Sunday, May 24, 2009
A Good Feminist Read
Susan Faludi is one of my favorite authors! She wrote an incredible book entitled Backlash. I read this brilliant book when I was in college. It really opened my eyes to gender discrimination.
Well, Ms. Faludi has written another brilliant book, The Terror Dream. It was a quick, entertaining read, taking a look at gender discrimination since September 11th. Faludi illustrates how our country reacted to 9/11 is just how we have done historically when our country has gone through tough times. Our country, our leaders, and our media copes through the creation of “captivity narratives” and the idea that the men of our country will protect and take care of us. Faludi also asks some great questions on page 259 of the book…
• Why was the attack reconceived as a threat to the American home and family?
• Why were independent female voices censured and a bugle call sounded to return to Betty Crocker domesticity?
• Why were our political and cultural stages suddenly packed with Lone Ranger leaders, Davy Crockett candidates, and John Wayne “manly men”?
• Why, in short, when confronted with an actual danger, did America call rewrite?
Below are some examples exposed in the book. These examples surprised and upset greatly.
• Feminists and other liberals caused 9/11 to occur…women’s liberation had feminized our men making our men/country weak and vulnerable to attack.
• Following 9/11 feminist-minded writers, editorial writers were disenfranchised; women speaking on media news shows shrank by 40%, female newspaper executives decreased by 26%. When news executives were questioned about this, they responded, “Listen, this is a war situation” as if the voice of women no longer had a role.
• When the Bush Administration wanted people to buy into the war they talked about the “repression of Afghan Women”. Once the bombs dropped they suddenly had other priorities and negotiated away the rights of women.
• The continuing role and theme of protecting and rescuing women.
• Women rescue workers were not honored as their male counterparts.
• The EEO suspended their practices regarding women in rescue worker roles. They noted that after 9/11 we had to have “realistic standards to protect the public” inferring that women couldn’t do the job.
• By 2005, the Bush Administration reduced sex discrimination litigation by 40%.
• Media reflected that the women’s role was to be a stay at home mother, be dependent, and to trust government.
• If you spoke out against the war or resisted marriage women were portrayed to be selfish and un-American.
• Media told women that since 9/11 had occurred that they needed to reassess their priorities. It was reported that there were surges in marriage, engagements, and pregnancies that were simply not true.
• The Media portrayed Bush and our leaders as Cowboys who could rescue a nation and protect our women and children.
• The media myth of the “security/soccer moms”…women worrisome and anxious, only focusing on family and safety.
• The myths surrounding Jessica Lynch and her “rescue”.
Faludi did another great job capturing and showing evidence of how our government and our media continues to create gender discrimination and why our society feeds into it.
I strongly recommend the book.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Run, Girl, Run!
One of the things that really struck me when reading Rep. Maloney’s book, "Rumors of Our Progress have been Greatly Exaggerated" (which was what stimulated me to begin this blog in the first place), was that women made up more than 50% of our population but is virtually non-representative in our government and in many fields. Here are some facts about women in office that is located on the website of Emily's List:
• 84% of the 110th Congress are men
• 82% of state governors are men
• 88% of large city mayors are men
• 77% of state legislators are men
• Of the 1,899 people who have served in the U.S. Senate, 35 are women. 16 of these women are serving now
• Of the 10,600 people who have served in the U.S. House, 210 are women. 71 of these women are serving now
Rep. Maloney pointed out that women must run for office to make certain that we are well represented and what we feel is important to us is reflected in our government. She pointed out a wonderful resource, Emily’s List. You must check out this site.
Their POP (Political Opportunity Program) seeks out, asks, and supports qualified pro-choice, Democratic women to run for office. Our own Robin Carnahan has benefited from Emily’s List and is featured in their video. They also have a guide to prepare for running for office and provide trainings to women.
Since the reading of Rep. Maloney’s book, I think I might consider a run for office someday. I know I would enjoy the work. I hope you will also consider to run.
As Emily’s List says, “consider yourself asked”.
• 84% of the 110th Congress are men
• 82% of state governors are men
• 88% of large city mayors are men
• 77% of state legislators are men
• Of the 1,899 people who have served in the U.S. Senate, 35 are women. 16 of these women are serving now
• Of the 10,600 people who have served in the U.S. House, 210 are women. 71 of these women are serving now
Rep. Maloney pointed out that women must run for office to make certain that we are well represented and what we feel is important to us is reflected in our government. She pointed out a wonderful resource, Emily’s List. You must check out this site.
Their POP (Political Opportunity Program) seeks out, asks, and supports qualified pro-choice, Democratic women to run for office. Our own Robin Carnahan has benefited from Emily’s List and is featured in their video. They also have a guide to prepare for running for office and provide trainings to women.
Since the reading of Rep. Maloney’s book, I think I might consider a run for office someday. I know I would enjoy the work. I hope you will also consider to run.
As Emily’s List says, “consider yourself asked”.
I'm....a Communist?
The Missouri House of Representatives voted Tuesday to pass an amendment to SB296 to protect pharmacies that refuse to fill prescription or sell over-the-counter medication to women seeking birth control.
Representative Cynthia Davis went so far as to accuse anyone opposing the amendment of being an anti-American communist. (Note: I am not making this up and I’m not overacting, check it out). I find it ironic that Rep. Davis feels that businesses should have choice as to what products to stock but that women should not have choice over their reproductive health issues…health issues that may have even been discussed with a doctor! She believes that the businesses right to chose the products they stock trumps the choice of a women carrying out her right to healthcare!
Anti-choice legislators continue to treat birth control and abortion as one and the same. It’s hard to believe that these legislators still don’t understand that birth control prevents pregnancy while abortion terminates a pregnancy. Please join me in contacting your legislator and inform them that they need to educate themselves regarding reproductive health and biology. This vote for pharmacy denial amendment was a vote against access to basic health care for Missouri women.
Once again, Missouri legislators are indulging in public displays of their wrong priorities at the expense of women’s rights to basic health care. Despite facing a serious budget crisis and growing unemployment, the leadership of the Missouri House is still chasing the wrong priorities. Please let your legislator know that Missourians don’t need them to restrict access to birth control.
(Some content of this post is taken from a Planned Parenthood email)
Representative Cynthia Davis went so far as to accuse anyone opposing the amendment of being an anti-American communist. (Note: I am not making this up and I’m not overacting, check it out). I find it ironic that Rep. Davis feels that businesses should have choice as to what products to stock but that women should not have choice over their reproductive health issues…health issues that may have even been discussed with a doctor! She believes that the businesses right to chose the products they stock trumps the choice of a women carrying out her right to healthcare!
Anti-choice legislators continue to treat birth control and abortion as one and the same. It’s hard to believe that these legislators still don’t understand that birth control prevents pregnancy while abortion terminates a pregnancy. Please join me in contacting your legislator and inform them that they need to educate themselves regarding reproductive health and biology. This vote for pharmacy denial amendment was a vote against access to basic health care for Missouri women.
Once again, Missouri legislators are indulging in public displays of their wrong priorities at the expense of women’s rights to basic health care. Despite facing a serious budget crisis and growing unemployment, the leadership of the Missouri House is still chasing the wrong priorities. Please let your legislator know that Missourians don’t need them to restrict access to birth control.
(Some content of this post is taken from a Planned Parenthood email)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Girl, What Are You Doin’?
Several weeks ago I was honored for my work. It was a big deal for me and I was surprised (embarrassed) by how I handled the situation.
I thought to myself that I would take the day off of work and honor myself, getting ready for the afternoon event later in the day. I began to think about the event and what I would wear. I obsessed over it so much that I phoned the event planner to ask what would be appropriate. I suggested for myself a business style trouser jean, a nice blouse, and a little casual jacket. The event planner literally gasped and told me that I would be embarrassed if I wore something like this, that I needed to think about my image, and that others (mostly men) would be wearing suits even though it was a business casual event.
The panic set in. I stared into my closet and selected two separate outfits. One outfit I put on, the other went in my car as a backup. I could scope out the other award recipients and change if needed or if I spilled something on myself, or something like that, I would have a back up. Of course, I had to have two professional looking bags, matching jewelry and accessories for each outfit. I also had my hair professionally done and gave myself a pedicure. In the middle of all of this, I did two loads of laundry for my family that needed clean clothes for other events going on that week.
Now, I’m running late! I finally show up and I notice that many of the men show up in kakis, a button down shirt and a jacket and of course some in suits. Some of them hadn’t even shaved….I had to shave my legs! The men have on no make up, no hairstyle (most didn’t have hair), and none seemed concerned about their accessories, etc. And I would bet you money none of them had been doing laundry prior to the event!
Men can show up to an event like this all disheveled and it’s ok. It doesn’t hurt their image because they are hard workin’ men. For some reason, women have to look good, all done up in the work place to be considered “organized, professional, and together”. Women have to have an “image of appearance” to be considered professional. I looked around thinking how fantastic I looked yet disappointed that I fell into this gender trap.
Women are paid less than men (and I believe) do more work than their male counterparts in the home and in the work place. Then they are further held back with the cost and time constraint of hairstyles, pedicures, make up, hand bags, and matching accessories and jewelry. At an event where I would be celebrated for my work, I almost damaged my image because I wasn’t wearing something appropriate for a female professional….what?
I am a no-nonsense, grass roots but professional woman. My image does not lie in what I wear, my hairstyle, or my accessories. My image is the person I am and the work that I do. Don’t forget that ladies!
I thought to myself that I would take the day off of work and honor myself, getting ready for the afternoon event later in the day. I began to think about the event and what I would wear. I obsessed over it so much that I phoned the event planner to ask what would be appropriate. I suggested for myself a business style trouser jean, a nice blouse, and a little casual jacket. The event planner literally gasped and told me that I would be embarrassed if I wore something like this, that I needed to think about my image, and that others (mostly men) would be wearing suits even though it was a business casual event.
The panic set in. I stared into my closet and selected two separate outfits. One outfit I put on, the other went in my car as a backup. I could scope out the other award recipients and change if needed or if I spilled something on myself, or something like that, I would have a back up. Of course, I had to have two professional looking bags, matching jewelry and accessories for each outfit. I also had my hair professionally done and gave myself a pedicure. In the middle of all of this, I did two loads of laundry for my family that needed clean clothes for other events going on that week.
Now, I’m running late! I finally show up and I notice that many of the men show up in kakis, a button down shirt and a jacket and of course some in suits. Some of them hadn’t even shaved….I had to shave my legs! The men have on no make up, no hairstyle (most didn’t have hair), and none seemed concerned about their accessories, etc. And I would bet you money none of them had been doing laundry prior to the event!
Men can show up to an event like this all disheveled and it’s ok. It doesn’t hurt their image because they are hard workin’ men. For some reason, women have to look good, all done up in the work place to be considered “organized, professional, and together”. Women have to have an “image of appearance” to be considered professional. I looked around thinking how fantastic I looked yet disappointed that I fell into this gender trap.
Women are paid less than men (and I believe) do more work than their male counterparts in the home and in the work place. Then they are further held back with the cost and time constraint of hairstyles, pedicures, make up, hand bags, and matching accessories and jewelry. At an event where I would be celebrated for my work, I almost damaged my image because I wasn’t wearing something appropriate for a female professional….what?
I am a no-nonsense, grass roots but professional woman. My image does not lie in what I wear, my hairstyle, or my accessories. My image is the person I am and the work that I do. Don’t forget that ladies!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Shame On You Rep. Foxx!
Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina took the floor of the House and debated against the Matthew Shepard Act which would extend hate crime protections to include sexual orientation. For me, her debating against these protections in itself is an outrage. Why would anyone stand in the way of hate crime protection for any group?
What was beyond outrage was that Rep. Foxx during her debate, stated the following, "We know that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn't because he was gay," Foxx said during debate. "The bill was named for him, the hate-crimes bill was named for him, but it's really a hoax that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills."
I was so disappointed in Representative Foxx’s actions that I wrote her and told her about it. I was disappointed that she referred to the story of Matthew Shepard as a hoax. I was disappointed that as a Congresswoman she took the floor of the House and spoke on a bill that she obviously had not researched. While I understand that she now has stated that she believes she used "a poor choice of words", I cannot believe that someone taking the floor of the House would not at least research and prepare talking points so that such a grave error would not occur.
I believe that our elected officials have a responsibility to at least protect the human rights of our citizens. Consequently, I urged her to educate herself on diversity issues prior to spreading further myths and stereotypes that could lead to future hate crimes. One site I recommended to her was the Human Rights Campaign.
Please take the time to tell Representative Foxx what you think about her actions by emailing her.
Fortunately, the Matthew Shepard Act passed the house.
What was beyond outrage was that Rep. Foxx during her debate, stated the following, "We know that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn't because he was gay," Foxx said during debate. "The bill was named for him, the hate-crimes bill was named for him, but it's really a hoax that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills."
I was so disappointed in Representative Foxx’s actions that I wrote her and told her about it. I was disappointed that she referred to the story of Matthew Shepard as a hoax. I was disappointed that as a Congresswoman she took the floor of the House and spoke on a bill that she obviously had not researched. While I understand that she now has stated that she believes she used "a poor choice of words", I cannot believe that someone taking the floor of the House would not at least research and prepare talking points so that such a grave error would not occur.
I believe that our elected officials have a responsibility to at least protect the human rights of our citizens. Consequently, I urged her to educate herself on diversity issues prior to spreading further myths and stereotypes that could lead to future hate crimes. One site I recommended to her was the Human Rights Campaign.
Please take the time to tell Representative Foxx what you think about her actions by emailing her.
Fortunately, the Matthew Shepard Act passed the house.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Disability History Bill
This morning, I wrote Missouri Representative Grisamore and thanked him for sponsoring HB 1047. I also wrote the Representatives I know and informed them of the importance of this Bill, asking them to support it.
HB 1047, would require all schools to add Disability History and Awareness to their curriculum. Many states have passed similar legislation and I hope that Missouri can benefit from a similar law.
With the passing of HB 1047, I believe that it will lead to the better treatment of people with disabilities, lead to the encouragement to individuals with disabilities to develop increased self-esteem, and the reaffirmation of the local and federal commitment to full inclusion.
The disability civil rights movement is frozen in time. I believe it is due to society’s negative perception of disability…it’s a social construct. I believe that the limitation does not reside within the individual. Rather, the limitation is really how society perceives disability and how citizens design our programs, policies, buildings and curricula. Disability should be a part of all diversity initiatives and should be recognized as merely a difference not a medical malady.
I would encourage you to review the websites below for further information.
www.disabilitystudiesforteachers.org
www.disabilitymuseum.org
www.disabilityhistory.org/index.html
www.smc.edu/disabledstudents/guide/34philos.htm
William Loren Katz once stated, “If you believe people have no history worth mentioning, it’s easy to believe they have no humanity worth defending”.
Please inform your legislators of HB 1047 and ask them to support the bill.
HB 1047, would require all schools to add Disability History and Awareness to their curriculum. Many states have passed similar legislation and I hope that Missouri can benefit from a similar law.
With the passing of HB 1047, I believe that it will lead to the better treatment of people with disabilities, lead to the encouragement to individuals with disabilities to develop increased self-esteem, and the reaffirmation of the local and federal commitment to full inclusion.
The disability civil rights movement is frozen in time. I believe it is due to society’s negative perception of disability…it’s a social construct. I believe that the limitation does not reside within the individual. Rather, the limitation is really how society perceives disability and how citizens design our programs, policies, buildings and curricula. Disability should be a part of all diversity initiatives and should be recognized as merely a difference not a medical malady.
I would encourage you to review the websites below for further information.
www.disabilitystudiesforteachers.org
www.disabilitymuseum.org
www.disabilityhistory.org/index.html
www.smc.edu/disabledstudents/guide/34philos.htm
William Loren Katz once stated, “If you believe people have no history worth mentioning, it’s easy to believe they have no humanity worth defending”.
Please inform your legislators of HB 1047 and ask them to support the bill.
Put Prevention First
This morning I wrote my Missouri state Representative and Senator, asking them to NOT support HCS HB 46 & 434 and SB 264. These bills make assisting a woman with obtaining an abortion a crime. This bill is too extreme for Missouri and does nothing to prevent unintended pregnancy. It intrudes on the doctor/patient relationship and ignores the standard practice of medical care already in place for abortion providers. In fact, Missouri law already requires the strictest and most detailed informed consent process for abortion; more restrictive than for any other medical procedure.
I suggested to my legislators that rather than advancing legislation that endangers the health and safety of women, that they should support the Prevention First Act (SB 329 and HB 999). I believe that this is the responsible way to support Missouri families. The Prevention First Act focuses on prevention and provides comprehensive information and education about how to stay safe and healthy.
Please join me in contacting your legislators and educate them on the Prevention First Act.
I suggested to my legislators that rather than advancing legislation that endangers the health and safety of women, that they should support the Prevention First Act (SB 329 and HB 999). I believe that this is the responsible way to support Missouri families. The Prevention First Act focuses on prevention and provides comprehensive information and education about how to stay safe and healthy.
Please join me in contacting your legislators and educate them on the Prevention First Act.
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