Goddess Musings
Musings of a baseball loving feminist in Chicago
Saturday, December 29, 2007
A Pagan's Christmas Resolution
I got this email from Starhawk while on vacation and want to share it all with you. It's not so much about Christmas, but about the true meaning of Christmas and what real Christians should be standing for. WWJD? Not veto children's health insurance twice! Read on friends:
Starhawk & others were asked to respond to this question: "Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives approved HR 847 recognizing the importance of Christianity and Christmas. Would you have voted for this resolution? How would you amend it?" And this is what she said:
Peace.
Starhawk & others were asked to respond to this question: "Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives approved HR 847 recognizing the importance of Christianity and Christmas. Would you have voted for this resolution? How would you amend it?" And this is what she said:
Too bad the media won't be brave enough to ask Huckabee or any of the other so-called religious guys on the GOP side of take a stand on this resolution. The bumper sticker says there will be no peace without Jesus...I say there will be no piece without love...for ourselves and for each other. That's what I think a long-haired dude in sandals would want.Would I vote for a resolution affirming the importance and contributions of Christmas and Christianity? As my readers may have noted, I’m a Pagan, but I’d vote for such a resolution—heck, I’d even introduce it, if it went like this:
“Whereas Christians and Christianity are of undeniable importance in the world and the foundation of this country, in respect for his example and story at this time of year we make the following statements:
“Whereas Jesus Christ was born in a stable because his parents could not find shelter, and whereas in the last weeks we as a nation have allowed the destruction of the last remaining housing for the poor in New Orleans, and whereas our streets are full of the cold and the homeless, we repent of our policies and in his memory commit to housing all who wander without a roof or a welcome in our cities and our towns.
“Whereas Christ was born among the poor, lived and preached to the poor, we repent of the selfishness and shortsightedness that has failed to provide for all of our children, and commit ourselves to provide health care for all children and for all of the poor.
Peace.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Privilege
Privilege is a hard thing to overcome in both directions.
The obvious direction is overcoming your privileges: white, hetero, economic, etc. Unless you're a poor Latina lesbian in a wheelchair, you most likely have some privilege to face and admit. My privilege includes having the government recognize my relationship, having completed graduate school, and the economic power to be here blogging, taking vacations, and traveling for conferences that would go on without me.
Another aspect of privilege includes confronting your bias against those with privilege.
Wait, ok?
I have to admit, to some this isn't a huge surprise, but my biggest bias is with people of money. Growing up working poor and then seeing the garishness of some of my classmates homes really made me pissy with those with money. Having to work my way through college while knowing that there are some out there partying while I'm working made me biased against those with money. Thankfully I didn't go to college with too many people like that, but after college I got to meet more of them. Or at least at first look, they looked like them.
I've known a woman for almost 8 years who comes from some very old money. But I got to know her before I knew that, but I have to admit that I had a feeling. She does some amazing work and I'm looking forward to reconnecting and doing some awesome work together. But there are days when I can't get over the 'fact' that she could call her Grandma and wa-la, money. I say 'fact' because I have no idea what her financial situation is like.
Remember Carter on "ER"? She's kinda like him. Trying to change the world and be a normal person despite having this huge burden of family responsibilities behind her. She works on her class privilege constantly. Yet doesn't understand why some of us, like me, have a hard time with her doing the work she does.
As a Latina who doesn't speak Spanish, I stay out of working in Spanish-speaking communities. My Spanish is embarrassing to me and well, I don't want to look like I'm doing a good deed. If yo know what I mean. Yet I know white women who speak perfect Spanish and do some amazing work para my people. Should they not do that work because of their skin color? No. Because of their class? No.
But there is a need for people, everyone, to understand their target community - Yeah that whole cultural competency thing.
I do think that a Kennedy can address their privilege and be director of a literacy program in a Spanish-speaking community. It's hard. Most of it is trust on their constituents part to trust that they aren't a summer project.
Sorry for the rambling, but I'm just trying to get a grasp on my own thoughts as I reconnect with this woman and have to face my own biases.
Technorati tags: bias
The obvious direction is overcoming your privileges: white, hetero, economic, etc. Unless you're a poor Latina lesbian in a wheelchair, you most likely have some privilege to face and admit. My privilege includes having the government recognize my relationship, having completed graduate school, and the economic power to be here blogging, taking vacations, and traveling for conferences that would go on without me.
Another aspect of privilege includes confronting your bias against those with privilege.
Wait, ok?
I have to admit, to some this isn't a huge surprise, but my biggest bias is with people of money. Growing up working poor and then seeing the garishness of some of my classmates homes really made me pissy with those with money. Having to work my way through college while knowing that there are some out there partying while I'm working made me biased against those with money. Thankfully I didn't go to college with too many people like that, but after college I got to meet more of them. Or at least at first look, they looked like them.
I've known a woman for almost 8 years who comes from some very old money. But I got to know her before I knew that, but I have to admit that I had a feeling. She does some amazing work and I'm looking forward to reconnecting and doing some awesome work together. But there are days when I can't get over the 'fact' that she could call her Grandma and wa-la, money. I say 'fact' because I have no idea what her financial situation is like.
Remember Carter on "ER"? She's kinda like him. Trying to change the world and be a normal person despite having this huge burden of family responsibilities behind her. She works on her class privilege constantly. Yet doesn't understand why some of us, like me, have a hard time with her doing the work she does.
As a Latina who doesn't speak Spanish, I stay out of working in Spanish-speaking communities. My Spanish is embarrassing to me and well, I don't want to look like I'm doing a good deed. If yo know what I mean. Yet I know white women who speak perfect Spanish and do some amazing work para my people. Should they not do that work because of their skin color? No. Because of their class? No.
But there is a need for people, everyone, to understand their target community - Yeah that whole cultural competency thing.
I do think that a Kennedy can address their privilege and be director of a literacy program in a Spanish-speaking community. It's hard. Most of it is trust on their constituents part to trust that they aren't a summer project.
Sorry for the rambling, but I'm just trying to get a grasp on my own thoughts as I reconnect with this woman and have to face my own biases.
Technorati tags: bias
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
The Daring Book for Girls - Book Review Part 2
Yes dear readers, I'm going to review this book in two parts. I don't want to write the world's longest post about this pretty good book.What I found not so much surprising, but refreshing was the amount of feminist history & facts that made it into the book. It wasn't highlighted in feminist pink or under the label "feminist history page 5." Instead it is woven into many of the topics covered without much fanfare and perhaps quite stealthy, especially good considering that not every girl who will unwrap this book at Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/Kwanzaa has radical parents. I also think this book would be excellent for girls who might be put off with their radical parents. Yes, I'm fully anticipating the backlash.
Examples include:
- Page 10 - In the History of Writing, Buchanan & Peskowitz discuss how Vietnamese is a language that wasn't written until missionaries came to town and that is why the language uses Roman letters instead of "characters like the surrounding Asian countries do." Look Eurocentrism pointed out! Subtle, but just might get a curious grrl to be daring enough to ask questions.
- Five pages about princesses. But not story book princesses, real princesses are profiled, who do real work like Sheikha Maitha bint Muhammed al-Maktum who has gold medals in Tae Kwon Do. Wonder who'd win her or Fiona? Oh yeah, she also promotes the right to education for every child in this world.
- The first rule of softball is "never to apologize." Hell yeah.
- There are a series of biographies on "Queens of the Ancient World." My favorite was of Salome Alexander. "She commanded no stunning ships on the sea. She merely did her best to keep the peace at me and to keep stronger armies at bay."
- Building a campfire. Now, not quite the feminist victory at first glance, but if you know how to start a fire in the woods, you'll be pretty darn good at firing up the BBQ grill too. And seriously, after watching the guys spend 20 minutes just lighting the thing, it is awesome to strut over, restack the charcoal, and wa-la! Fire.
- I do advocate for the A-frame way of starting a fire and not the teepee way. Girl Scouts baby!
- Two pages on the letters of Abigail Adams. 'nuff said. Also a mention of Mary Wollstonecraft.
- How to Negotiate a Salary. Another one, 'nuff said.
- Public Speaking: A daring girl without the ability to speak in front of a crowd is a silent daring girl. Speak up girls! In class and outside. In Quick tips, "Biggest asset: Self-confidence. Act as though you have a right to be there - because you do."
Daring or dangerous, this book is a must for the young girl in your life. Yes, they might roll their eyes at the make your own scooter section, but you might also find yourself monitoring her lemonade stand, helping her calculate her profit margin (p. 162) and then picking out stocks (p. 226) with that cash.
If you need more of this book, listen to an interview on the 14th. Call in too!
Disclaimer: I did receive this book for free in exchange for a review via MotherTalk.com.
Technorati tags: Daring Book for Girls, book review, feminism, daring, Mother Talk, Andrea J. Buchanan, Miriam+Peskowitz
The Daring Book for Girls - Book Review Part 1
Yes dear readers, I'm going to review this book in two parts. I don't want to write the world's longest post about this pretty good book.This book came out as a response to the "Dangerous Book for Boys" that came out earlier this year. I haven't read that book (see reasons here) but was excited to hear that Andi and Miriam were tagged to write a girls version of the book. I was disappointed, much less than others, to hear the title was daring instead of dangerous. But I figured that I would give it a chance.
When the book showed up in my mailbox I immediately turned to the table of contents. What does a daring girl need to know? Well before I could even make it there, I ran into the "DISCLAIMER" on the copyright page. We know we're raising our kids in a different time when a book that encourages anything that might end with a slight bump to have a disclaimer. Anywho, back to what a daring girl needs to know. Rules of basketball, tag, pirates, explorers, building a campfire...ok, all things a daring girl should know. But the one thing that really made me go "WTF" was Robert's Rules. Robert's fucking rules? What's so daring about that?
I flipped to the section and spot the basics of Robert's Rules. OMG, do I dread being in meetings where they follow RR to a T. Then it hits me...shit, they're right! Without knowledge of RR, there's no way to properly question a motion, propose an idea, or add on an amendment (friendly or one meant to kill a motion). A girl who knows RR is kick ass and would be daring enough to propose an awesome motion. It's not tight-rope walking, but I've been in far too meetings where I spent too much time figuring out the RR pattern and less on the actual motion.
Overall the book spends a lot of time looking back at the childhood of GenXers as Judith Warner points out. But by sprinkling in things from the "I wish I had known" list, Buchanan & Peskowitz is really trying to pull today's girls out from their text messages and giving them some useful knowledge for their future. I agree with Warner as she lists her favorites, "There’s “How to Negotiate A Salary,” “Every Girl’s Toolbox,” “Public Speaking” and “Finance: Interest, Stocks and Bonds” (favorites of mine)."
I almost even tried, one more time, to do a back walk-over (p. 60-61) because the directions seemed to simple. I kept thinking, why didn't ever figure it out before? Especially the hint to use a wall at first. Damn! Why didn't I think of that? There were even hints of climbing ropes. Another failure in my gym career.
I did try whistling with my fingers...failure...again. I did finally figure out the trick to putting my hair up with a pencil/pen/chopstick. Just in time for me to cut my hair.
It is overly cheesy in many aspects, but I wouldn't say that it is as dumb as the NY Times thinks it is. Ella's only 4, so not quite ready for reading about being daring, she's too busy being daring on her own. But I suspect when she finds this book on our bookshelf, she'll have some fun with it.
Disclaimer: I did receive this book for free in exchange for a review via MotherTalk.com.
Technorati tags: Daring Book for Girls, book review, feminism, daring, Mother Talk, Andrea J. Buchanan, Miriam+Peskowitz
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
35 years of Ms.
WOW...the hubby & Ms. are the same age! Well on Friday anyway. *wink*
This anniversary issue is definitely one to pick up. If only for the Wonder Woman cover. It's one of those big pictures made up of smaller pictures. I forget what the term is actually called, but it's nifty & I love it.
What else is 35 this year? Title IX. Yeah, baby. It's really sad that so many people associate Title IX with just sports or even worse with angry pouting wrestlers who want to dismantle Title IX. It is far more than just that and even the most uncoordinated woman can learn to love women's sports. Believe me, I have to be one of the most uncoordinated semi-jocks you'll ever meet. I have no idea how I ever thought I could be a gymnast.
The six-page spread on Title IX covers its history, the gains we have made, and really highlights the way it was essential to increasing women's presence in science & engineering fields. How successful is Title IX? When my dentist saw me reading the article, as I was way high on anesthesia, he started in on 'reverse discrimination'. Yes, I went into my wisdom tooth extraction debating whether or not there is a lack of men in colleges & universities.
There is also a six-page spread on "What have feminism & Ms. magazine meant to you?" Sure we have the expected characters chiming in, Gloria, Whoopi, Alice Walker, and such. We love reading their thoughts, but what I loved best were the quotes from women in organizations that I hadn't heard of before or we don't usually hear from - the second tier feminist celebs. It was also awesome to see organizational comments as well and not just the "leader" speaking.
"Police Beat" is a fabu article on how the women's community came together in Pittsburgh to protest officers who were promoted DESPITE having domestic violence acts in their past. Of course, I know the fabu feminist who wrote the piece, so I'm a bit biased...but it's still a great story, that is still continuing, of women fighting back.
The piece on feminist media was pretty good. Seeing that I'm pretty familiar with the reasons why we need feminist media, it didn't hit me hard. BUT if you're not familiar with the scene, you must read it. Just because we see more and more women on TV reading us the news, doesn't mean we're getting feminist news. Elle magazine also has a piece currently on women in media & beauty standards. Nothing too new, but still a good read.
Martha Burk's column this issue is on women giving to candidates. It makes a lot of sense to think that if we just give more to candidates & PACs, women might have more political power. I just can't totally buy into it. Yes, I think EMILY's List kicks ass, but I'm still pissed about the whole Christine Cegelis snub. I rarely give to candidates, so when I do, it means a lot. Should I give my $50 to a candidate instead of to a non-profit? Not so sure. Should I give $50 to a candidate instead of that nice white dress shirt I bought yesterday? Maybe. But if you saw the state of my other white shirts, you'd buy ME another white shirt. But good food for thought.
There's a great review for what I expect to be a mind-blowing book, "Women Behind Bars: The Crisis of Women in the U.S. Prison System." WBB will dive into our society's obsession with incarcerating people, especially women & women of color. It touches on how racism collides behind bars, the devaluing of women who were involved in sex work, and how expected gender roles are reinforced. I know enough people to get the basic image of what is at play, but I think this book will allow me to learn what I should really know in order to advocate for women, all women, being treated as human beings.
And topping off my review of the magazine is one of my favorite medical providers - Dr. Susan Love. Gotta love a doctor named Love! Along with Sue Rochman, they provide in a short op-ed asking us to question why we, individually & collectively, run to grasp new detection devices for breast cancer instead of focusing on prevention.
The website doesn't have the cover image yet, so I assume that since I subscribe, I have an early copy. So watch your magazine racks and grab it when you spot it.
Technorati tags: feminism, Ms. magazine, Title IX, women in prison
This anniversary issue is definitely one to pick up. If only for the Wonder Woman cover. It's one of those big pictures made up of smaller pictures. I forget what the term is actually called, but it's nifty & I love it.
What else is 35 this year? Title IX. Yeah, baby. It's really sad that so many people associate Title IX with just sports or even worse with angry pouting wrestlers who want to dismantle Title IX. It is far more than just that and even the most uncoordinated woman can learn to love women's sports. Believe me, I have to be one of the most uncoordinated semi-jocks you'll ever meet. I have no idea how I ever thought I could be a gymnast.
The six-page spread on Title IX covers its history, the gains we have made, and really highlights the way it was essential to increasing women's presence in science & engineering fields. How successful is Title IX? When my dentist saw me reading the article, as I was way high on anesthesia, he started in on 'reverse discrimination'. Yes, I went into my wisdom tooth extraction debating whether or not there is a lack of men in colleges & universities.
There is also a six-page spread on "What have feminism & Ms. magazine meant to you?" Sure we have the expected characters chiming in, Gloria, Whoopi, Alice Walker, and such. We love reading their thoughts, but what I loved best were the quotes from women in organizations that I hadn't heard of before or we don't usually hear from - the second tier feminist celebs. It was also awesome to see organizational comments as well and not just the "leader" speaking.
"Police Beat" is a fabu article on how the women's community came together in Pittsburgh to protest officers who were promoted DESPITE having domestic violence acts in their past. Of course, I know the fabu feminist who wrote the piece, so I'm a bit biased...but it's still a great story, that is still continuing, of women fighting back.
The piece on feminist media was pretty good. Seeing that I'm pretty familiar with the reasons why we need feminist media, it didn't hit me hard. BUT if you're not familiar with the scene, you must read it. Just because we see more and more women on TV reading us the news, doesn't mean we're getting feminist news. Elle magazine also has a piece currently on women in media & beauty standards. Nothing too new, but still a good read.
Martha Burk's column this issue is on women giving to candidates. It makes a lot of sense to think that if we just give more to candidates & PACs, women might have more political power. I just can't totally buy into it. Yes, I think EMILY's List kicks ass, but I'm still pissed about the whole Christine Cegelis snub. I rarely give to candidates, so when I do, it means a lot. Should I give my $50 to a candidate instead of to a non-profit? Not so sure. Should I give $50 to a candidate instead of that nice white dress shirt I bought yesterday? Maybe. But if you saw the state of my other white shirts, you'd buy ME another white shirt. But good food for thought.
There's a great review for what I expect to be a mind-blowing book, "Women Behind Bars: The Crisis of Women in the U.S. Prison System." WBB will dive into our society's obsession with incarcerating people, especially women & women of color. It touches on how racism collides behind bars, the devaluing of women who were involved in sex work, and how expected gender roles are reinforced. I know enough people to get the basic image of what is at play, but I think this book will allow me to learn what I should really know in order to advocate for women, all women, being treated as human beings.
And topping off my review of the magazine is one of my favorite medical providers - Dr. Susan Love. Gotta love a doctor named Love! Along with Sue Rochman, they provide in a short op-ed asking us to question why we, individually & collectively, run to grasp new detection devices for breast cancer instead of focusing on prevention.The website doesn't have the cover image yet, so I assume that since I subscribe, I have an early copy. So watch your magazine racks and grab it when you spot it.
Technorati tags: feminism, Ms. magazine, Title IX, women in prison
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Catching up
To those visiting from the current Carnival of Feminists....Hi. Make yourself at home. Get comfy. Comment. And link me. I seriously need an upswing in my Technorati score for my book reviewing gigs. Yes, sometimes I don't get a gig because I have 4 readers. But the 4 of you are buying, right? *wink*
Technorati tags: carnival of feminists
Technorati tags: carnival of feminists
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Meow?
I've blogged before about the NFL and other sport leagues going after women as a fan base. I hate, hate, hate the pink line of clothing. When you're a fan, you wear your team's colors NOT a pink version of the logo. So when I saw the new Reebok tag line during today's Bears game "Be A Woman. Be A Fan." I was freakin' jazzed. I thought, whoa...can't wait to see those commercials & ads.
Then I did.
SO DISAPPOINTING!
What was a great ad turned into a sexist & stereotypical painting of women and our relationships. If you watch the ad above, you'll see that one woman is having her girlfriends over for the game. She's a Giants fan. Her first two gfs come in and they do the whole hand thing (high fives, slaps, etc.) in a great welcome and warm up to a great afternoon. Then the last one is decked out in Jets gear. For those not in the know, the Jets & Giants are not friendly to say the least. The two women look each other up and down. It ends with a MEOW! A freaking meow!
I had to watch it again online to make sure it was the commercial and not Annie. Seriously.
It took awhile to find their contact page, but I did. Why not let Reebok and their parent company, Adidas, know what you think of this new campaign to woo us women to buy their gear?
Here's what I'm going to write:
Dear Reebok & Adidas,
You had the BEST commercial until that stupid cat meow. As a life long football fan, I've been waiting for the market to acknowledge me and my sisters. I was excited about your tag line and loved the commercial until the end. I thought it really showed women in the same light as men without the women acting like men. That was until the meow.
Come on! If you're going to market to women, stop using stereotypes like that. When I go up against a fan of a team that I root against, I don't think of a cat fight. Rather our fight happens on the field. The best example was last year when Patriots QB Brady juked my beloved Urlacher. Did my girlfriend & I meow at each other? Would anyone think of our trash talking as a cat fight? Apparently you do and that sucks.
So recut that commercial and edit out the cat call. I think it was pretty good as it was.
Go Bears,
Roni
Technorati tags: Reebok, football, NFL, women, feminism, ads, sexist
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Why don't activists get toaster ovens?
Another blogger friend emailed me to point me towards a post she just wrote. Included in her email was a note that "Look, you're rubbing off on me; I'm getting in touch with my long-dormant inner activist."
So where the heck are the activist toaster ovens? In my case I'd prefer a coffee maker or a waffle iron.
So where the heck are the activist toaster ovens? In my case I'd prefer a coffee maker or a waffle iron.
Monday, September 03, 2007
The Rise of Pseudo-Academic Books
I'm not a historian at all, much less one of books, so...I ask this question in total honesty and hope that someone out there who is much smarter than I will comment and answer.
This summer I've read Female Chauvinist Pigs, Sisterhood Interrupted, and now Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters. Throughout my women's studies academic career I've read many an "academic-lite" book. But I fail to recall other books from my women's studies courses that had so much personal anecdotes in them. Sure, there were stats on top of stats and then some threading of someone's personal story. But that story came from focus groups not the author's diary or especially not an email.
At book club when we were feverishly discussing FCP, a good number of people wanted the book to delve deeper than it was doing, to not make so many generalizations (I'm not a short skirt wearing woman with low self-esteem, I just like to dress slutty!), and less talk from the author about the author.
There's a passage at the beginning of PC, SD, where Martin states flatly that she doesn't know how else to write about the topic at hand/societal trend without using generalizations.
So on this fine Labor Day I find myself reading a review of Julia Alvarez's new book on quinceaneras and they flatly state that Alvarez blends in her personal observations.
My questions are:
* I call them that because they are pretty well researched, but written in in a way that you don't have to have a Ph.D. to read it, BUT are being marketed to professors to include in classrooms.
This summer I've read Female Chauvinist Pigs, Sisterhood Interrupted, and now Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters. Throughout my women's studies academic career I've read many an "academic-lite" book. But I fail to recall other books from my women's studies courses that had so much personal anecdotes in them. Sure, there were stats on top of stats and then some threading of someone's personal story. But that story came from focus groups not the author's diary or especially not an email.
At book club when we were feverishly discussing FCP, a good number of people wanted the book to delve deeper than it was doing, to not make so many generalizations (I'm not a short skirt wearing woman with low self-esteem, I just like to dress slutty!), and less talk from the author about the author.
There's a passage at the beginning of PC, SD, where Martin states flatly that she doesn't know how else to write about the topic at hand/societal trend without using generalizations.
So on this fine Labor Day I find myself reading a review of Julia Alvarez's new book on quinceaneras and they flatly state that Alvarez blends in her personal observations.
My questions are:
- Are the women at book club asking for too much from trade books?
- Is there an increase in personal observations in pseudo-academic* books?
* I call them that because they are pretty well researched, but written in in a way that you don't have to have a Ph.D. to read it, BUT are being marketed to professors to include in classrooms.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
When bloggers attack
Brownfeminpower tackles the question of "Where are all the bloggers of color?" (both links go to the same post, just different sites)
Elaine Vigneault tackles the issue of dog breeding and feminism. Is it fair to ask one of the A-list feminist bloggers where she got her puppy?
As the mama of a rescue Doxie, I say, yes. If you have asked me 6 months ago before we were settled on a getting a dog, I still would have said yes. More later.
===========LATER========================
Since Rachel has already commented and noted that the lovely Violet was a breeder puppy while curious Elvis was a rescue and stated that she's divided, I'll go from there.
First, I'm not as totally anti-breeder as Elaine is. I know Rachel well enough to trust that she's not getting her puppies from a puppy mill. Then again, I do believe that there are enough dogs and cats in this world that we ought to take a one year break from purchasing dogs & cats. One year, that's all I'd want to see.
Second, the question was more about whether or not it is appropriate to ask a feminist leader where she got her dog from. Again, I say yes. If Gloria Steinem showed up at a meeting in a fur coat, you know she'd get hell from not just PETA. Steinem, Jessica isn't, but she has been dubbed one of the newest faces/leaders of not just the feminist blogosphere, but the movement itself. And as such, is fair game for such questions.
Jessica could respond by simply saying that she's known the breeder for years, knows it has an impeccable record, or simply that she did her homework, weighed the issues, and really wanted a puppy.
And unlike one of Jessica's supporters, asking where a puppy came from isn't the same as asking a woman why she didn't adopt. People are CONSTANTLY asking us where we got Annie. People who know us assume it's a rescue. People on the street just are curious.
One of my first acts of activism was deciding to be a vegan based on worries about how animals are raised and slaughtered. I was in middle school. I was a TERRIBLE vegan. Mostly because I had zero support, especially at home where my mom always tried to force me to eat some type of meat. That's why I eat poultry and fish. But at one point, I was living off of French fries and hot dog buns at school. They say any diet made up of only one food will cause you to lose weight...that's not one of them. During college I still wasn't eating fish, but once you start to dissect them to get to know them better AND you eat a fresh fish caught in Bermuda, well it's like crack...you are hooked.
I've slowly let leather back into my shoe options, mostly because my feet are horrible and I'm pre-diabetic. I know I need to care for my feet. It's really just bits of otherwise canvas sneakers. But it still sucks.
Yes, I'm full of excuses, but I'm willing to tell you them and take the questioning. I'm not a perfect animal rights activist, which is why I tend not to be active with them. I do what I can and learn things along the way.
As for Annie...the hubby really wanted to buy a puppy from a pet store, but I put my foot down. Not just the cost, but the idea of a pet store grossed me out. AND getting an older dog meant that we didn't have to potty train. Score! Would we have gotten a puppy from a good breeder? I'd like to say no, but I can't say for certain. But I do know the cost would have deterred us majorly. Then again, I just found a doxie-pug puppy up for adoption on my doxie list. OMFG, he was the cutest lil thing ever!
Elaine Vigneault tackles the issue of dog breeding and feminism. Is it fair to ask one of the A-list feminist bloggers where she got her puppy?
As the mama of a rescue Doxie, I say, yes. If you have asked me 6 months ago before we were settled on a getting a dog, I still would have said yes. More later.
===========LATER========================
Since Rachel has already commented and noted that the lovely Violet was a breeder puppy while curious Elvis was a rescue and stated that she's divided, I'll go from there.
First, I'm not as totally anti-breeder as Elaine is. I know Rachel well enough to trust that she's not getting her puppies from a puppy mill. Then again, I do believe that there are enough dogs and cats in this world that we ought to take a one year break from purchasing dogs & cats. One year, that's all I'd want to see.
Second, the question was more about whether or not it is appropriate to ask a feminist leader where she got her dog from. Again, I say yes. If Gloria Steinem showed up at a meeting in a fur coat, you know she'd get hell from not just PETA. Steinem, Jessica isn't, but she has been dubbed one of the newest faces/leaders of not just the feminist blogosphere, but the movement itself. And as such, is fair game for such questions.
Jessica could respond by simply saying that she's known the breeder for years, knows it has an impeccable record, or simply that she did her homework, weighed the issues, and really wanted a puppy.
And unlike one of Jessica's supporters, asking where a puppy came from isn't the same as asking a woman why she didn't adopt. People are CONSTANTLY asking us where we got Annie. People who know us assume it's a rescue. People on the street just are curious.
One of my first acts of activism was deciding to be a vegan based on worries about how animals are raised and slaughtered. I was in middle school. I was a TERRIBLE vegan. Mostly because I had zero support, especially at home where my mom always tried to force me to eat some type of meat. That's why I eat poultry and fish. But at one point, I was living off of French fries and hot dog buns at school. They say any diet made up of only one food will cause you to lose weight...that's not one of them. During college I still wasn't eating fish, but once you start to dissect them to get to know them better AND you eat a fresh fish caught in Bermuda, well it's like crack...you are hooked.
I've slowly let leather back into my shoe options, mostly because my feet are horrible and I'm pre-diabetic. I know I need to care for my feet. It's really just bits of otherwise canvas sneakers. But it still sucks.
Yes, I'm full of excuses, but I'm willing to tell you them and take the questioning. I'm not a perfect animal rights activist, which is why I tend not to be active with them. I do what I can and learn things along the way.
As for Annie...the hubby really wanted to buy a puppy from a pet store, but I put my foot down. Not just the cost, but the idea of a pet store grossed me out. AND getting an older dog meant that we didn't have to potty train. Score! Would we have gotten a puppy from a good breeder? I'd like to say no, but I can't say for certain. But I do know the cost would have deterred us majorly. Then again, I just found a doxie-pug puppy up for adoption on my doxie list. OMFG, he was the cutest lil thing ever!
Friday, August 24, 2007
NOW gets hi-tech
Y'all know I'm just joshing cause I love NOW. But I'm super jazzed that they now have video from the plenary sessions. Now you can watch the amazing speakers too! And I can relive my summer crushes.
Labels: feminism
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Our fave purse dealer does it again
Behold Cinnamon's latest creation:
This purse isn't just cute, isn't just functional, but gosh darnit, it helps people!
50% (!) of the purchase price will be donated to CARE:
So what are you waiting for?
This purse isn't just cute, isn't just functional, but gosh darnit, it helps people!
50% (!) of the purchase price will be donated to CARE:
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.It's only $50 people and I'm sure is in limited supply. And I'll be good (as my checkbook says I should) and let you all have a crack at it. I've seen it in person, but didn't try it on. If I did, I would have gone home with it. But it looks like the straps are long enough for you to have a nice sized purse/tote and not worry about it falling off your shoulders or getting in your way. That's my #1 beef with shorter purse straps...the falling off.
So what are you waiting for?
Monday, August 20, 2007
On reading “Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters”
My current book selections include Courtney E. Martin's "Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: The Frightening New Normalcy of Hating Your Body" I want to mention that because I'm going to do something vastly different with this reading.
My latest blog crush, Dewey, is also reading the book (as is fellow book babe, Rachel), but Dewey is blogging after each chapter. While I won't even attempt to duplicate the genius that is Dewey, I will be reading my chapters and then reading Dewey's commentary.
I rarely read book reviews as it is, so to read a commentary WHILE I'm reading the book will be quite an experience. Now on to the show...
x-posted at Babes and Books
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
More on Female Chauvinist Pigs
I wrote a lengthy critique of Ariel Levy's Female Chauvinist Pigs over at Babes & Books, but I have more to say and don't want to eat up all that space.
1. I think the funniest thing that was in Jennifer Baumgardner's critique of FCP was the cover:
2. Levy spends a good amount of time discussing that girls nowadays are dressing to impress each other NOT boys. I've heard this from many a mom. Anyone else hear this theory? I kinda see it already with Ella and I guess I did the same thing in high school. Once I got out of my "I-need-to-wear-a-different-color-of-every-piece-of-clothing-I'm-wearing" phase (yes, pink socks, blue shoes, white shirt, rainbow colored skirt...) I did try to dress to impress my girlfriends.
3. I do not believe that Levy is anti-sex, as I said in my B&B post. Rather I subscribe to her call for an expansion of of definition of sexy. It can't be just thongs and stripper poles. And I'm not saying it just because you so don't want to see me in a thong. Levy touches on something when she says we need something more than lust and fake lust at that, when we think of sex. If it's puritanical to say that sex should mean something, then it is. I do think that we can have healthy alternative sex lives that mean something and isn't just about the show or fake boobs.
4. The Girls Gone Wild mentality will lead to harm. Levy recounts an evening out with the film crew where woman after woman is essentially bullied into showing her boobs for a trucker hat. Sometimes for some guy to get a trucker hat. Crowds gather around, chanting "Show them! Show them!" and once she does, camera phones go clicking and she gets the trucker hat. It's not just mob mentality, but I believe an issue of safety for the woman involved.
Essentially, I think you should pick this up and see for yourself.
1. I think the funniest thing that was in Jennifer Baumgardner's critique of FCP was the cover:
Levy writes: "If the whole point is change and redefinition, then I wonder why the Cake imagery is so utterly of a piece with every other bimbo pictorial I've seen in my life." Levy uses the same imagery on her cover -- without any ironic flourish -- which leads me to believe that she may suffer from the same conflicts she is so troubled by in others.I seriously laughed out loud when I read that because that is precisely MY biggest critique with Jessica Valenti's book. I don't agree with all of Baumgardner's critique, but right on the nose with the book cover. I won't buy Valenti's book because of the book cover and the only reason I bought Levy's was for book club. Plus a stupid trucker flap girl is very different than the disembodied belly of a skinny white chick.
2. Levy spends a good amount of time discussing that girls nowadays are dressing to impress each other NOT boys. I've heard this from many a mom. Anyone else hear this theory? I kinda see it already with Ella and I guess I did the same thing in high school. Once I got out of my "I-need-to-wear-a-different-color-of-every-piece-of-clothing-I'm-wearing" phase (yes, pink socks, blue shoes, white shirt, rainbow colored skirt...) I did try to dress to impress my girlfriends.
3. I do not believe that Levy is anti-sex, as I said in my B&B post. Rather I subscribe to her call for an expansion of of definition of sexy. It can't be just thongs and stripper poles. And I'm not saying it just because you so don't want to see me in a thong. Levy touches on something when she says we need something more than lust and fake lust at that, when we think of sex. If it's puritanical to say that sex should mean something, then it is. I do think that we can have healthy alternative sex lives that mean something and isn't just about the show or fake boobs.
4. The Girls Gone Wild mentality will lead to harm. Levy recounts an evening out with the film crew where woman after woman is essentially bullied into showing her boobs for a trucker hat. Sometimes for some guy to get a trucker hat. Crowds gather around, chanting "Show them! Show them!" and once she does, camera phones go clicking and she gets the trucker hat. It's not just mob mentality, but I believe an issue of safety for the woman involved.
Essentially, I think you should pick this up and see for yourself.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Flickr + Blogger = Feminist Photo Fame
Back in April I blogged about the Spring issue of Ms. Magazine and used the more adorable mother-daughter photo I've ever seen as the framing. Guess what? Ms. Magazine published it! As someone who ALWAYS reads the letters section of my magazines before doing my skimming of the issue, I was so happy to see that photo in there. So do Flickr photos qualify for the Pulitzer?
Following up on the "1,024 Things to do with a Women's Studies Degree" article, we hear from seven women doing amazing work in education, business, YWCA, family coach, law clerk, nonprofit, and social work. Outside of the business woman, everyone else seemed to fall into the expected fields. Did Ms. only get letters from do-gooders? (Don't fret, I'm one too!) If not, we need to hear from the police officers, fire fighters, and big corporate attorneys? OK, the woman working in education use to work in vehicle repair and waste management, that's outside the expected. So if you're reading this and you have a career where people think, "You have a what degree?" write in and let Ms. know about it.
Jessica & the gang must be utterly swamped to have not seen that she's quoted on the "Lest We Forget" column from her Colbert Report appearance. We also get a kick ass quote from Ellen Barkin, "Any woman in the year 2007 who says she's not a feminist is either a moron or has been living under a rock." Too bad her Ocean's 13 character wasn't beaten by mere sex games.
Here's where print media is far behind the blogosphere: There's a two page article on birth control prices going up on college campuses that we discussed months ago.
Here's why print media is sometimes better than the blogosphere: Ms. used the birth control pricing to wrap up many of the anti-birth control policies of the Bush Administration including conveniently leaving out EC in sexual-assault treatment handbooks, abstinence-only education, pharmacist refusal, and the freezing of Title X funds (which result in a real life decrease in funding). A few pages later we get a mind-blowing story about how abstinence-only money is being funneled into crisis pregnancy centers. Forgive me if I missed this one online, but my tax dollars are paying for tiny fetus dolls? WTF!
The cover story is about the latest USSC rulings. I skipped these stories because it's too depressing. I will read them eventually, but right now, I want to focus on other things.
Like human trafficking! I'll admit that while I know a lot of people are trafficked into slave work, I do first think of prostitution first. "The Invisible Ones" will change that in your head too:
There's some hope. In the next year there will be, hopefully, a reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Some of the items advocates hope to get into the legislation include "untying T visas from requirement that victims cooperate with law enforcement...[and] establish[ing] a database on patterns of trafficking. Sweatshop labor is key to this debate. Julie A. Su, co-founder of Sweatshop Watch, notes that "the situation won't improve greatly until the public becomes aware and outraged by the conditions under which a pair of pants was sewn, or produce was picked." It is suggested that "laws that require "sweatshop free" labeling in garments & on food products would increase consumer awareness and pressure for change." Hey, it worked for the dolphins!
There's also an amazing piece on how the plastic surgery industry is co-opting feminism. I know that I freaked out a bit when I noticed that at the same place I get my nails done I can also get Botox. Um, isn't that a medical procedure? What really threw me for a loop was this: "One Maryland college professor found that [injectables are being sold to physicians who aren't even cosmetic surgeons] during her annual Pap smear appointment, when her gynecologist offered to 'take care of her elevens' - unknit the 'teacher's frown' between her brows - with Botox." WHA??? You go in for a Pap and leave with a frozen forehead? Um, no thanks.
My favorite article has to be "Bluegrass Liberation" that highlighted the feminist revolution going on in bluegrass. Uncle Earl, Murphy Henry, Alison Krauss (first lady of contemp bluegrass), and Rhonda Vincent are discussed. While Vincent dodges the feminist question, she does tip her hat to the movement (She can teach a few ungrateful pop stars/actresses a thing or two). And it's not that the revolution began in the 1990s...Women have been kicking ass for over a century. The best part of this article? Not just finding new names to listen to (remember, I love country music!), but that Martha Burk wrote this article. Yes, the same Martha Burk that lead the protest at the Masters and is the money editor at Ms. Gotta love multi-skilled feminists. Maybe the next time I see her at a con, I'll have the nerve to ask her what's on her iPod.
We also can learn more about how women leading the green movement in business, the fear mongering behind bone density testing, and couples very much in love bucking the marriage train. That's not it, Nikki Ayanna Stewart asks black girls to use their voice and tell us, instead of letting the media tell us, what they think and want in life. So much more good stuff is in here.
So Ms. Magazine...I gotta tell ya, I think you're coming around. Considering that I met your online editor at Blogher, I can see why. But then again, now my expectations have risen! Hey Rochelle!
Ms. Magazine's Summer issue is on sale now. So if it hasn't shown up in your mailbox, hit your local (independent) bookstore and grab it.
Following up on the "1,024 Things to do with a Women's Studies Degree" article, we hear from seven women doing amazing work in education, business, YWCA, family coach, law clerk, nonprofit, and social work. Outside of the business woman, everyone else seemed to fall into the expected fields. Did Ms. only get letters from do-gooders? (Don't fret, I'm one too!) If not, we need to hear from the police officers, fire fighters, and big corporate attorneys? OK, the woman working in education use to work in vehicle repair and waste management, that's outside the expected. So if you're reading this and you have a career where people think, "You have a what degree?" write in and let Ms. know about it.
Jessica & the gang must be utterly swamped to have not seen that she's quoted on the "Lest We Forget" column from her Colbert Report appearance. We also get a kick ass quote from Ellen Barkin, "Any woman in the year 2007 who says she's not a feminist is either a moron or has been living under a rock." Too bad her Ocean's 13 character wasn't beaten by mere sex games.
Here's where print media is far behind the blogosphere: There's a two page article on birth control prices going up on college campuses that we discussed months ago.
Here's why print media is sometimes better than the blogosphere: Ms. used the birth control pricing to wrap up many of the anti-birth control policies of the Bush Administration including conveniently leaving out EC in sexual-assault treatment handbooks, abstinence-only education, pharmacist refusal, and the freezing of Title X funds (which result in a real life decrease in funding). A few pages later we get a mind-blowing story about how abstinence-only money is being funneled into crisis pregnancy centers. Forgive me if I missed this one online, but my tax dollars are paying for tiny fetus dolls? WTF!
The cover story is about the latest USSC rulings. I skipped these stories because it's too depressing. I will read them eventually, but right now, I want to focus on other things.
Like human trafficking! I'll admit that while I know a lot of people are trafficked into slave work, I do first think of prostitution first. "The Invisible Ones" will change that in your head too:
In the entire U.S., there are only a handful of shelters devoted entirely to victims of trafficking, and the situation is unlikely to improve i the near future...Now, over half the federal money available for victim servies no longer goes directly to nonprofit service providers, but instead is given to intermediaries, primarliy the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Migration and Refugee Services....The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bisops also requires that srvice providers stipulate that they won't hand out condoms or provide referral for abortion.Yes, you read that right. Women who find shelter with agencies governed by the Catholic church can't get condoms or find out about abortion services. The article talks about how non-sex work trafficked women are subjected to sex abuse, rape, and torture. Can you imagine what it would be like to finally find shelter, discover the asshat who kept you for years and raped you had impregnated you? Then for your shelter to have to shrug their shoulders when you ask about getting an abortion?
There's some hope. In the next year there will be, hopefully, a reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Some of the items advocates hope to get into the legislation include "untying T visas from requirement that victims cooperate with law enforcement...[and] establish[ing] a database on patterns of trafficking. Sweatshop labor is key to this debate. Julie A. Su, co-founder of Sweatshop Watch, notes that "the situation won't improve greatly until the public becomes aware and outraged by the conditions under which a pair of pants was sewn, or produce was picked." It is suggested that "laws that require "sweatshop free" labeling in garments & on food products would increase consumer awareness and pressure for change." Hey, it worked for the dolphins!
There's also an amazing piece on how the plastic surgery industry is co-opting feminism. I know that I freaked out a bit when I noticed that at the same place I get my nails done I can also get Botox. Um, isn't that a medical procedure? What really threw me for a loop was this: "One Maryland college professor found that [injectables are being sold to physicians who aren't even cosmetic surgeons] during her annual Pap smear appointment, when her gynecologist offered to 'take care of her elevens' - unknit the 'teacher's frown' between her brows - with Botox." WHA??? You go in for a Pap and leave with a frozen forehead? Um, no thanks.
My favorite article has to be "Bluegrass Liberation" that highlighted the feminist revolution going on in bluegrass. Uncle Earl, Murphy Henry, Alison Krauss (first lady of contemp bluegrass), and Rhonda Vincent are discussed. While Vincent dodges the feminist question, she does tip her hat to the movement (She can teach a few ungrateful pop stars/actresses a thing or two). And it's not that the revolution began in the 1990s...Women have been kicking ass for over a century. The best part of this article? Not just finding new names to listen to (remember, I love country music!), but that Martha Burk wrote this article. Yes, the same Martha Burk that lead the protest at the Masters and is the money editor at Ms. Gotta love multi-skilled feminists. Maybe the next time I see her at a con, I'll have the nerve to ask her what's on her iPod.
We also can learn more about how women leading the green movement in business, the fear mongering behind bone density testing, and couples very much in love bucking the marriage train. That's not it, Nikki Ayanna Stewart asks black girls to use their voice and tell us, instead of letting the media tell us, what they think and want in life. So much more good stuff is in here.
So Ms. Magazine...I gotta tell ya, I think you're coming around. Considering that I met your online editor at Blogher, I can see why. But then again, now my expectations have risen! Hey Rochelle!
Ms. Magazine's Summer issue is on sale now. So if it hasn't shown up in your mailbox, hit your local (independent) bookstore and grab it.
Friday, August 03, 2007
She Should Run, but I'll stand right here
via Feministing, there's a group out there that is asking us to draft women to run for office. Any office. She Should Run states:
Amy Gardner on West Wing said it pretty well, in I think "Constituency of One". She had this long rant after getting caught pushing too hard for VAWA funds using the First Lady and said something about not wanting to kneel to politics to get her issues out there.
I like being the activist. I like holding a position that pushes politicians to rethink their stance. I hate it when elected officials compromise when I feel that there is no compromise. Which is my biggest weakness, I can't see myself compromising when it comes to reproductive justice, equal marriage, and a whole list of other issues. Which I believe would make me not just a bad elected official, but also a horrible candidate.
Sure, I'd be entertaining like Kucinich in debates ranting about the need to zero our abstinence only funding NOW, but my base isn't one to fully support me, IMO. Look at how progressives balk at supporting Hillary. As much as she has supported women's rights in general, we have a litany of strikes against her including supporting "three strikes and you're out" laws. I've had a few people tell me that I'm the most radical person they know (I know kinda sad, eh?) but I'm not that radical.
But I am too radical for more moderates and sadly they are the votes that count because they vote. I know more progressives who don't vote because they can't stand to hold their nose and vote for the best candidate because they aren't perfect. Moderates are more apt, IMO, to vote for the best candidate.
So save your time and don't draft me, k? But do take a look around you and see if there is a good pro-choice woman in your community who would make an excellent city council member, state rep, or even US Senator. I already sent in my nomination. Someone who is just as radical as me, if not more, but has proven herself to be willing to play the political game. She's perfect.
As a kid I did dream of being the first woman President and even harbored ideas of running for office in the last decade, but I think I'll stand right where I am. Why?Women’s Campaign Forum is an organization that's dedicated to ensuring pro-choice women become leaders in politics. As volunteers, donors, campaign professionals, and most importantly, candidates, we know women from all walks of life can change the face of this nation. To achieve that change, WCF proudly recruits women to become active participants in public life, trains women to be more effective political forces, and endorses talented women candidates for public office.
As the next step in our efforts, WCF has created the She Should Run campaign, a comprehensive effort to gather nominations of 1,000 pro-choice women who should run for public office.
Amy Gardner on West Wing said it pretty well, in I think "Constituency of One". She had this long rant after getting caught pushing too hard for VAWA funds using the First Lady and said something about not wanting to kneel to politics to get her issues out there.
I like being the activist. I like holding a position that pushes politicians to rethink their stance. I hate it when elected officials compromise when I feel that there is no compromise. Which is my biggest weakness, I can't see myself compromising when it comes to reproductive justice, equal marriage, and a whole list of other issues. Which I believe would make me not just a bad elected official, but also a horrible candidate.
Sure, I'd be entertaining like Kucinich in debates ranting about the need to zero our abstinence only funding NOW, but my base isn't one to fully support me, IMO. Look at how progressives balk at supporting Hillary. As much as she has supported women's rights in general, we have a litany of strikes against her including supporting "three strikes and you're out" laws. I've had a few people tell me that I'm the most radical person they know (I know kinda sad, eh?) but I'm not that radical.
But I am too radical for more moderates and sadly they are the votes that count because they vote. I know more progressives who don't vote because they can't stand to hold their nose and vote for the best candidate because they aren't perfect. Moderates are more apt, IMO, to vote for the best candidate.
So save your time and don't draft me, k? But do take a look around you and see if there is a good pro-choice woman in your community who would make an excellent city council member, state rep, or even US Senator. I already sent in my nomination. Someone who is just as radical as me, if not more, but has proven herself to be willing to play the political game. She's perfect.
Friday, July 13, 2007
NOW Conference
FRIDAY:::
9:30 AM - WOOHOO! I made it!
SUNDAY:::
10 AM - Resolutions
Sometimes the best, sometimes not, part of the conference. I'll post a link when the passed resolutions are on the NOW website.Then it's time to head home! And I decided to hitch a ride home with friends. I booked a flight way too late in the day. Yeah for Southwest cancellation rules.
9:30 AM - WOOHOO! I made it!
I'm all registered & now working the reg area. "My name is Roni, how may I help you?"
12 PM - Gov Granholm: She is kickass & beautiful. I'm now uberjealous of MI-ites. I'll trade ya Guvs!
If only she was born in the states. *sigh*
SATURDAY:::
11:45 AM - Chenese Lewis
She's a plus-size model who feels each photo shot is a statement. Once @ a 'Insider' segment her & other plus-size women actors were weighed(!) on camera. The scales were RIGGED to add 30 lbs. She wasn't too fazed but the other actors were devistated. She works a non-NOW affiliated 'Love Your Body' project.
OMG, I love this woman.
11:00 - Sherry Stringfield
Did you know that Sherri AND both her kids (6 & 3) are lifetime members of NOW? She was introduced to NOW when the actor playing her mom on a soap opera took her to a NYC NOW meeting. Sherry also spoke about being a feminist & an actor in Hollywood. Hint: it's not an easy thing for up & coming actors.She assures us that there are many feminists in Hollywood & she needs our help. 1) No more guilty-pleasure reading of People Magazine, etc;2) Express ourselves creatively as feminists. Turn off stupid TV. Go to museums. Support PBS. Write to the networks;3) Write to the stations. The ads are focused TO US! We can make a difference;One more thing...She's a lefty & of course means as a kid she kicked ass on the ball field. A lefty pitcher is quite the assest for any team.Add Sherry to my crush list please.
11:30 AM - Jill Soloway
She's a Hollywood writer & active with Hollywood NOW. She describes a recent table reading with a wannabe* actress who bombed in front of the film powers that be. Jill is too funny! She wouldn't see 'The Departed' because there was only 1 woman in the cast.
The funniest part of her address was when she remarked that, "My sister is a lesbian. LUCKY! I was just a chromosome away!" Everyone lost it.
She also told us all of an action that Hollywood NOW did to remove disgusting billboards for a certain horror flick that opened on Friday. She cried while recounting how hard it was to work on it and then see the billboards back up a few weeks later.
Dear goddess, my crush list is growing by the minute. 'Thank you!'**
* The unnamed woman is on a TV show, but shouldn't be called an actress. Those of you who want to know need to buy me a mocha, martini or garlic mayo cheese fries.
** I'm moblogging & my thumbs hurt, so you'll have to wait for an explanation.
12:00 PM - Dr. E. Faye Williams
A powerful & inspiring speaker. Yes, Dr. we won't go back.
5:00 PM - Angie Cruz
The last plenary started with a dance party. We hammed it up even more because CNN & CSPAN are in the house.Angie Cruz is a writer from NYC. It took a long time before she decided to be a writer due to a lack of any women writer role models much less WOC writers.She also spoke about how hard it was to be a progressive writer after 9/11. She is just finally getting that energy again to make change happen.Yup...I want her to be my BFF. A grrl can't have too many BFFs right?
10:00 PM - DANCE PARTY!!
SUNDAY:::
10 AM - Resolutions
Sometimes the best, sometimes not, part of the conference. I'll post a link when the passed resolutions are on the NOW website.Then it's time to head home! And I decided to hitch a ride home with friends. I booked a flight way too late in the day. Yeah for Southwest cancellation rules.
Labels: feminism
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Brad Pitt sold his soul to the devil
There is no other explanation for why he just keeps looking better.
Yup, the hubby & I just saw "Ocean's 13" and we liked it. The hubby really liked it.
Part of the plot involves one of the gang working at a factory in Juarez, Mexico. He ends up starting a revolt at the factory. It plays for a huge laugh and honestly, it was pretty funny seeing this skinny white guy chanting along with the Mexican workers about fair pay, etc.
Then the other side of my brain kicks in and I start thinking of how there really are people working in Mexico in horrible conditions for little pay. How there really are revolts that happen and they don't have happy endings.
Then I try to put my faith in Clooney & Pitt and that they market themselves as human rights activists. Heck, there's even a joke/line about how you can't fire a waitress for gaining 4 pounds (the bad side does this) and Ocean's gang shakes their head at this tragedy. People who work hard for attention to the world's tragedy can't just want a simple joke out of it, right? Right?!?
See, this is why sometimes I wish I could turn off the feminist part of my brain and just enjoy a movie that I suggested because I figured we wouldn't have to think too much. The hubby's training really smashed him in the brain - in a good way. I figured that "Ocean's 13" would be pure fluff. Well 95% of it was.
But back to Brad Pitt. Oh my gawd...I hate Angelina in so many ways. OTOH, I really wish she was my buddy. What I'd give to have martinis with her.
Yup, the hubby & I just saw "Ocean's 13" and we liked it. The hubby really liked it.
Part of the plot involves one of the gang working at a factory in Juarez, Mexico. He ends up starting a revolt at the factory. It plays for a huge laugh and honestly, it was pretty funny seeing this skinny white guy chanting along with the Mexican workers about fair pay, etc.
Then the other side of my brain kicks in and I start thinking of how there really are people working in Mexico in horrible conditions for little pay. How there really are revolts that happen and they don't have happy endings.
Then I try to put my faith in Clooney & Pitt and that they market themselves as human rights activists. Heck, there's even a joke/line about how you can't fire a waitress for gaining 4 pounds (the bad side does this) and Ocean's gang shakes their head at this tragedy. People who work hard for attention to the world's tragedy can't just want a simple joke out of it, right? Right?!?
See, this is why sometimes I wish I could turn off the feminist part of my brain and just enjoy a movie that I suggested because I figured we wouldn't have to think too much. The hubby's training really smashed him in the brain - in a good way. I figured that "Ocean's 13" would be pure fluff. Well 95% of it was.
But back to Brad Pitt. Oh my gawd...I hate Angelina in so many ways. OTOH, I really wish she was my buddy. What I'd give to have martinis with her.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Equine Feminism
Stories that you might have missed:
- Rags to Riches became the first Filly (girl horse) to win the Belmont Stakes since 1905 and the first Filly to win any Triple Crown race since the 1988 Kentucky Derby. JFTR, I don't like horse racing at all.
- A filly's owner is being sued after the horse kicked a stallion in the head and killed him.
"An attorney for Ruth Kay said in papers filed in DuPage County Circuit Court that Kay's mare, Gabby, kicked a stallion named Vinny in the shoulder after the horse approached Gabby from behind and rested his head on her rump.
Kay's attorney essentially called Vinny's behavior equine sexual harassment—an unwanted violation of Gabby's "personal and private space."
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
More on anti-kid/anti-parent blogging
Damn, I knew that this whole "I hate kids" thing was a touchy subject. Despite commenters not thinking that hating kids isn't the same as racism, when you call them on it, apparently it's like calling someone a racist.
Anywho, Zuzu has asked me for proof of her anti-kid/parent stance and I give you two posts:
I think that I've blogged enough about the woes of parenthood and those of you who have met me in person know that I rarely speak of Miss Ella ONLY in positives. She's a child, she's got her dark side! Instead of having to carry a stupid egg around, I think I should go around talking to kids about getting pregnant. I'm not a very positive person about this whole thing. But do I love Ella? Hell yes!
One more thing about this and it may seem out of left field, but be patient.
I am a woman of Mexican descent whose family subscribed to the theory of assimilation. That means that I learned very early on that to 'fit in' one needs to blend into the background. I don't speak with an accent because I didn't learn to speak Spanish as a kid. I rarely wore ethnic clothing as a kid because we rarely got them. I was taught by my family & society to ignore the differences between myself and others in order to fit in. It also helped that I was a smart cookie and that my gender seemed to make me different more than my ethnicity/race. Thus it took until I was almost thirty to realize that assimilation had made me blind to racism that was happening to me and others around me. It had made me blind to seeing anything really in front of me, except sexism. Which is why I'm slowing deassimilating myself.
As someone who learned very early to hide in the background, you have to believe that I teach Ella not to make a scene in public, not to be too loud because gawd forbid that she acts "Mexican" in public. Yeah, still working on that deassimilation thing.
So when people talk about kids being out of control, I take it really personally because we work extra hard to have Ella be in total control in public. Not just for kid reasons, but because we know that she is a reflection of her background and well, to set an example.
Speaking of Ella, it's time for her to get up. So this will have to be it on the topic.
Oh and one more thing. Sorry to seem like I ignored Vanessa & her adorable baby over at Feministe.
Anywho, Zuzu has asked me for proof of her anti-kid/parent stance and I give you two posts:
- March 4, 2007: "Oh, Please" where the entire post is this: "If you let your 11-year-old kids sleep in your bed every night even though you don’t want them to, you might want to consider growing a spine.
Just a thought." Statements like this showcase perfectly how non-parents make sweeping judgments on us parents without a second thought. While the parents showcased in that article are not representative SES-wise, I do think they are representative of parents in general - DAMN TIRED. So when the munchkin crawls into bed at 2 am, you have a choice to make. You either decide to have a fight with the kid or you just move over and try to get a few more hours of sleep. Guess which I did until Miss Ella learned to stay in her bed on her own?
- Zuzu acknowledging her anti-kid/parent bias with a disclaimer. I assume that the post that set my tone of Zuzu was the one removed on August 13th and then Feministe blocks the internet archive.
I think that I've blogged enough about the woes of parenthood and those of you who have met me in person know that I rarely speak of Miss Ella ONLY in positives. She's a child, she's got her dark side! Instead of having to carry a stupid egg around, I think I should go around talking to kids about getting pregnant. I'm not a very positive person about this whole thing. But do I love Ella? Hell yes!
One more thing about this and it may seem out of left field, but be patient.
I am a woman of Mexican descent whose family subscribed to the theory of assimilation. That means that I learned very early on that to 'fit in' one needs to blend into the background. I don't speak with an accent because I didn't learn to speak Spanish as a kid. I rarely wore ethnic clothing as a kid because we rarely got them. I was taught by my family & society to ignore the differences between myself and others in order to fit in. It also helped that I was a smart cookie and that my gender seemed to make me different more than my ethnicity/race. Thus it took until I was almost thirty to realize that assimilation had made me blind to racism that was happening to me and others around me. It had made me blind to seeing anything really in front of me, except sexism. Which is why I'm slowing deassimilating myself.
As someone who learned very early to hide in the background, you have to believe that I teach Ella not to make a scene in public, not to be too loud because gawd forbid that she acts "Mexican" in public. Yeah, still working on that deassimilation thing.
So when people talk about kids being out of control, I take it really personally because we work extra hard to have Ella be in total control in public. Not just for kid reasons, but because we know that she is a reflection of her background and well, to set an example.
Speaking of Ella, it's time for her to get up. So this will have to be it on the topic.
Oh and one more thing. Sorry to seem like I ignored Vanessa & her adorable baby over at Feministe.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Is it hip to hate kids?
From the feminist blogosphere to my favorite Chicago site, people are NOT afraid of stating "I hate kids." Why the hating?
This topic has touched my third rail even before Ella came into this world, so it was a joyous occasion to see that Feministe has finally added a non-hater to their line-up. Not that all of them are haters, but some of them did roll in that mud once in awhile.
In 2004, there were about 10,000 children in foster care in Illinois.
A study that took place in November 2005 found that, “Children living in homes occupied by their mother’s boyfriends or other non-relatives are up to 48 times more likely to die from
child abuse.” Mothers can't even date without the possibility that she'll invite her children's murderer home.
In 2006:
So here's to Roy and hoping that this guest blogger thing turns into a permanent situation. Because all this hating isn't getting us anywhere.
This topic has touched my third rail even before Ella came into this world, so it was a joyous occasion to see that Feministe has finally added a non-hater to their line-up. Not that all of them are haters, but some of them did roll in that mud once in awhile.
Calling children “radically disempowered” is almost an understatement. Pretty much from the moment they’re born, children are subject to a world that treats them as much like property as like people. Children grow up in a world with no voice. There are countless rules and regulations controlling their daily lives, and they have absolutely no say in any of those rules. They are subject to the whims of the people around them- people who may or may not have their best interests in mind. Children have no privacy and no right to a fair trial when an adult (parent) accuses the child of wrong doing. Their entire lives are at the whims of people who control what clothes they wear, whether they have a roof over their heads, whether they even eat.
Being a child isn’t easy. Very little in your life is under your own control, and you’re also subject to your body’s whims. Children are still growing and developing, and they don’t always even understand how or why they feel certain ways. They may not know why they’re tired or cranky at any particular moment. And, as someone else pointed out, even if they do know, they’re still subject to other people’s whims. An adult who isn’t feeling well can call in sick and avoid interacting with other people, in many cases. Children don’t have that option.
And this is the group that some people have decided that they hate?
Some excuse the hating as just hyperbole. Well if we all excused our 'hates' as hyperbole then we'd be nowhere. "That [insert race here] cashier jipped me $5! I hate them!" "One time my sister dated a [insert religion here] guy and he totally tried to run her life. Stay away from them!"
In 2004, there were about 10,000 children in foster care in Illinois.
A study that took place in November 2005 found that, “Children living in homes occupied by their mother’s boyfriends or other non-relatives are up to 48 times more likely to die from
child abuse.” Mothers can't even date without the possibility that she'll invite her children's murderer home.
In 2006:
- 110,235 children were reported as abused or neglected;
- As a whole, Illinois' child abuse rate was 7.6 per 1,000 - Central & Southern Illinois were almost twice that;
- 250,000 children are without health care in Illinois.
So here's to Roy and hoping that this guest blogger thing turns into a permanent situation. Because all this hating isn't getting us anywhere.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
That's because you're a boy
I grew up in the 'burbs pretty carefree. The hubby, OTOH, grew up in the 'burbs, but more aware that danger lurks everywhere. When we moved to the big bad city aka Chicago, he had a million rules on where I should go and why. 99% of them were true and made total sense. After almost 15 years here, I'm more aware of the dangers that lurk and I try to play things smart. Of course that stubborn part of me still thinks "FU" to danger and if I want to walk alone at 2 am, gosh darn it, I will! One example, the first 2 years we lived here, I carried mace with me. Then I figured, what the hell? F...it.
Kate wrote a brilliant and beautiful piece on "Living while Female" drawing together the kidnapping & murder of Kelsey Smith, the murder of Dua Khalil, and the De Anza gang rape case. Read it. It really should be in the NYTimes (hint, hint, Ms. K.).
Back to the hubby. We were watching The Early Show report on authorities finding her body and the arrest of a suspect. I then looked at the hubby and said, "This is why I park at the TOP of the Target parking garage. For my safety." That light bulb went off, he nodded, and looked at me, "Wow...I never thought if it that way." Just as I was saying, "Because you're a boy." He replied, "Because I'm not a woman!" He kept yeah, yeah-ing & nodding for a few minutes allowing for all of this to settle into his head.
See, he doesn't like to park at the top because people drive a little crazy on the way down and he's afraid of the car getting hit and us getting hurt. When I go alone, I park at the top so I can be out in the open and where 80% of the people park. Why? Because I do fear that someone will pull me into a car after I just bought myself some new shoes & tampons. Why should I fear that each time I go to the store? Why!?!
The good thing is that I think he finally gets it that I am aware of danger and that my ppft'ing of danger is sometimes a reaction of me drowning in danger. Does that make sense?
The hubby's such a sweet guy and really is all about keeping his girls safe. It's a bit overwhelming at times, but I know it's just because he loves me so much and couldn't live with himself if I got hurt the one night he was too tired to come pick me up from some meeting. Oh, Ella, you have no idea what you have in store! And I'm sure she'll push his limits as well. Anyone want to take me in while she's going thru that stage?
Kate wrote a brilliant and beautiful piece on "Living while Female" drawing together the kidnapping & murder of Kelsey Smith, the murder of Dua Khalil, and the De Anza gang rape case. Read it. It really should be in the NYTimes (hint, hint, Ms. K.).
Back to the hubby. We were watching The Early Show report on authorities finding her body and the arrest of a suspect. I then looked at the hubby and said, "This is why I park at the TOP of the Target parking garage. For my safety." That light bulb went off, he nodded, and looked at me, "Wow...I never thought if it that way." Just as I was saying, "Because you're a boy." He replied, "Because I'm not a woman!" He kept yeah, yeah-ing & nodding for a few minutes allowing for all of this to settle into his head.
See, he doesn't like to park at the top because people drive a little crazy on the way down and he's afraid of the car getting hit and us getting hurt. When I go alone, I park at the top so I can be out in the open and where 80% of the people park. Why? Because I do fear that someone will pull me into a car after I just bought myself some new shoes & tampons. Why should I fear that each time I go to the store? Why!?!
The good thing is that I think he finally gets it that I am aware of danger and that my ppft'ing of danger is sometimes a reaction of me drowning in danger. Does that make sense?
The hubby's such a sweet guy and really is all about keeping his girls safe. It's a bit overwhelming at times, but I know it's just because he loves me so much and couldn't live with himself if I got hurt the one night he was too tired to come pick me up from some meeting. Oh, Ella, you have no idea what you have in store! And I'm sure she'll push his limits as well. Anyone want to take me in while she's going thru that stage?
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Taking back the language
Go to any feminist conference and you'll stumble into a debate on language and how the right is far better at it. "Family values", "pro-life", "Partial-birth abortion"...well you get the idea. So it was fantabulous to see that Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) introduced a bill called the HIV Prevention Act of 2007.
How's that for using language?
Let's see how the right-wingers defend their vote against HIV Prevention.
What's in the bill? RHRealityCheck tells us:
How's that for using language?
Let's see how the right-wingers defend their vote against HIV Prevention.
What's in the bill? RHRealityCheck tells us:
...a bill that would remove the ideological 33 percent abstinence-until-marriage earmark from HIV prevention programs in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The earmark is the primary culprit in denying young people in PEPFAR countries from receiving honest, comprehensive HIV prevention programs. Ten additional Democratic Senators co-sponsored the bill including Senators Clinton, Durbin, and Feingold.
The HIV Prevention Act of 2007 also allows for greater flexibility within PEPFAR to respond more quickly and specifically to the local epidemic, and supports public health best practices that are tailored to local needs and culture.WOOT!
Monday, June 04, 2007
Playing catch-up
I really hate the Monday back from traveling because I have a ton of email and RSS feeds to read. In lieu of real content, I give you a list of thoughts:
- "The Daring Book for Girls" will come out in time for winter gift giving. Hopefully there are some science experiments and activism pointers in there as well.
- The first Carnival for Radical Action at Sylvia’s place
- Help some awesome WOC bloggers get to the Allied Media Conference! Since I can't go, I'm sending money.
- Atlanta appears to be a nice city. I wouldn't know since I stayed in my conference the entire time. Good news: Sweet tea at every meal. Bad news: Not one peach.
- I got an invitation to apply to a PhD program with a woman that I worship. In Atlanta. Yeah, not gonna happen.
- The testosterone spewing from Wrigley Field is making me sick. I forgot that part of the rulebook that says to get a team to play like professionals one must treat an official like a scumbag. I'm all for ripping an ump a new one...When they screw up the call!
- Why do I feel that my summer is already over when it hasn't begun?
- Had brunch with a friend from DC yesterday. She ditched the morning session at Sister Song. Awesome company. Awesome conversation.
- Are you registered for the NOW Conference yet? I am. I also have a room available. Let me know.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Blog Globally, Act Locally
I will leave you with Kameron to consider what you do in your non-blogging life to change the world:
Blogs are great places, but I see them more as testing grounds - as initial steps, as consciousness-raising - more than I see them as real, solid activism. They're a form of, maybe, virtual activism. It's where you go to find your voice and speak to others who've shared some of your experiences in the world and want to converse about a common cause or interest.
The trick is to then use this voice you've found online and speak out in the real world. If something is fucked up, you need to be able to say it's fucked up just as easily in real life as you can online.
Because you'll find that it's a fuck of a lot easier to rip into the latest asshattery published by the Washington Post than it is to point out your coworker's blatent sexism during a morning meeting. It's a lot scarier to actually do than to talk about (like most things).
....
I got tired of people saying they "just didn't know" something was not cool, offensive, abusive, etc. If you *tell* them they're being sexist, at least you can take away that particular excuse, and maybe your courage can give other people courage. When enough people say no, you have a movement. Behavior changes.
While at Wiscon this weekend, I had somebody introduce me to somebody else as another writer's girlfriend.
One sentence. Full stop.
I laughed out loud and said, "Wow, I can't believe you just introduced me that way at a feminist SF con when I have a story coming out in a Year's Best SF on Tuesday."
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Michelle Obama
(First apologies for the small font, my template doesn't like long posts, so I had to go small. Yes, I'll be in the market for a new template since I seem to be writing longer posts lately.)
This post has been simmering for days now. Did Michelle Obama strike a blow against feminism, against women when she quit her job to focus on Barak's campaign? Is it really a bad thing?
No.
Debra Dickerson subtitled her piece in Salon on Michelle, "It had to be hard for the high-achieving candidate's wife to give up her career -- and I'm in a feminist fury about it." Well Debra, your piece got my feminist panties in quite a wad and here's why:
I do firmly believe that the gender gap will be HUGE during the Democratic primaries next year. I know second wavers who have fought each day of their lives for a moment like this and won't sway from Hillary for anything. Black women in this country have a huge decision to make and everyone is watching them. John who appeals to me whenever he talks about poverty in this country. Barak when he talks about race. Hillary when she talks about women. I believe that Hillary has a better track record in the Senate on women's issues than the guys have on their issues, so she gets another point.
See, I want a First Lady or First Gentleman who will be getting their hands dirty working on restoring faith in our government, rebuilding NOLA, and ending this gawd damn war. I want to look to the White House and see a family that reflects the families that I want to see more of and that I see in my home. A partnership. And in some partnerships, you have to take turns. Individually we can't have it all all at once. Living with a partner there's no way both of you can have it all all at once.
So Michelle, if you believe in Barak enough to essentially quit your job so you can beg for money around the country, go for it. Because there I can't imagine a better first Black First Lady.
This post has been simmering for days now. Did Michelle Obama strike a blow against feminism, against women when she quit her job to focus on Barak's campaign? Is it really a bad thing?
No.
Debra Dickerson subtitled her piece in Salon on Michelle, "It had to be hard for the high-achieving candidate's wife to give up her career -- and I'm in a feminist fury about it." Well Debra, your piece got my feminist panties in quite a wad and here's why:
She's traded in her solid gold résumé, high-octane talent and role as vice president of community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals to be a professional wife and hostess.I canNOT fathom a better resume for a candidate's partner than to be an expert in community relations. She is going to know just how to charm donors from writing a $100 check into writing a $200 one. She is going to know how to coordinate her events to get the maximum press/money/good will out of them. If she were quitting her job to be director of community relations for John Edwards, no one would give a damn. But because she did this for her husband, she gets a bad rap.
I'm in a feminist fury about Michelle (I'll use her first name to avoid confusion with her husband) feeling forced to quit, but make no mistake: I'm not blaming her.How do we know she felt pressured to quit? Any media on that? I'm serious. If it's out there, I'll recant this entire post. But by assuming she's being pressured into it is taking away her agency in this campaign, career, and her marriage.
Given the innate conservatism of the black community, the burden to tend to hearth and home falls disproportionately on its women, sending the message to ambitious black girls that they can't have both fulfilling careers and families.Michelle has had 8+ years of successfully balancing family & career and this move is NOT like she's going to be staying home doing nothing but baking cookies. She's going to be on the road, making speeches, asking people for money, and be a mother. If campaigning for your partner is not a job, I don't know what is. Michelle & Barak show the world that one can be black, smart, successful, and have a wonderful family life. Her quitting her job does nothing to diminish them being role models. She does not need to live up to "being the quintessential [strong black woman]". That said, I still believe doing what she is doing does nothing to diminish her status as a SBW.
Linda Hirshman was an early observer of the phenomenon of top-tier women leading the retreat back to the kitchen.Oh, please! Michelle quitting (reducing time) her job is not the same as a high powered attorney quitting to stay at home. My bet is that she'll actually see less of the girls from here on out UNLESS the girls hit the road too. Given that summer vacation is just about to hit, I bet they will. The Edwards' have already said their kids will be traveling with them and I believe tutors will be coming along. Can you imagine being 'home schooled' during your dad's campaign? Talk about real life learning!
I am not saying Michelle Obama is just another member of the so-called opt-out revolution; clearly, her reasons for leaving her job are historic -- and even so, she clearly seems pained to do it. And I hate to add to Michelle's load, but even though she's made the choice to leave work, I hope she'll keep her role in women's history in mind and increase the tiny inroad political wives have made into something approaching women's freedom of choice.Then you shouldn't have brought up the so-called opt-out revolution.
There was a time when I thought it was my job as a Latina to bring feminism to mi hermanas. Not anymore. Why? Because they have their own style of feminism, it just doesn't look like mainstream feminism nor accepted by mainstream feminists. If being feminist wasn't so much a part of the person I am, I might not accept that label either based on the crap I've been through. Maintaining that label is a personal "fuck you" to those who attempted to push me out of the movement. Instead I just found a new sandbox to play in. Michelle doesn't have to bring feminism to anyone she doesn't choose to and given that she doesn't claim that label, I'm sure it'll be feminism ala Michelle Obama.Most important, though, I hope Michelle will bring feminism to black women.
Feminism is rightfully criticized for being irrelevant to black women and ignoring their issues. When it's not plain arrogant, that is.
Now is the perfect opportunity for the movement to reach out to black women by embracing Michelle and black women's causes in general.Unfortunately the movement appears to be backing Hillary because she's a woman. That said, who better to woo us away from our dream of hearing "Madame President" than a strong & smart woman like Michelle or even Elizabeth? Was Michelle Obama's decision to leave her job timed to boost public relations for her husband's campaign? It's a logical move, since she can play a valuable, visable role in her husband's presidential campaign.
I do firmly believe that the gender gap will be HUGE during the Democratic primaries next year. I know second wavers who have fought each day of their lives for a moment like this and won't sway from Hillary for anything. Black women in this country have a huge decision to make and everyone is watching them. John who appeals to me whenever he talks about poverty in this country. Barak when he talks about race. Hillary when she talks about women. I believe that Hillary has a better track record in the Senate on women's issues than the guys have on their issues, so she gets another point.
See, I want a First Lady or First Gentleman who will be getting their hands dirty working on restoring faith in our government, rebuilding NOLA, and ending this gawd damn war. I want to look to the White House and see a family that reflects the families that I want to see more of and that I see in my home. A partnership. And in some partnerships, you have to take turns. Individually we can't have it all all at once. Living with a partner there's no way both of you can have it all all at once.
So Michelle, if you believe in Barak enough to essentially quit your job so you can beg for money around the country, go for it. Because there I can't imagine a better first Black First Lady.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Religion Friday
Last week, MotherTalk hosted a blog tour for a book about parenting and religion. The book, Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Caring, Ethical Kids Without Religion, takes the side of those parents who want to raise their children in a secular vein, without religion. We think the publication of this book gives us a chance to blog about religion and our families and the ways we parent, from a variety of angles.I'm in a mixed marriage. I'm a tree-loving, goddess-worshiping pagan. The hubby is a true Catholic. He likes to label himself that because as far as he's concerned he pretty much lives by what the Bible says, what Jesus would REALLY do, and not so much what TPTB rant about. I'm also a recovering Catholic, so you might really categorize me as a pagan Catholic. I identify a lot with the ethnic part of Catholicism; the way native Mexicans merged their pagan religion with Catholicism.
This Friday, May 25th, we thought we'd invite everyone to blog about religion: what we do; what we don't; what our kids like, or don't; what we argue about; what we feel great about, or guilty of... the list goes on and on and the sky's the limit, bonanzas are all about conversation.
What we do is celebrate Christmas & Solstice and Easter & Ostara, althou I have to admit to being a lazy pagan and not really getting my butt in gear to do a ritual on any holiday. I personally celebrate Halloween and Samhain. I do believe that this year I will bring Ella into my celebration and get in gear with a real ritual for Samhain. (Yes, long-time readers more angst about my late mother!) I wear a goddess around my neck, the hubby wears a cross. The hubby prays each morning and evening and crosses Ella before we leave her somewhere. He's even teaching her how to cross herself. I rub my goddess when I need a little more strength or peace.
Tonight Ella went on and on about how if I die, she'd have to get a new mommy. Oy...Just what I need. I did talk about heaven. I do believe in a heaven/summerland, where we all go, except the most evil, when we die. (If the Catholics are right, save me a place in Hell, k?) But I phrased it as, "Most people believe..." Hopefully as she grows and keeps hearing that phrase, she'll understand that we want her to find her own path.
We don't go to church. The last time either of us went to a church without a wedding or funeral happening was me. Shocked, eh? Being a pagan can be lonely. So I tried out a UU church nearby. It was nice, but I dunno...Maybe later. And honestly I'm too busy to find a coven to really get involved with. Yeah, I know...Don't ask. I'm just confusing like that.
The only thing I feel guilty about is that Ella doesn't have official godparents. Having those seemed to be comforting to me as a kid. Maybe when she's a tad older and can understand what it means, we'll figure out some type of ceremony we can do in the backyard or at a UU church. The two couples who would be her godparents alread