Viva la Feminista

10 Years

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Mom & Me circa 1977

Undated photo of Mom

Mother's Day Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Sun, 12 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Happy Mother's Day to everyone who has mothered in any way. And to celebrate, thanks to My Yoga online, I'm giving away a year-long membership to their website.

Feel like you don't have time to go to a yoga class? And DVDs are just not for you? Why not try this online yoga site?

Videos are available not just on your computer, but also tablets, TVs and mobile devices.

There's more than just yoga too! There are also pilates and wellness videos available.

So here's the deal:

To enter just leave a comment and leave your email address or tweet this giveaway (@veronicaeye so I know you did this!). It's that simple. One entry per person. Deadline is 5 pm Central Time May 17, 2013.

Disclaimer: I am also getting a year-long membership in exchange for working with My Yoga online on this giveway.

EVENT: Choice Rocks! (New Mexico)

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

If you live near Albuquerque, New Mexico, what are you doing on May 18th?

May I suggest you head out to "Choice Rocks! 2013"

It's a benefit for Planned Parenthood of New Mexico and tickets start at $20 for general admission and $50 for VIP tickets.

It looks like a great time and at an affordable price too.

So what are you waiting for?

IMOW Muslima

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Did you know that there is an online museum of women? The International Museum of Women is totally online and showcases some great art. Their latest exhibition is MUSLIMA: MUSLIM WOMEN'S ART & VOICES and features the artwork, stories and ideas of Muslim women who are standing up for their rights, reforming Islam from within, and reclaiming their religion for themselves.

The curator, Samina Ali, led the peaceful protest at a West Virginia mosque that prompted the American Muslim group CAIR to change its policy about admitting women through a mosque's main doors.

The best part of IMOW is that they usually have an interactive aspect, so you too can lend your voice to the exhibit. Go check it out!

Book Review: Yoga Wisdom at Work

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Sun, 05 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Part of my mission to get myself healthy involves doing yoga. When I was contacted about a new book about yoga at work, I was all, "Yay!" And due to my hectic life I skim a lot of my emails. So...yes, when I was contacted I thought, "Oh, a book to help me do yoga at work..." well, it is and it isn't that kind of book.

I will admit that I have not read the whole book yet. I wanted this review up quickly as when, Yoga Wisdom at Work: Finding Sanity Off the Mat and On the Job, goes on sale May 6, 2013, authors Maren and Jamie Showkeir will donate a percentage of that day’s sales to Namaste Charter School in Chicago. Considering the controversy that happens at some schools for teaching yoga, I thought I would support this campaign.

What this book focuses on is getting us to think in a yoga-like way at work. To use the breathing methods we would use in yoga class at work. Essentially to take that peaceful zone we are in at yoga class and be like that at work.

If you think that yoga is merely an exercise class, this book looks like it will push you to consider making yoga a way of thinking and being. And I bet you don't even need $100 yoga pants to make it happen either. Ironically, after my hectic semester is over, I'll read this book in an attempt to bring a sense of balance back to my life.

Get your copy through Powells or Indiebooks.

Disclaimer: I received this book via a publicist, which is also how to able to offer the giveaway items.

* Book links are affiliate links. If you buy your book here I could make a very small amount of money that goes towards this blog by helping me purchase books for school. Thanks!

Feminist Mother's Day Gift Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Yup, it's time for Mother's Day! And yes, you have that awesome lady in your life who is your mom, mom to your kids or just acts like your mom. Most moms I know just want a relaxing day, a hug, a kiss and maybe a trip to the spa. Don't buy into the ads that say you must buy her something sparkly and fancy*. But if you do want to get her something, why not something that will do more than just burn a hole in your wallet?

You can send all the fab mamas in your life an e-card thanks to Strong Families.

Peace

Since the origin of Mother's Day is as a day of peace, here are some great organizations working for peace. Donate to them and insert the Mother's Day Proclamation in the card to the mom in your life:

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
Amnesty International - they also have some nice gifts & on sale

Support Mothers

What better way to say, "Thanks" than to support other moms? Heartland Alliance has "gifts" so you can support through child care or a new mom pack.

You can't go wrong with a gift from Heifer International. Bees...goats...rabbits...hens...pigs...sheep!

Give a gift to the mom in your life that will help another mom out.

Buy the mom in your life a book for her relaxing Sunday and you can support this mama's blog through Powells.

Gifts

Until May 12, 2013, Demeter Press is offering 40 percent off all Demeter Press titles (with the exception of Maternal Theory: Essential Readings [O'Reilly, ed.]),
plus five percent tax and free shipping. PDF Catalog.

To take advantage of this offer, please send order to:
aoreilly@yorku.ca by May 12, 2013

Sure you can head down to the local big box and grab a soothing candle...But won't the mom in your life relax even better knowing that the candle was purchased thru this social enterprise? Prosperity Candle trains women across the world how to make candles and how to be business owners. They work with women in their home country, but also with refugees who now live in the USA. I have never used one of these candles, but I know someone is going to go out and spend money on a fancy candle for Mother's Day, so why not buy one that makes a difference in the world?

International Rescue Committee has their Rescue Gifts store. IRC "responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home."

Also check out my 2011 Gift Guide for other ideas.

* Don't get me wrong, I love sparkly and fancy. But the pressure most people get at Mother's Day is to hit the mall and bring something home in a cute box with a bow on it. Most moms I know just want a relaxing day to themselves and a yummy brunch with the family.

Does President Obama have to say "abortion" for him to support abortion rights?

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:30:00 +0000

There's a lot of chatter about how President Obama addressed, in person, a Planned Parenthood conference. In my opinion he gave a fab speech, filled with all the things I would want him to say. The first time I met the President he was still an Illinois State Senator and it was at a Planned Parenthood lobby day. He bought us lunch. He took the time to come say hi and thank us for our work. Honestly, I can't remember if he said the word "abortion" or not. But he was there. For me, that says a lot.

But to some the fact he did not say the word "abortion" last week was a disappointment. What say you?

BTW - The Illinois Planned Parenthood Gala is coming up soon.

This week in rape culture

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Just when I thought we might be turning a corner on addressing rape culture, we get a week like this:

Steubenville's football coach had his contract renewed:

the city of Steubenville could have stood tall for its women and the men who cherish them and sent a strong message to its young people.

Instead, it has hunkered down, burnishing its reputation as a town that cares more about football than it does about the children it will launch into the world.

Forest Hills School District, outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is being sued for not only failing to report a sexual assault, but trying to talk a girl out of reporting it all:

The complaint asserts that in 2010, a high school girl was sexually assaulted in a soundproof band room at Forest Hills Central High School by a star player on the school’s basketball team. After one of her teachers notified the principal about the assault, he discouraged the student and her parents from filing charges. But because they were concerned that this student might attack other girls, the student and her parents filed a police report, and the Kent County Sheriff’s Department began a criminal investigation. In fact, two weeks later, another female student was sexually assaulted by the same attacker. Still, despite an obligation under Title IX to investigate the assault and protect the student, the high school officials never interviewed the girl or her parents again, failed to conduct an investigation, and for two and a half weeks left the attacker in one of her classes. During this time, the girl sat in the guidance counselor’s office rather than be in class with the student who assaulted her and missed the benefit of instruction.

Another rape in India is making headlines. The survivor is 5-years-old. FIVE FUCKING YEARS OLD!

Protests that began on Friday grew more intense after video footage showed a policeman slapping a woman protester, and following reports that investigators had offered the victim's family 2,000 rupees ($37) not to file a case.

I just don't have the energy to write something insightful about any of these stories. Rather, just posting here for you to read. What really makes me sad is that someone has to tell the girl in the photo that her hometown actually thinks football is more important than her.

Does Online Feminism Have an Agenda?

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:30:00 +0000

For my public policy class I decided to adjust my paper (that is due on Wednesday) to focus on the #FemFuture report. Specifically I'll be writing about online feminism and agenda setting. While I was reading about online feminism, agenda setting and online organizing and networks, I thought "Feministas should know this!" Especially since I thought that the #FemFuture report was devoid of historical context including acknowledgement of research done about online feminism, that could have given the report more muscle. So I'm writing up my literature review notes on my PhD tumblr...yeah, it's back. Feel free to follow along and yes, please comment! Back to work!

Back to the #FemFuture

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000

This is the longest post I think I have ever written. Thus I have created some quick links to areas you might be more interested in or to allow for skipping around. Thanks for reading! ~VLF

The Origins of Online Feminism…For Reals This Time
Who Are Online Feminists?
The Feminist Reward Card
The Future is making coffee
Who Leads?

The Origins of Online Feminism…For Reals This Time

Little did the engineers who created the Internet know what they were unleashing. In an attempt to ease sharing of scientific and military work, they created an international organizing tool. It took little time for activists to realize the power that a computer connected to a phone line (kids, back then, we needed wires to be connected) had to their organizing lives.

When I opened an account on Geocities (RIP) in the mid-1990s, I never imagined how much it would change my life. At the same time I knew that the revolution would include online communications and wanted to contribute what I could. My entry into online feminism was my invitation to a listserv for Women Leaders Online (WLO), a totally virtual organization focused on feminism and politics. A weekly newsletter was sent to update members as to what Newt Gingrich and the GOP were attempting to do to the USA. There was also a vibrant discussion on the listserv as to tactics to thwart Speaker Gingrich, how to work across the country and how we could be feminist while supporting the Clinton administration despite its anti-feminist policies such as so-called welfare reform. I should note that MoveOn was born during this era. WLO also launched the first online women’s voter guide.

None of this was an accident.

The initial release of the “Fem Future” report/call to action misrepresented the origins of online feminism. This history takes up less than half of a page, but it was used to frame how active today’s online feminism is. As a pioneer of online feminism, in fact my work is cited as one of three early efforts, and someone who continues to use online tools to push a feminist agenda, I took personal offense to the framing of online feminism as a happy accident. It ignored the work feminist activists did to pair handmade zines with online zine distributions, the hand-coding to make that table look just right and trying to decipher if behind a handle was a feminist or a creep. What we are doing today from Feministing to UltraViolet is not the result of someone leaving cheese out to mold. Rather it is a culmination of years of hard work combined with the evolution of online engagement tools (YouTube and online petitions) and the online population boom. Before RSS feeds we had to check in on blogs every day to see if there was something new or wait for the asterisk to pop up in your blogroll. In an effort to connect feminists, I created the Pro-Choice web-ring. A web-ring was a piece of html code that we put on our websites and proto-blogs that allowed visitors and ourselves to click “next” to visit the next pro-choice site. It literally connected us.

As feminists, we know all too well that “history is written by the victors.” It could be the fault of feminism 1.0 participants that we have not fully documented our history in any form. But as feminists, we know that one should ask. It is not like we are all dead. Heck, Jennifer Pozner, who was at the convening of #FemFuture and in WLO (as well as one of my best friends) could had been consulted as to our collective history. After bringing this discrepancy to light, “Fem Future” authors, Valenti & Martin, have corrected the document and struck the language that frames the creation of online feminism as “accidental."

Now that history has been corrected…the document itself.

Who Are Online Feminists?

Before the future of feminism can even be debated and planned, we need to recognize that feminism is a diverse community. While we all share a basic goal of improving the status of women, we disagree on the means to achieve this goal. This is where much of the critique is centered.

#FemFuture is calling on the community to:
• Identify how to sustain our work, yet it fails to define sustainability. I presume they mean money as the next call to action point is;
• To develop an infrastructure to support the online feminist community. Of course the idea of a grand infrastructure scares people and honestly, it should. The feminist community is too diverse to be housed under one roof or within one structure. But I am not convinced this is exactly what Valenti & Martin are suggesting. More later.

The difficulty in discussing or planning out big-F Feminist ideas is that we are far too much of a motley crew for the biggest F to have enough room to breath, much less, plan the next step in the revolution. Part of me wants to call for us to label our feminism. Are we liberal feminists, as I believe I embody, working to dismantle the master’s house with his tools? I often feel that I have the heart of a radical, but act in a very liberal manner. Or are we more radical feminists who eschew those tools for ones we create ourselves? And then there are our conservative sisters, who are rarely discussed except to tell them they aren’t feminist enough (I admit to doing that on occasion). Is this in reality the #LiberalFemFuture report?

Most of the critique of #FemFuture, that I have seen, falls under difference in what individuals view as feminism and what tactics should be used to get to the finish line.

The Feminist Reward Card

My first critique of the report itself is the assumption that we do not receive rewards. Again, a lack of definition is central. For me, online feminism has rewarded me over and over again. I feel that online feminism gives me as much, if not more, than I give it. This also does not account for the exponential number of feminist friends I have enriching my life. WLO introduced me to, my best friend and sister-in-so-many-ways, Jennifer Pozner and other friends I won’t name-drop here. When I was struggling to figure out what to do with my life after college and expressed an interest in “becoming a writer,” Katha Pollitt (also a member of WLO) said, then write. And that’s exactly what I did. I have blogged my way to becoming a leading feminist pundit. It has given me opportunities to not only voice my opinion on feminist politics, but also a platform to raise the issue of women in science and engineering to new audiences. I have merged the life of an academic with an online activist, not seamlessly, but pretty close.

And yes, that means I fall into the category that Martin & Valenti discuss as someone who works full-time to pay the bills and goes home to blog. I am lucky in that my “paying the bills” job is a feminist job. Yet, blogging today comes after my doctoral studies and my family. For me, blogging is the fourth or fifth shift. I was so lucky to have this report incorporated into one of my class papers, thus I can count this as homework. Do I wish I could be paid to blog all day, every day? Yes. Do I think that a foundation is going to give me a grant to do that? No.

#FemFuture’s funding plan is unachievable. Perhaps that means I have little vision. I prefer to think it reflects my ten years of grant seeking success and failure. They call on foundations and other funders to disregard grant deadlines and operating costs. Deadlines operate not to control grantees, but rather to organize foundations. With my experience with the philanthropic world, including being married to a foundation officer, and having run a mini-grant program myself, without budgeting of funds, you will run out of money before the fiscal year is over. This would put the feminist community at the whim of the calendar versus planning dates. Pick your poison. I also know far too well that foundations prefer to support programming versus operating costs and far more than political advocacy. Even women’s foundations prioritize services over advocacy, even if it is a determent to the overall feminist movement. Those who can give want to see tangible results such as women finding shelter after deciding to leave abusers or see increases in women plumbers through job training programs. They want results and I doubt telling them what we want to do with their money will work.

I do agree that women's foundations should have a plan to engage with their communities using online tools and not just by tweeting out news pieces. I have had this discussion with a few others in the Chicago women's philanthropic community. And if we want to have it again, let me know. Let's grab coffee.

I see courting an angel funder is far more reasonable, although this will most likely to benefit those of us in large urban areas such as NYC, DC, Chicago and LA. That is unless Warren Buffet decides to send out random $100,000 checks to online feminist entities. An angel funder should be looking at sites like The Broad Side (and not just because I do contribute there) as the venue to have women discuss politics and push the agenda forward. This is why legacy women’s organizations depend on membership fees or publications on subscriptions. This is why we see (at least those of us who have seen the backroom antics of the feminist community) turf wars over names and mailing lists. That is currency. This is where Martin & Valenti are correct is saying that it is time for us to “stand confidently…and ask for the resources…that will create fundamental change (p 29).”

I see the for-profit model the “best” answer to making money. Online feminist entities could produce apps, as suggested in the report, that would build on all of the boycott shopping lists. Do I buy this shirt or this one? Pull out your smart phone, open the “FeministBuy” app (don’t steal that, talk to me) and check to see if that company deserves your hard earned money. Yes, this idea ignores the larger economic forces of shopping, but this is a discussion about how feminists are trying to make money and I suspect big money. $1.99 here and there and you have a revenue stream.

And if online feminism wants to look at ad revenue and corporate sponsorship, they need to hook up with some of the kick ass mom bloggers who are not rolling in the dough, but making enough. Valenti & Martin also call for professional development. This sounds a lot like the 2012 Top Blogueras Retreat I was invited to attend. While their mini-MBA style retreat did not seem to fit my goals for my blog, a lot of Latinas who do want to make money from their blogs were excited. We had access to some of the biggest companies who are eager to connect to Latina pocketbooks. As I have said over the years, feminists shop, buy make-up, take vacations and clean their homes as much as the mom blogger. If a feminist blogger is up for partnering with Brand X, go for it. But seriously, give the LATISM folks a call; they know how to roll with the corporate sponsors. But if feminists are ready for that move, they better be ready for their funders to get pissed at what we write about or worse, wake up to find our biggest sponsor has a new CEO who sexually harasses the women in their office. As for ad revenue, we might end up like Jezebel, writing link bait SEO-awesome blog posts, that ultimately does little for the feminist revolution.

We can also contract out as consultants to political campaigns, corporations and others interested in knowing what feminists are thinking. They send us press releases all the time asking us to promote this latest finding or that Senator WhatsHisName will be introducing this bill. Pay us for the advertising and marketing of your work. Just because our interests align does not mean we should do it for free.

Hell, I'm even open to being compensated with a media pass to big fundraisers; which I have received from at least one Chicago organization. I will blog & tweet up an event, live tweet it and then post my blurry photos to Flickr for a ticket. I believe the amount of work I do is worth, at the very least, basic membership to certain magazines and organizations. My currency is my network. But the level of requests to “share this information” from far better funded organizations without even credit to their online store is shameful.

I do want to acknowledge that this underfunding and unsustainable model that Martin & Valenti use as the center of this work is how most progressive organizing have maintained themselves and continues to operate under. The revolution may have karaoke, but few of us will get rich or even make a living wage. This is a sad reality that Martin & Valenti are working to flip, but their framing borders on entitlement of the online feminist community over those providing services in the community who are taking out loans to cover payroll because our states (Howdy, Illinois) are broke and take months to pay for the services they are contracting for. We are all struggling to make ends meet, whether we are telling stories or creating history.

The bottom line is that if we are going to make money, big money, we will have to have some hard discussions about our values and how they do not usually align with money-getting-mechanisms.

The Future is making coffee

As an aging-young feminist; ok middle-aged feminist (I’m 38), I completely agree that a flaw in how some legacy organizations operate is by seeking to connect with young feminists, yet ignore or dismiss the suggestions of their young (staff) members. When I served on a national feminist organization’s board in my late 20s, a suggestion was made to invite a pop artist, who had espoused feminist ideas in interviews, to the annual conference. This idea was dismissed, as her image was too sexy. The level of media attention that year’s conference could have received would have been huge, if the pop star had said yes. The hierarchy in any organization will often find younger and less experienced voices silenced. Ask anyone in any entry-level position. This is the great victory of online feminism. Voices can be amplified regardless of age.

But...it took me until my 30s to realize the value of "making the coffee" jobs and learning under great leaders. What this document suggests to me is that we have a ton of young leaders with great ideas, but without all the skills needed to implement.

Ultimately, Martin & Valenti are concerned about the future existence of online feminism. A harsh view of this concern is that it will never die. Specific organizations may come and go, but as someone who has been following online feminism since 1995, from the ashes of a Ms. Musings will rise a Feministing. Some are still mourning the loss of The White House Project, but other candidate training organizations are popping up.

That said, Martin & Valenti are also (more?) concerned about the lack of long-term planning and our inability to do this without a structure to communicate and collaborate. As they say early on, if online feminists are to be proactive rather than reactive, we need a battle plan. What policy do we want to see enacted before the end of the Obama administration? I suggest crafting a big tent goal such as economic security which would then allow for those of us who prioritize increasing education and training programs along with those seeking real equal pay legislation as well as those working for affordable childcare so women can take advantage of increased pay and educational opportunities.

Who Leads?

Martin and Valenti are spot on when they highlight the emotional labor of feminist organizing. We draw our strength from that emotional labor; at the same time it is most likely killing us through late nights and stress. But as La Mala said, some of us have a heavier burden to carry. And that is why the erasure of early online feminist activities hit the radical women/feminists of color community hard. I would say we, but I’m mainstream enough I get a fair share of attention…They are often overlooked or plain ignored when it comes to conversations to feminism itself, much less what is happening online. We don’t need to forget our past in order to built a vibrant future. We can do both; we must do both. Otherwise we will repeat our mistakes…again and again.

This brings me to the convening.

Yes, the feminists at the table were diverse in ethnic background and sexuality. But from what I understand, the report was written by Valenti & Martin. This means they are the face of the report. This is just how we process things. Because there are some great ideas in this call to action, I wish Valenti & Martin had co-authored with a woman of color. If the masthead is not diverse, some will not accept the document as diverse.

There is also the issue of Valenti & Martin’s assertion that their convening was historic. This suggests that it was the first time a gathering of online activists sat down to discuss “next steps.” Rather this has been happening at conferences, including the 2009 Fem.20 conference. The call to have annual #FemFuture meetings would continue where Fem2.0 left off. Wow…can’t believe it’s been four years already.

So who will lead this #FemFuture? For me, this call to action read to me as a young feminist document. Just because young women are the power users of social media does not mean they are driving the online feminist community. A quick peek at the data reveals that overall 13% of women of all ages think it is very important to use social media to keep up with political news. Add in another 24% who think it is important. Age wise...

_______________VI_______Imp___Total importance
29yrs and under 12%_____30%___42%
30-39years______14%_____21%___35%
40-49years______16%_____20%___36%
50-59years______13%_____28%___41%
60yrs and up____08%_____17%___26%

I do want to point out there is a 90yo woman who says "very important." If you are reading this, can you ping me, so I can follow you?

There are plenty of amazing young feminists online, don't get me wrong. But the young feminist bias plays into the stereotype that no one over 30 is online. The cross-tabulations I just shared reveal that we're pretty even when it comes to simply getting political information. I will do more stats work on this, but that will come later. Who knows, maybe when it gets to being more active, the whippersnappers will eek us old ladies out?

Those of us over 30 set the groundwork for Rookie and the f-bomb and we love them! We are also those who have been in the waiting area of leadership of the legacy organizations. We might not be “young feminists” anymore, but we’re not ready to retire either. I’m not saying we’re going to fight for leadership, rather, don’t ignore our expertise and the work we have done. A diverse movement includes those of us who rocked “Grrrl Power” shirts and not because a Spice Girl told us to (but I will admit to dancing to them). We will continue to lead our parts of the movement and welcome the new ideas from the generations behind us.

In the legacy of Buffy Summers, there is no singular chosen one. We are the chosen ones.

This report will stand as a historical record in our collective movement. This is why I asked for the correction. Not for my work, but for all of us who toiled hand coding our online space before...hell, I don't even know when the tipping point it. This is why I robbed myself of sleep to respond. One of my mentors from undergraduate (even though I just talked to her a few weeks ago) had a mantra - "Don't throw it out!" She knew all the brochures, buttons, minutes and notes we use to have in physical form is history. The same applies online. The worst part of this call to action is that it continued a practice of erasure that continues to push some of our most brilliant minds away from this space we call "online feminism." No one document can reverse that trend, but small things like asking, including and acknowledging people's work can go a long way. Some can and will dismiss #FemFuture due to who wrote it, but it will live on. This is why our responses are important - whether we are liberal feminists, like me, invested in the mainstream structure or radical women of color who will discard this report as they have the label "feminist."

I know it took me so long to write this because I had a lot in my head. I'm sure I've missed things I wanted to say and all that. I know there will be those who think I am too hard on this report and some who will think I haven’t gone far enough. I welcome constructive comments.

Other #FemFuture responses to read:
Jessica Luther's Storify of her live-tweeting her reading
Blackamazon: Loveletters to MamitaMala thank you for my #femfuture
#FemFuture, History & Loving Each Other Harder , which also has a list of recommended readings including illegal plum pudding

Footnote: Yes, I alternated between Valenti & Martin and Martin & Valenti. Just trying to share the citation.

My daughter just shook her head...

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:30:00 +0000

then dramatically put it on the dinner table. She's nine and she gets that telling girls to not wear leggings in order to not distract boys is ridiculous*.

I'm not using the term "rape culture" with her yet, but I hope I'm setting her up for that "Oh...this is what Mom's been talking about!" I didn't even address her when talking about the story. Rather I addressed the table where my husband & daughter were waiting patiently for the server to bring us dinner, "So, there's a middle school..."

*OK, she is my daughter, so she might be swearing in her head, but let me believe she's immune to my foul mouth.

Book Review: In the Garden of Thoughts by Dodinsky (Giveaway)

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:30:00 +0000

There's something about working on your PhD that really makes you into a person who appreciates self-help and inspirational books. In the Garden of Thoughts is the latest book by Dodinsky and it fulfills both self-help and inspirational. Yes, it also is cheesy, but ya know, some days the world makes cheesy necessary! This gift book would be excellent for students who are graduating this spring. Or someone who just needs a pick me up. I know I am keeping it handy as I try to get through these final weeks of the semester.

To mark the release of this book, I'm giving away a Dodinsky poster & bookmark.

RULES: Simple! Just comment and leave your email. Please leave your email so I can get in touch with you.

Sorry, USA and Canadian addresses only.

Deadline: April 12, 2013, Midnight Central Time.

After the deadline, I'll use Random.org to select a random winner.

In the Garden of Thoughts will be in bookstores April 16th. You can also buy a copy through Powells or Indiebooks.

About the Book: In the Garden of Thoughts is a gift book that reduces the complexities of life into simple universal truths. It is a collection of short and poignant thoughts widely embraced by my readers and accompanied by whimsical and delightful illustrations to capture a reader’s imagination.

About Dodinsky: His intent was simply to share his reflections about life in order to help heal the wounds inflicted by life’s troubles. At the time, the man known by his readers as Dodinsky had no idea that within months of starting his blog In the Garden of Thoughts, thousands of readers would find healing through the modest words he planted.

The focus of Dodinsky’s short writings–love, compassion, growth, tolerance, and self-worth–clearly resonate with his readers, whom Dodinsky calls “gardeners.” His page has become a community in which people from all walks of life share their own stories.

Disclaimer: I received this book via a publicist, which is also how to able to offer the giveaway items.

* Book links are affiliate links. If you buy your book here I could make a very small amount of money that goes towards this blog by helping me purchase books for school. Thanks!

"The Ugly Truth" About the Sex Trade

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Hollywood has sanitized sex work by romanticizing it, as in "Pretty Woman," to a point that many people will wave off criticism of people who pay for sex by claiming that women "choose" to do it. While the feminist debate over sex work continues, there is no debate that much is wrong with the sex trade. An organization, End Demand Illinois has launched a campaign with these outdoor signs:

"The Ugly Truth" is a multi-media advertising campaign that seeks to raise awareness of the harm inflicted on women who are trafficked or prostituted, while calling the public to clear and measurable action on their behalf. Created through a dialogue with our partners at the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE), who are currently working to pass critical anti-sexual exploitation legislation in Springfield.

Lynne Johnson, leader of End Demand Illinois and a colleague in the Chicago feminist scene, wrote an eloquent op-ed about ending the policy to charge those in prostitution with a felony:

It’s time to call it off. A 13-year-old experiment of charging prostitution as a felony in Illinois has failed. People in prostitution are being cycled through the criminal justice system without access to the help they really need, and the people causing the harm are going unpunished.

I'm looking forward to seeing all of the signs around the city. And hopefully having some constructive conversations with people who may have never thought of how to address the sex trade in Illinois.

Review: Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:30:00 +0000

Perhaps you might remember a Kickstarter from last year that was about Wonder Woman? Well, the final product is finally here! And it kicks ass.

"Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines" by Vaquera Productions premieres on Independent Lens on PBS April 15th (check your local listings) and it is a much watch.

Ella, my 9-year-old daughter, and I watched the preview DVD together on a Saturday afternoon during a study break. Bottomline? We loved it.

I grew up on the Linda Carter "Wonder Women," so I enjoyed learning about Wonder Woman's history. I knew she was created to fight the Nazis - that you could get from the show, but I also picked up that elsewhere. But I did not know, or forgot, that Wonder Woman was stripped of her powers at one point! And other lady comic book heroes turned away from saving the day to pining over men. Talk about feminist backlash!

Along the way, we not only learn more about our favorite Amazon princess (Sorry, Gabby), but we hear from Linda Carter and Lindsay Wagner about how playing feminist icons changed them. We also hear from Gloria Steinem, Shelby Knox, and other women on their view of Wonder Woman. Thus, the title, "Wonder Women."

I tried to keep a tally of men versus women experts and that went out the window once Jack Halberstam, a queer* person, popped up on screen. I can't remember any other time seeing a documentary, even feminist ones, where someone was clearly not gender conforming. So yes, I cheered. Honestly, the overwhelming number of experts used were women, so that was good. I mean, come on, this is Wonder Woman, we need women's voices! I was disappointed in the lack of women of color voices though. I could only identify one Latina, one Asian-American and one African-American, Jamia Wilson of the Women's Media Center (founded by Gloria Steniem).

The best part of the documentary though was Kathleen Hanna's take on the "Spice Girls." I won't spoil it for you, because you must watch it.

Edited on 4/5/2013 to add:
One theme of this documentary is that Wonder Woman wasn't created to be a feminist icon and as I mentioned before, was stripped of her feminist agency at one point. But in the end, it doesn't matter. We made her the feminist icon. There are plenty of critiques, especially of her costume, that go along with critiques of Xena, Buffy, and every other kick ass feminist icon that is not a perfect icon. Perhaps Joss did set out to create a feminist character, but it is our fandom that really molded Buffy in a feminist icon. If we hadn't done that, would Joss still have given us such a powerful Season 7 finale? Perhaps. I'm rewatching Xena with my 9-year-old daughter and it is far more apparent of Xena's use of her sexiness to beat the bad guys. Does that negate her strength, courage and intellect? OK, I'm drifting into another blog post...Don't forget to watch "Wonder Women" when it comes to a TV near you.

Watch Coming Soon to Independent Lens: Wonder Women! on PBS. See more from Independent Lens.

* When I looked Jack up I enjoyed reading his struggle with whether to label himself transgender or not, as well as if he will transition or not. Jack also still uses women's locker rooms, which I presume as a safety issue with men's locker rooms. Thus I went with queer. If this is incorrect, please just let me know.

Latino and Women Farmers and Ranchers Have Until May 1st to File A Claim

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Earlier this month Latino USA reported that "in 2000, about 1400 Latino ranchers and farmers sued the US Department of Agriculture for denying them loans based on their ethnicity." Women, like Rosemary Love, were discriminated against on the basis of sex.

While the USDA has announced a claim process, Latino and women farmers are not a class action, thus they must file a claim in order to obtain financial compensation in the form of cash or loan forgiveness.

Details as to how to file a claim can be found on the USDA's website. The DEADLINE has been extended to May 1, 2013.

Photo credit: Colorlines

Damsel turned Hero

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:30:00 +0000

A quick post to point y'all to this awesome video of Pauline saving Mario in Donkey Kong:

After you enjoy it, check out Anita Sarkeesia's latest video "Damsel in Distress: Part 1 - Tropes vs Women in Video Games."

Don't be afraid to dream big...Sometimes the impossible happens

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 20:00:00 +0000

Two things happened recently that most people would had sworn would never, ever, ever happen (Cue, Taylor Swift).

The first was the retraction and honest apology from the Onion about their C-word tweet about Quvenzhane Wallis. During the twitter outrage, a friend who works in journalism and had worked for the Onion, tweeted that the Onion would only eat up the publicity. Our outrage is only fueling them. It made sense. As my bestie, Jennifer Pozner, documents in "Reality Bites Back", feminist outrage is eaten up and sometimes sought after as free publicity. Within an hour, the Onion took down the tweet. Why was the next question, especially since the internet is forever and screen shots were taken around the world. But on Monday an apology was released. There was no hedging, no sorry if you were offended...' Just a simple, we screwed up and we are sorry, apology. I'll take that as a victory and vindication for the outrage that fueled social media and blogs.

The second thing that happened was that the Violence Against Women Act was renewed and it includes more women than before. "VAWA 2013 is a strong reauthorization that includes landmark protections for women on Tribal lands, improves protections for immigrant victims, ensures services for LGBT survivors, and adds important housing protections for victims. The bill also preserves and maintains core funding for life-saving victim services"

During the fight to pass the renewal, some people asked if having no VAWA was worth it to fight for immigrant women, LGBT persons and American Indian women. For me, the answer was always, HELL YES. Through my work in the reproductive justice movement, I know far too well that women without high social status are often jettisoned in an effort to move feminist issues along. The thing is that doing that is not feminist! VAWA 2012, now 2013, offered the feminist community a chance to prove we are learning to never leave a sister behind.

I asked Kim Gandy, President and CEO of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, about how this miracle came about:

All of the organizations stood together -- even those that had much to lose if VAWA failed -- because there was no other path to success for all of us. There was a real determination not to leave anyone behind. If there had been a single defection, a crack in the solid wall of support, it would have been the beginning of “compromises” – which is only a bad word if it means some victims don’t get justice.

AP Photo/Susan Walsh

Social justice work is hard. It can wear us down, even as we are trying to lift up the world. Why not take a moment to celebrate when we have victories? Take a deep breath and on to the next challenge.

Feminist Foreign Service

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:30:00 +0000

During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, I was offered an interview with Carla Koppell, USAID Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. As a student of feminism within the federal government, I jumped at the chance. As an activist who has seen first-hand what US policy can do to individual women, I jumped at the chance. Due to technical failures on my part, I won’t be posting this as an interview, but rather as a blog post about what I learned from Koppell about USAID and their role in advancing women’s empowerment around the world. And due to my unbelievably hectic life, this post took all this time to write up!

According to its website, USAID is the USA's humanitarian arm by working to protect human rights, strengthen democracy and assist in recovering from conflict, just to name a few of their goals. The Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment area is, well, focused on women's well-being.

Koppell told me that over the last year, USAID has completely revitalized the architecture around issues related to women's priorities and needs. There is a complete set of new policies and strategies on counter-trafficking (pdf), women peace and security (pdf), and combating and preventing child marriage (pdf).USAID was taking the opportunity during 16 Days to raise awareness, not just of the issues they work on, but to have more people realize what USAID is working on.

One of the issues I came out of my trip with the Nobel Women's Initiative was the lack of communication between the various governments and the people in the community. In Honduras I attended some meetings with government officials, both Honduran and from the USA. When the issues the women of Honduras were communicating to us, the government officials would dismiss them. Once someone claimed to have never heard any complaints! This is why I wanted to know if the USAID worked in the community at all. Koppell says they do work with the women themselves. And then addressed my second concern, that of imperialism. She responded by saying that gander-based violence is seen as human rights violations, which are codified in international conventions and treaties. Thus they are shared values in the international community and not just US values being imposed onto other societies.

“This isn’t about our values, but this is about making the voices of Afghan women, women within their societies heard. So they can define the appropriate space and the rights they want to assert in their society.” - Koppell

Koppell added that in many of these countries around the world, the polling shows that men and women believe women should have public roles and access to public education. The other voices, the more conservative voices are just the louder voices in the public discourse.

As someone who is often asked to mentor young women in terms of their feminist career paths, I asked her why a women's studies major should look to the federal government and specifically USAID. Koppell responded by underscoring, what she believes, is the great work that USAID does on behalf of girls and women around the world.

Putting my feminist activist hat on, what I saw in Mexico and Central America (and I was only there for 11 days!) did not convince me that an agency like USAID can really impact women's lives. And putting on my feminist scholar hat, I want to investigate this further. Is USAID too small to do any real good? Is it too hampered by US politics to do what it should/want to do? There are clearly flaws in the design, but where are they coming from? Where are their victories and how did they accomplish them?

I went into this interview with a lot of questions, came out with some left unanswered and some new ones to ask. I know there is a role for US-based feminists to play in empowering women around the world, what the role looks like is one that I am still trying to sketch out.

Dawn Clark Netsch Dies at 86

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:32:00 +0000

The grand dame of Illinois politics has died. Dawn Clark Netsch was 86. I had the honor of meeting her on several occasions, usually at fundraisers and luncheons, and each time I would introduce myself to her, she was always gracious. Sometimes I wouldn't say anything, just stand back and watch her as she greeted fans, old friends in her friendly way. For me, she still has one of the best political ads ever -- the straight shooter. Sadly, I couldn't find it in a quick YouTube search, so let me describe it. When she ran for Governor of Illinois in 1994, she ended an ad with her playing pool and making a great shot while someone said "Dawn Clark Netsch, a straight shooter." You can see her holding a cue stick in the photo as she claimed victory after the Democratic primary. Somehow I'm sure the ad will find its way to the internets today.

I did find that the Chicago History Museum has a 9-part oral history series on her.

She was an inspiration and while I didn't know her personally, I feel a great loss today. Especially as I am headed to a fancy luncheon where a lot of Chicago's power women will be in attendance. It's an event where the chances would had been high Dawn would have appeared. In a state filled with politicians who have broken so many promises and fallen from their pedestals, Dawn would always get a standing ovation anytime she was pointed out in a crowd.

Thanks, Dawn Clark Netsch. May we all serve as graciously as you did.

EVENT: The Op-Ed Project in Chicago - April 6th

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:30:00 +0000

One of the questions I get asked most frequently from students or aspiring writers (which I still consider myself) is what was my plan. The only plan I've ever had after undergrad was to work on feminist issues and find a way to get my voice heard. Yes, once back in the early days of the internet, when newspapers still flourished (or appeared to be) I dreamed of having a newspaper column. Nowadays I have this blog, a few others where I am welcomed, but also op-eds. Op-ed writing is a science and an art. Which of course means someone needs to teach you the tricks. Lucky for us Chicagoans, The Op-Ed Project has settled in Chicago for long term. The next training session is coming up and if your dream is to have someone hear your voice, then you must go. I plan on stopping by the end of the seminar and sticking around for the cocktail hour (For me that means a beer & snacks). I hope to see you there!

DETAILS

DATE:: April 6, 2013 (Saturday)

TIME:: Seminar: 10 AM – 5 PM

Cocktail Hour: 5:30 – 7 PM

LOCATION
Medill School at Northwestern University
105 West Adams, Suite 200
Chicago, Illinois 60603

REGISTRATION FEES

Super Early Bird (ends March 6): $325

Early Bird (ends March 27): $375

Regular: $425

See their Pay in Words Scholarship option here.

REGISTER HERE!

Happy Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:30:00 +0000

Today is not only a day for chocolates & flowers, but a day for radical acts as we work towards a day free of violence against women & girls. Fifteen years ago Eve Ensler declared Valentine's Day, V-DAY. To celebrate 15 years, she's throwing a global dance party! 1 Billion Rising.

Chicago is in on the act too.

And friend of VLF, Alejandra O'Leary has a special Valentine's Day tune for us to dance to

How ever you celebrate today, I hope you are surrounded by love!

Dear GOP: Latinas vote too

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:30:00 +0000

Dear Senators Rubio & Cruz,

I hear rumors that the Republican Party, which you are members of, are looking for ways to increase their support among Latinos. While your party holds very little in common with my ethics and morals, I do want to lend you two a bit of advice.

I also hear that you are opposing the Violence Against Women Act. tsk..tsk..*shakingmyhead*

Hombres...You can support comprehensive immigration reform all you want and pray that it means Latinos will go red, but it won't happen when you continue to obstruct measures that help Latinas. Do I really need to remind you that Romney lost the Latina vote 23-76?

So get on board with the Violence Against Women Act. I know it would be futile to ask you to get on board with supporting public education and reproductive justice issues, but come on, chicos, we're talking voting in favor of helping to reduce violence against women!

To help you out, here are some facts about Latinas & VAWA from Latina Portrait: The Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and Latinas, by the National Latin@ Network and Mujeres Latinas en Acción (pdf):

Latinas are only half as likely to report abuse to authorities as survivors from other ethnic/racial groups
One of the most significant barriers facing non-citizen victims is the fear of immigration-related consequences should they report the abuse or seek help. Often times abusers purposely misinform them of the consequences of reporting abuse and threaten them with deportation and loss of custody of their children should they seek help. Abusers are often able to use immigration status as an effective tool of power and control.
In a recent study conducted at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 35% of foreign-born Latinas who called the Hotline reported a fear of calling the police during a domestic violence situation

Just go read the whole thing. If you are going to court the Latino vote, don't forget your hermanas.

Art by Favianna Rodriguez. She wants us to share her art, so download & share.

CFP: Mothers Under Fire: Mothering in Conflict Areas

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:30:00 +0000

CALL FOR PAPERS

Demeter Press is seeking submissions for an edited collection entitled

Mothers Under Fire: Mothering in Conflict Areas

Editors: Dr. Tatjana Tak!eva and Dr. Arlene Sgoutas

DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS: July 31, 2013

With the increase of conflict areas worldwide, this collection will look at the experiences of women mothering in conflict areas. Recent examples from the Middle East, The Balkans, Sudan, Somalia, the Congo, Peru and other places around the globe affected by military and civil-ethnic conflict have shown that violence is often gendered and has a unique impact on women and mothers. The aim of this collection is to engage with the nature and meaning of motherhood and mothering during times of war and/or in zones experiencing the threat of war.

Topics can also include (but are not limited to):

Mothering in occupied lands, refugee camps, disaster zones, military conflict; mothers and sexual violence; children born of war time rape; humanitarian assistance; mothers and nationalism; relationships between mothers and daughters/sons in times of armed/conflict; giving birth during war or under the threat of war; mothers and militarization; mothers contesting gender norms and practices in conflict areas and/or during times of war; mothers and human rights/violations; mothers and the justice system; motherhood, mothering and forms of sexual or racial discrimination in conflict zones; mothers as peacemakers; mothers and child soldiers; mothering and the family in conflict areas; mothers and armed conflict on the screen; activist mothers; the role of social media and mothers in conflict zones; mothers and military/political resistance.

We welcome perspectives from a variety of disciplines. Cross-cultural, historical and comparative work is encouraged.

Submission Guidelines:

Abstracts: 300 words. Please include a 50-word biography (if Indigenous, include nation/affiliation)

Deadline for Abstracts is July 31, 2013

Please send submissions and inquiries directly to: Dr. Tatjana Tak!eva, Tatjana.Takseva@SMU.ca or Dr. Arlene Sgoutas sgoutasg@msudenver.edu

Completed manuscripts not exceeding 20 pages will be due early spring 2014, and should conform to MLA guidelines. Acceptance is contingent and will depend upon the strength and fit of the final piece.

DEMETER PRESS

140 Holland St. West, P.O. Box 13022 Bradford, ON, L3Z 2Y5 (tel) 905-775-5215

http://www.demeterpress.org info@demeterpress.org

Disclosure: I am getting a complementary membership to MIRCI and subscription to the journal in return for posting these updates. It is, however, something I would have agreed to do for free because I think their work is so wonderful.

Migration Is Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Favianna Rodriguez is at it again!

The pic is from when I met her at Netroots Nation 2012. She is an amazing speaker and I have followed her art for awhile.

No surprise that she has created a beautiful web series on immigration. It is a must see! Here's the first episode in the series.

CFP: "This is What a Feminist Slut Looks Like": Perspectives on the Slutwalk Movement

noreply@blogger.com (Veronica) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:30:00 +0000

CALL FOR PAPERS

Demeter Press

is seeking submissions for an edited collection

"This is What a Feminist Slut Looks Like":

Perspectives on the Slutwalk Movement

Editors: Alyssa Teekah, Erika Jane Scholz,

May Friedman and Andrea O'Reilly
DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS: April 15, 2013!

PUBLICATION DATE: May 2014

We seek various and diverse feminist perspectives on Slutwalk as both experience and movement. In April 2011, a team of five people put together Slutwalk Toronto, a protest responding to slut shaming and victim blaming culture, exemplified by a recent event at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. In the name of campus "safety", Toronto Police Constable Michael Sanguinetti advised "women should avoid dressing like sluts in order to not be victimized". The sentiment of those in the over 3000 crowd that day were shared by folks around the globe - leading to over 200 Slutwalks internationally and the establishment of "Slutwalk" organizing groups.

This collection seeks to engender a critical engagement with the global phenomenon of the Slutwalk movement, considering both its strengths and limitations. We welcome submissions, which take up Slutwalk through a feminist lens (broadly defined) considering Slutwalk as a successful social movement, a site of tremendous controversy, and an ongoing discussion among and between waves of feminists across the life cycle and across the globe. While the collection seeks to unpack the discursive performance of Slutwalk, we also welcome experiential submissions that explore the experiences of people who attended Slutwalks. This collection aims to bring together scholars, activists, community members and other authors. Submissions may include scholarly writing, art, photography, poetry, and creative non-fiction.

Topics can also include (but are not limited to):

Tensions between second and third wave feminism; the impact of social media; protest, activism and social movements, identity politics; impact of and responses to Slutwalk; intersectional analyses of Slutwalk; bodies and embodiment; queer, critical race, critical disability and other engagements with Slutwalk; sex-positive feminism; performativity; role of Slutwalk in feminist history and feminist futures; Slutwalks held in non-Western contexts; and impact of the word "slut".

Submission Guidelines

Abstracts: 250 words. Please include a 50-word biography

Deadline for abstracts is April 15, 2013

Please send submissions and inquiries directly to:

Alyssa Teekah, Alyssa.teee@gmail.com

Erika Jane Scholz, erikajscholz@gmail.com

May Friedman, may.friedman@ryerson.ca

Andrea O'Reilly: aoreilly@yorku.ca

Completed manuscripts not exceeding 18 pages (4500 words) will be due October 31, 2013, and should conform to MLA guidelines. Acceptance is contingent and will depend upon the

strength and fit of the final piece.