Sunday, January 25, 2009

Victory!!

It is official! The "Global Gag Rule" has been repealed!!! Not only that, but the Lilly Ledbetter Act is finally law. It went through in the House earlier this month, and activists everywhere were crossing their fingers that it would pass in the Senate (it was the Republican-dominated Senate that prevented the act from going through last year). Previously, anyone that claimed they were being discriminated against through unequal pay, had to take legal action within six months of the unfair paycheck. Ultimately the law provided protection for employers choosing to cheat their workers out of a full paycheck. This not only affects women, but all marginalized groups in society. The Paycheck Fairness Act is the next big feat in the arena of fair pay. This may be a bit tougher to get passed, but is at least in the works!
The Obama administration has only been in office for one week. One week, and already change is happening! Amazing!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Today marks the 36th anniversary of Roe V. Wade! In 1973, this ruling gave women back reproductive freedom that had been held captive for eons. Appropriately, our new president Barack Obama is seriously considering a reversal of the "Global Gag Rule," also known as the "Mexico City Policy." This policy bans any U.S. funding that goes towards international programs offering information on contraception and abortion, as well as the provision of safe, legal abortions to women. It was first put into place in 1984 by Reagan, repealed by Clinton, and reinstated by Bush. Conservatives argue that lifting the "Global Gag Rule" would generate more abortions. What they don't seem to see is that by providing women with proper, empowering sex education and information on birth control, this will actually prevent unwanted pregnancies and abortions. If women do choose to seek an abortion, safer, healthier abortions will be available, as well as counseling!


Tuesday's inauguration was a proud day for America, and I have faith that change is in fact, in the works.

Keep the spirit alive!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Darling, sweetheart, honey, beautiful......

I've been debating about an interaction I had earlier today with a customer and must clear my chest. He is already one of my least favorite people, along with his fellow womanizing, sleazy cohorts (some sleazier than others). I feel objectified and reduced in his presence. When he walks in, I feel a general sense of dread, wondering what he might say to me to make me uncomfortable. Oftentimes he doesn't say anything, which is a big relief. Today, however, I approached to take his order, giving him a simple, "Hello, how are you?" Instead of saying, "Hey Crystal. I'm fine. You?" he responds with, "Hello darling." I must add that it wasn't in a sweet, gentlemanly like way either. Simple enough though. Not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things I suppose. But this time I was fed up. I looked him in the eye matter-of-factly and said, "Don't call me darling. My name is Crystal. My boyfriend wouldn't like it, and I don't like it either." At first I was feeling proud of myself for taking a stand. This one instance makes it seem like I'm overreacting I'm sure, but I just can't take it anymore. I shouldn't have to worry about taking a customer's order and being made to feel like I am nothing more than a woman at his service. Now I'm feeling a bit guilty. Have I taken it too far? Was I actually overreacting. He's still a customer. Or did I do the right thing? I wasn't mean. I didn't call him any names. Should I feel bad for standing up for myself, even if I get the rap for being a stuck-up bitch? Is my guilt stemming from society's expectation for me to be a nice girl? If I was a guy, that interaction would not have happened. I suppose my problem is that ultimately I don't feel empowered by the experience. Do I need to choose my battles? When is it necessary to speak my mind, and how do I do it in a way that is empowering? I hope that through my journey to find my feminist voice, I can come to a more resolute, positive conclusion. I don't want to be angry all the time; I want to be an uplifting part of the solution!