tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83904603191090713962024-03-12T19:12:57.392-07:00ToughGirl vs. the WorldMy Marxist Feminist Dialectic Brings All the Boys to the YardUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-86370442054641345222010-04-07T10:50:00.001-07:002010-04-09T07:58:33.949-07:00Hit Me Baby One More Time: Should Women Ever Throw the First Punch?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhVWAe98DSdAZiEnr-6JBasMk8oryDDEvXzjsfS6ixM6FW2qFWzJTaM2mLtF6P5QhmOL0Geb6jeW5_9Kuh4N-9OXd3mq6d0YYp_Y0pnvpGT6I6WpB0IEKUHC8TKTRj3qIgZFhC7PrEYYm/s1600/womanfighting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457459412388542706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhVWAe98DSdAZiEnr-6JBasMk8oryDDEvXzjsfS6ixM6FW2qFWzJTaM2mLtF6P5QhmOL0Geb6jeW5_9Kuh4N-9OXd3mq6d0YYp_Y0pnvpGT6I6WpB0IEKUHC8TKTRj3qIgZFhC7PrEYYm/s200/womanfighting.jpg" border="0" /></a>So I have this fantasy.<br /><br />Some Hollister-wearing know-it-all will be running his mouth about what a raging b*tch I am, blah blah blah. Naturally I’ll be up in his face, dishing it right back to him, when I’ll realize that I should be the bigger person. So I’ll back off and walk away….and then he’ll say something that crosses the line. I’m not sure what, but it’s my fantasy so it will happen.<br /><br />Then bigger person be damned. My vengeance, and fists, will rain down on this poor unsuspecting man like Tyson on steroids. Hell hath no fury like a woman who has 26 years of pent up angst running through her feminist veins. Three of my friends will have to hold me back. One of them will be screaming, “He isn’t worth it!!” while another one will be flagging down a car. They’ll push me in the car (which will be challenging as I’ll still be flailing about wildly) screaming, “Get her out of here!”<br /><br />Obviously said Hollister-wearing boy will be left crying uncontrollably in the fetal position on the sidewalk as his friends point and laugh.<br /><br />Whenever I imagine this scenario I can’t help but smile. Why does the idea of hitting a guy make me so blissfully happy?<br /><br />Women are passionate creatures. Have you ever seen two women fist-fight? It doesn’t happen very often, because 9 times out of 10 that fight will end up with someone in the emergency room. True cat-fights are like Haley’s comet; they only come around once in a while and you better look quick or you‘ll miss one hell of a show.<br /><br />Fortunately this type of girl-on-girl throw-down is predictable in nature and you can be certain it will be over one of two things; a boy we like, or a boy that makes us angry.<br /><br />Unfortunately our passionate nature is difficult to control and therefore our rage is never limited to same-sex altercations. If a boy we like becomes a boy that makes us angry, our rage is easily redirected to the responsible party.<br /><br />Obviously we could be the bigger person and walk away, which is what happens 99% of the time. Even though we are angry, hurt, and/or betrayed we realize that deep down we are better off, and that getting even would take time and energy that would be better spent on finding someone new and deserving of our company.<br /><br />That other 1% of the time...we want to get even. Really even. Ruin his life even. Leave him physically maimed or permanently diseased even. In these situations, is it ever ok to get physical? Slap him? Throw a drink in his face? Throw yourself at him like Tyson on steroids?<br /><br />I would argue that yes, on extremely rare occasions, it is ok. Sure, violence is not the answer, but the validation that a woman gets from physically expressing her anger might just be worth the loss in karma that results. I have never been prouder to be a woman than when I found out Elin Nordegren tried to beat Tiger Woods to death with his own gold-plated golf clubs.<br /><br />The important thing to consider is that if you start it, you better be willing to finish it. Women, be warned; don’t throw the first punch unless you are fully prepared for him to punch back. Every man, heck every person, has the right to defend themselves. Chivalry will always be superseded by fight or flight instincts, and no one is going to think he is an abusive monster for trying to avoid a heavy beating by fighting back.<br /><br />Now I am not planning to go out and get in a fist-fight with every annoying boy I meet (totally impractical for one thing…there are far too many of them). But one day, should the situation call for it, I might not be the bigger person. Don’t worry, he’ll deserve it.<br /><br />And trust me…it will be one hell of a show.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-21914447636440540512010-03-30T10:41:00.000-07:002010-03-30T10:48:33.252-07:00To Forgive or Not Forgive: That Is the Christian QuestionForgiveness is a heavy topic but one that is often at the heart of women’s issues (and one that comes up repeatedly in my work as a rape crisis counselor) and therefore one I feel compelled to discuss in an open and uncensored way. Consider this a warning that I may broach subjects that are uncomfortable but I think it is essential for women to understand how they define forgiveness and under what circumstances they can and will forgive. If you continue reading I hope you will do so with an open heart and an open mind, understanding that this is an uncomfortable topic for me as well as it makes up the basis for my “crisis of faith” as I call it (which has been a lifelong thing…are they supposed to be this long?)<br /><br />Also note that in this particular discussion I will be referencing Christian theology as Christianity is the religion I associate with. However other theological perspectives (Catholicism, Mormonism, Islam) may be applicable as well.<br /><br />Sometimes women’s rights and Christianity collide head-on and the outcome isn’t pretty. We have all heard a story at one point or another of pastors who covered up cases of child abuse, convinced wives to go back to their abusive husbands, or expelled an openly gay or transgender woman from their church. In these environments women are taught to forgive and forget, often to their own physical/mental/emotional detriment.<br /><br />I feel that overall I am a very forgiving person. Basically if someone does something bad (“bad” is a relative term but I am thinking of the obvious lie, cheat, or steal situations) , realizes they did something bad (feels remorse) and then takes action to reconcile with those who have been wronged (demonstrates that remorse) I will forgive them. However this does not mean I will excuse their actions, continue to associate with them, or ignore the moral obligation I have to make sure they do not hurt someone else.<br /><br />That being said, I often get into discussions with devout Christians about forgiveness of others and why it is necessary for spiritual growth. In order to solidify my theological perspective on this topic I have been struggling to answer some difficult questions:<br /><br /><strong>Forgiveness supposedly does not excuse or condone the behavior…what exactly does it do then? </strong><br />My understanding is that Christians should forgive anyone anything (with the exception of the “unforgivable sin”…if you understand what this is PLEASE spread the word because no one I have spoken to has a clue) an infinite number of times, regardless of whether they are remorseful or repentant. This differs from Jewish doctrine which dictates that remorse and repentance must be present before forgiveness can be granted.<br /><br /><strong>How many times can we forgive someone without enabling repeat offenses?</strong><br />Christians should forgive an infinite number of times. How in the world does that not enable repeat offenses? In other words, how many times will Christians allow others to hurt innocent people before stepping in and demanding something? (Justice? Repentance? Some miniscule expression of remorse?)<br /><br /><strong>Does forgiveness really bring healing to those who have been wronged?</strong><br />Forgiveness is meant to bring healing to whose who have been wronged. How? People can let their bad feelings about something done to them go without forgiving the actual person. In actuality doesn’t forgiveness invalidate the fact that they HAVE been wronged? Women often spend their entire lives convincing themselves that yes, they DO deserve to be treated well. I don’t think it is conducive to healing if they are forced to forgive someone who has taken that value away from them. Shouldn’t they be able to hold on to something that validates the hurt that was done to them, especially if that person has shown no remorse for their actions?<br /><br /><strong>If God is infinitely forgiving, why is it also our responsibility to forgive?</strong><br />If an individual hurts us intentionally and shows no remorse, why is it not acceptable for us to refuse forgiveness and leave that task to God?<br /><br /><strong>Is it possible to forgive if you can’t forget?</strong><br />Does forgiving allow others to forget, leaving the wronged party to bare the burden of remembering alone? Is it a cop-out for others, a way for people to not take responsibility and deal with the actual existence of misdeeds in the world? Are some people just too lazy for justice?<br /><br />I recently read a Jewish viewpoint on forgiveness that said, “Whoever is merciful to the cruel will end by being indifferent to the innocent.” I could not agree more. I absolutely shudder to think of what kind of person I would be now if I had “forgiven” those who have wronged me. I’d probably be in a verbally and physically abusive relationship, plagued with feelings of guilt and self-loathing. Forgiveness creates apathy.<br /><br />If you forgive everyone everything, nothing seems wrong anymore.<br /><br />Perhaps we should consider whether there are those who benefit from non-forgiveness just as there are those who benefit from forgiveness. Perhaps for some people it is the denial of forgiveness that fuels their obligation to protect the innocent, the “widows and orphans” as it were. Because how can we demonstrate love for widows and orphans if we are constantly invalidating their pain with the suggestion that they forgive those who have severely wronged them?<br /><br />For example…years back a woman was raped, beaten and left for dead in Central Park NY by a gang of young men. While in prison a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church visited them to tell them, “God loves you.”<br /><br />Aha. All you have to do to get a personal visit from a cardinal is rape and beat someone. I certainly hope that the woman who was attacked knew that God loved her too, as the cardinal didn’t find it necessary to visit her and tell her that. I bet that woman would have liked to hear that since God’s love probably seemed notably absent.<br /><br />I am glad God loves these men…that way I don’t have to.<br /><br />I could never show genuine compassion for these men because I think it is impossible to forgive someone who wrongs you severely, with intention, (and often enjoyment) and shows no remorse (and/or are proud of what they have done). Forgiveness can not be given if it is not asked for. In the few cases where I have refused to forgive someone, these have been the circumstances. Yet I am still challenged. I hear things like, “have grace” or “show mercy” or “people make mistakes.” Yes, people make mistakes.<br /><br />But I wonder…what would inspire me to fight for what is right if I did not also understand that which is unforgivable?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-80221747272893270922010-02-08T13:03:00.000-08:002010-02-08T13:34:43.201-08:00Do I Have To? Understanding the Difference Between Obligation and Random Acts of Kindness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAZ3LFL0WylOeMViHzqI6_JMr36KYhXQxpI-aLWEHyrIhGkl_9iv0cUSOo4dvVZI0kQm6VBcY0vJ7WEmeunexlJT25ElzeViZgK-lljCaa4s_6E2ES2hkcBjJLMSiHnfVXmB8zhbuvAme/s1600-h/CookingHousewife.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435986330321493346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 179px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAZ3LFL0WylOeMViHzqI6_JMr36KYhXQxpI-aLWEHyrIhGkl_9iv0cUSOo4dvVZI0kQm6VBcY0vJ7WEmeunexlJT25ElzeViZgK-lljCaa4s_6E2ES2hkcBjJLMSiHnfVXmB8zhbuvAme/s200/CookingHousewife.jpg" border="0" /></a>After posting the Good Housekeeping advertisement a few weeks ago I couldn’t stop thinking about some of the guidelines…and how they didn’t seem all that bad. For example, “Be happy to see him.” The alternative being you are <em>unhappy</em> to see him which I don’t think will go over well in the long term, so pretty sound advice that.<br /><br />The ad only sounds so ridiculous because of the not-so-subtle sense of obligation that is implied in these “suggestions.” Perhaps if these were labeled as such we could write them off as infantile chauvinist fantasies and laugh about it. But they’re not advertised as suggestions, they’re advertised as rules….and only bad wives break the rules. All of a sudden you have to satisfy a checklist of do’s and don’ts to be considered a loving spouse, and that is a disturbing (not to mention terribly limiting and boring) concept to say the least.<br /><br />Here are some other not-so-bad suggestions the ad makes: Have dinner ready. Greet him with a warm smile. Listen to him. Don’t greet him with complaints and problems. I would like these things. You would probably like these things. If I had a husband I would assume that he would also like these things.<br /><br />Women (and men) often express their love for another person in these way but there’s a distinction that has to be made; we should be doing these things for someone because we want to and not because we feel obligated by a formulaic gender role.<br /><br />For example, I hardly ever cook. Not because I don’t enjoy it but because I only know how to cook three things and they all require cheese and heavy cream. One simply can not live off of a steady diet of cheese and cream so cooking has become a sporadic occasion . That being said, if I wanted to do something really nice for someone, make some effort to show that I cared, cooking a nice dinner might be a good option.<br /><br />Another example: one of my best friends always opens the door for me. I have to admit that at first it was annoying because he would often have to jump in front to manage it (my hips take up about ¾ the width of an average door…thanks biology). Eventually I got used to it. We have been friends eight years now and he still does it every single time.<br /><br />Why? I am sure that after eight years he has no doubt in his mind that I am capable of opening a door. He certainly isn’t trying to impress me so he can get in my pants later. And while he is extremely polite and respectful he is far from the conservative southern gentleman who thinks it is his masculine duty to open the door for every woman he sees.<br /><br />About two years into our friendship I finally asked him. He said he does it because it is his way of showing affection for me. He knows that I don’t expect it and that makes it even better. Even though I can open my own door he wants to do something that will make me happy and this is one way he can do that.<br /><br />And he’s right. It does make me happy. I feel like a lady and that’s something I don’t feel very often.<br /><br />So here’s the downside to doing things because you feel obligated; a sense of obligation is based on a sense of order and fairness, which means a part of you while always be expecting something in return. The great thing about a selfless act is that you are doing it because you want to, because you can, and because you don’t need them to return the favor. All the pressure is suddenly off.<br /><br />Do nice things for someone because you want to show them you are thinking about them? Do nice things for someone because you know they will appreciate it? Forget the grand gestures and think of random acts of kindness that you know will make the other person happy?<br /><br />Pretty sound advice that.<br /><br /><em>Suggested Reading:</em><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-That-Lasts/dp/0802473156/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265664512&sr=8-1">The Five Love Languages</a> by <strong>Gary Chapman</strong><br />I looked at every relationship in my life differently after reading this book. Chapman describes the five most common ways we show love for one another (spouses, friends, family) and how we can use that knowledge to show our love in ways that others will appreciate.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-22164319501491119362010-02-08T11:31:00.000-08:002010-02-08T11:34:37.507-08:00If You Are Feeling Magnanimous TodayI value the concept that actions speak louder than words but because of geography, life commitments, and financial means our ability to act may be limited at times. Here are some easy ways you can support causes you believe in by “doing” something as easy as clicking a button.<br /><br />If you support the national campaign to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and want to help flood Congress with a ton of e-mails that will hopefully annoy them enough to do something about it, click <a href="http://www.hrc.org/sites/voicesofhonor/index.asp">here</a>.<br /><br />If you support LGBT Equal Rights and you want every driver on the road to know about it, click <a href="http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=4360">here</a> to request a human rights bumper sticker.<br /><br />If you want to save some ta-tas click <a href="http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2">here</a>. 100% of the money from these advertisers goes to charity partners who fund programs to provide mammograms to women in need.<br /><br />If you think requiring a sexual assault survivor to pay for her own rape kit to be processed for evidence is barbaric click <a href="http://womensrights.change.org/actions/view/tell_congress_to_pass_the_justice_for_survivors_of_sexual_assault_act_of_2009">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-38643333849594773372010-01-20T09:25:00.001-08:002010-01-20T09:30:13.669-08:00Your Daily Dose of Vintage Sexism<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPJcccfIu4Z0jW4ABeSNTc3IjKPEPCuempXDyEbCs2oaciUKtrRMAUOICVdAiLkG1dRvyP4Cuo5PTBCy5FjM26335uDHXoXfhDyjE9fzNBJlG5hfihCKx-njT2dFqA3n6WWFKr_KGzLx9/s1600-h/1955GoodHousekeepingAd.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428874908152758754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 259px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPJcccfIu4Z0jW4ABeSNTc3IjKPEPCuempXDyEbCs2oaciUKtrRMAUOICVdAiLkG1dRvyP4Cuo5PTBCy5FjM26335uDHXoXfhDyjE9fzNBJlG5hfihCKx-njT2dFqA3n6WWFKr_KGzLx9/s400/1955GoodHousekeepingAd.bmp" border="0" /></a> This advertisement appeared in a 1955 issue of Good Housekeeping. Click the image to enlarge. And remember, a good wife always knows her place.<br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-36798751919755642072010-01-11T09:56:00.000-08:002010-01-11T10:27:55.493-08:00Somebody's Watching You: Can Movies Make Stalking Romantic?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8HVSeOsyH2qS0-vFHZp6UDeg6ApNYekptXSvHjk8Kkx2pzbv44wnyJkBlO4I4dxE1IecTpzekn84lZkF6avAuENonaTw_0qPGKg5RiN-zXMl87T0ahTNvAEe8vvBPb6-xzW_o5Mqq42F/s1600-h/stalking.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425544352033907714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8HVSeOsyH2qS0-vFHZp6UDeg6ApNYekptXSvHjk8Kkx2pzbv44wnyJkBlO4I4dxE1IecTpzekn84lZkF6avAuENonaTw_0qPGKg5RiN-zXMl87T0ahTNvAEe8vvBPb6-xzW_o5Mqq42F/s200/stalking.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It is always refreshing to watch a movie that, armed with a dedicated cast and miniscule budget, reinvents a genre. Marianna Palka’s directorial debut <em>Good Dick</em> is one such movie. The title is misleading because while it does include its fair share of adult content, the movie is most importantly an authentic and hopeful film that challenges all the predictable romantic comedy stereotypes.<br /><br />The basic plot is this; a “man” (he is never named in the film) who works in a video rental store becomes interested in a troubled “woman” who comes in every day to rent erotic videos. He gets her address from the rental directory and begins an incredibly bizarre courtship, one that involves him attempting to win her affections while slowly becoming a permanent part of her life.<br /><br />What makes this movie so fascinating is the dynamic between the lead characters, played by Marianna Palka and Jason Ritter (who are also a couple off-camera). Their interaction is both heartwarming and heartbreaking to watch. The “man” does everything he can to win the “woman’s” trust despite the fact that she continually ignores or rejects him. Most of the time she is blatantly abusive. The fact that he sticks around, living amidst a constant strain of belittling insults, borders on masochist (in one of the more comic moments of the film, Ritter's character ends a heated argument by nonchalantly stating, "I love you. This fight is over.").<br /><br />Yet stick around he does. He visits her at her apartment, starts spending the night, and eventually moves in with her. At which point you have to ask yourself…when did stalking become an acceptable form of courtship? I then realized that some of my other favorite movies also involve stalking. The follow-you-home-and-watch-you-through-your-window kind of stalking. For example:<br /><br /><em>Bed of Roses</em>. A florist sees a woman crying in her window and follows her to work the next morning. Surely he wants to strangle her and wear her skin as a coat….no, he just wants to show her his elaborate rooftop garden.<br /><br /><em>50 First Dates</em>. A marine biologist falls in love with a woman who suffers from short-term memory loss so he memorizes her schedule and “accidentally” runs into her every day…because come on, is it really stalking if she can’t remember it?<br /><br /><em>Untamed Heart</em>. A shy busboy follows a waitress home every night to make sure she makes it there safely. Oh yeah, and he also climbs into her room and watches her sleep…isn’t breaking and entering cute?<br /><br />Apparently one person’s creepy is my adorable. Blind romanticism and willful suspension of disbelief only got me so far before I had a “WTF???” moment of enlightenment. In reality I am fairly certain these women would have reacted much less favorably than they did in these movies, responses ranging from concerned to terrified.<br /><br />Now my friend says ‘it’s only stalking if you don’t like the guy.’ True, but I think this explanation is too simplistic and one that gives the concept of initial attraction way too much credit. The female characters in <em>Good Dick</em> and <em>50 First Dates</em> certainly didn’t like the male characters initially but over time they became interested. Time that was entirely facilitated by stalking.<br /><br />‘It’s only stalking if he’s not a nice guy’ may be more accurate? These guys are sweet, caring, and most importantly harmless. At times they may be shy or awkward but serial killers they are not. But I believe the romance of it all has more to do with the dedication of these particular male characters and what that says about their masculinity. When asked by Chris Wilkinson of Eye for Film whether Ritter’s character was justified in his actions, Palka responded:<br /><br />“What makes his character a hero is that he is very consistent. He has a very quiet strength and a real patience, which is an interesting thing to include in an illustration of masculinity.”<br /><br />The women in these films have some deeply rooted issues. Whether it’s a history of abuse or a physical brain disorder they have some understandable difficulties trusting people. The fact that these men end up stalking the object of their affection may seem over the top but it may also be the only way to prove to these women that they aren’t going anywhere. Actions speak louder than words, especially when 90% of the population is relationship ADD. These guys are real people who see other real people, people who are different but deserve to be loved, and they are patient enough to stick around and prove it to them.<br /><br />Gentle, patient, dedicated, and consistent is a far cry from the traditional masculine image of powerful, confrontational, and charismatic. Some may read “gentle and patient” as “pushover” but that is not the case. These men are confident even if in some cases it is a subdued confidence. After all, you have to be confident to be a stalker don‘t you? What would be the point if you didn’t honestly believe that you were charming enough to win them over if you just hang around them long enough?<br /><br />This form of courtship is not a new concept. Chivalry, still frequently referenced as the model for polite male behavior, was built around unhealthy and unrealistic obsessions. A chivalrous knight defined his masculinity by dedicating his entire existence to a worthy lady of status. This poor man would write sonnets, fight battles, and possibly even die defending the honor of some woman that in all likelihood he would never even meet. This level of dedication seems unnecessary. If I am going to die defending the honor of a man he better buy me dinner first.<br /><br />Stalking is also unnecessary and certainly not the romantic standard I would hold someone to, but I wouldn’t mind seeing that level of dedication and patience more often. Just remember, its all fun and games until someone gets a restraining order.<br /><br />Read the entire Eye for Film interview with Marianna Palka and Jason Ritter <a href="http://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/feature.php?id=567">here</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-28761764774395228792009-11-30T13:37:00.000-08:002010-01-11T10:29:19.099-08:00Pool Hall Revolution<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDExmR9Ad4Dj6g4M6ieyGSiIX033UgzFTfgDM6FiPymBIx6Ne99PcyG6hit99p4yIGGSfkhcajwY1Uyi3o4a8ni3H4x6kizjkEsx7rF0OaLAw3tQdiUalfRdi3KQctJRh760pDtO5jgDj/s1600/eightball.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410016687938286706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDExmR9Ad4Dj6g4M6ieyGSiIX033UgzFTfgDM6FiPymBIx6Ne99PcyG6hit99p4yIGGSfkhcajwY1Uyi3o4a8ni3H4x6kizjkEsx7rF0OaLAw3tQdiUalfRdi3KQctJRh760pDtO5jgDj/s200/eightball.jpg" border="0" /></a>There is a bar in Savannah that offers free pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I decided to make this part of my weekly routine. I grew up with a pool table in my house and my Dad taught me to play at a young age. My Dad loved three things; pool, cards, and bowling. He passed away when I was 19 and since I was a hopeless bowler and found cards to be too complicated, pool became the legacy I was left with. Instead of passing on the torch he passed on his custom-made pool cue with pearl inlay.<br /><br />So every Tuesday is now date night with B&B Billiards. At first I’d like to think I blend in pretty well but when I start racking up at a free table its as if every man in the room feels a disturbance in the force.<br /><br />Competent with a pool cue she is.<br /><br />Or is she? When a girl plays pool in an establishment primarily frequented by pool players, they are going to size up her game. I could care less what these guys think about my game but it’s still intimidating. Is this how a man using a public restroom feels?<br /><br />Fortunately unlike a public restroom (sorry guys) this is a pass or fail test and you only have to be slightly better than horrible to pass. While I may not be an excellent pool player I’m not a shitty one either. Lucky for me being not-too-shitty seems to carry a lot of weight as the men appear confused, intrigued, and admiring…simultaneously. Is this how a Christian youth group leader in a gay pride parade feels? I am not trying to start a revolution and I have nothing to prove but sometimes it feels good to show that I'm not afraid to play with the boys.<br /><br />Also it’s no surprise that I enjoy playing a game where I can bend over provocatively, handle a long stick and repeatedly bust balls all night long. You could drown in that kind of sexual symbolism.<br /><br />So where does that leave me? The Madonna/Whore complex enters new and interesting territory when you add some competition to the mix. On the one hand I am being respected and admired for my mastery of the game; on the other hand I am unintentionally flaunting my sexuality with the help of some not-so-subtle body positions and object metaphors. I am literally the ball buster and the tease, <em>at the same time</em>. Even Houdini couldn’t pull that off.<br /><br />Maybe this is what third-wave feminism should look like.<br /><br />In summary, the man who invented this game was very sexually frustrated and the secret to being a badass bombshell is to be slightly better than horrible at playing pool. If you can get through a game without completely embarrassing yourself you’ll have it made. If you can’t manage that then rest assured; there will always be a guy out there who is man enough to let you win.<br /><br />And if you find one who is man enough to NOT let you win please let me know, because I’m still looking for him. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-51421723726934720702009-11-04T11:18:00.000-08:002010-01-11T10:32:24.200-08:00Defending the Naughty NurseI used to get upset with women that used Halloween as an excuse to wear something that amounts to being naked and get away with it. However this year I dressed up as a Freudian Slip for Halloween, so admittedly, wearing lingerie to a crowded costume party gave me some insight. I am not the skinniest or prettiest girl but wearing that costume made me feel good, made me feel sexy, and made me feel reasonably sure that I made my ex swallow his tongue.<br /><br />Shameless maybe but desperate times called for desperate measures. It made me think that maybe I should go easy on the Dirty Dorothys and Slutty Schoolteachers. Halloween is all about letting loose and being someone we’re not for one night only. As women who are constantly objectified in our daily lives, isn’t it liberating to openly express a sexualized self on a night where EVERYONE is being objectified?<br /><br />Dan Savage had some interesting things to say about this "sluttly costume" genre in an article he wrote for The Stranger. Check out his thoughts on the subject <a href="http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/happy-heteroween/Content?oid=2594616">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-1725185005332738682009-10-30T11:54:00.000-07:002009-10-30T12:27:44.892-07:00Less Is More: The Beauty of Male Simplicity<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_-I779bqmx96D4Kdg0yxUAId9Rr8ls-fNRetH7HUORfnfDCK3QMiAguiDql8lsM4tI6hbdFLIXIRbbHliygyzRLOym3WCzDIziaVhyFJeUNiosq4OnAcgXPaATw1r3f2M9isRtsYWTTA/s1600-h/areyouhappy.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398474758586388146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_-I779bqmx96D4Kdg0yxUAId9Rr8ls-fNRetH7HUORfnfDCK3QMiAguiDql8lsM4tI6hbdFLIXIRbbHliygyzRLOym3WCzDIziaVhyFJeUNiosq4OnAcgXPaATw1r3f2M9isRtsYWTTA/s400/areyouhappy.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />Boys love going to restaurants where all the menu items are also pictured. A long-standing tradition I used to have was going to Denny’s at 2am with my guys one Saturday a month or so. This used to be where all the drag-queens in Savannah would congregate after their last show of the night; so of course, where else would I want to be?<br /><br />For me the highlight of the evening would be watching all the boys order. The waitress would come over, ask them what they wanted to eat and they would respond by pointing to a picture and saying, “I want that.”<br /><br />Easy. To the point. In a way I was disappointed they used words at all; I kept waiting for the day they would simply point to the picture and grunt like a caveman. Me hungry, me want that.<br /><br />Isn’t there something strangely beautiful about that kind of thinking? This mindset isn’t limited to breakfast foods, it translates to their careers and relationships as well. There is an excellent book called <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sexual-Spectrum-Why-Were-Different/dp/1551929805/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256929267&sr=8-1">The Sexual Spectrum</a></em> by Olive Skene Johnson that presents some fundamental biological differences between male and female brains. Male brains are wired to process immediate information in order to solve the problem efficiently. Women on the other hand are wired to process information according to a bigger picture. They consider every aspect of the problem and then solve it in a way that may not be as efficient but is the most copasetic.<br /><br />Both models of thinking have their advantages and disadvantages and it would be hard to argue that one is necessarily better than the other. The most efficient answer is not always the best one; just ask any guy who thought it would be fun to eat a hot pizza roll right out of the oven. Hurts doesn’t it?<br /><br />Then why did he do it? Because if a man is hungry, he eats. If a woman is hungry, she considers how much her ass may jiggle the next morning if she eats and then acts accordingly. Yes, it can be that ridiculous. So while the most efficient answer may not be the best one I would argue that women have taken the “consider the bigger picture” mentality a bit too far, especially when it comes to relationships.<br /><br />Men don’t over-analyze everything. It makes me wonder, why can’t women adopt the same mentality?<br /><br />Or more to the point…why do women have to be so dramatic?<br /><br />Suppose your girlfriend is upset because she thinks you were hitting on her brother. You’re upset, she’s upset. Resolution needed. Now imagine if you could handle the problem like men often do…throw a few punches, laugh, say “I love you bitch, get over here,” and hug it out? Seems like a more civilized solution than passive-aggressive insults, manipulating conversations and talking about her behind her back. Compared to that sort of behavior an all-out, no-holds-barred catfight seems downright debutante.<br /><br />Basically having female friends is kind of like living with a minefield in your backyard. You never know how they are going to perceive something, what they are going to think, or how they are going to react. It can be thoroughly exhausting.<br /><br />I try and avoid that trap by sticking with an honesty-is-the-best policy model. I don’t make assumptions, I try not to over-analyze and if there is a problem I talk about it. Saves me hours of pointless obsessing that I can use to read philosophy and watch Family Guy re-runs.<br /><br />On average men say about 7,000 words a day while women say about 20,000 words a day, and miraculously men are not dropping dead en-mass around the world; they seem to get by just fine using less than half the amount of words we do. I talk a lot more than most so while I may never get down to saying only 7,000 words a day maybe I can at least limit my thinking to 7,000 words a day. If anything it would make the 20,000 words that actually come out of my mouth a lot more interesting.<br /><br />If not, at least I still have the option of ordering food by pointing to a picture of it. Without that we’d all be screwed.<br /><br /><br /><em>Suggested reading:</em><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sexual-Spectrum-Why-Were-Different/dp/1551929805/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256929267&sr=8-1">The Sexual Spectrum</a> by <strong>Olive Skene Johnson</strong><br /><div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Male-Brain-Breakthrough-Understanding-Think/dp/0767927532/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256930033&sr=1-1">The Male Brain</a> by <strong>Louann Brizendine M.D.</strong></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-67614628748354084422009-10-28T08:53:00.000-07:002009-10-28T09:43:50.183-07:00Pregnant is the New Black: Should Reality Shows be Glorifying Unplanned Pregnancies?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nKV7tifao-NpKo3bUyYjKUyqovEwe9ICNkxcOZ0oR65azKze61kMDDAN3gPOzVyyCzVs453dTnM298F3nHt7kf4sXwLwc82Axe3jEkQAMkW2Vlyj-DpfqAYyHS6AtKoqwc9jN4UjnXhd/s1600-h/pregnantwoman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397692002493565970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nKV7tifao-NpKo3bUyYjKUyqovEwe9ICNkxcOZ0oR65azKze61kMDDAN3gPOzVyyCzVs453dTnM298F3nHt7kf4sXwLwc82Axe3jEkQAMkW2Vlyj-DpfqAYyHS6AtKoqwc9jN4UjnXhd/s200/pregnantwoman.jpg" border="0" /></a>It’s no secret that babies scare the crap out of me. I literally stopped drinking the coffee at my church when 10% of our congregation became pregnant within a couple months of each other. This is why shows like <a href="http://health.discovery.com/fansites/i-didnt-know-i-was-pregnant/i-didnt-know-i-was-pregnant.html">I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant</a> terrify me; I was under the impression that pregnancy was pretty obvious, as in you are or you aren’t. The idea of a pregnant gray area is disconcerting to say the least.<br /><br />What concerns me even more is the message these shows may be presenting to young female audiences. Take for example the popular MTV Show <a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/16_and_pregnant/series.jhtml">16 and Pregnant</a>. I recently heard on a local radio show that after one of the show’s featured couples, Catelynn and Tyler, gave their daughter up for adoption Catelynn received massive amounts of fan-mail from female viewers, one of which thanked her for being “an incredible role model.” An extensive article was also written in People Magazine profiling the couple as national heroes.<br /><br />Does that seem like a bit of a stretch to anyone else?<br /><br />Unplanned pregnancy can happen to any woman including one that is using birth control, so I am not suggesting that every pregnant teenager is pregnant because they acted in a sexually irresponsible manner. I also think that adoption is a difficult and extremely personal decision and I in no way judge them in favor of or against their decision to give their child up for adoption. Certainly their decision has given much-needed publicity to the issue of adoption and that is a wonderful thing.<br /><br />However, saying that Catelynn is “an incredible role model” for getting pregnant at 16 seems somewhat inappropriate. I would like to see a 16 year old role model that is making smart, informed, and safe sexual decisions celebrated on MTV. Unfortunately that girl is probably being called an uptight prude by her peers and therefore would like to remain anonymous.<br /><br />Even if Catelynn was practicing safe sex I still take issue with her being coined a role model; if you believe you are old enough to have sex you should also be old enough to support a child. If you are not old enough to support a child, keep it in your pants until you are. I am not advocating abstinence only education; I am advocating the idea that making sexual decisions requires maturity. Be informed but then also be an ADULT.<br /><br />But let’s be honest…it is more than likely that this young couple was not practicing safe sex which is often the case with teen couples either because they are ill-informed or just plain lazy. If that is the case, what sort of message are we presenting to a young female viewing audience?<br /><br />That if you are a teen, have unprotected sex and end up pregnant then you too could end up on an MTV reality show?<br /><br />The show’s purpose is to discourage teen pregnancy but what they are really doing is demonstrating the sexual irresponsibility of teenage couples in a way that turns them into celebrities. My heart goes out to Catelynn and the other young women on this show, and I believe they deserve all the support we can give them but I don’t think they deserve glowing admiration and fame for their less than smart decision making.<br /><br />This also applies to the show <a href="http://health.discovery.com/fansites/i-didnt-know-i-was-pregnant/i-didnt-know-i-was-pregnant.html">I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant</a>. If these women go 9 months without knowing they are pregnant they are obviously a bit misinformed about pregnancy and birth control. In some cases the circumstances are otherwise but the majority seem to be young women who are oblivious to the possibility that their sexual behavior could result in pregnancy until they are actually giving birth.<br /><br />We should be supporting and helping these women with any resources we have available....but should we be glorifying their decisions as the stuff that role models are made of?<br /><br />Also, should we stay away from church coffee for a while?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-24624563948422921862009-10-26T13:45:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:29:55.475-08:00Can I Interest You In Some Sarcasm? Using My Attitude With Less AbandonLately I have been ending a lot of conversations with the disclaimer that, “I swear I'm not a bitter man-hater or anything...” This will be after an hour long diatribe that verbally castrated the entire male gender for some type of obviously moronic behavior that for some asinine reason they have refused to acknowledge or make any effort to remedy. It is all well and good to say I am not a man-hater but the case is destroyed when all evidence clearly points to the contrary.<br /><br />I really don’t want to be<em> that</em> girl.<br /><br />It upsets me that somehow, without my knowledge, I may have become that girl. That at some point this attitude infiltrated my everyday conversation and became uncontrollable, making it virtually impossible for me to say anything about a guy that doesn’t drip with sarcasm and condescension.<br /><br />It feels like I am engaged in an epic battle of wills; demure, optimistic, romantic me vs. raging bitch me.<br /><br />This point was driven home (like a knife through the heart) when a male acquaintance hit me with the following: “You know, when a woman hates the fact she is single it is incredibly unattractive. Her dissatisfaction floods out her eyeballs.”<br /><br />Floods. Out. Her. Eyeballs.<br /><br />Lock your doors. Take cover. Protect the children. There is a psychotic woman with single ladies syndrome FLOODING OUT HER EYEBALLS on the loose.<br /><br />I enjoy being single but that isn’t the point. That isn’t what hurt me so much about this statement. What hurt me is that I was obviously being enough of a bitch that this guy had to resort to the oldest trick in the book, the “she’s angry because she is single” cliché. It’s the man’s go-to comeback and I have heard it so many times it doesn‘t even phase me anymore.<br /><br />Well I thought I had moved past these meager defenses. I thought that I had learned how to have civilized conversations with men that didn’t have to end in boy vs. girl mudslinging. It’s like when you were a kid and you said, “I hate you,” and the person responds, “I hate you times ten…” finally ending with, “I hate you infinity!”<br /><br />“She’s just angry because she’s single,” is the man’s version of “I hate you infinity.”<br /><br />When it gets to this point nothing I say matters anymore. I might as well be talking to a wall, which is no big deal because my diatribes are not for anyone else’s benefit nor or they meant to impress anybody (clearly, as I am sure there isn’t a self-help relationship guide called “How to Attract the Perfect Guy by Outright Insulting His Gender"). Most of the time I don’t even think before speaking…we all just need to vent once in a while.<br /><br />But my anger is a righteous anger and that is why these comments will fly out of my mouth with or without my meaning them too. To stop expressing these opinions would be betraying my sense of social justice. It would be betraying the moral model that dictates how I want to live my life.<br /><br />I also think that on an unconscious level I say these things in front of my male peers so they can learn a thing or two from a female perspective. See firsthand how fed up women are with the current state of things. I know when my male friends have talked about the controlling, back-stabbing, non-appreciative women they have encountered they strike the fear of God into me.<br /><br />Because I don’t want to be <em>that</em> girl either.<br /><br />That being said, my moral model DOESN’T need a side of sarcasm. Because if I don’t start curbing my attitude, how is anyone going to take me seriously? Because if I have to resort to angry soapbox speeches to make my point, what does that say about my credibility?<br /><br />I hang out with some amazing, stand-up gentlemen who are doing their best to navigate a difficult social landscape. I hope that I can temper my attitude enough so that when I express my opinions, I can paint them a credible picture of what the not-so-stand-up gentlemen look like.<br /><br />Because thank God, I know they don’t want to be <em>that</em> guy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-41636920778462129322009-10-19T12:58:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:17:48.127-08:00Inked: Are Tattoos on Women Trashy or Liberating?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13vpOgQ1XE_fpgDziZlyRbI3FxACZTsP1ynpIjSujmzQXyr3jCdSW4hAiKFc2wYPK4_KmFsR98LQfZXQ30Q26pl9c54iytNubHZ1Oec8nnCNkckEnKtE1SZWBF2SPHNxIqKCQ24mmyA7l/s1600-h/tattooedwoman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394405046994472978" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13vpOgQ1XE_fpgDziZlyRbI3FxACZTsP1ynpIjSujmzQXyr3jCdSW4hAiKFc2wYPK4_KmFsR98LQfZXQ30Q26pl9c54iytNubHZ1Oec8nnCNkckEnKtE1SZWBF2SPHNxIqKCQ24mmyA7l/s320/tattooedwoman.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ask anybody how they feel about tattoos and you are bound to get some strong opinions. I remember the first time I attempted to broach the subject with my mother. I was 16 and set on getting a tattoo on my 18th birthday. She said absolutely not. Her reasoning…only bikers, hookers, and pirates get tattoos.<br /><br />Exactly how does one argue with that? If you figure it out will you please let me know?<br /><br />Needless to say it was exasperating and after weeks of debate I made up my mind to get a tattoo whether she decided to disown me or not. But my mother’s perspective, while hilarious and seriously outdated, does bring up an interesting point. During the years my mother was growing up tattoos were a symbol of anarchy and liberation; think Janis Joplin who famously said, "Women with tattoos like to f*ck.". Tattoos bespoke a life of crime, gay advocacy, flower power and radical feminism at its best (or worst).<br /><br />Which begs the question…have tattoos become our generation’s version of bra-burning?<br /><br />Look at some of the reasons tattoos are so appealing to women:<br /><br />Appeal #1: Mom and Dad don’t like them. I’m sure there are exceptions but I have yet to meet a pair of parents excited about the prospect of their daughter getting a tribal band tattooed on her upper arm. Exactly what tribe is she a part of? It doesn’t matter; spiting Mom and Dad is fun.<br /><br />Appeal #2: Men don’t like them. Sure there are exceptions but research has proven that the average man has more negative attitudes toward women with visible tattoos. It may not be a deal breaker but given the choice they prefer women without the artwork. Well, if we have learned anything from human history it is that women will look for any excuse to give a male dominated opinion the middle finger. “You guys don’t like tattoos? Well too bad, I‘m not getting it to please you.” It’s juvenile, it’s prideful. It doesn’t matter; putting the patriarchy in its place is fun.<br /><br />Appeal #3: They are a physical right. We should call the shots when it comes to our bodies and tattoos are a visual proof of that fact. Nobody else has any say when it comes to having something permanently printed on our skin because we are the ones that have to live with that decision. Sensing any similarities to reproductive rights? Yup, pissing off radical conservatives is fun too.<br /><br />Women are still in the trenches fighting for the right to make decisions about their own bodies regardless of what their family, significant other, or government dictates. Tattoos symbolize a small victory within that struggle. At its most basic level, tattoos are a social statement about the control that women DO possess. That when it comes to our bodies, no one can tell us what to do.<br /><br />Even if we somehow end up looking like a pirate working a street corner.<br /><br />If you still don’t think tattoos are culturally significant check out this article:<br /><a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-swedish-nightclub-doesnt-serve-tattooed-women/">Got Ink? No Drink! Swedish Nightclub Doesn’t Serve Tattooed Women</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-84441024031723702772009-10-13T08:39:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:28:11.835-08:00Chauvinist Musicals: Why Are Those Seven Brothers So Irresistible?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulsyAz5ihU11EvMntNKYhebLQjXrnbQDFiKI6PuzzS1ceF0ut_Hm6jFU8YZdLcDKVjmErin_vKAZYP4OsScjrid4cTjCDdpJqSyf7jvb1vgc87syGzDxMs3jO4AxYBC_-WMnC89zn6iYY/s1600-h/sevenbridespic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392112133161156898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulsyAz5ihU11EvMntNKYhebLQjXrnbQDFiKI6PuzzS1ceF0ut_Hm6jFU8YZdLcDKVjmErin_vKAZYP4OsScjrid4cTjCDdpJqSyf7jvb1vgc87syGzDxMs3jO4AxYBC_-WMnC89zn6iYY/s200/sevenbridespic.jpg" border="0" /></a>When I get sad I like to watch old musicals. Cheaper than Prozac and ten times more entertaining. The scripts are corny, the dance numbers are meticulously choreographed and the costumes look like they were designed by color-blind drag queens. Fun for the whole family. Some of my favorites include <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pajama-Game-Doris-Day/dp/B0007QS306/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1255449175&sr=1-1">Guys and Dolls</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pajama-Game-Doris-Day/dp/B0007QS306/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1255449175&sr=1-1">The Pajama Game</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Calamity-Jane-Doris-Day/dp/B0007QS2Z2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1255449122&sr=1-1">Calamity Jane</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Brides-Brothers-Two-Disc-Special/dp/B0002OXVCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1255449064&sr=8-1">Seven Brides for Seven Brothers</a></em>.<br /><br />All feature a strong female lead that doesn’t take crap from anybody. Good thing too because a lot of crap gets thrown at her…from none other than their lead male counterpart and potential love interest of course.<br /><br />Check out some of these winning lines:<br /><br />“The dolls were agreeable with nice teeth and no last names” -Sky Masterson, <em>Guys and Dolls</em><br />“If a guy did not have a doll, who would holler at him?” -Nathan Detroit, <em>Guys and Dolls</em><br />“Why don't you ever fix your hair?” -Bill Hickok, <em>Calamity Jane</em><br />“What do I need manners for? I already got me a wife.” -Adam Pontipee, <em>Seven Brides for Seven Brothers</em><br /><br />On the evolutionary ladder these guys are one rung up from Fred Flintstone when it comes to respecting women.<br /><br />These musicals were released in the 50’s which was not a decade known for its emphasis on female empowerment. Just like any art form these movies should be viewed with consideration for their context. I accept these male characters with a grain of salt because I’m fully aware that is how men spoke about women during that time period.<br /><br />While this is true, and while I know that nobody takes these movies too seriously, I still couldn’t reconcile the fact that despite their blatant chauvinism I found these characters not just tolerable…but also incredibly charming.<br /><br />After a recent re-watching of one of these favorites I think I figured out why.<br /><br />The dancing certainly doesn’t hurt. I can’t be trusted on a flight of stairs when I’m sober but these men are leaping through the air, somersaulting through drainage systems and balancing on spinning logs. That level of coordination is pretty impressive.<br /><br />However my major epiphany came when I noticed that the men in these movies are not good at verbalizing how they feel, either because they don’t know how or because they are terribly out of practice. They represent the stereotypical mid-century man’s man who refuses to acknowledge he is even capable of emotional depth…when suddenly, about 48 minutes into the movie, he falls madly in love to the point where he can’t bare it any longer. So what’s a guy to do when he doesn’t have the words? Burst into song of course.<br /><br />When his love is so strong words alone can’t express it, it is only through the magic of a choreographed musical number that he can adequately do his feelings justice.<br /><br />Ladies, some of us pass out from delight when a guy declares his love in a text message. I think this is a step up.<br /><br />And on the charming scale it’s an adorable 10/10. Or maybe I am just a sucker for baritones, but even so, don’t forget that after all the catty remarks and insulting banter runs out the male lead is still succumbing to a love he denied was even possible. AND he wants to sing about it.<br /><br />A man who is willing to admit he was kind of clueless? That, to me, is pretty darn charming.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-70103761425107543032009-10-12T09:23:00.001-07:002010-01-11T10:18:37.295-08:00Victim Blaming 101: It Wasn't Rape-Rape...Sure, and the Age of Consent is Just a Number<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVXiXUWxO9LMLtkp8ZexuOL6gyV73H-62lwWTFRxfgKt36i6MpwzGLEuFZKqC7Y2X3xVnsuoVShpNR8gfOPJ6Cn66TWeod0yzb4hj9Tx8gJ-f3z3RVzAJkomZuoK06LNd8SaDwU-jEx8I/s1600-h/teal-ribbon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391755677871783954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVXiXUWxO9LMLtkp8ZexuOL6gyV73H-62lwWTFRxfgKt36i6MpwzGLEuFZKqC7Y2X3xVnsuoVShpNR8gfOPJ6Cn66TWeod0yzb4hj9Tx8gJ-f3z3RVzAJkomZuoK06LNd8SaDwU-jEx8I/s320/teal-ribbon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The debate is certainly heating up over Roman Polanski’s arrest. I for one am glad because this is not something that should just be swept under the rug. This is something that needs to be talked about because the public perception of rape is obviously severely skewed. There are way too many myths circulating out there about what rape “isn’t” and it needs to stop.<br /><br />Now whenever there is scandal in the entertainment industry you can always find a few celebrities contributing their opinion. Two notable figures in this debate have been <a href="http://jezebel.com/5369395/whoopi-on-roman-polanski-it-wasnt-rape+rape">Whoopi Goldberg</a> and <a href="http://jezebel.com/5372888/chris-rock-on-roman-polanski-its-rape-rape">Chris Rock</a>. (click their name to view video) Chris Rock has always been an asset to the feminist movement in my opinion as his comedy routines often call out behavior that is offensive to women. In one routine he asked all the men in the audience if they were feminists to which he got an unenthusiastic response. He then asked them if they had a mother, a sister, a daughter…if so, they were a feminist. Because if someone hurt their mother how would that make them feel? If someone insulted their mother, made her feel bad about herself, would that make them angry? He may be shallow, egotistical, and crude but Chris Rock knows what a feminist is.<br /><br />Rock also recently released a documentary entitled “Good Hair” which examines the traditionally white standards of beauty that black women are exposed to. He was promoting this documentary on Jay Leno when he brought up the Roman Polanski case. His inspiring rant may have been in response to Whoopi Goldberg from The View who said that, “I know it wasn't rape-rape. I think it was something else, but I don't believe it was rape-rape.” (Jezebel)<br /><br />Poor Whoopi. She is getting slammed for this and sadly it was probably just a case of not thinking before speaking. That being said, she should have known better. Her words illustrate a perception of rape that a lot of the general public shares; that there are “levels” of rape, that some types of rape are worse than others, and that in certain cases the rapist isn’t completely at fault.<br /><br />Oh HELL no. The victim is <em>never at fault</em>. Why? Because the rapist is the one who is physically doing the raping. It doesn’t matter what she was wearing, what kind of person she was, whether they had a sexual relationship before; if the woman says no, it is rape. Tell your friends because it scares me to think there may still be confusion about this.<br /><br />Roman Polanski drugged, raped, and sodomized a 13-year old girl. That. Is. Rape.<br /><br />It is being suggested that the sexual relationship was “consensual.” Who are these people and are they on acid? The victim testified that Polanski gave her champagne, drugs, and took nude pictures of her in a hot tub before having sexual intercourse with her despite her resistance and requests to be taken home. He doesn’t deny this. He plead guilty and fled the country when he found out the jail sentence for statutory rape was, well, kind of long.<br /><br />So it’s not even her word against his. Too bad we are a culture that loves victim-blaming, a culture that is quick to suggest that OBVIOUSLY this 13 year old girl was asking for it and willingly participated in consensual sex with a 44 year old man.<br /><br />Let’s just suppose, for a second, that this is true.<br /><br />When you are 13, there is no such thing as consensual sex. When you are 13 you can barely decide what outfit you want to wear to middle school that day, let alone whether to have sex with someone. This is why the age of consent exists. It wasn’t like a bunch of politicians were sitting around one day and thought, “Gee, wouldn’t it be fun to mess with those crazy teens by telling them they have to wait to have sex? That sure would piss them off.”<br /><br />No. The age of consent was put into law because we recognize the fact that children do not have the cognitive ability to make informed and unbiased decisions about their physical well-being. A 13 year old girl is working with a limited supply of brain cells. Her priorities range from how popular she is to how good her hair looks. If she thinks for one second, “If I don’t do what this man says he’ll tell all my friends and I won’t be popular anymore” chances are she will have sex with him. That, ladies and gentlemen, is her extensive and thorough decision-making process. So go ahead. Just TRY and tell me that is consensual sex.<br /><br />In Georgia the age of consent is 16 which personally I think is still too young. The majority of 16 year olds I know can barely tie there own shoes. It is mind-boggling that they are considered old enough to make smart decisions about there sexual health, but whatever. I'm not the expert and I don't make the rules.<br /><br />The moral of the story is this; there is no such thing as rape that isn’t rape. I don’t care if Roman Polanski made a shit-ton of amazing movies. I don’t care if he has spent the last thirty years saving dolphins, feeding the homeless, and is this close to finding the cure for cancer. If you rape a 13 year old girl and try to get away with it, I will hunt you down vigilante style like it’s my job.<br /><br />Oh and Chris Rock is my hero. And Whoopi Goldberg, even though her comment was inappropriate, has made an issue go public that needed to be clarified. And she starred in <em>The Color Purple</em>. So there’s that. Try and go easy on her.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-82642188395032331462009-10-02T09:24:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:32:40.253-08:00Quite A Catch...This is what happens when a guy badgers a girl into giving him her number. The first voicemail was kind of funny, in a wow this is pathetic kind of way. But the second message? This guy needs to pray to his Greek gods for a clue.<br /><br /><a href="http://melodymaker.posterous.com/the-reason-some-girls-stay-single-very-funny">http://melodymaker.posterous.com/the-reason-some-girls-stay-single-very-funny</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-12421900225608700432009-09-30T15:40:00.000-07:002009-10-02T08:45:16.355-07:00The Porn Identity: Is It Damaging Men as Much as Women?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQp1P7uDfOqt41zKW7K1E6MYQ9BsXopk1JGrRN6Y5mJpCRiozMtmZ1CMh5pX5t8olVRZjM5wBvizXbNogHiZ4pBy2P_b7vk_ao7Gk7A_976o3-XWf1JyIHL3Hb-DgC4iR-Oi3fonoV-zf/s1600-h/malepuppet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387395074754668066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQp1P7uDfOqt41zKW7K1E6MYQ9BsXopk1JGrRN6Y5mJpCRiozMtmZ1CMh5pX5t8olVRZjM5wBvizXbNogHiZ4pBy2P_b7vk_ao7Gk7A_976o3-XWf1JyIHL3Hb-DgC4iR-Oi3fonoV-zf/s200/malepuppet.jpg" border="0" /></a>Porn is hard to ignore. Whether it inundates your life intentionally or unintentionally, its out there and its status as an economic cash-cow (revenues each year average $10 billion or higher) are undeniable. Personally I used to be on the fence about pornography; I took the “each to his own” and “whatever floats your boat” stance, mostly because of its inevitability. Porn markets the inevitability factor well. They argue that pre-historic man painted naked women on caves, so what’s the big deal about double penetration? I didn’t have the energy to fight this kind of ridiculous argument so I just let it go. I had more important battles to fight.<br /><br />Well, consider me officially off the fence. Somehow porn has unintentionally inundated my life in a big way lately through articles, books, news stories, and casual conversations with friends. But instead of the usual battle cries of how damaging pornography is to women, the conversations lately have revolved around the affect pornography has on men. After all, men consume the majority of pornography so it makes perfect sense that they should be included.<br /><br />The question is this; it is pretty obvious that pornography is damaging to women, and how men perceive women, but is it equally damaging (if not MORE damaging) to men?<br /><br />If porn turns women into objects, what does it turn men into? Slaves? Animals? Addicts? Abusers? Run of the mill assholes?<br /><br />Men as a whole are not to blame (the men producing porn are another matter, one that involves my fists and there big dumb heads). If young men are learning about sex by viewing porn in one of its myriad forms then their perception of sex will be altered accordingly. Sure its “fantasy,” but the human brain doesn’t have an easy button when it comes to separating fantasy and reality.<br /><br />When it comes to the human male it is basically monkey see, monkey do.<br /><br />Considering the porn that is most frequently consumed, as in what is rented or viewed online the most (I am not including soft-core, erotica, artsy porn simply because its viewing is fractional compared to hard-core gonzo and feature porn) the common denominator is control. Men are always in control, often to the point of causing pain.<br /><br />Sex as domination, fantastic. Sure glad we don’t live in a rape culture or anything, because then we’d REALLY be in trouble.<br /><br />Take note that my use of the word “consumption” to describe pornography viewing is intentional. Just like food it satisfies a need, plain and simple. But also like food moderation can be a problem. And it’s the food that is bad for you that tastes so much better.<br /><br />Herein lies the problem of porn. Because it is so masterful at taking emotion completely out of the equation, porn becomes boring. Producers are scraping the bottom of one nasty barrel for the most extreme fare they can get. In this equation the nasty, demeaning, pain-inducing factor goes up while man’s capacity for human decency and empathy plummet.<br /><br />Porn is destroying man’s capacity to remain HUMAN. This is the thesis argument of Robert Jensen’s excellent book <em>Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity</em>. Consider this excerpt:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">“For many men, sex is often a place where we both display and reinforce our power over women. By that, I don’t mean that all men at all times use sex that way, but that a pattern of such relationships is readily visible in this society. Women deal with it every day, and at some level most men understand it. We can see that pornography not only raises issues about the buying and selling of women, but…about sex in general, about the way in which men and women in this culture are commonly trained to be sexual. It’s about men and women, and sex and power.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">We live in a time of sexual crisis. That makes life difficult, but it also creates a space for invention and creativity…the possibility of a different way of understanding the world and myself, the possibility of escaping the masculinity trap set for me, that chance to become something more than a man, more that just a john-to become a human being.”</span><br /><br />I don’t have any lofty ideas about single-handedly bringing down the pornography industry, however much I would like to. I will have to settle for indignation, outrage…but mostly sadness. I am sad for the men that are exposed to this smut, this degradation of women, and think it is the norm. Think that this is what the masculine identity looks like. Think that the women in these films are not somebody’s friend, somebody’s sister, somebody’s daughter.<br /><br />It is our job to remind them. When they watch Ariana Jollee have sex with 65 men in one day as she does in the film 65 Guy Cream Pie they need to remember that her real name is Laura David and that Laura David is somebody’s daughter. Is that the life a father envisions for his daughter?<br /><br />We are indeed in the midst of a sexual crisis, and we don’t have the luxury of riding the fence when the stakes are this high.<br /><br />Lets take sex off the screen and put it back in the bedroom where it belongs.<br /><br /><br />For some incredibly different perspectives on this subject, I suggest the following reading:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Off-Pornography-End-Masculinity/dp/089608776X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254498096&sr=8-1">Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity</a> by <strong>Robert Jensen</strong><br /><a href="http://bitchmagazine.org/article/feast-of-burden">Feast of Burden: The Transgressive, Disturbing World of “Feeding Porn”</a> by <strong>Jessica Hester</strong><br /><a href="http://relit.org/porn_again_christian/">Porn-Again Christian</a> by <strong>Mark Driscoll</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-78337974877458747902009-09-11T09:26:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:33:58.235-08:00Some Gender-Related Factoids<ul><li>In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb."</li><li>Many years ago in Scotland a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden." Thus the word GOLF entered into the English language. </li><li>The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone. </li><li>Men can read smaller print than women can.</li><li>Bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laserprinters were all invented by women. </li><li>It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon. </li><li>Men’s shirts have the buttons on the right but women’s blouses have the buttons on the left. This is because during the Victorian period buttons were quite expensive and were mostly worn by the wealthy. Since proper, well-to-do ladies were dressed by their servants, and most people are right-handed, their buttons were placed on the servant’s right which is the wearer’s left side. Most gentlemen dressed themselves so their buttons were placed on the wearer’s right side.</li><li>Every year, 11,000 Americans injure themselves while trying out bizarre sexual positions.</li><li>On average women blink nearly twice as much as men.</li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-66366084856449068652009-08-28T12:30:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:33:19.757-08:00Imogen Heap's New Album<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwh-SrksZUl37tW_GCL-uxS8bc4pZ6J-VtUP413S2YM3SJ4BW6E_Fq-UzusKISuJcmbKP3dKtGWYtUAr0tioPCZMPTxupWVRnpST5JJoPFsgZjTtxhnF5gEFUYYM-nQ-MaEQ_Ig-pyg1_k/s1600-h/ImogenHeapEllipse.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375104310509980194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwh-SrksZUl37tW_GCL-uxS8bc4pZ6J-VtUP413S2YM3SJ4BW6E_Fq-UzusKISuJcmbKP3dKtGWYtUAr0tioPCZMPTxupWVRnpST5JJoPFsgZjTtxhnF5gEFUYYM-nQ-MaEQ_Ig-pyg1_k/s320/ImogenHeapEllipse.png" border="0" /></a> After years of preparation and hype Imogen Heap's new album, <a href="http://www.imogenheap.com/">Ellipse</a>, has finally debuted. I am happy to say I was not at all disappointed. It was worth the wait. She is one of the most talented musicians working today and this album clearly shows why. I was especially pleased that she included an instrumental version of each song on the deluxe album.<br /><br />One track I find particularly fascinating is "Bad Body Double." It is playful, thought-provoking and distressing; a combination that only Imogen could pull off (reminds me of "Goodnight and Go..." an adorable song about unrequited love but at the same time very creepy when you consider the stalking element of it). "Bad Body Double" is a statement about standards of beauty for women. I am still trying to figure out exactly what her stance on it is, but one thing is made clear; every woman has two versions of herself to some varying degree. One version cares tremendously about whether she looks good, the other doesn't. Reconciling the two can be pretty tricky.<br /><br />Here's a preview:<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">She's trouble, alright. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Sometimes I manage to lose her </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Shake her at a bar, in the gym for five minutes </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">It feels so good to be back to my own self again </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Can get quite confusing. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">We look very similar except she's got some grays </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">and a little extra weight on the sides </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">And dimply thighs, </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">I hear that stuff's a bitch to get rid off </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">No, no, no, no </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">We're having quite an intimate, personal moment (not now)</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Could you maybe come at a slightly less awful time? (not now) </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">She can see I've got someone quite nice here with me </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Can't we just be left alone... </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">I guess that's a no then </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Seeing as you're still here</span> </em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-41752211853561163442009-08-28T12:06:00.001-07:002010-01-11T10:20:03.010-08:00Vampires Suck: Feisty Female Heroines of Urban Fantasy Show the Undead Who's BossOver the last decade there has been a steadily growing trend for the urban fantasy genre in TV and literature, especially among young women. Laura Miller wrote an excellent <a href="http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2009/06/23/vampire_fiction/">article</a> for Salon.com concerning this. For those that aren’t familiar with the term, urban fantasy refers to romantic/thriller mysteries that deal with the supernatural (vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, etc.). Authors such as Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison, Kelley Armstrong and Stephanie Meyers have made a name for themselves through urban fantasy literature and their books have developed cult-followings that give Harry Potter fans a run for their money.<br /><br />My feelings about this trend are mixed. It is probably public knowledge by now that I hate the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers. Actually hate is too tame a word…loathe would be more appropriate.<br /><br />The issue I have with the series is very specific; Edward and Bella have nothing in common, barely speak to each other, but somehow miraculously manage to fall in love because they like how each other smells. One small problem though…he is constantly fighting his temptation to kill Bella. Moral of the story; don’t let your boyfriend drink your blood, because if he does he may not be responsible for trying to kill you. Ahhhh, young love.<br /><br />This message isn’t so destructive for adults, but for teenagers that are the series’ target audience? I think it is absolutely frightening that a message like this is being projected as “true love.“ Supposedly the books are supposed to promote Christian values, which is why Bella and Edward’s relationship is so sexually charged yet they are adamant about waiting to have sex until they are married. UMM, maybe they are adamant about waiting to have sex because it is a very real possibility that Edward may KILL Bella. It certainly gives a whole new meaning to using protection.<br /><br />So hear that girls? Sex kills. And love is based on smell. And if you want to look pretty, you should always look slightly perturbed and pout a lot. And be incapable of breathing with your mouth closed. Yeah Kristen Stewart, I’m talking to you.<br /><br />You will see something very different if you read some urban fantasy by the other authors I mentioned. In these, the main character is a female heroine who in some way is in an epic battle against supernatural beings. Paradoxically they are also dating and/or sleeping with the supernatural as well. Conflict of interests? Perhaps, but it sure is refreshing to see a young heroine who can hold her own against the undead both inside and outside the bedroom.<br /><br />Twilight fans, take notes; these women are hard-core. They are strong, determined, smart, and sarcastic. They can vanquish you to hell, fight off a stampede of zombies and come up with witty comebacks all in the same chapter.<br /><br />Basically Bella would pee her skinny size 0 pants if she had to face-off with one of these ladies.<br /><br />Why does any of this matter? Because with any trend there should always be a healthy balance so that people can have their pick of type-cast characters. I AM NOT suggesting that these characters should be role models, but regardless it is undeniable that these stories have influence and we need to be aware of it. Sure it’s fictional, but unlike Harry Potter mania this genre is fantasy just the other side of realism. There is a basis in reality that makes the fandom go a little over the edge sometimes. If this is the case then its nice to know we are sending balanced messages about the role women can play in these environments. That way it’s each to her own; if you like the shy, gutless, I could be torn to pieces at any moment but I don’t care because my boyfriend is so dreamy type than Twilight fans can have at it.<br /><br />If not, explore your options.<br /><br /><em>Here are some series to get you started:<br /></em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Until-Dark-Sookie-Stackhouse/dp/0441018254/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251487333&sr=8-1">Dead Until Dark</a> by <strong>Charlaine Harris</strong> (now True Blood on HBO)<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Witch-Walking-Hollows-Book/dp/0061567191/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251487470&sr=1-2">Dead Witch Walking</a> by <strong>Kim Harrison</strong><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=laurell+k+hamilton+anita+blake+series">Anita Blake series</a> by <strong>Laurell K. Hamilton</strong> (note: this series goes horribly downhill after book 10 so I would suggest discontinuing at that point)<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bitten-Women-Otherworld-Book-1/dp/0452286034/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251487378&sr=1-6">Bitten</a> by <strong>Kelley Armstrong</strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-49938100463090221322009-08-22T10:51:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:20:44.841-08:00Eliminating the Labels: Can We All Just Be Humanists?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EB_Qo1RdXZI0w_2L1ATH5whLLs9lw3nITizuFFRNnQt62YSjTNIzk_WAyUPYKWXF0rEzbDV4Ipl6S3fzeiWiV_FvdHUofRPidQ_VrlIVKNo3h__J4KexGdQ0RZ1NrZlg8TKzw3XWbVCN/s1600-h/vocalwoman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372851191648460082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EB_Qo1RdXZI0w_2L1ATH5whLLs9lw3nITizuFFRNnQt62YSjTNIzk_WAyUPYKWXF0rEzbDV4Ipl6S3fzeiWiV_FvdHUofRPidQ_VrlIVKNo3h__J4KexGdQ0RZ1NrZlg8TKzw3XWbVCN/s200/vocalwoman.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Labels are a funny thing. On paper they seem pretty harmless; a way to quickly identify your perspective to other people, to advocate for what you believe in, to be part of a like-minded community. Great on paper; not always so successful in practice.<br /><br />Why? Because people make assumptions.<br /><br />This isn’t always a bad thing. Throughout our lives our brains learn to make assumptions to save time and serve as a defensive mechanism. Assumptions are essential for keeping ourselves safe. For example, if you are about to cross a busy intersection you make an assumption that those cars are not going to stop for you. Congratulations, you just avoided becoming road kill.<br /><br />The danger comes when people hear a word or “label” and then create an impression about that person solely based on negative stereotypes and assumptions.<br /><br />Case in point; I have become “The Feminist” in my group of friends. As in, “Look, it’s my favorite feminist!” or “If you pick up any food for her make sure it’s feminist friendly.” Basically I feel like the missing member of the Breakfast Club; the princess, the criminal, the brain, the athlete, the basket case, and the feminist.<br /><br />I can take a joke, but it goes beyond that when I become defined by this label. Certainly there are worse things I could be defined as, but why do I have to be “defined” by anything at all?<br /><br />This has forced me to reflect on how vocal I am regarding my feminism. Honestly I didn’t think I was that in-your-face about it. Obviously this blog is a totally different story; this is an environment where I can vent and whine and pick on boys as much as I want, take it or leave it. But in person I thought I was filtering myself pretty well. Guess not.<br /><br />Well, you should have seen me five years ago. In a backwards way I have actually made a lot of positive progress. My whole life I’ve struggled with my identity; for many years, the majority of high school and college, I tried as hard as a I could to downplay my femininity. I wore baggy hand-me-down clothing and perfected my cynical I-hate-anything-girly attitude. I wanted to show people I was strong and I couldn’t reconcile that idea with appearing feminine. Feminine equaled doormat in my mind. I became “one of the guys” instead, and it worked for me.<br /><br />But it wasn’t me, until feminism bridged the gap. I could be a woman <em>and</em> be strong. Win.<br /><br />So maybe I am pretty vocal about it. Maybe that’s because so many people aren’t. People are afraid to associate themselves with feminism because of the negative assumptions people immediately make about it; read man-hater, bra-burner, and anti-razor. Women don’t want to be “The Feminist” amongst their peers any more than I do. You make yourself a target for debate and ridicule and it seriously handicaps your dating life.<br /><br />In that case, is the label even necessary? If all it brings me are snide remarks and mumbled jokes, is it really worth it?<br /><br />I don’t have a good answer. On the one hand I would say no, as the scale seems unfairly balanced. Feminism is advocating equal rights for women, yes? Well then where is the label advocating equal rights for homosexuals? Equal rights for the disabled? They have bumper stickers, why not a label?<br /><br />Or how about a label advocating equal rights for men? Chauvinism isn't really cutting it.<br /><br />As the movie 100 Girls so eloquently states, perhaps “the only -ists there should be are Humanists.”<br /><br />Furthermore, how important is it to claim the label publicly? Many people, both men and women, will tell me they are a feminist in one-on-one conversation but will steer clear of the label in any group setting. I have no problem with this; sometimes your opinions are a privilege and not a right. They don’t always need to be shouted from the rooftops…yeah I know guys, I’m working on it...<br /><br />On the other hand, I say the label IS necessary if you are brave enough to take it on. This is because women’s rights are threatened on a daily basis, especially in countries outside of the United States…and because a label DOES exist for protecting those rights, for sparking the interest of others in the cause, I will continue to claim it in both private and public settings. Certainly I don’t ascribe to all feminist doctrine but that is the case for any label. That is why assumptions are so harmful. Assumptions disregard the fact that we are unique human beings capable of forming our own opinions outside of a mob mentality.<br /><br />Slowly I am becoming more aware of how I am presenting myself. I certainly hope that I disprove some of the more negative feminist stereotypes, and in the future I hope I can temper my rants in a way that doesn’t present an air of negativity or bitterness.<br /><br />Most importantly, I am realizing that the label is temporary…and I am looking forward to the day when I won’t need to be a feminist anymore.<br /><br />When we will all get over ourselves and just be Humanists.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-90957856032043754612009-08-06T08:49:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:20:30.622-08:00The Self-Respect Wars: A Call for Women to Boycott the Commitment-Phobic "Friend"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3pw1V0chYGT0yVF6Oh3okUez25XJcvSAT8FFpZtcCHVTdx-hsAYIyZGttQq6Ry_e4pQSi8jwhgXgiZXNXg0Uf1X7BfRbhqe1I8has7edwUR7a7ddqp_vuav2-WhyUlpRPZ1CKutygMCi/s1600-h/pop049+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366883931512709394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3pw1V0chYGT0yVF6Oh3okUez25XJcvSAT8FFpZtcCHVTdx-hsAYIyZGttQq6Ry_e4pQSi8jwhgXgiZXNXg0Uf1X7BfRbhqe1I8has7edwUR7a7ddqp_vuav2-WhyUlpRPZ1CKutygMCi/s200/pop049+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Recently I have encountered a scenario, both through personal experience and through the experiences of friends, that weighs heavily on my heart. It’s a classic scenario in the same league as the guy-who-isn’t-over-his-ex and the guy-who-verbally-abuses-you-because-he-cares.<br /><br />It’s the guy-who-is-dating-you-but-isn‘t-ACTUALLY-dating-you.<br /><br />He tells everyone you are “just friends.” He never wants you to meet his friends, let alone hang out with them. He texts you more than he calls you. Any time you meet it is just the two of you and kept secret, because why have people talk? Heaven forbid your friends and his friends actually talk about the untraditional nature of your quasi-relationship.<br /><br />It is hard to adequately express my frustration with these boys. What I’m desperate to know is this: exactly WHERE did they learn that this sort of thing is acceptable?<br /><br />Who, for pete's sake, is rounding all the men up and telling them they are entitled to have all the benefits of a romantic relationship, emotional and/or physical, without having to actually commit to a relationship? Whoever this person is, they need to be stopped. And shipped to Sweden immediately. Preferably in pieces.<br /><br />At least they used to date you for a few weeks before they dumped you for not putting out. Now they don’t even respect you enough to let you claim ownership of a simple label for an unknown period of time, usually to be determined by them. No, they would rather do whatever they need to do to keep the “friendship“ intact, feeding us any number of excuses to keep us just interested enough to not cut them off completely.<br /><br />And why not? They get to have their cake and eat it too. They get all the emotional fulfillment, the female companionship, and in some cases physical benefits without any of the accountability. They can date other girls (or you know, be “just friends” with another girl like they are “just friends” with you). It’s a sweet deal, and not one they are willing to relinquish without a fight.<br /><br />In all fairness some men are not even aware they are doing this. Most women have at some point had that male friend that is flirtatious, spends lots of time with you alone, treats you like a princess…but still only sees you as a friend. Meanwhile you’re becoming completely smitten with the guy, getting emotionally attached, and he is none the wiser. If it isn’t intentional, if he is unaware of how his treatment of us is read, then is he really at fault? I keep convincing myself that surely they SHOULD know better…but sometimes they honest to goodness don’t. Sometimes they ARE that oblivious, so we can’t justifiably be angry when they show up with another girl on their arm.<br /><br />My point then is this. It doesn’t matter if there isn’t a concrete definition or label attached to your relationship. Who cares if he isn’t willing to publicly commit to you; if your relationship with the guy entails anything more than what a strictly platonic friendship includes (ie. extended periods of time spent together, constant communication, and/or physical benefits) then you need to claim that definition for YOURSELF. Don’t let what your friends define as a “relationship” alter your perspective on what a relationship REALLY is. Labels be damned.<br /><br />If it looks like a relationship, acts like a relationship, and smells like bullshit….<br /><br />Maybe you decide you are alright with the status-quo, for whatever reason. I am pretty sure every woman has done this. I know I have. The reasons vary of course. Maybe you DON’T need the label. Maybe you just care about him too much to lose him and are willing to settle for whatever you can get. Maybe you hold out hope that if you continue on the path you are currently on, he’ll come to his senses and finally commit to you.<br /><br />Rationally we understand that in some cases we might be kidding ourselves, but our rational minds and our emotional hearts don’t often see eye to eye. Inevitably our emotional heart usually wins out and we do what we want to do, regardless of what our friends, our brains, or our past experience tells us.<br /><br />That being said, it is up to every individual woman to figure out what her threshold is. How long are you willing to put up with a quasi-relationship status before putting your foot down? Before establishing boundaries? If he wants to be more than friends, and if he actually does respect you, he should be willing to commit to a dating relationship with you. End. Of. Story.<br /><br />I implore my gender to stop putting up with the guy-who-wants-all-the-benefits-but-none-of-the-responsibility. We keep letting them get away with it. Until women universally choose to acknowledge that they deserve better, the sorry-excuse-for-a-man in question will simply find another woman with low self-esteem and daddy issues to string along for a while.<br /><br />I don’t want to be that next woman. They don’t want to relinquish this sweet deal without a fight?<br /><br />Let’s give them that fight.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-88751576113838121462009-07-21T15:48:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:21:16.113-08:00Talk Derby to Me: Better to Get Knocked Down than Knocked Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lp_UhTYviPz3onnrnosEvc_-jjVqHUWr5AOVYsskYfvOVDN5Ae0N-foEklPdaStXtlaSdO-to3jCAeBTLUTm3Lcv5x-PVJEK9jzpVioWxF56i5RtAWyUB2ejt2a2Era9vWc1VwbZlhBS/s1600-h/bloodnewpink.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361050088672797346" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lp_UhTYviPz3onnrnosEvc_-jjVqHUWr5AOVYsskYfvOVDN5Ae0N-foEklPdaStXtlaSdO-to3jCAeBTLUTm3Lcv5x-PVJEK9jzpVioWxF56i5RtAWyUB2ejt2a2Era9vWc1VwbZlhBS/s320/bloodnewpink.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I liked Maya Rulz the first day of Roller Derby Boot Camp. That was before the third day of camp when she made us do “core exercises.” Imagine laying on your back, hands under your butt, and lifting your legs (primarily using your abdominal muscles) 6” off the ground for an extended period of time. With five-pound roller skates attached to each foot.<br /><br />She also taught us the porn-star stretch, but unfortunately it’s not as fun as its name implies.<br /><br />This is a typical Roller Derby warm-up. Recently I completed a week of Roller Derby Boot Camp to train for the <a href="http://www.savannahderby.com/">Savannah Derby Devils</a> open tryout. Many people have inquired about the sport itself; most are curious about the fascination it holds for me. When I speak of my Derby involvement, 9 out of 10 people have stated something along the lines of “You are the last person I would expect for that.”<br /><br />Admittedly there is nothing about my outward personality that screams, “You know, I’ve always wanted to wear fishnet stockings and barrel into other women while wearing roller skates, knowing it is probable I will fall on my ass at any moment. What? There’s actually a <em>sport</em> for that? Sign me up!”<br /><br />Roller Derby has made a huge comeback from its initial popularity in the 1970’s, and will become an even trendier phenomenon when the movie <em>Whip It!</em> hits theaters in October. Originally Roller Derby was staged for dramatic effect, like cage-fighting on wheels. Now it is a recognized sport and there are more than 70 Roller Derby leagues across the United States.<br /><br />So what’s the appeal?<br /><br />A. The team itself. I dare you to find another sport that shows the amount of diversity that Roller Derby does. The only rules are you have to be a girl (sorry boys) over the age of 18. Derby Girls come from all walks of life and are all ages, shapes, and sizes. Most sports require you to be a size 2 under the age of 30, and we all know SO many women fall into that category. In Derby it doesn’t matter how old you are, how tall you are, or how thin you are…you just have to be competent on skates and not be afraid to hit people. Big girls actually have the advantage. You should see the face of a petite size 2 when a 250 lb. girl on roller skates is coming towards them head-on. Classic.<br /><br />B. The attraction of adopting an angry alter-ego. Roller Derby turns anyone into an instant super-hero; shy intellectual by day, sassy bad-ass by night. You have to mean business if you want to live up to a name like Fear Abby or Lizzy Gored’Em.<br /><br />C. Dressing derby. You don’t have to whore it up completely if you don’t want to but its hard for a girl to not feel sexy in fishnets, knee socks, and elbow pads. Walking home from a Derby party a man actually <em>purred</em> at me. I was not aware men did that. Whistle, sure. Growl and grunt, no problem. But purring? Not the classiest compliment I have ever gotten but glad to know the outfit was deemed derby appropriate.<br /><br />All these are valid reasons, but after surviving boot camp I realized the biggest reward derby offers is the life experience. It may not seem like it but Roller Derby is basically Feminism 101.<br /><br />Take derby stance for example; derby stance is how you are required to skate in a bout. Shoulders over knees over balls of feet, like a linebacker. This way you are always ready for someone to hit you from any angle. Also if you fall you’ll fall on your knees which is a lot less painful than falling on your ass. Just take my word for it. Derby stance teaches women to be prepared for anything, to be ready at any moment to be hit by something that could take the air right out of their lungs.<br /><br />Derby teaches women about true female camaraderie. About working together as a pack. About how to step out of your comfort zone, whether by wearing fishnets or by having your hips grabbed to be pushed into an opposing player. About how to feel powerful and sexy in your own skin, tattoos and all.<br /><br />I block and you fall. You block and I fall. Now repeat. Sounds like the life story of every woman I know.<br /><br />If you are the least bit intrigued I encourage you to show up and support your local derby team at their next bout. If nothing else, it’s a good idea for you to be able to recognize every woman in your city capable of kicking your ass. For more information visit the <a href="http://www.wftda.com/">Women's Flat Track Derby Association</a>.</div><div></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-12844167914108239562009-07-12T18:36:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:34:21.404-08:00Girls and Guitar Players: Like Moths to a FlameGood luck finding a 20-something female that isn't a sucker for the soulful guitar player type; "It was like he was singing <em>just for me.</em>"<br /><br />Watch <a href="http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1904510">CollegeHumor.com </a>have a little fun with this stereotype.<br /><br />PS. Wonderwall really is the single girl anthem. Sadly we are that predictable.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-80358664855874678982009-07-01T15:04:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:34:36.035-08:0010 Reasons to be SingleThis was posted by an anonymous man from Salt Lake City on Craigslist:<br /><br /><em><a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/slc/1151772665.html">10 Reasons I Should Be Single/Celibate</a></em><br /><br />1. Sex. what's the big deal? You like it, I like it. What we have here is a mutual trading of wants, some of that for some of this. Which, by the way, I'm told I'm quite good at. Is it because now that I want it you don't? I'm confused, didn't you used to like sex? I thought you did, and believe me, my libido hasn't diminished one ounce since I was 14.<br /><br />2. Screaming kids. Hell no.<br /><br />3. In-laws. Hell no. I barely tolerate my family.<br /><br />4. My Body. Every married couple I know has become a chubby representation of themselves. Where is the skinny person I knew? I'm sure they're in there somewhere. My chances of not becoming fat plummet drastically when I get involved. I like working out, but when sitting on the couch cuddling becomes an activity, the gym forgets I even exist (or vice versa). Where has my waist gone?<br /><br />5. My Brain. I was interested in learning once upon a time, I really was. I derailed my chances at grad school for a girl, a lying deceitful girl, and never looked back on my education. How do you revert my cerebellum into the primordial ooze it was millions of years ago with your sexy walk or whispering whiskey voice? What is this hold you have over me?<br /><br />6. My Time. I like my free time: I can play video games, ski, go running, make coffee, play with the cats, shape the bonsai trees, clean the bathroom (it totally needs it!), and any of the hundred other activities I do when not involved with someone. Where does the time go when we chat and joke, filling my day with useless banter while the sun progresses across the horizon? I want it back. Note: Time spent in bed (a.k.a. #1) is hereby referred to as happy time, and not deducted from my potential free time. I appreciate that time, I really do.<br /><br />7. My money. It seems like $100 bills fly out of my pocket when I'm involved with you women. Where do they go? It used to be an easy trade, I would spend some money, then get some. Gone are the simple days of thinly veiled prostitution, where we get some food, have some drinks, then on to the bedroom! Yes, I like the eating out as much as anyone, but our days and meeting up seem to revolve around food. Did I always eat this much? I remember when one good meal a day was sufficient. See #1 and & #4 for further clarification.<br /><br />8. My friends. I used to have plenty of friends: ski buddies, drinking buddies, workout buddies, geek buddies, all around guy friends. Those have faded away over time, not really sure why, but I'll blame that on #1 too (Not my happy time, their happy time. Okay, sometimes my happy time too, like when I blow off my ski buddies to stay in bed with you). It's hard to make friends when you're older, mostly because they're a package deal: Ken and Trina, Neal and Heather, Mark and Stephanie. My friends aren't some amorphous blob that used to be two distinct individuals, but the changeling they've evolved into has only one thought process, as if they share one brain. I want my friend back! What possible wedge can I drive between them, since she is clearly providing #1? I have no weapon in my arsenal that comes close.<br /><br />9. My Bad Habits. Heavy smoking, heavy drinking, copious amounts of drugs, my slutty behavior, picking my nose, blah blah blah. You're tired of it all, I get it. Confronting me about it will only drive me to perform said behavior like a sneak-thief. Why do I feel guilty? No, I won't change, although I may slow down for the benefit of my liver. It told me the other day that he didn't sign up for this abuse, and he's moving on. He doesn't trust my random bouts of sobriety either.<br /><br />10. My Sanity. Why oh why do I attempt to figure you out, damnable women? I'm sure in your brain that your behavior makes sense, but I bash my head in repeatedly attempting to figure you out. Please don't be cute and subtle, be direct. That's the only thing I understand, really, because underneath all of this, I'm just a big dumb animal.<br /><br />Location: Salt Lake, a.k.a. My Hell<br /><br /><br />I hope I have earned some good karma by acknowledging the male perspective for once. Glad to know you share our frustration. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8390460319109071396.post-33768046584630101832009-06-24T14:51:00.000-07:002010-01-11T10:21:53.416-08:00My Marriage Manifesto: Because Alliteration Works, but Marriage Currently Doesn't<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwG0VjXEZDvczWCdfUeLCVKsnf9_3Pw9t63-AZuQj3_95WFR8e606XjN5j9FEFMXFbH5xNfLoq61CjUGoBNgTiArgCo48Tr2rFFrZGonmCwDW1CbBIRd7UeEypzOHtnL2kBC2ZEgY13tt/s1600-h/weddingringspic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352016643010732370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwG0VjXEZDvczWCdfUeLCVKsnf9_3Pw9t63-AZuQj3_95WFR8e606XjN5j9FEFMXFbH5xNfLoq61CjUGoBNgTiArgCo48Tr2rFFrZGonmCwDW1CbBIRd7UeEypzOHtnL2kBC2ZEgY13tt/s200/weddingringspic.jpg" border="0" /></a> Recently the state of California decided to uphold Proposition 8, the ban on same-sex marriage. I am a strong supporter of gay marriage but that is not what I want to discuss. I have realized after countless debates that this is an issue people don’t change their minds about, like abortion and euthanasia. Besides that there are plenty of articles out there that present excellent arguments in support of gay marriage so my opinions are superfluous. However, I did get into a discussion with someone about this issue and the “sanctity of marriage” came up. This is something that in my opinion is not debated enough so I think it deserves some attention.<br /><div><br />Now some clarification:<br /></div><br /><div>1. I am not against marriage. I think plenty of marriages have worked and do work.</div><br /><div></div><div>2. I am not the product of a broken marriage. My parents had a great marriage. My arguments are based on education and observation, not emotional fragility…so don’t go there.</div><br /><div>So time to vent. People are against gay marriage because it would disturb the “sanctity of marriage.”</div><div><br />Oh I’m sorry, is marriage sacred?</div><br /><div>Wives cheat on their husbands. Husbands beat or threaten to beat their wives. Wives lie to their husbands about their finances. Husbands look at pornography. And every day a husband and wife file for divorce. I don’t have to throw statistics at you because you’ve heard them all. They’re abysmal. What about this is sacred exactly?</div><br /><div>You can imagine my frustration when I see individuals that treat marriage with such blatant disrespect when it is legally considered a PRIVILEGE and not a RIGHT. My heart goes out to the LGBT community that has to stand by and watch this horrible behavior, all the while being told that this is what “the sanctity of marriage” looks like. If that’s the case, they are probably better off.</div><br /><div>Marriage is a spiritual contract and it needs to be treated as such. It should not be considered a religious obligation, a convenience, or a moral solution. Marriage is SUPPOSED to be a lifelong commitment based on unconditional love, trust, and respect…instead it has been turned into an as-long-as-I‘m-interested commitment based on insurance benefits, gift registries, and the “be fruitful and increase in number” verse. Our society’s obsession with instant gratification has made marriages disposable.</div><br /><div>This is an all or nothing venture in my mind and once you make that choice you better be 100% behind it because the world is going to throw some crazy shit your way. If you don’t take responsibility for your commitment, don’t expect the rest of the world to take your commitment seriously. Comedians will continue to mock it, gold-diggers will continue to take advantage of it, and young people will continue to resent it.</div><br /><div>And yes, the gay community will continue to fight for it. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2