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 The "Global Gag Rule" has been repealed!!!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!

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 It was first put into place in 1984 by Reagan, repealed by Clinton, and reinstated by Bush.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!

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!

Rape in the Military: An Ignored Crime

According to a study issued in Ms. Magazine, women serving in the military are more likely to be victims of rape by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy weapons. Army PFC. Lavena Johnson was raped and killed by another solider. In attempts to cover up the incident, the military says that she committed suicide, denying the obvious visible signs of sexual assault during the autopsy. They have since closed the case, and despite pleas from her parents, have refused to reexamine the tragedy. This is just one example of the many incidences of rape and other forms of sexual assault towards military women. Here's the link to part of the article from Ms. Magazine:

http://www.msmagazine.com/Fall2008/TheScandalOfMilitaryRape.asp

The reason I'm posting this, other than spreading the word, is that you can help PFC. Lavena Johnson's case by signing the petition that presses for Congress to reopen and reexamine the incidences leading to her death. Be a part of the solution here:

http://www.colorofchange.org/lavena/?id=2184-701691

Start the New Year off right: resolve to educate yourself on issues you deem important and do what you can to be a part of the solution!

This month's VAG OF HONOR goes to:

This amazing chic I'm growing to know and love: Sarah Haskins of "Target:Women." These clips are a part of the InfoMania show on cable TV. She cleverly breaks down female stereotypes in women-oriented commercials, television, and films. Witty and smart, I think she deserves Panties-in-a-Twist's first VAG OF HONOR! To accompany my earlier post on the gendering of young children, check out one of her latest, greatest:

Toys and "Doing Gender"

It is obvious to me that gender is more than our biological make-up. We learn how to be boys and girls from the moment of conception. Hands down, the largest contributors to our gender socialization are the toys and books that are marketed for young children. This really hit home for me this holiday season when buying gifts for my four and a half year old nephew and my boyfriend's five year old sister. I chose this year to buy books for the little ones, not only because I knew that they'd receive oodles of toys but because it was my best solution in finding gender- neutral gifts.

It was amusing for me to watch as my nephew's clearly favorite gift was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' sword set. It has been tough for me to accept that as he grows into a young boy, he has become increasingly interested in guns, swords, and bow and arrows. Ultimately there is nothing wrong with these typical interests; he's a very kind and loving kid and is around lots of peers at school that are sharing the same interests. And you must let kids be themselves.

Yesterday afternoon Joseph's sis could not resist showing me her new purse, filled to the brim with princess make-up. I must remember that I too was a very "girly" girl as a child. I too loved all of these things. I think the most influential combatant to these pure gender socializations was my love of reading. My grandfather is really to thank for this, guiding me towards books that represented women as strong, intelligent role models.

As an aside, I want to comment on an interaction with my nephew last week that I found interesting. We were playing with this awesome rainforest veterinarian playset he has. What I found to be not so awesome were the male and female action figures that accompany the set. The female, decked out in her vet gear, has the largest, perkiest breasts I've seen on a plastic doll in a while. Not to mention the unrealistic, unattainable, tiny waist. The male vet is unrealisticly top heavy as well with a puffed out, muscular chest and arms. He could kick any unruly tiger's ass with those crazy biceps. Curious, I asked my nephew what their names were. He responded that his name was Strong and her name, Girly. If this isn't the effects of learning the acceptable roles of the male/female dichotomy, I don't know what is. He is four and a half. Children are sponges, and by the age of four have already grasped what it means to be a male or female in our society.

There is only so much we can do as brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, and uncles. Peers, teachers, television, toys, and video games are also influences. And we must give children the freedom to choose and express themselves. I must also acknowledge that gender is one of the most pervasive classifications in this world as we know it. It's going to take a long time for the accepted roles and behaviors for young girls and boys to shift, if they ever really do. My greatest hope is that these roles expand, giving girls and boys more options on how to be and also allowing for gay, lesbian, and transgendered children to have a place too.

I do want to say that one of the greatest joys for me during the holidays is providing magic and fun for my nephew. He's a fantastic kid with a fantastic set of familial role models. I'm not worried about his development into a strong, intelligent, pro-feminist human being. I am learning a lot about what it means to grow and develop during childhood by watching him. Ultimately it is a lot of fun and provides a jump-off point for many a discussion.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Keep the spirit alive!

"Every kiss begins with kay" ring a silver bell this holiday season?

My roommate sent me this earlier. I think it's very appropriate for the holiday season that's upon us. Enjoy, a comment on the absurdity that all us gals want for x-mas is a disgustingly ugly diamond neclace: