Safe Sex = AMAZING Sex
Below are a few suggestions and facts on how to have safe sex. Some of these forms of birth control are not discussed in the typical school run sex education program. Enjoy.
Intrauterine Device (IUD): A t-shaped device that is inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD prevents the sperm from entering an egg. If used correctly less than 1 out of 100 women will become pregnant using an IUD. IUDs can also be used as emergency birth control. IUD does not protect against STIs.
Birth Control (“The Pill”): The pill is a daily medication that women can take that prevents pregnancy. The hormones and estrogen found in the pill prevents the woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs. The pill also thickens the cervical mucus. If used correctly less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant. The pill does not protect against STIs.
The Ring: It is a small and flexible ring that a woman can put into her vagina once a month. You would wear the ring three weeks on and one week off (similar to the patch). The ring prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and builds up cervical mucus. It also thins out the lining of the uterus. If used correctly less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant. The ring does not protect against STIs.
The Patch: The birth control patch is a thin, beige, plastic patch that sticks to the skin. It is used to prevent pregnancy. A new patch is placed on the skin once a week for three weeks in a row, followed by a patch-free week. Similar to the ring the patch prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and builds up cervical mucus. It also thins the lining of the uterus. If used correctly less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant. The patch does not protect against STIs.
Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a shallow, dome-shaped cup with a flexible rim. It is made of latex. You insert it into the vagina. When it is in place, it covers the cervix. It blocks the opening to the uterus and the spermicide stops any sperm from moving. If women always use the diaphragm correctly 6 out of 100 will become pregnant each year.
Female Condom: The female condom is a plastic pouch that is used during intercourse to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. It has flexible rings at each end. Just before vaginal intercourse, it is inserted deep into the vagina. The ring at the closed end holds the pouch in the vagina. The ring at the open end stays outside the vaginal opening during intercourse. If women always use the female condom correctly 5 out of 100 women will become pregnant each year.
Sponge: The sponge is made of plastic foam and contains spermicide. It is soft, round, and about two inches in diameter. It has a nylon loop attached to the bottom for removal. It is inserted deep into the vagina before intercourse. The sponge covers the cervix and blocks the uterus. If women who have never given birth always use the sponge as directed, 9 out of 100 will become pregnant each year.
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-effectiveness-chart-22710.htm
In this article I will be taking a quote from Jessica Valenti’s Full Frontal Feminism and responding to them.
“Women are taught that we’re only supposed to have sex under these bizarre arbitrary guidelines: only if you’re married; only if it’s for procreation; and only with another girl if guys can watch. So unless you’re going to do it the way other people want, just don’t.” (page 20)
I think this quote deals with a lot of expected societal norms that women have been dealing with for years. Sex before marriage, this expectation goes back as far as the bible. So does the expectation that women should have sex for procreation. There have been novels written based off of this idea as well. Personally I dislike this idea. I completely understand and respect peoples’ religious beliefs and if they think that the best choice for them is to wait for sex then I say go for it. I also believe that a decision as important as having or not having sex is not something that can be decided by a book or priest or even parents. It’s your body, your choice. The third guideline mentioned in this quotes is, “…and only with a girl if guys can watch.” So if this statement is true then what does that mean for lesbians? They are only to have sex for the enjoyment of men and not themselves? This end of the quote angers me the most. It completely disregards and ignores the sexual wants, needs, and acknowledgment of lesbians. It seems to me that the statement is saying lesbians do not exist. The quote as a whole is a complete double standard in my opinion as well. I believe that it is very hard to find these guidelines for men. So why are women stuck with all the rules? Why can’t we just go out and have fun? I means come on…girls just want to have fun too.
“Women are taught that we’re only supposed to have sex under these bizarre arbitrary guidelines: only if you’re married; only if it’s for procreation; and only with another girl if guys can watch. So unless you’re going to do it the way other people want, just don’t.” (page 20)
I think this quote deals with a lot of expected societal norms that women have been dealing with for years. Sex before marriage, this expectation goes back as far as the bible. So does the expectation that women should have sex for procreation. There have been novels written based off of this idea as well. Personally I dislike this idea. I completely understand and respect peoples’ religious beliefs and if they think that the best choice for them is to wait for sex then I say go for it. I also believe that a decision as important as having or not having sex is not something that can be decided by a book or priest or even parents. It’s your body, your choice. The third guideline mentioned in this quotes is, “…and only with a girl if guys can watch.” So if this statement is true then what does that mean for lesbians? They are only to have sex for the enjoyment of men and not themselves? This end of the quote angers me the most. It completely disregards and ignores the sexual wants, needs, and acknowledgment of lesbians. It seems to me that the statement is saying lesbians do not exist. The quote as a whole is a complete double standard in my opinion as well. I believe that it is very hard to find these guidelines for men. So why are women stuck with all the rules? Why can’t we just go out and have fun? I means come on…girls just want to have fun too.
Mildred grew up in a small town in Virginia where she fell in love with a man named Richard Loving. Mildred was an African American woman and Richard was a white man, so antimiscegnation laws forbid them from getting married in Virginia (10). They went to Washington to get married legally and came back to Virginia to live. Word spread throughout the town of their marriage and one night in their sleep police came and arrested them. Richard was released with a bond, but Mildred was forced to stay in jail. After leaving jail, the couple was put on probation with an agreement to leave Virginia (12). The Lovings resided in Washington raising a family for many years, but Mildred missed Virginia where all her family was (13). Mildred sent a letter to Attorney General Richard F. Kennedy about her desire to move back to Virginia. Kennedy referred her to Brian Cohen, who later became the Lovings’ lawyer. The Loving case went through many branches of government and finally reached the Supreme Court in 1967, where the Lovings won (15). The Loving case became part of the civil rights movement and the couple became activists through their fight for interracial marriage laws. Not many people know about Mildred Loving and her struggle for equality. Although, Mildred may not have ever considered herself a feminist, I believe she was a feminist that should be recognized. Because of her, woman in the United States are free to be in a relationship with whomever they choose no matter what the race or ethnic background is. I want to personally thank Mildred Loving for her brave fight, because I am a product of an interracial couple and am in an interracial relationship myself. Without her, me and many other biracial individuals would not be here today!
Sources:
Newbeck, Phyl. Virginia Hasn't Always Been For Lovers: Interracial marriage bans and
the case of Richard and Mildred Loving. Carbondale: Southern Illinois UP, 2000.
For those who never took a women studies class, I'm sure there exists a lot confusion regarding feminism. How does a feminist look like? Are feminists anti-beauty man hating hairy women? Just the other day, I was at UCLA with my best friend and somehow the topic of feminism fell into our conversation. Having never studied third wave feminism, she said "there are some things I really don't agree with such as the mentality that women who want to be a housewife are disloyal to feminist principles." I don't blame her. She's not the only one.
Here at WAHINE, we know that there is no particular look attributed to feminist. We come in all shapes, sizes, styles and appearances. But others, like the friend I mentioned earlier, aren't so savvy on the idea that wearing make up or choosing to be a housewife still makes you a total feminist--you are no betrayer of feminist ideals. Right before Thanksgiving, a group of Cambridge undergraduates posed scantily clad in their student magazine. Their pictures brought immediate critiscism and people made comments that paralled the girls to "bluestockings" and "bimbos." Are these girls reinforcing sexual objectivity and the harmful attitudes women face? The question was answered by Jill Berry, the president of the Girls' association, as she said "Caring about physical appearance and fashion and wanting to feel good about how you look doesn't have to be a betrayal of some feminist ideal. I love new shoes but it doesn't make me shallow. Girls can have fun and be taken seriously at the same time." (View article here)
As for my take on the debate, I believe in a feminine feminist. I own a pink computer. Pink lipgloss. Obsess over fashion and love boys--yet I still consider myself a feminist. The stereotype of feminists being ugly men haters annoys me immensely. Just because I strut around in heels, wear "satin taupe" eyeshadow, & can careless whether or not I make as much dough as my husband doesn't mean I'm brainless. To me, wanting to be feminine is my means of self-confidence. I certainly believe in the "look good, feel good" cliche and I'm sure any woman would agree when they think back upon that day they had that big throbbing red zit on their face.
The meaning of "looking good" is unique to everyone and is defined differently by every individual. For example, if your best friend thinks the new leather jacket you bought looks like a trashbag but you feel gorgeous in it, to me, that's "looking good." I think the underlying problem is that people automatically equate being fashionable as being anti-feminist. Fashion, like sex, isn't about whether or not you participate, it's about WHY you chose to participate. Since the only person who can ascertain a woman's intention is herself, I think it is only fair that she gets the final say on whether she is scantily clad because it makes her feel empowered, or because she wants attention. Similarly, if a woman wants to be a stay at home mom and pick up kids from school, that's totally feminist so long as she chose to do so because that's what she wants.
Glamour isn't the immediate adjective that comes to mind when people think of feminism but in the third wave, things are beginning to change. From the Spice Girls to Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City," the women's movement is shifting towards a new feminity and I embrace it entirely with open arms. Covered up or totally out there, rock what you love and attach your own meaning to it.
Here at WAHINE, we know that there is no particular look attributed to feminist. We come in all shapes, sizes, styles and appearances. But others, like the friend I mentioned earlier, aren't so savvy on the idea that wearing make up or choosing to be a housewife still makes you a total feminist--you are no betrayer of feminist ideals. Right before Thanksgiving, a group of Cambridge undergraduates posed scantily clad in their student magazine. Their pictures brought immediate critiscism and people made comments that paralled the girls to "bluestockings" and "bimbos." Are these girls reinforcing sexual objectivity and the harmful attitudes women face? The question was answered by Jill Berry, the president of the Girls' association, as she said "Caring about physical appearance and fashion and wanting to feel good about how you look doesn't have to be a betrayal of some feminist ideal. I love new shoes but it doesn't make me shallow. Girls can have fun and be taken seriously at the same time." (View article here)
As for my take on the debate, I believe in a feminine feminist. I own a pink computer. Pink lipgloss. Obsess over fashion and love boys--yet I still consider myself a feminist. The stereotype of feminists being ugly men haters annoys me immensely. Just because I strut around in heels, wear "satin taupe" eyeshadow, & can careless whether or not I make as much dough as my husband doesn't mean I'm brainless. To me, wanting to be feminine is my means of self-confidence. I certainly believe in the "look good, feel good" cliche and I'm sure any woman would agree when they think back upon that day they had that big throbbing red zit on their face.
The meaning of "looking good" is unique to everyone and is defined differently by every individual. For example, if your best friend thinks the new leather jacket you bought looks like a trashbag but you feel gorgeous in it, to me, that's "looking good." I think the underlying problem is that people automatically equate being fashionable as being anti-feminist. Fashion, like sex, isn't about whether or not you participate, it's about WHY you chose to participate. Since the only person who can ascertain a woman's intention is herself, I think it is only fair that she gets the final say on whether she is scantily clad because it makes her feel empowered, or because she wants attention. Similarly, if a woman wants to be a stay at home mom and pick up kids from school, that's totally feminist so long as she chose to do so because that's what she wants.
Glamour isn't the immediate adjective that comes to mind when people think of feminism but in the third wave, things are beginning to change. From the Spice Girls to Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City," the women's movement is shifting towards a new feminity and I embrace it entirely with open arms. Covered up or totally out there, rock what you love and attach your own meaning to it.
Christopher Street West is Proud to present LA PRIDE – the 40th annual Los Angeles LGBT PRIDE Celebration taking place from June 11-13, 2010. Christopher Street West Association, Inc., is a non-profit service organization within the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community of Los Angeles, committed to the goals of human rights, education, outreach and better understanding within our community, as well as the heterosexual community. Today, CSW brings together the skills, talents and vision of our diverse community to produce the annual Los Angeles LGBT Pride Celebration hosted by the independent City of West Hollywood. All are invited to come out and show their Pride at one of the most exciting PRIDE Celebrations in the country. Together, as a united force, the LGBT community has the power to ignite the change it desires to see. The LA PRIDE Festival offers an opportunity for all who gather and be celebrated, entertained, educated and encouraged in finding new ways of generating Pride values for greater equality and social acceptance.
http://www.lapride.org/
http://www.lapride.org/
Amelia Bloomer was the first woman to own, operate and edit a newspaper for women. She was from Seneca Falls, New York who worked against social injustice and inequality imposed upon women of her time. She decided to begin her own newspaper called The Lily: A Ladies Journal Devoted to Temperance and Literature. The newspaper initially focused on self-discipline, but with the guidance of Elizabeth Cady Stanton (a well known women's suffrage activist) the focus soon began to aim towards women's rights and equality. The paper included receipts, moralist tracts, suffrage information, marriage law reform, higher education for women and even promoted a new form of fashion that allowed a less restrictive dress known as The Bloomer Costume. The paper ran from 1849-1853, but even after the newspaper stopped being published, Amelia's activism continued. She continued to write for periodicals and was often found leading suffrage campaigns in Nebraska and Iowa and even served as president of the Iowa Woman Suffrage Association from 1871-1873.
Q: I am what you call a "new" feminist, because I just recently started calling myself a feminist after taking a course on third wave feminism. My school is selling those T-shirts that say "This is what a feminist looks like." I'm contemplating whether or not to buy one...what if someone sees me wearing it and asks me all these questions about feminism that I can't answer. I mean should I be wearing a T-shirt that I don't know everything about?
A: Hey I say...BUY ONE! I think buying one is a perfect way to start your activism as a feminist. Someone can come up to you who doesn't know anything about feminism and you can tell them everything you know and more importantly you can share "your story"- how did you come to be a feminist. It's ok that you don't know all the answers, no one does. If someone gets mad that you are wearing one and don't know everything about feminism then they aren't doing their part in being accepting. Over time, you will come to find that every time you wear the T- shirt you can think of your journey as a feminist and you will think about everything you have learned.
A: Hey I say...BUY ONE! I think buying one is a perfect way to start your activism as a feminist. Someone can come up to you who doesn't know anything about feminism and you can tell them everything you know and more importantly you can share "your story"- how did you come to be a feminist. It's ok that you don't know all the answers, no one does. If someone gets mad that you are wearing one and don't know everything about feminism then they aren't doing their part in being accepting. Over time, you will come to find that every time you wear the T- shirt you can think of your journey as a feminist and you will think about everything you have learned.
Q: I consider myself a feminist and am involved with a feminist organization on my campus. When talking with some of the other women in the group I said, "I don't think I would have been a feminist when feminism started or even when second wave feminism came." A lot of the women were really offended and said how can you call yourself a feminist right now if you wouldn't have considered yourself one in the past. I am biracial and I think feminists weren't as accepting back then. Am I wrong for thinking this? Can anyone else relate?
A: I don't think you are wrong for thinking this and I can relate, because I am biracial as well. I don't know that I would consider myself a feminist at the start or during the second wave of feminism. When I think about women from the past that are biracial or of another race other than white I would consider them a feminist. For example, I would consider Mildred Loving a feminist, but during her era she may not have considered herself one. It's easier to look back and see someone as a feminist, but at the time feminist's sought certain rights for only white women. A major feminist movement in the past was the right to vote, but it was the right for only white women. I wouldn't consider myself a feminist at that time if something they fought and believed in excluded part of my race. Also, I think the fact that Third Wave feminism is more liberal, open, and acceptable than previous feminism was appealing when I decided to call myself a feminist. Don't let them bring you down. If you have not yet had an open discussion with your feminist organization about your thoughts and reasoning then I suggest that. I wouldn't let this idea break relationships. Agree to disagree if you have to...good question & I hope I helped!
A: I don't think you are wrong for thinking this and I can relate, because I am biracial as well. I don't know that I would consider myself a feminist at the start or during the second wave of feminism. When I think about women from the past that are biracial or of another race other than white I would consider them a feminist. For example, I would consider Mildred Loving a feminist, but during her era she may not have considered herself one. It's easier to look back and see someone as a feminist, but at the time feminist's sought certain rights for only white women. A major feminist movement in the past was the right to vote, but it was the right for only white women. I wouldn't consider myself a feminist at that time if something they fought and believed in excluded part of my race. Also, I think the fact that Third Wave feminism is more liberal, open, and acceptable than previous feminism was appealing when I decided to call myself a feminist. Don't let them bring you down. If you have not yet had an open discussion with your feminist organization about your thoughts and reasoning then I suggest that. I wouldn't let this idea break relationships. Agree to disagree if you have to...good question & I hope I helped!
In the article “You Want Me to do What?” written by Maura Kelly in the November 2009 issue of Marie Claire the author describes a situation in which a man is sexually into something that is not typical of a straight man. While engaging in sexual intercourse the man preferred the woman to be dominant. He also preferred anal sex over the typical missionary position.
This not only shocked the woman he was with but it shocked me as well. What does this mean for woman? Is this a new form of equality? In some ways sex can define who a person is. Some people feel more comfortable identifying with their sex. I am a heterosexual female. That is a part of who I am. Others may define who they are by calling themselves gay or lesbian. When a woman takes the dominant role is she really a woman or does she become the man? In the end of the article the couple decided to break things off due to the awkwardness that arose after the sex. I think that awkwardness was due to society’s norms. In society woman are meant to be submissive not dominant. I think the times are changing and woman playing the dominant role should be embraced not turned away from. Any opportunity for women to get ahead in the world and in bed should be taken into account and embraced. I think that this new sexual role for woman equalizes them. Now more than ever is the perfect opportunity for women all over the world to reshape the way society views women’s roles in the world of sex. If women want to take control then this is a good place to start. I believe that sex is a moment in time when people are more vulnerable, exposed, and powerful. First step the bedroom, next step the world.
This not only shocked the woman he was with but it shocked me as well. What does this mean for woman? Is this a new form of equality? In some ways sex can define who a person is. Some people feel more comfortable identifying with their sex. I am a heterosexual female. That is a part of who I am. Others may define who they are by calling themselves gay or lesbian. When a woman takes the dominant role is she really a woman or does she become the man? In the end of the article the couple decided to break things off due to the awkwardness that arose after the sex. I think that awkwardness was due to society’s norms. In society woman are meant to be submissive not dominant. I think the times are changing and woman playing the dominant role should be embraced not turned away from. Any opportunity for women to get ahead in the world and in bed should be taken into account and embraced. I think that this new sexual role for woman equalizes them. Now more than ever is the perfect opportunity for women all over the world to reshape the way society views women’s roles in the world of sex. If women want to take control then this is a good place to start. I believe that sex is a moment in time when people are more vulnerable, exposed, and powerful. First step the bedroom, next step the world.
Now today’s topic ladies will be going to go into a little bit more than the typical, “Don’t forget to use a condom” talk. It’s going to be about how a woman can take control of the situation (without being on top). I will not only by looking at heterosexual sex but I will also by critiquing Cosmopolitan (a magazine) specifically the sex section.
Welcome to the new and improved sex education. First off I would like to critique the magazine Cosmopolitan. When looking online at their sex positions all of the categories have a fun little blurb about how the men will enjoy the moves that you do. The only place where the magazine talks about the women is at the very end of the mini, instructional paragraph. Cosmopolitan is a magazine for women yet it is all about how women can please their man or how to get a man. Who is anyone to tell us that the only way to live our lives and be happy is to have a man by our size who is pleased with our performance? Secondly, whoever said the only way for women to be controlling in the bedroom was by being on top was seriously mistaken. While reading the article Having It All Ways: The Tourist, the Traveler, and the Local in The L Word written by Candice Moore states, “It is Jenny who structures, and, ultimately, controls the sex play with Tim. A writer, delighting in creating a scene, she writes him into Shane’s role, herself into the role of Shane’s lover. She sets things up so that she can come.” After reading this quotes I realized that a women could be in any position, top or bottom, and still have control over the situation. Although the control may be subtle it is still control. As stated in the previous blog if women cannot take control in the bedroom how can they take control in the real world? What does control mean for homosexuals in bed? Does one female where the “pants” over the other? Or is it as simple as taking turns. I think it is all about preference but I think, even in a homosexual relationship, both people need to demonstrate some sort of dominance. If you as a woman want to be on top then be on top. I cannot stress this enough but do what you want and do what makes you happy. As selfish as it sounds, sex is about you. I am not saying it is not important to make the other person satisfied, but it is important that you are.
Welcome to the new and improved sex education. First off I would like to critique the magazine Cosmopolitan. When looking online at their sex positions all of the categories have a fun little blurb about how the men will enjoy the moves that you do. The only place where the magazine talks about the women is at the very end of the mini, instructional paragraph. Cosmopolitan is a magazine for women yet it is all about how women can please their man or how to get a man. Who is anyone to tell us that the only way to live our lives and be happy is to have a man by our size who is pleased with our performance? Secondly, whoever said the only way for women to be controlling in the bedroom was by being on top was seriously mistaken. While reading the article Having It All Ways: The Tourist, the Traveler, and the Local in The L Word written by Candice Moore states, “It is Jenny who structures, and, ultimately, controls the sex play with Tim. A writer, delighting in creating a scene, she writes him into Shane’s role, herself into the role of Shane’s lover. She sets things up so that she can come.” After reading this quotes I realized that a women could be in any position, top or bottom, and still have control over the situation. Although the control may be subtle it is still control. As stated in the previous blog if women cannot take control in the bedroom how can they take control in the real world? What does control mean for homosexuals in bed? Does one female where the “pants” over the other? Or is it as simple as taking turns. I think it is all about preference but I think, even in a homosexual relationship, both people need to demonstrate some sort of dominance. If you as a woman want to be on top then be on top. I cannot stress this enough but do what you want and do what makes you happy. As selfish as it sounds, sex is about you. I am not saying it is not important to make the other person satisfied, but it is important that you are.
Hello. My name is Kelly Scribner. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Redlands in Southern California. I am majoring in Psychology and getting a minor in Business and Women Studies. I believe that in the 21st century women should have equality in all aspects of life. I think that any woman can become a feminist if they believe in the same ideas. Feminism today does not have the typical negative stereotype it once did and it is important for the world to accept, respect, and understand that.
It’s always good to know a little more about your professors and what led them to
teach, so I have decided to blog about the woman who inspired the Wahine Blog.
Jennifer Nelson grew up in Seattle, WA and attended Brown University for her BA and Rutgers University for her Ph.D. She majored in Modern, Culture and Media as an undergrad and studied a lot of feminist theory. Jennifer Nelson currently lives in Redlands, CA with her only son named Nicholas. She is a single parent and she says it can be tough, but she likes being able to support her son on her own as a feminist professor. She started calling herself a feminist in college and that’s when she had a group of friends that were involved with the women’s center and feminist politics on campus. There were some high profile rapes on her campus, so they organized students to become more educated on date rape. They held a speak out and also worked on body image issues. Along with those accomplishments, Nelson volunteered at Planned Parenthood. Nelson has a Ph.D. in US history, although her focus is women’s history. Her research is in women’s history, but she’s been teaching Women’s and Gender Studies courses since graduate school. Jennifer Nelson says, “ I like that these courses are interdisciplinary, not just history.” She taught high school in Brooklyn for one year, which convinced her that she wanted to teach college. Nelson says, “ I really like my job now, because it’s great to see young women (and men) discover that feminism is something they can embrace. I also like to enlighten students about what women have done in the past. Often students have had no women’s history and have no idea that a historical focus on women is even possible. When they start to focus on women’s history they see that the historical narrative they learned in high school can be told in a very different way.” One of her “That Takes Ovaries” moments was the year after college she and a group of friends hung a banner on the Statue of Liberty that said: “’Abortion is Health Care, Health Care is a Right.’”
Ashley Falcon is a young, talented and innovative fashionista turn stylist. In the article "Big, Girl in a Skinny World", Falcon offers advice to curvaceous women and tells of her dilemma with being 5'2 and 220 pounds. Although I can only imagine the pressure Falcon must face working in a industry where being anorexic sometimes isn't enough, I was happy to see that Falcon's biggest struggle was simply finding the "perfect, all-occasion pair of slimming, lengthening and ass hugging jeans." Her story is proof to the fashion industry that overweight women are not lazy and greedy for Falcon was genetically born to have a higher efficiency for storing energy in her body.
The main picture placed in the center of the two page article is a sexy full body photo of Falcon dressed in an irrisistibly chic trench coat paired with a sexy high waisted skirt and a set of classic black booties. Now, there were some things I loved about this article and then there were some things I was quite unhappy about. Lets talk about what I loved first. For one, I really enjoyed Falcon's short anecdote of herself because it offered a fresh perspective that is relatable to the vast majority of women out there whose body shape is anything but stick thin. Second, I really appreciated Falcon's daring confrontation to all the designers who equate large women with "woefully ill-fitting" and shapeless clothes that serve to solely "hide the body, style be damned."
Now for the one thing I struggled with.
Although Falcon called out to the designers for creating styles meant to fit 1% of the women out there, in her opening paragraph she wrote "as a fashion stylist at 5`2 and 220 pounds, I'd need an elaborate pulley system and a can of Crisco to shimmy into the clothes I dress models in." Key phrase: I dress models in. Perhaps her clients are indeed models, but I sure hope she isn't supporting the very people she is being oppressed by. Falcon may have come to peace with her weight but her column seems more practical than celebratory when it comes to the transformative power of fashion.
Other than that one statement, it's still awesome to see real women being featured in popular fashion magazines! Especially one who is not self-depreciating but quite on the contrary. Falcon may be a size 18 but she sure knows how to create and rock her own unique style. She certainly proves that "fashionistas come in all shapes and sizes."
XOXO,
Rachel Wang
Although the term “hip-hop feminism” is quite a recent invention, the shift in music between “girly” women and tougher, assertive women has arguably been taking place in the world of popular music for over a decade, though it has taken a while to take hold. But, perhaps in corners of the pop-music world, there is a growing number of female artists who are using their music as a platform for promoting gender change, and that is in itself quite intriguing.
Beyonce Knowles may be leading a gender revolution through her music. Beyonce, known primarily for the shimmying body accompanying her spectacular voice is hardly an anticipated source of feminist activism. Yet, check out some of the lyrics on her newest single, “If I were a Boy”.
If I were a boy
Even just for a day
I’d roll out of bed in the morning
And throw on what I wanted then go
Drink beer with the guys
And chase after girls.
I’d put myself first
And make the rules as I go
Cause I know that she’d be faithful
Waitin’ for me to come home
This is Beyonce protesting that women have a double shift at home, while men continue to live carefree lives, that men put themselves first while women care of everyone, that women are faithful in relationships while men can sleep with whomever they feel like it, and that women continue to wait by the window while the men are out gallivanting. Beyonce is effectively protesting an entire social construction of gender “men and women” and playing around with her own female identity.
This song, with its original, rhythmic use of body music, challenges society to hear women in their own way. It’s a catchy women’s song. It is possible that this song is part of larger trends of artists using their pop music to undo gender socialization. So maybe there is something of a revolution on its way after all. I am eager to hear what’s next.
- Starving for Perfection
A: You don't have to go very far to notice that the ideal for women's bodies at present is a thin, fit, radiantly healthy, young woman. The message of what we should look like is everywhere. The media images we see of women offers us the "ideal." The exclusion of so many women from representation is a denial of the wide range of bodies and appearances. Instead of marveling at the assortment of body shapes, we continually compare ourselves with each other. We begin to objectify our own and other women's bodies. We are given the message that our value depends on our physical appearance. Unfortunately, limits on "desirable" thinness have not been set. The popular notion is that, as long as a woman isn't "badly" anorexic, being thin is not hazardous. Our standard of normal body size has become so thin that average weight people are considered abnormal. The need to perfect our bodies has intensified the social tendency to equate women's worth with our bodies. On one hand, many feminists who are pro choice heavily weight the importance of being able to choose what happens to our bodies (even if they do usually only focus on the issue of abortion). However, it’s hard to imagine a feminist who doesn’t seek to celebrate and embrace who they are, just as they are. A major driving force in the revolutionary steps feminist’s have made has been the unwillingness to submit to conformity. Ultimately, feminism wants you to be whoever you are-but with a political consciousness. And, vice versa: You want to be a feminist because you want to be exactly who you are.
I did a decent amount of talk about embracing your body & accepting who you are so I thought it would be interesting if I list some ways on how to love yourself.
1. Although it's not healthy to binge eat, it is TOTALLY okay to indulge on your own terms. Loving your body also means giving your taste buds what they love. Don't deprive yourself!
2. Create a way to channel your feelings. Whether it is talking to friends, taking pictures, blogging, drawing, cooking or shopping, everyone needs a medium to help buffer stress & emotions. Loving your body also means having a peaceful mind.
3. Listen to positive, uplifting & empowering music. Listening to music can really change your mood & outlook.
4. Read! Loving your body also means loving your mind. Reading not only serves as a great way to educate yourself on current issues but also serves as a fun enlightening entertainment.
5. Don't be afraid to laugh out loud! Laughing can work incredible wonders! A smile can brighten not only your day, but another person's day as well! So smile & laugh all you want. It's contagious
6. Dedicate a day to yourself and yourself only. Turn that blackberry off and go out to engage in something you always wanted to do! Celebrate the day thinking positively about yourself and your body. I've heard magazines give advice to women telling them to put on a bikini and look at themselves in the mirror if they want motivation and I think that is a HORRIBLE way to love yourself. Telling woman to look in the mirror and take notice of all their flaws is the worst advice a woman can get. I say, look in the mirror & tell yourself how damn fabulous you are.
7. Spend time with your family. Having nurturing relationships in turn helps us nurture and love our body. Strong and healthy relationships help surround us with love and positive messages.
8. Stretch, exercise and relax your body. Yoga—gentle yoga that encompasses relaxation and a healthy lifestyle, as well as meditative yoga—can bring one to the consciousness of their unique inner being. Yoga can rejuvenate the mind and body and teach us how to care for ourselves.
That's it for now :)
xoxo,
rachel wang
Transgenders have always been discriminated upon by our society because they are obvious deviations from the common gender norms. When bringing up the subject of transgenders, my friends always feel awkward or disgusted as if hearing the mere word itself brings them out of their comfort zone. Truth is, many people probably adopt this aloofness or transphobia because of their unfamiliarity with the subject and the people. For this reason, I was really excited when I discovered that America's Top Model, hosted by Tyra Banks, featured a Transgender competitor! Her name is Isis and she's the first Transgender (male to female) model to ever air on the show. Thanks Tyra!
After reading Whipping Girl by Julie Serano, my respect for transgenders increased immensely. In her book, Serano discusses the portrayal of transgenders as deceivers and the question I want to ask is "who is deceiving who?" Clearly, despite scrutiny, derision, and even danger, transgenders, like Isis and Serano, are revealing their life changing transformation to the world. Could we be deeming transgenders as deceivers because we're afraid of threatening our own "gender binary" system---that is, the assumption that there are only two legitimate genders: feminine women and masculine men? At the end of the day, a trans woman is just as real as any other woman I know. Although biology tells us a lot of things, it's important that we acknowledge and respect the life a person chose to live out.
Point is I think that it is time we become more accepting of the differences among each other. The
Trans Murder Monitoring Project 2009 updated recently that over 160 people transgenders died because of people's reaction over the tran's identity. Although our media may fail to accurately portray and recognize trans people's identities and even their very existence, as feminists and people alike, we can do our parts by supporting their movement towards acceptance. After all, isn't the third wave all about refocusing our campaigns onto the social and inequalities that still exist? Tyra's daring inclusion of a transgender on America's Next Top Model is perhaps only a baby step towards gaining societal approval, but a step nonetheless. Isis is now famous all around the world and even engaged! :) Now that transgenders have one foot in the door, hopefully baby steps will evolve into smooth strides towards change.watch the show! I liked it :)
xoxo,
Rachel Wang
This is a great poem :) Read it and was immediately attached!
ENJOY!
XOXO,
RACHEL WANG
p.s NEW EMPOWERING MUSIC UP :)
Phenomenal Woman
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 for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
ENJOY!
XOXO,
RACHEL WANG
p.s NEW EMPOWERING MUSIC UP :)
Each year on 8 March, hundreds of International Women's Day events occur all around the world. They events range from small random informal gatherings to large-scale highly organized events. All celebrate women's advancement and highlight the need for continued vigilance and action.The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that ‘all the battles have been won for women' while many feminists from the 1970's know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.
However, great improvements have been made. We do have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices. And so the tone and nature of IWD has, for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives. The United States even designates the whole month of March as 'Women's History Month'.
Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, and government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.
So make a difference, think globally and act locally. Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.
America's Best Dance Crew (ABDC) is a "reality show" where dance crews from the streets compete for a $100,000 prize. Airing on MTV, ABDC has become a huge success with a total of four seasons of talented dancers to showing-off their moves. In the first season of ABDC, a specific group called Fysh n Chicks caught my eye. Fysh n Chicks is an all-female group from Los Angeles, California. For them, it is essential to focus on the dance and not on bodies and to emphasize this belief, the women always dress in baggy jeans, along with flannel shirts and bandanas. It was such an inspiration to see these empowering women, who were strong and independent, rise in a male dominated genre. Although Fish n Chicks did not make it to the finale, they left a lasting statement on the show and encouraged many young female dace groups that you don’t have to objectify yourself to get the attention. Let your talent speak for itself.
In Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire, Gabourey Sidibe plays the title role of the obese Harlem teenager caught up in a cycle of abuse, incest and poverty. Sidibe, who knows she is no one’s idea of a movie star, says the best thing about actually starring in a movie is the example it sets for her two younger sisters, 13-year-old twins. “What is so great about me doing this film,” she says, is that “I’m an actual example for them to see that they can be whatever they want to be, no matter what they look like. When you think Hollywood actress, you don’t think of a girl that looks like me, but now you can. There’s hope for my sisters.”But Patton, who plays Precious’ teacher, Ms. Rain, thinks there’s a reason other than star power why audiences have embraced the movie. She says Precious, in spite of telling such a specific story, universally speaks to people who feel cast aside and ignored. Patton says she hopes audiences caught up in Precious’ story will become a little more compassionate and understanding. Sidibe hopes for the same thing. A confident, cheerful 26-year-old, the actress is nothing like her character, but she says she could relate to how Precious felt about her looks.
“A lot of my life I’ve been told I would never amount to anything unless I lost weight and that I can’t be pretty because I have darker skin,” she says. “I’ve been told that by my own community, by my own family. There have been days when I looked in the mirror and wished I had lighter skin, I wished that I had prettier hair, I wished I were thinner. Precious, when she looks in the mirror, she sees a white girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, and I’ve gone there myself, but that was what my life was like at sixteen.” In the movie, Precious starts opening up when she experiences some kindness from Ms. Rain and begins learning to read and write and tell her story. Her life doesn’t become a fairy tale, but she feels more comfortable with herself. “Towards the end of the film Precious does finally see herself in the mirror and not a blonde model, and that speaks volumes to my life,” Sidibe says. “At some point I too figured out that my beauty doesn’t depend on being lighter skinned with wavy hair. None of that matters because my beauty is my own.”
For all the women who would like a dose of "you're not good enough" medicine, Reebok has just the shoe for you! Hooray!
So I was reading Elle Magazine today when I stumbled upon this advertisement and decided to take a picture of it for all the readers. Can you believe it? A new "easy tone" shoe for your booty? First of all, I hardly think it will work. 2nd of all, I hope Reebok goes back to focusing on shoes instead of targeting poor women who are already insecure as it is due to everyday media! Objectifying a woman's body is no bueno.
Before I go on to say anything more, please take a few minutes to view the Reebok commercial below.
"Discover up to 28% percent more of a work out for your butt, up to 11% more for your hamstring and calves, so 88% of men will be speechless, and 76% of women jealous." This is so amusing to me! I love (not really) how Reebok specifically sends the message that men will be in awe of you if you look toned. Frankly, this commercial really paints the reality women face with hypersexualization. It's really sad actually to see so many women buy into this, including me at one point in my life. Notice the 88% number the commercial throws in there too! When media tells you that 88% of men will adore you ONLY after you look hot, it's no wonder so many women out there attach their self-worth to their bodies...
As a woman who would invest in athletic shoes and loves exercising, I hope my opinion counts when I say that Reebok should rethink their advertising campaign. Although I understand that without the sexy panning and close ups of women butts, Reebok's easy tone shoe would appear rather dull, I really don't think there is any justification for the further promotion of women objectification. Sure, sex, sex sex & more sex is what sells but at what price? A woman's respect.
Yes. I know that Reebok's advertisements isn't the sole reason why the world now judge and define women by their sex appeal and appearance. Yes I know that one Reebok advertisement won't change society, BUT I think it's important to point out that these advertisements really take away the importance of other things that define a woman, such as a powerful mind. If we continue to encourage the idea that the most important thing for a women is to tone her butt and be hot, then men will surely continue to treat us as mere toys and young girls will only strive to be just that. After all, why bother being more than sexy when that's where all your value lies?
I love being sexy. I love exercising. I'm all for looking beautiful. However we must not neglect attributes such as brains, wit, independence and confidence! I am positive that there are endless ways to portray women in an empowering and truly sexy way. For this reason, I strongly urge readers to NOT give into these appealing athletic shoes-- even if your favorite color is pink! :)
This commercial is another good one.
Hrm...is the idea here to have women resent their own bodies?
I think so.
No wonder women hate themselves & constantly strive to be the impossible.
XOXO,
Rachel Wang
The ideas from Third Wave Feminism is often confused and blurred with those of the first and second wave. Up until my Women Studies class this fall, I know I was confused with what third wave feminism truly embodied (the challenge of societal norms and the fight for equality and liberation of women, homosexuals, transgenders, immigrants and minorities.) Although I never expected myself to be a feminist, I really connected with the issues Third Wave feminists advocate. If there's one thing the Third Wave has made abundantly clear to me, it's that discrimination still exists regardless of whether or not we turn a blind eye. I have always been passionate about equality, thus discovering third wave feminism was an empowering moment because for the first time, I knew I wasn't alone!! After all, everyone should be honored both individually and collectively regardless of sex, appearance, class and occupation right?
Among all the broad issues Third Wave Feminists have at hand, I especially connected with the struggle many women experience with their image and weight due to our socially constructed standards of what it means to be a woman. As a baby feminist, I invite all readers to accompany me as I explore the topic of feminism and fashion. Can you be a feminist but also be fashionable? What is feminist fashion like? I think it is important to realize that our bodies are not a measurement of our achievement or self-worth. As Julia Serano puts it, fashion can be a fearless way of expressing our sexualities and personalities. Don't you think it's time we begin embracing ourselves for who we are? :)
XOXO,
Rachel Wang
Among all the broad issues Third Wave Feminists have at hand, I especially connected with the struggle many women experience with their image and weight due to our socially constructed standards of what it means to be a woman. As a baby feminist, I invite all readers to accompany me as I explore the topic of feminism and fashion. Can you be a feminist but also be fashionable? What is feminist fashion like? I think it is important to realize that our bodies are not a measurement of our achievement or self-worth. As Julia Serano puts it, fashion can be a fearless way of expressing our sexualities and personalities. Don't you think it's time we begin embracing ourselves for who we are? :)
XOXO,
Rachel Wang
