A storm is a brewing....

The National Organization for Marriage does not know what to do with themselves as the movement towards equal marriage rights for all continues to make progress. They seem to think it is impinging on their personal freedom to allow gays and lesbians to marry! Their freedom??? When checking my email today, I received a link to a commercial, sponsored by the N.O.M. (i.e. the religious right), called "The Gathering Storm." Apparently California currently broadcasts the commercial up to 8 times a day! What I find most humorous, is their nickname, the Rainbow Coalition. The rainbow has become a positive symbol for GLBTQ members everywhere. Perhaps these bigoted, right wing bastards used the rainbow symbolism on purpose. Regardless, very creative. NOT. Anyway, I personally think these people are absolute parodies of themselves.

And for our more open-minded enjoyment with which to soften the blow, "Prop 8-The Musical":

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... from Jack Black

Keep the spirit alive! Don't let the backlash against progress fool you!

Do you find this photo funny?

This photo was taken by the New York Times for this article: Pakistan Leader Backs Down and Reinstates Top Judge
At my coffee shop, we have the New York Times sitting by the register for customers to purchase. Hardly ever does anyone ever make any comments about the headlining photo and caption. Well, this photo received more jokes than I would ever have expected. The man on the ground, obviously surrendering to the police officer who is about to beat him, is a protester. I know very little about the Pakistani government and the circumstances that motivated the citizens to protest; however, I do know that there is nothing funny about brutality. I told this to a customer after he questioned why I was not laughing with him (I didn't try to argue with him, he openly pointed out that I was not joining in with his joke). He responded with: "This isn't brutality, it's just a little stick." Well my friend, so's a pistol.
Violence is not something that I will ever find humorous. Just because a police officer is the one wielding the weapon does not make it okay. Like I said, I don't have a full understanding of the circumstances; maybe this individual did something heinous. I am not quick to judge the targeted criminal in any newspaper anymore without some critical thinking. Look at how corrupt the American criminal justice system is! Women and men of color make up the majority of those incarcerated. Women of color are sexually harassed, beaten, raped, and sometimes killed by our police officers more often than we will probably ever be aware of. Racial profiling by our criminal justice system is a current, systemic problem in our country. Look at the Vietnam war protests that went on in the U.S. and the Civil Rights marches of the 1960s and 70s. Were these citizens subjected to hatred and violence? You bet!
So no, I am not going to laugh. I am going to question. I am going to find compassion. Violence begets violence. It will never be a real solution.

Things to celebrate and look forward to!

In celebration of Women's History Month, Emory is sponsoring lots of fun events. Most excitingly, on Tuesday March 24, Angela Davis is giving the keynote address for WHM and discussing the prison industrial complex and its effects on women. She's an amazing lady and has contributed years of activism and education for the feminist movement, especially with issues facing women of color and United States prisons. Basically she's a badass! The event is completely free and open to the public. It's being held at Ebeneezer Baptist Church and starts at 7pm. Here's a link with more information on the event: AngelaDavisKeynoteAddress.


Just food for thought:
I'm currently watching Scrubs, which frequently pisses me off with its heteronormative, sexist banter. In the current episode the ex-chief of surgery told one of the main female doctors that she had grown "girl balls." Why is it that in order to imply that someone is gutsy or exhibiting strength and independence, that someone has grown a set of hypothetical testicles? And if courageous=ballsy, someone exhibiting fear or tentativeness is called a pussy? Can you think of any phrases utilizing the male genitalia in a negative way? It's a lot harder than you may think. There's a plethora of common phrases in the English language that we usually don't think about or question. Just one of the many things I like to ponder.

Prop 8 and the nullification of California same-sex marriages

In December, Ken Star and the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund began their attempts at the nullification of the same-sex marriages of over 18,000 Californians. On March 5, the Supreme Court is listening to arguments for/against this cruel, prejudiced act. You can go to this link to watch a beautifully orchestrated slideshow, set to Regina Spektor's Fidelity, of photographs of many of the happy, in love couples and fellow family members and friends, in protest of Prop 8. At the bottom is a link that allows you to sign a letter to the Supreme Court. They have a new goal of 300,000 signatures. Help be a part of the solution! This is only the beginning, but we must start somewhere eh?

Here's the link:
http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/divorce

Even if you think Valentine's Day is a stupid, commercial holiday, this is a great way to show your love this month!

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!