Rape Case, in Public, Cites Abuse by Armed Groups in Afghanistan

Yesterday, sitting on the front page of the New York Times was this article about an Afghan woman who was speaking out about her rape. I’m so happy that this issue is getting the attention it deserves. So many times, stories about women’s issues and rape are hidden away in the middle of the paper if they are covered at all. Seeing the New York Times so prominently publicize this woman’s story gives me hope that one day, these atrocities against women might end. 

Israel voted on a law, known as the photoshop law, that would ban all models who do not meet a healthy BMI. The law also requires advertisers to clearly state when they have photoshoped or doctored a photo. This law is unprecedented in any country and will hopefully bring awareness and change to the growing issue of eating disorders and body image problems among girls. 

Another article about the issue!!

  • May 11, 2012, 11:27pm

          1 note

fuckyeahfeminism:

sostark:

Alison Bechdel’s “Bechdel Test”:

  1. The film has to have at least two women in it
  2. Who talk to each other
  3. About something besides a man.

Astounding how many movies don’t pass this test.

[via]thedailywhat

(via thedailywhat)

feministryangosling: Virginia <3 Ryan gosling

feministryangosling:

Virginia

<3 Ryan gosling

Why is feminism still relevant to you?

Send us articles, poems, songs, photos, statistics, videos, ANYTHING that explains why feminism is still needed today. 

Not victims of tradition: Women emerge as symbols for girls facing abusive fates

Washington Post Article describes two women who came to America to escape sexist practices in their home countries. Rather than allowing their challenges to defeat them, these women stood up against the arduous sexism that almost killed them and became advocates for change.

Why Afghan Women Risk Death to Write Poetry

Great New York Times article describes the sexism that is entrenched in Afghan culture and society. 

Let&#8217;s stop this body hatred.  This Friday (the 27th) Women&#8217;s Advocacy Club is sponsoring Tell Someone Their Beautiful Day. Instead of bemoaning the usual teenage gripes of being too fat, too short, too tall, too pale, etc. etc etc. let&#8217;s change the discussion and instead, focus on the great qualities of you and your friends. Once we can get rid of the idea that we&#8217;re supposed to feel bad about ourselves, like it&#8217;s natural for girls to pick apart their flaws and have a nearly non-existen self esteem, then maybe we can begin to build up a generation of confident and empowered women. This goes for non-physical beauty as well; let&#8217;s feel proud of our accomplishments instead of hiding behind sheepishness and feelings of inferiority. Do not let anyone take away your confidence or pride for what you do or who you are. Ever. Ok enough of these attempts at inspirational garble, let&#8217;s just stop hating ourselves! 

Let’s stop this body hatred. 

This Friday (the 27th) Women’s Advocacy Club is sponsoring Tell Someone Their Beautiful Day. Instead of bemoaning the usual teenage gripes of being too fat, too short, too tall, too pale, etc. etc etc. let’s change the discussion and instead, focus on the great qualities of you and your friends. Once we can get rid of the idea that we’re supposed to feel bad about ourselves, like it’s natural for girls to pick apart their flaws and have a nearly non-existen self esteem, then maybe we can begin to build up a generation of confident and empowered women. This goes for non-physical beauty as well; let’s feel proud of our accomplishments instead of hiding behind sheepishness and feelings of inferiority. Do not let anyone take away your confidence or pride for what you do or who you are. Ever.

Ok enough of these attempts at inspirational garble, let’s just stop hating ourselves! 

Get up and actualize on what you believe in!!!

Great article on actually taking your dreams and passions seriously. For me, this is a wake up call to cut out any excuses I may have for not acting on my beliefs. Also, rookiemag.com is a great online magazine for teens. 

Played 1 time [Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

Another great example of intersectionality. The fact that these “brown girls” were pulled over because the cops thought they matched the description of prostitutes (assholes…) is something that many white women may never experience. If you have not experienced this type of incredibly racially profiling behavior, sit and listen if someone you know has. This means to REALLY listen. Be empathetic but also understand that you may never experience the type of degrading slime-ballery that the woman you’re talking to has dealt with. Do not pretend you are in the same boat if you truly are not. And then, part 2, let your friend lead the way should she choose to fight against this injustice. This is her battle but you can (and should) be her ally. 

This advice can be used for guys trying to support the feminist movement. Let the ladies lead.

Small disclaimer— this is just my own opinion on how this whole issue of intersectionality should be handled. Please tell me if you disagree or have another idea.

Another part of this story that really strikes me is Sarah Jones’s ability to walk away from promised fame and fortune in order to stand up for what she knows is right. I feel like I’m constantly being placed in situations where I must choose between “going with the flow” and standing up and pushing against the flow to uphold what I believe. Andddd most of the time I let that flowing tide pick me up and carry me along. It’s hard to turn against what is the norm but, if we want change, that’s what we’ve got to do.