If you ever get a chance to blow an 8th grader’s mind, seize it.
All posts in activism and advocacy
Evelyn from the internets calls in black
“Oh, no no. It’s not contagious. I just need a solid day to reaffirm my humanity to myself.”
This is what Tracy from Another Round might call hilarisad…you start laughing, then devolve quickly into tears.
Eavesdropping my way toward becoming a better racial ally
*I know now that ‘racial ally’ is a loaded word and concept that some people of color would rather, just, not. Plenty still to learn on this topic, obviously; our best intentions are not enough.
“White people are responsible for our own race education. Problem is, we haven’t exactly proven trustworthy with this task. We tend to hide out inside the vacuum, seeking voices that validate our experiences and don’t challenge us or make us uncomfortable.
Podcasting is a one-way medium. There is no chance for monopolized conversation, no my-black-friend bloviating, no #notallwhitepeople qualifiers. On Another Round Heben’s and Tracy’s voices resonate without interruption, speak the truth, and force us to shut up and, just, listen.”
Woman, Herself, reclaiming sexual agency
This meme popped up on social media yesterday, in a comment thread on a post about the ‘controversial’ virginity of one of the women on the new Bachelor. Two things. Yes, this show is still on the air. And yes, the women are called ‘contestants’, though I refuse to name them as such. Because apparently, the dude is actually the winner…especially if he picks the virgin. Right? *shudder* So much wrong here. A woman’s sexuality has *never* belonged to the woman. Does this bother anyone else as much as it bothers me?
Yes. It bothers Caitlin Stasey. A lot.
‘No’ leaves room for ‘hell yes!’
A few weeks ago, I read an article by Nadia Bolz-Weber, ‘The Spiritual Practice of Saying No.’ The title invites an immediate shift in how we view our commitments, boundaries and pleasing impulses. Do we say yes because we are afraid to say no? Afraid of disappointing the asking party? Afraid of not doing our part?
Gloria Steinem on feminism in 2014
“At my age, in this still hierarchical time, people often ask me if I’m “passing the torch.” I explain that I’m keeping my torch, thank you very much—and I’m using it to light the torches of others.
Because only if each of us has a torch will there be enough light.”
Gloria Steinum details the plan to finally realize equity, across gender, race and socioeconomic lines. She’s plotted quite the adventure on the Ms. blog.
Oppressed Majority
Another success in the media literacy movement…telling a familiar story with the genders flipped. It really calls into question the cultural norms we accept, doesn’t it? Trigger warning.
Everything is awesome…?
The new Lego movie, while featuring a compelling female charter, Lucy/Wyldstyle, doesn’t pass the Bechdel Test.
What is this, you ask? A simple 3 point criteria 1) Are there at least two female characters? 2) Do they speak to each other… 3) about something other than a man?