

I will definitely continue to attend Takeover Thursday until I graduate...and even then I may crash the party. It is such a wonderful experience getting to talk to other students and professors in the department. One thing I always tell students that are interested in the Women's and Gender Studies program is that it is like a little family. It is so easy to talk to the students and professors and actually create a meaningful relationship with them. It may not sound like much, but I think it can really change your academic career. If you have not gone to a Takeover Thursday, make sure you do next semester! Free food and conversation!

Continuing the Trend: Kelly Clarkson

http://www.salon.com/2013/04/06/im_not_a_feminist_but/
http://www.thefrisky.com/2013-10-31/kelly-clarkson-im-not-a-feminist/

 We have touched on this in class, but I found the 1) apparent prevalence of this sentiment and 2) range of defenses on this topic shocking. Working within the feminist WGS community I forget that people outside our bubble aren't engaging with the same ideas and discussions and feel this repulsion to the term. I was particularly surprised when I learned of Kelly Clarkson's take on the term....

Viscerally I kind of hate this trend. Feminism is something that represents many of the things that I stand for, and so I wince when someone interprets it as negative or alienating. That said, (as I know Ebony has posted on here before), there are totally legit reasons to reject it. For example, Beyonce has said (on why she doesn't totally embrace the term "feminist):  "Why do you have to choose what type of woman you are? Why do you have to label yourself anything? I’m just a woman, and I love being a woman.” While I love this, I myself am not willing to drop the term. 

What are your thoughts on this?

SGA Open Forum TOMORROW at 9pm!

I just wanted to keep you all informed on the SGA Reform going on!

Monday, Nov. 4 at 9 pm, in the Senate Chambers, BSC 256 there will be another open forum where everyone will be allowed to give their opinion and hear arguments for DLC seats and retaining BSA seats.. It'd be great if some of you or all of you could come and listen and give your input, as the whole point to make SGA productive, efficient and relevant!

Reclaiming SLUT, BITCH, CUNT!

So I ran into this video on Upworthy and I actually stood up and applauded after. It's titled "an Open Letter to Feminist Trolls"

http://www.upworthy.com/so-youre-telling-me-you-dont-like-the-way-you-think-i-have-sex-cause-thats-all-im-hearing-2?c=ufb1

She hits on a lot of the things we talked about in class- namely the idea that the movement's success can be measured by countermovements. I really like the idea of claiming these words and in light of the articles we read on the slut walks fro this week, I think this video is super appropriate.

ENJOY!

Some people have two mommies!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrC40fnHI9g
So Disney and I have a love hate relationship. It loved trapping me in patriarchal submissive roles, and I hate it. Nevertheless, it has started to have some redeeming qualities such as the new movie 'Box Trolls.' I really have no idea what the film is about, but just watch the trailer! Disney going gay ;)! I know it is only for about five seconds, but my god I was shocked! Just having this idea of gay couples in a trailer instils in me that activism comes in any form. Whoever made the trailer needs a pat of the back.

Activism in academia

I know that earlier in the semester we had talked about issues that come in with activism and teaching, in that there is an aspect of monetary gain with that job.  I think that it would be still an important aspect of teaching to insert gender related information to humanities courses. Recently I have been having issues with another major being art history. While I do really love the major I have a major issue with their pedagogy. I understand completely the need for a canon especially teaching dense and at times redundant material. I think that it is a place where one can create change. Just in my own interpersonal interactions with people in the department I feel a strange tension of elitism, which I find to be bizarre (especially since it is predominately taught by females). If you look at the history of art, it has been completely elitist and classist from the very beginning. But not only does it have those aspects to its history in it is inherently a very sexist and racist.

I have not had a class maybe besides the feminism in art course where any professor stated the fact that there are barely any women artists. It is just taken for granted. There is the insertion of the female artists such as Gentileschi and Leyster, but I think it would be a very good discussion to have to talk about the lack of women artists in the field. And that if you ask maybe any random person to list maybe 3 women artists besides O’Keefe and Kahlo (although both are important), it is almost impossible to name any. And a part of me wishes that someone that teaches the intro classes would insert this as a reading material for their class.

Article: Why are there no women artists?

But in general what do you guys think about insertion of discussion about gender in classes that doesn't necessarily related to the women and gender studies department?