From Grist.com, my cool link of the moment: How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic, which is a complete listing of the articles in "How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic," a series by Coby Beck containing responses to the most common skeptical arguments on global warming.
Speaking of climate, the weather up here is finally hitting its stride and treating us with luxuriously warm afternoons. I couldn't be happier! Well, obviously I'd be happier with a billion dollars and Jesse Spencer as my personal slave. Or if impending thunderstorms weren't in the weather forecast. I just make the best of what comes along. :)
No, wait. I take it all back; this is my cool link of the moment: Quantum immortality, which is a controversial metaphysical speculation that states that the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics implies that conscious beings are immortal. Awesome.
May 31, 2007
May 25, 2007
Urge To Castrate... Rising
Oh my fucking god, I'm seeing red right now. Twisty at IBTP has posted about a horrific gang rape case. Details of what exactly happened (because FUCKING FUCK THIS 'ALLEGED' AND 'INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE' BULLSHIT) can be found here.
THIS is why I'm a feminist. The fact that shit like this happens, an underaged girl is raped while drunk and vomiting and the case gets thrown out, she gets blamed for the rape, the men are congratulated for pulling through such a difficult time in their lives. I mean... FUCK. What sort of sick fucks think that raping a semi-comatose girl is ANY shade of moral white?!
*walks off frothing*
THIS is why I'm a feminist. The fact that shit like this happens, an underaged girl is raped while drunk and vomiting and the case gets thrown out, she gets blamed for the rape, the men are congratulated for pulling through such a difficult time in their lives. I mean... FUCK. What sort of sick fucks think that raping a semi-comatose girl is ANY shade of moral white?!
*walks off frothing*
May 16, 2007
Everything You Need In Once Place
I had some interesting conversations this weekend with dear friends of mine. These friends, being the educated and intellectual women that they are, gave me a lot to think about.
On Friday night, the conversation veered towards our favourite TV show and the issues that we had with the dynamic between the main female and male characters. (The show is Bones, FWIW.) It became apparent that I enjoyed Booth's character much more than my friend, as I am willing to overlook/ignore his more patronizing, immature, and assholish tendencies due to the fact that he is so very hot. There are so many things about the character that I would not be able to stand in real life, or even another TV show. But for some reason, I let my logic and critical thinking float away when I watch the show. Makes one wonder where to draw the line between escapism and practicing what you preach. I don't think there's anything wrong with indulging in the corny tripe that FOX airs every Wednesday night, as long as I am fully aware that it's just that. (Still, god I love that show!)
On Saturday night we somehow ended up talking about how we would raise our kids, and I find myself in a bit of a conundrum over that. My friend has a sister who got into a massively dysfunctional relationship at a young-ish age, and she was saying that for that reason she wouldn't let her kids date at all until they were 18, until they were a little more emotionally mature and had the self-confidence to make the right decisions. I've wondered where I stand on the issue myself for some time, what restrictions I'd place on my children. I used to think I'd let them date at 16, and all the while never warn them against dating. Now I'm liking her way of thinking.
Huzzah for the 37th Carnival of Feminists! Check out all the goodies, people. :)
This post made me think. Oh yes it did. MY GOD, if men are always complaining that they have no control over themselves when they see an attractive, scantily clad woman walk by, hence leading to things such as assault and rape, MAYBE THEY SHOULD START COVERING UP THEIR EYES instead of women covering up their bodies. It's not like WE'RE doing anything wrong, we're just wearing OUR FUCKING CLOTHES. MEN are the ones fucking things up. Jeebus. But seriously, that's some great satire, right there. And I quote...
Also, a shocking article about a Muslim woman in the UK who was attacked in the media for her choice of swimwear.
Finally, something I'd like to forward to my friends and family. A primer on women in advertising, if you may.
From here: I’ve never heard of a guy who got into a bar fight feeling ashamed of the fact that he was insulting to the other guy beforehand, or questioning whether that meant he had been giving the guy permission to beat him up. If an assault case goes to trial, whether the victim was being a jerk beforehand is essentially irrelevant, because the guy who did the hitting is the one who crossed the legality line. In the unlikely event that a sexual assault case actually gets to trial, questions will inevitably come up about all the ways in which the victim could have sent the message that she was willing to have sex by flirting or by consenting to other sexual activity.
Gwah, that felt... liberating.
On Friday night, the conversation veered towards our favourite TV show and the issues that we had with the dynamic between the main female and male characters. (The show is Bones, FWIW.) It became apparent that I enjoyed Booth's character much more than my friend, as I am willing to overlook/ignore his more patronizing, immature, and assholish tendencies due to the fact that he is so very hot. There are so many things about the character that I would not be able to stand in real life, or even another TV show. But for some reason, I let my logic and critical thinking float away when I watch the show. Makes one wonder where to draw the line between escapism and practicing what you preach. I don't think there's anything wrong with indulging in the corny tripe that FOX airs every Wednesday night, as long as I am fully aware that it's just that. (Still, god I love that show!)
On Saturday night we somehow ended up talking about how we would raise our kids, and I find myself in a bit of a conundrum over that. My friend has a sister who got into a massively dysfunctional relationship at a young-ish age, and she was saying that for that reason she wouldn't let her kids date at all until they were 18, until they were a little more emotionally mature and had the self-confidence to make the right decisions. I've wondered where I stand on the issue myself for some time, what restrictions I'd place on my children. I used to think I'd let them date at 16, and all the while never warn them against dating. Now I'm liking her way of thinking.
Huzzah for the 37th Carnival of Feminists! Check out all the goodies, people. :)
This post made me think. Oh yes it did. MY GOD, if men are always complaining that they have no control over themselves when they see an attractive, scantily clad woman walk by, hence leading to things such as assault and rape, MAYBE THEY SHOULD START COVERING UP THEIR EYES instead of women covering up their bodies. It's not like WE'RE doing anything wrong, we're just wearing OUR FUCKING CLOTHES. MEN are the ones fucking things up. Jeebus. But seriously, that's some great satire, right there. And I quote...
Second, how do you know these women aren't lying in wait, plotting to falsely accuse you of rape? If you'd all behave more responsibly, act modestly, and stay home, you wouldn't have to worry about these things. You also wouldn't have to worry about getting arrested, or hearing women complain about your very justifiable behavior. I mean, you said it yourselves--you cannot be trusted.
Also, a shocking article about a Muslim woman in the UK who was attacked in the media for her choice of swimwear.
Finally, something I'd like to forward to my friends and family. A primer on women in advertising, if you may.
From here: I’ve never heard of a guy who got into a bar fight feeling ashamed of the fact that he was insulting to the other guy beforehand, or questioning whether that meant he had been giving the guy permission to beat him up. If an assault case goes to trial, whether the victim was being a jerk beforehand is essentially irrelevant, because the guy who did the hitting is the one who crossed the legality line. In the unlikely event that a sexual assault case actually gets to trial, questions will inevitably come up about all the ways in which the victim could have sent the message that she was willing to have sex by flirting or by consenting to other sexual activity.
Gwah, that felt... liberating.
May 7, 2007
Topics For A Monday Morning
On the language of rape - Passive Aggression: Foregrounding the Object I completely agree, FWIW. Bringing up the fact that a man is the hidden subject in the event of rape is a very good idea.
And on the same topic (and including a really wack PSA from the US Ad Council) - Women are to blame for everything, including and especially male abuse towards them That PSA is made of so much lose.
And on the topic of bad commercials, Kyso K in the above post says - The only thing that drives me more insane on the radio is that dog food commercial that suggests you should buy your dog expensive food so that it will love you, and then when it is gazing upon you adoringly you can project onto it all of the validation you wish you’d been getting from your ungrateful family. I admit it... I LOLed.
And from the "LOL AMERICANS" file - Canadian 'spy' coin mystery solved I... just... *headdesk*
And on the same topic (and including a really wack PSA from the US Ad Council) - Women are to blame for everything, including and especially male abuse towards them That PSA is made of so much lose.
And on the topic of bad commercials, Kyso K in the above post says - The only thing that drives me more insane on the radio is that dog food commercial that suggests you should buy your dog expensive food so that it will love you, and then when it is gazing upon you adoringly you can project onto it all of the validation you wish you’d been getting from your ungrateful family. I admit it... I LOLed.
And from the "LOL AMERICANS" file - Canadian 'spy' coin mystery solved I... just... *headdesk*
May 4, 2007
Excuse Me While I Order Take-Out Instead
Okay, this just makes me feel... ARGH!
Fashionable in the Kitchen: Add a little style to your kitchen with a hip and chic apron.
That's right, let's push women to worry about if they're attaining a proper level of stylishness while they are busy cracking eggs and marinating pork chops. GOD. As if we don't get this bullshit from enough places, now the fashion industry reminds us that we are still objects to be ogled at while we slave over a hot stove. I might have been more lenient if there were stylish aprons for men as well, but not that much more lenient.
*sighs* It's a never-ending battle, I tell ya.
Fashionable in the Kitchen: Add a little style to your kitchen with a hip and chic apron.
That's right, let's push women to worry about if they're attaining a proper level of stylishness while they are busy cracking eggs and marinating pork chops. GOD. As if we don't get this bullshit from enough places, now the fashion industry reminds us that we are still objects to be ogled at while we slave over a hot stove. I might have been more lenient if there were stylish aprons for men as well, but not that much more lenient.
*sighs* It's a never-ending battle, I tell ya.
May 3, 2007
Faith In Humanity... Falling
White House opposes hate crime bill
"WASHINGTON - The White House issued a veto threat Thursday against legislation that would expand federal hate crime law to include attacks motivated by the victims' gender or sexual orientation.
The hate crimes bill, with strong Democratic backing, is expected to pass the House Thursday. Similar legislation is moving through the Senate.
But the legislation, which also would increase the penalties for bias-based violence, has met outspoken resistance from conservative groups and their Republican allies in Congress, who warn that it undermines freedom of speech, religious expression and equal protection under the law."
"Hate crimes under current federal law apply to acts of violence against individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, or national original. Federal prosecutors have jurisdiction only if the victim is engaged in a specific federally protected activity such as enrolling in school, voting or traveling between states.
The House bill would extend the hate crimes category to include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability."
What the heck is wrong with the fricking White House?! *headdesk*
"WASHINGTON - The White House issued a veto threat Thursday against legislation that would expand federal hate crime law to include attacks motivated by the victims' gender or sexual orientation.
The hate crimes bill, with strong Democratic backing, is expected to pass the House Thursday. Similar legislation is moving through the Senate.
But the legislation, which also would increase the penalties for bias-based violence, has met outspoken resistance from conservative groups and their Republican allies in Congress, who warn that it undermines freedom of speech, religious expression and equal protection under the law."
"Hate crimes under current federal law apply to acts of violence against individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, or national original. Federal prosecutors have jurisdiction only if the victim is engaged in a specific federally protected activity such as enrolling in school, voting or traveling between states.
The House bill would extend the hate crimes category to include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability."
What the heck is wrong with the fricking White House?! *headdesk*
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