Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Jay Smooth's Message to Chris Brown
This video is a great breakdown of everything that has been going on regarding Chris Brown and his past with Rihanna. It is really disappointing that Mr. Brown clearly does not feel much remorse for his indiscretions and still has violent tendencies and anger issues as evidenced by his actions at the Good Morning America studio a few days ago. One can only hope that he eventually comes to understand the magnitude of his actions and truly seeks help for his anger problems.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
In Memory: Geraldine Ferraro
On March 26th, 2011 Geraldine Ferraro, a former New York Representative passed away at the age of 75 from a type of blood cancer that she had been battling for over a decade. Ms. Ferraro truly was an amazing woman.
She was the first woman to run for U.S. vice president on a major party ticket. In 1984, she ran with former Vice President Walt Mondale against Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. She received much criticism for her strong support of a woman's right to choose.
Mondale told the Associated Press:"She was a pioneer in our country for justice for women and a more open society. She broke a lot of molds and it's a better country for what she did."
Ferraro also served as the ambassador to the United Nation's Human Rights Commission under then President Clinton in 1994 and 1995.
You can read about her many other accomplishments and activist work here: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Geraldine-Ferraro-Dead-at-75-118706824.html
Monday, March 28, 2011
Reflecting on the (2/26) WAM! It Yourself Conference!
This is the last WAM! Post I promise! The unanticipated presence of what seemed like a million rowdy soccer fans at Hoboken Station this evening lead to a three-hour long commute home (2 hours waiting for a ticket and a train, 1 hour on said train) that left plenty of time to reflect and tie it all together. This is going to be concise and a little more personal, unlike my prolific amount of liveblogging I cranked out today. I even put it in list form to make it easier to get through!
1) Social media is a powerful tool for revolution. It can be used to share stories, call out public figures, disseminate information about actions that people can take... its all about using it effectively by having a strong message and making sure your social media use is only a part of a larger spectrum of activist effort.
2) Community is everywhere. Sometimes I freak out about leaving the comfortable community of my school, where I can walk into the Women's Center and just know that I am surrounded by "my people" without a doubt. Organizations like WAM and events like this remind me that the feminists and the activists and the cool people don't just evaporate when I step off campus... they're out there, we just have to find each other!
3) You are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. This was my first trip into NYC alone, with no idea where I was going ahead of time. I got there and back in one piece... before today I would have never guessed that I was capable of this. Similarly, your words (and my words) can do so much if we just say them to the right people... you never know who you might impact just by speaking out. So don't be afraid to push past your comfort zone to see just how much you can do.
4) YOU control the conversation, you set your limits. If someone is being disingenuous and giving you a hard time it is totally fine to just end the conversation and get on with your life. Sometimes the best way to deal with criticism is simply to laugh it off and move on; the more ridiculous the commentary, the better this strategy works. This one is tricky because, an an organization the Women's Center does a lot of work to be open and welcoming to all dialogue. At the same time, if someone is being a jerk and purposely making a space unsafe it should always be okay to ask them (politely) to leave.
5) Speak your truth and the rest will follow. This was big today... and there isn't much to say. Yes, your opinions may change over time but as long as you are always being honest and open and you then you're going to be okay because, at the end of the day, regardless of the criticisms, if you speak your truth you'll have nothing to regret.
6) Know what you (and your words) are worth. I skipped out on the session about getting published in order to learn about social media and activism... but judging from the twitter feed and the general buzz of the day this was a big theme. I honestly don't know how I feel about writing for free vs. being paid because I write for free a lot (like on Persephone and Not Your Average Feminist and here) and I love it: I love the community and the impact my words can have. That said... getting paid to write feels really good and I do believe my words are often powerful enough to warrant it... its a tough line to walk, really, and I'd love (so much) to hear input if anyone has it!
7) As a feminist writer it is important to find a balance between inhabiting and maintaining feminist communities, and slipping feminist dialogue into the main stream media.We need our communities, to stay sane, and to learn, and to push the dialogue forward... but we also need to be getting the things that we learn out there to the general public which often means struggling a bit, and distilling things (like by replacing buzzwords like patriarchy with something more intuitively understood). Both of these things are important in their own ways.
8) As a journalist it is important to keep a balance of what you need to survive and what you need to thrive: meaning, sometimes you will have to write pieces that don't thrill you, or work a bunch of side jobs, in order to keep food on the table and a roof over your head while you write what actually makes you passionate.
9) Effective media apperances take a ton of research and practice! A handful of solid talking points that tie in hard data, recent news events, and personal stories plus a bunch of role-playing practice are what it takes to be at your best!
10) It takes exactly three and a half chai-lattes to get through a day-long conference on three hours of sleep. Granted, most of the energy derived from that caffeine was used to power my brain as I tried to make sense of how the PATH runs on a weekend so... I'm not exactly sure about that figure, your mileage may vary!
10 Takeaways from WAM! It Yourself NYC
2) Community is everywhere. Sometimes I freak out about leaving the comfortable community of my school, where I can walk into the Women's Center and just know that I am surrounded by "my people" without a doubt. Organizations like WAM and events like this remind me that the feminists and the activists and the cool people don't just evaporate when I step off campus... they're out there, we just have to find each other!
3) You are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. This was my first trip into NYC alone, with no idea where I was going ahead of time. I got there and back in one piece... before today I would have never guessed that I was capable of this. Similarly, your words (and my words) can do so much if we just say them to the right people... you never know who you might impact just by speaking out. So don't be afraid to push past your comfort zone to see just how much you can do.
4) YOU control the conversation, you set your limits. If someone is being disingenuous and giving you a hard time it is totally fine to just end the conversation and get on with your life. Sometimes the best way to deal with criticism is simply to laugh it off and move on; the more ridiculous the commentary, the better this strategy works. This one is tricky because, an an organization the Women's Center does a lot of work to be open and welcoming to all dialogue. At the same time, if someone is being a jerk and purposely making a space unsafe it should always be okay to ask them (politely) to leave.
5) Speak your truth and the rest will follow. This was big today... and there isn't much to say. Yes, your opinions may change over time but as long as you are always being honest and open and you then you're going to be okay because, at the end of the day, regardless of the criticisms, if you speak your truth you'll have nothing to regret.
6) Know what you (and your words) are worth. I skipped out on the session about getting published in order to learn about social media and activism... but judging from the twitter feed and the general buzz of the day this was a big theme. I honestly don't know how I feel about writing for free vs. being paid because I write for free a lot (like on Persephone and Not Your Average Feminist and here) and I love it: I love the community and the impact my words can have. That said... getting paid to write feels really good and I do believe my words are often powerful enough to warrant it... its a tough line to walk, really, and I'd love (so much) to hear input if anyone has it!
7) As a feminist writer it is important to find a balance between inhabiting and maintaining feminist communities, and slipping feminist dialogue into the main stream media.We need our communities, to stay sane, and to learn, and to push the dialogue forward... but we also need to be getting the things that we learn out there to the general public which often means struggling a bit, and distilling things (like by replacing buzzwords like patriarchy with something more intuitively understood). Both of these things are important in their own ways.
8) As a journalist it is important to keep a balance of what you need to survive and what you need to thrive: meaning, sometimes you will have to write pieces that don't thrill you, or work a bunch of side jobs, in order to keep food on the table and a roof over your head while you write what actually makes you passionate.
9) Effective media apperances take a ton of research and practice! A handful of solid talking points that tie in hard data, recent news events, and personal stories plus a bunch of role-playing practice are what it takes to be at your best!
10) It takes exactly three and a half chai-lattes to get through a day-long conference on three hours of sleep. Granted, most of the energy derived from that caffeine was used to power my brain as I tried to make sense of how the PATH runs on a weekend so... I'm not exactly sure about that figure, your mileage may vary!
####
Check out my coverage of the conference if you want more: [Social Media for Activism] [Feminist Perspectives in Progressive Media] [Feminist Blogger Roundtable] [Media Training] [The Closing Keynote with Deanna Zandt] Also, check out the official liveblogs from the conference here and here. Plus, the twitter feed is pretty awesome!Crossposted at Imagine Today!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Ramapo Meets Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem is a prominent leader on women’s rights and will discuss issues on equality, gender roles, and race caste system.
As part of Women's HERstory Month, he Women's Center is sponsoring a trip to see her this coming Monday, March 28 @ Bergen Community College. Tickets are available at Roadrunner Central for a $5 deposit, and optional transportation will be leaving from the Circle @ 5:30pm.
Get your tickets today!
As part of Women's HERstory Month, he Women's Center is sponsoring a trip to see her this coming Monday, March 28 @ Bergen Community College. Tickets are available at Roadrunner Central for a $5 deposit, and optional transportation will be leaving from the Circle @ 5:30pm.
Get your tickets today!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Violence and Punk Music
Via Feministing
Last week at the South by Southwest Music Festival (AKA SXSW) the lead singer of the band Screeching Weasel ended up punching not one but two female audience members during their show. The incident allegedly began after frontman Ben Weasel went on a misogynistic rant during the show and a female audience members spit an ice cube at him; he punched her in the face and then assaulted the owner of the venue when she tried to intervene. The end result of this altercation was the break-up of the band, with the other members condemning their singer's violent behavior.
This sort of incident is representative of a disturbing history of misogyny and violence in the punk scene that cannot be tolerated nor excused. Throughout the history of punk music, women have been categorically excluded or relegated to certain roles that keep them from fully participating as equals. The actions of Ben Weasel at SXSW are very reminiscent of the excessive violence, sexism, and traditional conceptions of masculinity of the late '80s hardcore scene, in which the genre had given way from a community of unique individuals bonding over the music to hordes of violent skinheads who would make shows difficult to enjoy.
During the early '90s, women in the punk scene tried to fight back through movements like Riot Grrrl to create a safe space for everyone to participate in punk shows, in particular the women being dissuaded from attending by the misogyny and violence present. The incident at SXSW shows that some people are still stuck in that mindset that helped to destroy the '80s hardcore scene and created the need for bands like Bratmobile and Bikini Kill to stand up for equality in punk music. The clear and instant backlash against Ben Weasel by his band mates is evidence that they understand the attitudes and actions that their singer was perpetuating have no place in music today (Nor should they have been tolerated in the first place, but the past history of violence in the punk scene cannot be changed and the only thing to do is move forward and make sure that no one else suffers simply for trying to get out to a show to enjoy music). One can only hope that this incident is used as a learning tool to remind people of the fact that everyone deserves to feel safe, especially when just trying to have fun at a concert.
Last week at the South by Southwest Music Festival (AKA SXSW) the lead singer of the band Screeching Weasel ended up punching not one but two female audience members during their show. The incident allegedly began after frontman Ben Weasel went on a misogynistic rant during the show and a female audience members spit an ice cube at him; he punched her in the face and then assaulted the owner of the venue when she tried to intervene. The end result of this altercation was the break-up of the band, with the other members condemning their singer's violent behavior.
This sort of incident is representative of a disturbing history of misogyny and violence in the punk scene that cannot be tolerated nor excused. Throughout the history of punk music, women have been categorically excluded or relegated to certain roles that keep them from fully participating as equals. The actions of Ben Weasel at SXSW are very reminiscent of the excessive violence, sexism, and traditional conceptions of masculinity of the late '80s hardcore scene, in which the genre had given way from a community of unique individuals bonding over the music to hordes of violent skinheads who would make shows difficult to enjoy.
During the early '90s, women in the punk scene tried to fight back through movements like Riot Grrrl to create a safe space for everyone to participate in punk shows, in particular the women being dissuaded from attending by the misogyny and violence present. The incident at SXSW shows that some people are still stuck in that mindset that helped to destroy the '80s hardcore scene and created the need for bands like Bratmobile and Bikini Kill to stand up for equality in punk music. The clear and instant backlash against Ben Weasel by his band mates is evidence that they understand the attitudes and actions that their singer was perpetuating have no place in music today (Nor should they have been tolerated in the first place, but the past history of violence in the punk scene cannot be changed and the only thing to do is move forward and make sure that no one else suffers simply for trying to get out to a show to enjoy music). One can only hope that this incident is used as a learning tool to remind people of the fact that everyone deserves to feel safe, especially when just trying to have fun at a concert.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Download Hate
A new iPhone app has been pulled off the Apple market after an uproar that it promoted anti-gay hate speech. The app, created by religious group Exodus International, would allegedly "cure" homosexuality. However, after a petition signed by 146,000 people the app was removed.
Personally I find this appalling. Defendants of the app claim that it was only meant to "educate people with a biblical perspective" but I find that hard to believe. I see this more as a way for religious groups to target queer and questioning youths through popular media and instill within them the idea that they are wrong for pursuing something outside heterosexuality. Even more disturbing that they claim that the app is a "cure".
A cure? I don't want a cure for homosexuality, I'm quite happy with how I am. I want a cure for blind hatred and religious intolerance.
To see the full article click the link below!
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/23/apple-pulls-gay-cure-app-following-controversy/
Personally I find this appalling. Defendants of the app claim that it was only meant to "educate people with a biblical perspective" but I find that hard to believe. I see this more as a way for religious groups to target queer and questioning youths through popular media and instill within them the idea that they are wrong for pursuing something outside heterosexuality. Even more disturbing that they claim that the app is a "cure".
A cure? I don't want a cure for homosexuality, I'm quite happy with how I am. I want a cure for blind hatred and religious intolerance.
To see the full article click the link below!
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/23/apple-pulls-gay-cure-app-following-controversy/
Monday, March 21, 2011
Stop Street Harassment
March 20th, was the International Anti-Street Harassment Day.
Street harassment is something most women deal with year-round, but, without fail, each spring the warmer weather and longer daylight hours bring an increase in street harassment. Spring time is no excuse for harassing women, we must engage in this anti-harassment more than just day and engage in the well beings of all. Click on the link to learn more about this day.
Street harassment is something most women deal with year-round, but, without fail, each spring the warmer weather and longer daylight hours bring an increase in street harassment. Spring time is no excuse for harassing women, we must engage in this anti-harassment more than just day and engage in the well beings of all. Click on the link to learn more about this day.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Emma Thompson's a Rockstar
"Constantly worrying about your reflection and criticizing your body, shape and size is an act of violence against yourself"
I just found out about this awesome initiative taking place in London, a body image activism movement that is also happening internationally. Apparently, there was a series of talks, panels, workshops and performances that all were amazing.
I wasn't going to put the podcast in this blog, but I think it's just too kickass NOT to put in this post. Love you Ms. Thompson!
Great things are happening right by us too. I absolutely love the concept of this entire movement. It's so nice to know others care about these issues and are working hard to expose the dangers our society's perception of beauty has on young girls and women. If you're free this week, and I know you are Ramapo students...consider checking this out in New York!
Here's the website: http://www.endangeredspecieswomen.org/
Thursday, March 10, 2011
"Glee" Gets Feminist Friendly
I guess I’m a Gleek. I’m not obsessed with the show, but I love everything musical theatre so I get a big kick out of Glee. Also the creater, Ryan Murphy, is a genius in my book and has put out some great work in the past.
As much I as I love “Glee” its style as a dark comedy often plays on stereotypes, which can kinda erk the feminist side of me. However, this Tuesdays episode “Sexy” made the feminist inside of me jump for joy. The episode was focused primarily on sex education, and specifically how abstinence-only education simply isn’t realistic and is sometimes dangerous. Gwyneth Paltrow reappeared as Holly Holliday, who was a substitute sexual education teacher that shook things up and educated the students.
The character of Holly Holliday also served as a mentor for the characters of Brittany and Santana. These two cheerleaders were jokingly “friends with benefits” for most of the show’s run, but this episode took their relationship to a deeper level where they were able to discuss their feelings for each other. The show portrayed the bisexual coming out experience beautifully, showing the confusion that can come from not fitting into one specific label. Furthermore, the social construct of labels was addressed, as Santana asked the Glee club not to label her due to her feeling for
If you’ve never seen Glee, or if you’re a “Gleek” like me check the episode out! Did you like the representation of sexual education and bisexuality in the episode?
Think about it.
(Here’s the scenes with Santana/ Brittany)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoyvUk24Ui8
We Don't Have an Obesity Epidemic
If we really cared about health in America, we wouldn’t be worrying about an obesity epidemic. This may sound ridiculous, but it’s true, because weight isn’t the problem.
We don’t have an obesity epidemic. We have an epidemic of food-deserts. An epidemic of people who cannot afford healthy, well-balanced diets even if they do have access to decent grocery stores. We have an epidemic of companies producing foods laden with trans fats and hydrogenated oils, things that do damage to our bodies, simply because those ingredients are cheaper.We have an epidemic of people damaging their bodies through yo-yo dieting, dangerous diet pills and supplements, completely unhealthy weight-loss plans, and even eating disorders because our society teaches that this behavior is normal, okay, even preferable. We do not have an epidemic of fat people; we have an epidemic of people of all sizes being fed damaging attitudes, horrible misinformation, and unfulfilling food.
Yet all we can focus on is fat.
When the Gilmore Girls marathon three Thanksgiving dinners, or sit down to one of their junk-food and movie binges, we are expected to laugh and think that it is cute because Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham are skinny and gorgeous. Their gigantic appetites are a cute quirk, not a cause for concern. Contrast this with the repulsion and “concern” that people express over the “message” that fat characters (regardless of their nutrition behaviors) might convey simply by being on television … and you should begin to get my point.
Fat is an easy enemy. Vilifying fat sells diet books, diet foods, diet pills, diet plans, diet camps, weight-loss surgeries, Spanx … the list goes on and on. Focusing on health, on the other hand, is not nearly as lucrative. The magazines and newspapers we read, the movies and TV shows we watch, the websites we visit all know this because so much of their profits come from the industry that continues to cash in on the idea of fat as the ultimate evil.
Luckily for us, science and activism are finally staring to gain ground in disproving the myth of the Obesity Epidemic.
The video above is the first segment of a BBC documentary that follows an experiment wherein subjects were asked to eat double their caloric requirement (as calculated by a nutritionist) a day (mostly via foods that are not considered healthy — like fried eggs, milkshakes, or cakes), and they were not allowed to exercise or walk more than 5000 steps per day. This study was inspired by another study done Vermont prison inmates who ate up to 10,000 calories a day in an attempt to gain weight. Researchers were surprised during the “fattening up” portion of the study when they found that some of the inmates couldn’t gain more than 18% of their body weight, even when eating 10,000 calories a day.
The researchers performing the modern British study that the BBC is filming have decided to set an upper limit of a 15% increase in body weight — if any of their subjects hit that limit during the four weeks of the study they will be asked to leave the study; this is done for ethical reasons, to prevent the study from causing major damage to anyone’s health. You should watch the video because the results are incredibly interesting — they indicate that there is a very strong genetic component to weight and fat storage.
More recent research has also indicated that fat may not be unhealthy (or at least, not as unhealthy as we have been told). Kate Harding sums this research up well on her blog, blog, Shapely Prose:
All of this activism and research seems to be culminating in a positive way of viewing nutrition called Health at Every Size (HAES) which promotes healthy habits both mentally and physically, without a focus on weight or weight loss. This approach to diet and exercise is not great for the industries that prey on our insecurities to make a profit since it doesn’t lead to an endless cycle of weight loss, weight gain, purchase of diet product(s), weight loss … and on and on. However, this movement is great for the rest of us because it promotes knowledge: learning about your body’s needs and desires and LISTENING to your body, instead of a diet program, to determine what you eat and how you exercise.
Unfortunately being able to subscribe to things like HAES is still a major privilege, at least in the U.S. Many people don’t have the money, or the access to a variety of foods needed for a balanced diet. Many people are entrenched in a culture of negative body-talk, through the media, their friends, or even their families. Supporting programs like the Community Food Security Coalition or donating to local food banks is one way to help. On a less expensive scale, consider educating yourself about HAES and Size Acceptance so you can change your rhetoric and help educate those around you about the various issues surrounding food. Join me in bringing attention to the real epidemic that we face!
Crossposted at Persephone Magazine!
We don’t have an obesity epidemic. We have an epidemic of food-deserts. An epidemic of people who cannot afford healthy, well-balanced diets even if they do have access to decent grocery stores. We have an epidemic of companies producing foods laden with trans fats and hydrogenated oils, things that do damage to our bodies, simply because those ingredients are cheaper.We have an epidemic of people damaging their bodies through yo-yo dieting, dangerous diet pills and supplements, completely unhealthy weight-loss plans, and even eating disorders because our society teaches that this behavior is normal, okay, even preferable. We do not have an epidemic of fat people; we have an epidemic of people of all sizes being fed damaging attitudes, horrible misinformation, and unfulfilling food.
Yet all we can focus on is fat.
When the Gilmore Girls marathon three Thanksgiving dinners, or sit down to one of their junk-food and movie binges, we are expected to laugh and think that it is cute because Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham are skinny and gorgeous. Their gigantic appetites are a cute quirk, not a cause for concern. Contrast this with the repulsion and “concern” that people express over the “message” that fat characters (regardless of their nutrition behaviors) might convey simply by being on television … and you should begin to get my point.
Fat is an easy enemy. Vilifying fat sells diet books, diet foods, diet pills, diet plans, diet camps, weight-loss surgeries, Spanx … the list goes on and on. Focusing on health, on the other hand, is not nearly as lucrative. The magazines and newspapers we read, the movies and TV shows we watch, the websites we visit all know this because so much of their profits come from the industry that continues to cash in on the idea of fat as the ultimate evil.
Luckily for us, science and activism are finally staring to gain ground in disproving the myth of the Obesity Epidemic.
The video above is the first segment of a BBC documentary that follows an experiment wherein subjects were asked to eat double their caloric requirement (as calculated by a nutritionist) a day (mostly via foods that are not considered healthy — like fried eggs, milkshakes, or cakes), and they were not allowed to exercise or walk more than 5000 steps per day. This study was inspired by another study done Vermont prison inmates who ate up to 10,000 calories a day in an attempt to gain weight. Researchers were surprised during the “fattening up” portion of the study when they found that some of the inmates couldn’t gain more than 18% of their body weight, even when eating 10,000 calories a day.
The researchers performing the modern British study that the BBC is filming have decided to set an upper limit of a 15% increase in body weight — if any of their subjects hit that limit during the four weeks of the study they will be asked to leave the study; this is done for ethical reasons, to prevent the study from causing major damage to anyone’s health. You should watch the video because the results are incredibly interesting — they indicate that there is a very strong genetic component to weight and fat storage.
More recent research has also indicated that fat may not be unhealthy (or at least, not as unhealthy as we have been told). Kate Harding sums this research up well on her blog, blog, Shapely Prose:
This scientific research is happening at the same time as a huge, awesome activist push to destigmatize fat. Search for “Fat Acceptance” or “Size Acceptance” and you’re bound to find some of the fantastic blogs and projects that all sorts of people are starting. Some of my favorite at this moment include Definatalie’s superhero comic, fat-positive tee shirts, and other projects that merge graphic design and activism; fat-positive blogs like The Rotund, Two Whole Cakes, and Shapely Prose; communities like Fatshionista; and conventions like the one run by NAAFA.“Weight itself is not a health problem, except in the most extreme cases (i.e., being underweight or so fat you’re immobilized). In fact, fat people live longer than thin people and are more likely to survive cardiac events, and some studies have shown that fat can protect against “infections, cancer, lung disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, anemia, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis and type 2 diabetes.”
All of this activism and research seems to be culminating in a positive way of viewing nutrition called Health at Every Size (HAES) which promotes healthy habits both mentally and physically, without a focus on weight or weight loss. This approach to diet and exercise is not great for the industries that prey on our insecurities to make a profit since it doesn’t lead to an endless cycle of weight loss, weight gain, purchase of diet product(s), weight loss … and on and on. However, this movement is great for the rest of us because it promotes knowledge: learning about your body’s needs and desires and LISTENING to your body, instead of a diet program, to determine what you eat and how you exercise.
Unfortunately being able to subscribe to things like HAES is still a major privilege, at least in the U.S. Many people don’t have the money, or the access to a variety of foods needed for a balanced diet. Many people are entrenched in a culture of negative body-talk, through the media, their friends, or even their families. Supporting programs like the Community Food Security Coalition or donating to local food banks is one way to help. On a less expensive scale, consider educating yourself about HAES and Size Acceptance so you can change your rhetoric and help educate those around you about the various issues surrounding food. Join me in bringing attention to the real epidemic that we face!
Crossposted at Persephone Magazine!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Deal Or No Deal
"Born This Way" isn't played out just yet.
Lady Gaga reportedly was going to release an exclusive special edition of her upcoming album featuring "Born This Way" to Target - but only if they severed ties with the anti-LGBT politicians they support.
However, the only ties severed were between Lady Gaga and Target. A close friend of Gaga told the Advocate that she "didn't see eye to eye on Target's policy of political donations and how they affect the LGBT community."
Kudos to you Ms. Gaga for standing your ground. It's always encouraging to see musicians putting their beliefs before money. Hopefully this will convince Target that supporting anti-LGBT groups is doing more damage than good (duh)... but I won't be holding my breath.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Happy International Women's Day!
The concept of Women's History Month is one that is particularly interesting for me to think about. I can't help but ask myself this question every year during this month; Why do we only get a months worth of recognition for our contributions throughout history? Just something to think about. Today is not only the annual celebration of International Women's Day, it is the 100th anniversary of this celebration! Although it was only first recognized by the United Nations in 1975, March 8th was coined "International Women's Day" in 1911 in the European countries of Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
I think it is very important that we take time to look at women and our history from a global perspective. I feel that often times we lose sight of this global view and it is no fault of our own; historically, we were taught that we must pick and choose our battles and this meant putting our international sisters to the side in order to make progress on our own soil. Even though we as American women are facing even more adversity in recent months (what with the government trying to keep a firm hand on our reproductive organs, among other legislative bouts), we should always take time to advocate for women's rights across the globe. There are several initiatives being highlighted today around the world, including (taken from the United Nations website):
"It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change."
I encourage you all to take the time out today to look at what is going on around the world and acknowledge how women from all nations and walks of life have worked hard to overcome strong adversity.
I think it is very important that we take time to look at women and our history from a global perspective. I feel that often times we lose sight of this global view and it is no fault of our own; historically, we were taught that we must pick and choose our battles and this meant putting our international sisters to the side in order to make progress on our own soil. Even though we as American women are facing even more adversity in recent months (what with the government trying to keep a firm hand on our reproductive organs, among other legislative bouts), we should always take time to advocate for women's rights across the globe. There are several initiatives being highlighted today around the world, including (taken from the United Nations website):
- UN Women:
Events around the world to commemorate International Women’s Day, organized and co-sponsored by UN Women - United Nations in Geneva
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day with the UN in Geneva (Download PDF flyer) - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) :
Launch of the 2010-11 edition of The State of Food and Agriculture report: Closing the gender gap in agriculture (View live webcast) - International Labour Organization (ILO):
ILO celebrates International Women's Day - ILO and UN Women:
Award Ceremony on prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace (Download PDF flyer) - International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
High-level debate: Goodbye to the IT girl: Why are young women deserting technology? - United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):
Panel discussion on enhancing women´s access to education, science and technology for economic growth and development - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
How can we empower women to end poverty?
Live twitter chat with UNDP chief Helen Clark - United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP):
Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day (Download PDF flyer) - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
UNESCO celebrates International Women's Day 2011 (Download PDF Brochure)
Launch of the EFA Global Monitoring Report 2011 "The Hidden Crisis: Armed Conflict and Education" (View live webcast)
UNESCO launches Women Make the News 2011 - World Health Organization (WHO):
100th anniversary of International Women's Day - United Nations lnformation Service (UNIS) Vienna:
Panel discussion on "100 Years International Women’s Day: Time to celebrate? Achievements and Prospects" (Download PDF flyer) - United Nations Regional lnformation Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC):
International Women's Day Event in Brussels
"It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change."
I encourage you all to take the time out today to look at what is going on around the world and acknowledge how women from all nations and walks of life have worked hard to overcome strong adversity.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Big Girls Don't Cry...Or Do They?
I couldn't help but analyze a situation I was put in the other day, about the "catch 22" that comes with women and crying. I was perceived as unapologetic about something because I did not cry and beg forgiveness. That's not me. This isn't 3rd grade where I got sent to the Principal's office for talking back to the teacher. Sure, it might have made me upset back then, but not when I'm 21 and a student leader.
I personally don't like to cry in public. If something upsets me, and the waterworks start, I casually go to the bathroom or my own room as to not make a scene. I don't like to call attention to myself, because then people stare or ask "What's wrong?" which just makes you more upset.
As a student leader that has to interact with administration, members of the Board of Trustees and donors of the college, I don't like to show people if I am upset. I feel like I'm already judged based on my age, and in some cases, my inexperience, so why would I want to give people another reason to be condescending towards me? Obviously, this is how we are taught to feel, and is not right. I recognize that.
Of course we have the well-known example of the 2008 Presidential election when Hilary Clinton was perceived as either the "tough bitch" in the game of politics, or the "weak woman" that shed a tear.
I hate how society dictates this ultimatum that women are too tough and incapable of emotion if they don't cry, but they're too sensitive or weak if they do. Make up your damn minds.
I personally don't like to cry in public. If something upsets me, and the waterworks start, I casually go to the bathroom or my own room as to not make a scene. I don't like to call attention to myself, because then people stare or ask "What's wrong?" which just makes you more upset.
As a student leader that has to interact with administration, members of the Board of Trustees and donors of the college, I don't like to show people if I am upset. I feel like I'm already judged based on my age, and in some cases, my inexperience, so why would I want to give people another reason to be condescending towards me? Obviously, this is how we are taught to feel, and is not right. I recognize that.
Of course we have the well-known example of the 2008 Presidential election when Hilary Clinton was perceived as either the "tough bitch" in the game of politics, or the "weak woman" that shed a tear.
I hate how society dictates this ultimatum that women are too tough and incapable of emotion if they don't cry, but they're too sensitive or weak if they do. Make up your damn minds.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Lost Queer Oscar Moment?
As we all know the Oscars were this past Sunday. Aside from being overall pretty boring and James Franco looking less than thrilled to be there, a hidden controversy occurred.Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin, before they presented shared a small dance and man on man kiss! However, rather than showing it they had a long (and rather awkward) shot of Penelope Cruz shown during the time of the kiss. The official reason behind why the kiss was not shown is because it was "unscripted" and the shots were pre-planned for the entire show.
What do you guys think? The actor side of me wants to believe what the Academy says, but I can't help but think that everytime two men kiss on Television it's covered up or a controversy, but when female celebrities like Madonna, Christina, and Britney do it, it is ok.
Think about it.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Most "Typical" Person in the World
This video clip was released by National Geographic Magazine and describes the most "typical" human face on the planet. Interesting that the most "typical" human face on the planet has minimal TV or media exposure. Now, obviously there is a smaller Chinese population in the United States than say, China, and this influences who is shown on our televisions. Although, I do think it's important for Americans to understand that there are entire other countries on this planet...sometimes I think we tend to forget. Maybe seeing someone who doesn't look "just like us" more often would give us a nice reminder?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Birth Matters To Us All
Join us THIS SATURDAY, as we head out to the Ina May Gaskin Event at the Ridgewood Public Library (co-sponsored by the Ridgewood Unitarian Society).
"For the last 40 years, Ina May Gaskin, founder of the Farm Midwifery Center, has stood at the forefront of the midwifery movement. Using techniques learned from traditional, indigenous midwifes from all over the world, Ina May has attended over 1200 births. She is the author of the classic Spiritual Midwifery and Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. Come learn how medical procedures can hinder labor, how to minimize the risk of epidurals, why most cesarean sections are unnecessary and how to create a supportive relationship with birth-care providers."
Ina May’s latest book, “BIRTH MATTERS: how what we don’t know about nature, bodies and surgery can hurt us,” will be available for purchase & signing at the event.
Transportation is provided leaving The Circle at 11 a.m., please do get there by 10:30 a.m. for attendance purposes. The presentation is from 12:00p.m. -1:30p.m. TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ROADRUNNER CENTRAL; GO GET YOURS TODAY!!!
If you prefer to meet us there, the address is
The Ridgewood Public Library
125 N. Maple Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
For more information about Birth Matters to us All you can visit their Web page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birth-Matters-To-Us-All-Ina-May-Gaskin-Live-in-Ridgewood-NJ/187890881245087
Hope to see you there; it is going to be a great event! Don't forget your ticket!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Conversations with Women of Distinction
Yesterday the African Ancestry Month Planning Committee, in conjunction with the Women's Center, hosted Conversations with Women of Distinction. The event merged the themes of African Ancestry Month (Fenruary) with Women's History Month (March) by featuring a panel of inspirational Women of Color.
The panelists included Alison Banks-Moore, the Chief Diversity Officer for Work Life Initiatives at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; Kaili Baucum, Educational Consultant and Doctoral Student; Venus Hewing, Psychological Counselor at Ramapo's center for Health and Counseling; Rose Mary Howell EdD, Dean of Students at Montclair State University; and Rita Williams-Bogar MBA, CPCU, ChFC, the President & CEO of Personal Development Solutions LLC.The panel was moderated by Regina Clark, Professor of Journalism at Ramapo, and Sabina Ulysse, the President of the Students of Caribbean Ancestry.
Over the course of two hours the panelists shared personal stories and gave advice on a wide range of personal topics. When asked what they know now, that they wished they knew as college students all five panelists recommended getting an internship or another form of real world experience to help determine what your passsions are. Kaili talked at length about embracing the experiences that come with college, including studying abroad, and taking the time to engage with people who are different from you. All of the women also recommended networking on a deeper level by building a framework of people who you engage with on a regular basis, and finding yourself mentors within that network who you can trust to keep you grounded.
My personal favorite piece of advice came from Rita, who warned the audience against letting your work become your life. "You are number one on your to-do list," she said after advising the audience to choose a job that they feel passionate about. She warned the audience that if they were not careful, they could find themselves working 24/7 since work that we care about has a tendency to cross the boundaries into leisure time.
I was personally most interested in the portion of the conversation that focused on the challenges these women had to overcome over the course of their lives. During this section the panelists shared a wide range of stories that related to sexism and racism, including one instance where a panelist was told by a visiting business-person with their company that when given the choice between a man and a woman who are equally qualified, the man should be hired because he will not take a "vacation" to have baby. All of the panelists' abilities to overcome these challenges and still be successful and happy was wonderfully encouraging. All five of them demonstrated major amounts of strength, creativity, integrity, and other traits that make them wonderful role-models to everyone who got to attend the event.
If you were at the event and you’d like to share your reflections on the event, please let us know in the comments!
I just want to take a moment to shout-out to Sarah Costello, Graduate Assistant for the Office of Student Development since this was her last event at Ramapo before heading off to work for the American Diabetes Association. We'll miss you Sarah! I also wanted to thank Rick Brown and everyone else on the Planning Committee for putting together this awesome event. Finally, I wanted to take a moment to notice the cameo that the Women's Center couches made in this event! (We're so proud of them!)
The panelists included Alison Banks-Moore, the Chief Diversity Officer for Work Life Initiatives at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; Kaili Baucum, Educational Consultant and Doctoral Student; Venus Hewing, Psychological Counselor at Ramapo's center for Health and Counseling; Rose Mary Howell EdD, Dean of Students at Montclair State University; and Rita Williams-Bogar MBA, CPCU, ChFC, the President & CEO of Personal Development Solutions LLC.The panel was moderated by Regina Clark, Professor of Journalism at Ramapo, and Sabina Ulysse, the President of the Students of Caribbean Ancestry.
Over the course of two hours the panelists shared personal stories and gave advice on a wide range of personal topics. When asked what they know now, that they wished they knew as college students all five panelists recommended getting an internship or another form of real world experience to help determine what your passsions are. Kaili talked at length about embracing the experiences that come with college, including studying abroad, and taking the time to engage with people who are different from you. All of the women also recommended networking on a deeper level by building a framework of people who you engage with on a regular basis, and finding yourself mentors within that network who you can trust to keep you grounded.
My personal favorite piece of advice came from Rita, who warned the audience against letting your work become your life. "You are number one on your to-do list," she said after advising the audience to choose a job that they feel passionate about. She warned the audience that if they were not careful, they could find themselves working 24/7 since work that we care about has a tendency to cross the boundaries into leisure time.
I was personally most interested in the portion of the conversation that focused on the challenges these women had to overcome over the course of their lives. During this section the panelists shared a wide range of stories that related to sexism and racism, including one instance where a panelist was told by a visiting business-person with their company that when given the choice between a man and a woman who are equally qualified, the man should be hired because he will not take a "vacation" to have baby. All of the panelists' abilities to overcome these challenges and still be successful and happy was wonderfully encouraging. All five of them demonstrated major amounts of strength, creativity, integrity, and other traits that make them wonderful role-models to everyone who got to attend the event.
If you were at the event and you’d like to share your reflections on the event, please let us know in the comments!
I just want to take a moment to shout-out to Sarah Costello, Graduate Assistant for the Office of Student Development since this was her last event at Ramapo before heading off to work for the American Diabetes Association. We'll miss you Sarah! I also wanted to thank Rick Brown and everyone else on the Planning Committee for putting together this awesome event. Finally, I wanted to take a moment to notice the cameo that the Women's Center couches made in this event! (We're so proud of them!)
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