Right now, I am in the presence of the most wonderful, positive, enriching women I know and love. In the words of Lauren Pezim, "I live in TAJMAL. Come visit, and we will change you." If you are reading this, you are automatically invited to this empowering environment.
Not to degrade any differences of opinion and not to disregard any opposite feelings, however, I think that if you want to gain a further understanding of my life and my people within it, then you need to give us a try. It'll work, I swear on Mae West.
P.S.
Penis Stinks (Not)
Patriarchal Satisfaction (Not)
Pan-Sexual is what is needed.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
What's Better than Roses on your Piano?
Here is a t-shirt my friend April and I created! Hopefully the graphic explanation will not be necessary when it is released by Old Navy.
P.S.
Tulips on my organ!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Feminist of the Week: Lisa Simpson
I recently watched an episode of The Simpsons in which Lisa makes a studio apartment for her "Malibu Stacy" doll. It is here in which Lisa perfectly embodies the feminist philosophy I have taken as my own. The episode is described on a fan's website like this:
Lisa steps in front of the TV, blocking Homer's view.
Lisa: "Look Dad, I made a modern studio apartment for my Malibu Stacy doll. [shows a neatly furnished shoebox] This is the kitchen, this is where she prints her weekly feminist newsletter... "
But Homer isn't paying any attention.
Homer: "Lousy stupid Denver..."
By traditional feminist terms, Lisa has become prone to the role assigned to her by her female gender. She plays with a figure of a women whose has no goals other than a nice car and hot boyfriend, her bodily proportions are unrealistic and impossible to obtain, and the overall construction of her character has a negative influence upon Lisa as an impressionable youth.
However, the fact that Lisa recognizes all of this, and still holds respect for Stacy enough to create a world for her is symbolic of the all-encompassing nature my post-post-feminism beliefs support. Lisa loves Stacy, and why shouldn't she? It is a DOLL and we should not be focusing on the negative image Stacy portrays to Lisa, but rather the positive image Lisa portrays to Stacy. The apartment Lisa built consists of a poster of a "female" symbol on the wall, minimalist blue drapes on the window, a twin-sized bed (perfect size for a partner or partners) and no kitchen. Stacy writes for a feminist paper, and apparently makes enough money to own her own apartment.
Although these are slightly obvious symbols of an empowered woman, they are still positive symbols and should not be discredited. No one has the power to label Stacy as a bimbo just because of her looks and reputation, and it is Lisa who recognizes this as an independant feminist thinker. Ladies First commends Lisa Simpson for looking past the societaly-constructed stereotypes of her toy, and for using her imagination to create her own empowered space and world (even if Homer fails to recognize this...D'oh!).
Lisa steps in front of the TV, blocking Homer's view.
Lisa: "Look Dad, I made a modern studio apartment for my Malibu Stacy doll. [shows a neatly furnished shoebox] This is the kitchen, this is where she prints her weekly feminist newsletter... "
But Homer isn't paying any attention.
Homer: "Lousy stupid Denver..."
By traditional feminist terms, Lisa has become prone to the role assigned to her by her female gender. She plays with a figure of a women whose has no goals other than a nice car and hot boyfriend, her bodily proportions are unrealistic and impossible to obtain, and the overall construction of her character has a negative influence upon Lisa as an impressionable youth.
However, the fact that Lisa recognizes all of this, and still holds respect for Stacy enough to create a world for her is symbolic of the all-encompassing nature my post-post-feminism beliefs support. Lisa loves Stacy, and why shouldn't she? It is a DOLL and we should not be focusing on the negative image Stacy portrays to Lisa, but rather the positive image Lisa portrays to Stacy. The apartment Lisa built consists of a poster of a "female" symbol on the wall, minimalist blue drapes on the window, a twin-sized bed (perfect size for a partner or partners) and no kitchen. Stacy writes for a feminist paper, and apparently makes enough money to own her own apartment.
Although these are slightly obvious symbols of an empowered woman, they are still positive symbols and should not be discredited. No one has the power to label Stacy as a bimbo just because of her looks and reputation, and it is Lisa who recognizes this as an independant feminist thinker. Ladies First commends Lisa Simpson for looking past the societaly-constructed stereotypes of her toy, and for using her imagination to create her own empowered space and world (even if Homer fails to recognize this...D'oh!).
My Welcome Wagon
Being a feminist in this hub-bub of a world comes with many tough hurdles against you. Not only do those who have not yet become aware of the wonderful ways of patriarchy blow you off as a radical castrator, but those who do support a world of love and tolerance seem to always be measuring and defining themselves against you. You know who Susan B. Anthony is? 5 points. Don't use your husband's last name? 10 points. Oh shit, you watch "The Hills"? Negative 25 points.
Why have we allowed this system of guidelines to come to define our lives and identities, and why don't we learn to appreciate every aspect of someone's personality as no better or worse than our own... Isn't feminism's core fluid? Isn't it all about equality?
My blog is here to show the ways in which a balanced level of understanding can be achieved. By becoming aware of all society's positive hints at change and not discriminating against those which are not "conventionally" feminist, we can learn to appreciate everyone and each other's personal achievements against patriarchal barriers.
Hope you enjoy, or should I say, WOMenjoy!
Why have we allowed this system of guidelines to come to define our lives and identities, and why don't we learn to appreciate every aspect of someone's personality as no better or worse than our own... Isn't feminism's core fluid? Isn't it all about equality?
My blog is here to show the ways in which a balanced level of understanding can be achieved. By becoming aware of all society's positive hints at change and not discriminating against those which are not "conventionally" feminist, we can learn to appreciate everyone and each other's personal achievements against patriarchal barriers.
Hope you enjoy, or should I say, WOMenjoy!
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