tolerance

So I've been thinking about this for a while. There was a kerfuffle at my school recently between the feminist people and the college republicans. They (the republicans) accused us of being hypocrites. We apparently project an ideal of tolerance, we appear to want to accept everyone and everything. Everything that is except conservative opinions.

Now this isn't the first time I've been accused of being a hypocrite so the claim hit me hard. But I think I've come up with a response I like.

Being frank for a moment, I think the republicans are wrong. I don't agree with their views on business, taxes, health care and abortion (among other things). However, I still love them and think they have a right to their opinions. We are all humans and we are connected through everyone and everything. What I can't stand is when people in positions of power (and let's face it, even Obama has occasionally caved to the will of the right) try to make laws based on their political beliefs. Especially since they are often influenced by their religious beliefs. I'm sorry but saying I can't get an abortion because God created that sacred life is ridiculous to me. That being said, I couldn't care less if you believe your life is sacred because God has a plan for you. The only way you'll annoy me is if you make me thank God for my American Freedom (cheers elementary school).

Ok so tolerance. I don't know about you but when I hear the word I think of like a crazy great aunt who just wants to talk about herself and her porcelain ferret collection. You don't want to sit there and listen, but you tolerate it because she's family. When I'm told my political ideology is tolerant of the gay community, something doesn't sit right with me. How could I merely put up with the gay community when they make up some of the best people I have ever known or could ever hope to know? I don't tolerate them and I don't accept them because that's a ridiculous statement. They are my people, my friends.

So there you go. I like the people, not their ability to control my life, and I love the gays for just being who they are. Please stop saying I'm a hypocrite. I'm not. Thanks.

Who run the world? Actually I think it's men...

Her heart is in the right place. I like what this song has to say but I think it follows a trend of women being represented in the media as more powerful than they are. I'm sorry but women do not run the world. And if we're being told we do then we're less likely to keep fighting to make it actually happen.

And her lyrics are really confusing. She talks about women graduating from college, making millions and still having babies but still hopes a boy like her?

"Boy you know you love it
How we're smart enough to make these millions
Strong enough to bare the children
Then get back to business
See, you better not play me
Don't come here baby
Hope you still like me
If you hate me!"

This is super heteronormitive and completely betrays what she just said. Now in her music video, the first time she says "hope you still like me" she flips off the camera so I thought initially that it was in jest but throughout the song she's crawling around like a stripper so I thinking maybe not...

And if women were really so powerful, why does she have two men in front of her at the beginning?

Also the end, they salute the men. The women in front salute and the women behind her (I mean hundreds of beautiful dancers) stand with their hands clasped as if to prey or at least very respectful and non threatening.

I just don't know what Beyonce hopes to prove with this song and video. I mean this is the woman who gave us Independent Women! I know she wants to support women. But then she does this, or Single Ladies (a song about needing to get married!)

Anyway I just hope she knows how far away from equality we are.

New obsession!

So Americans. We basically have no idea whats going on in the world. At least that's what the world thinks of us. I found this new comic that pokes fun at pretty much everyone and their stereotypes (including the US)

It's very very funny but now I'm completely in love with the artist. On her DeviantArt blog she made some excellent points about masculinity!

"A woman can feel like a woman if she is being the passive/submissive part, she can feel like a woman if she is being the active/dominant part, she can feel like a woman if she is with a man, and she can feel like a woman if she is with a woman.

Men however are not so lucky."

*Swoon*

inspiring

Great comic by XKCD!

Phenomenal Woman

A poem by Maya Angelou:

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

huh?

Dr. Seuss

I'm in crisis right now. I keep finding reasons to carry on but I'm so exhausted I don't know if I can. I thought this was a cool sign that I haven't decided if I'll ignore or not...