Women's and Gender Studies Blog

Suzanne Vega by Aaron Ashba

2008-04-25T23:33:00.003-04:00

Aaron Ashba
Blog #5

After reading the assignment for this blog, one song immediately came to mind. The song I chose to discuss is “Luka” by Suzanne Vega. This song was from the album Solitude Standing released in 1987. She released a video on MTV and VH1 and this song reached #3 on the US charts.

Attached is a link to her official website with the audio and video feed:

http://www.suzannevega.com/music/discography/albums/SolitudeStanding.aspx

Below are the lyrics to the song:

My name is Luka
I live on the second floor
I live upstairs from you
Yes I think you've seen me before
If you hear something late at night
Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
I think it's because I'm clumsy
I try not to talk too loud
Maybe it's because I'm crazy
I try not to act too proud
They only hit until you cry
And after that you don't ask why
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
Yes I think I'm okay
I walked into the door again
Well, if you ask that's what I'll say
And it's not your business anyway
I guess I'd like to be alone
With nothing broken, nothing thrown
Just don't ask me how I am
Just don't ask me how I am
Just don't ask me how I am
My name is Luka I live on the second floor
I live upstairs from you
Yes I think you've seen me before
If you hear something late at night
Some kind of trouble, some kind of fight
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
Just don't ask me what it was
They only hit until you cry
And after that you don't ask why
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore
You just don't argue anymore

This song explains to me a story of a woman that lives in an apartment building and is ashamed by the fact she is physically abused and covers it up by false claims of accidents. This song doesn’t have a positive message per se if you were to just listen to it once, but the idea here is that it shows that women do not deserve to be abused and nor should they feel any shame or guilt from this happening to them. This is a story of a woman that has experienced a horrible thing, but is used as an example for women who have experienced the same to stand up for themselves and know they are not alone. It’s a song and message for women to bond together with their sisters in pain to unite against their abusers and their internal guilt. The lyrics are brutally honest that it really shows how a woman feels in these types of situations that it acts as a wake up call to get help. I think this song can help many people, not just women and make them aware of these types of problems are real and do exist around us.

Aaron Ashba

castle blog 4

2008-04-25T18:58:00.001-04:00

~Alisa Castle~
The tenant of the movie “Working Girl” is that the ends justify the means. It is a movie that asks what are you willing to do to get to a position that you genuinely deserve to be in.
The main characters of this film are Tess, Katherine, Cyn, Mic, Jack. Tess works for Katherine as her secretary. Jack and Katherine were formerly dating. Cyn is one of Tess’s coworkers who also shares Tess’s social-economic culture. Mic is Tess’s boyfriend. Tess is actively trying to better her self. She comes from a blue-collar background. She is taking night classes and working on her speech so that she can fit in and move up the corporate ladder. Mic is also of a working-class background, but he does not understand Tess’s drive. Unlike Tess, Cyn is perfectly happy in her little mold and is even gently trying to hold back Tess. Cyn questions why Tess is trying to break out of her mold, and even questions Tess’s ability to achieve her goals. Katherine, on the surface, is a “outwardly affable yuppie whose grinning visage hides a wicked and larcenous propensity for exploiting the ideas of her employees” (Erickson) . She offers to mentor Tess and goes so far as to say that she would be the type of person to make sure Tess will be credited for business concepts that Tess creates. So Katherine goes on a trip and is hurt causing her to be out of the office for a while. While Katherine is gone, Tess steps into Katherine’s executive position without permission. She orchestrates a large business deal, transforming herself in the process, from working-class to executive style. As she organizes this deal, she starts collaborating with Jack and they begin an intimate relationship. When Katherine comes back, she realizes that Tess has usurped her position by orchestrating a tremendously successful deal, taking her man and on some level even becoming a better “Katherine”. It all comes to a head when Katherine points out that Tess is only a secretary. Tess is fired from her job and Katherine tries to take credit for Tess’s success. It is eventually discovered that the business deal was Tess’s idea, that she does have the capability regardless of her background. This recognition allows Tess to be hired as a junior manager at Jack’s company allowing her to continue working her way up the corporate ladder, as well as allowing the couple’s relationship to grow.
This film deals with gender by showing a variety of women. First we see a woman in power who is a lying, manipulative b*tch. Next it shows a woman who is content to stay where she is: the character of Cyn shows a limited model of women’s experience as she does “not consciously view [themselves] as part of an oppressed group seeking liberation” (Christ 8). The most positive female image is Tess because she believes in herself. Yet this is really not that positive as she has to lie, cheat and steal to reach her goals. As a whole, this film shows both positive and negative representations. The positive is that if you work, you will eventually have the opportunity to prove yourself.
I really don’t consider this a feminist film. Now that I think about it, it shows women in a limited stereotypical light: the powerful b*tch, the contented peon, and the underhanded heroine. All of these women find their meaning, not necessarily in themselves, but in their comparisons to the men.
I enjoyed the movie, but it is funny as now that I am analyzing it I wonder why as it is quite negative. Other than the one aspect of the character who, by negative means, comes to the point that she can possible move forward.
This movie relates to my experience as I have seen a lot of b*tchy women in power and I have seen a lot of people who are afraid of where they think society expects them to be. In my field of IT, women are not usually thought of as executive material, therefore, like Tess, I have had to believe in myself and prove my skills repeatedly. Unlike Tess, I don’t believe in lying and cheating and stealing when proving myself!

Christ, Carol P. “Preface.” Womenspirit Rising. New York: HarperCollins, 1992.

Erickson, Hal. “Working Girl Synopsis”. (http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie.aspx?m=144891&pkw=PI&vendor=Paid+Inclusion&OCID=iSEMPI&mp=syn)

“Working Girl.” Dir. Mike Nichols. Distrib. 20th Century Fox. Released December 21, 1988.

~Alisa Castle~

Castle - Blog 3

2008-04-25T18:01:00.000-04:00

~Alisa Castle~
Sexist Ad
http://justelite.net/2006/11/08/sexy-ads-in-it/633?page=2
This is a series of photos that were taken at an IT tradeshow wherein Kodak was advertising. It is not a print-ad per say, it is more of an advertising stunt. I know that sex is supposed to sell but this exploit is certainly not going to win over this IT professional. Instead, this ad has prompted my protest in which I will not purchase Kodak products. The offensive advertisement takes advantage of every stereotype and cliché. They take a young, blonde, fit, nubile, woman and have the logo placed on her (censored) to be viewed when she “accidently” bends over to retrieve her pen.
In the male-dominated IT field Kodak might have gained some customers; however, from a feminist point of view, it is demeaning. The female is shown without any power (she cannot even seem to hold onto her pen! Does she even know how to use one?).
Another thing that is particularly offensive about this “display” is the clothing the model is wearing: she is clad in a very short school-girl skirt. This promotes a pedophile mentality: saying young girls are supposed to be used as sex objects. To add to this sickness, she is wearing stiletto shoes with straps up her legs as some sort of semi-bondage image. The very design of stilettos themselves add to the imagery as they make the wearer weak and unbalanced, thereby forcing the wearer to depend on others. To add to the sexist depiction, they have her bending down as if to say: get on the ground, get in the right position so I can use you.
The logo itself is placed on the core of femininity. I am really not sure what Kodak and the female reproductive system have in common (unless we take into account Pamela Anderson’s sex videos, providing they used Kodak equipment).
This ad is offensive because they are showing her as nothing more than a piece of meat! The ad says nothing about the product they are trying to sell. It is just eye-candy (for some). It is so blatantly offensive it is iconically anti-feminist. I am wondering if they did not use this approach for shock value in addition to drawing the attention of the stereotypical male geek that never gets any.
What is the dividing line between sexist and sexy? This ad has obviously crossed that line. Sexy is about an attitude, a confidence, a health, both emotional and physical. Sexy is a comfort with oneself. Sexist on the other hand is about power and lack of power. It’s about dominance. Sexist is about putting someone down in order to build someone else up. This ad is so sexist and antifeminist I cannot even describe…. It is the epitome of male-domination throughout the generations. The model in this ad is another example of the perpetual “woman as sex toys” mentality. Advertisers should promote healthy body images for both men and women. The ads should be about the products, not about using, demeaning, or putting anyone down.
~Alisa Castle~

Castle Blog Five

2008-04-25T16:55:00.002-04:00

~Alisa Castle~
A feminist song? That I enjoyed? Yes, there actually are some! For this assignment, I choose India.Arie’s song entitled “Video” from 2001. It was the one of the first songs I had heard from this artist. I had actually been looking up Grammy winners for various years as a way to expand my musical palate and stumbled on a link. I absolutely fell in love with this song for its lyrics spoke to me.

The song is kind of an anthem for accepting yourself as you are. Body image is something I and many other women struggle with and this song reminds me to accept and love myself. Arie talks about doing what feels good in her soul rather than what is conventionally acceptable. She talks about her creator not making mistakes; that every part of her is exactly as it is supposed to be. I love the feeling of empowerment that I feel when reading or hearing these lyrics. When I think of all the women that think they should look like a supermodel or a girl from a video (myself included) a song like this helps remind me of reality. “My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes” is another poignant message in our materialistic society that focuses on money and looks more than kindness and humanity. Much of mainstream popular culture is about money and looks and Arie addresses that by saying you “can keep your Crystal” that she just wants to be herself with all her non-supermodel looks.

If more songs were able to address feminist issues without anger or accusations as she does, I think it would help people be more accepting of feminist ideas. If I had a chance to express my feelings to India Arie I would probably just tell her how I much I appreciate this upbeat song about self love and acceptance.

Lyrics from www.lyrics.com
Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don’t
Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won’t
Depend of how the wind blows I might even paint my toes
It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul
Chorus
I’m not the average girl from your video
And I ain’t built like a supermodel
But I learned to love myself unconditionally,
Because I am a queen
I not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I’m wearing I will always be
India.Arie
When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it’s suppose to be
And I know my creator didn’t make no mistakes on me
My feet, my thighs, my Lips, my eyes, I’m loving what I see
Chorus
Am I less of a lady if I don’t where panty hose
My momma said a lady ain’t what she wears but what she knows…
But I’ve drawn the conclusion, it’s all an illusion
Confusion’s the name of the game
A misconception, a vast deception,
Something got to change
Now don’t be offended this is all my opinion
Ain’t nothing that I’m saying law
This is a true confession Of a life learned lesson
I was sent here to share with y'all
So get in when you fit in
Go on and shine
Clear your mind Now’s the time
Put your salt on the shelf
Go on and love yourself‘
Cause everything’s gonna be alright
Chorus
Out
Keep your fancy drink, and your expensive minks
I don’t need that to have a good time
Keep your expensive cars and your caviar
All’s I need is my guitar
Keep your crystal and your pistol
I’d rather have a pretty piece of crystal
Don’t need you silicone, I prefer my own
What god gave me is just fine…

~Alisa Castle~

Blog 5

2008-04-25T15:31:00.003-04:00

Nora Hovanic
WS 200
J. Ryan
25 April 2008
Blog 5

I choose to blog about the song title Dear Mr. President, by PINK. I had heard this song before because I own her 2006 album title I’m not dead. I do listen to PINK on my own time and I do believe she is an empowering singer/songwriter for today’s women. She takes topics of abuse, sex, feminism, politics, and other social concerns and puts the frustrations of them all into words. She is an artist that I know plenty of girls will play loudly getting themselves ready to go out on a weekend night. It is music that not only gives you energy, but also makes girls ready to feel like they can empower boys.

Although not all of PINK’S material is fast paced and filled with “loud” lyrics. She has many songs with a softer tone that are still just as empowering. The song I have choosen goes as follows…

Dear Mr. PresidentCome take a walk with meLet's pretend we're just two people andYou're not better than meI'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestlyWhat do you feel when you see all the homeless on the streetWho do you pray for at night before you go to sleepWhat do you feel when you look in the mirrorAre you proudHow do you sleep while the rest of us cryHow do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbyeHow do you walk with your head held highCan you even look me in the eyeAnd tell me whyDear Mr. PresidentWere you a lonely boyAre you a lonelyHow can you sayNo child is left behindWe're not dumb and we're not blindThey're all sitting in your cellsWhile you pay the road to hellWhat kind of father would take his own daughter's rights awayAnd what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gayI can only imagine what the first lady has to sayYou've come a long way from whiskey and cocaineHow do you sleep while the rest of us cryHow do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbyeHow do you walk with your head held highCan you even look me in the eyeLet me tell you bout hard workMinimum wage with a baby on the wayLet me tell you bout hard workRebuilding your house after the bombs took them awayLet me tell you bout hard workBuilding a bed out of a cardboard boxLet me tell you bout hard workHard workHard workYou don't know nothing bout hard workHard workHard workhow do you sleep at nighthow do you walk with your head held highdear mr. president,you'd never take a walk with meHmmm,would youHow do you sleep at nightHow do you walk with your head held highDear Mr. PresidentYou'd never take a walk with me

(You can also biew this video at youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm5AO4S04r4&feature=related )

When I heard this song for the first time, I remember that I wasn’t paying much attention to it. That was until I really listened to some of the lyrics. The one in particular that caught my mind was, “What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay.” I mean wow, how true is that? Once I went back and really paid attention to what the whole song said I was blown away. I couldn’t believe any singer had the audacity to address not only a male in this tone, but the President. I know that there are issues in the song that address so many people of today, and they are things that so many people want to say, but no one ever can.

I Believe PINK really touches feminine issues in this song by saying, “How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye” or “What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay,” and “Minimum wage with a baby on the way.” These are all stressing issues that women face today. Mothers deal with not having right to there sons and husbands that are soldiers, and women deal with gay and lesbian rights. There also plenty of single mothers that can hardly afford to feed their children when a man (or the father) is nowhere to be found. PINK also touches on many social issues by reciting, “How can you say No child is left behind We're not dumb and we're not blind,” or “Let me tell you bout hard work Building a bed out of a cardboard box.” Thousands of Americans have been upset by No Child Left Behind, and thousands of Americans sleep on the streets. PINK boldly asks, “What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street, Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep… How do you sleep while the rest of us cry.” She is noting mainstream issues society needs to look at. She doesn’t make a reference of how to change them, but she is trying to point them out to the person most able to change them.

I personally enjoy PINK’S messages in her songs. I am on board with the things she is saying, and the message she is sending across. I am not certain if there were more song lyrics for feminists if it would change the way feminism is viewed. Although I do not think it could hurt.

Tracy Chapman

2008-04-25T15:06:00.003-04:00

Lyrics from New Beginning CD, 1995

Heaven’s Here On Earth

You can look to the stars in search of the answers Look for God and life on distant planets Have your faith in the ever after While each of us holds inside the map to labyrinth And heaven’s here on earth

We are the spirit The Collective conscience We create the pain and the suffering and the beauty in this world Heaven’s here on earth

In our faith in humankind In our respect for what is earthly In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding

I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people leading ordinary lives Filled with love compassion forgiveness and sacrifice Heaven’s in hearts In our faith in humankind In our respect for what is earthly In our unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding

Look around Believe in what you see The kingdom is at hand The promised land is at your feet We can and will become what we aspire to be If heaven’s here on earth If we have faith in humankind And respect for what is earthly And an unfaltering belief that truth is divinity And heaven’s here on earth

I’ve seen spirits I’ve met angels I’ve touched creations beautiful and wondrous I’ve be places where I question all I think I know But I believe I believe I believe this could be heaven

We are born inside the gates with the power to create life And to take it away The world is our temple The world is our church Heaven’s here on earth

If we have faith in humankind And respect for what is earthly And an unfaltering belief in peace and love and understanding This could be heaven here on earth

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tracy Chapman has been writing songs and playing guitar from the time she was eleven years old. Her songs are about the social injustices of the world. It is poetry set to music. Her lyrics are designed to make you think about the inequalities in our culture. The words inspire us to truly look around at what is going on with humankind. To believe that peace, love, and understanding of one another, is (and should be) possible.

I have been familiar with Chapman’s music for a number of years. I have always appreciated her ability to continue to enlighten others through her music. She continues to stand up, through words, for all man/woman kind; to empower us all to respect one another. If more artist where as thought provoking as her, we could have "Heaven Here on Earth", for it would be from our hearts. This song is just one example of her poetry.

Annette Parson

Additional Resources:

http://www.google.com/musica?aid=A82NdH1oavC&sa=X&oi=music&ct=result
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKYWOwWAguk
http://www.about-tracy-chapman.net/
http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/tracychapman

Blog #5 - Feminism and Popular Music

2008-04-25T13:29:00.004-04:00

Stevie R. Bowling

WS 200 - Online

Blog #5

4.25.2008

LINK TO YOUTUBE MUSIC VIDEO: http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=3037

I chose the song “Can’t Hold Us Down” by Christina Aguilera featuring Lil’ Kim. The song was released on August 26, 2003 from the album Stripped. The song hit the #12 spot on the Billboard Hot 100’s and was also a top five hit in other music countdowns around the world. The song was written by Aguilera herself, with the help of Scott Storch and Matt Morris. Storch also produced the 2003 hit single.

When I first read the prompt for this blog, I began to brainstorm about songs that I knew had powerful messages about women and feminist issues. I knew of plenty, but just couldn’t pull one off the top of my head. So, I googled “feminist songs” and I was directed to a Wikipedia page that listed songs with feminist themes in alphabetical order by the song title. I have always been a fan of Aguilera and when I noticed that “Can’t Hold Us Down” was one of the songs with a feminist theme, I remembered that this song really did address women’s issues and portrayed how women are treated in a sexual way at in the music video.

The song starts out with a bang asking the public “So what am I not supposed to have an opinion? should I be quiet just because I'm a woman?”, a typical feminist issue and stereotype that is still placed on women today. So many people still believe that women should not have a voice about issues and just take things how they are. The song goes on to address the fact that women are often called inappropriate names like a “bitch” or a “whore” just because some speak about what is on their mind or how a woman is called nasty names if she is seen hanging out with a group of her male friends, but a man is looked as a “pimp” if he is seen with three or so ladies. These issues that Aguilera goes on to sing about address a lot of the gender differences that are stereotyped when it comes to the things women and men do. What I mean by this, is that still today, women are criticized if they express their opinion because according to some men, we are not suppose to have one, or the fact that when Aguilera quotes “If you look back in historyit's a common double standard of society, the guy gets all the glory the more he can score.” It is absolutely disgusting to me that some people think they have the right to call women names for standing up for what they believe in and hanging out with their friends.

Mainstream popular culture often ignores the fact that situations like these are still going on. For example, you have artists like Lil’ Kim and Aguilera that address these issues and try to make some awareness about these issues that women are faced with everyday. In their music they give advice to women about they shouldn’t let anyone hold them down and to “shout out loud and stand their ground.” Then, on the other hand, you have artists, mostly male, who are bringing women down sexually, left and right, by portraying them in their videos as sluts and whores and singing about how women are so vulnerable to men and that a man with many women is desirable. Do they not get the point? Do they not understand the fact that there is a battle over stereotypes that are placed on women and that women do not want to be portrayed that way?! I believe that although women’s rights and the stereotypes that have been placed on them have improved over the years, that mainstream popular culture is still egging on the bashing of women because the artists and movies that do those sorts of things are a big hit and top sellers, they are ignoring the message that these songs and videos are addressing!

When I first heard this song, it was very empowering. I think Aguilera and Lil’ Kim really help lead the way to women standing up for themselves and not letting anyone walk all over them and make them feel that their opinions do not count. “This is for my girls all around the world, who’ve come across a man who don't respect your worth. Thinking all women should be seen, not heard, so what do we do girls? Shout out loud!Letting them know we're gonna stand our ground, lift your hands high and wave 'em proud, take a deep breath and say it loud…never can, never will, can't hold us down!” I think those lyrics in particular really send the message that everyone has the right to be who they are and say what they feel. We as women should not feel afraid to stand up and speak out and I think that the artists did a very good job in this song, empowering all women to make a change in society and show those men that they do not have anything on us women!

If you really research songs that discuss feminist issues, you really do come across a lot. I am grateful for that and I really think they do send a positive message to the listeners out there. On the other hand, there are also so many negative songs that people hear everyday that disrespect women and totally contradict the message that some of these female writers are speaking out about. When young men and women watch these music videos that are often times very sexually aimed at women, they think that is the cool thing to do to treat women like that and for the girls that are watching that video may think that, acting in those ways is all that they are good for. I always hope that more writers will come out with songs like “Can’t Hold Us Down” to help women build up the strength to speak out, but at the same time, I know that everyday there are more and more songs produced by writers who portray women negatively and people see those too. To me, those negative songs have a little bigger lead and that can really effect how people feel about themselves and treat others of the opposite sex.

Overall, I think both Christina Aguilera and Lil’ Kim are role models for women of all ages out there. To me, they are strong women within themselves and really can influence others with their strong wills and experiences that they have had in the past. I applaud them for writing and producing songs like these and hope to see more from them in the future.

Resources:
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can%27t_Hold_Us_Down
Loglar.Com - http://www.loglar.com/song.php?id=15647
Lyrics.Com/YouTube - http://www.lyrics.com/lyric.php?id=3037

Women Is Losers

2008-04-25T10:09:00.003-04:00

Jennifer McKenna

Women Is Losers
by Janis Joplin
1968

One, two, three, four!
Oh ...
Now women is losers
Now women is losers
Women is losers, oh
And then women is losers.
You know, I know you must have heard it all,
I said now men always seem to end up on top of the world.
Oh!

Oh, you know, if they told you they want you
They come around by your door.
And I say now, if they don't desert you,
They'll leave you cryin' for more!

Women is losers
Now women is losers
Women is losers, oh!
And then women is losers.
N-now I know you must-a heard it all,
I said now, men always seem to end up on top of the world!
Alright, alright!

Remember you should be in confusion
They'll leave you when no one has thought to play.
They might say to watch out after your conduct
Why the hell there ain't another way, oh!

Women is losers
Women is losers
Women is losers, oh!
And then women is losers.
N-now I know you must-a heard it all,
I said now men always seem to end up on top of the world!

Oh, now they wear their nice shiny armor
Until there is a dragon for to slay.
And I say it depends,
Course with men beggin' to pay 'em
Then they'll turn and run away, oh!

Now women is losers
Yeah, women is losers
You women is losers, oh!
And then women is losers.
Hon I know you must-a heard it all,
I said Lord, men always seem to end up on top of the world.
Thank you.
(http://smironne.free.fr/JANIS/JOPLIN/box.html)

Janis Joplin was something of an enigma. She was born in Texas during the second World War and grew up in middle-class white America, but went on to become a blues singer. She and the band Big Brother and the Holding Company played a musical amalgamation of the blues, folk and psychedelic rock. She was a rock star when all the rock stars were men. She was a hedonistic bisexual during the period that newly liberated women were trying to define what equality and sexuality meant.
I love Janis Joplin. I first heard her catchier songs like "Mercedes-Benz" and "Me and Bobbie McGee" on the oldies stations my mom listened to her. I loved her voice. So I started to look into her music. This song appeared on one of her posthumous CD's: The Essential Janis Joplin.
Janis Joplin's feminism was very much a product of her times. Lilian Roxon, a music critic of the time, described Janis, saying that she "perfectly expressed the feelings and yearnings of the girls of the electric generation – to be all woman, yet equal with men; to be free, yet a slave to real love; to [reject] every outdated convention, and yet get back to the basics of life.” Janis never answered the questions, but she gave them a very distinctive voice. In "Women Is Losers", Janis examines the no-win situation many women felt they were in. They felt trapped between the old world order, where men were counted on to slay dragons and women were to watch their conduct, and a yet-undefined new world order. Despite the strides being made for gender equality, Janis felt that "men always seem to end up on top of the world".
I think her message is still relevant forty years later. It's been said that chivalry is dead, but for a woman to get ahead, she still has to act like a lady. Society is far more accepting of men who love 'em and leave 'em than it is of women. And it seems that even now, in the twenty-first century, men still end up on top, especially in terms of wealth and power.
Janis doesn't offer empowerment or suggest a way to right society's wrongs. She lived her own life in defiance of society's expectations -- and died before thirty of an accidental heroine overdose. She doesn't offer the answers, just the knowledge that every woman faces this same struggle.
I think we need more songs like this. I think people need to be exposed to a broader definition of feminism. There are too many stereotypes of feminists that Janis Joplin can't be pigeon-holed into. She wasn't a man-hater, she was looking for a better way. She wanted the freedom to live her life for herself, yet understood the loneliness that accompanied that. She once remarked that in her concerts she made love to ten thousand people, but she went home alone. She voiced the lack of balance that women often feel, the sense that every decision is the wrong one.
I love Janis Joplin. I'd have loved to see what she became if she had lived to see how the women's rights movement had progressed. I wonder what she would have thought of the world where there's a credible female presidential candidate. Her music still resonates with me because the questions she wrestled with still have no easy answers.

Additional resources:
http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/janis-joplin

http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/janisjoplin/biography

http://www.officialjanis.com/bio.html

http://www.janisjoplin.net/articles/?id=13

Jennifer McKenna

Blog 5: Liz Phair

2008-04-24T23:47:00.002-04:00

Big Tall Man

By: Chasko/Phair

Performed by: Liz Phair

1998

I'm a big, tall man
I cut the grass
My left eye hurts
I am waiting and reading parts
I can be a complicated communicator

Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache.

Zeus and Athens
Florida driveway
Asphalt and tires
Sand and the beach,
Rocker panel
Headlights in the dark...
I'm drag racing
Drag

Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache

Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache

Fog and the distance beyond it
Boats and the quiet morning noises
I'm walking the shoreline
A beer and a cigarette
A bug with twitching antennae
A button up short-sleeved shirt

Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache

I'm a big tall man
I cut the grass
My left eye hurts
I can be a complicated communicator

Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache

(repeated several times with background vox:
Yes, I'm careening down!
Winding the canyons, now!
Yes, I am broadcasting myself!)

Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache

Yes I'm winning
Spinning
I feel energy bein' pulled off from all sides
And it feels good
Like relieving a headache

The artist that I chose for my song is Liz Phair. I recognized her name from a CD that I had made from the movie 13 going on 30. This song is called “Why Can’t I” but it does not deal with feminism. So I searched through her songs and lyrics and found “Big Tall Man” and found it much better suiting. I think this song addresses women’s roles in society and how it is much easier to be a man. When she says,” And it feels good
Like relieving a headache,” she is referring to it relieves herself to call herself a man. She is saying that it lifts stress off of her shoulders just by calling herself a man and being able to do manly duties.

I think this song pokes fun at certain subjects that society portrays as manly. Some examples would be mowing the lawn, being a complicated communicator, and wearing short sleeve button up shirts. I feel she is almost mocking men in her song. I think it can be an empowering song because it is telling women that only men are supposed to be doing the things she is singing about. However, it is clear that women are capable of these things, but just by calling herself a man she is allowed to be doing them. I think that her songs could eventually touch a certain audience, but it is a bit abstract, and those that are not looking for the positive side of feminism may not see it in her song. I think it stood out more to me because I was looking for it. She may want to take a stand and be more bold with her lyrics and accusations.

Lauren Suehrstedt

Gretchen Wilson: Breaking Musical Boundaries for Women in Country Music

2008-04-24T22:10:00.001-04:00

My first experience with listening to the music of Gretchen Wilson, was in 2004 when her song, “Redneck Woman” was played nationwide over country radio stations. She broke the boundaries of what women in music are supposed to be singing about. She did not want to conform to the ‘glamourous’ lifestyle most musicians choose to adhere to. Her music which some may refer to as ‘rough around the edges’ breaks the stereotype of what society expects women to be. She believes that women should just be themselves and do what makes them happy, even if it is not what the societal norm is. She has been described as a “working class feminist for the post feminist age” (Thom Jurek).
Although most her songs talk about breaking the boundaries of what is socially acceptable for women I am including two of her songs that I feel do this the best. The first song is titled “California Girls”. In the second verse and chorus the lyrics are as follows:

“There ain't nothing wrong with plastic surgeryWell Dolly Parton never looked so good to meEverybody ought to be exactly who they want to beBut that Paris Hilton Gets under my skinWith her big fake smile and and her painted on tanShe'd never have a chance at a real manAin't you glad we ain't all California girlsAin't you glad there's still a few of us left.That know how to rock your worldAin't afraid to eat fried chicken and dirty dance to MerleAin't you glad we ain't all California girls”In a sense this song does somewhat stereotype the typical California women but it also is somewhat of a statement saying, listen up ladies we don’t have to be thin, tan, and only eat salads to be desirable.

Another song that I previously mentioned that fights for social justice is “Redneck Woman”. This song talks about how lower social class women are just as capable and attractive as those of higher social classes. To display how see states these ideals I have included part of this song below:

“Well, I ain't never been the Barbie doll typeNo, I can't swig that sweet Champagne, I'd rather drink beer all nightIn a tavern or in a honky tonk or on a four-wheel drive tailgateI've got posters on my wall of Skynyrd, Kid and StraitSome people look down on me, but I don't give a ripI'll stand barefooted in my own front yard with a baby on my hip'Cause I'm a redneck womanI ain't no high class broadI'm just a product of my raisingI say, 'hey ya'll' and 'yee-haw'And I keep my Christmas lights onOn my front porch all year longAnd I know all the words to every Charlie Daniels songSo here's to all my sisters out there keeping it countryLet me get a big 'hell yeah' from the redneck girls like me, hell yeahVictoria's Secret, well their stuff's real niceBut I can buy the same damn thing on a Wal-Mart shelf half priceAnd still look sexy, just as sexy as those models on TVNo, I don't need no designer tag to make my man want meWell, you might think I'm trashy, a little too hardcoreBut in my neck of the woods I'm just the girl next door”

Women in lower economic classes rarely get public recognition or the chance to be heard by people nationwide. Musicians like Gretchen Wilson give hope to those that do not have the luxuries and amenities that members of higher social classes have. For people of high social classes, hearing her lyrics may be offensive but it serves as a reminder that there is nothing that really makes them better than anyone else.

I think the most musicians like Gretchen would help the world become a more equal place. She speaks for those who do not have the opportunity to and for that I respect and commend her.

Additional Links to songs and other sources:

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/gretchenwilson/californiagirls.html

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/gretchenwilson/redneckwoman.html

http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,3997860,00.html

"L7" Punk Rock Group - Song "This Ain't Pleasure"

2008-04-24T20:28:00.007-04:00

By Kim Seder

Lyrics:
No raving beauty
But she's got heart
He's got escaping
Down to an art

This ain't pleasure
Don't ask why
This ain't pleasure
And monkey's can't fly

She's an infection
A stain on his soul
He's her addiction
They're out of control

This ain't pleasure
Don't ask why
This ain't pleasure
And monkey's can't fly...oh, no

This ain't pleasure
Don't ask why
This ain't pleasure
And monkey's can't fly

This song was performed by the all girl band L 7, from L.A. in 1992 on their 3rd Album Bricks are Heavy. As you can read from the lyrics above, the song is short and simple. But that is the beauty of it! I looked and looked over many lyrics written and/or performed by female artists and I had trouble finding one that 'hit me.' I basically browsed numerous websites with lyrics contained on each site, but it was much more difficult than I thought it would be. I also don't have the latest auditory technology so I found it even more difficult trying to download and even FIND the song in order to attempt to download it.

So, here goes my blog:
The song, "This Ain't Pleasure" is not a song I have heard before and I have never heard of the group before either! I did listen to a lot of different music in the 90's and I love PINK who is considered a punk rocker (I think) but apparently this group may not have been as mainstream otherwise I suspect I would have heard of them. This song addresses the women's issues of 'self image, perceived image, suggestions of sex, noncommittments, vulnerability of women, women as baggage and self discovery. In the first paragraph first line, the song reads... No raving beauty...we have discussed attractiveness as both positive and negative in our feminist studies so beauty is one of the central issues here. To me, I believe this song written in 3rd person is talking about not being a RAVING beauty as a problem because it goes on to say, BUT SHE'S GOT A GOOD HEART! Well, how nice of them to say that! Imagine her not having beauty and also not having a heart....double whammy. The song goes on to say, HE'S GOT ESCAPING DOWN TO AN ART which clearly shows the sometimes typical behavior of some men who leave the relationship due to either committment problems or just because they (not all of them) just want sex and then they leave. I think that the issue of men using women for sex is certainly thought of in our mainstream society, however the issue of men 'escaping' or leaving relationships is not.

The 3rd stanza is more troubling to me...SHE'S AN INFECTION, A STAIN ON HIS SOUL.... That line is very sad...the woman is viewed as a microbial, free radical, negative infection -spreading group of cells throughout his spiritual being; my goodness, his soul!!! How can he escape? And let's go on...HE'S HER ADDICTIION, THEY'RE OUT OF CONTROL. She is seen here as more of a problem again...she has an addiciton problem, no self control and because of her inability to control herself, she (and her name COULD be EVE, who tempted ADAM) he cannot control himself either. It's clearly her fault, right? NOT! How common is this in our American society today? Let's blame women for men's problems. Isn't there a saying in Sue Monk Kidd's book that takes a text from the Bible that states a boy's problem is from his mother?!

The only empowerment in this entire song is in the chorus when they repeat the words, "THIS AIN'T PLEASURE, DON'T ASK WHY." There is validation of reality here and the woman admits there is a problem and knows that it is not right which is a first step in solving a problem, but then the song goes on to say "THIS AIN'T PLEASURE AND MONKEYS CAN'T FLY." We all know monkeys can't fly, it's impossible... so the group L 7 is saying that it's impossible for the woman to do much about it. Like she will keep on suffering and loving the man, but not get what she needs from him in return. Only to see his back side walk away..... I don't see any text in these lyrics that suggests ways to fight. It's pretty much depicting reality in an unhealthy relationship with a very narrow escape route for the female.

Because this song was written in the early 90's, females were not as active in the feminist movement. It was the end of the 1st wave of feminism and the relationship is basically apathetic. There should be more songs that empower women and give them strength, hope and how about instruction for escaping sorrowful relationships!?! I believe if I had chosen a song written within the last couple years, we would be exposed to more 'feminists fists' than frail flowers! If I had a chance to speak with the writers of this song, I would say they should strongly consider writing songs with more enlightening and empowering words using reflective music interspersed with strong bass notes and firm beats. Politically, that is up to them, but I would say, be an independent thinker, writer and an independent feminist (who doesn't hate men.) Democrats or Republicans welcome!

Research websites:

www.l7official.com

www.thecoverzone.com

Independent Women: Caroline R

2008-04-24T19:14:00.001-04:00

I choose Independent Women by Destiny’s Child. It was on the album Survivor, which was released in 2001. It was written by Beyonce Knowles, the lead singer, Sam Barnes, Jen-Claude Olivier, and Cory Rooney. The song held the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eleven consecutive weeks from November 2000 to February 2001. It was also the theme song for the film Charlie’s Angels. I have always listened to Destiny’s Child and have always liked their music. They have always had positive songs that are empowering to women. They were big when Britney Spears and others artists like that were famous, Destiny’s Child never put women down, used bad language or were negative unlike the other singers of that period.

I believe Independent Women is a great example of a song that portrays women’s rights and feminism. The song is about a women being independent from her boyfriend/husband and how he did not think she could make it. The best line that represents empowerment to women is, “I depend on me,” this is repeated throughout the whole song. They also say things like, “I do what I want, I work hard to get where I am, and a relationship is 50/50.” I think the most important part of this song is in the first verse, they name Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore, and these are all famous, successful, healthy and strong women who have made a name for themselves through their positive actions. Today, I think women are often viewed as the part of society who earn less than men, therefore making us dependent on men. This song is all about buying your own things, paying your own bills and living your own life. Yes, this song does make me feel empowered, the lyrics and music are great and it is hard not to feel great when listening to it. All of Destiny’s Childs songs promote the same things, independence, strength, health, and positive attitudes. I do not think it offers ways to change society, but it shows women that they should and can be independent. Today is such a rap music period, it is hard to find a decent song that kids can listen to that does not slam women or is written by someone like Britney Spears who sing songs like, “I’m a Slave For You”. I wish there were more groups and songs out there like this. When we buy music written and sung by women who portray themselves as sex objects and sing demeaning lyrics, we are only making them famous, which means those are the faces our kids will see on television, and that is who they will want to be like!

I would like to thank Destiny’s Child for writing and singing positive songs and for being strong role models for young girls. I wish other female artists could see that they do not have to lower themselves to become famous.

Here are the lyrics to the song- http://lyricsdemon.com/67369/destinys-child/independent-women-part-1/

Here is the link to watch the video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuMmfDWMLgY

By: Caroline R

Blog#5

2008-04-24T00:50:00.002-04:00

-Willie Gibson

Queeh Latifah - U.N.I.T.Y.
Song Writers: Dana Owens and Joe Sample

http://youtube.com/watch?v=prhF6LE89z4&feature=related

Uh, u.n.i.t.y., u.n.i.t.y. thats a unityU.n.i.t.y.,

love a black man from infinity to infinity(who you calling a bitch? )

U.n.i.t.y., u.n.i.t.y. thats a unity (you gotta let him know)(you go, come on here we go)

U.n.i.t.y., love a black woman from (you got to let him know)Infinity to infinity (you aint a bitch or a ho)

U.n.i.t.y., u.n.i.t.y. thats a unity (you gotta let him know)(you go, come on here we go)

U.n.i.t.y., love a black man from (you got to let him know)Infinity to infinity (you aint a bitch or a ho)

Instinct leads me to another flowEverytime I hear a brother call a girl a bitch or a ho

Trying to make a sister feel lowYou know all of that gots to go

Now everybody knows theres exceptions to this rule

Now dont be getting mad, when we playing, its cool

But dont you be calling out my nameI bring wrath to those who disrespect me like a dame

Thats why Im talking, one day I was walking down the block

I had my cutoff shorts on right cause it was crazy hot

I walked past these dudes when they passed me

One of em felt my booty, he was nasty

I turned around red, somebody was catching the wrath

Then the little one said (yeah me bitch) and laughedSince he was with his boys he tried to break flyHuh,

I punched him dead in his eye and said who you calling a bitch?

I hit the bottom, aint nowhere else to go but up

Bad days at work, if you an attitude then you were rough

And take it out on me but thats about enoughYou put your hands on me again

Ill put your ass in handcuffs

I guess I fell so deep in love I grew dependency

I was too blind to see just how it was affecting meAll I knew

was you, you was all the man I hadAnd I was scared to let you go,

even though you treated me badBut I dont want my kids to see

me getting beat downBy daddy smacking mommy all around

You say Im nothing without ya, but Im nothing with ya

A man dont really love you if he hits yaThis is my notice to the door,

Im not taking it no moreIm not your personal whore,

thats not what Im here forAnd nothing good gonna come

to ya til you do right by meBrother you aint ? sick? (who you calling a bitch? )

Whats going on in your mind is what I ask yaBut like yo-yo,

you dont hear me thoughYou wear a rag around your head

and youCall yourself a gangsta bitch now that you saw apaches

videoI saw you wilding, acting like a foolI peeped you out the

window jumping girls after schoolBut where did all of this come from?

A minute ago, you was a nerd and nobody ever heard of ya

Now you a wannabe...hardYou barely know your abcs, please

Theres plenty of people out there with triggers ready to pull it

Why you trying to jump in front of the bullet (young lady)

Uh, and real bad girls are the silent typeAint none of this work

getting your face slicedCause thats what happened to your

homegirl, right? bucking with nobodyShe got to wear that for life (who you calling a bitch? )

I have been familiar with queen Latifah’s music since her early career in the late 80’s. I was always a fan of her work and when I saw her name on the list I immediately remembered this song.
“I peeped you out the window jumping girls after schoolBut where did all of this come from? A minute ago, you was a nerd and nobody ever heard of yaNow you a wannabe...hardYou barely know your abcs, pleaseTheres plenty of people out there with triggers ready to pull itWhy you trying to jump in front of the bullet (young lady)Uh, and real bad girls are the silent type”

In these verses I interpret Latifah trying to address the fight by young women for gender equality through violence. She points out the violent actions and attitudes taken by young women, empathizes with them and then shows that strong women don’t have to use violence to achieve equality to men. There is also an overall reference to the physical abuse that women receive. She admits to the reasoning behind why women submit to men but shows that physical violence is not acceptable.I think mainstream popular culture is familiar with the physical violence that is taken by men against women but I don’t think there is much reference to the violence that is used by women against other women.
Since I am not a woman it is difficult to identify with the oppressed feelings that male on female violence can bring but I do identify with the idea of standing up for your rights in an oppressed situation. It does give me a sense of empowerment in that way.
That same idea and feeling of standing up for your rights is also a demonstration that could be used to overcome sexist oppression.
I think Queen Latifah has a unique way of incorporating a feminist message that opposes sexist attitudes and allows men to understand the message without feeling threatened. I think there were more songs done in a style similar to this one, feminism would be leas threatening and more positively understood.
As a man sometimes it is difficult to understand a woman’s viewpoint and empathize with feelings of oppression and sexism. I would like to say to Queen Latifah that throughout her career in all her works, she has been able to create a positive image for woman of all races and provided the ability for men to see and understand the viewpoint of many oppressive and sexist behaviors that men are guilty of without even knowing at times.

I AM NOT MY HAIR

2008-04-23T17:37:00.002-04:00

Blog # 5

I Am Not My Hair by India Arie

Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship

Hey I am not my hair
I am not is skin
I am not your expection no

Breast cancer chemotherapy took away her crown and glory
She promise God if she was to survive
She would enjoy everyday of her life
On national television
Her diamond eyes are sparking
Bald headed like a full moon shining sing out to the whole world like HEY,

Hey I am not my hair
I am not is skin
I am not your expectation no

This song was played on the radio station I listen to everyday. The DJ was talking about the different ways women wore their hair. He was joking around on how many African American women change their hairstyles. India Arie stated in her song that she dose not have to be like other women. How you wear your hair doses not define who you are. This only happens when you know what and who you are. Change comes when you can be yourself and stand what for what is right for you.

On Monday April 21,2008 Robin Roberts on Good Morning America has breast cancer she had to shave her head because of chemotherapy so she has been wearing a wig On national television she removed her wig and said “ She is not her hair. “ This song by India Arie was playing in the back ground tears can to my eyes just sitting there looking at this women letting the world know that cancer will not control her life.

India Arie and Robin Roberts are truly apart of the movement of being yourself they both show true dedication to themselves.

http#//www.indiaarie.com
http:// www.abcnews.go.com/robinroberts

Melinda Scott WS200

I Am Woman (Helen Reddy)

2008-04-23T12:06:00.003-04:00

A. Kelley

My chosen song is I Am Woman, co-written by Helen Reddy and Ray Burton, and performed by Helen Reddy. It was released in 1972.

Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=aPDcMyPlFvw

Lyrics:

I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'Cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

Oh yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

You can bend but never break me
'Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'Cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

Oh, yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long, long way to go
Until I make my brother understand

Oh, yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

Oh, I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong

I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman

I’ve known of this song for quite a while; on history programs and other programs that may touch upon feminism, it’s often used as an all-purpose feminist anthem, although anything past the initial “I am woman, hear me roar” is rarely quoted. I will admit that I was not aware of any of Reddy’s work previous to examining I Am Woman, despite her having a rather prolific discography and being responsible for other 70s songs that I am aware of such as Delta Dawn and You and Me Against the World.

Reddy’s anthem directly and forcefully addresses issues of feminism, women’s rights, and gender equality. It is not particularly specific other than asserting that woman will no longer accept submissiveness—“…I’ve been down there on the floor/No one’s ever gonna keep me down again”, “I am strong/I am invincible/I am woman”, “I am woman, watch me grow/See me standing toe to toe”, et cetera. Despite this, because of the time period in which it was produced, that being the early 1970s, the song was revolutionary and a rallying cry for early second-wave feminists who were just opening their eyes to the ghastly state of women’s rights and beginning to fight for their equal place in society. What is most feminist and pro-gender equality about this song is that it breaks the mold of female passivity—it was likely that, even as late as the 1970s, the majority of women who would be otherwise receptive to feminist doctrine were afraid to speak out, to break the womanly mold of acceptance, quietness, obedience. The idea of a woman “roaring”, even more doing it “in numbers too big to ignore”, would have conjured images of a masculinized woman, being clamorous and asserting strength to achieve goals in the ways men have traditionally sought what they desire. What motivates women to embrace, rather than reject as ‘unnatural”, this assertive image is the sheer strength of the statement “I am woman”; this alone declares that all that follows in the song is woman’s right to act out upon, that there is nothing essentialist chaining woman from attaining her rights and desires; that identity as “woman” in and of itself is a blanket entitlement to be whatever a woman wishes herself to be, and to do whatever is necessary to defeat those who would oppose her. It also gives a realistic depiction of feminism as struggle—I Am Woman admits that the path is long and that there will be suffering involved, “Oh yes, I am wise/But it’s wisdom born of pain”, “You can bend but never break me/Cause it only serves to make me/More determined to achieve my final goal”, “…a long, long way to go/Until I make my brother understand”, et cetera, however, the extremely-powerful motivational aspects of the song, the assertion that identity as woman breaks down all barriers, allows women to embrace combative and warlike attitudes that were before considered the realm of men alone. The song indicates that man’s “no pain, no gain” attitude can be used against himself to break down his patriarchal rule.

I tend to be a much larger fan of older music than the genres and themes we have today, but even in the era around the 1970s when music was more diverse than today’s generic love songs, pro-violence music, and angst-ridden rock, virtually all music tried to steer clear of issues or controversy. Most individuals who are avid music fans consider music to be an escape from reality or a method of momentary alleviation for their problems and emotionally encouraging or uplifting. Individuals, however, are likely far less receptive when music is the opposite of this—political and illustrative of social problems. Even if there were other politically-active musicians in that era, Reddy is the only one whose fame has extended to the present day and, furthermore, issue-based music tends to be relegated to fringe counterculture elements, indicating that the smash success of I Am Woman was a (very welcome) anomaly and not the start of a new trend, unfortunately. There is virtually no mainstream music today that addresses the issues that Reddy addressed. Of course, there are female artists with lyrics depicting lifestyles made possible by the women’s movement of Reddy’s time, but these are generally taken for granted by the artist and not seen as depicting the issue of women’s rights/liberation/etc. The problem today is that some people think that feminism has run its course, some are completely unaware of it, others would just not be interested in seeing issues put to song even though they are aware of it. People have forgotten that it is perfectly okay to wear one’s politics on one’s sleeve and integrate this passion into all aspects of one’s life. Because music becomes popular when enough people see something of their own identities in a song, political and issue-based music must find a way to re-open the eyes of the masses to this fact before they can re-enter what we commonly consider to be popular culture.

Being someone who has always accepted female equality, I think the song is very empowering. Although, in some ways, the very general theme of I Am Woman makes it somewhat less better-equipped to motivate women to deal with the more specific women’s issues of the twenty-first century, in other ways its suggestions for fighting for change in our society and overcoming sexist gender oppression are timeless and core to the feminist spirit. After all, it all starts with being willing to stand up and aggressively, assertively defend one’s rights. “I am woman, hear me roar” is the first cry of the woman newly initiated into feminism, as she suddenly experiences a surge of power and control over her own destiny that she has never previously felt. That statement is the initial spark that has lead to all the great and enormous achievements of the feminist movement, and, in a more literal sense, this very song was the point of ignition for so many women who were suddenly awakened and empowered. It is the acorn from which the mighty oak someday rises.

All radical ideas that were at one time expressed in music have become acceptable when the idea has been repeated in enough songs. The rock and roll of the 1950s motivated the youth culture to resist arcane rules against sexuality; the music of the 1960s encouraged individuals to seek personal freedom, and drug use and alternative lifestyles became socially acceptable. The 1970s’ musical styles lent themselves nicely to feminist and anti-government ideas that motivated individuals to oppose power and fight for change. For better or for worse, 1980s music encouraged individuals to seek money, power, and status in life, and our goals as a nation changed. The music of the 1990s and 2000s has hearkened back to the messages of the 1950s and expanded upon it to bring us the idea that the carnality is deeply defining for humans, and this has once again been embraced by youth and integrated into the culture. If we were to have a decade where feminist ideas were the great recurring theme in music, popular culture would do what it does best and create a generation that defines itself by adherence to the principles espoused in their music, and it is for certain that we would be far closer to dismantling patriarchy for it.

Lastly, the first thought that comes to mind that I would wish to express to Reddy regarding her work, her music, and her political ideas is simply Thank You. Your little tune had more impact on our world than I imagine that you or any of us could have ever dreamed, and we who have a stake in the end of patriarchy are eternally thankful. Although I’m sure you had much more to say, you made the wise decision of tailoring a song toward newcomers to the movement rather than those already well-acquainted, and you soon did see numbers too big to ignore rising up. Your central idea—the long-oppressed woman burning with aggression, undaunted by the threat of pain and struggle, ready to fight en masse and march upon patriarchy and roar the truth of your equality to them until they concede—is a beautiful one, and one that changed history.

A. Kelley

Blog #5 - Pink

2008-04-23T11:31:00.002-04:00

by Michele Schwamberger

The song, Dear Mr. President, featuring the Indigo Girls, was released in 2006 on Pink’s I’m Not Dead Album. I found this sound by looking on the web at Pink’s albums and read the lyrics and thought, “wow, what a song!” I have heard a few of Pink’s songs before, so I was a little familiar with her work. “Let’s pretend we’re just two people and you’re not better than me” really brings out the gender inequality. Even though Pink is a female celebrity, she still feels like the President is better than her. This could be viewed two ways -- one view because he is male and another view because he is President of the United States. I think Pink focuses on so many social concerns in this song that a lot of us have had to or even are still dealing with. “How can you say no child is left behind” and “We’re not dumb and we’re not blind.” The war in Iraq doesn’t seem to have an end in sight which she expresses, “How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye” and Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away.” I like how she expresses hard work, “Let me tell you bout hard work” “Minimum wage with a baby on the way” “Let me tell you bout hard work.” I think all of these quotes address a lot of issues in our everyday lives. People deal with situations in different ways, and I think this song is a great way to deal with these particular problems.
I do think that this song makes me feel empowered as a human. It reminds me of the Constitution – free speech. I think that when a celebrity brings these everyday issues of humans to light – it gets the word out to all.
I also agree that more songs like this would get the word out about many issues, including feminism. I think education is the key to dealing with issues and feminism and most people enjoy music and would probably listen to music before opening a book.
I think Pink expressed many concerns that a lot of people have to deal with in this song and she did a great job.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

Dear Mr. President
Come take a walk with me
Let's pretend we're just two people and
You're not better than me
I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly

What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street
Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep
What do you feel when you look in the mirror
Are you proud

How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye
And tell me why

Dear Mr. President
Were you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
Are you a lonely boy
How can you say
No child is left behind
We're not dumb and we're not blind
They're all sitting in your cells
While you pay the road to hell

What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away
And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay
I can only imagine what the first lady has to say
You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine

How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye
How do you walk with your head held high
Can you even look me in the eye

Let me tell you bout hard work
Minimum wage with a baby on the way
Let me tell you bout hard work
Rebuilding your house after the bombs took them away
Let me tell you bout hard work
Building a bed out of a cardboard box
Let me tell you bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
You don't know nothing bout hard work
Hard work
Hard work
Oh

How do you sleep at night
How do you walk with your head held high
Dear Mr. President
You'd never take a walk with me
Would you

http://www.lyricsandsongs.com/song/651512.html

2008-04-23T02:08:00.009-04:00

Tori Amos: "Me And A Gun"

By Michelle Rush

I chose to write about a song by the name of "Me And A Gun," written by Tori Amos. I have may Tori Amos CD's in my music collection. I started to listen to her music when I was around fifteen years old. I have always thought of her style as being very unique. Then I heard this song which opened me up to an entire different side to her because it's story written about her own experience of rape, surviving, and even healing.

"I made a commitment not to be a victim again, by writing and by singing as often as I can 'Me and a Gun'. It's like I refuse now to be a victim of my own guilt. I refuse to be a victim of not having a wonderful sexual experience again. And you are a victim when you can't allow yourself to have sexual pleasure again. I refuse to put all men in the same category, as I was doing. When something like that happens you do want to punish men, punish the ones that crushed the flower. But no one should choose to hold onto that hatred. It choked me. Sexually, I feel I won't be able to give completely and love to the extent, say, that I will want to have kids with him, for quite some time yet. I couldn't even consider that for a few years. I'm only beginning to fulfill myself now because I'm beginning to accept, and love, the parts of me, of woman, that I was trained to hate all my life. Particularly the bad girl I still can be."
-Tori Amos

For me, this song can be very painful to listen to. Yet at the same time it can also be uplifting because it shows others that have been raped (such as myself) that they are not alone. There is one particular part in this song that stands out above all, "Yes I wore a slinky red thing. Does that mean I should spread?" It's unfortunate that many do get judged or misread based on the clothes they chose to wear. Those who do abuse women always have an excuse for it.

"In America some radio stations didn't want to play Me and a Gun because it's 'too feministic' and 'too realistic'. I sing: 'Yes, I wore a slinky red thing. Does that mean I should spread?' That's the way it is, yes? 'But mister judge, she was hitchhiking in a mini-skirt!' Bullshit!"
-Tori Amos

"Me And A Gun" by Tori Amos:

5am Friday morning Thursday night far from sleep

I'm still up and driving can't go home obviously

So I'll just change directions cause they'll soon know where I live

And I wanna live

Got a full tank and some chips

It was me and a gun and a man on my back

And I sang "holy holy" as he buttoned down his pants

You can laugh

Its kind of funny

Things you think

Times like these

Like I haven't seen Barbados so I must get out of this

Yes I wore a slinky red thing

Does that mean I should spread for you, your friends,

your father, Mr. Ed

It was me and a gun and a man on my back

But I haven't seen Barbados so I must get out of this

And I know what this means

Me and Jesus a few years back used to hang

And he said "it's your choice babe just remember

I don't think you'll be back in 3 days time so choose well"

Tell me what's right

Is it my right to be on my stomach of Fred's Seville

It was me and a gun and a man on my back

But I haven't seen Barbados so I must get out of this

And do you know Carolina

Where the biscuits are soft and sweet

These things go through your head when there's a man on your back

And you're pushed flat on your stomach it's not a classic Cadillac

It was me and a gun and a man on my back

But I haven't seen Barbados so I must get out of this

I haven't seen Barbados so I must get out of this

Tori Amos is the co-founder of RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network). RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. It has programs that helps the prevention of sexual assault, helps victims, and ensures rapists are brought to justice.

http://www.rainn.org/

By Michelle Rush

Ani Difranco's song "Imperfectly" speaks true femininity by Kelly Lever

2008-04-22T12:28:00.004-04:00

Before this blog I had only hear of Ani Difranco but never hear any of her music. After reading books like “The Dance of the dissident Daughter” By Sue Monk Kidd or “Body Outlaws: Rewriting the Rules of Beauty and Body Image” edited by Ophira Edut. Ani’s speaks with such potent words that truly spread an important message about being a woman. Ani has a poetic style while also mixing many different music genres such as folk, jazz, and rock. I have chosen Ani’s song entitled “Imperfectly” off of her album “Imperfectly” released in1992.
In the song “Imperfectly” Ani Difranco touches on issues of body image. In Ani’s opening to this song she states:
I'm okay
If you get me at a good angle
And you're okay
In the sort of light
And we don't look
Like pages from a magazine
But that's all right
That's all right
(http://www.azlyrics.com/d/difranco.html)
She goes on to talk about how as we age we get a little farther away what is considered “perfect”. Ani states “it is better to be dusty than polished”. A woman shouldn’t feel so attached to an ideal image of what a woman “should” look like in our society. Her lyrics in a lot of her song address different issues of women oppression in this patriarchy culture. In an interview with Kim Ruehl Ani states:
"...patriarchy is inherently imbalanced. I don’t think there’s any such thing as peace within patriarchy. I think men are great, they have all kinds of awesome ideas about the individual and individual rights and this is very useful stuff for things like Democracy. But individualism leads to hierarchy, which leads to aggression; so I think just the masculine sensibility is not enough to guide us to peace.” (Ani Difranco interview with Kim Ruehl)

Ani believes that in everything there is balance and that in this culture it is so heavily weighted to male with little to no representation of female. Her content is very feminist base. Judging from this song “Imperfectly” Ani believes women should feel love and acceptance, and not feel likethey have to measure up to anyone standards. Her music has brought me a clear image of a woman who is truly outspoken and righteous in her stance. Ani Difranco is a women who stepped outside of the mainstream ideas of what a woman should be or speak about and offers other women like myself a musical atmosphere full of feminine positivity.
I'm okay
If you get me at a good angle
And you're okayIn the sort of light
And we don't look
Like pages from a magazine
But that's all right
That's all right
I crashed your pickup truck
And then I had to drive it back home
I was crying
I was so scared
Of what you would do
Of what you would say
But you just started laughing
So I started laughing along
Saying, it looks a little rough
But it runs okay
It looks a little rough
But it runs good anyway
We get a little further from perfection
Each year on the road
I guess that's what they call character
I guess that's just the way it goes
Better to be dusty than polished
Like some store window mannequin
Why don't you touch me where I'm rusty
Let me stain your hands
When you're pretty as a picture
They pound down your door
But I've been offered love
In two dimensions before
And I know that it's not all
It's made out to be
Let's show them how it's done
Let's do it all imperfectly

Kim Ruehl’s Interview -Ani Difranco: "Feminism – Not Just For Babes Anymore’’ http://folkmusic.about.com/od/anidifranco/a/AniInterview.htm
www.righteousbabe.com/ani
http://www.azlyrics.com/d/difranco.html

by Kelly Lever

Blog #5- Queen Latifah

2008-04-20T19:42:00.001-04:00

Ladies First by Queen Latifah Featuring Monie Love (1987)
-Mandie Kohlenberg
I found this song on Limewire. I have heard some of Queen Latifah’s songs before, but not this song. I think this song addresses issues of feminism and gender equality very deeply. In this song she talks about women giving birth, to the next generation, which only women can do. “We are the ones that give birth to the new generation of prophets because it’s ladies first!” She also talks about how we work hard and stand up on our own two feet and how some people do not think women are strong enough. “Sloppy slouching is something I won’t do, Some think that we can’t flow, stereotypes, they got to go!”
This song addresses an issue that is often ignored by mainstream popular culture because many people don’t see that it is the woman who gives birth to children and they are strong enough to do so. Many raise children on their own, work, and go to school. Only a very strong person inside and out is capable of all this. “Who said the ladies couldn’t make it, you must be blind.”
This song does make me feel empowered as a woman. It can lift your spirits when you are down about yourself. I think this song suggests how to fight for change in our society and to overcome sexist gender equality just by her singing it. Telling the world, in any way you can, women’s accomplishments and how important women truly are in this world. I believe if there were more songs like this, even T.V. shows and writings, then many people may understand feminism better and treat women with the respect they deserve. I like the part of the song that says, “Desperately stressing I’m the daughter of a sister, Who’s the mother of a brother who’s the brother of another, Plus one more; all four, Have a job We doing it, Respect due to the mother who’s the root of it.” This really says a lot, I believe.
Some thoughts I would like to express to this artist about her work is just to tell her that is work is good, thoughtful, and well told. I believe more songs like this could change the way people think and this song is a good start. The end of her song expresses a lot and I really like it. “ The next man ,or the next woman, It doesn’t make a difference, Keep the competition coming, And I’ll recite the chapter in verse, The title of this recital is “Ladies First.”
Lyrics to this song:
[Queen Latifah]The ladies will kick it, the rhyme that is wickedThose that don't know how to be pros get evictedA woman can bear you, break you, take youNow it's time to rhyme, can you relate toA sister dope enough to make you holler and scream[Monie Love]Ayo, let me take it from here, Queen...Excuse me but I think I'm about doTo get into precisely what I am about to doI'm conversating to the folks that have no whatsoever clueSo listen very carefully as I break it down for youMerrily merrily merrily merrily hyper happy overjoyedPleased with all the beats and rhymes my sisters have employedSlick and smooth throwing down the sound totally a yesLet me state the position: Ladies first, yes? (Yes)(Yeah, there's going to be some changes in here)[Monie Love]
Believe me when I say being a woman is great, you seeI know all the fellas out there will agree with meNot for being one but for being with oneBecause when it's time for loving it's the woman that gets someStrong, stepping, strutting, moving onRhyming, cutting, and not forgettingWe are the ones that give birthTo the new generation of prophets because it's Ladies First[Queen Latifah]I break into a lyrical freestyleGrab the mic, look into the crowd and see smilesCause they see a woman standing up on her own twoSloppy slouching is something I won't doSome think that we can't flow (can't flow)Stereotypes, they got to go (got to go)I'm a mess around and flip the scene into reverse(With what?) With a little touch of "Ladies First"Who said the ladies couldn't make it, you must be blindIf you don't believe, well here, listen to this rhymeLadies first, there's no time to rehearseI'm divine and my mind expands throughout the universeA female rapper with the message to send theQueen Latifah is a perfect specimen[Monie Love]My sister, can I get some?[Queen Latifah]Sure, Monie Love, grab the mic and get dumb[Monie Lovie]Yo, praise me not for simply being what I amBorn in L-O-N-D-O-N and sound AmericanYou dig exactly where I'm coming fromYou want righteous rhyming, Imma give you someTo enable you to aid yourself and get paidAnd the material that has no meaning I wish to slayPay me every bit of your attentionLike mother, like daughter, I would also like to mentionI wish for you to bring me to, bring me to the rhythmOf which is now systematically givenDesperately stressing I'm the daughter of a sisterWho's the mother of a brother who's the brother of anotherPlus one more; all fourHave a job to do, we doing itRespect due, to the mother who's the root of itAnd next up is me, the M-O-N-I-E L-O-V-E And I'm first cause I'm a L-A-D-I-E[Queen Latifah]Contact and in fact, the style, it gets harderCooling on the scene with my European partnerLaying down track after track, waiting for the climaxWhen I get there, that's when I taxThe next man, or the next womanIt doesn't make a difference, keep the competition comingAnd I'll recite the chapter in verseThe title of this recital is "Ladies First"
-Mandie Kohlenberg

Working Girl - A Woman to Cheer For by Aaron Ashba

2008-04-11T17:08:00.002-04:00

The movie I chose for my review is Working Girl from 1988. I saw this movie many years ago and recently borrowed it to watch for this assignment. This movie stars some household names in Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver and Alec Baldwin. The movie is set in New York City’s Financial District where Tess McGill is a secretary by trade is trying to better herself and grade her current situation, which many times turns against her. She has what it takes to be successful, but her presentation doesn’t allow anyone to take her seriously. After she is moved to a new position as a secretary to Katherine Parker (aka “Kath”), Tess has to adjust to working for a woman for the first time. Everything starts off well and Tess is offered a mentorship in the process.

After becoming more familiar with the business, Tess comes up with a great idea for one of their clients and shares it with Kath. This is the basis of how the differences and challenges between Tess and Kath begin, along with the Kath’s love interest, Jack Trainer comes in the picture and is pursued by Tess both personally and professionally as an ally as she’s leading a double life between her real job and the job is pretending to have in the eyes of Trainer. All in all, Tess is able to beat her scheming boss and get the guy in the end, but do it in a way that you have to applaud her courage, determination and spirit in a male dominated and woman cheat woman environment.

For that decade, the film is true to the staunch-corporate, big company atmosphere with the 3 piece suits and structure where secretaries are just that. Taking calls, fetching coffee and basically handling the boss’s personal lives as well. Katherine’s character portrays a dominant business woman that uses a “in your face attitude” to get ahead. This may have been more the norm for woman in the corporate world 20 years ago, but I don’t feel is case today. I have had many women bosses and never experienced a personality like hers. I thought it was interesting when Tess first started her job and her and Katherine were discussing their recent birthdays and ages. Katherine revealed she’s a bit younger than Tess, and Tess commented that she has never worked for a woman, or someone that is younger than she is. This would be a comment that would be less common to be said today.

With the characters, plot and premise of the movie, I would consider this to be more of a feminist film. There is much to be said by Tess’ character and will to make it in the tough environments of big business and what she was willing to do (in a positive way) to get there. It would be inspiring to any woman that watched this film to see themselves in some shape or form in her shoes, relating to her is one way or another. As we know, being a feminist doesn’t guarantee that other women follow your lead or even respect what you’re trying to do.
Overall, I was able to appreciate the film much more this time around. I’m older now with 10 years of corporate business experience with a better sense of how society works and an appreciation for the feminist movement. Overall, you get a good feeling from this movie and can appreciate each character and what they represent in the movie. I wouldn’t say this film is timeless by any stretch, but the message and feeling that you get from can represent women of the past and the future that can relate to Tess McGill.

Aaron Ashba

Related Websites:
http://www.imdb.com
http://www.movies.com
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800136897/info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_Girl

Norma Rae

2008-04-11T15:37:00.003-04:00

Norma Rae

by Jennifer McKenna

Norma Rae is a 1979 film starring Sally Fields in the eponymous role. Norma Rae is a wife, a mother, and an employee of the O.J. Henley textile plant. The factory has been a part of the community for years; most families seem to have someone who works there. Norma Rae seems somewhat restless within the roles she plays. She seems especially frustrated with the working conditions at the mill and the toll taken on the workers there. It's little wonder that when union organizer Reuben Warshovsky shows up the two of them connect. Warshvsky's message and methods are both vehemently opposed by Norma Rae's controlling father. Norma Rae's relationship with Reuben is a source of conflict between Norma Rae and her husband, Sonny. Though the management at the mill opposes the unionization, even throwing Norma Rae into jail, the workers are eventually won over and vote to unionize. What I found most interesting about this film is that is based on a true story about a worker named Crystal Lee Sutton.

This film portrays gender issues very realistically. It portrays a lot of the sexism and racism one might expect in a Southern town in the 1970's. Norma Rae's father is very dominant, particularly at the beginning of the movie when she and her two children are living with him. Norma Rae's relationship with Warshovsky is repeatedly called into question. It's hard for people to believe that it's appropriate. When the union sends down some officials to speak to Warshovsky, they express some qualms about how her reputation of promiscuity, her illegitimate child, and the relationship she has with him will affect the union's credibility. Her husband is uncomfortable with his wife being as close as she is to another man, but they do seem to work past that at the end.

I would consider this film to be feminist. Norma Rae is courageous and forward-thinking. She tells her children that she is fighting so that, if they ever end up working at the same factory, things will be better for them. She does not back down from the challenge and fights for the rights of everyone at the mill, male and female, black and white.

I enjoyed the film. I'd heard of it before, but had never seen it. I think it was very inspiring -- sometimes one voice can change things. It was very exciting to see the character go from seeming disenchanted with the world to feeling that she had the power and the responsibility to change it.

Resources:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079638/

http://faculty.lagcc.cuny.edu/jselden/norma_rae.htm

http://www.reclaimthemedia.org/node/4969/print

http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/onlinessays/JC22folder/NormaRae.html

Thelma & Louise

2008-04-11T15:34:00.002-04:00

Thelma & Louise is a film that will touch you heart and mind in a much unexpected way. Directed by Ridley Scott, 1991, Susan Sarandon (Louise), and Geena Davis (Thelma) show us the true meaning for female friendship and female bonding that even they had no idea of until the end. Just two working class girl-friends from a small town in Arkansas looking too get away for the weekend, hit the road and become the targets of a multi-state manhunt.

Louise waits tables in a coffee shop. She is involved with a musician who is never going to be ready to settle down, no matter how much she tries to convince herself. Thelma is a housewife. She is married to a man that is a district sales manager of a rug company. This all self-important husband is sexist, sees his wife as a lower order of life, and only tolerates her as long as she does her household duties. So afraid of her husband, Thelma leaves him a note, instead of telling him, about going away for the weekend with her friend Louise.

The two hit the road in a 1956 T-Bird with the top down, shades on, wind in their hair, celebrating their weekend of freedom and carefree spirit. Not too many miles from home they end up at saloon. Thelma becomes a little wild after a few too many margaritas, gets a little flirtatious with some cowboy, which leads to an attempted rape in the parking lot. Louise comes to her rescue, which leads to a violent event that ends with the man’s death. Here is where the story truly begins. Both women so convinced that no one will believe their story – their only solution is to run. They hit the road, only now this time is it for real! Events that follow, snowballing from one situation too another, lead them to realize that turning back is not an option. Their journey helps us to understand what was going on in their hearts and mind. It shows why they need to do what they to do – With no regrets. The end of the movie displays the power these two women finally had over their own destiny.

Depending on how you may define “feminist” will determine whether or not you would classify this film in that category. For any woman that has felt trapped, or been in an unhappy, unfulfilling relationship, this film will hit home. The story invokes those deep rooted emotions. It does a wonderful job of showing how powerless women can be made to feel. But more importantly, this film took those emotions and showed how powerful, internally, women really are. I highly recommend this movie!!

Annette Parson

Additional Resources:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103074/
http://cinepad.com/reviews/thelma.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelma_&_Louise
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thelma_and_louise/

2008-04-11T15:20:00.000-04:00

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
By: Mandie Kohlenberg

Fried Green Tomatoes is a film that embraces on true friendships. In the beginning of this film, Evelyn, pictured in the left front, was a housewife and was unhappy with her weight and her marriage. Evelyn would make dinner for her husband, set it on the table, and when he would come home he would take the food into the living room and just watch T.V. Evelyn and her husband went to visit his aunt in a nursing home, where Evelyn met an elderly woman named Ninny, pictured in the right front. Throughout the movie, Ninny tells of the story of two friends, Ruth, pictured in the left back, and Idgy, pictured in the right back. This story tells of how Idgy helped Ruth get out of an abusive relationship and helped raise her son. Ruth and Idgy opened up “The Whistle Stop Café,” where they made ‘fried green tomatoes’. It tells of Idgy and Ruth treating people of color the same and how Idgy and a colored man named Big George went on trial for the murder of Ruth’s husband, Frank Bennett. During the time Ninny is telling this story, Evelyn feels empowered by the story and how strong willed Idgy was. This convinces Evelyn to change. She loses weight and tries to work on her marriage.
There are moments at the beginning of this film that show Evelyn as a quiet woman. One time a man pulls into a parking place she was about to take and she just keeps driving looking for another one, never saying a word. Close to the end, you can see how much has changed when two women take her parking spot and she smashes into their car with hers, many times. In this film, it is easy to see that Evelyn has found her true best friend, Ninny, which really is Idgy you eventually find out. In the end, Evelyn invites Ninny to move in with her and her husband.
This film deals with the issues of gender because it shows a woman getting beaten and she stood up for herself by leaving him. Also how Idgy was so independent and showed throughout the film how a woman can do anything a man do. This film gives a positive representation of females. I believe the women in this film are represented as strong, passionate, and respected, for the most part. I do not think this is a feminist film. It has a variety of stories, from women, friendships, and people of different color.
I enjoyed this film very much. It shows so much about friendship and love. It shows how people of color were treated in the past and how some people still treated them fairly and were friends with them, no matter what people said. This film is about the past and present experiences and comes with laughter, tears, triumph, and tragedy.
I feel this film can relate to my own personal experience for two reasons. First, because of racism. I feel how Idgy and Ruth felt. Everyone should be treated equal, no matter what their race or gender. And also because of the friendship my best friend and I share. We feel each other’s pain and happiness, share times of laughter and tears together. We would do anything for each other that is humanly possible. I feel the true friendship love between Idgy and Ruth can be compared to that of ours.
There is a novel called “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café” by Fannie Flagg, written in 1987. The movie is based off this novel, but resources say each is a little different.
A website I found that tells about the novel is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fried_green_tomatoes_at_the_whistle_stop_cafe.
Other good websites about the film are http://www.imab.com/title/tt0101921 and http://www.reelviews.net/movies/f/fried_green.html
-Mandie Kohlenberg

Girl Interrupted Post - Brittany Michels

2008-04-11T14:31:00.002-04:00

Girl Interrupted starts with a girl being committed to a mental institution for attempting suicide, even though she denied that this was her intent. She is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and is subject to stay for 18 months. She becomes very comfortable with the other "crazy" girls staying there. Their problems include pathological lying, sexually abuse, burns by fire, sociopath, not eating in the presence of others, and an escaper. She falls into the control of one of the wildest girls in the bunch. Her complication is deciding whether to fall in her ways or to get out of the institution.

In general, the movie shows women at their weak points, when they are down and out. It also shows their struggle in overcoming this and this is empowering. While not all of the girls make it, it shows that not everyone in society has it made and that there are problems in the world that must be overcome.

This could be considered a feminist film in many ways. Angelina's way of carrying herself and demanding authority, whether in a hospital or not, shows that power is attainable anywhere.

While many parts of the movie are eye-opening, I enjoyed the film and would watch it again.

More about the book can be found on the internet sites of Wikipedia, the Internet Movie Database, Bookrags, and Movieweb.

North Country

2008-04-11T14:24:00.004-04:00

I chose to write about the movie, North Country, starring Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand, Sissy Spacek and Woody Harrelson. I had never seen it but heard it was a good portrayal of a woman trying to make it in a man's world working at a mine. The movie takes place in 1989 and starts right out with a beating of the main character Josey Aimes. Her husband repeatedly beat her so after one last beating, Josey decided to take her son and daughter and together they left their poor and tattered home to travel to her hometown in northern Minnesota. Immediately after arriving, she was confronted by her father who asked her, "What did you do" to make her husband beat her! The disbelief and sadness showed in Josey's face after he asked her that question. Josey, whose white patriarchal father worked in the mine decided that she too would need to make good money to raise her kids and find her own home to live in; so, she then decided to get a job at the same mine against her fathers wishes.

Her mother passively respected Josey, but outwardly supported her father's words and actions because of the obvious 'place' she took in the family. Throughout Josey's employment at the dirty mine, she along with several other women were subject to sexist tactics and ridiculing among other harassments by the ticked off male miners who did not want women working there. Josey took a lot of crap and watched the other women be treated horribly (finding a dildo in a locker, semen on her towel, the word 'cunt' painted on the locker walls) so she decided to sue the mining company shortly after meeting with the owner, who she thought would help her, but then found out, he sided with the men and had no intentions on making their working conditions any better. In fact, he told her that she could resign that day and he would accept it. She did resign that day, but later she did and then with the legal help of a friend, she decided to take legal action against the company. That in itself was an uphill battle because none of the other women wanted to get involved because they needed the job and didn't want any more trouble. Eventually, it went through a trial and the result was in favor of Josey and she won the law suit and got a modest settlement. But, more importantly she set the standard of not allowing sexual harassment on the job.

The most important thing that happened in the film to me, was deciding to leave her husband and then deciding to take action against the mining company. Because she was a victim of beatings by a man who supposedly loved her and then being harassed at the mostly male mining company, she showed courage and conviction to stand up for herself and the other women and of course, her children when she took them out of the violent household. There was both positive and negative representation of women in this film. First, her mother lived a very conservative traditional role of being passive, compliant to her husband and she did not verbally stick up for her daughter in a way that I would had my husband talked to my daughter the way Josey's father did to her. Also, the other women in the mine just took the abuse and didn't say anything. They feared for their jobs and just let the men walk all over them. Josey showed the positive side by having guts and determination to take a stand against them to the level she did.

This is truly a feminist film as it clearly depicts men and women in a true setting (it was based on a true story) and showed how women were being treated and probably still are today. Also, it showed how one person can make a difference to inspire others. I enjoyed the film even though I was angry at the injustice of it all. I have never had an experience to the degree in which Josey had, however I was fondled at a job by a man when I was much younger and most recently there has been idle chatter about sex, men and women, etc. in various work places that I have witnessed. I keep thinking to myself that it is never going to go away because men are men and many of them have such high sex drives and feelings that because they have more brawn, they are superior to us and will continue to try to show it. BUT, and it's a big BUT, we have to continue to fight the fight and make it better for our sisters, mothers, daughters and friends.

Kim Seder

Additional information about this film can be found at:

http://www.northcountrymovie.warnerbros.com/

http://www.totalfilm.com/

This last one is actually an activist site that one can become involved and act, connect and inspire women and men to make a difference:

http://www.takepart.com/ I actually joined this (it's free) and I hope to become a regular contributor to this site through blogs and discussions.

Real Women Have Curves

2008-04-11T11:47:00.001-04:00

A. Kelley

My chosen film was Real Women Have Curves.

The movie follows the story of a Hispanic girl named Ana who has just graduated high school. Ana lives in a destitute and very traditional Hispanic family that values togetherness and collective effort above all else, and all family members act by and strongly advocate traditional masculine and feminine gender roles. Despite being very bright, Ana has given up on all dreams of going to college due to her being pressured by her family into working at Ana’s sister’s low-wage clothing factory, where she and a group of local, middle-aged Hispanic women manufacture dresses at $18 a piece that are sold for $600 in an upscale clothing store. This problem is further complicated by Ana’s problematic relationship with her mother, who is extremely superficial and critical of Ana’s weight, believing her to be unattractive and fearing for her prospects of finding a husband. Ana is resistant to this pressure which causes a great deal of family strain, but she nonetheless continues to defer her dream and work at her sister’s sweat shop, even after one of her former teachers convinces her to fill out an application to a prestigious school against her parents’ wishes. Ana begins to face mounting pressure on the sweat shop front when a sudden staff shortages puts the entire business in danger, as the coldhearted corporation licensing the dress production refuses to give Ana’s sister an advance on what they are supposed to receive for the dresses; because of this, Ana can neither pay her remaining workers, pay the rent on the building, or keep the electricity working. In the course of all of this, Ana begins to date a former classmate of hers, however, the relationship is awkward for both of them and in the absence of much to keep them together they decide to take the relationship to a physical level. During intercourse, Ana realizes that her partner is the only one who has ever sincerely told her that she is beautiful, and this causes her to make peace with her own body and gives her the motivation she needs to change her life. Not only does she find a way to save the sweatshop from bankruptcy, but she finds the strength to end her mother’s criticism for once and for all by taking off her shirt while working in the sweatshop and convincing the other women, few of which could be considered traditionally attractive, to do the same. At last, she finds that she has been accepted with a full scholarship to the university she desired to go to, and after a brief time of tension between her and her family, she receives her father’s blessing (although never her mother’s) and goes to New York to start her new life.

This film deals with issues of gender through illustrating the struggles of poor, urban Hispanic women. Despite Ana personally desiring liberation for herself, reality and a sense of duty to family keep her chained to traditional female roles. This is largely caused by the influence of her mother, who believes strongly that a woman should not be allowed to think for herself or live by her own rules but, rather, that her purpose is to support her husband and be mindlessly obedient in all things. As the title of the movie would suggest, the definition of a “real woman” is central to the theme of the movie, with Ana opposing her mother’s superficial definition of “real woman” that consists of little more than a thin, youthful individual whose personal worth is up to her husband to define. Ana is constantly arguing with her mother that a woman is more than her weight, her sexuality, and her devotion to a husband. Of course, the movie validates Ana’s point of view by having her be accepted for who she is by someone who has no interest in a personal relationship with her and then achieving independence by disobeying her mother and leaving her family. Women in general in the film are portrayed as individuals who have lost their potential and accepted mental blankness and patriarchal servitude. The women in the sweatshop factory are judgmental, superficial, love to gossip, criticize free thought, are antagonistic, and through it all never question their husbands, the corporate system exploiting their cheap labor, or their own subservience to either of these. Not until the very end, at least—they have a collective moment of realization of the error of their ways at the end of the movie when they follow Ana’s lead in taking her shirt off. The women in the film are not themselves empowered, but Ana, the representative of a “real woman” is definitely an empowering image—she breaks free of patriarchy in multiple ways at once and seeks independence and personal fulfillment in ways that patriarchy opposes.

All in all, I see Real Women Have Curves as a feminist film. It is a harsh criticism of cultural norms that demand female subservience—we begin the movie with a young girl whose future potential has been forcibly wrested from her by circumstances beyond her control, after all. The fact that she does not make the comfortable decision to obey her family and accept a steady, traditional life of menial labor and enslavement to a husband, even if this final decision comes toward the very end of the movie, is strong evidence that this movie carries a positive feminist message. Her mother, who could be considered the main antagonist of the movie, is the antithesis of all feminist ideals—zealously traditional, limited to her own cultural lens, anti-sexual, adherent to the patriarchal standard of beauty, a believer in marriage as the highest aspiration of a woman. Her absolute insistence on all of these things for her daughter are the single most destructive force in her daughter’s life, and it almost does indeed destroy her. Fortunately, and reinforcing the feminist message, Ana rejects these ideas, even at the cost of her own family, reflecting the important feminist tenet that nothing-not even one’s own family—is worth compromising one’s personal independence.

My personal opinion of the film is mixed. It delivers its message well, but it’s not my cup of tea. I’m not a person who enjoys coming-of-age films and the teen angst and family confrontation that come with them, and although these attributes were presented in a very realistic and professional manner, they’re still attributes of a genre that I don’t delve into on a regular basis. Through a feminist lens it was an excellent movie, though, and I would recommend it to any young women looking for inspiration on how to learn to oppose patriarchy and find themselves, especially those finding themselves under pressure to adhere to cultural or familial norms. Many people don’t realize that escape can be just as easy as simply deciding to live by one’s own rules, and that one has no obligation to succumb to pressures from those close to them—they’re only more powerful pressures because emotional manipulation is easier coming from family members. As for how it relates to my own personal experience, I have underwent the terrible threat of my aspirations being crushed by family circumstances beyond my control. Although this wasn’t as much of a cultural problem as it was a financial problem, such experiences opened my eyes to the evils of patriarchy in the same way Ana’s eyes were opened.

Resources on Real Women Have Curves:

Youtube Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maIWHDfJ3SU

Reviews at:

BellaOnline: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art2069.asp

EZ-Entertainment (with pictures of movie): http://www.ez-entertainment.net/zoneseye/realwomenview.htm

Epinions: http://www.epinions.com/content_83151064708

Website of woman who wrote the play the movie was based on: http://www.josefinalopez.com/

A. Kelley

Blog #4 - A review of Mean Girls from a feminist perspective

2008-04-11T11:01:00.004-04:00

Stevie R. Bowling
WS 200 – Online
Professor Ryan
Blog #4
A review of “Mean Girls” from a feminist perspective
4.11.2008

The 2004 hit Mean Girls depicts the life of a 15 year old high school student named Cady Heron, who not only has been homeschooled by her parents who are zoologists, but recently moved to the U.S. from the bushes of the African jungle. It was Cady’s first time in a mainstream public school and she really struggled with fitting in with her classmates. When she first met “The Plastics” three girls named Regina, the head “Plastic”, Gretchen and Karen who were all about fashion, materialistic and very self centered, they took Cady under their “wing” and it really challenged her morals and what she knew was right. Cady had met two true friends along the way and constantly hung out with “The Plastics” to get an inside scoop on how evil they really are, but soon fell into their trap of hurting others feelings, acting superior to others and ignoring what she knew was right.

Cady soon became a totally different person and began obsessing over things like the coolest parties, rules “The Plastics” lived by and began blowing off her family and real friends. When Cady made the move on Regina’s boyfriend and turned the other two against Regina, she really took a turn for the worst. Regina began to sabotage Cady by blaming her for the evil things she had really done and soon everyone hated Cady. By the end of the movie, “The Plastics” broke up and began to realize how nasty they really have been to people all these years. Cady was crowned Spring Fling Queen and gave an apology speech to all of those out there that she hurt along the way. Regina quickly changed the way she treated people also and no longer judged people by the way they looked. All of the girls made new friends and didn’t worry about being so popular anymore. They realized that hurting people’s feelings and acting so materialistic was not going to make them truly happy.

Stereotypes are huge in this film and in it is where gender roles are really laid out when it comes to being popular in high school these days. Lohan and “The Plastics” are loved but hated at the same time by everyone. They have all the latest fashion tips, drive the coolest cars, hang out at the mall and enforce the “rules of feminism” or so they call it when it comes to dating someone else’s ex-boyfriend. This movie really portrays all of the negative stereotypes that are placed on women, especially that they are pretty much just all about looking pretty, keeping slim, wearing all of the cool clothes and dating only the most popular boys in school. I feel that this film does not give a positive or empowering representation on females at all, because of the way that the girls act and all of the petty things they do that make them so “popular”. I feel that if young women were to watch this film that they would believe they had to be in the highest fashion, form a small group of the so called powerful people and act like they are being nice to people when they are really trash talking them behind their back and making them feel that they are not good enough. To me, Mean Girls just makes young girls believe that it is right to judge others, act petty and love the fact that so many people try to be them, but will never even come close to being the popular figures that they are.

I definitely do not consider this a feminist film at all. In no way do I feel that there are any major breakthroughs when it comes to the issues that women face, unlike some other movies from our past. For example, there are movies out there depicting women that really make a difference and prove to others that women are capable of doing the same things that men do and they should not be looked down upon because they are female. Mean Girls on the other hand actually goes against that fact that women should not participate in some activities and say certain things because those kinds of things are for men and never would a girl want to portray any type of masculinity!

I have seen Mean Girls a number of times on DVD and on television and I personally do not hate the film at all, but in no way do I think it has a positive effect on young women out there. I wish that young girls would not have to see movies like this one that focuses so much on the fact that you have to be pretty, fashionable and popular to have friends and in order for people to like you. Although, I don’t think the film should be taken off the shelf because of some of the negative images it places on high school females. I think the film can catch the movie go-ers eye in two different ways. I see some young women watching the film and idolizing the plastics wanting to be just like them and treating others the way they do in the movie, but then I also see young girls watching the movie and being able to realize that you don’t have to act that way to be popular. When I first saw the movie when I was in high school, I didn’t feel that I had to act like “The Plastics” to be popular. I was happy with my own personality, my own style and knew I did not have to change. Personally, I liked the movie when I watched it and do still come across it on T.V. every once in a while and still find it enjoyable, because I know that’s not always how it is in high school and not everyone acts the way they do. As always, you make up your own mind and act the way you want to act. Don’t let a silly little movie change your outlook on life and how you have to live it just to be popular.

To learn more about Mean Girls go to:

The Internet Movie Database:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377092/
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_Girls
Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mean_girls/

Fried Green Tomatoes by Nora Hovanic

2008-04-11T03:20:00.002-04:00

Nora Hovanic
WS 200
J. Ryan
11 April 2008
Fried Green Tomatoes

The 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes, directed by Jon Avnet is an amazing tale of women empowerment. The film centers around a small town named Whistle- Stop Alabama. The films lead cast contains Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, Jessica Tandy, and Mary Louis Parker. Evelyn (Bates) is a middle aged, over- weight woman, and has horrible self esteem issues. While visiting a nursing home with her husband she befriends and old woman named Ninny (Tandy). Ninny begins telling Evelyn the tale of a small town in Alabama and trials and tributes of a woman named Idgie (Masterson) and her best friend Ruth (Parker). Idgie is a self declared “tomboy.” Ever since she was little she ran the town ragged with her crazy male antics and hot headed personality. Into her life came Ruth. Ruth was everything opposite of Idgie, but the soon began a lifelong friendship.

Along the way Idgie sands up for Ruth and teaches her how to be a stronger individual and not just seen as a “woman.” Ruth was a true and loyal friend to Idgie till the day she died. The plot thickens when Ruth is abused by her husband. She and Idgie later plot to have him killed. They open a small café in the town and stand up to anyone who crosses them. They do not let men, the Klu Klux Klan, or any other harsh individuals stand in their way. Towards the end of the film it is later discovered that Ninny, truly is Idgie. Through out the story Evelyn is renewed with a strong empowerment about moving forward with life and self confidence after Ninny’s stories of Idgie and Ruth.

I do believe this is a film for feminists, or a “feminist film..” The film represents many gender issues including many stereotypes of females and African Americans as well. Women in the film are expected to act like Ruth. Be prime, proper, obedient, and dote on their husbands no matter what. Idgie, on the other hand, goes against the grain. A proclaimed “tomboy” she empowers Ruth and other women in the film to not take the stereotypical woman stance. Idgie acts like one of the boys and doesn’t see any reason they are any different then girls. She was a pure feminist.

I believe the film portrays the positive and negative sides to females. The movie shows the negatives of sitting back and letting men dominate woman in a patriarchal scene. Then it also gives empowerment, self confidence, and feminist representation. Idgie has a manner to move the viewer when talking about the strength of a woman.

I did really enjoy this film. There is something about it that wants to make a girl feel very confident and proud they are a woman. It gives you the feeling of being able to do anything. Showing Idgie as a child reminds me of my own personal past being a “tomboy” myself growing up. Then getting to watch Ruth’s character develop reminds me of the transition in high school where most girls try to become a little more “girly.” Overall it was a great film. I would recommend it to anyone of any gender.

For more information check out:

wikipedia.com search Fried Green Tomatoes

rottentomatoes.com

celebritywonder.com search Fried Green Tomatoes

Caroline R: A League of Their Own

2008-04-10T21:52:00.000-04:00

Blog #4

A League of Their Own is a 1992 film about the All-American Girl’s Professional Baseball League. It is a women’s professional baseball league that is founded when World War II begins and the men are drafted. The movie goes through the entire history of women’s baseball, from recruiting players to the end of the league. The recruiters make sure the women can play but are also pretty and will look good in the seductive baseball uniforms, which are dresses. When the women are shown the skirts they will be playing in, they all protest but are told that “if you can’t play baseball in this, then you can’t play baseball with us”. At the opening game there are barely any fans and the ones that are, are to busy making fun of the women to see how truly talented they are. The league becomes very popular throughout the season as the fans begin to realize that the women can play a great game. The commissioner of the league is surprised by how much money the games are producing, but insists that it is all over when the boys come home from war. In the final season the women and fans do not want women’s baseball to end but it does eventually because the war ended and the women were no needed anymore. This film is a true story and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York contains many artifacts and the leagues history

This film deals with gender by showing that women can do the same things men can, but will probably be discriminated against until they prove themselves. From a woman’s point of view I think the women are represented as strong, independent, adventurous, brave women. Their husbands are overseas fighting a war and dying and they still find strength to live their own lives and take chances. This film is very empowering, it provides young girls that they can do anything they set their mind to, even if it is a, “boy,” thing. Also, all the women in film did all of their own stunts, there was no doubles. I believe this is a feminist film, throughout the movie the women are constantly being put down and discouraged yet they show up everyday to do what they are told they cannot do.

Personally I love this movie, I have watched it over and over since I was a little girl, and have most of it memorized. It is very inspiring to me and my teammates and I watch it on almost all of our road trips for softball. When I watch it as an adult I see all of the slams the women got for playing ball. One of quotes in the movie that it is funny to me is when an obnoxious man is standing on the dugout at the opening game, he yells, “Girls can’t play ball!” And while he is saying these mean things one of the players nails him with a ball during warm-ups.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_League_of_Their_Own

http://www.creativity-portal.com/main/blog/2004/110704.html

http://www.aagpbl.org/

http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/aleagueoftheirown.php

Caroline R.

Baby Boom

2008-04-10T20:23:00.000-04:00

M. Volz

Baby Boom.
Directed by Charles Shyer. 1987.

This is a hilarious comedy about a high-powered career woman who inherits a baby. J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton) is a successful New-York business woman on the way to becoming partner of her company. Towards the beginning of the movie J.C. has a conversation with her boss about never getting married, and children not being for her. She states that she loves working 16 hour days and doesn’t want to become the “wife” her boss describes. Right at the wrong time, a distant relative dies, leaving their daughter, Elizabeth, in J.C.’s care. J.C. has never even met this young girl before, and all of the sudden is forced into becoming her mother.

J.C.’s first reaction is to get rid of Elizabeth any way she can. This falls through; she falls in love with the young girl, and decides to raise her on her own. Her boyfriend leaves her; she loses her job, and moves to a small country town in Vermont with a population of about 300 to relax and be a mother. In the end, she turns out to be a very successful woman, in a different way. This time she is making money with a crib in her office and a mobile hanging over her desk. She proves that she really can be the successful business woman, and the involved mother, all at the same time. In other words, she can “have it all,” just like her boss said no body could do.

The film starts out to state that 53% of the work force is female. It shows lots of working women, and the main character being a successful business woman. It also starts out showing that women can’t be successful in their careers, and wonderful mothers both. It seems that women are the ones who are meant to be around the house, raising the children, making sure things get done. For some reason men can work 16 hours a day and still have an active social life, but for women, this just wouldn’t work.

The end of the film puts women in a better light. Women can “have it all.” They can work and be successful and stay at home and raise the children.

I would say that this film could possibly be considered a “feminist” film. It shows that women are good for more than just being mothers, and it shows it in a very positive way.

I quite enjoyed the film. I have always been a big fan of romantic comedies, and this one was a comedy, and she does end up with the man in the end. Also any film about mothers and babies I am always a fan of. It doesn’t really relate to me in any way. I’m neither a business woman, nor a mother. I never plan on being like the lady in the film. My plan is to be the typical “wife,” and stay-at-home mom.

A few links to some more information:

IMBD

Wikipedia

Fast-Rewind.com

Lauren Suehrstedt: A league of their own

2008-04-10T19:31:00.000-04:00

A League of Their Own

The movie A League of Their Own is an older film that talks about the upcoming of women in sports. This movie focused primarily on women playing baseball. The movie has a lot of big stars in it, including Rosie O’Donnell, Madonna, and Tom Hanks. The movie follows the girls as they become more popular with the fans. It shows the trouble the go through being women in a man’s sport kind of world. The girls also undergo some issues when it comes to their uniforms. Their sponsors decided to provide them dresses to wear to play in. The girls wear them and have a great season. As the weeks go by they draw in more fans and become quite popular. It was very unheard of to have women playing baseball at this time so many people looked down on them. They did pay attention to this though and played their hearts out. They end up winning the big series and then most of them quit playing baseball to get married and raise families.
I do not think that this movie was extremely feminist but it could have a feminist undertone. I could see this because it is one of the first times women started playing organized sports. Also, their coach did not think that the girls were capable of playing baseball and had little faith in them. He was quickly proved wrong. The women were strong and wanted to play so they did just that. I think that women were portrayed as strong confident individuals However, I also was able to observe how the outsiders viewed them, and they did not always agree with women playing sports.
I personally love this movie. When I was younger I played baseball and softball and my friends and I would always watch this movie. It was fun to go back and watch it because it had been a long time, I needed to refresh my memory. I think it is a perfect movie to show how strong women are and how they should be welcomed with open arms into the sports world, and how hard they had it in the beginning.

Websites:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104694/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_League_of_Their_Own
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800177930/info

Blog #4 - Working Girl

2008-04-10T18:37:00.000-04:00

Working Girl

By Erin Harris
WS 200

The film, Working Girl, is about a woman named Tess who is struggling in the corporate world and in life. She is frustrated with working hard and not getting anywhere, and with life in general. When she begins work at a new company under a female boss, Katherine, she assumes her life will change as the new boss seems understanding and a team player. Another company, Trask Industries, that is affiliated with the one Tess is working at is trying to fight off a take over from Japanese competitors, and is looking for television networks to buy so they can avoid this take over. Tess brings an idea to Katherine about instead buying into radio, and has the research to support it. But Katherine doesn’t seem to think the higher ups will go for it. She suggests Tess leave her notes and she will go through them and see if there is anything there. Katherine goes off on a skiing trip and breaks her leg and then asks Tess to fill in for her at work and to watch her house and do all sorts of errands for her. During these errands, Tess finds an email that Katherine is sending the higher ups at Trask presenting the idea as her own and is devastated.

Then she decides not to allow Katherine to treat her just like every other boss before her and she does some risky things. Tess presents herself as Katherine’s associate and attends meetings, conferences, and even meets with the company owner himself peddling her idea. The company decides it is a great idea and begins the process to implement it. During all of these meetings, Katherine returns to the office and back to work, never knowing that Tess went above her head with this idea. She does find out towards the end of the movie, and tries to persuade the owner of the company that Tess stole the idea, and does just that until one of the corporate officers, Jack Trainor, sticks up for her and tells everyone the real truth. In the end, Katherine gets fired, Tess gets promoted in the company, and Jack and Tess fall in love and live happily ever after.

In this film, women and girls are for the most part portrayed as secondary citizens because the only woman in power in this entire movie is the boss, Katherine. Every other woman in the movie is portrayed as a secretary, or a lower class employee than their male counterparts. Despite this portrayal though, I feel that this movie is empowering to women because of the success Tess has, even though she has to break the rules to do it. The message that I got out of the movie is that you can get what you want, sometimes you just have to take alternate routes to achieve the success you deserve. Another message I believe the movie is trying to convey is to go after what you want and not just sit back and wait for success to come to you. I consider this film a feminist film because it is a film that basically shows that even though the woman is a lower class than the man and has all these struggles to overcome, she still triumphs in the end and becomes empowered. There are parts of it that are not feminist, but I think the overall message is that of a feminist origin.

I chose this film because it is one of my favorite films to watch. I relate to it very well working as a legal assistant right now because I am in the same position Tess was in before she got the success she deserved. I use the film as inspiration that I need to be patient and just wait for the right moment and I will get what I deserve. The experiences that I have had just make me work harder in school so that I can be in that power position when I am done.
A few places where readers can learn more about this film are as follows:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096463/

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800136897/info

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_Girl

http://movies.go.com/working-girl/d812984/comedy

By Erin Harris
WS 200

2008-04-10T13:55:00.000-04:00

Born Anna Mae Bullock always had a special voice. Soon after arriving in St. Louis to live with the mother who had walked out when she was small, the now teenage Anna soon attracts the attention of pop group leader Ike Turner. She becomes the band's singer, his wife, and mother to his children - not all hers. In love with Ike and determined not to leave in the way her mother had, she finds herself the target of increasing violence from her unstable husband who can't see who is making the band such a success

Tina had many struggles in her like she was abused Ike and abandon by her mother and father so she was looking for love in Ike, she seen him as a leader who was controlling. Tina want to sing so badly the so put up with the abuse for many years.

The women in this film were used are sex objects to sell music. The clothes they wore help to draw men to the concerts the dance step were sexually exotic.

After Tina got tired of being abuse she looked to a spiritual power to help pull her from the abuse. She started to taking charge of her sing and fought back that when she started her new life. This was a positive start to a new life: stepping out on own her making a life without the man who was abusing her. Writing song for herself believing in herself

The best part of the movie was in the limousine when Ike hit her and she started to hit and kick him back I was clapping and yelling “YOU GO GIRL.”

Yes this is a positive film. Because she finally stop taking the abuse and stepped out on her own. It she that anyone who is being abused can take back their life and live.

www.officialtina.com

Melinda Scott WS200

Blog#4

2008-04-10T02:23:00.000-04:00

Willie Gibson

The film is about a group of four young African American women living in south central Los Angeles. Each comes from a modest somewhat poor family life living in a poor neighborhood, where drugs and gang violence are prevalent. The frustration of trying to live according to the social rules seems to get them nowhere, so the women decide to rob banks as a way to attain financial success, get back at society and take charge of their lives. Each character goes through some type of adverse situation that requires the need for money or revenge.

The film addresses gender by presenting these women as attractive and strong charactered women that struggle with the conflicting duality of acceptable social patriarchal female behavior and a more rebellious feminist behavior. This is shown through the way they interact with men in a more submissive manner, using there femininity to attain money, favors and power. Their behavior is then portrayed as being more masculine amongst themselves with the use of vulgar language and physical violence. I think it gives females a positive and empowering image by showing the ability to manipulate and control in order to attain the things that the women desire.

I feel that the film could be viewed as a feminist film because of the clear presentation of the struggles that women are forced to deal with in a patriarchal society. It then shows how these women overcame their adversity and persevered the dominance of the patriarchy.

I enjoyed the film for the perspective that it brought to me about some of the many scenarios of sexism that women are faced with. I liked how the women were able to be strong and aggressive, while maintaining their femininity. In my own family I have women that reminded me of some of the characters. The strength and ability to fight to overcome adverse situations is something that I could identify with and something that I am accustomed to seeing.

To learn more about this film go to the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zPZdxojbpc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Set_It_Off
http://www.movieweb.com/movies/film/18/1618/summary.php

A League of Their Own

2008-04-09T22:05:00.000-04:00

A League of Their Own is based on the real lives of professional women baseball players during World War II. The movies main characters include Rosie O’Donnell, Madonna, and Tom Hanks. The movie begins as the sports industry sees Americans longing for their favorite past time, baseball, during WWII. Since the men are at war sport executives decided to recruit women to play baseball professionally to help aid in the depression of Americans and the lost revenues of the baseball empire.
Women however are recruited not only on their athletic ability but their physical appearance. The movie takes you the journey of two sisters who join the Rockford Peaches baseball team. It shows the journey of these women athletes and the struggles they face having husbands at war, sibling rivalry, and overcoming the stereotypes that women face in professional sports.

Gender Issues:
This film addresses gender in a contradictory manner. They portray these women as athletes with the abilities of men. However, the emphasis placed on physical beauty (for example the recruiter almost turning down an extremely talented player due to his opinion of her lack of beauty) and the ‘skimpy’ uniforms make the gender divide between women and men in baseball apparent.

Female Representation:
Women are also represented in a contradictory manner in this film. They are tough and they endure bruises and emotional pain that the game and the war put on them. They are tough, like men are portrayed to be in our patriarchal society. The emphasis placed on physical beauty though almost makes the women seem objectified in a sense. The character Madonna plays makes this most obvious.
Another notable female representation that I find a little disturbing is when Tom Hanks who plays the role of the coach for the Rockford Peaches makes a memorable quote, “There’s not crying in baseball” when one of the women shows a vulnerability. The use I believe is to characterize women being less strong then men. I have seen men baseball players cry though during a loss, victory, and retirement speech. Unfortunately though, in sports, male domination is still very common.

A Feminist Film?
I think in ways it is and in other ways it is not. I do not wish to repeat myself but due to its contradictory nature that I previously discussed the issues that make this both a feminist film and not a feminist film are noted above.

Overall, I feel that this movie was empowering for women for the most part. I used to love watching this movie when I was growing up and participating in softball. It gave me a sense of belonging in a realm that is predominantly male dominated. I own the movie and it has been a favorite of mine and many of my female friends. I think it shows women that they are as capable as any male even in the most male dominated of professions.

To read more about a league of their own and see video clips please visit the following sites:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104694/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_League_of_Their_Own

http://baywood.metapress.com/app/home/contribution.asp?referrer=parent&backto=issue,7,8;journal,30,141;linkingpublicationresults,1:300322,1

http://aagpbl.org/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4ti2uGMU00

Blog #4 - Nine to Five

2008-04-08T11:17:00.000-04:00

by Michele Schwamberger

The movie, Nine to Five, directed by Colin Higgins in 1980 is about 3 women who work at a business office and their boss is a man. The boss, Frank, is a “pig”. He treats the women horribly and he is very sexist. The company chose Frank over one of the women (Violet) for a promotion because Frank is a male. This didn’t make Violet happy. Frank’s secretary, played by Dolly Parton, was always being propositioned by Frank, which she didn’t like or appreciate. The other women in the company thought that she liked it and that they were having an affair and that is how Dolly got this position. Needless to say, Dolly didn’t have many friends at this company because of that. The women at this office would constantly gossip about her to other employees. The 3 women and Frank were blackmailing each other also. The women found out that Frank was embezzling and they basically kidnapped him so they could prove he was guilty. The movie is very funny and I think a “must see”.

The gender issues in this movie are very prominent. At the beginning of the movie, the males are the leaders and the females are looked down upon. The boss is very sexist and constantly sexually harasses his secretary. The women have the “assistant” jobs while the male is the CEO of the company. The women are represented as just that – women in this film. They are belittled and looked down-upon and the men are treated better with higher-paying jobs and more responsibilities. The women have to stick together in order to overcome all the negatives in their jobs. At the beginning of the film, I did not feel that the film gave a positive or empowering representation of females because of all the obstacles they have to run through, however, at the end of the film, the women are portrayed differently. At the end, the females are the ones in control and making all the decisions which shows them in a more positive and powerful role.

I do not consider this film a feminist film because the roles of men and women were not equal. Even at the end of the film, Frank, the male boss gets a promotion to go and start up a new division of the company, while the women stay at the old company. However, the women are now in charge of the old company, but Frank still received another promotion.

I liked this film. I thought the movie was funny and my sisters and I have watched it many times. However, after learning more about feminism, I don’t like what the film represents.

RESOURCES:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080319/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_to_Five

http://www.amazon.com/Nine-Five-Jane-Fonda/dp/B000059HAM

http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=950DEEDE1538F93AA25751C1A966948260

My Review of The Color People

2008-04-03T21:42:00.000-04:00

The Color Purple

By Michelle Rush

The Color Purple is a 1985 drama. This film is based on the novel, The Color Purple written by Alice Walker. It was directed by Steven Spielberg.

This story begins in the Southern United States in the 1900's. It follows the life of an uneducated black girl, Celie. She has been pregnant by her father twice by the age of 14. Both of her children were taken away from her at birth to never be spoken of. Her father forced her into a marriage to a man she called "Mister." Mister goes on to treat her like a slave, beats her, and even rapes her. I do not want to blow it for those who have not yet seen it. I'll wrap this up by telling you that Celie ends up overcoming her fears enabling her to break free from her husband's chains.

Actually, I have owned this movie since i was a little girl. My mother was the one who introduced it to me. I think she may have used Celie's story as an inspiration in her own life for many reasons. My mother was trapped in a marriage to my father who mentally and physically abused her for many years. He made her feel like she was not good enough for anything better. Thankfully, just like the story, my mother grew strong and divorced my father and made a way to a better life for us.

I have watched this movie time and time again and I never grow tired of it. I can never watch it without having a good cry. In my opinion, this movie touches your heart like no other can or will. It is a great feminists story of hope, struggle, and victory.

-Michelle Rush

http://www.fast-rewind.com/

http://www.library.csi.cuny.edu/dept/history/lavender/purple.html

http://www.geocities.com/soho/lofts/6124/

A League of Their Own By Kelly lever

2008-04-03T13:53:00.000-04:00

This movie was based on a true story during WW2. This was time when many men were fighting over seas which left a lot of opportunities open for women here in the US. This movie was about women who started a women's baseball league. It starts by depicting two sisters who are good at softball living in a small farm town. Scouts (All-American Girls Professional Baseball League) had told them that they should tryout and with a little convincing Dottie Hinson and her sister Kit tried out. They were a good team match a pitcher and catcher for the Rockford Peaches. There couch played by Tom hanks was an alcoholic who was always yelling and telling them they could be better. By the end he lightened up, showing his heart. Dottie played like a star; making the paper and really holding the team together. Her and Kit got into a fight and Kit ended up getting traded to a different team. Dottie's husband came back from the war and Dottie quit because of it, but by the end Dottie came back to play the last game and it happened to be against her sisters team. Kit was up to bat and hit a far ball but it wasn't a home run. She rounded the third base and kept going for home. Dottie was waiting with the ball but she ended up dropping it and Kit scored and her team won.
This was the first time I had seen this movie before but I had hear good things about it. This film definitely dealt with gender issues. It made me recall the article called "In World War Two, Women Got to Work" by Betsy Kuhn. When Betsy talks about the jobs and opportunities that opened up for women because the men weren't here. The film shows that even sports were options for women then. This movie made women seem tough, strong and able to do what men do. It is very inspiring to see women push themselves and become so good at what they love to do.
I do consider it a feminist movie. It showed women with power, with strong backs and willing to work hard for the game. At the same time though they are still dominated by a male couch. Even though by the end he shows some heart to the girls and is ice to them, it is funny to me that the couch is male. It is like no matter were women turn there is always a male over them. I think this was also displayed when Dottie quit when her husband came back home. It was like the male is present in the home again and she felt out of her position playing in the game. I enjoyed that she can back to play the last game though. That showed me that she felt like she could do what she wanted without being swayed by an outside source. The fact that her husband was supportive was also key to me. He didn't try to make her not play and he let her make her own decisions, which was nice to see.
This movie was humorous and fun to watch. I rarely watch movies, so it was nice to sit down and watch a movie that was empowering to women and not selling women short. This movie make me realize that if you want something you have to be your own drive. One can't let gender, or any else get in the way of living life ones own way. I think that this story can relate to more then just sport issues. I think it showed me that women can be just as acomplished as men at what even they put there hearts and minds to.

Kelly Lever

Resources:
"In World War Two, Women Got to Work" Betsy Kuhn in 33 Things every Girl Should Know about Women's History
www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/5949031/review/5949032/a_league_of_their_own
http://www.movie-gazette.com/cinereviews/539
Galt, Margot Fortunato. Up to the Plate: The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Minneapolis, Lerner Publications Co., 1995.

Lucky Brand Woman

2008-04-01T17:49:00.000-04:00

By: Caroline R
http://www.ltcconline.net/lukas/gender/menincontrol/pics/mencontrol3.jpg

In this ad the women is very fixed up and is wearing revealing clothing. Her body is the so called, “perfect” figure. She has on tiny shorts and very high red high heels and is sitting on a bar. Her nails are manicured and she is covering her apple red lips with one hand while the other is pouring a man coffee. Her body is being used to sell Lucky Brand Fragrances, if you take out all of the words the picture does not advertise the product what so ever. I think this ad is offensive to women, she is serving a man and above his head it reads, “Get Lucky!” Why does a women pouring coffee mean anything but that? Why didn’t the company use a barely dressed male to pour a women coffee, after all the fragrance is for men and women. The answer is easy, women are viewed as people who should serve men, and this advertisement does nothing to change that stereotype. The words, “Get Lucky” above the man feeds into the ideology that men are looking to get something from women. I would have viewed this ad as sexy if it was just of this man and woman posing, but instead they had to put a coffee pot in her hand, which makes it sexist. I do not think the intention of this ad was to be anti-feminist but I would have to choose that over feminist. Advertisements cannot get much more anti-feminist then having a woman barely dressed serving a man.

I believe advertisement destroys body image for young girls and women. Even if a parent never buys a magazine, every child goes to the grocery store and there they are in the checkout line at eye level for every young girl to see. What has recently surprised me is the barely clothed pregnant celebrities posing for magazine covers. Some may view this as a positive advertisement, but when you take a closer look at those covers, the moms to be are barely dressed and are advertising how little weight they have gained. It is horrible when women begin bragging about how few pounds they gain which are suppose to be nourishing their baby with. Even the magazines aimed for younger girls are promoting the, “picture perfect teenager,” the only difference is they have a little more clothing on. It is the responsibility of advertisement companies to promote a healthy, diverse image of young women. It is great to see that Dove finally decided to change their campaign and photograph real women. Think about your everyday life, sure we all compare ourselves to others and wish something could be different about ourselves, but when have you ever seen a women that looks like a cover model? The answer to that should prove to us that those models are not real women and are usually air-brushed; it is disturbing that for most of us it takes a long time to figure that out. The best way to protest this negative advertising is for women to quit buying the magazines that target us and promise to help us in every aspect of our life. Every single woman’s magazine says something on the cover about losing weight, having sex and cooking. Why do we keep buying these, they are filled with tiny, fake women and products that promise to help us look like that. If the magazine editors are so into helping women why don’t they write about something more than skin deep topics?

For a final thought on the magazine industry, think about the cover of Cosmo verse the cover of Forbes and then think about why women are viewed as inferior to men. My response is, Forbes is all about money, leadership, business and technology. Cosmopolitian is about sex, dieting, guys and gossip, what message does that give women and young girls.

Aaron Ashba - Blog #3

2008-03-23T22:18:00.000-04:00

As for the attached picture of what is labeled a female "career climber" or in Latin, "promotamee legsspredius", doesn't necessarily promote or advertise a specific, identified product, but immediately jumped out at me when search through the attached link for the assignment. This woman is dressed in a business suit, but exposing her bra and undergarments to promote being promiscuous within the workplace. There are arrows pointing at each of the items she is wearing that would be categorized as "sexy" in society. The entire ad plays on the "affair" with the hot personal secretary" theme, and basically labels this woman as someone that will use her sexuality to her advantage. Any woman that has any self-respect would be disgusted at the exploitation of this ad and the how it depicts this woman using sex to advance her career. In some respects, the ad not only sends an anti-feminist message to the audience, but belittles men in the same regard to say we fall prey to women and their sexual advances to give them special treatment or reward them in other ways just for the sake of sex. Not only does is this woman not considered average in terms of her appearance and build, but her body is being exploited based on its theme. It provides a distorted image of dressing in traditional business attire and what is acceptable against what is desired to men. Again, this is another way to say to our young women that not only does "sex sell", but that sex is more powerful than qualifications and good, old fashioned hard work. Since a specific product is not identified in the ad, it makes it difficult to pinpoint this back to a company or organization to boycott against, but is another example of how women are labeled as sexual toys in advertisement to gain visual attention to read the verbiage of the ad itself. It fascinates me to see the use of half nude women in advertisements for products in a woman's magazine. Does the female body itself entice all sexes to tempt the look to see what all of the fuss is about? To stop the exploitation of women in advertising, these products would have to adhere to the same principles as well to not point fingers anymore. Some sort of united front to say, "we know sex sells, but not our products!"

Aaron Ashba
WS 200

http://www.genderads.com/

Advertising – Positive or Negative?

2008-03-23T13:34:00.000-04:00

Marketing and advertising’s goal is too grab you attention as quickly as possible to sell their product or service. The tactics use to accomplish this task have changed over the years but one thing that hasn’t changed is the use of the female body. If you look at the history of ads you would find that the use of “sex” has been in the forefront although becoming much more sophisticated. From magazines, to billboards, bumper stickers, TV, and now the internet the human body is used to send the message. Depending on the product or service being advertised, the use of the female body can certainly be justified. For example, undergarments, lingerie, and clothing, by Victoria Secret (http://www.victoriassecret.com) you would expect to see women modeling those products. Some individuals would argue that it is to “sexy” and portrays women as sex symbols. Although I would not disagree with the fact some of their images are a little provocative, I would suggest that there is another site that truly portrays women as sex symbols.

That site is Sports Illustrated, (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com). Between the extra mustard link and the swimsuit link, I am not sure which is worse. What does the “hottest NBA dance team” have to do with basketball? What does “Swimsuit 2008” have to do with football? Apparently, “sex sells”, according to the sports world. The tall, lean, size 2 blonde, with a D cup, is the messages we are send to the sports enthusiast. I find these images to be an unfortunate really to our culture. The boys (men) play the sport and the girls (women) cheer them on in the less than nothing garments. These images do not empower women but only continue to degrade them. Do we see men in Speedos parading themselves across the floor at women’s games? (Not that the women athletes get much press) Don’t get me wrong, I am certainly NOT advocating that we should! The point is this, as long as women continue to participate in presenting their bodies in a provocative way; advertising will continue to use this patriarchal version of sex.

Annette Parson

Stevie R. Bowling - WS 200 Blog #3

2008-03-23T12:49:00.000-04:00

Stevie Bowling

WS 200

Blog #3

3.23.08

Sex really does sell these days in advertisements we see not only all over the United States on billboards, magazines, TV commercials, etc. but everywhere around the world. It seems like everywhere we look we see sexy women baring it all, or sexy men hardly wearing anything with sweat dripping off their bodies. To me, it is not catchy or a good comparison to what the product really is but, more disgusting and disrespectful to men and women out there who come across these advertisements everyday.
This magazine article that I found for Dewar’s Whiskey is a perfect example. If you take a look at it closely and tie in the caption (“there should be nothing artificial about what you drink, or who you marry”) with the picture, you obviously notice a woman with very large breasts, in a skimpy swimsuit on the beach that they are using to “sell” their product. What Dewar’s is trying to sell in this particular advertisement is that their whiskey does not contain any artificial ingredients which makes such a coincidence to the attractive women’s so called fake breasts that Dewar’s is trying to show.
In my opinion, I take offense to this advertisement and believe a lot of other women would also if they saw it. First off, it makes the impression that the only body to have and be loved by men for is a skinny, very small frame. Also, they are laying it on the line that people like big breasts and if that means go get implants, then go get implants because they make it seem like that is what people want. I feel that a lot of women would take offense to this advertisement because they could have decent sized breasts themselves and a healthy body that they are comfortable with, but when they see this, I believe that it would make them feel that what they have is not good enough and that men believe that bigger is better. I think that there are a lot of ideas out there that men have when it comes to the size of a woman’s breasts and their body type. I truly believe that men admire large breasts and that women should increase the size of them if they are not “up to par”. I believe that there is a major difference between sexy and sexism and this article displays a lot of sexism because it places pressure on the women who view this ad to increase the size of their breasts because that is what men want.
When it comes to the choice one has to make on whether or not this ad is feminist or anti-feminist, I would argue that the ad is very anti-feminist. Feminism is a belief in the social, economic and political equality of the sexes. With this ad, we see a degradation of the social status of women. When women look at this ad, they feel that is what they need to look like. It does not support what feminism defines because it uses women as a way to sell their whiskey and we do not see any portrayal of men at all in this advertisement, and even if there were a man present in the ad, I believe that his role would also be degrading towards women because he would be admiring/supporting the fact that she has large artificial breasts, just what every man wants, right? Not a feminist ad what-so-ever.
The advertising world is one of America’s biggest stereotypes I believe. I feel that when they use women like they have in this Dewar’s ad, they do not portray them as a normal woman, but one who is either going under the knife to make herself and men love her more, or women who are so terribly skinny and in shape that it makes the world feel like that is the only acceptable way to be. I believe that advertising companies should take a look around and realize that not everyone is alike and they should incorporate those diverse women into their advertising instead of one “perfect” type of woman with a small frame and large breasts. Everyone deserves the right to be represented and I feel that if women would see more of the majority up on those billboards that they would find more self love and respect and learn to love themselves for who they are.
In conclusion, I feel that that women should continue to fight for who they are and how they are displayed by creating a lot of controversy over advertisements that are degrading to them. I think marketing teams everywhere should take a closer look at their finished product and have the courage to say to their co-workers that their advertisement is hurtful to some and sexist. I think that there should be regulations out there when it comes to using “sex to sell” their products, because when people look at these advertisements they question their self worth and when they see the perfect person up there, they do not feel that they are loved by all and believe that they must be skinny or have large breasts in order for people to like them and that is really sad. We need to keep fighting for what we believe is right and fight for what feminism really is, EQUALITY!

Resources:
http://www.genderads.com/
http://www.dictionary.com/
http://www.wikipedia.com/

Blog #3

2008-03-22T23:11:00.000-04:00

Willie Gibson

WS 200

LOWRIDER magazine has been in circulation since 1977 and is now one of the most popular car show magazines in existence. While the main focus of the magazine content is to display classic car restoration in the LOWRIDER style, it also represents a culture of prominent patriarchy.
The magazine shows many cars on display and with each car there is a young woman draped over it or next to it, wearing a bikini and projecting a seductive image. The women are very fit but an attempt to show off and accentuate their curves seems to be the goal of the photographer. Usually the women are placed in some type of submissive position creating the image that she is prepared for sex and giving herself to the reader.
While portraying the women as potential sex objects, a glamorous undertone shows as well. I could see how a certain group of women would enjoy the attention or possibilities of using these photos as a stepping stone to a modeling career but in my opinion, the images of the women coupled with the cars exude a certain sense of ownership, with the cars edging out the importance of these women. For that reason, I would say that the image is offensive to women because it says that women and cars are equally beautiful but maybe the car is more important or valued more than a woman.
The sexuality of women in our patriarchal system is given a sense of power due to the vulnerability of men’s presumed uncontrollable sex drive. This is clearly exhibited in the Ad as it attempts to seduce the eye of the reader who is primarily going to be male. Within this display of sexual enticement we find a fine line between the image being perceived as sexy or sexist. Although the fine line could be left up to interpretation, the blatant display of patriarchal masculinity through the portrayal of a woman as a submissive sex object, in my opinion, has to be seen as a show of anti-feminism.
The Ad also depicts the woman as being very fit with large breasts and a petite figure. To me, that seems a little unrealistic considering the large majority of women in our society don’t look that way and tends to set an expectation in our society as to what a young women is suppose to look like. I think it potentially can damage the self image of many women if they don’t look like this. The ironic thing is that while these are the images that Ads utilize to sell their products, many males find themselves more attracted to women that aren’t built that way. I think advertising companies should make more of an attempt to depict what the images of the large majority of our society actually look like. I think it would help our society and young women who have bad self images and eventually develop eating disorders because of it.

To protest imagery that is offensive to women and girls, anyone can contact the activist groups below or contact the offender directly through letters and/or calls.

Media Action Alliance-Circle Pines, MN (612) 434-4343
Media Watch-Santa Cruz, CA (408) 423-6355
http://www.about-face.org/mc/empower/

Women and their role in advertising: Victoria’s Secret.

2008-03-22T16:11:00.000-04:00

Victoria’s Secret is known as a company that wishes to define sexy through fashion, mainly under garments. They sell quality clothing, beauty, bras, and underwear for moderate prices. So promote their product they use a small select group of models known as the Victoria’s Secret Angels. These women are thought to idolize what is sexy.
In most Victoria Secret advertisements the women are shown wear nothing but a sexy matching bra and underwear set. The idea that their clothing can make your body look as good and the models is what makes their line of under garments so appealing. Victoria Secret somehow I think ‘gets away’ to making their ads offensive because of the type of merchandise they are known for. It is almost expected to see a barely dressed woman as the primary object of their ad.
They portray what media’s version of the perfect women, tall, thin, bubbly, and glamorous. However, they do not cross the sexist line because the idea of women being sexy in their clothing is more appealing and empowering than sexist. Victoria’s Secret is more of a feminist company ran by women, for women. Yes their seasonal magazine may serve and bathroom reading for men but for women it defines sexy and says I am women and look what these clothes can do for me.
As many good characteristics that this company has, there is still a major problem. None of the ‘angels’ are moderately attractive or have normal body weights. The almost unattainable bodies of Victoria Secret models, paired with the ideal of being sexy, leads to distorted body imaging for many women. It subliminal sends the message that if you want to be sexy, and Victoria Secret is sexy, then you must be thin. To better serve the community they should look into have a couple plus sized models, because women with curves can be sexy too. It is the responsibility of the media to set social norms and advertisement is one of the most widely viewed forms of media. Making ads that portray sexy and thin can be detrimental to a society and female body acceptance.
I believe the Victoria Secret Company does have the best interests of women in mind. If brought to their attention by their customers through letters and e mails, I believe that they would change their advertisements to display women with multiple body types. Until then though we women and men of America will associate being thin with being sexy.

Blog #3 - Seemingly Cute, Shy & Innocent Ad

2008-03-22T15:22:00.000-04:00

By Kim Seder

Look at how cute and innocent this young lady looks in this ad! Her head is tilted indicating a shy, insecure and a bit flirty aura about herself. Her body image also shows inferiority by somewhat displaying a weak, "Oh go ahead..." attitude..., "do what you want with me," look. The text on the page next to her states: The pair you wear to cooking class will also look fabulous at your weight loss seminar." The adverstisement is selling a pair of shoes and I believe that it's general overall look is NOT offensive, however one could analyse it more deeply and of course, slant it to become more offensive. First of all, I believe it is not offensive because it is done in good taste. There is no blatant in-your -face sex shots (tight dress showing the definition of her breasts,) and her legs are closed and there are no spike heels in the add! The girl looks sweet, innnocent, healthy and wholesome. I also think that this ad shows a good balance of sexuality. She is pretty, no doubt and she has a slight 'flirty' cocked head which also shows her femininity. The line of sexy/sexist would be evident if she had her legs open showing or almost showing her pubic area. Also, if her dress around her breasts was lower and tighter, than that would be sexist to me.

I believe the ad falls between feminism and anti-feminism simply because the photo shows a woman who is neither sinfully seductive (anti-feminist) or a woman dressed in the more traditional and popular, but often misleading style of dress of a tailored suit, business stance with glasses on (feminist.) By wearing a skimpy tight dress, the typical men of our patriarchal society would think, "Whoa, look at that...she's hot!" Sex sells, right? But, she is NOT dressed that way so sex is not really selling here in the prototypical manner in which we are used to. HOWEVER, if you read the text and find out she can wear the shoes from the 'cooking class' - women's traditional role, to the 'weight loss seminar' - women have to fit that desired weight class, then that positively reveals a sexist attitude... IF one is to believe that all women like to cook and want to lose weight! So again, this ad has only insinuations of sexist patriarchal connotations. In reality, women do take cooking classes and they do go to weight loss seminars. They also flirt, dress appropriately and look wholesome as the lady in the ad does. To me, this advertisement is done in good taste and should not offend anyone. I could see this add being displayed in religious magazines or a young women's.

The above add is a positive advertisement for young girls to see and it shows an okay body image. Being a bit shy or insecure is okay when you're young and even okay when you're older. Who's to say all women should be brave and secure all the time in their lives? Advertising executives DO have a responsiblity to all people whether they are young or old to promote decent, non-offending (but that is very objective to figure out,) pictures and text. Should they remember who their audience/readers are? Of course, but with mass production and mass displaying of magazines in grocery stores and book stores, girls and boys of all ages have easy access to these items. But, that is another topic! I also think that advertisers should have more diverse advertising subjects and models. How about overweight women!? Minority cultured women!? Diverse ethnic women!? Midget women!? Etc!? By doing so, people who read and look at those ads will become more accepting and tolerant of the 'not so normal and beautiful women' they usually see plastered all over magazine covers. Our men will also become (I hope) more tolerant and just okay and happy with us simply by being just us with all of our non-model faces and bodies.

To help the problem of sexist advertising, we should become more involved by writing letters to the magazine editors, newspaper editors and the executives of the products being advertised and suggest to them that using more diverse non-traditional models in their ads would be a welcoming addition to the field of elite advertising. Moderation and having a balance of both worlds would be realistic and reasonble to attain and be more accepting by us women who have suffered a little and a lot by the white patrirarchal society of men who continue to dominate most of the fields of media, and more specifically print and television advertising.

Cites: http//www.genderads.com/

Gender Landscape-Ads in everyday traffic

2008-03-22T13:57:00.000-04:00

One thing I have noticed about our culture is that ads are constantly flashed at you. In the everyday hustle and bustleds can be found everywhere. The ad I have displayed is shown mounted on the back of a taxi cab. This is just one example of how you are exposed to advertising without even thinking about it. There are ads on cars, billboards, buildings, the Internet, tel-lie-vision, radio,buses...you are constantly swarmed with ads.even if you don't what to be you are still shown them.
Looking through ad after ad a women with even a little bit of feminist education starts to notice this idealized women used in a certain manner to try to sell you something. In this advertisement that I have chosen you will see six back sides of Caucasian, Blondie women and one African American women. This ad maybe a little over the top,sex sells but it is a good example of how ads can be generalizing and offensive to women and how these are the images of women we see in our everyday lives.
Sure this ad is for a topless bar but for me to have to be shown this without a choose is offensive to me. This is not what I want to see or I want my son to see. This ad is showing women in only a body way, as if was are only a thing to look at. The women's faces aren't even showing, and there butts are starring you down. They are mostly white women with one African American for spice. They are all extremely thin, oiled and airbrushed to "perfection". This images is so stereotypical in a sexist way. No wonder women in our society have self-esteem issues, eating disorders, have plastic surgery. The women on this ad are so barbie doll image that it is sickening, but to be shown this all the time as a women I can see how it may get to ones self esteem. its not healthy for women to think they have to look like this.
I would like to see this ad with Native Americans, Mexicans, Africa Americans, Asians, Caucasians...women with hair on there legs, a red head, brown hair, short, tall, heights, and some faces. So we recognize them as people .

Taking action!
Educate the youth about not generalizing women, that diversity is good and that there are smart accomplished women out there making a difference.
Be selective of what you are exposed to. Avoid tel-lie-vision ads and radios ads. Some ads you can't escape like in traffic but you can probable decrease your exposure to them significantly.
There is also guerrilla performances done in protest of ads that are offense and stereotyping women.

Kelly Lever

Blog # 3 VICTORIA'S TOO SEXY

2008-03-22T12:59:00.000-04:00

Blog#3
CEO Says Victoria's Secret Is Too Sexy

Victoria's Secret, the lingerie company that introduced the Very Sexy bra, the Fantasy Bra, and the Internet server-crashing fashion show, has become "too sexy" for its own good, its top executive said.
"We've so much gotten off our heritage ... too sexy, and we use the word sexy a lot and really have forgotten the ultra feminine," said Sharen Turney, Victoria's Secret's chief executive, in a call with industry analysts.
Victoria's Secret was launched with the idea that Victoria was manor-born and lived in London, Turney said. "I feel so strongly about us getting back to our heritage and really thinking in terms of ultra feminine and not just the word sexy and becoming much more relevant to our customer," Turney
Turney said Victoria's Secret wants to increase its level of sophistication.
"We will also reinvent the sleepwear business and focus on product quality," she said. "Our assortment will return to an ultra feminine lingerie brand to meet her needs and expectation.” Sales at Victoria's Secret, like many clothing retailers, have been slipping.

I believe that Victoria’s Secret only portray a clothes line for women who are slim with big breast. This makes women and young girls with larger size bodies and even smaller bodies think they should look like these women in order to wear the clothes. This is when women may start to abuse themselves with eating disorders. Some women may think that this is how men want them to look like the model in the pictures.
Yes, when advertising they should keep in mind that not ever one is the same and never will be. I think that sexy clothes should fit all body types. So that no one is left out. This will help to make women have more self esteem for themselves.
I know that people like these clothes but if we stop buying the product then Victoria’s Secret may take a look at all body types. Maybe the CEO should talk to all women.

Cited:

http://abcnews.go.com/topic?VictoriaSecret
http://www.victoriassecret.com/category/?cgnbr=OSBAFZZZZZZ

Melinda Scott /March 22, 2008 Women’s Studies200

Blog 3: Normalization and the Bali Lycra Bras Ad

2008-03-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

A. Kelley

One of the greatest tragedies of our heavily-capitalized society is that advertising has become a prime venue for corporate patriarchal forces to brainwash women into accepting the need to conform their bodies to male standards. By first establishing immutable, inescapable absolutes regarding the varying levels of human worth of females with supposedly greater or lesser physical attributes and then offering women an escape from the supposedly inescapable prison of their own inferior bodies, they not only profit but enslave women to a twisted ideology that forces self-objectification. According to genderads.com, there is specifically a process referred to as “normalization”, that being the creation of a dichotomy between “normal” and “abnormal” individuals, that patriarchal advertisers use to force inferiority on women and snare them in their profit-driven lies. [1] Women are made to believe that their body is diseased or are otherwise made to fear their own bodies and actively fight against them. The result of this disease or otherwise malevolent body is the status of abnormality, which is the state of having any number of physical features that are considered inferior and socially unacceptable. This is in contrast to “normal” bodies, whose bodies match up perfectly to the arbitrary, patriarchal standard and is the standard which “inferior” women are required to strive toward. A natural state of inequality between women is established, however, corporate patriarchy conveniently leaves an escape in the form of products that can be used to fix these “inequalities” and thus normalize the abnormal woman’s body. Below is an example of an advertisement to be immediately hereafter analyzed that encourages the normalization line of thinking:

Text:

HAS IT. [referring to woman in picture]

When Bali bras have LYCRA, you get beauty and comfort, too. (If it doesn’t say “has it,” it doesn’t have it.)

You either have it or you don’t.

The woman in this ad is quite bluntly indicated to be the image of patriarchal normality, having been declared to have “it”, with the implication that the reader will know what is being referred to by “it”, given the focus of the ad on female herself. This female is, of course, a blank object, with some emphasis given to her face, which has been carefully crafted to appear in the usual supermodel style of pouting lips, high, angular cheekbones, sharp eyebrows, and slick hair, so to immediately establish her place in the “acceptable” or “normal” female column, with the greater and primary emphasis placed upon her unrealistically large breasts, obviously sporting the product being advertised. All other things that could potentially draw the viewer’s eye away from these important establishers of normality are carefully omitted through intentional clothing choice and photography tricks–her black, feathery outfit is tailored in such a way that it obscures everything between her head and breasts, anything under her breasts has been cropped out of the image, and the image itself is taken in black and white to create a greater light-shadow contrast, with the two brightest areas in the image being her breasts and face. This makes the way her body and sexuality are used to sell the product rather straightforward, given the combination of her immediate establishment of that which “abnormal” women are to work toward and the singular focus on those body parts which make her the female standard. The impact is clear–as she stares at you, confidently and arrogantly, aware of her own superiority, her breasts vividly and brazenly on display, you are not only made to feel immediately inferior but are motivated to purchase Bali bras with Lycra because of the fact that she is actively looking down on you. The patriarchal machine has not even spared you with the mere threat of embarrassment for a normal body–it has already assumed that you are abnormal and you are being shamed for it before you even have the chance to redeem yourself by purchasing the product.

This ad is, therefore, absolutely offensive to women. Any ad that is driven by the concept of the normal and abnormal female is offensive by virtue of its being a destructive propaganda tool of capitalist sexist patriarchy. Contained in this ad is that most horrific gender ideology, that being biological determinism, due to the implication that women, based on their physical features, can potentially inherently lack something that gives other women their human worth. The dichotomy of “having it” and “not having it” indicates belief in one standard for each gender, although, of course, only the female gender is addressed here–any deviation, ever so slight, from what is considered natural indicates that a woman is unnatural–that, although their “not having it” is out of their control, it is still somehow their fault and their shame to bear. It establishes a pecking order of women determined by chance, and reinforces chance as a justification for domination and exclusion. Furthermore, it blazes past the dividing line between “sexy” and sexist. If I were to personally define what this dividing line is, sexism exists in an ad whenever an individual’s physical attributes are used to sell a given product, no matter the way in which the body is used. It does not necessarily have to be straightforward in its definition of some groups of people wholly inferior because they are physically inferior–it can promise or threaten to deny an individual something depending on how they look, it can perpetuate a gender stereotype, or be shoehorned into an otherwise acceptable ad for purposes of sexual arousal. Sexy is highly subjective and can only exist in an ad by pure coincidence–if an individual is in an ad for nonsexist reasons (if this is even possible) and the reader of the advertisement finds themselves attracted to this individual, that can be called “sexy”. In short, it can only exist when it is not intended to in an advertisement.

This advertisement seems to be blatantly anti-feminist. Because feminism’s goal is to overturn patriarchy and all the myths that result in the domination of women with it, this advertisement appears to be a concentration of all things anti-feminist. Produced by a capitalist organization whose profits come at the expense of female workers denied fair wages and generally burdened with stereotypical household responsibilities on top of work and sporting a stereotypical white, young supermodel with a patriarchal message that makes females susceptible to male domination through being indoctrinated into self-hatred, the message that success or true personal realization comes through beauty and not character or achievement, and inescapable feelings of inferiority, this ad undoes everything that feminism seeks to do. Every message about racial equality, physical equality, financial equality, and even human equality are opposed by little more than a sentence and a pair of breasts.

In general, advertising affects body image issues for girls and women by exploiting pre-existing feelings of insecurity caused by the emphasis on physical beauty that women are taught from the time they are born. They know that they are supposed to look good, and advertisements help to define what would otherwise be the ambiguous standard that women are taught to meet. Self-worth is exceptionally easy to destroy considering the extremely small percentage of individuals who fit the “normal” mold–young, white, blonde, with an extremely specific set of facial features, unrealistically well-endowed while anorexically thin, robed in the most expensive clothing and jewelry possible. When small, impressionable children are being threatened with social ostracism from the time they are first able to read, it is no wonder that they are forced into striving for the established mold out of this irresponsible fearmongering and encouragement of women to actively judge and persecute each other. When the concept of normalization finally becomes a fact of life for women, they suffer immensely and generally for their entire life, as finances are drained in the name of beauty, they seek men who will appreciate their bodies and thus lead themselves into unfulfilling or otherwise destructive relationships, suffer physical repercussions such as eating disorders, and lose any personal potential they would have once had as they are taught that success, intelligence, and other positive attributes are exclusively masculine and therefore “abnormal” for a woman. It is also of note that it is the advertising industry’s responsibility to promote more diverse images of women–as long as racism, sexism, and physicality still exist, they can be almost directly attributable to the lies found in advertising. Every woman who sacrifices something important to her in the name of the upkeep of her body has suffered in some way at the hands of the advertising industry. They are responsible for countless broken and discarded dreams, lifelong suffering and sickness both mental and physical, and even death in extreme cases. What these companies personally believe about women is up to them–women merely need to learn to reject these messages–however, when they use these images to encourage destructive behavior in women they are trampling on another individual’s human rights and have a moral obligation to stop regardless of how fiscally disadvantageous this would be to them. Would advertising companies ever admit to this moral obligation or responsibility? Of course not, but such a responsibility nonetheless obviously exists.

Unfortunately, it tends to be extremely difficult to successfully protest or oppose any policy that has always been and will likely continue to always be extremely profitable for the power elite. Because they will always hide behind the false reasoning that, because sales are always exceptional, they are merely “giving the people what they want”, it is virtually impossible to convince corporate leaders (or, more likely given that this has always been a carefully-crafted message, convince to admit) to change policy and enforce both physical and racial diversity in their advertisements. Therefore, the best that a concerned individual can do is personally boycott companies that perpetuate these myths and stereotypes, actively work to open the eyes of friends caught in the web of “normalization”, and attempt to convince friends and other women close to one’s self to also refuse to purchase from companies who are supporting patriarchy. One could also, for instance, seek legislation that demands race and body shape quotas for advertisers–if they refuse to change their ways, go over their heads and hope that legislators are not so deeply attached to these companies that they are sympathetic to the feminist cause in this instance. Either way, let us continue this fight–the worthiest causes are those in which the enemy seems strongest.

Cited:

[1] Lukas, Scott A. "Normalization." The Gender Ads Project. March 2006. 21 March 2008. <>.

A. Kelley

Blog #3 - Candies Ad

2008-03-20T19:53:00.000-04:00

The ad referenced in this article is the Hayden Panatierre ad for Candies shoes that recently came out. It is possible to view this ad at www.candies.com, however, a flash ad in will have to be downloaded, and there is no cost for that. In this series of ads Hayden is portrayed fairly covered up, but in very sexy positions and with suggestive props such as cherries for one of the pictures. In another picture, she is bent over leaning onto a chair with one foot up behind her, which is supposed to show the shoes. That picture however, gives an entirely different and sexual message to girls of how the shoes make a person sexy and seductive and even pretty. In most of these pictures, she is smiling as if to say wow these shoes are so fabulous they would make anyone happy.
I do not think this ad is necessarily offensive to women because Hayden is completely covered up and there is no part of her body showing. I do think that this ad portrays women using their sexuality to sell things which I do not agree with. The ideology of gender in this ad is the ideal that girls are supposed to look a certain way, be done up with makeup, and wear a certain type of clothing or dress. There is only one picture in which the model in wearing pants, and I think that goes along with the male ideology of women wearing dresses and skirts all the time. I don’t see this ad as sexist, but it is definitely sexy.
This ad is anti-feminist in my opinion. This girl is basically just an object for men to look at, this ad is really not about selling shoes to females other than how happy the expression on her face is. It is all about sexuality. I realize that feminists have sexuality also, but they would not agree with a woman being portrayed as a sex object for men.
The other issue of this ad is the image it portrays for young girls and women as what is sexy and in style. This girl has her hair done, makeup done, is thin and curvy and flawless. Young girls don’t realize that this girl has been airbrushed, is posing a certain way to hide certain things about her body, and is not the normal look for girls. Advertising in general affects the way girls see themselves. They look at pictures such as these and think that they want to look like this girl because this must be what normal looks like. The advertising industry has a responsibility to girls and women in this country to show images of women the way they are really built, and not just show all images of super thin gorgeous women who are fake and blond. Young girls need to be shown all different types of women and that they are all beautiful and worthy of love, not just the tiny blond Barbie looking girls.
People who don’t agree with the way advertising agencies are portraying women should protest and make changes. People could start a magazine that just promotes different shapes and sizes and colors of women and shows that they are all beautiful in their own unique way. Magazines could also write articles about all different types of women and explain their differences. There are various approaches to making changes in advertising and they are all correct.

By: Erin Harris
Womens Studies 200

Blog Entry # 3

2008-03-20T14:45:00.000-04:00

Michele Schwamberger
March 20, 2008
Womens Studies 200

To me, the woman in this ad is represented as a stripper clearly because of her risky stance and how she is portraying herself. She is a young, beautiful, very thin female trying to sell herself to men and women in general.

Her sexuality is being used to sell herself and to possibly get people interested in Las Vegas, i.e. Sin City. The company could also be trying to sell the lingerie that she is wearing. I think this advertisement is trying to reach the male dominance and it probably does a very good job reaching them. She looks very feminine and very seductive which is what the ad is supposed to represent.

To me, this ad isn’t offensive, but I can see it being offensive to other women. Some women wouldn’t want their husband or significant other or even their children seeing or viewing this advertisement and I wouldn’t want my daughter to view it. Some women and young ladies who aren’t comfortable in their own skin could look at this and think this is what they should look like. Not everyone has this body frame or can even be this thin. This ad portrays that being thin makes you beautiful and all the self-esteem issues follow. To me, this ad represents entertainment in Las Vegas.

This ad could be both feminist and anti-feminist. I think it is feminist because not only do you see women half-naked in advertisements trying to sell underwear and entertainment (stripping), you also see men advertised in underwear and also selling entertainment (stripping). It is feminist to me because both men and women are being treated equally in that both men and women advertise stripping. I think this ad could be viewed as anti-feminist because I think that consumers see more women portrayed like this than men. I tend to think that men would want to see this kind of entertainment more than women.

Yes, I believe advertising does affect body image issues for girls and women. When girls and women see this beautiful, very thin woman dressed in lingerie, they start thinking that is the “normal” body shape to have. They think “thin is in” and start to diet, etc. Some girls don’t realize that some of the bodies in these advertisements aren’t really the model’s body – it was “adjusted” to look like that. I think this plays a big role in our younger generation’s self-esteem issues. Girls should be taught that they are beautiful and to love themselves at a very young age. I think the advertising industry has been better than in the past, as now at least there are fuller figure advertisements and magazines. Not everyone can be stick skinny and bodies are supposed to be different – we are all unique.

I think that if the consumers find the ads offensive, they shouldn’t buy the item that the advertisement is selling and they should write to the companies to protest this. Unfortunately, I don’t think this would really put an end to it. It may be offensive to some, but to others it is entertainment and not offensive at all and it achieves its purpose…to market something and capture the public’s attention.

REFERENCES:
http://www.ltcconline.net/lukas/gender/stripper/pics/stripper24.jpg

Blog #3 Healthy Advertising

2008-03-19T18:48:00.001-04:00

By Michelle Rush

I think this advertisement is a great one! The woman is very healthy looking. She is not too thin or overly sexy. She is not wearing an excessive amount of makeup or seen wearing trashy lingerie. I see her as a woman in her natural state in very basic under garments. This ad should not be offensive to woman in any way. I believe Dove chose this woman for this ad because she is rather normal, ordinary even, and could be our friend or a neighbor. She also has great looking skin which is what their campaign is all about. The advertisement industry should continue to look for women like her to be seen in the ads. Seeing this woman makes me more comfortable with my own body image because this woman is not that super skinny, tight stomached, as those seen in Victoria Secret's advertisements (which happen to be very sexy and unrealistic to most of us).

References:
Cosmopolitan Magazine, April 2008.

-Michelle Rush

Blog Entry #3

2008-03-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

-Mandie Kohlenberg

This ad represents sexism and is very offensive to women. This ad shows a woman looking sexy in a bra. The idea is to show how good of a push up bra this particular one is and why you should buy it. But to state that if you wear this it will show your cleavage and then a police officer will not give you a ticket is giving the wrong idea to women and men. If you receive a ticket it is because you were doing something against the law. Wearing a sexy bra should have nothing to do with it. This ad shows that if you act and dress basically like a whore, you will get what you want. Like I said, this ad is very offensive. To show a woman looking sexy in a bra is one thing, but when you contain statements that show if you are sexy you can have a good outcome out of a bad situation is another. This is sexism.
This is ad is definitely anti-feminist. Just by this picture and statement it shows that if a woman who is not skinny and pretty and does not have bigger breasts can receive a ticket, but if you are all these things, you do not have to worry about it. Your body will get you out of trouble. It also shows a woman is about only her body. Women are the same as men and should be treated that way. They are about their brains, their beliefs, their personalities. They are much more than just sexy bodies to be used.
Advertisements like this negatively affect body image issues for girls and women. These ads condone girls to have wrong self images of themselves. They start believing they must be skinny, pretty, and sexy to be anyone in this world. This why many girls start at a young age of low self esteem, which can lead to anorexia and bulimia. For many women, these ads can affect them the same as young girls. They also affect how a woman feels in deserving a man. Many women believe if they do not have perfect bodies that they will not be able to be with a man and loved by a man. The people who make advertisements like this should think of the outcome of how it affects women before posting it. I believe they have a responsibility to promote images of women that are not sexist. For example, this advertisement would not have been offensive if it was not for the sexist statement they added to it.
I believe people should continuously write to these companies and state their opinions and tell them how they are affecting women’s self images. Giving them examples of what they can post in their ad that would not be offensive would also help these situations.

-Mandie Kohlenberg

Castle Blog 2

2008-03-03T01:02:00.000-05:00

Simone de Beauvoir was born January 9, 1908 in Paris France and died April 14, 1986. She was a philosopher, writer and feminist. Her best known work is le Deuxieme Sex (The Second Sex) published in 1949 which has been described in the Encyclopedia Britannica as a “scholarly and passionate plea for the abolition of what she called the myth of the “eternal feminine”” The Second Sex quickly became a feminist classic inspiring women of the 50’s and 60’s to look at their role in culture. Beauvoir was not discussing women finding their place in society as it is but really discussing women transforming society. Beauvoir writes about demanding improvement in women’s conditions and the end of the unjust and unequal system that oppresses women. Many women after reading her writings started to question family, motherhood and marriage. Beauvoir also discusses women’s sex lives and lack of freedoms in The Second Sex. Beauvoir never married and was very critical of the rigid attitudes towards women regarding marriage. Simone de Beauvoir did not set out to be a feminist figure and did not even identify herself as a feminist until the 70’s. By the 1970’s she was participating in demonstrations, writing and lecturing about women’s rights. She also campaigned for abortion legalization in the 1970’s. She also publically stated she had had and illegal abortion and helped other women come forward to legalize abortion. She was part of organizations that fought discrimination against women and violence in the workplace. She also worked to help rape and domestic violence survivors. Beauvoir work was placed upon the Vatican’s list of prohibited books due to its controversial nature. Beauvoir wrote about how marriage is harmful to both partners but most especially to the female.
Beauvoir was a role model for women that also wanted to reject the notion of marriage and motherhood. She had a long and open relationship with the philosopher Jean Paul Sartre. She was also a role model in her commitment to intellectual pursuits and helping the feminist agenda.
I had heard of Simone de Beauvoir due to a philosophy class. I had no idea she was a feminist and was interested to read more about her and her life. I wish I had more time as The Second Sex seems like a book that would be fascinating to read.
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Simone de Beauvoir by Shannon Mussett. Includes a bibliography of her work in English translation.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Simone de Beauvoir by Debra Bergoffen. Extensive bibliography.
Website de Claudine Monteil, writer and women’s rights specialist who built a long friendship with Simone de Beauvoir.
Guardian Books "Author Page", with profile and links to further articles.
An article by Finnish local libary of Kuusankoski.
Stand By Your Man: The strange liaison of Sartre and Beauvoir, by Louis Menand. The New Yorker.
The Second Sex: Significant Other.
The Journal of French Philosophy - the online home of the Bulletin de la Société Américaine de Philosophie de Langue Française
Beauvoir before Beauvoir - An article by Philippe Sollers (fr.)
English Translation online- The Ethics of Ambiguity.
Murray, Jenni (22 January 2008). Simone de Beauvoir. Woman's Hour. BBC Radio 4.

EMI KOYAMA

2008-02-23T16:18:00.000-05:00

The assignment to research and write about a woman who is making a difference in feminism and women's equality was eagerly anticipated by myself. However, after choosing someone that I never heard of (Emi Koyama) and then after attempting to find out more about her, I realized hat I didn't get very far! There is minimal information about her or at least I didn't find the typical facts and bios one would after inquiring, especially after putting in her name up in the internet search site and then numerous websites showed up.

Here is what I did find out: First, there is no past biography for this still living activist. She (and I'm assuming she is a SHE) currently lives in Portland, Oregon and according to her own words located on her own website: www.eminism.org she is a "multi-issue social justice slut, syn hesizing feminist, Asian, survivor, dyke, queer, sex worker, intersex, genderqueer..." and crip political activist! Whoa, this person even goes on to say she "does not identify with any particular gender...." Now, having quoted her own words, that leads me to explain what she does and how she became known, which I guess may qualify her for being a contributing factor to feminism and women's equality, however, after reading all the information that she is disseminating, I believe she is more a human activist than anything else!

Emi Koyama currently is the director of the Intersex Initiative which is an Oregon based national activist and advocacy organization for people born with intersex conditions. Most of you won't know what are intersex conditions so let me define them: Using the text from the www.intersexinitiative.org website, it is the disorder of sex development (also know as DSD) which refers to a series of medical conditions in which a child's genetic sex (chromosomes) and phenotypic sex (genitalsdo not match or are somehow different from the 'standard' male or female. Before she began her organization, she worked for the Intersex Society of North America from 2001 - 2002 where she worked as an intern and then as a staff activist. She considers herself a third wave feminist who gives presentations to colleges and other organizations and to private groups as well.

I believe Emi Koyama has contributed to feminism in a very simple but dedicated way. She is being an independent activist who has lived through some of these experiences (she doesn't tell us which ones) and who creates website entries, does independent research and goes even farther by creating her own words that relate to the issue of intersex conditions and transgender issues, queers, etc. Her website www.eminism.org originated by her use of 'emi' - which is her name and adds it to the word feminism. She also is responsible for the 'whore revolution' which was created after responding to an anti-prostitution feminist. According to Koyama, "the whore revolution will fight violence and oppression at every level, including economic violence and the violence by the state or by international organizations, because violence and oppression diminish our options," from A Conversation with Dr. A: A Sex Work Activist Takes on An Academic Feminist.

I believe she opens doors for women and men in areas of sexual identification and orientation and more deeply through the DSD (devlopment of sexual disorders). She has opened dialogue and also shows various class, gender and ethnic groups the controversial issues of DSD or intersex, prostitution, oppression and transsexual, transgender and transfeminism problems.

Emi Koyama has already taught me something that I knew nothing about. I had never heard of intersex issues and variation of XX and Y chromsomes in people. The fact that 1 in 2000 people are born with a type of this condition (either visibly noticeable at birth OR later on in their life) was a real eye opener for me.

The following websites were use for obtaining this information:
www.intersexinitiative.org
www.eminism.org
www.isna.org
An interesting link about theoretical credibility rankings which ranked Emi Koyama's credibility as an 'organization/VIP/other with ONE star verses FIVE stars can be found at:
www.prostitutionprocon.org

Kim Seder
Women's Studies 200

Alice Walker Blog 2

2008-02-22T21:28:00.001-05:00

Alice Walker was a feminist writer born in Georgia, on February 4, 1944. She was one of eight children, and grew up on a farm. Alice became blind in one eye when she was very young when her brother accidentally shot her in the eye. This made growing up very different for her, as she had to acclimate to a brand new lifestyle. She has stated in books that she never felt as if she fit in, in her home town. After high school she went on to college and graduate school. She was the first woman to partake in an inter-racial marriage.

Alice is most highly known for winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, in 1983, for her novel The Color Purple. She has also won numerous other prizes for her writing excerpts. She has not only set the stage for women in writing, but she has also shown other African-American woman that they can do many things. She fought for her right for marriage as well as her right to write freely about taboo subjects.

I have never heard of this woman, but I was very glad that I chose her. I have seen the movie story of her book, but never really knew the background behind it. It is amazing to see women doing great things and rising above their struggles. She was an inspiration to me and I’m sure many others.

Further studies:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Walker#Early_life

www.luminarium.org/contemporary/alicew

www.womenshistory.about.com/od/alicewalker/a/alice_walker.htm

bell hooks

2008-02-22T18:11:00.000-05:00

bell hooks

by Aaron Ashba

bell hooks, the African-American, feminist and author was born on September 25th, 1952 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Her birth name is Gloria Jean Watkins under her parents Veodis and Rosa Bell Watkins. As a young girl, she knew she wanted to be a writer and set a goal to become one. After high school in 1973, hooks enrolled at Stanford University and obtained a B.A. in English. In 1976, she earned her master's degree in English from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Later, she became a teacher and served as an English professor and as a senior lecturer in ethnic studies at the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles until 1979. She is still alive and well today. After several years of teaching and writing, she completed her doctorate from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1983. She is alive and well today.

In her eventful and productive life, her thoughts and written words have touched the lives of many women, especially in the Black community. Her books and articles have focused on the interconnectivity of race, class, and gender and their ability to produce overcome oppression and domination. In her career, hooks has published over thirty books and several articles. She has also appeared in several documentary films and participated in various public lectures with topics ranging from postmodern feminism, race, class and gender in education, art, history, sexuality and mass media. The name “bell hooks” was actually her pen name she took in the late 70s. While teaching at the University of Southern California, Golemics of Los Angeles released her first published work titled "And There We Wept" in 1978. Basically, the name was a combination of her mother and grandmother. She uses it only in lowercase. According to her, the name's unconventional lowercasing signifies what is most important in her works: the "substance of books, not who I am." Hooks has held positions as Professor of African and Afro-American Studies and English at Yale University, Distinguished Lecturer of English Literature at the City College of New York and Associate Professor of Women’s Studies and American Literature at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio.

Along with teaching a several colleges and universities in the early 80s while in California, South End Press (Boston) published her first major work, “Ain’t I a Woman?: Black Women and Feminism in 1981”. Decades after its publication, it has gained widespread recognition as an influential contribution to postmodern feminist thought. Ain’t I a Woman? opened the door to recurring topics she would discuss in her later work, such as the historical impact of sexism and racism on black women, devaluation of black womanhood, media roles and portrayal, the education system, the "white supremacist capitalist patriarchy", the marginalization of black women; and the disregard for issues of race and class within feminism. Since the publication of Ain’t I a Woman?, she became a strong liberal, postmodern political thinker and one of women's most cultural critic. Her voice attracts to many different topics and was able to use many various media outlets to spread her word. Besides her book publications and articles, she has provide many lectures and appears in various documentaries and news productions such as CSPAN. Hooks gave a controversial commencement speech in 2002 at Southwestern University. Rather than taking the congratulatory mode to the students, she spoke of government-sanctioned violence and oppression, causing a ruckus amongst students and parents, such to the tune of parents refusing to donate money to the university. Her work has been an example of not only her life experiences and personal views on the societal views or race, gender, culture and total harmony of its mutual existence, she has provided inspiration and a voice to all women to open their eyes to reality and also how to embrace the fact of womanly traits and intelligence. She has stood and faced patriarchy and overcome the challenges of those issues in her own life to inspire other women and people alike to do the same in a responsible way.

As part of our reading assignments this semester, we had to read "Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics" (2000), as this was my first introduction to bell hooks. Not knowing her prior to the reading gave me a , but now after her book and this assignment, I have enjoyed learning about her life and can respect her views and opinions she has so passionately expressed in many different outlets. As I move on toward obtaining another degree and facing challenges in life, I can appreciate everything hooks has accomplished with the utmost respect outside of her views on feminism.

References:

http://www.allaboutbell.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/

http://www.notablebiographies.com/

Aaron Ashba

Madame C.J.Walker (JamelaTemple)

2008-02-22T16:07:00.000-05:00

Madame C.J. Walker

Birth: December 23, 1867
Death: May 25, 1919

Madame C.J. Walker was born Sarah Breedlove on December 23, 1867. She had one sister and 4 brothers. When she was 7 yrs old, her parents died of Yellow Fever. She and her sister moved to Vicksgurg, Mississippi in 1878 where they took up employment as maids. She got married at the age of 14 to Moses McWilliams, and they had a daughter, A'Leila Walker. She got married two additional times, one ending with her being a widow and the other in divorce.

Madame C.J. Walker is known for inventing hair and scalp products for African-American women. She herself suffered from a scalp condition that made her hair fall out. She was criticized by others for trying to make African-American women's hair look more like that of a white woman's, but she said that her products were made to help African-American women hair grow and be healthy. Her hair products were sold all over the country. She had a beauty training school for two years in Pittsburgh called the Leile College for Walker Hair Culturists.She is known as the first African-American woman millionaire, and some think that she was the first woman millionaire.

She was an inspiration to women everywhere. She understood that women wanted to know how she became so successful, so while she lectured about her products, she also empowered women to start businesses. She was interested in empowering woman and showing/telling them that they could do what she was doing. One of her famous quotes were "I got myself a start by giving myself a start."

Madame C.J. Walker was also a Civil Rights advocate. After the East St. Louis riots in 1917, she committed herself to making lynching a federal crime. She was a keynote speaker at NAACP anti-lynching events. She donated large amounts of money to the NAACP lynching events and also, later on in her life, supported black schools, individuals, YWCA's, orphanages and more.

The only thing I knew about Madame C.J. Walker was that she invented the "perm" for black women. I didn't know that she was a civil rights activist and that she helped so many different organizations. I think that I can learn from her hard work and determination. She never gave up, and she was not "stingy" with her earnings or her time; she gave back and did her part to make sure that she helped people coming after her along.

There are many resources, books and websites devoted to Ms. Walker. She has a website www.madamecjwalker.com that gives her complete biography.

Blog #2 - Betty Friedan

2008-02-22T16:02:00.000-05:00

Stevie R. Bowling
Blog #2 – Betty Friedan
February 22, 2008
Womens Studies 200
Professor Joelle Ryan

On February 4, 1921, Betty Naomi Friedan (Goldenburg) was born in Peoria, Illinois. She attended school there in town where she instantly became interested in writing columns for her school newspaper. After high school graduation in 1938, Friedan went on to attend Smith College (an all female university) to major in Psychology. She excelled academically to win scholarships and still continued to publish her poems and writing samples in the college publications which helped her work her way up to editior-in-chief of the Smith College newspaper. A few years later, Friedan graduated near the top of her class in 1942 and continued on to graduate school at the University of California at Berkely where she worked with re-knowned psychologist Erik Erikson, but later turned down the opportunity to receive her PhD and that was the end of her academic career. She married Carl Friedman in 1947, but later divorced in 1969. They had three children together. Betty Friedan passed away on her 85th birthday on February 4, 2006 due to congestive heart failure.

After leaving UC-Berkeley in 1944, Friedan went on to work as a journalist for a few different publications that included The Federated Press and the United Electric Workers – UE News. Friedan claims that she was fired from the UE News in 1952 because she was pregnant with her second child, but many claim that statement was untrue and it is still unclear to many why she was fired. Friedan left the UE News and became a free-lance writer for a handful of magazines that even included the popular women’s magazine Cosmopolitan. Friedan was very interested in hearing about the lives of women and if they were truly satisified with their current lives and their experiences.

In 1963 Friedan accomplished a huge goal when she published what many refer to as the “Second Wave” of Feminism titled The Feminine Mystique. Friedan wrote about the lives of those women who took on the homemaker role and feel trapped in their lives for they never take on the role of a working citizen who could also keep a family. She discussed many psychological theories of psychologists like Freud and offererd answers to those women who wanted to move on with their lives and get an education and a job while still tending to their family. Her book was a huge best seller and many give credit it to her book for sparking up the women’s movement.

Not only did Friedan’s book The Feminine Mystique contribute to women’s rights and feminism, she also wrote books titled The Second Stage and The Fountain of Age which educated those on the issues that women face and their fight for equal rights and freedoms. Betty Friedan is credited for co-founding “NOW” the National Organization for Women and “NARAL” National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws for she was an advocate for legal abortion. Friedan was also a lead supporter of the lesbian community when she seconded the motion supporting lesbian rights at the Women’s Conference which Dr. Jocelynne A. Scutt described this as “a defining moment for the U.S. Women's Movement, for lesbian rights, and for Betty Friedan” (Wikipedia 1)

Betty Friedan contributed to feminism and the women’s rights in so many ways and made such a huge impact on those women who were struggling with the lives they were living. Not only did Friedan publish books that opened the eyes of feminists out there, she inspired so many with all of the different organizations she founded and worked for.

In high school, we researched the impact theat Friedan had on so many in my American government class senior year. We discussed feminism and those who stood out during the women’s movement and Friedan was one of them. After researching more on Friedan I am thankful for the differences that she has made in my life although I may not always realize it. With her guidance, so many women achieved great things which all have led up to the rights and freedoms that I have today at 20 years old.

Resources:
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Friedan
National Women’s Hall of Fame
http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php?action=viewone&id=62
American Writers
http://www.americanwriters.org/writers/friedan.asp
Books written by Betty Friedan
The Feminine Mystique (1963)
It Changed My Life (1976)
The Second Stage (1981)
The Fountain of Age (1993)
Beyond Gender (1997)
Life So Far (2000)

Helen Keller

2008-02-22T15:59:00.000-05:00

Shayna Gray

Helen Keller was a deaf/blind American author, activist, and lecturer. She was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama on June 21st, 1880. She was not born deaf and blind, but when she was 19 months old she came down with an illness, which is known today as scarlet fever or meningitis, that left her unable to see and hear. Helen lived with her mother and father until 1887 when she met Anne Sullivan, a woman who helped change Helen’s bad behaviors, taught her sign language, how to read braille, and other basic skills. Helen became famous because she was promoted in articles as “a phenomenon”. In 1896, Keller attended Cambridge School for Young Ladies and then enrolled in Radcliffe College in 1900. She was the first deaf/blind person to enter into and graduate from a higher education. Upon graduation, she began to write books and travel the world to lecture and campaign for women’s suffrage, worker’s rights, and socialism. She also spent the remaining years of her life helping other deaf and blind individuals. On June 1, 1968, Helen Keller passed away in Arcan Ridge in Westport, Connecticut.

Helen Keller had many accomplishments throughout her life. She wrote books, lectured, inspired others, and campaigned for important issues. Some of her accomplishments include: learning to write, read and speak as a deaf/blind individual; graduation from Radcliffe College; worked for American Federation for the Blind; published “The Story of My Life in 1903; wrote a groundbreaking article for The Ladies’ Home Journal in 1907; published “The World I Live In” in 1908; published “Out of the Dark” in 1913; donated money to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1917; help found the American Civil Liberties Union in 1918; published “Midstream: My Later Life” in 1929; published “Teacher” in 1955; awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964; and was elected into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 1965.

Helen Keller also contributed to feminism and eradicated oppression and discrimination in many ways. In 1909, she became a socialist and suffragist and traveled the world campaigning for women’s suffrage. In 1912, she publicly spoke out in favor of birth control and following in 1914, she confirmed with Women’s Peace Party for peace in Europe. She also campaigned for worker’s rights and in 1916 supported the Industrial Workers of the World. To fight against discrimination, she fought for freedom of speech with the American Civil Liberties Union, which she helped find. I think she helped open doors for other women because she was a women, despite her handicaps, who fought for what she wanted and knew others deserved. Her courage and determination helped and can continue to help inspire other woman around the world to do the same.

I first heard of Helen Keller in grade school. We read her first book “The Story of My Life” in 5th grade for English. I remember after reading the book, I was inspired by her success as both a woman and a deaf/blind individual, and later did research for other classes in middle school and high school. I believe she has contributed to teaching me that anything is possible if you are willing to work hard despite any obstacles you may run into. I have also realized how lucky I am to have the ability to see and hear. I think many people, especially myself, take little things such as vision and hearing for granted. And to hear a story like Helen Keller’s, makes me appreciate these things even more. I think the story of Helen Keller can help contribute to my success just because its inspiring and encourages me to work harder for what I want regardless of what people tell me and regardless of any obstacles that may cross my path.

Resources for further study:
Books/Articles
“The Story of My Life” by Helen Keller
“Helen and Teacher: The Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Macy” by Joseph Lash
“Helen Keller, Prodigy” by Edward Wagenknecht
“Notable Women in American History” by Lynda Adamson
Films
Deliverance (1919)
The Miracle Worker (1962)
Websites
www.wikipedia.org
http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_keller.hcsp
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001091.shtml
http://thefci.syr.edu/6-4she.htm

Audre Lorde

2008-02-22T14:15:00.000-05:00

Jennifer McKenna

Born Audrey Geraldine Lorde (though she later dropped the “y” in her first name) on February 18th, 1934, Lorde was the daughter of West Indian immigrants from Granada. She grew up in Harlem, although she recalled her parents’ frequent desire to return to their native Caribbean. She did not speak until she was five years old; afterward, she remembers speaking in poetry. She found written poems around the age of twelve, but was unable to find ones that expressed how she felt, prompting her to write her own. Her parents did not encourage her in her writing, but Lorde had her first poem published when she was fifteen. The poem, written about her first love affair with a boy who attended the Roman Catholic high school with her, was deemed by her teacher “too romantic”. When the school refused to print it in its literary journal, Lorde sent it to Seventeen magazine.
After high school, Lorde went to Hunter College, where she would later hold the renowned post of Thomas Hunter Chair of Literature. She supported herself with low-paying jobs. She eventually continued her education at Columbia University, earning her master’s degree in library science. Lorde worked as a librarian while honing her poetry and married attorney Edward Ashley Rollins. The couple was married for eight years and had two children, Elizabeth and Jonathon. In 1968, what Lorde termed the turning point of her life, she quit her job as head librarian at the University of New York and accepted the position of poet-in-residence at Tougaloo College in Jacksonville, Mississippi. Here she was able to see the violent response to the civil rights movement, which inspired her dedication to use her artistic talents to seek social justice. Here also she met her lifelong companion, Frances Clayton. Later that year her first book of poetry, The First Cities, was published. Lorde would go on to write more than twelve volumes on poetry and six books of prose.
Lorde described herself as “Black lesbian, mother, warrior, poet”. Though not all of her work was political in nature, she opened doors for many women, co-founding the Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press, establishing coalitions between Afro-German and Afro-Dutch women, beginning the St Croix Women’s Coalition, and forming the Sisterhood in Support of Sister in South Africa. She campaigned for the rights of black women, the value of black culture, and the advancement of the gay and lesbian movement, working as editor of Chrysalis, the lesbian journal. She died on November 17th, 1992, after a long battle with breast cancer.
Although I had never before heard of her, Lorde was the recipient of several awards and accolades. She was New York State’s Poet Laureate and received a great deal of recognition for her literary accomplishments, including the 1974 National Book Award nomination. Her commitment to the causes she believed in and her insistence on being true to herself, even at a time when a black lesbian was not accepted.
Audre Lorde resources:
www.emory.edu/ENGLISH/Bahri/RYAN.HTML
www.lambda.net/~maximum/lorde.html
http://voices.cla.umn.edu/vg/Bios/entries/lorde_audre.html
http://www.uic.edu/depts/quic/history/audre_lorde.html
Memoirs: “Zami: A New Spelling of My Name” and “The Cancer Journals”
Award-winning book: “A Burst of Light”
Movie: “A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde”

Jennifer McKenna

Helen Keller - by Carla Bertoldi

2008-02-22T13:45:00.000-05:00

Helen Keller was born on June 27th, 1880, in a small town in Alabama. What makes her extra ordinary is the fact that at the age of 19th months she suffered from something that may have been scarlet fever. The illness left her blind and deaf. Keller did not let this make her give up on opportunities that most children and women have had. She was the first blind-deaf women to graduate from college. She attended Radcliffe College and graduated in 1904.
Upon her college graduation Keller devoted her life to writing and public speaking. She wanted to serve as an inspiration to women. She fought for those with disabilities, she supported birth control, and she supported women’s suffrage. President Lyndon B. Johnson even awarded her the President Medal of Freedom for all achievements and for making a difference in the lives of others. At the age of 87, on June 1st, 1968 Helen Keller.
In her long life of 87 years, I truly believe Helen Keller touched the lives of many people and I think her legacy still does today. Although she wrote and was an activist for many causes. Her own life story and her persistent struggle, and the fact that she refused to give up, and overcame all obstacles are what make her so accomplished. Overcoming her disability was her greatest accomplishment. The fact that she inspired others makes her personal accomplishment even more powerful.
Helen Keller was an advocate of many causes. She supported the American Foundation for the Blind. Was a socialist and supported equal suffrage. Favored the feminist pro choice views, and supported birth control use. Was a member of the Women’s Peace Party. She also supported the NAACP and helped found the American Civil Liberties Union. She fought for both the rights of the disables, and civil rights in general (this includes both rights base on race and feminism).
At an early age I read about Helen Keller. Even since then I have been interested in her life, not just because of her feminist actions, but because I can personally relate to they type of person she is. My mother suffers from a degenerative disease that will eventually leave her both blind and deaf. My mother to me is a real life hero, because she is living her life, overcoming a devastating disability, and she does it with the kindness heart. Due to my mother I have always admired Helen Keller. I learned that she was more of an activist than for just disability and I think this makes her even more admirable. She has taught the world that nothing should hold us back from living the life we dream to live.
For further information and resources used on Helen Keller please see:

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/17_01/Kell171.shtml

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Keller

http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_keller.hcsp

2008-02-22T09:42:00.000-05:00

Andrea Dworkin
By: M Volz

Andrea Dworkin is most known for her role as a speaker, writer, and activist in the feminist anti-pornography movement. Andrea was born on September 26, 1946 in Camden, New Jersey. Her father was a socialist, whom she credits for encouraging her passion of social justice. Her mother was a big believer in birthcontrol and legal abortion, this lead to Andrea’s later activism. When she was nine years old she was molested by an unknown man in a movie theatre. She began writing as far back as sixth grade.

In 1965, while a student at Bennington College, she was arrested while taking part in a protest, and sent to Women’s House of Detention. Andrea later testified that the doctors in the House of Detention had given her an internal examination that led her to remain bleeding for days. An indictment was not made in the case, but her testimony contributed to the public’s fight of the maltreatment of inmates, and the House of Detention was closed within seven years.

After graduating college in 1969 she moved to Amsterdam. Soon after moving there, she met a guy, and they married. Once they were married, her husband began abusing her, hitting her, and slamming her head into the floor until she was knocked unconscious. Andrea left her husband in 1971. The next year she tried to raise money to return to the United States. In this period of time, her ex-husband stalked her, and was still after her to beat her. She lived like a fugitive, was often homeless, and even had to be a prostitute for a while. Ricki Abrams, a feminist, offered Andrea a safe house to stay to hide from her husband while trying to raise the money needed for the plane ticket. Ricki introduced Andrea to American feminist writing, and Andrea was very inspired. Andrea and Ricki began writing their own book together.

Andrea made a deal with a guy to help smuggle some heroin for $1000 and a plane ticket. The deal ended up falling through, but the man gave her the plane ticket anyways. Andrea moved back to the United States. Before leaving Amsterdam, Andrea had a convorsation with Ricki where she promised to finish their book, and also vowed to dedicate her life to the feminist movement.

Andrea published her first book Woman Hating in 1974, the book she began writing with Ricki. Living in New York, Andrea worked as an anti-war organizer, taking part in demonstrations, debates, and becoming well known as a speaker. She made a speech at the very first Take Back The Night march in 1978.

On January 22, 1986, Dworkin testified for half an hour before the Attorney General's Commission on Pornography in New York City.

Andrea went on to write and publish a total of ten books, made numerous speeches, and wrote many articles. She believed that pornography lead to rape and other violence against women.

Andrea died in her sleep April 9, 2005.

I have never heard of Andrea Dworkin before doing this research. I think she is a woman that everyone needs to hear about. I want to go out and buy a few of her books tomorrow. I’ve been very interested latley in the study of pornography and it’s effects, so Andrea was the perfect woman for me to research.

Resources for further study:
All done by Andrea Dworkin

Nonfiction:
Heartbreak: The Political Memoir of a Feminist Militant (2002) ISBN 0-465-01754-1

Scapegoat: The Jews, Israel, and Women's Liberation (2000) ISBN 0-684-83612-2

Life and Death: Unapologetic Writings on the Continuing War Against Women (1997) ISBN 0-684-83512-6

In Harm’s Way: The Pornography Civil Rights Hearings (with Catharine MacKinnon, 1997) ISBN 0-674-44579-1

Right-Wing Women: The Politics of Domesticated Females (1991) ISBN 0-399-50671-3

Letters from a War Zone: Writings (1988) ISBN 1-55652-185-5 ISBN 0-525-24824-2 ISBN 0-436-13962-6

Pornography and Civil Rights: A New Day for Women's Equality (1988) ISBN 0-9621849-0-XIntercourse (1987) ISBN 0-684-83239-9

Pornography—Men Possessing Women (1981) ISBN 0-399-50532-6

Our Blood: Prophesies and Discourses on Sexual Politics (1976) ISBN 0-399-50575-X ISBN 0-06-011116-X

Woman Hating: A Radical Look at Sexuality (Dutton, 1974) ISBN 0-452-26827-3 ISBN 0-525-48397-7

Fiction and Poetry
Mercy (1990, ISBN 0-941423-88-3)
Ice and Fire (1986, ISBN 0-436-13960-X)
The New Woman's Broken Heart: Short Stories (1980, ISBN 0-9603628-0-0)
Morning Hair (self-published, 1968)
Child (1966) (Heraklion, Crete, 1966)

A few good books by other authors:

Brownmiller, Susan (1999). In Our Time: Memoir of a Revolution (ISBN 0-385-31486-8).

Strossen, Nadine, Defending Pornography: Free Speech, Sex, and the Fight for Women's Rights (ISBN 0-8147-8149-7). New York University Press, 2000. (First edition New York: Scribner, 1995).

Websites:
http://www.andreadworkin.com/
http://www.nostatusquo.com/ACLU/dworkin/OnlineLibrary.html
http://www.andreadworkin.net/memorial/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Dworkin
http://www.britannica.com/women/article-9124959

M. Volz

Billie Jean King

2008-02-22T08:16:00.000-05:00

written by Annette Parson

Billie Jean King was born on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California. A natural athlete, she began playing tennis at the age of eleven and, by the age of fifteen played in her first Grand Slam tournament at the U.S. Championships, losing in the first round. In her tennis career, she went on to win twenty Wimbledon, four U.S Open, and three World Team Tennis Championships, and is considered by many to be the greatest woman athlete of her time.

Billie Jean grew up in an era when tennis was generally considered an elitist game, because access to quality courts and instruction were usually only available with a country club membership. Her father a firefighter, and her mother a homemaker, Billie Jean learned to play on the public courts of the city of Long Beach. For that reason alone, her tennis career could be considered remarkable, but it is what she accomplished for women on and off the courts that in the final analysis outshines her success as a tennis champion.

King was a professional tennis player, who as a woman earned less for a major win than the men. When she won a major title in 1971, she earned $15,000 less than the men’s champion. In 1972, King declared she would not play the following season unless the women’s winnings were equal to the men. The following year, the U.S. Open became the first tournament where there was equal prize money for both genders.

One of the most famous events in tennis was the so called “Battle of the Sexes”. More a publicity stunt than anything else, this was a match played in 1973 between King and male tennis pro Bobby Riggs. Riggs was a tennis star in the 1940’s, at one time seeded the #1 player for three years. At the time of the match Riggs was 55 years old, and King was 30. In a televised match, King beat Riggs in straight sets. It was a major sensation, and is considered to have brought more interest to women’s tennis than any one event or any female tennis star up to that time. To the general public, especially many girls and young women, the win by King against a male tennis pro was an empowering event.

Off the courts, King testified before Congress in support of Title IX, which became a federal law prohibiting sexual discrimination in educational programs and activities, this including equity in sports, for any educational institution that received federal funds. She was also instrumental in supporting and promoting the first women’s tennis tour, known as the Virginia Slims. In 1973, King was the first president of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), a women’s players union, and in 1974, she founded the Women’s Sports Foundation to “advance the lives of girls and women through sport and physical activity”. She is currently still very involved in the foundation.

King opened doors for women in many ways. In her playing days, she refused to be relegated to the second tier in terms of earnings, and it is directly attributable to her that to this day women’s prize money in tennis is equal to the men. She realized that Title IX was important in providing equal opportunities for girls in education and sport, and supported that belief through her testimony in Washington. What King can teach us is to believe in oneself, don’t accept second best, and more importantly, pay it forward.

In 1990 Billie Jean King was named one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” by Life magazine.

Resources for further study:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billie_Jean_King
http://www.billiejeanking.com/
http://www.hbo.com/events/billiejeanking/index.html
http://www.myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=bjking_06
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Battle_of_the_Sexes
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=f957-IG2HckC&dq=tennis+trailblazer&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=jFSGAlMtgO&sig=iWOXSQnsgP87-Ut8ft1nBv8q-9s
Book by Joanne Lannin, Billie Jean King: Tennis Trailblazer

Alice Walker

2008-02-22T00:54:00.000-05:00

written by Brittany Michels

Alice Walker was born on February 9, 1944. She is known for being an American author and feminist. Her most popular book was her nationally acclaimed and Pulitzer Prize-winning book, called The Color Purple. She was the first African American woman to win this award. The book was a semi-autobiography of her life and also spoke of her struggle with Lyme disease.

Alice was born, the eighth child of sharecroppers, in Eatonton, Georgia. She has many lineages. At a young age, she was blinded in one of her eyes by her brother's BB gun shot. Her experiences growing up showed her that life is full of fluidity and is ever-changing. She saw that there was freedom and began to fight to see that she could have it.

In 1965, Walker graduated from College. She had attended both Spelman College, in Atlanta, as well as Sarah Lawrence College, in New York. After graduation, she moved to Mississippi and became involved in voter registration drives, campaigns for welfare rights, and children's programs. She later married a Jewish civil rights lawyer and became the first legally-married inter-racial couple in Mississippi. This followed harrassment and threats. She also had a daughter in 1969, but divorced eight years later.

While Walker stopped writing when she was working in Mississippi, she resumed when she joined Ms. Magazine in the late 1970s. She moved to northern California at that time. She had much success with book writing from that point on. Her first book of poetry, though, was written while she was a senior in College.

Her works focused primarily on the African American woman's struggle in a racist and patriarchal society. She is respected by many because of her support of unpopular views.

In 2006, she was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

References:
wikipedia.com
luminarium.org
womenshistory.about.com

2008-02-21T21:20:00.000-05:00

Sojourner Truth (Isabella Baumfree): by Caroline R

Sojourner Truth was an American abolitionist and women’s rights activist who was born in 1797 and died on November 26, 1883. She was one of thirteen children, born in Swartekill, New York. She was born into slavery on the Hardenbergh estate, after her owner’s death her family was sold to his son. From 1806 to 1810 she was sold several times to many different abusive men. Then in 1815 she fell in love with a slave from a farm nearby, his name was Robert. He was beaten by his owner because of his relationship with Truth; they never saw each other again. In 1817 Sojourner was forced to marry a slave named Thomas, together they had five children.

1826 was when Truth finally found freedom. She escaped slavery with her infant daughter. She came across Issac and Maria Van Wagenen, a Quaker family who took her and her baby in. She lived with this family for a year, until New York’s Emancipation Act was legal. Living with the Quakers brought about many life changing events. She learned that her eight year old son was sold illegally to an owner in Alabama. The Quakers helped her take the issue to court and she eventually won back her son. She also became a Christian and in 1829 she was able to move to New York City and work as a housekeeper.

On June 1, 1843 she changed her name to Sojourner Truth from Isabella Baumfree, she left the city to travel and preach about abolition. In 1844 she joined the North Hampton Association of Education and Industry in Massachusetts, this organization supported women’s rights. She met many influential people while in the group, including William Lloyd Garrison, who later published her memoirs. After living with the group for a few years she moved back to New York and continued work as a housekeeper, and was soon able to purchase her own home in Northampton.

In 1851 she left her home to join George Thompson, an abolitionist speaker and dedicated her life telling her story. She delivered her famous speech, “Ain’t I a Woman,” throughout the country, and at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention. At one speech someone accused her of being a man; she opened her blouse and revealed her breasts. She later moved to Battle Creek, Michigan. During the Civil War she helped recruit black troops for the Union Army. In 1864 she took a job with the National Freedman’s Relief Association in Washington D.C.; she also met President Abraham Lincoln. In 1865 she rode in street cars to help force desegregation. Throughout 1870 she worked on a project that secured land grants for former slaves, she pursued this for seven years without success. In 1872 she tried to vote and was turned away.
Throughout Sojourner Truth’s life she spoke about abolition, prison reform and women’s rights. Not everyone welcomed her preaching but she had the support of many influential people. She proved to other women that they too could make a life for themselves and escape the imprisonment of being an African American woman in this time period. Her final words were, “Be a follower of the Lord Jesus.”

Yes, I remember learning about Sojourner Truth in grade school when we studied slavery. After reading Truth’s biography I see how important it is to stand up for what you believe in. There are several events and issues in our world that will affect our lives dramatically, we have the opportunity to speak out for what we believe, and we never know whose life we may change by doing so.

Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Northern Slave, Sojourner Truth: A Life, A Symbol and The Lifework of Sojourner Truth are books about her life.

Wilma Mankiller

2008-02-21T14:25:00.001-05:00

A. Kelley

Assignment for February 22, 2008

Wilma Mankiller was born November 18, 1945 in Tahlequa, Oklahoma, the land of her forefathers dating back to Oklahoma’s statehood and almost certainly back to the forced relocation of the Cherokee to the Indian Territory in the 1830s. Her interest in Indian Activism dates back to the 1960s when, roughly a decade after her family was forcibly relocated by the Department of Indian Affairs to San Francisco, the Indian rights movement gripped California and resulted in such spectacles as the famous protest-based Alcatraz Occupation. She returned to her native Cherokee lands in 1977, where she achieved a job with the tribe administration and did social work for the Cherokee people, making real differences such as her attainment of grants to assist the Cherokee in their agricultural endeavors. Her successes caught the attention of Ross Swimmer, the then-chief of the Cherokee who appointed her as his deputy chief in 1983. When Swimmer stepped down in 1985, Mankiller became the first female chief, not only of the Cherokee, but of any Indian tribe up unto that point. She was elected to the position outright in election of 1987, and served until 1995, in which time she continued her previous policies from her times in lower-level administrative positions and accomplished her goals of working toward the betterment of the lives of the Cherokee, working toward economic self-sufficiency for the tribe, creating the CNCDD (Cherokee Nation Community Development Demartment) and remained dedicated to social issues within the tribe such as better schools, higher-paying occupations, and better health care. Her successes are reflected in the 300% increase in enrollment in the Cherokee nation during her ten-year tenure. After her retirement from the position of chief, Mankiller has remained an activist for both Indian and Women’s issues.

Mankiller used her life to contribute to feminism by being yet another inspiring example of women breaking barriers and proving themselves to be excellent leaders. Even more importantly, she demonstrated that tradition and women’s equality can be reconciled. Her rise to the position of chief did not go unscathed—she faced harsh resistance from the more traditional segments of the Cherokee population who feared that a female leader would destroy balance between the sexes, some even going to the extent of attempting to menace and intimidate her through slashed tires and death threats. Her resounding success as chief erased any doubts as to the capability of a woman to lead in a traditional setting. Also through her leadership she contributed to the eradication of oppression and discrimination, not just for women but for all Cherokee, whose history is a tragic one of neglect and abuse by the federal government. She decided that the only way that the Cherokee would ever lead better lives would be if they took their lives into their own hands, and began instituting social policies at the tribal level rather than waiting for assistance from apathetic outside sources.

I’ve briefly heard of Wilma Mankiller previous to this biography due to the recent social focus on American diversity spilling over into school textbooks. If memory serves, she is often listed as one of the most important American Indians of the twentieth century along with Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Jim Thorpe, and others. Although I had the impression from her simultaneous status in two different oppressed groups (women and Native Americans) that hers would be a story of breaking down prejudice and barriers, it’s good to see specifically what she accomplished as chief of the Cherokee. As for what she can teach me in my own life, any story that involves an individual rising from humble origins to become a leader and a benefactor to their people is inspiring in an age where it increasingly appears as if America is slipping from democracy to plutocracy at all levels of government. Mankiller shows what good can happen when people are put in power based on character rather than power and influence, and I find that motivating in the face of all the other current issues relating to power, how it is attained, and what is done with it once attained that so easily have the power to disillusion.

Resources for further information on this subject:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilma_Mankiller article on Wikipedia

Online biographies at:

Biography.com http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=214109
Great Women http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php?action=viewone&id=104
Powersource http://www.powersource.com/gallery/people/wilma.html

Offline information: biographical texts, et cetera:

By Wilma Mankiller:

Mankiller: A Chief and Her People (1999)

Every Day is a Good Day: Reflections of Contemporary Indigenous Women (2004)

By others:

Wilma Mankiller: Chief of the Cherokee Nation by Pamela Dell (2006)

Beloved Women: The Lives of Ladonna and Wilma Mankiller by Sarah Eppler Janda (2007)

A. Kelley

Hillary Rodham Clinton

2008-02-21T02:55:00.000-05:00

Nora Hovanic
Women Studies 200
J. Ryan
20 February 2008

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton was born October 26, 1987 in Chicago, Illinois. She was raised by a Methodist family in Park Ridge, Illinois. In 1965 she attended Wellesley College. She majored in Political Science and graduated to attend Yale Law School, where she went on to become a profound lawyer. It was at Yale Law School that she met her husband, 42nd president Bill Clinton. Hillary graduated in 1973, with a Juris Doctor Degree. Hillary would soon be the “first” for many female positions.

Hillary may be first famously known as the 42nd First Lady of the United States. Although she may have been known for being a first lady, Hillary already had many accomplishments under her belt. Already being a successful college and law school graduate, Hillary continued to become a member of the impeachment inquiry staff of 1974 against President Nixon. She later moved to Arkansas and became one of two female staff members at the University of Arkansas. In 1975 Hillary Rodham and Bill Clinton were married. She decided to keep her name Hillary Rodham, as to continue her political job ventures and to separate her marriage from her career ambitions. In 1978 Bill was elected governor of his home state of Arkansas. In January 1979 Hillary became First Lady of Arkansas, as she would remain until 1980 when Bill lost for re-election. He ran again and won in 1982. In 1979 Hillary was named the first full female partner in the Rose Law Firm. From 1978, until her and Bill entered the White House, Hillary made the most income in the household. In 1980 Hillary gave birth to her and Bill’s only child Chelsea. In her stay as First Lady of Arkansas, Hillary had several career accomplishments. One of her most pronounced was from 1987 to 1991 when she chaired the American Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession. This organization addressed gender bias in the law profession. Hillary was named twice in National Law Journal top 100 most influential lawyers in America. From 1986 to 1982 Hillary also held the first female chair position on the Wal-Mart directors board.

In 1993 Hillary became the First Lady of the United States. She announced she would be using the name Hillary Rodham Clinton. She was the first, first lady to hold a post-graduate degree and have a full-time career until entering the White House. Hillary was also the first to have an office in the West Wing, and would later be known as one the most influential first ladies in the White House. In 1993 Hillary was appointed chairwoman, by Bill, of the Task Force on National Health Care Reform. Although Hillary’s health care contributions would not prove effective until 1997, when she became the main force behind the Sate Children’s Health Insurance Program. In 1998 Hillary and Bill’s marriage would be under fire with the intrusion of the Monica Lewinsky Scandal. In the wake of the controversy, Hillary’s approval ratings would rise to the highest they had ever been while Bill was in office.
In 2000, post Hillary and Bill’s White House stay, Hillary would decide to run to be the first female senator of New York. She would be the first United States First Lady to run for an elected office. Hillary won the election in November 2000 with 55% of the vote. She would also run for a second term in 2006 and win again. In 2007 Hillary announced, what she will most likely be remembered for in history beyond being one the most influential first ladies; she would be running for the 2008 presidential campaign democratic nomination. Her position as running for president was first made light in 2002 when Hillary was named among the world’s most powerful people in Forbes and Time Magazine. No woman in history has been nominated by a presidential party for election and it appears Hillary maybe the first nomination, and possibly even the first female President of the United States. It is unclear at this moment in time if she will succeed, but one thing for sure is that she is going down in history as one the most influential women in America.
This day in age, everyone has heard of Hillary Rodham Clinton, and most are either for her or against her. She has contributed to the roles of feminism since being a young college student all the way through today, running for president. Even if she doesn’t become the first woman president she has still opened to the door for the possibility. To ask someone 10 or 15 years ago if they thought there would even be a woman nomination would have been unheard of. She was the first of many women in her law career, White House career, and political career. I find it hard to believe that any woman would not be inspired by Hillary to believe that women can do anything men can. She exceeds the word feminism and is not an idea of a feminist, but actual proof that a woman can do anything. If you would like more information on Hillary, you can simply turn on the news. You can also research her on the internet, and in many books. In 2003 Hillary released an autobiography titled Living History. This book has been translated into 12 languages and I would recommend anyone to read if they were interested in learning more on Hillary Rodham Clinton. Look for more information about Hillary’s party nomination in the following weeks. It will be decided very soon if she will be the democratic front runner for the 2008 presidential campaign.

Eleanor Roosevelt - Blog 2

2008-02-20T10:55:00.001-05:00

by: Michele Schwamberger
WS 200
February 20, 2008

Eleanor Roosevelt, birth name Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, was born in New York City on October 11, 1884 to Anna Hall and Elliott Roosevelt. Elliott was the younger brother of Theodore Roosevelt. The White House website (www.whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies/ar32.html) states, “Eleanor was a shy child that was starved for recognition and love.” At age 15, Eleanor attended a school in England, which gave her confidence. Eleanor married her distant cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in 1905. Eleanor and Franklin had six children. In November 1962, Eleanor passed away in New York City.

Below are some of Eleanor’s major accomplishments in life.

"She's going to last forever as a symbol of the Democratic Party caring about the less privileged," said June Bingham (http://www.nytimes.com/specials/magazine4/articles/roosevelt1.html)

Douglas Martin writes, “It was here she fought Tammany Hall, the Catholic Church on aid to parochial schools, and the sweatshops on the Lower East Side. There are still people who remember seeing Mrs. Roosevelt run for a bus, ride a horse in Central Park or dance elegantly.”
(http://www.nytimes.com/specials/magazine4/articles/roosevelt1.html)

Below is what http://www.lkwdpl.org/WIHOHIO/roos-elex.htm had to say about Eleanor:

“Going to work as a social worker in the East Side slums, Eleanor also taught dance and literature classes to the poor at a settlement house.

Eleanor took a hands-on approach with her deep concern for such less fortunate people.

Eleanor became involved in the League of Women Voters as vice president of the New York branch, the Women's Trade Union League as a member, and the Women's Division of the Democratic Party as a member. Through this work she was able to fight for many controversial issues of the day, such as the right of women to vote (gained in 1920), better working conditions for women, and women's rights in general.

In 1927, Eleanor and Marion Dickerman purchased Todhunter, a private school for girls in New York City.”

I would say all of her above accomplishments show how much of her life she contributed to feminism and trying to stop discrimination for all. She opened doors for other women by fighting such a strong battle for all women to be able to vote and by purchasing a private school for girls and teaching them history among other things. This was a great opportunity that she gave young women.

Yes, I have heard of Eleanor Roosevelt before but not to the extent I feel I now have of her since doing this research. I only knew she was the President’s wife, not what she represented or what she had fought for in the past.

After reading all of Eleanor’s accomplishments, I will be more successful in life by standing up for what I believe in and what I believe is right regardless of how others try and discourage me.

RESOURCES and REFERENCES:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies/ar32.html

You can learn more about Mrs. Roosevelt from
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library
maintained by Marist College.

http://www.lkwdpl.org/WIHOHIO/roos-elex.htm

http://www.nytimes.com/specials/magazine4/articles/roosevelt1.html

Sandra Cisneros

2008-02-20T03:52:00.000-05:00

By: Willie Gibson

Sandra Cisneros an established author poet was born in 1954 in Chicago, IL where she later attended Loyola University and graduated in 1976 with a B.A. in English. She later attended graduate school at the University of Iowa and received her M.F.A. in creative writing in 1978.
She has written many books including Bad Boys (Mango Press 1980), My Wicked Wicked Ways (Third Woman 1987, Random House 1992), Loose Woman (Alfred A. Knopf 1994). Currently she resides in San Antonio, Tx where she is unmarried and has no children. Her major accomplishments include receiving the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship award and founding both the Macondo Foundation and Alfredo Cisneros Del Moral Foundation.
Cisneros literary works fight to undo the many stereotypes that follow the Latino culture in the United States, especially those towards Latinas. Such books, including “Woman Hollering Creek,” describe the perspective of Latinas experience and oppression. She uses these stories to bridge the gap between Anglos and Latinos and to provide a voice to the Latinas that are not heard. Through teaching and counseling of high school dropouts, Cisneros has fought to bring equality, erase the oppressive patriarchy and open doors to young Latinas.
I have lived in San Antonio, Tx but never have heard of Sandra Cisneros. I think she brings a very unique point of view to understanding feminism for Latinas. She delivers a message to acknowledge oppressive situations and shares herself and life experiences to bring about change. In a world where it may seem that change is too much for any one person to accomplish, Cisneros shows that one person’s contributions can make a difference and I think that is something I can use in my own life.

http://www.lasmujeres.com/sandracisneros
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Cisneros
http://www.galegroup.com/free_resources/chh/bio/cisneros_s.htm
http://www.sandracisneros.com

Angela Yvonne Davis

2008-02-19T11:36:00.000-05:00

Angela Yvonne Davis

Angela Yvonne Davis (born, January 26, 1944 in Birmingham, Alabama) is an American socialist organizer and professor who was associated with the Black Panther Party (BPP) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Davis was also a prominent member and political candidate of the Communist Party USA. She first achieved nationwide notoriety when she was linked to the murder of Judge Harold Haley during an attempted Black Panther prison break; she fled underground, and was the subject of an intense manhunt. She was eventually captured, arrested, tried, and then acquitted in one of the most famous trial in recent U.S. history.

She is currently Professor of History of Consciousness at the University of California and Presidential Chair at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She works for racial and gender equality and for prison abolition, and is a popular public speaker, nationally and internationally. Davis is a founder of the anti-prison grassroots organization Critical Resistance.
Davis ran for Vice President on the Communist ticket in 1980 and 1984 along with Gus Hall. She has continued a career of activism, and has written several books. A principal focus of her current activism is the state of prisons within the United States.

She considers herself an abolitionist, not a "prison reformer," and refers to the United States prison system as the "prison-industrial complex." Her solutions include abolishing prisons and addressing the class, race, and gender factors that have led to large numbers of blacks and Latinos being incarcerated.
Davis was one of the primary founders of Critical Resistance, a national grassroots organization dedicated to building a movement to abolish the prison-industrial complex.

The first of the three tracks on Herbie Hancock's 1970 album Mwandishi pays tribute to Angela Davis. The track itself is titled Ostinato (Suite for Angela).
In 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono released the song "Angela" about her and the Rolling Stones released "Sweet Black Angel," both of which chronicled her legal problems and advocated for her release. The 1976 film Network features a parody of her in its character Laureen Hobbs.
In the 1987 Eddie Murphy film Raw, Murphy makes a reference to Angela Davis' afro.
An audio clip of Angela Davis is used in a song by underground Virginia rapper Dicap the Emcee.

The Swedish artist Turid starts the song "Visa om imperialismens taktik" with the words "Åh, Angela Davis, det var natt när dom hämtade dej..." (Oh, Angela Davis, they came for you in the night...)

During a Black History Month episode of the Proud Family, Penny Proud had to play the role of Angela Davis for her history project.

Davis appears in the 2006 documentary film "The U.S. Vs. John Lennon" in both the archive footage and in interview segments as Dr. Angela Davis.
Davis's presentation forms a major part of the book and video of the 1996 Feminist Family Values Forum presented by the Foundation for a Compassionate Society in Austin, Texas.

Angela Davis used her time in prison to help others. After the all the protesting she has done she is still known as a great leader. She speaks out against the death penalty in California, and 1995 Million Man March, arguing that the exclusion of women from this event necessarily promoted male chauvinism. In her teaching she encourage development of critical thinking than on imparting knowledge.

I didn’t know much about her as a high school student in the early 70’s everyone want a Angela Davis afro.

Bibliography Books
If They Come in the Morning: Voices of Resistance (1971)
Frame Up: The Opening Defense Statement Made (1972)
Angela Davis: An Autobiography (1974) Women, Race and Class (1981)
Violence Against Women and the Ongoing Challenge to Racism (1985)
Women, Culture and Politics (1989)
The Angela Y. Davis Reader (1999)
Are Prisons Obsolete? (2003)
Abolition Democracy: Beyond Prisons, Torture, and Empire (2005)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Davis

Melinda Scott

Annie Sprinkle

2008-02-10T13:31:00.000-05:00

By: Kelly Lever
Annie sprinkle is a former porn star born in 1954 as Ellen F. Steinberg(Still alive and active today). Sprinkle got a doctorate in Human sexuality and also received her BFA in photograph. She has written books such as “Post-Porn Modernist” and “Harecore from the Heart- The pleasures, Porfits, and Politics of Sex in Performance”. Sprinkle actually gave an artist talk at B.G.S.U a few years back. As an artist Sprinkle has done such performances like one she titles “celebrate the female body”. During this performance she displayed her cervix with a speculum and flashlight to an audience. She takes her sex educatation and uses it to give viewers a different perspective on femininity and sexuality. Sprinkle states “"To me, the television is sex, the bed is sex, the sky is sex, you're sex, I'm sex, everything is sex." Looking at her photos from art school, they just look like porn photos to me. I can appreciate some of the things she has done as an artist like “celebrate the female body” but other pieces confuse me. It in a way reminds me of the section in “33 things every women should know about women’s history” in that during different times women were expected to dress or be this certain way. To me Annie Sprinkle is still conforming to major female ideals that are present in today society. I think that’s what women in porn are doing by using sexuality and sex appeal. Which seems contradictory to feminist views and ways. She is tempting to bridge pornography with sexuality. “her performance explores the tension between feminism and pornography and the power relation that exist in any art that makes use of the female body.” Statement in an article titled “A sprinkle of Porn, Feminism, Art”. Annie is a sex positive feminist.

She puts porn at the center of feminist explanation of women’s oppression, focusing on freedom in sexuality. Annie has help really push along sex positive feminism, which was especially big in the 80’s. So there are women out there that take to her ways of thought. There are also others who are anti-pornography feminist. I would honestly have to say I would fall more into the anti-pornography category. She has taught me that through education and reaching out through art. What you want to express can be hear by so many. Even though, I come from a different view point then Annie Sprinkle there is something to be said about a women who is so open with sexuality and has such dedication to her viewpoint while using different means to express touchy subject matter like sexuality to a large audience of people.

Research:
She has written 3 books:
Post-porn Modernist:my 25 years as a multimedia whore
Dr. Sprinkle Spectacular Sex
Harecore from the Heart-The Pleasure, Profits, and Politics of Preformance

Sex Herald.com has an interview with Annie Sprinkle
Annie Sprinkle swims forward - Article at Salon.com
Sex Positives? By Thomas Foster, Carol Siegel, and Ellen Berry
AnnieSprinkle.org

Gloria Steinem

2008-02-09T14:47:00.000-05:00

By: Erin Harris

Gloria Steinem was born March 25, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio. Her mother, Ruth Nuneviller, was part German. Her father, Leo Steinem, who was a Jewish-American, was a traveling antiques dealer and the son of immigrants from German and Poland. The family split in 1944, when he went to California to find work while Gloria lived with her mother in Toledo. She also had a sister named Susanne. She attended Waite High School in Toledo, graduated from Western High School in Washington, D.C., and attended Smith College. In 1963 she worked as a Playboy Bunny at the New York club so she could research an article she was writing that exposed how women were treated at the club.

Steinem eventually got a political assignment covering George McGovern's presidential campaign and then she received a position in a New York magazine. Her 1962 article in Esquire magazine about the way in which women are forced to choose between a career and marriage preceded Betty Friedan’s book The Feminine Mystique by one year. She became politically active in the feminist movement. Steinem brought out other famous feminists and toured the country with lawyer Florynce Kennedy, and in 1971, cofounded the National Women’s Political Caucus and the Women’s Action Alliance.

In 1972, she helped start the feminist Ms. magazine and wrote for it until it was sold in 1987. She still serves on the advisory board of the same magazine today. Gloria also became Ms. mgazine’s consulting editor in 1991 and that same year, she founded Choice USA, which is a reproductive rights non-profit organization based out of Washington, DC and Oakland, CA. It is youth-led and has a focus on pro-choice movements. During this time, she also faced a number of personal issues such as the diagnosis of breast cancer in 1986 and trigeminal neuralgia in 1994. Almost immediately after these horrible tragedies, she focused back her efforts on becoming an advocate for children who she believed had been abused in their daycare centers.
A funny piece of information about Gloria Steinem is that she was actually interviewed in 1998 in regards to the Bill Clinton impeachment and when they asked her if she thought he should be impeached, she said "Clinton should be censured for lying under oath about Lewinsky in the Paula Jones deposition, perhaps also for stupidity in answering at all."

On September 3, 2000, she married David Bale, who is the father of actor Christian Bale. The wedding was performed at the home of her friend, Wilma Mankiller. Mankiller, whom we have read about in our texts, was the first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Bale died three years later of a brain tumor unfortunately, and even that didn’t slow her down.

One of the most noble things she did during her lifetime in my opinion was appear in the 2005 documentary, I Had an Abortion, by Jennifer Baumgardner and Gillian Aldrich. Her part in the film had her describe the abortion she had in London. In my opinion, this was a very noble and important thing that she did for today’s society, and I’m sure it took a lot of courage.

I had never heard of this amazing woman before I began this research, but everyone should have heard of her because there was a song written with some of her quotes in it. David Usher, who is a Canadian singer-songwriter, had a song called “Love Will Save the Day” and it includes sound bytes from her speeches. A couple of them include the song's opening with her quote "It really is a revolution," and the ending breaks for the quote, "We are talking about a society in which there will be no roles other than those chosen or those earned; we are really talking about humanism." I listened to this powerful song, and it was really touching. Lastly, in the credits of the movie V for Vendetta, this last speech is also quoted.

Some links to additional information on this amazing person are below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choice_USA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_Steinem

http://wiredforbooks.org/gloriasteinem/

http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-69-2321-13531-11/on_this_day/life_society/

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/opinion/08steinem.html

By: Erin Harris

Susan B. Anthony

2008-02-05T21:15:00.001-05:00

By Michelle Rush

Susan Brownwell Anthony was born on February 15, 1820 in Adams, Massachusetts. She was the second of eight children in a strict Quaker family. Her parents believed in discipline, education and social justice. Her whole family was involved in the abolitionist and anti-slavery movements. She started her public activism through the temperance (anti-alcohol) movement.

She was a teacher for a private school, and fought the administration wanting equal pay as the male teachers. Her petition was denied, and she was also refused to speak a the temperance rally. She then decided to form her own women's temperance society. She began to fight for the rights sufferage of women. In 1851 she met Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The two became the dearest of friends and joined together in activism.

Susan B. Anthony was known for her traveling, making speeches and appearing before congress. Women's sufferage was her largest concern. She and several other women tried to vote in the 1872 presidential election. For that she was arrested and thrown in jail. The judge ordered the jury to find her guilty and fined her 100$, which she refused to pay.

"I declare to you that women must not depend
upon the protection of men, but must be taught
to protect herself, and there I take my stand."

Susan never married or had children in her lifetime but she did help care for several members of her family when they were ill. Susan B. Anthony died March 13, 1906 (in Rochester, New York) of pneumonia and heart failure. Fourteen years later women gained the right to vote and she is the woman who paved the way. Below is her last public speech.

"I am here for a little time only and then my place
will be filled. But the fight must not cease. You must
see that it does not stop. Failure is not an option."

Wouldn't you like to know more about this incredible woman? Check out these helpful links:

http://www.history.rochester.edu/class/sba/first.htm
http://www.lkwdpl.org/wihohio/anth-sus.htm
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0804198.html

Blog #2-Helen Keller

2008-02-01T15:52:00.001-05:00

Helen Keller

-Mandie Kohlenberg

Helen Keller was born June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama to Captain Arthur H. Keller and Kate Adams Keller. She was born with no disabilities, but at nineteen months an illness described as “an acute congestion of the stomach and brain,” which could have possibly been scarlet fever or meningitis. The illness did not last long, but it left her deaf and blind. She created a sign language with six-year old Martha Washington and by age seven she had over sixty home signs to communicate with her family. Her first word was “water.”
A little after the age of ten, Helen learned Braille and used it to read, not only English, but also French, German, Greek, and Latin. At age twenty-four, she graduated from college, becoming the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Helen suffered a serious of strokes in 1961 and she died, in her sleep, June 1, 1968 at Arcan Ridge, Westpoint, Connecticut at the age of 87. It was only 26 days until her 88th birthday.
The biggest accomplishment she had was accomplishing so many things being blind and deaf that people with no disabilities accomplished the same. She campaigned for women’s right to vote and supported women’s education and birth control. From Helen Keller’s writings: “One gentleman said to me, “I do not approve of college women, because they lose all respect for their men.” She definitely thought differently, obviously. She said Radcliffe College gave America’s women, for the first time, educational opportunities that were equal to those of men. Helen Keller also stated, “I am tempted to think that the perplexed businessman might discover a possible solution of his troubles if he would just spend a few days in his wife’s kitchen.” And, “If they are unable to accomplish their task of the economic system, we women shall have to send them into the kitchen for a few lessons in common-sense economics.”
She also wrote in The Ladies Home Journal about the prevention of blindness. She says, “I am making a plead that the blind may see, the deaf may hear, and the idiot may have a mind. In a word, I plead that the American women may be the mother of a great race.” She also wrote twelve books and numerous articles. She received an honor in 1999, being listed in Gallup’s Most Widely Admired People of the 20th Century. In 2003, Alabama honored her on its state quarter. The Helen Keller Hospital is also dedicated to her.
Helen Keller is famous for being deaf and blind and still accomplishing so much in life. I have heard of her many times during my life. Helen Keller stood up for what she believed in and fought for women’s rights, rather it be voting or the right to birth control. I believe seeing someone with such disabilities accomplish so much in life, and fight for women, makes others believe more in them selves and what they could and should do., including myself.
Resources that have been helpful in finding this information for me were the books, “The Story of my Life” by Helen Keller, and “Helen Keller-A Life” by Dorothy Herrmann. Also the following websites: http://www.helenkellerbirthplace.org/, www.afb.org/section.asp?sectionID, and www.afborg/mylife/book.org .
-Mandie Kohlenberg

Cyber Feminism

2008-01-28T20:57:00.001-05:00

A. Castle

Cyber feminism was coined in 1991-1992 in different parts of the world. Nancy Paterson wrote an article names “Cyberfeminism” while at the same time in Australia four girls started the Cyber Feminist Manifesto to add females and political consciousness into electronic documents and sites on the internet. These four girls took quite a radical view of feminism and how to inject it into the internet. (I will include the VNS Matrix cyberfeminst manifesto at the end of the post) During the same time period, according to Wikipedia, Sadie Plant also used the term cyber feminism to define the “feminizing influence of technology on western society and its inhabitants.” Sadie Plant seems to think of technology as inherently female and hence the term Cyberfemism.

By 1997 cyber feminist had a conference in Germany and drafted the “100 Anti-Theses of Cyber feminism” that leaves the term cyber feminism open and without classification. The conference wanted the term not be classified and without definition so that it is without limits. Some of the quotes are quite amusing as they define what cyber feminism is by stating what it is not. For example it is “not caffeine-free” or “is not error 101” this definition allows for a very wide open and changeable definition of Cyber feminism. This same lack of wanting to avoid being limited by definition has also perhaps been the reason this movement is somewhat stalled in the opinion of Alex Galloway. Galloway writes that without a clear goal, definition and leadership cyber feminisms promising future has not unfolded.

Technology has often thought to be ruled by men for men and Cyber feminism is a way of grasping onto technology for women also. It seems some, like Rosi Braidotti, view Cyber feminism as a way to bring joy and beauty into cyberspace. A cyberspace she inferred would be cold and ugly without cyber feminism.

Cyber feminism broadly discusses feminism that is discussed, portrayed or promoted in cyberspace. Cyber feminism is a marriage of technology and feminism it embraces technology and its ability to reach so many people quickly and efficiently. It is interesting that because not one school of feminist thought prevails in Cyber Feminism it allows for a free exchange of ideas in words and art. It is interesting that Cyber feminist are more about the delivery of the message in many ways rather than the message itself.

Technology is seen as a great equalizer and a way to reach people that may have not been reached before. Woman could have meetings, self-help groups, chat groups or discussion boards to help foster the strength of the feminist movement. Technology does not see your skin color, age, disabilities, looks, size, economics or your sex therefore we all can be part of Cyber Feminism movement. Cyber Feminism also points out the fact that women are not technophobic even if that is what was thought in the past.

Cyber feminism does not want to be classified or pigeonholed and I fully agree with that concept. I like the somewhat tongue in cheek attitude of many of the readings. The movement does not seem to take it self overly seriously. It also wants to fight the notion that women are not technologically minded or even techno geeks. I am defiantly a cyber feminist in the terms of working on bringing gender equality into the technology field. I consistently work towards helping women feel comfortable in this male dominated field.
I find myself drawn to the readings and look forward to delving more into this subject.

http://switch.sjsu.edu/web/v4n1/art_mez.html link to the VNS Matrix
VNS_Matrix, cyberfeminist manifesto for the 21st century. 1991: Adelaide.

www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/fwild/faithwilding/wherefem.html
http://www.obn.org/reading_room/writings/html/truth.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberfeminism
Braidotti, Rosi. (1996). "Cyberfeminism with a difference".Women's Studies, University of Utrechtwww.let.ruu.nl/womens_studies/rosi/cyberfem.htm
http://www.obn.org/reading_room/manifestos/html/anti.html

A. Castle

Trans-Feminism (Transgender Feminism)

2008-01-26T00:04:00.000-05:00

Trans-Feminism (Transgender Feminism)
by Gale Brooker

Tran feminism is a form of feminism that includes transgender and transsexual rights and issues, especially those of transwomen. Trans feminism has also been described as a social force working for the rights and goals of transsexual and transgender individuals.

This particular group has many struggles of their own, starting with having the heart and soul of one gender while having the genitalia of another. They also have huge economic struggles if they wish to have any medical procedures.

This type of feminism has created quite a stir among other groups. Some feminists feel they do not belong. One of the major reasons is because of how some Trans gender or transwoman behave or exaggerate their femininity. Another reason is some feel that trans genders could not possibly understand all the struggles and what it is to be a “true gender”.

Many of the ideals and goals of transfeminists are very similar to other feminist groups. One of the strongest similarities is the belief that traditional gender roles should be broken down and even abolished, creating equality between the sexes. They also believe in equality among all people.
All though I am not a trans gender, I am a woman and always have been, I agree with their plight. I do not feel it fair for people to scorn others because of their differences. We are all different. We as society are all fighting to belong.
Some sites I had found informative are:
http://www.syl.com/articles/relationship_issues/feminism_movement_and_philosophy/transfeminism/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfeminism

Postcolonial Feminism

2008-01-25T16:54:00.000-05:00

Kyle Kordan
WS 200

Postcolonial Feminism

This type of feminism came from the gendered history of colonization. From one cultures exapnsion and adoption into another's is where this movement started and was carried on. It has alot to do with integration of different cultures but based on gender. It acknowledges differences but expresses similarities in women across many cultures.

Some arguments include:

- Cultures impacted by colonialism are often vastly different and should be treated as such.
- Oppressions relating to the colonial experience, particularly racial, class, and ethnic oppressions, have marginalized women in postcolonial societies.
- While challenging gender oppression within their own culture, postcolonial feminists also fight charges of being "Western", as some within their cultures would contend.

Most notably this form of feminism criticizes Western forms such as radical feminism and liberal feminism. They are similar to transnational and third-world feminism while most notably being associated with black feminism for their struggle for recognition.

I do not agree necessarily with these different forms of feminism. To me it is just another group that has similar beliefs that associate themselves witrh the feminist movement just because they are female. I might not just grasp the different types of feminism and their role in the evolution of the movement but it just seems confusing to have so many different views all in the same category of feminism.

Lesbian Feminism

2008-01-25T16:30:00.000-05:00

Lesbian Feminism

Lesbian Feminism is a cultural movement and critical perspective, most popular in the 1970’s and early 1980’s that questions the position of women and homosexuals in society (Wikipedia). Sheila Jeffreys defined seven key themes for lesbian feminism:

· An emphasis on women’s love for one another
· Separatist organizations
· Community and ideas
· Idea that lesbianism is about choice and resistance
· Idea that the personal is the political
· A rejection of hierarchy in the from of role-playing and sadomasochism
· A critique of male supremacy which eroticises inequality

Basically, this type of feminism is the resistance to men and heterosexuality as an institution. It originated as social groups who were seeking liberation from sexist attitudes. With lesbian feminism came the term “woman-identified woman”. This is a woman who withdraws herself from a man, to connect with another woman. Lesbian feminists see sexual orientation as a choice or response to a situation. Women who started this feminism felt that in order to reach autonomy, they must not seek approval from men or men institutions. Another belief inside this feminism is the idea of “political lesbians”. These are women who are not required to engage sexually with other women, but are expected to remain celibate. They also adopted a style of short hair, jeans, work boots, plaid shirts, etc. to reject femininity.

I agree with lesbian feminists and their idea that in order to reach autonomy women must not seek approval from men. This is important to me because I feel that in order to be myself and in order to do what makes me happy, then I can’t turn to a man for his approval. I need to do what I want and need under my own approval, not a man’s. Although I agree with many beliefs lesbian feminists support, I don’t think that I could say that I would be willing to call myself a lesbian feminist. I say this because it seems that a key component of this type of feminism is the idea that sexual orientation is a choice. Being a lesbian, I would have to disagree and say that I am a lesbian because I just am, not because I chose to be.

Resources

People: Rita Mae Brown, Adrienne Rich, Audre Lorde, Sheila Jeffreys
Books: Changing Our Minds: Lesbian Feminism and Psychology by Celia Kitzinger & Rachel
Perkins; Identity Politics: Lesbian Feminism and the limits of community by Shane Phelan; and Cultural Politics & Movements (Ch. 8) by Marcy Darnovsky, Barbara Epstein, & Richard Flacks
Articles: Unpacking Queer Politics: A Lesbian Feminist Perspective by Belinda Sweeney

Shayna Gray

Islamic Feminism

2008-01-25T13:33:00.000-05:00

Womens Studies
Jennifer McKenna

Islamic feminism is a movement which attempts to promote gender equality and women’s rights within Islam. Islamic feminism traces its roots back to the time of the Prophet himself, asserting that the Qur’an bestowed previously unheard-of rights upon women. Prior to the advent of Islam, the society that the Prophet addresses treated women poorly, burying young females alive, compelling women to perform, and regarding women as chattel. The Qur’an, in stark contrast, stresses that women and men are granted equal rights in the eyes of Allah: "And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women. (2:226)" Islam also promises believers, both women and men, an equal reward for their faith: “For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward. (33:35)” The Qur’an likewise admonishes believing men to treat women fairly: “O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them - except when they have become guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike something and Allah will bring about through it a great deal of good. (4:19)” Islamic feminists contend that, following the death of the Prophet, many of the misogynistic cultural traditions reappeared and the Prophet’s desire for equity was left by the wayside.
Islamic feminism has recently had a resurgence in popularity when the movement experienced a revival in Egypt at the close of the nineteenth century. A liberation theology, Islamic feminism stresses a return to the Qur’an and a reexamination of its patriarchal interpretation and application, including what it terms “woman-hating hadiths.” Though among Islam’s more liberal movements, it insists on defining itself within the Islamic paradigm, often eschewing what it views as Western interference. Islamic feminism does not wish to define itself by the views of Western, particularly American, feminism, which it does not believe appreciates its unique position and views. Islamic feminists are focused on gender inequality within Muslim Personal Law, particularly those aspects which deal with marriage, divorce and testation. Islamic feminists are also addressing social mores such as the dress code, honor killings, and genital mutilation which occur in parts of the Muslim world.
I do not consider myself an Islamic feminist, but I do find their attempts to center their movement within their beliefs admirable. I believe that it is all too easy for Western feminists to visualize the Islamic woman wearing hijab as oppressed, not recognizing such views as ethnocentric. I feel, however, that any practices which result in physical harm or death should be universally condemned, irregardless of their social, political, or religious basis.

Sources and Suggested Readings:
http://www.milligazette.com/Archives/2004/16-31Jan04-Print-Edition/1631200425.htm
http://www.geocities.com/pmndc/ExploringIslamicFeminism.htm
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/humanrelations/womeninislam/womenquransunnah.html
http://www.afsa.org/fsj/may00/fernea.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_feminism

Jennifer McKenna

Sex Postive Feminism - Carla Bertoldi (WS 200)

2008-01-25T13:29:00.000-05:00

Sex - Postive Feminism is a type of feminism that had its rise during the sexual revolution of the 1970's but was not fully developed and studies until the 1980's. Defined it is, "feminism that deals with the belief that sexual freedom leads to women’s freedom and women should be the sole decision maker when it comes to intimate acts and everything that comes along with them" (wikipedia.com).
The start of the pro sex feminist movement started with the stance legislation was taking on pornography being sexual discrimination against women. Although some pornography can be degrading in nature it is not sexual discrimination to a consenting woman participant (viewer and actress), instead by taking pornography away it would be more of a violation of a woman's freedom of speech.
The core concepts of Sex - Postive feminism include, Sex as a form of paid work, which supports the making prositution legal. There is also a beleif that what is considered to be 'hate sex' actually may be a type of fantasy for women and should not be judged or critizied. It also emphasizes the importance of accepting all sexual orientations, homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual, transsexual, or whatever a person chooses to be. It supports sexual education and giving women the complete and total right to choose with whom, how, when, and where they want to be sexually active.
Pro sex feminism Carole Vance states that, "We must draw on women's energy to create a movement that speaks as powerfully in favor of sexual pleasure as it does against sexual danger" (Vance). She goes on to say, "Feminism must insist that women are sexual subjects... and increase women's pleasure and joy, not jsut decrease our misery" (Vance). Pro -sex feminism is about being able to have the sexual freedom that men have without people passing negative judgement.
Feminists such as Ariel Levy, agrue that pro-sex feminism leads to the objectification on women and sexual activites may actually be disempowering for women (wikipedia).
I agree that pornography and prostitution should be legal as long as consent is there. However since so many people are concerned with rape and violence both of these acts are under severe public scrutiny and due to our societial norms are unfortunately looked negatively upon. I think if a woman wants to have sex and get paid for it, that is fine. I do not think married men or women should partake in acts like this but single consenting adults that may not want to try to flirt with a man or women and have to spend money on a date and purely just want sex for the sake of pleasure, should be able to pay for it. We pay for other vices such as alcohol and entertainment. However, I would never pay or be paid for sex because of my religious beliefs, not everyone has the same beliefs that I do, so if they want to feel some pleasure and make/spend money to do it, be my guest. Let the sexual revolution continue!

For more information on Pro Sex Feminism please refer to the following resources:

Feminism for Sale: Case Study of Pro -Sex Feminist Business by Meika Loe
http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0891-2432%28199912%2913%3A6%3C705%3AFFSCSO%3E2.0.CO%3B2-N

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex-positive_feminism

Chicana Feminism

2008-01-25T10:04:00.000-05:00

Willie Gibson
Womens Studies 200

Chicana Feminism is also known as Xicanisma and is a movement that covers many areas of the fight against the socio-economic oppression of Mexican-American women in the United States. It’s foundation comes from the Chicano movement of the 1960’s and 70’s where Mexican-American men talked about maintaining “La Familia” and the Mexican cultural values while here in the United States.
The movement addresses and fights for change against the oppressive traditions of discrimination and mistreatment Mexican-American women in the home and society.
While there are many types of other Feminism, Chicana Feminism focuses more on the socio-economic place Chicanas hold in society. Chicana Feminists find themselves in a struggle, not only against the oppressive social injustices against women but also against upper-middle class Anglo women and the struggle for cultural and racial equality. Many brown skin Chicanas find the only commonality they have with their Anglo sisters is just being a woman.
I find Chicana Feminism interesting because of the culturalistic aspect of the movement. The United States is made up of many races and cultural backrounds including many different languages. Keeping that in mind, I think it is critical that we as a society incorporate that and challenge ourselves to view feminism as a whole rather than from the narrowed viewpoint of White America.
As a bi-racial(African American/White) male I can identify with the racial portion of Chicana Feminism, however I cannot truly call myself a Chicana Feminist.

For more information on Chicana Feminism you can find works by renown Chicana Feminist Gloria Anzaldua
http://www.chicanas.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicana_feminism
http://www.anacastillo.com/a/index.php http://www.chicanas.com/defs.html

New Feminism - Blog #1 by Stevie Bowling

2008-01-25T10:02:00.000-05:00

Stevie Bowling
January 25, 2008
Joelle Ryan
WS 200 – Online
Blog #1

New feminism, which is a philosophy of those who are mostly Catholic, but one of the Judaism and Protestant faiths as well, is a philosophy where emphasis is placed on the fact that there should be no superiority that men hold over women or women hold over men. Instead, new feminism believes one should recognize and take into consideration others ideas about women and the role they play as well as their strengths and outlooks while considering the equal worth that both genders share. New feminism is also a form of difference feminism which stresses the fact that men and women are just different versions of the human being. Other controversial issues of new feminism include the protection of life. Since women are meant to be caregivers and protect all of those in need including the poor, sick and the weak, they found it simply unacceptable to even consider such things like abortion, stem cell research, infanticide and in-vitro fertilization.

The term new feminism was first used in the 1920’s as a way to distinguish this new type of feminism from the suffrage feminists that mainstreamed society. Pope John Paul II was the one in the Catholic community who preached that men and women out there were created by God to show their strengths and weaknesses as a reflection of their physical makeup. He supported the fact that women had a “feminine genius” as a mother and a primary caregiver.

New feminists believe that the human being is one who is made in the image and likeness of God, the father for union and communion purposes. (Wikipedia 1) They support the fact that there are very unique different ways that both men and women give themselves as God’s gifts through the breeding of their bodies. By doing so, these men and women are offering gifts like their missions and dignity and portraying the mysteries of God.

Other core beliefs of new feminism are that the different body structures that men and women have make way to the different experiences that they have had over their years. Also, with those physical features they believe that it makes way to the emotional, spiritual and intellectual aspects that they have to offer in life.

Becoming a mother also is a core belief that new feminists support. They feel that all women, regardless if they ever give birth or not have maternal love like no other no matter if they are the best mother or the worst mother out there. Supporters say that being a mother is what a woman is physically fit to develop life within their womb. This physical capacity to do so leads to the psychological as well as emotional and spiritual characteristics those women must have to be mothers.

Unlike other forms of feminism, new feminism supported protective legislation which was a controversial issue with other feminist groups at the time because they believed with protective legislation in place, women were not given the opportunity to get the higher paying jobs and better benefits. Instead, new feminists liked the idea of keeping the woman out of the workplace because her calling from God was to be a mother and act upon all of her care giving qualities to the best of her ability. New feminism was opposed by younger women like Winifred Holtby and Dorothy Evans who believed new feminism was creating separatism between men and women.

As a Catholic myself, I am very familiar with the issues that new feminists support. Take for example the belief that men and women were created by God as just simply different form of the human being by their physical characteristics that display their strengths, weaknesses and past experiences. I cannot say that I am a supporter of protective legislation in an effort to keep women out the running for higher paying jobs and the opportunity to work and have equal rights just like men, but I do believe that women were created to be the caregivers of the world. New feminism supports that even if a woman does not have a child she still has the characteristics to care for those who need it most like children, poor and the weak. Whether a woman decides to have a child or not I believe is her own opinion, but I also take a stand that she should display the characteristics that God has determined for her to be the best caregiver that she can.

I could say that I label myself as somewhat of a new feminist because I do frown upon abortion, stem cell research and other medical procedures that take away and tamper with the lives of those who deserve to be living. As a woman, I am meant to take care of those children and in no way would I ever see a positive in taking away an innocent life. I also believe that men and women do have their own physical ability to take on different roles and tasks to live the life that God wants for them. At the same time though, I do not know if I could be considered a new feminist because I am not a supporter of protective legislation. It is obvious that I believe women were made to be the primary caregivers, have children if they decide to and take of the role of being the maternal figure for those who need it most. But, I support the fact that the women can still be the best caregiver she could be and be given the opportunity to work and receive equal pay and benefits as men at the same time no matter if they are male or female and looked down upon because of their physical features or ability/strength to do something. In no way do I support the fact that with protective legislation, women are to stay at home or on premises with those who she must care for and never leave their sight. To me, women should be given the opportunity to work if they want and still be the best mother out there.

Where I stand with new feminism is still up in the air I could say, but I do recognize the issues I support and the issues I do not support. In the end, I guess I could call myself a “somewhat new feminist” because I do agree with some issues, but disagree with others as well.

Resources that I found the most helpful during my research were Wikipedia. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_feminism#History) This website offered a great background to new feminism and also outlined some of the major beliefs of the group. Also, while researching new feminism, I came across a leaflet to Pope John Paul II’s beliefs of new feminism at (www.catholiceducation.org/articles/feminism/fe0004.html). Articles on new feminism written by authors like Helen Alvaré and Justine Nicholas also offered some insight to where they stand with new feminism beliefs.

Postmodern Feminism

2008-01-24T23:29:00.000-05:00

Aaron Ashba

WS 200

"Postmodern Feminism"

The term postmodern feminism is believed to have begun and widely used in the 1980's. Postmodern feminism is used to refer to the many different theories within the feminism movement. Generally, people that use this term are individuals that may be against feminism overall, as they feel it doesn't relate to today's society. These individuals agree that feminism was positive, as it was first established to help women receive the rights they deserved. In today's society, it is viewed by some that women's rights are as they should be and feminism is no longer needed, hence we are now in the postmodern feminism age. The overall view by these individuals basically generalize that problems in society today effects everyone as a whole, not just women. The term is viewed as a new era for women and the thought that they are completely equal in today's society, moving on from the "old" views of traditional feminism. The radicalised view of postmodern feminism truly feel it's time to move on from traditional feminism. This generally consists of white males, as they feel most effected by feminism as a whole as a direct impact to their individual rights in our society. This differs from anti-feminist views, as feminism is still viewed positively toward women and it's historic value for shaping the structure of gender equality today. This view doesn't necessarily condone the slide back to a patriarchal dominated society again, but that the staunch feminist may actually contribute to the negative views of women by over-stepping their bounds from their stances with general societal "issues".

My personal assessment of this view toward feminism does make sense to me now that women have cemented themselves as leaders in our society. As we move further into the 21st century, we now have a woman who has a legitimate chance to be a presidential candidate. This is a movement of grand proportions for all women and should be considered as proof of equality within our country. I don't believe I would label myself as a "postmodern feminist"; it would be too easy as a white male to fall into that trap. The theory of feminism shouldn't necessarily go away, but the ideas that existed 50 years ago need to be re-evaluated by the even the most beloved feminist.

From much of the information listed concerning this topic, Judith Butler's seems to be a name brought up the most from her 1990 book, "Gender Trouble" and other publications over the last three decades. As people have claimed that postmodern feminism for offering no clear path to action, Butler does claim "the term postmodernism as too vague to be meaningful" as it encompasses so many facets of feminism. For more information on Judith Butler, please use the provided link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Butler

Other References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodern_feminism

http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/16/41/d8.pdf

Asian American Feminism

2008-01-24T21:21:00.000-05:00

Historically, Asian American Feminism was first evident in the 1960's along side the civil rights movement. Asian American activists believed that women's issues were the same as men, however Asian American men did not feel the same way. Based on Confucian beliefs in Asian communities, the familial heirarchy (in which females are inferior to males) has been very important and considered status quo. Simply put, Asian Feminists were interested in social justice, equality and human rights; however, for many of the Asian American women, there was money to be made.

The more advantaged Asian immigrants who came to the U.S. were excited to be part of the American economy and commericialism. Most of these women devoted their time to education rather than to fight social injustices. These 'model minorities' were considered good compared to the other minorities of African Americans and Latinos who were considered by the U.S. citizens (not all of course) to be bad. Clearly, the Asian American women were able to assimilate into the American academia arena and excelled and put their hard earned efforts into mainstream American life. This was and still is problematic due to white feminists who advanced this 'feel-good' fantasy of Asian American people and their culture. That direct and indirect correlation put extra pressure on Asian women to conform to the typical stereotype that liberals and conservative and their own community members all wanted to promote and inspire to be.

The new and/or most recent Asian American activism holds tight to the hope of improving the non-educated and working poor. Many Asian American women hold service jobs, are prostitutes and work in the worst-paying jobs in many industries, especially in the garment business. The Asian American activists are organizing for health and battered women groups along side Asian Immigrant Women Advocates groups to fight poor working conditions and low wages.

I certainly agree with both of these Asian American movements, however the most recent efforts to fight low paying jobs and combat male and/or female batterers of women certainly seems to be the most that I identify with. I think without question that there should be equal pay for equal day's work and men who abuse women through physical violence or mental anguish should be caught and punished as they use their physical strength to dominate women and/or other weaker men.

I cannot consider myself an Asian American feminist because I am not Asian in any way that I know of except my name is 'Kim.' However, I feel for their struggles just because I am a woman and we are centralized with many of our issues. The common idea that Asian women are more docile and submissive makes it harder for them to pursue and conquer the patriarchal society in which they and myself live. It's a fight to continue and I support them all the way.

The following resources were used to get the above information:
Asian Nation: Asian American History, Demographics and Issues (www.asian-nation.org)
Asian American Empowerment - Race and Gender: The Co-Option of Asian Americans (www.modelminority.com)
Main Street: APIA Women and Domestic Violence (www.dartmouthmainstreet.blogspot.com)
The following activists can be researched in libaries or online: May Chen, Miya Iwataki, Alan Nishio and Evelyn Yoshimura or by visiting the Asian American Women's Movement Activists VOAHA (The Virtual Oral/Aural History Archive)

Kim Seder
Women's Studies 200 class
Jan.2008