“You come to expect the vitriol, the insults, the death threats,” writes Laurie Penny of The Independent. What has Penny done to deserve the barrage of attack and abuse? Oh, well, she’s a woman writer. Over the past weeks, women bloggers and writers including Penny have taken to Twitter (#mencallmethings) to share their stories of [...]
Archive | November, 2011
You Have Cancer. No You Don’t. Yes You Do.
Advocacy seems to be a common theme when discussing feminist issues. Advocacy for those who can’t advocate for themselves. Or perhaps advocacy for an idea or a cause. But we rarely talk about being an advocate for yourself and your body at times of crisis. Let me explain. But first, let me introduce myself. My [...]
When Talking About Fertility, Try a Little Tenderness
When the New York Times recently asked “Are You as Fertile as You Look?” the question was rhetorical. The reporter suggested womenfolk are ignorant about their declining fertility because they confuse youthful looks with having youthful ovaries. It’s easy to judge women like the ones trotted out for this piece; in their late 30s through mid 40s, they [...]
The Terrible Trio of Women’s Sexuality: Shame, Blame, and Fear
Warning: Jaclyn Friedman expects a lot from you. I’ll tell you now before you even open the pages of her new book What You Really, Really Want: The Smart Girl’s Shame-Free Guide to Sex and Safety. When she says “guide,” what she really means is “workbook.” Why? Because as she points out numerous times, the [...]
The Bystander’s Intervention
Pretty much everyone is horrified at the Apple store employees who ignored the sounds of someone being murdered at Lululemon next door. And no one can understand how you can know that kids are being abused—even raped—and do nothing, or just report it to your boss and wash your hands of it. So how can [...]
The Ultimate Fighting Championship Has No Problem with Hate Speech
The mantel of hero has always been heavy. In the comics, Spiderman is told that with great power comes great responsibility. And even though the web-slinger might not be a real person, the advice rings true for our flesh-and-blood heroes, too. In these modern times, heroes come in a variety of forms built up by [...]
The Sacrifice of Our Veterans
Veterans Day is a time to celebrate the men and women who have worn this nation’s uniform and to honor their service. When the nation called and asked, “Who among you will step forward and defend the Constitution? Who will leave your families, your home in order to protect what we hold most dear?” it [...]
Professional Fridays: Knowing Your Value
I am not normally one to look for career help from a book. But after watching all the talk around Mika Brzezinski’s book, Knowing Your Value, I thought the topic of salary negotiation was worth reading about. What I found interesting was that much of the book was more of a “what not to do.” [...]
The Students of Penn State: Not the Generation We Have Been Waiting For
To the Students of Penn State: Something is really wrong here. ƒWhile I did not attend a university with a football team, I respect that football is what makes your school tick, and that Mr. Paterno’s exceptional skills are necessary for the team’s success. You have every right to be angry that he will [...]
Fighting Breast Cancer is Too Easy for the NFL
I have never been impressed with the National Football League’s campaign to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. It seemed like a glib mass marketing/publicity stunt that didn’t really match the NFL’s target audience or purpose. I love the idea that the NFL is choosing to support a cause, but why this one? I [...]