Attack of the Feminist

Are feminists the newest threat to society?
A group of people signing a petition on Change.org to get the U.S. government to classify feminism as a terrorist group think so.

The petition states: (*note typos/errors are as found on the site)

Over the years feminism has constantly attacked men and women for choosing to live their lives the way they want to. These actions have now progressed to physical violence where we have seen feminists violently attack men who are concerned about mens issues.Repeated attacks in Canada and elseware have left many injured and maimed. Another feminist cell activated recently and is planning on attacking another talk for men in the US. Its time we stopped the violence, its time we put a stop to the hatred feminists are constantly generating. Its time we stopped womens studied courses from brainwashing women into thinking they are victims. Its time these misandric loonatics are stopped.

What? And then, when I thought I couldn't feel any worse about this, I realized this whole petition and statement is made by a woman, Janet Wilkinson. I just keep hoping this is an internet joke. But when you read the comments posted on page, it becomes less awkwardly funny and more distasteful and terrifying. 

So I guess we have to talk about feminism.... 

 If you asked me if I was a feminist, I would cautiously reply yes. I actually like to think of myself as a humanist-meaning that I believe all humans, regardless of their race and gender, or preferences when it comes to sexuality, religion, fashion, food, whatever all deserve to be treated justly and equally as they pursue what makes them happy. Assuming that what they believe makes them happy isn't to destroy earth, kill kittens, hurt others, or other moralistically reprehensible mayhem. But in saying that I believe all humans deserve to be treated justly and equally, it automatically makes me a feminist because tragically and confusingly, we live in a world where women are just not.
I can not comprehend why and when women became the "lesser sex." It just has never made sense to me. Trying to understand why women are less then men is as impossible for me to wrap my mind around as calculus. I never once for a second growing up thought that I couldn't do something because I was a girl. In fact, in elementary school, I once got into a debate with some other kids that girls could do everything boys could. One smart ass little boy shouted out, "Nah-uh! Girls can't pee standing up!" To which I responded simply by pulling my underpants down from under my skirt and peeing right there. Standing up.
The other tragic problem with being a strong woman wanting to help other women be strong (aka a feminist) is that the word "feminist" has become a bad word. Think, if you are invited to a party, and you ask your friend who else she invited and she lists off people like, "Bill the guy who drinks too much, Tracy the funny model, Katie the ad exec with the cute pug, and Sarah the feminist writer." Which one of those people are you thinking you're hoping you won't get trapped into a conversation in a corner with. The word feminist makes everyone bristle because we're picturing and dreading the extreme craziness. Really "-ists" in general make us nervous: racists, elitists, sadists, terrorists, dentists. When it comes to feminists, admit it, we're really picturing those women from the feminist book shop in Portlandia.

I've been guilty of it too. I spent most of college ranting about my "feminazi" Art History professor who literally turned every painting into being about a vagina. And after semesters of her, I found myself rolling my eyes at anyone who identified themselves as a feminist or started ranting on their female struggles. And worse, I was hesitant-and still somewhat am- to define myself as a feminist. Even though I AM, and always have been, a feminist. I have no problem identifying myself as other things that are not necessarily good or flattering, like when I admit to being a crazy cat lady, but it is because of the stereotype of what an angry, hairy feminist is that makes me, and I'm sure others, less willing to proudly say I am a feminist.

But the reality is, most women (like 99%) who are feminists are not humorless, mean, closed-minded people on an aggressive and angry attack hating on penises and men. That stereotype has helped perpetuate feminism to be bad, but it is not a definition of what a true feminist is. It is the caricature of a feminist extremist. Extremists (the -ist problem again) are scary to us, mostly because they can't be reasoned with as there is little to no gray area, and often extremists become a threat because they are willing to go to extremes to push their beliefs. And, yes, extremists have historically become terrorists. But even extremist feminists don't seem to be a real enemy, but rather more of a victim. As the feminist queen bee Hilary Clinton said, extremists in general often are on attack against women."Why extremists always focus on women remains a mystery to me. But they all seem to. It doesn't matter what country they're in or what religion they claim. They all want to control women."
Feminists have only ever gone to battle to fight exactly that, for much needed changes in education, working conditions, and safety to make things equal for all humans. See? Feminists are really just Humanists. Maybe we should all just start using that word and calm the f#@* down because I think it's safe to say that women who are on quests for these things are not Godzillas here to destroy the place.
 

*Also, part of learning to be a successful human is learning how to spell. -E.C.

Hilary Clinton's Trauma is Unnecessary Drama

Republican strategist Karl Rove suggested that Hilary Clinton suffers from brain damage.

Can't a lady get a break?

Rove referred to Clinton's 2012 fall which caused a concussion which caused a blood clot saying that if she runs for office we need to know what really happened. He said, “Thirty days in the hospital? And when she reappears, she’s wearing glasses that are only for people who have traumatic brain injury? We need to know what’s up with that.”

Glasses for brain injury? Yes, her reps did confirm that she sported some corrective lenses for a while as she continued to recover from the potentially life-threatening clot, but she was not in the hospital for thirty days. It was actually three. Rove needs to do a recount.

This is a pretty low blow and also makes no sense. Clinton is clearly a fully functioning and capable woman.

But bizarrely, Rove, who, on an unrelated note, I feel strongly resembles Mr. Potato Head, is not the only person to speculate conspiracy involving Clinton's 2012 injury because it delayed her testifying on Benghazi. Buzzfeed collected a list of 8 people who thought it was fake while others speculated that she was injured in a plane crash on a secret mission in Iran and then Glen Reynolds of USA Today offered that she fell over drunk.

Sigh. All of this is giving me a traumatic brain ache.

Who Belongs In Politics The Hotties? The Babies? The Kitties? Or Old, White Men?

In case you are like me and are going through your Generation Millennial crisis and wondering where your life is going and feeling you just haven't accomplished enough, let me help you by introducing you to a four year old young man who just got RE-elected (as in he was three when he was first elected) as the Mayor of Dorset, Minnesota.

Oh and in his little vest and dapper hat he's a got good style and clothes too. Great. I'm wearing yoga pants today.
So, meet Mayor Robert "Bobby" Tufts. He was recently interviewed on MSNBC because of his political aspirations and he is starting pre-school this fall.
Sure, he's only mayor of a town that has no formal government because when it was incorporated as part of the nearby town of Park Rapids when zip codes were created. And sure this town only has 28 people who are technically residents in it. And yes, the election is held at the annual food festival, because obviously this bizarre little hamlet with its 4 restaurants declares itself to be the "Restaurant Capital of The World." And we'll overlook that people pay $1 to vote and can vote as many times at this food festival as they are willing to pay-making this the least democratic and legitimate town in the United States. But the bottom line is that this sharp dressed little man seems to have it more together than me, at least he's on a track.....
Now it becomes obvious when you watch the MSNBC interview, that his brains may not be the conductor chugging him along on that track. Despite the fact that during the interview, he calls himself "the boss," you get the distinct vibe that his mom-whose deep Minnesota accent makes her sound like the mom from Bobby's World-is the one doing the plotting here. Not unlike the human puppet-masters behind all those animals that have run for (and in some cases won) office.
But still, you've got to love America where anyone can truly have a chance to be part of politics. Anyone. Your cat, your dog, your toddler, Sarah Palin, Carlos Danger.....anyone.
That is the democratic utopian privilege that other countries are working towards. Take for example that also in the news today was the story of 27 year old Nina Siahkali Moradi of Iran who won a seat in the Qazvin, Iran city council elections but was then disqualified by her colleagues in the council because she’s “too attractive” to join them. Their reasoning mostly cited that her campaign posters, in which she is wearing a full hijab, were too sexy and made them feel that she was in "non-observance of Islamic codes."

Nina Siahkali Moradi's Campaign Poster

Iran has made claims that it is working to bring women into politics, and the new Iranian president Hassan Rouhani nominated a woman as vice president in his new cabinet who will take office only pending the approval of lawmakers. But, based on what happened to young Moradi, I'm not sure we should hold our breath on Elham Aminzadeh getting to take office as Vice President either.
In the US, women have only been able to vote since 1920 amendment to the Constitution, and now, not even 100 years later, we have so many wonderful women involved in politics in local, state, and national level. But let's consider Hilary Clinton-you know I had to work Hilary Clinton into this. Hilary has been greatly scrutinized for her looks, and has gone through apparent make-overs to up her appeal, to make her more attractive. So here in the US, we prefer our female politicians to be more attractive. Just think, if Sarah Palin was homely, would she ever had made it so far? And she certainly wouldn't have made it to the cover of Newsweek in her running shorts. But the US isn't the only country with some hotties leading them. Check out this list of The 10 Most Galmorous Women Politicians of The World. And beside them all being beautiful, what is even more important is that most of them are absolutely inspiring groundbreakers. (Because I'm in no way saying that the defining characteristic of a woman-or any person for that matter- should be appearance.)
So while Iran is worried about a woman being too attractive for city council, here in America we have pre-schoolers and cats taking offices. Whose government is more messed up? Is the fact that we have tots and pets in office a disrespectful slap to the freedom our country stands for and abuse of the system that other countries are striving to achieve?

Conclusion from all this-go out there, take a chance, and make a difference. Especially if you are a woman. If a four year old can do it, so can and should you.

Feminist Camp: No Need To Pack Your Objectifying Bikini

The New York Times had an article yesterday about Feminist Camp for teen girls being held in NYC. During this camp, activities like hiking, lanyard making, tennis, and swimming are obviously not on the itinerary. This week long program aims to prepare young women to go out into the world and do more practical feats, like hold epic filibusters or open a feminist vegetarian restaurant called Bloodroot. (This actually exists in southern CT.)
The program leads these teen girls throughout the city to such summer hot spots as the offices of the non-profit Choices in Childhood to hear a lecture from a doula who counsels women having abortions, to Broadway to see actress Holland Taylor in the play "Ann" about former Texas Governor Ann Richards (who, by the way, it is noted in the article these budding feminists had never previously heard of), the Brooklyn Museum's Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, and met with a group of activists from SPARK who seek to end objectification of girls and women in pop culture.

Now, while all of that does sound very......enriching, it doesn't seem very fun. Does it make me an anti-feminist to admit that I would rather be spending my summer at the beach-wearing an objectifying bikini?

I think this is the problem with feminism-it tends to take itself so seriously. 

And it shouldn't. That's part of the charm that I perceive with many gay rights activist, there is a tongue in cheek sense of humor and a sparkling trail of glitter to all their efforts. But many feminists approach everything with this somber intensity. Maybe it is the fallout from the fatigue and frustration of years of suffering and fighting for equal rights. But why do feminists get such a bad rep as exaggerated caricatures? Probably for exactly this reason. Seriously, what teenage girl wants to spend a hot, beautiful summer day in a museum looking at feminist art followed by intense discussion and debate? And kudos to the seven girls enrolled in this camp.

I guess we have to question what makes a feminist. I absolutely am a feminist and in my definition, a feminist is any woman who thinks herself to be an equal and who challenges herself and those around her to make the world a better place-not just for other women, but for everyone. Like Hilary Clinton. Tina Fey.....So by this definition, do we really need Feminist Camp to prep the young female minds of tomorrow or is this camp encouraging young women to yes, become activists, but ones who think to be taken seriously they must take themselves far too seriously.

The young women enrolled in this camp feel this experience is very important because, as they explained to The Times, they feel that women's rights have taken a back seat to gay rights. (Must be that glitter.) One young woman was quoted as explaining, "I have friends who are very religious and they’re pro-gay, but not pro-choice." The feminist campers feel this program offers them a valuable forum to learn how to become a strong female voice in gender issues. Ok. But if you are going to Feminist Camp, like this concerned, young Wendy Davis wannabe, chances are, you already are a raging feminist! So, yes, maybe we do need Feminist Camp, because I do love that we are prepping the next generation of Hilary Clintons, but, I propose it should be attended by young, male republicans. I think that's what would really help with the feminist cause in the future. 

Angry Hilary

The New York Post cover of an enraged Hilary Clinton mid-outburst during Wednesday's hearing on Benghazi just set women back about 100 years.
There are several problems here with this cover-which will by this afternoon launch thousands of "angry Hilary" memes. But the first major problem is the headline.
"No Wonder Bill's Afraid. Hillary explodes with rage at Benghazi hearing." Why is Bill afraid? Why is Bill even involved in this. With all due respect, Mr. Former President, you are inconsequential to world politics at this point. And Hilary, the now relevant Clinton, is captured here during her response to her actions as Secretary of State. So why is Bill, who was undoubtedly home eating a veggie burger and watching Honey Boo Boo, even being brought into this? And why is he afraid of Hilary? Does she yell a lot? Does she not let him check out other women? Does she make him eat all those veggies so that his heart doesn't explode? The bottom line is this headline manages to reduce a strong, successful female world leader and role model, into a stereotypical cartoon of a nagging, yelling wife. Not that it makes Bill Clinton (pictured in a inset at the bottom looking like he just got caught with his pants down) look any better-he becomes a pathetic victim of this raging women. A man who was once president, now cowering at the sound of this shrew's rants? No.
Also, the photo of a ranting Hilary does not even capture rage, it almost looks more like a child taking a temper tantrum, with her fists clenched and her mouth gaping mid-scream. And I think they purposely chose this photo for that exact reason-it takes down Hilary even more. This is not a poised leader expressing rage and standing up for her decisions, this is a woman unhinged and infantilized.
And while Hilary got intense and emotional appearing with her testimony before congress in regards to the September 2012 September terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, depicting her this way is not right and is sexist. Because Hilary is a woman, she is being depicted as this raging over-emotional bitch throwing a temper tantrum. It's propagating the idea that women get overruled by emotions hence are less competent and capable. A male, in her position, who would have responded the way Hilary did to accusations of a cover up, would not be facing this kind of media treatment. I promise you. There would not be a headline about his wife being afraid or him having "some temper." At best he'd be mockingly compared to Nikita Krushchev who slammed his shoe down on the podium in anger during the 1960 UN meeting.
But really, as ridiculous and sexist as this cover is, it's nothing new. We've seen this "angry Hilary" cover a trillion times before-complete with pathetic Bill picture insert. I hope my homegirl Hilary has kept a collection of them.

Two Brilliant Broads

Hilary Clinton and Meryl Streep-the two women I want to mentor me-were spotted taking this adorable cell phone self portrait at the Kennedy Center Honors Gala in Washington, D.C. I wonder if they are facebook friends. I just want to photobomb them and then have a good laugh about it over drinks as we talk about where my life and the world in general is going.

Hot or Not

In case your eyes haven't gotten frozen in an awkward place from all your political eye rolling in the past couple of weeks, UCLA released a study that makes us binders full of women even more objectified.

Their study concluded that women with more stereotypically feminine facial features (aka prettier) were more likely to be be politically conservative (aka Republican.) The study was conducted by surveying undergraduates, having them identify women's political affiliations based on their physical appearance-their literal facial features including shape of jaw line, arch in eye brow, and height of cheekbones.

Alright, several things fundamentally bother me about this study. Why should we even be wondering if Republicans or Democrats are hotter? Or what a Republican looks like? The superficial message this study is telling young women is disgusting. It's not about how you look, it's about what you believe and are passionate about that matter. Young girls and women already feel enough pressure to be pretty, and now this study can lead them to think that political beliefs just fit in as part of the package with the mold of how you look. You shouldn't think that to be considered pretty you are Republican. 

Second, think back to the last election where there were two women representing each party in the limelight. Republican Sarah Palin was getting all sorts of attention for being "hot." Yes, she is an attractive woman, but clearly she was not capable as a world leader. Meanwhile, Democrat Hilary Clinton, a highly educated and intelligent woman, was struggling to get the momentum she needed to get to a national platform, a problem many have often attributed to her "likeability." Beyond her beliefs or personality, was that also regarding her appearance? If this UCLA study is true, we could concur that her look hurt her. The fact that Hilary over the past couple of years has seemed to change-grown her hair out to a more feminine style, began to dress more sharply, all disturbingly imply that we, as a nation, do prefer our political women to be more feminine. Shouldn't Hilary's experience, beliefs, and knowledge be enough? Has she fallen into the trap of competing in a beauty contest as well-becoming a lipstick democrat? But if there are studies like this being done, it's no wonder why that is a pressure for her to feel. It shouldn't matter. A woman in a political position of power should not be the poster hung in a college dorm that boys jerk off to anyway, right? That's just disrespectful. And don't worry, I find it equally offensive when women talk about the "sexy" Paul Ryan muscles. I would have at least struggled less with this study if it had studied men as well. Do we think male Republicans are more attractive? If we are going to go there, let's play a game of marry, boff, kill with Clinton, Obama, and Romney. Come on ladies, that's a no brainer!

In an election where women's issues and choices really matter, this study seems to take us all back to a time where women had no rights but the right to look pretty. Corsets and petticoats have gone the way of horses and bayonets. So too should the idea that what women look like matters, let alone make their political beliefs predictable. Don't judge the book by it's cover. Seriously, just think, 50 Shades of Gray has a quite boring cover.

Hilary Gets Down

I've dedicated several posts now to the increasingly hip Hilary Clinton so it stands to reason that I'd have to share this video of her tearing up the dance floor with playful hip shaking and grinding-she's no Beyonce but she's clearly having fun. The Secretary of State was in South Africa at a foreign reception during her trip where she attended a conference dedicated to stopping the spread of AIDS and also met with legendary leader Nelson Mandela.
Meanwhile, where's hubby Bill? The former President is at home meditating with his newly hired Buddhist monk. Funny, remember when he was the wild sax playing one?
Anyway, it's official. I want a night out having drinks with Hilary. Bill can stay home.

Another Point for Hilary Clinton

Hilary Clinton is increasingly becoming a huge role model to me. Maybe she's an acquired taste-like port wine and stinky cheese.
This week, she taught everyone a lesson in diplomacy and class. I'm telling you-she just keeps getting cooler. And look at her voguing in Egypt in this AP photo-with her long, flowing blond hair, stylish, smart green coat, and sunglasses.
So the Secretary of State lands in Egypt only to be greeted by protesters mockingly chanting "Monica! Monica!" and throwing tomatoes at her. Instead of justifying the drama with a response, this class act went about her business showing tomatoes just stain and words will never hurt her. She then responded in a CNN interview saying that there is
"a lot of uncertainty and anxiety in Egypt right now. They’re doing something they’ve never done in 5,000-plus years of history. They’ve had elections, they’ve elected a president, but they still don’t have a government I knew very well there would be a lot of passion and conviction expressed, which I think demonstrates how invested Egyptians are in trying to make sure their democratic transition works out for the benefit of all the Egyptians — men and women, Muslim and Christian, everybody.”
That's right. Instead of firing back, or responding to the unpleasant past of her husband's philanderings, she managed to diffuse a tense situation and turn it all into a compliment for the people who were hurling tomatoes at her, citing their passion and progress!
Well played, Madame Clinton, well played.

Pat Buchanan Wants a Girls Not Allowed Sign on The White House Clubhouse

Politician/political commentator Pat Buchanan said in an appearance on "McLaughlin Group" that he hopes a woman will not be elected President until at least 2040.
What about our girl Hilary Clinton? He didn't respond to that. But what about Hilary? I'll be honest, I was never a big fan of the headband wearing uptight woman who stood by her cheating man back in the Clinton White House days. But lately, I've found myself praising Hilary. A lot. Is it me or is she just getting cooler? While Bill is at home grilling veggie burgers, she's out there doing awesome things-and texting. She's drinking beer and dancing the night away in Columbia. She's talking about wanting to do movies with muppets. And she's doing her job. As military engagement in Afghanastan comes to an end, the Secretary of State is putting wise conditions on the assistance pledge. She explains "That must include fighting corruption, improving governance, strengthening the rule of law, increasing access to economic opportunity for all Afghans, especially for women." And in light of the horrifying video released today of a woman near Kabul being shot by the Taliban in front of 150 men for allegedly committing adultery, international women's rights, especially in Afghanastan, is an important issue.
Hilary Clinton is proving that girls should get to come into the clubhouse, Pat. If you don't like it, I suggest you head to Kabul.

Shake it up Hilary.