Pages

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Wikileaks, Assange, and Michael Moore

When I first heard that Michael Moore posted the bail of Julian Assange after two separate allegations were filed against him by women in Sweden I was outraged. I wondered, once again, how it is that we continue to discount women's voices and the global epidemic of violence against women. While appreciate the work that Assange has done to expose secrets and to tell the truth of governmental actions I am endlessly frustrated that we are so often willing to cast women aside for the 'greater good.' And I am exhausted by the men who fight for justice socially and politically but violate the human rights of women they encounter personally. OK, even if only 'presumably' in Assange's case. Regardless, women's lives are not expendable.

I was happy to come across this blog from the ever fabulous Rachel Maddow who interviews Michael Moore and discusses this issue further. And while I would have like to hear Michael Moore address the allegations against Assange and the impact his endorsement has on public perception, I do agree with him that despite the good work that Assange has done, the wikileaks founder must address the allegations of rape that stand against him. Take a look...Click HERE for the interview.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Today I wore purple

Children, young people, are dying. They are so alone, so afarid, tormented and fearful that they see no way out, no better way. They take their own lives. Homophobia killed them. Hatred killed them.

Today I wore purple, along with students and faculty at Sierra College, to raise awareness, to start a conversation...to take an ever-so-small stand.

Resources:

GLSEN
The Trevor Project
Reach Out

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The Status of American Electra?

Recently Susan Faludi wrote a controversial piece in Harper's Magazine (October 2010). The article, "American Electra: Feminism's ritual matricide" , has elicited a great deal of response in the feminist community--most notably from active young feminists. I share the frustration of many bloggers who have responded to Faludi, who seems to argue that the only goal of third-wavers in feminism is to discard older feminists. This is hardly my experience. While there are indeed issues of conflict intergenerationally, I rarely encounter feminist women my age (or younger) who don't care about, or recognize, the work of women before them. I don't think it is about disregarding 'veteran' feminists as much as it is about wanting to be listened to as well. To continue this movement we must foster an exchange of ideas and an appreciation for our generational realities. I wrote extensively about intergenerational feminism and intergenerational partnerships in my book Fight Like a Girl. In a chapter addressing these very issues I argued "to foster intergenerational leadership is to recognize the contributions that young activists have to bring to the table while honoring the work and perspectives of those who have built the modern movement. It is both of these sets of experiences and perspectives that collectively strengthen and further the women's movement." It is an exchange that is needed, not a further pitting of young vs. old that Faludi seems to perpetuate.

I also agree with bloggers that argue that Faludi's mis-characterization of young feminists as focused on popular culture, sexual escapades, and shopping is, as Jennifer Baumgarder responds, "as accurate as saying that, after 40, a woman is more likely to be killed by a terrorist than find a husband." As the writer and teacher of a new class at my college entitled "Feminism and Social Action," I witness every week the energy, the engagement, and the political awareness of students. They bring their activism into our discussions, into their assignments, and out into our community (a community by the way that constitutes some of the most conservative political attitudes in the country).

Having been a leader in the National Organization for Women (NOW) I certainly confronted entrenched authority that refused to incorporate young feminist activism beyond a supportive role. I have long since left the organization and therefore can't speak specifically to the O'Neil-Lyles election. However, I would hesitate to point to NOW as the primary resource for what young feminist activism looks like today, or as an example of intergenerational leadership. Instead I would encourage Faludi to take another look at bloggers who use the internet as a venue to vet ideas, raise consciousness, and organize. I would encourage her to look in community college classrooms all over the country that are bridging academics with community and civic engagement. Or to community-based activism that is challenging environmental racism, fighting for better access to health care, working for solutions to homelessness, or raising awareness of queer youth experiences. The examples are endless. And feminist activism is everywhere.

Here are a few blog responses to Faludi's article:
Reported by Maya on Feministing.com: Responding to Susan Faludi: On mentoring and “being seen” and Jennifer Baumgardner on Feministing.com

Monday, October 4, 2010

Reclaim the name!


This is a student project from one of my students at Sierra College. Join her campaign! www.facebook.com/reclaimthename

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Rescuing Princes

Getting dressed up in princess clothes (again) Molly puts an item of clothing on and says "this is for rescuing princes from the dragons."

Maybe her self concept while a princess is intact.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Looking for resources

I need your input...

I'm looking for great books and/or articles highlighting feminist activism and activists...any suggestions?

Send suggestions to megan@fightlikeagirl.org

Thanks!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Take a Peek!

Wednesday, July 21 -

WHS is giving away free self cervical exam kits in honor of founder and visionary Dido Hasper at the Sacramento, Chico, Redding, Santa Rosa and Grass Valley clinic locations.

Come in and be a part of the Annual Dido Hasper Community Speculum Giveaway Day and take control of your bodies through self-help!

See More
By: Women's Health Specialists - Feminist Women's Health Centers of California

Saturday, July 10, 2010

What is a feminist mama to do?

(Earlier today at the store...note the look of longing)

This afternoon:
Molly: "I'm pretending to be a Barbie Princess."
Mommy: "Why?"
Molly: "Just to bug you."
What is a feminist mama to do? I've surrounded my daughter with 'alternative' toys--imaginative, wood, Waldorf-y, gender neutral...but there seems to be a force outside us both that draws her to these Barbies and all things Princess. Thinking myself savvy I conceded to the princesses as long as they were strong and capable princesses (i.e. Paper Bag Princess, Princess Fiona, Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? books, etc). We talk all the time about the merits of being capable and smart. She understands that I don't like (or approve of) Barbie and she concedes to that...mostly, if not for the occassional request to 'visit' the Barbie aisle.
I knew the Barbie obsession was likely inevitable. And I appreciate that I am hardly the first mom to confront this battle with her daughter. But on the other hand, I really thought that I was creating an alternative culture for her. And yet, the power of our own mainstream culture is seemingly unavoidable. As such, I guess my best 'defense' is to keep her talking about why she likes/wants the dolls? what do they do? what does she like to do?
I remember a friend once telling me that she explained to her daughter that Barbie is so unreal that she couldn't support her own head if she was an actual woman. I tried telling Molly that, I don't think she cares. Not as long as there are pretty dresses, pretty shoes, and sparkles.
Oh, what is a feminist mama to do?

Saturday, May 15, 2010

My Commencement Speech for Sierra College

Congratulations on all that brought you here today—family and friends; teachers and mentors; those late night study sessions and lots caffeine…And kudos to that place inside you that pushes you to finish that project, write that paper, go to the class…especially when you really didn’t want to. Today you see it all come together. Today you graduate. You leave here to continue your education---at universities, in the workforce, and hopefully throughout all aspects of your life. My great grandma used to say as long as you have options you are doing OK. Graduating today gives you options. Where you go, what you do with those options is up to you. No one can take away from you, where you have been or the accomplishments that led you to today. But let me remind you that with your degree you also earned a responsibility. You have something that people around the world fight for, something many of you had to fight for…you have an education. No one will ever be able to take that away. But for that education to really serve you, you must also pass it on.

As I was preparing my remarks for today I came across a quote from Tom Brokaw who said about graduation, “You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.”

We often look to leaders for inspiration. They are the icons who created change and fought for the opportunities we benefit from today. Whether enduring hunger strikes to protest unjust laws like Gandhi, or being the first to picket the White House like Alice Paul who stood up for the belief that women should have their voices counted, or empowered workers to fight for fair and safe labor practices as Cesear Chavez and Delores Huerta did in organizing farm workers, or marched, organized, and motivated masses like Martin Luther King Jr. who fought for a dream of seeing and treating one another as equals. These are the legends that we look to for vision and hope.

But what do all these people have in common? Whether fighting for freedom, equality, or justice they are all people who believed in a vision of a just society. Who decided to take a stand. To use their voice. To put their passion into action. They were each ONE person who inspired another. Who then inspired another and another, until change happened and justice was realized. You each have this possibility in you. Poet and activist Audre Lorde said “Our visions begin with our desires.” What is yours?
You may already have your passion—maybe you discovered it while here at Sierra. Some of you are still searching…but it is there. You just have to listen.

You graduate Sierra College today with a greater knowledge than you had coming in—the knowledge of your disciplines but more importantly the knowledge of yourselves.
Where ever you go from here, whatever you do, you take with you a better you. Among you are the Alice Pauls, Martin Luther King Jrs….. of this time. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” What is your vision? What will you do to create justice, equality, and a world that is about us all? How will you lead the way? What is your dream?

I leave you with this….Nelson Mandela said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This is your chance. May you use your experience from Sierra College as a foundation. May you have the courage to find your voice, use it, and make a commitment to bettering the world.

On behalf of my fellow faculty, and of Sierra College, I celebrate you today. We can’t wait to see the world you help to create.
Happy Graduation.

May 14, 2010

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Furious with Arizona

Yup. Mad at an entire state. Or at least the government of the state of Arizona. Because I just can't believe the people would support such outright and blatant racism.

A new law just passed mandating that law enforcement question anyone who appears to be undocumented by 'reasonable suspicion.' Seriously? What would constitute reasonable suspicion? If you look like an immigrant you will be questioned and must show documentation. But any immigrant? No I don't think so. I doubt the state of Arizona is pulling over anyone who looks Canadian or French or Swedish...no they are looking for brown people. They are 'cracking down' on immigration from Mexico, Central and South America. Oh the irony!

Why irony?...well, unless you are part of the less than 1% who claim Native American heritage living in this country then you too have immigration in your familial history, and likely illegal immigration given the history of our country. We are a nation built on immigration. And despite all the negative press, there are many positives to this--not the least of which includes diversity of culture and a hard working and honest labor force. With undocumented workers we also have a population of people who contribute largely to services, though they are often denied these same services because of lack of legal status and/or lack of resources. Undocumented workers are in many ways the backbone of our economies--certainly true in California with our agriculture and construction industries--yet they are subject to prejudice, discrimination, and laws that prohibit their full participation in society.

It is also important to note that many undocumented workers are working illegally in the U.S. because their home economies are so poor they can't survive or raise a family. Not your problem? Think again. These economies are largely impacted by colonization by countries like the U.S. With this, wealthy nations (again, think U.S.) go into poorer nations and take over, setting up export industries that support the U.S. and in turn deplete resources, farm land, and economies. Left with little option, workers travel, moving around farm to farm, every few months, looking for work--jobs that usually consist of substandard working conditions, unfair labor practices, no safety precautions, no health care, and extremely poor wages. And they leave loved ones, missing years of time with their families. They do this to survive.

And most Americans benefit greatly from this system. We love to yell and scream about the impact on our health care system (well Universal Health Care would solve that), the impact on our schools (prioritize and fund education adequately and then we'll talk), and other services (again, many of which undocumented workers contribute to via sales tax and workers' taxes but then don't have access to) but we rarely recognize the numerous benefits we reap off the backs of these workers. Consider the cost of basket of strawberries without this system in place. And for that cheap basket of strawberries we are willing to allow atrocities of unsafe, unfair, and often violent work environments for farm workers. Shamefully we are not only willing to allow this, we add to it an arrogance of labeling people illegal and treating them worse than animals.

The Arizona law takes this practice to a whole new level.

I commend Mayor Gavin Newsome (San Francisco) for taking a stand. I commend California Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg for taking a stand. We must send the message to Arizona that such laws are wrong.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Seriously??

A bra for your butt? Will this crap ever stop?
For more on the butt bra, click here

Can we perhaps move our focus from 'boosting saggy bums' and 'shrinking our backsides' to a focus on 'boosting' the self esteem of women and girls, 'boosting' wages for working women, 'boosting' representation of women in politics and 'shrinking' discrimination, sexism, homophobia, violence, and inequity?

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Another reason for Feminism and Justice

This blog post, Shocking Photos of Corrective Rape Victim, came across my facebook tonight. My immediate reaction was tears....but then rage took over. The violence, hate, brutality that continues to plague women and girls around the world overwhelms me. If ever there was proof that sexism and homophobia are alive and well...here it is. If ever we need to recommit to feminism, activism, and justice...here is the call.

My thoughts are with Millicent Gaika tonight, I'm in awe of her strength and her survival.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

My daughter's logic

My daughter, Molly, wanted to visit the girl toys in a store today. I explained (again) that there are only toys, not boy and girl toys, and that anyone can play. She looked @ me and said, "OK, then, I want to go where the pink and purple toys are." Geez...

Re-Post from Ms. Blog

When Infidelity Becomes “Sex Addiction”

Monday, March 22, 2010

Did you know...

Supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment march down Pennsylvania Avenue, Aug. 26, 1977.
by findingDulcinea Staff


I am so proud to stand with students today!

With Sociology Club students at the March in March Rally today at California's State Capitol.
Molly and I at the March in March Rally

I'm often asked how I will raise my daughter to be an activist. As with most things, living the example is the best education. I take my daughter to most all events that I attend. In her two and a half years she has gone to every vote I have cast; to Take Back the Night rallies to watch me speak; to walk with students at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk and fundraiser; to rallies and protests against ballot measures that prohibit marriage equality; to Martin Luther King Jr. community celebrations; and today she attended the March in March rally for education at the state Capitol in California. We marched, we rallied, we chanted. My baby girl chanted "Si Se Puede" and made my heart sing and since coming home from the rally today she has been running around the house yelling "No More Cuts!" and "Power to the People!" with her fist in the air. I imagine the day she'll come out of her room with self-made signs protesting some injustice she believes her dad and I have imposed (like bed time, for example).

We had many conversations today about activism and why we go to rallies. What it means to stand up and raise our voices. How people can and do make change. I'm not sure the true extent she understands it all, and yes, I am choosing for her the issues we focus upon. But as I responded to a reporter today, I take my daughter to these events so she grows up knowing that people do act, that change can happen, and that her voice is important. So that when she is older and finds an issue that impassions her, she will know that activism belongs to her.





Sunday, March 21, 2010

Californians...See You Tomorrow

March in March

I will march, will you?

Health Care Reform...just not for women

The Democrats are rejoicing. Many of my progressive friends are tweeting and facebooking their excitement. I am disgusted. And frustrated. And exhausted. Once again we see 'progress' gained on the backs of women. Once again women are told to sit back and wait...that steps forward count even if they leave women behind. The arguments to passing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are so similar to the many we've seen in the past (uhm...ya like the right to vote)--something is better than nothing. Unless you are female in this country. A country where 87% of counties have no abortion provider. Where women travel extended distances-cross county, city, and state lines--and have to cross picket lines just to get the care they need. And now this nation claims victory and reform but we are no where near health care for all. This bill further stigmatizes women who not only have predict the possibility of abortion but request special and separate coverage from their employers (don't we have something in the Courts about separate is not equal??); allows for higher premiums for women when women already pay an estimated 65% more in out of pocket medical costs; restricts care to immigrants; and provides no real public option or single payer system (despite many accounts that countries with Universal health care actually have fewer abortions...shouldn't that be a motivator to these law makers who argue for less abortion, as if it has anything to do with over 90% of them!)

I just can't celebrate. I can't settle. I can't support a measure that leaves women behind...again.

For your reading pleasure....
Michael Moore's Letter: My Congressman, Bart Stupak, Has Neither a Uterus Nor a Brain ...a letter from Michael Moore
NOW statement: Health Care Reform Victory Comes with Tragic Setback for Women's Rights

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Love Your Body

Sierra College will host its 4th Annual Love Your Body Week, next week, March 22-25, 2010. Lots of great speakers and workshops planned. Click here for more information.

In addition to coordinating the event, I'll be presenting a workshop entitled Taboo: The Politics of Women's Blood. I'll explore the historical roots of menstrual taboos and rituals and investigate current day attitudes--do taboos and rituals about menstruation still exist today??

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Kathryn Bigelow is the first woman to win an Oscar for best director

Tonight, herstory is made...Kathryn Bigelow won an Oscar for her film, The Hurt Locker, becoming the first woman ever to win an Oscar for Best Director. Woo Hoo!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Histories of Women...a rant

I was so excited to see the new movie about Amelia Earhart (I know it came out a bit ago but I have a 2 year old so I wait for everything to hit Netflix). I grew up with a passion for flying and travel. I grew up in awe of Amelia.

I shouldn't be surprised. Seems this happens with every mainstream film about women. But there I was last night watching the story of Amelia Earhart unfold before me. And the focus? Her romantic life and managing a jealous and very threatened husband. Blah!

Why must Hollywood "romance-up" nearly every film about women? Do they think that we wouldn't be interested in the telling of a female historic figure unless we also know about the men in her life? Would the accomplishments that made her film worthy not be sufficient enough?

I've heard some argue that the same is done with men...I don't buy it. The first time I see a scene of Nelson Mandela masturbating in his jail cell (see similar story line about Alice Paul in Iron Jawed Angels) then we can talk about whether Hollywood treats the biographies of men in the same manner as those for women!

Shopping...

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice
Seriously??

"Dr. Mrs. Potato Head"
Really???

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Abortion and the Super Bowl...hmmm?

Focus on the Family is at it again...getting ready to spend nearly $3 million on an anti-abortion ad during February 7th's Super Bowl. And despite previous decisions not to allow 'issues ads' CBS is planning to air the ad, which tells the tale of Tim Tebow's mother's decision against abortion. So what's the point...I haven't yet seen the ad but isn't abortion rights about choice--the choice to have an abortion or not to? But that is most likely too idealistic of a view, given that it is Focus on the Family who created the ad. Pay attention folks...using popular culture (i.e. media and the super bowl) to target issues like abortion is very intentional. Also interesting is that the super bowl watchers are predominantly male--all of which will never become pregnant. The red flag is up, why this ad, this topic during the Super Bowl??

Here are few articles/commentaries to check out:

Huffington Post
Take action with the Feminist Majority

Seneca Falls Film

Check it out!
Seneca Falls Film

Monday, January 18, 2010

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.




Woke up this morning to my very talkative 2 1/2 year old daughter. We sat together and watched Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous I Have a Dream speech. And we talked. We talked about people and all that we have in common, we talked about freedom and what that means, and we talked about justice and the role she has in living her life for justice. OK she's 2 but I believe that she needs to grow up with an appreciation of history and a consciousness for community. I believe that these conversations, even at 2, inform who she is and who she'll become. And I believe that children are underestimated every day and that they understand far more than adults generally give them credit for. And so we talked. And we will keep talking every day--even when I lose her attention and the pre-teen eye rolls begin, and when she has 'better things to do' than listen to me...we will talk.