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

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??

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!

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???

Spring is coming

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