This topic has been bouncing around my head for a few days. First, I began to think about this deeply based on a discussion with some lovely friends over dinner the other day. We wandered down the path of the Democratic primary election, and I mentioned my fondness for Bernie Sanders. My friends both are leaning Hillary Clinton's direction and one of the reasons they cited is that she seems more likely, in their view, to be able to reach across the aisle and actually make bipartisan progress on issues with Republicans.
I'm not entirely sure I buy that take on Hillary, but that's not what I'm focusing on at the moment. It just made me more interested in the the mere idea of political compromise as a virtue.
I couldn't help but feel that if the three of us had been Republicans discussing those primary choices (gag), we wouldn't have been evaluating candidates on ability to compromise. I think I can say that most people are familiar with the recent trend for the Republican party to be the "party of no." Through the Obama presidency, their main objective, sometimes explicitly stated, has been to block legislation and progress.
Thinking about this after my dinner discussion with friends made me wonder, why do more left leaning folks in the US seem to feel that we bear the responsibility of compromise? Is this a real thing or is it just my perception?
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Friday, January 22, 2016
Thursday, February 12, 2015
The definition of exclusion
Earlier this month I attended an event as part of a series here in Austin under the title "The Growing Divide." This one discussed the city's housing crisis. Three panelists examined the fact that affordable housing is becoming more and more scarce, people are increasingly being pushed out into the suburbs in order to be able to afford the kind of lifestyle they want (which contributes to our out of control traffic issues) and that there's a ton of gentrification going on.
In case you aren't aware of the troubles Austin is facing in this realm, might I suggest a Google search, because it's kinda scary. But I'm not actually here to talk about this topic broadly. I wanna talk about this panel specifically.
First the nicey nices: it was fairly informative. For example, I appreciated that the speakers focused in on a few very practical solutions, like extending zoning for back houses (so called "granny flats") which is an easy fix to encourage density without requiring extensive infrastructure changes. I also appreciated that they kept things really non partisan and it felt productive.
Except for one glaring issue: all three panelists were white and wealthy.
It was such a ridiculous oversight that it truly distracted from my experience. I mean, how in the world can we really talk about affordable housing and not include low income voices? How can we really talk about gentrification and not include people of color?
One of the panelists was one of Austin's newly elected 10-1 city representatives...from the wealthiest district. Place a call to one of the working class POC recently elected, it's not that hard! This is just like basic 101 level stuff here. In fact, the point where I bristled to the discussion the most was when this same panelist made a comment along these lines to try to make us all care more: "We have to remember when we're talking about 'affordable housing' we're not just talking about things like poverty and crime, we're also talking about people like those in my district, which is one of the wealthiest, who can't afford to live in the neighborhood they were raised in........."
Oh brother.
So yeah, like I said, the discussion was fairly informative but it was perpetuating the systems that be...it was, in its own way, contributing to "The Growing Divide" and blatant exclusion. Think about how much richer, realistic, and important this could have been if marginalized voices were centered.
Jesus, just be better, people.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
In case you aren't aware of the troubles Austin is facing in this realm, might I suggest a Google search, because it's kinda scary. But I'm not actually here to talk about this topic broadly. I wanna talk about this panel specifically.
First the nicey nices: it was fairly informative. For example, I appreciated that the speakers focused in on a few very practical solutions, like extending zoning for back houses (so called "granny flats") which is an easy fix to encourage density without requiring extensive infrastructure changes. I also appreciated that they kept things really non partisan and it felt productive.
Except for one glaring issue: all three panelists were white and wealthy.
It was such a ridiculous oversight that it truly distracted from my experience. I mean, how in the world can we really talk about affordable housing and not include low income voices? How can we really talk about gentrification and not include people of color?
One of the panelists was one of Austin's newly elected 10-1 city representatives...from the wealthiest district. Place a call to one of the working class POC recently elected, it's not that hard! This is just like basic 101 level stuff here. In fact, the point where I bristled to the discussion the most was when this same panelist made a comment along these lines to try to make us all care more: "We have to remember when we're talking about 'affordable housing' we're not just talking about things like poverty and crime, we're also talking about people like those in my district, which is one of the wealthiest, who can't afford to live in the neighborhood they were raised in........."
 |
| [Image text: "Really?" face] |
So yeah, like I said, the discussion was fairly informative but it was perpetuating the systems that be...it was, in its own way, contributing to "The Growing Divide" and blatant exclusion. Think about how much richer, realistic, and important this could have been if marginalized voices were centered.
Jesus, just be better, people.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Anti marriage equality folks are a' floundering
Have you ever seen someone more sadly cling to something than the folks who are against marriage equality in 2015? It's beyond embarrassing.
I, like most people, assume that nationwide marriage equality will be and SHOULD be achieved soon. There's just no logical argument against it...certainly not from a constitutional perspective. But, nevertheless, as conservatives are apt to do, some sad, floundering anti marriage equality folks try their damnedest to make a case.
The one I heard last week on NPR's On Point (and have heard before) was the whole, "WON'T SOMEONE THINK OF THE CHILDREN?!" side to it where an ultra conservative argued that marriage should be reserved for heterosexual couples because they produce kids...and the state sanctioned marriage as a special thing for people who produce kids...and the government has an interest in ensuring that children are parented by their biological mother and father.
Yeah.
So many things wrong here, all of which highlight the ways that the anti marriage equality side is so ridiculously out of touch with reality that it's laughable. Let me touch on the biggest issues I see right off the bat...
1) So are they lobbying for heterosexual couples who can't or don't want to have kids to lose marriage rights? Of course they're not.
2) Um, all kinds of homosexual couples actually ARE parenting together...everywhere, all the time. Like it or not, lady.
3) Being someone's biological parent does NOT automatically make you the best person to raise children. As the many of us who survived abuse know. Also...something tells me these people would actually be just fine with a "nice, straight, white Christian couple" adopting....
3) There are SO many queer couples who can reproduce. I love this photo set from Tumblr that demonstrates as much. Not only are these anti marriage equality people showing how homophobic they are, they're also incredibly transphobic/exclusionary and have very little grasp of the basic concept of gender diversity...which isn't surprising but sure is fucked up nevertheless.
I recognize that marriage equality shouldn't necessarily be the main focus of LGBT+ discourse (especially when so many trans youth are homeless and face violence, for example.) But since it has reached a fever pitch in national politics anyway, we can at least all agree that anti marriage equality folks are bananas. Sad, strange bananas.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
I, like most people, assume that nationwide marriage equality will be and SHOULD be achieved soon. There's just no logical argument against it...certainly not from a constitutional perspective. But, nevertheless, as conservatives are apt to do, some sad, floundering anti marriage equality folks try their damnedest to make a case.
The one I heard last week on NPR's On Point (and have heard before) was the whole, "WON'T SOMEONE THINK OF THE CHILDREN?!" side to it where an ultra conservative argued that marriage should be reserved for heterosexual couples because they produce kids...and the state sanctioned marriage as a special thing for people who produce kids...and the government has an interest in ensuring that children are parented by their biological mother and father.
Yeah.
So many things wrong here, all of which highlight the ways that the anti marriage equality side is so ridiculously out of touch with reality that it's laughable. Let me touch on the biggest issues I see right off the bat...
1) So are they lobbying for heterosexual couples who can't or don't want to have kids to lose marriage rights? Of course they're not.
2) Um, all kinds of homosexual couples actually ARE parenting together...everywhere, all the time. Like it or not, lady.
3) Being someone's biological parent does NOT automatically make you the best person to raise children. As the many of us who survived abuse know. Also...something tells me these people would actually be just fine with a "nice, straight, white Christian couple" adopting....
3) There are SO many queer couples who can reproduce. I love this photo set from Tumblr that demonstrates as much. Not only are these anti marriage equality people showing how homophobic they are, they're also incredibly transphobic/exclusionary and have very little grasp of the basic concept of gender diversity...which isn't surprising but sure is fucked up nevertheless.
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| [Image text: Two women cartoon figures. One is saying, "I am a lesbian trans woman." The other, "I am a pansexual cis woman." With the caption, "We are a queer couple able to reproduce.] |
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Monday, October 13, 2014
A Fatshaming Moment
[Content note: Fatphobia, food]
In case you haven't had a fat shaming moment yet, today, here's one for you!
SIGH.
Listen--if we want to discuss the problematic, racist, xenophobic response of the American public to the outbreak of Ebola, COOL. But this isn't actually how you do it. I am so incredibly sick of critiques of the American people which center on mocking and shaming fat people...equating them with disgust and excess. And let's be clear, no one does this worse than leftist cartoonists.
It's tired and old and hateful.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
In case you haven't had a fat shaming moment yet, today, here's one for you!
 |
| [Image text: A cartoon of what appears to be a fat man wearing a shirt that says "USA." He is eating a cheeseburger and fries. Drinking beer and soda, and smoking. He's screaming "EBOLA!!" and the text says, "Obesity: 300,000 deaths per year, Tobacco: 450,000 deaths per year and Alcohol: 88,000 deaths per year."] |
Listen--if we want to discuss the problematic, racist, xenophobic response of the American public to the outbreak of Ebola, COOL. But this isn't actually how you do it. I am so incredibly sick of critiques of the American people which center on mocking and shaming fat people...equating them with disgust and excess. And let's be clear, no one does this worse than leftist cartoonists.
It's tired and old and hateful.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
I have some questions
[Content note: detailed discussion or abortion. Includes mentions of rape and medical procedures.]
With the anniversary of Wendy Davis' filibuster last week, some really disheartening and outright upsetting Supreme Court decisions, and some recent personal interactions, the topic of abortion rights and reproductive choices has been on my mind.
It's no secret that I am unapologetically pro-choice. I think I have made that case here thoroughly. But right now my head is swirling with all the questions that I want to ask the people on the right, or those who identify as "pro-life" because these questions are what weigh on my mind when I consider this issue.
This isn't a comprehensive or even well articulated post on the subject of reproductive rights. If you need that, click elsewhere. But it is a list of questions I have for those folks...and stuff I need to get off my chest right now.
With the anniversary of Wendy Davis' filibuster last week, some really disheartening and outright upsetting Supreme Court decisions, and some recent personal interactions, the topic of abortion rights and reproductive choices has been on my mind.
It's no secret that I am unapologetically pro-choice. I think I have made that case here thoroughly. But right now my head is swirling with all the questions that I want to ask the people on the right, or those who identify as "pro-life" because these questions are what weigh on my mind when I consider this issue.
This isn't a comprehensive or even well articulated post on the subject of reproductive rights. If you need that, click elsewhere. But it is a list of questions I have for those folks...and stuff I need to get off my chest right now.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
#GiveToWendy!
I am excited to participate in today's #GiveToWendy Blog Money Bomb which is hoping to raise campaign funds for Wendy Davis in the Texas Governor's race.I wanted to share a little bit about why I support Wendy Davis, and why I have personally pledged a monthly gift to her campaign.
As I'm sure you all know, this past summer was a very tough one for feminists and anyone who believes in access to reproductive services in Texas. I, along with Texans from all over the state, rallied to try to fight back against the extremist views which have taken over our local politics, and threatened access to abortion. As the process during the special session wore on, so many Democratic legislators who were stepping up and vocally denouncing the anti-abortion omnibus bill. And as is well known, Davis became the leader and face of the movement because she stood, for 13 hours with no breaks, food, or water, sharing the dangers of the legislation and the very personal, touching stories of the state's citizens. Because of her filibuster the legislation was stopped, temporarily. It was an amazing moment with an amazing leader.
Wendy's candidacy is so important and one that I endorse, for many more reasons. She is an extraordinary leader and has gone to bat for other the underrepresented on other issues, including education. And as she shared on the senate floor with so much emotion in her voice, she knows, first hand, what it's like to pray that you have enough money just to put gas in your car and make it to and from work for the week.
While we're talking about money, I'd like to reiterate, how important funding is in a campaign. I recently had the pleasure of listening to State Representative Donna Howard and my state Senator, Kirk Watson, talk about their experiences this past session. They shared that Davis' candidacy is incredibly important for two reasons 1) the Republican reign of total power in the state of Texas is unacceptable and we need change and 2) Davis' has the name recognition to stand a chance during this governor's race. That's huge.
But without contributions from people like you and I, that dream of a Democrat governor in this fine state will die on the vine. If you are financially able, please make a donation to Davis' campaign and consider making it each month during her candidacy. I know that money is tight for many people, so it is also important that we spread the word and educate others about Davis and ensure that everyone you know is both registered to vote and shows up to the polls.
In the meantime, I want reiterate, it is critical that those of us who believe in her, #GiveToWendy. In a state with a population of 26 million people, the politics of Texas has a huge impact on a lot of people. We need that impact to be more positive, supporting, and empowering. A Davis administration would be a definitive step in the right direction.
Please give!
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Raise the Minimum Wage!
What better day to discuss how the minimum wage is a feminist issue than Labor Day?
I, like most fairly economically privileged people in the United States, have heard a lot about the current momentum around raising the minimum wage. But also like many others, I have been woefully under informed about it all. I knew that our federal minimum wage is incredibly low and not a living wage, but I'm not sure I knew just how bad it is.
As the first piece of required reading, might I suggest RaisetheMinimumWage.com. These info graphics also hit at exactly why this is a feminist issue:
Just a cursory glance at these stats show that a minimum wage worker is much more likely to be a 35 year old, full time working mother, than a teen. (I assume there are intersections with other oppressions too.) Another dangerous myth is that if we raise the minimum wage, we'll all be paying so much more at McDonald's and that's just horrible for the economy. So might I suggest this video to debunk that myth. The White House agrees.
It boggles my mind that we have created a market where it is totally accepted that a person's labor at some full time jobs won't pay enough to afford rent. This is an unethical system.
Something has GOT to give.
Monday, July 15, 2013
No Justice. None.
It's been a rough past few days. Friday night, I watched the anti abortion omnibus bill pass the Texas State Senate. Saturday night we learned that George Zimmerman was acquitted of the murder of Trayvon Martin.
My heart is so heavy. Earlier today, I was listening to the rebroadcast of Friday's Tell Me More and their weekly barbershop segment. Everyone was making their predictions about the verdict. The consensus was that Zimmerman would at the very least be found guilty of manslaughter. Knowing how things actually went down, it was almost too painful to listen to.
From the very beginning, I have felt that George Zimmerman acted on racist impulse and that this whole thing is mired in racism. As I wrote in March of 2012, Zimmerman knew nothing about Trayvon Martin other than what he SAW in that moment. We know that Martin was unarmed and doing literally nothing wrong. We know that Zimmerman shot him point blank in the heart. But even if you can't see the racism in these facts, you should at least be able to see them in this verdict. We apparently value the life of a black teenage boy so lowly, that the man who admits he killed him... will do no time.
Even teens who text and drive and kill someone in a resulting car accident have done SOME time.
Some people have postulated, how would this have gone if Zimmerman was black and Martin was white? It's a valid question and I just don't think you can make the case that the results would be the same. In fact, what stands in greatest contrast to the Zimmerman trial outcome is the case of a black Florida woman, Marissa Alexander, who got 20 years for firing warning shots into the air at her abusive ex.
Read that again. Warning shots at her abusive ex...20 years. I want to puke when I think about it. How can we pretend that we have a "justice" system when this is what's happening?
A quote from bell hooks' "All About Love" has been floating around in the wake of this decision. It is an important quote in general, but especially poignant right now:
Everywhere we turn, the measure of a life that matters is whiteness.
I have nothing else to say.
Related reading:
Alex Fraser's Facebook message for Zimmerman
Racialicious' compilation on the subject
Melissa McEwan on the verdict
The Public Shaming blog has a piece up showing the depths of our racist society (content note: racist slurs)
100 Black activists respond to Zimmerman's acquittal
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
My heart is so heavy. Earlier today, I was listening to the rebroadcast of Friday's Tell Me More and their weekly barbershop segment. Everyone was making their predictions about the verdict. The consensus was that Zimmerman would at the very least be found guilty of manslaughter. Knowing how things actually went down, it was almost too painful to listen to.
From the very beginning, I have felt that George Zimmerman acted on racist impulse and that this whole thing is mired in racism. As I wrote in March of 2012, Zimmerman knew nothing about Trayvon Martin other than what he SAW in that moment. We know that Martin was unarmed and doing literally nothing wrong. We know that Zimmerman shot him point blank in the heart. But even if you can't see the racism in these facts, you should at least be able to see them in this verdict. We apparently value the life of a black teenage boy so lowly, that the man who admits he killed him... will do no time.
Even teens who text and drive and kill someone in a resulting car accident have done SOME time.
Some people have postulated, how would this have gone if Zimmerman was black and Martin was white? It's a valid question and I just don't think you can make the case that the results would be the same. In fact, what stands in greatest contrast to the Zimmerman trial outcome is the case of a black Florida woman, Marissa Alexander, who got 20 years for firing warning shots into the air at her abusive ex.
Read that again. Warning shots at her abusive ex...20 years. I want to puke when I think about it. How can we pretend that we have a "justice" system when this is what's happening?
A quote from bell hooks' "All About Love" has been floating around in the wake of this decision. It is an important quote in general, but especially poignant right now:
White supremacy has taught him that all people of color are threats irrespective of their behavior. Capitalism has taught him that, at all costs, his property can and must be protected. Patriarchy has taught him that his masculinity has to be proved by the willingness to conquer fear through aggression; that it would be unmanly to ask questions before taking action. Mass media then brings us the news of this in a newspeak manner that sounds almost jocular and celebratory, as though no tragedy has happened, as though the sacrifice of a young life was necessary to uphold property values and white patriarchal honor. Viewers are encouraged to feel sympathy for the white male home owner who made a mistake. The fact that this mistake led to the violent death of an innocent young man does not register; the narrative is worded in a manner that encourages viewers to identify with the one who made the mistake by doing what we are led to feel we might all do to “protect our property at all costs from any sense of perceived threat." This is what the worship of death looks like.Trudy at Gradient Lair has an amazing piece up called "The Verdict Of 'Not Valuable' Was Delivered On Black Life. Again." I agree completely that this is what the verdict is saying. And it's what both this case and the anti abortion omnibus bill have in common. (Again, that bill will close the clinics in rural areas that serve almost exclusively women of color and present an undue burden to obtaining abortions for those people specifically. If/when it goes into effect, people WILL die from back alley procedures.)
Everywhere we turn, the measure of a life that matters is whiteness.
I have nothing else to say.
Related reading:
Alex Fraser's Facebook message for Zimmerman
Racialicious' compilation on the subject
Melissa McEwan on the verdict
The Public Shaming blog has a piece up showing the depths of our racist society (content note: racist slurs)
100 Black activists respond to Zimmerman's acquittal
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
I am Exhausted, But I'll Be OK
I'm experiencing some pretty heavy activist fatigue...and it goes way beyond the fact that I've physically been present the past three weeks, helping out with the opposition to the anti abortion omnibus bill. I'm emotionally exhausted listening to all the testimony, reports, tweets, and even more so from the litany of lies that the antis are sharing.
I'm doing what I can to keep my chin up, engage in self-care, and continue to participate when I can. It can really feel like a lot, but I know that ultimately, I'll be OK.
I'm reminding myself just how privileged I am in this. I have the ability to participate in this process. I live close enough that there is no financial burden for me to show up at the capitol. I work for an organization and a leader who has allowed me to spend time there without facing scrutiny or fear of losing my job. I don't have to worry about child care. I'm free to come and go in my house as I please without anyone controlling me, intimidating me, or questioning me. I have lots of friends and colleagues who are also at the capitol in support of the cause I believe in.
It is for these reasons and more that I know I need to continue to be present and see this through. As many, many people have pointed out, while the majority of the pro-choice activists look like me, the people that this legislation would disproportionately affect, don't. And most of them they can't make it to the capitol to tell their stories.
So I need to see this through. I'm exhausted. But I'll be fine.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
I'm doing what I can to keep my chin up, engage in self-care, and continue to participate when I can. It can really feel like a lot, but I know that ultimately, I'll be OK.
I'm reminding myself just how privileged I am in this. I have the ability to participate in this process. I live close enough that there is no financial burden for me to show up at the capitol. I work for an organization and a leader who has allowed me to spend time there without facing scrutiny or fear of losing my job. I don't have to worry about child care. I'm free to come and go in my house as I please without anyone controlling me, intimidating me, or questioning me. I have lots of friends and colleagues who are also at the capitol in support of the cause I believe in.
It is for these reasons and more that I know I need to continue to be present and see this through. As many, many people have pointed out, while the majority of the pro-choice activists look like me, the people that this legislation would disproportionately affect, don't. And most of them they can't make it to the capitol to tell their stories.
So I need to see this through. I'm exhausted. But I'll be fine.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Intersectionalism Has a Long Way to Go, Even on the Left
I promise, someday, I will write about something other than my experience standing in opposition to the omnibus anti-abortion legislation here in Texas. Someday, but not today.
Yesterday was another long day at the capitol. I worked from 9-2 and then assisted with whatever Planned Parenthood needed including managing lines and feeding volunteers from 2-midnight. If I may whine for a minute, my back has really taken a hit from being on my feet all day. It's started spasming, which is a new and scary thing.
Anyway, my experiences yesterday (and over the course of this process in general) have reminded me that feminism and progressive movements are still unfortunately far from inclusive. Here's a quick run down of several things I have noticed:
1) The main coalition of prochoice organizations has run off shirts that read, "Stand with Texas women." While this is better than the antis' condescending "Protect women," it is still cissexist and denies the reality that many people who do not identify as women need access to abortion. This exclusive phrasing of the entire campaign I'm sure has felt very disheartening to many who are not represented under the label "women." I think the organizations involved are wary of politicizing words like "choice" but "Texas stands for choice" would have been a better alternative, in my opinion. (Edited to add: It's also been pointed out to me that the "stand" verb is abelist, so I feel we must take that into consideration too.)
This concern is a big problem that I see with mainstream prochoice politics in general. For example, I saw a tweet going around the other day that said something to the effect of "This isn't just a reproductive issue, it's a women's issue." I believe the intent of this was to help people see how reproductive access is inherently tied into gender politics as a whole, but the reductionist language of "women" perpetrates trans* erasure. As Jane Doe, MD tweeted earlier today,
Too often words like "crazy" have become short hand for people who we disagree with or don't like. We see antis with signs that say incredibly offensive things, so the visceral reaction is to attack them back. But the result when the words we use have an ableish intent is that the non-neurotypical prochoicers who are all around us feel isolated from the movement.
And while we're talking about ableism, can we just stop for a minute and acknowledge that Wendy Davis wouldn't have even been able to filibuster last week if she was not physically able to stand for those 13 hours. Seriously. It's in the Texas law...a senator MUST stand to conduct a filibuster, regardless of their personal physical circumstances. Furthermore, I read that there were accessibility issues for the buildings and rooms involved, which presented real challenges to citizens participating in this process.
How messed up is that?
3) Tons of people feel the need to share their thoughts on the nature of the food donated, usually with the intent to fat shame and body and/or food police. So as a food passer-outer, I have a front row seat for all the weight/food related comments. Every 5th person makes some comment about how they "shouldn't take another cookie" or are "going to have to run an extra mile after this." Others bemoan that we need more "healthy" options or go with the whole, "well I guess I can be bad today" angle. As a happily fat person, who has learned to embrace who I am despite the chorus of "you're not good enoughs!" it is particularly frustrating to have so many people share their very personal food and health related values out loud over and over and over. The food that is provided by generous people from all over the country is to help sustain us as we engage with the political process. As such, it needs to be cost effective, easily available for delivery, and come in mass quantities.
That means that it's not going to work for everyone...and that's OK. What's not OK is sharing possibly triggering food/body thoughts with everyone else around the table.
As I've said before, I have been infinitely impressed with how diverse the people who have come together over this issue are. I've interacted with people of so many backgrounds, ages, and gender expressions, who hail from all over the state.
But if our movement is still marginalizing people, then we're doing it wrong.
I do not intend to needlessly criticize my fellow prochoicers who have been out there day after day...I admire our spirit and I'm proud to be a part of this. I just want us to be better, because the fact of the matter is that unless this movement addresses all of its own oppressive elements, it is inherently flawed and incomplete.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Yesterday was another long day at the capitol. I worked from 9-2 and then assisted with whatever Planned Parenthood needed including managing lines and feeding volunteers from 2-midnight. If I may whine for a minute, my back has really taken a hit from being on my feet all day. It's started spasming, which is a new and scary thing.
Anyway, my experiences yesterday (and over the course of this process in general) have reminded me that feminism and progressive movements are still unfortunately far from inclusive. Here's a quick run down of several things I have noticed:
1) The main coalition of prochoice organizations has run off shirts that read, "Stand with Texas women." While this is better than the antis' condescending "Protect women," it is still cissexist and denies the reality that many people who do not identify as women need access to abortion. This exclusive phrasing of the entire campaign I'm sure has felt very disheartening to many who are not represented under the label "women." I think the organizations involved are wary of politicizing words like "choice" but "Texas stands for choice" would have been a better alternative, in my opinion. (Edited to add: It's also been pointed out to me that the "stand" verb is abelist, so I feel we must take that into consideration too.)
This concern is a big problem that I see with mainstream prochoice politics in general. For example, I saw a tweet going around the other day that said something to the effect of "This isn't just a reproductive issue, it's a women's issue." I believe the intent of this was to help people see how reproductive access is inherently tied into gender politics as a whole, but the reductionist language of "women" perpetrates trans* erasure. As Jane Doe, MD tweeted earlier today,
Trans* inclusiveness to me is inherent to feminism, bc biological determinism & essentialism is the unthinkable alternative...Feminism needs to not just be trans* inclusive, but explicitly advocate for trans* people. Otherwise we let gender based oppression prosper.2) So. Many. Ableist. Slurs. As someone who is handing out food, I occupy a space of special joy in many tired, frustrated prochoice activists' minds. As such, they come over to grab a bite and vent about what they're seeing and unfortunately, that frequently dissolves into calling antis every possible version of "crazy" they can think of. (One person even ranted to me about how "the other side is truly mental.") I try to mirror back non-stigmatizing language in regards to my own frustration with antis, but there's so little than I can do in these 20 second interactions to address the issue.
Too often words like "crazy" have become short hand for people who we disagree with or don't like. We see antis with signs that say incredibly offensive things, so the visceral reaction is to attack them back. But the result when the words we use have an ableish intent is that the non-neurotypical prochoicers who are all around us feel isolated from the movement.
And while we're talking about ableism, can we just stop for a minute and acknowledge that Wendy Davis wouldn't have even been able to filibuster last week if she was not physically able to stand for those 13 hours. Seriously. It's in the Texas law...a senator MUST stand to conduct a filibuster, regardless of their personal physical circumstances. Furthermore, I read that there were accessibility issues for the buildings and rooms involved, which presented real challenges to citizens participating in this process.
3) Tons of people feel the need to share their thoughts on the nature of the food donated, usually with the intent to fat shame and body and/or food police. So as a food passer-outer, I have a front row seat for all the weight/food related comments. Every 5th person makes some comment about how they "shouldn't take another cookie" or are "going to have to run an extra mile after this." Others bemoan that we need more "healthy" options or go with the whole, "well I guess I can be bad today" angle. As a happily fat person, who has learned to embrace who I am despite the chorus of "you're not good enoughs!" it is particularly frustrating to have so many people share their very personal food and health related values out loud over and over and over. The food that is provided by generous people from all over the country is to help sustain us as we engage with the political process. As such, it needs to be cost effective, easily available for delivery, and come in mass quantities.
That means that it's not going to work for everyone...and that's OK. What's not OK is sharing possibly triggering food/body thoughts with everyone else around the table.
As I've said before, I have been infinitely impressed with how diverse the people who have come together over this issue are. I've interacted with people of so many backgrounds, ages, and gender expressions, who hail from all over the state.
But if our movement is still marginalizing people, then we're doing it wrong.
I do not intend to needlessly criticize my fellow prochoicers who have been out there day after day...I admire our spirit and I'm proud to be a part of this. I just want us to be better, because the fact of the matter is that unless this movement addresses all of its own oppressive elements, it is inherently flawed and incomplete.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
My In-Group Kerfuffle
I'm sure by now most of you have seen much more about the SB5 stuff and Wendy Davis, both of which have rightfully blown up the national (and international) media. Yesterday evening was a pretty amazing experience that I was so proud to be a part of, but I will spare you the details of the overall night. Needless to say, it was an important event, but one which is now behind us and we're got more work to do.
What I actually want to talk about is one appalling situation I encountered with another person who is in opposition to SB5. I've named it my "in-group kerfuffle."
What I actually want to talk about is one appalling situation I encountered with another person who is in opposition to SB5. I've named it my "in-group kerfuffle."
Monday, June 24, 2013
More Dispatches from the Front Lines of Choice
[Content note: rape]
So since I've last written, things are getting worse! As of right now, the House passed SB5, the 24 hour waiting period has been suspended for the senate, and it's hitting their floor. I wish I could get out there now, but I will have to wait until this evening. I'm trying to keep my chin up, but things aren't looking good. The idea was to delay this to the end of the special session Tuesday...just run the clock out, but Lieutenant Gov. Dewhurst has said Gov. Perry may just call another special session anyway. The fact of the matter is that the Republicans have the votes they need.
SIGH.
Anyway, all day yesterday I was at the capitol with over 1,000 other people in orange making our pro-choice presence known. I was passing out t-shirts with Planned Parenthood and helping to keep our overflow room (that I've dubbed the Prochoice Lair) clean and stocked with refreshments.
I was there when Representative Laubenberg made her now infamous comments. She said, "In the emergency room they have what's called rape kits where a woman can get cleaned out." in an attempt to refute an amendment that would be added to the law with an exemption for rape victims. Clearly her claim is incredibly damaging and erroneous, but beyond that, it carries the extra horrible implications that "good girls" go and get a rape kit done when they are "really" raped.
I want to scream.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
So since I've last written, things are getting worse! As of right now, the House passed SB5, the 24 hour waiting period has been suspended for the senate, and it's hitting their floor. I wish I could get out there now, but I will have to wait until this evening. I'm trying to keep my chin up, but things aren't looking good. The idea was to delay this to the end of the special session Tuesday...just run the clock out, but Lieutenant Gov. Dewhurst has said Gov. Perry may just call another special session anyway. The fact of the matter is that the Republicans have the votes they need.
SIGH.
Anyway, all day yesterday I was at the capitol with over 1,000 other people in orange making our pro-choice presence known. I was passing out t-shirts with Planned Parenthood and helping to keep our overflow room (that I've dubbed the Prochoice Lair) clean and stocked with refreshments.
 |
| [Image text: from inside the Texas Capitol Rotunda looking up at the three levels of pro-choice protesters. What you can't see is the 200-ish people on the ground floor with me.] |
I was there when Representative Laubenberg made her now infamous comments. She said, "In the emergency room they have what's called rape kits where a woman can get cleaned out." in an attempt to refute an amendment that would be added to the law with an exemption for rape victims. Clearly her claim is incredibly damaging and erroneous, but beyond that, it carries the extra horrible implications that "good girls" go and get a rape kit done when they are "really" raped.
I want to scream.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Dispatches from the Front Lines of Choice
Have you heard about HB60/SO5 in Texas? It's an omnibus anti-abortion bill which would limit abortion to 20 weeks or before and close 42 of the state's currently safe, licensed clinics, leaving just 5 for a population of 26 million. Many people in rural areas would have to drive even further than they already are, including commutes up to 8 hours. Because there are already waiting periods on the books here, many people in rural areas would now need to be able to arrange travel, accommodations, child care, etc. for 3-4 day trips into the state's major metropolitan areas for abortion services. And that's only if the pregnancy is even discovered in time.
Choice is currently abysmal here, but this would be devastating, especially on poor, rural, people of color. It's the equivalent of having whole other-state-sized regions without clinics.
I've kept an eye out on the local coverage through the Lilith Fund, NARAL, and Planned Parenthood. There have been several protests and hearings already this week. Last night there was a people's filibuster scheduled for HB60, specifically. People began arriving at the capital at 1 pm. I had to work until 6, so I figured I'd just keep up to date on it all via Twitter. When I finally logged on around 8:30 pm, I realized that people were just beginning to make their testimonies. I was really pulled in by what I was reading and I knew I couldn't sit on my couch all night. I didn't want to testify, but I figured I could be there for support and help out in some way.
Fortunately, Mr. Nerdy Feminist was willing to drop me off and I was able to get in touch with my friend, who works in Planned Parenthood's community outreach department and would be there all night assisting testifiers. She told me that things would be going into the early morning and encouraged me to just come on down and jump in. Thankfully, I have a flexible job and was able to confirm that I could come in at 11 am today, so that I could at least catch a few hours of sleep.
When I got there around 9, I signed in as a non testifying witness in opposition to the bill. I helped my friend with a few tasks like getting email addresses, directing people to food, and answer questions the best I could. But mostly I listened to the people around me and offered my support.
It was an incredibly important, although tense, night. A vast majority of the approximately 700 people there were speaking in opposition to the bill. I was truly moved and humbled by the stories shared and I can't say enough how much I admire the many people who told their deeply personal stories to the committee.
I can't tell you how many times I had a lump in my throat.
Anti-choice committee chair Representative Byron Cook, did not handle things well. He was very short with prochoice speakers and cut things off a few times, calling the stories repetitive. Many people didn't get to speak at all. As has been widely reported, one woman, Lesli Simms (I know her!) pointed out in her testimony “Our words are not repetitive. Our government’s attacks on our choice, on our bodies, is repetitive.”
It's amazing how Representative Cook didn't seem to conclude that the testimony might be repetitive
because there is not wide spread support for this legislation. Did that get through to him?
All in all the filibuster was successful and things are being punted to the next stages without a vote for now. It's also likely that the horrible way that the hearing was run will raise "points of order" and there would have to be a second hearing. (I will admit that I still don't fully understand Texas political processes, but I'm trying to learn.)
I just hope we can continue to stall until the special session ends Tuesday, without this bill passing.
Last night I tweeted, "I swear I will lose my shit if this passes and I see coastal liberals making 'yuk yuk ass backwards TX' comments. We so showed up tonight. We're fighting and trying. DO NOT erase that fact later because you weren't paying attention." I SO stand by that sentiment this morning. Last night was hands down one of the most moving, important nights of my life. I heard directly from people of all backgrounds, colors, gender expressions, and ages---but who were all Texans, just how important choice is to them. I used to be a northerner who thought Texas was some conservative cesspool of a joke. (And I was in equally conservative Indiana, what was a thinking?!) But I have come to learn, first hand, how passionate the people here are about their rights.
Please: Do not dismiss that with thoughtless jokes, especially if you live in a state where choice is a given, and you've never stood in a crowded chamber for 14 hours waiting to beg a committee to trust you to make decisions about your own body.
I am so proud to have contributed to this effort in the very small way that I did. I'm so proud of the support that came from across the nation. (Pizzas from California, y'all!) I'm so proud of Representative Ferrar, the only friendly member of the committee, who stood up and apologized for the behavior of her cohorts, thanked us for being there after 4 am, and implored us to stay engaged and not be discouraged by the evening (we weren't!) I'm proud of Representative Howard who is not even on the committee, but stayed present until the very end, as a sign of her support and solidarity.
But mostly I'm proud of all the impassioned, brave Texans who stood up and told their stories. I'm so thankful for you, and just totally in awe.
No matter the outcome, this process was really important.
For more about the evening:
RH Reality Check
Think Progress
Update 1:30: Sad to report, HB60 just passed out of committee.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Choice is currently abysmal here, but this would be devastating, especially on poor, rural, people of color. It's the equivalent of having whole other-state-sized regions without clinics.
I've kept an eye out on the local coverage through the Lilith Fund, NARAL, and Planned Parenthood. There have been several protests and hearings already this week. Last night there was a people's filibuster scheduled for HB60, specifically. People began arriving at the capital at 1 pm. I had to work until 6, so I figured I'd just keep up to date on it all via Twitter. When I finally logged on around 8:30 pm, I realized that people were just beginning to make their testimonies. I was really pulled in by what I was reading and I knew I couldn't sit on my couch all night. I didn't want to testify, but I figured I could be there for support and help out in some way.
Fortunately, Mr. Nerdy Feminist was willing to drop me off and I was able to get in touch with my friend, who works in Planned Parenthood's community outreach department and would be there all night assisting testifiers. She told me that things would be going into the early morning and encouraged me to just come on down and jump in. Thankfully, I have a flexible job and was able to confirm that I could come in at 11 am today, so that I could at least catch a few hours of sleep.
When I got there around 9, I signed in as a non testifying witness in opposition to the bill. I helped my friend with a few tasks like getting email addresses, directing people to food, and answer questions the best I could. But mostly I listened to the people around me and offered my support.
It was an incredibly important, although tense, night. A vast majority of the approximately 700 people there were speaking in opposition to the bill. I was truly moved and humbled by the stories shared and I can't say enough how much I admire the many people who told their deeply personal stories to the committee.
I can't tell you how many times I had a lump in my throat.
Anti-choice committee chair Representative Byron Cook, did not handle things well. He was very short with prochoice speakers and cut things off a few times, calling the stories repetitive. Many people didn't get to speak at all. As has been widely reported, one woman, Lesli Simms (I know her!) pointed out in her testimony “Our words are not repetitive. Our government’s attacks on our choice, on our bodies, is repetitive.”
It's amazing how Representative Cook didn't seem to conclude that the testimony might be repetitive
because there is not wide spread support for this legislation. Did that get through to him?
All in all the filibuster was successful and things are being punted to the next stages without a vote for now. It's also likely that the horrible way that the hearing was run will raise "points of order" and there would have to be a second hearing. (I will admit that I still don't fully understand Texas political processes, but I'm trying to learn.)
I just hope we can continue to stall until the special session ends Tuesday, without this bill passing.
Last night I tweeted, "I swear I will lose my shit if this passes and I see coastal liberals making 'yuk yuk ass backwards TX' comments. We so showed up tonight. We're fighting and trying. DO NOT erase that fact later because you weren't paying attention." I SO stand by that sentiment this morning. Last night was hands down one of the most moving, important nights of my life. I heard directly from people of all backgrounds, colors, gender expressions, and ages---but who were all Texans, just how important choice is to them. I used to be a northerner who thought Texas was some conservative cesspool of a joke. (And I was in equally conservative Indiana, what was a thinking?!) But I have come to learn, first hand, how passionate the people here are about their rights.
Please: Do not dismiss that with thoughtless jokes, especially if you live in a state where choice is a given, and you've never stood in a crowded chamber for 14 hours waiting to beg a committee to trust you to make decisions about your own body.
I am so proud to have contributed to this effort in the very small way that I did. I'm so proud of the support that came from across the nation. (Pizzas from California, y'all!) I'm so proud of Representative Ferrar, the only friendly member of the committee, who stood up and apologized for the behavior of her cohorts, thanked us for being there after 4 am, and implored us to stay engaged and not be discouraged by the evening (we weren't!) I'm proud of Representative Howard who is not even on the committee, but stayed present until the very end, as a sign of her support and solidarity.
But mostly I'm proud of all the impassioned, brave Texans who stood up and told their stories. I'm so thankful for you, and just totally in awe.
No matter the outcome, this process was really important.
For more about the evening:
RH Reality Check
Think Progress
Update 1:30: Sad to report, HB60 just passed out of committee.
Please see the commenting policy before replying to this post.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Women Aren't a Mystery--They're People
Shakesville just shared this quote, from Republican Nebraska State Senator, Bill Kinter:
1) No women are not a mystery...we're people. And the amazing thing about people is that we can be talked to. It's this kooky little trick called communication where you can actually learn from us by listening. But make no mistake, we're not a united people. We all have different thoughts, opinions, needs, etc. So you can't just talk to one and make any "all women" statements. But maybe, just maybe, you could go out into your district and communicate with the women you are suppose to represent...just an idea for ya, Bill.
2) BTW: listen up, women he "represents"...right there in black and white he's admitted that he's been elected to represent you, but he doesn't understand you, so I'd wager that he's probably NOT representing your interests.
3) "...no one understands it." IT? Really, Bill? Please see #1, specifically the "women are people" part. GUH.
4) Hey, asshat. We actually do understand ourselves. Like...if you talked to one or two of us, you might fine that we're doing A-OK.
5) CAN WE JUST STOP WITH THE WOMEN ARE SO MYSTERIOUS BS ALREADY?! Seriously. I mean, I understand in a world where women are facing 784,132,198,517,552 oppressions, that the whole "women are so mysterious" line falls to the bottom of really sexist shit to address, but come on already. Every time this comes up I see it played out in a "Yuk, yuk, WOMEN, *eye rolle* amirite?" way or in a "Women are such mysterious, complex, beautiful creatures" way and I don't care for either! In each case the speaker is othering women, and othering is a classical way to justify oppression. When you see a group as less a part of humanity, the guilt that can be associated with treating them like shit is lessened.
So I can't believe I have to emphasize this again, but BILL, women are people.
This blog has strict comment moderation intended to preserve a safe space. Moderation is managed solely by the blog author. As such, even comments made in good faith will be on a short delay, so please do not attempt to resubmit your comment if it does not immediately appear. Discussion and thoughtful participation are encouraged, but abusive comments of any type will never be published. The blog author reserves the right to publish/delete any comments for any reason, at her sole discretion.
"Biggest mystery? Women. No one understands them. They don't even understand themselves. Books and books and books have been written about it, and no one understands it."Oh Bill. Bill, Bill, Bill. Let's review all that's wrong here...
1) No women are not a mystery...we're people. And the amazing thing about people is that we can be talked to. It's this kooky little trick called communication where you can actually learn from us by listening. But make no mistake, we're not a united people. We all have different thoughts, opinions, needs, etc. So you can't just talk to one and make any "all women" statements. But maybe, just maybe, you could go out into your district and communicate with the women you are suppose to represent...just an idea for ya, Bill.
2) BTW: listen up, women he "represents"...right there in black and white he's admitted that he's been elected to represent you, but he doesn't understand you, so I'd wager that he's probably NOT representing your interests.
3) "...no one understands it." IT? Really, Bill? Please see #1, specifically the "women are people" part. GUH.
4) Hey, asshat. We actually do understand ourselves. Like...if you talked to one or two of us, you might fine that we're doing A-OK.
5) CAN WE JUST STOP WITH THE WOMEN ARE SO MYSTERIOUS BS ALREADY?! Seriously. I mean, I understand in a world where women are facing 784,132,198,517,552 oppressions, that the whole "women are so mysterious" line falls to the bottom of really sexist shit to address, but come on already. Every time this comes up I see it played out in a "Yuk, yuk, WOMEN, *eye rolle* amirite?" way or in a "Women are such mysterious, complex, beautiful creatures" way and I don't care for either! In each case the speaker is othering women, and othering is a classical way to justify oppression. When you see a group as less a part of humanity, the guilt that can be associated with treating them like shit is lessened.
So I can't believe I have to emphasize this again, but BILL, women are people.
This blog has strict comment moderation intended to preserve a safe space. Moderation is managed solely by the blog author. As such, even comments made in good faith will be on a short delay, so please do not attempt to resubmit your comment if it does not immediately appear. Discussion and thoughtful participation are encouraged, but abusive comments of any type will never be published. The blog author reserves the right to publish/delete any comments for any reason, at her sole discretion.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Check Your Privilege, Mr. Obama...a Country Full of Boys is Watching
Last night I caught Zerlina Maxwell schooling the heck out of Politico's Dylan Byers for tweeting, "How did it become so difficult to call a woman good-looking in public?" I learned that this comment was in response to President Obama saying that Kamala Harris is California's best looking attorney general, and the backlash against those comments.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
On "Slacktivism" and Red Avatars
 |
| [Image text: Red HRC equality logo.] |
Chances are, if you have progressive friends on Facebook, you're seeing a lot of red today. As the Chicago Tribune has reported, this movement has picked up a lot of steam:
A red and pink version of the Human Rights Campaign's blue and gold equality symbol has been replacing avatars today across that social network and others.
The push began to gain traction after George Takei posted about it on his widely popular Facebook page, which has nearly 4 million fans.
"For those friends wondering, this special 'red' equality symbol signifies that marriage equality really is all about love," Takei wrote. His post had more than 50,000 likes and 20,000 shares as of Tuesday morning.
As I'm sure you are aware, the spread of the picture is a sign of support for marriage equality which is going before the supreme court today and tomorrow with cases involving California's Prop 8 and DOMA. Nothing all that groundbreaking has happened yet, but the momentum behind the Facebook pictures certainly is interesting.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Planned Parenthood, Reproductive Rights, and Fighting the Same Battles Over Again
No seriously--there are distinct actions that the state Republicans in general and Rick Perry in specific have brought forward to attack Planned Parenthood. And beyond Planned Parenthood, they have also launched an all out assault on women's health programs and family planning. Take the last legislative session (2011)--not only was family planning funding cut by 60%, but they also introduce the sonogram law. And last year, Texas opted out of millions of federal dollars for the Women's Health Program, just because they wanted to exclude Planned Parenthood from the program. It goes far beyond an opposition to abortion and into ridiculous encroachments on who women can use as their healthcare provider.
Planned Parenthood, a tireless advocate for reproductive rights, is no rookie in this fight. So they're holding their 2013 lobby day on Thursday. I decided that I'd finally take advantage of the community service day my employer allows, and signed up to participate.
I went to the training for lobby day yesterday and in addition to being highly motivated by the stats, laws, and financial impacts the trainers shared, I was also motivated by the frustration shared by my fellow volunteers. Especially the older men and women who were so angry that they were having to do this again. It's a common sentiment; people who were active during the second wave fought really hard for these issues to be settled, but here we are, having to actively fight for it all again.
Each time I've rallied in support of reproductive rights here in Texas, I've interacted with older people sharing this sentiment. I can't blame them--how frustrating it must be to be back at something you thought was tackled 40 years ago?
I want them to know that the younger people in the room like me heard them. We're there with them and we don't take for granted what they did.
And I want everyone to know that active participation as a citizen doesn't stop at voting--it's so important to take other actions in support of the policy you believe in. That's why I'm putting my beliefs into action and will be there on Thursday lobbying my representatives. If you are a Texan and you can make it out to the capital on Thursday, please sign up for lobby day. If you can't make it for the whole day, there will also be a rally at 10:45am. And if you are unable to make it at all, write a letter or email or place a call to your representative. Show your support! This stuff matters, y'all.
Related reading:
Everything is Bigger in Texas, Including my Disappointments
WTF, Texas?
Being Viewed as Pre Pregnant
Texas is Reminding Me I'm Just a Baby Vessel Again
This blog has strict comment moderation intended to preserve a safe space. Moderation is managed solely by the blog author. As such, even comments made in good faith will be on a short delay, so please do not attempt to resubmit your comment if it does not immediately appear. Discussion and thoughtful participation are encouraged, but abusive comments of any type will never be published. The blog author reserves the right to publish/delete any comments for any reason, at her sole discretion.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Zero Dark Thirty. Strong Female Character, But Dangerous Messages
 |
| Jessica Chastain as CIA analyst, Maya |
It changed how I felt about the film in general, and I decided to go back and think about things with this new found information. Below are my reworked thoughts. (What an important reminder that your own personal interpretation of things, while valid and important, can often be incomplete without interacting with others and listening to what's out there.)
I'll try to keep this relatively spoiler free, but no guarantees. But, let's be honest...this one of those pre-spoiled movies. It's called history.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sandy Hook Elementary and the Call for More Guns
I, like most people, have been devastated by the news out of Connecticut on Friday. To think about the trauma inflicted upon those very young children, teachers, family, and the greater community shakes me.
There's not much that I can add about this whole thing that hasn't already been said. Some particularly important pieces I've read about it were at Feministe, The Huffington Post, and Shakesville. I also listened to a productive (although not perfect in terms of ableism) discussion on Diane Rehm's show this morning. If you're interested in how I feel about these situations in a general way, you can check out my post after the shooting at the movie theater in Aurora, CO this past summer.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Life Update and What I'm Reading
I wish I had more time to write. I really do. I don't think I've mentioned much about my current work situation, but I received a promotion about a month ago. Right now I'm extremely busy...but good busy. I'm learning and getting out in the community and I feel really excited and happy about it all. (Not busy like before my event when I wanted to rip my hair out.)
However, the result is that I haven't been able to keep up as much as I might like on reading/writing. During my free time, I just want to veg and do everything possible to turn my brain off. And when I do write lately, it hasn't had as much substance to it as I would like.
I'm not sure if this is the pitfalls of my current position in general or if it's more temporary and just the learning period that happens with a new job. Either way, I'm trying to bear through it.
In the meantime, here are a few things which HAVE caught my eye as of late, even if I don't have the energy to put my own spin on them.
1) As reported on Shakesville, and numerous other feminist spaces, Matt Lauer is the worst. Relatedly, Anne Hathaway is great. She apparently had a mishap recently where her crotch was photographed when she was getting out of a car.
3) "My" governor, Rick Perry, is up to his usual douchiness regarding abortion. As reported at Think Progress, Perry said on Tuesday, "To be clear, my goal, and the goal of many of those joining me here today, is to make abortion, at any stage, a thing of the past."
Why are there no term limits in Texas again?
However, the result is that I haven't been able to keep up as much as I might like on reading/writing. During my free time, I just want to veg and do everything possible to turn my brain off. And when I do write lately, it hasn't had as much substance to it as I would like.
I'm not sure if this is the pitfalls of my current position in general or if it's more temporary and just the learning period that happens with a new job. Either way, I'm trying to bear through it.
In the meantime, here are a few things which HAVE caught my eye as of late, even if I don't have the energy to put my own spin on them.
1) As reported on Shakesville, and numerous other feminist spaces, Matt Lauer is the worst. Relatedly, Anne Hathaway is great. She apparently had a mishap recently where her crotch was photographed when she was getting out of a car.
Today, Hathaway went on the Today show to promote Les Mis, and Matt Lauer, who is a fucking dirtbag, not only treated this like it's FUCKING NEWS, but MADE A JOKE ABOUT IT, talked to GROWN-ASS WOMAN ANN HATHAWAY like a condescending patriarch, and acted like she owed a goddamn apology for it.
...Later, Lauer OF COURSE presses Hathaway about her weight loss for the role, despite the fact she has repeatedly tried to avoid talking about it. Hathaway retorted: "I didn't do it to get hot, I did it to look like I was dying."2) Persephone has a wonderful list of body positive gift ideas up for the holidays. I am almost done with Hot & Heavy and I fucking love it.
3) "My" governor, Rick Perry, is up to his usual douchiness regarding abortion. As reported at Think Progress, Perry said on Tuesday, "To be clear, my goal, and the goal of many of those joining me here today, is to make abortion, at any stage, a thing of the past."
Why are there no term limits in Texas again?
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