Welcome to the team, Tasha!

I'm pleased to say that the Female Impersonator Blog has a new team member.

Tasha attends Knox College with Kate and I, and she will be contributing from time to time. I look forward to her additions to the blog.

Welcome aboard, Tasha!

A note and a question...

Just a quick note to say that this term at school is going to be really busy for me so I probably won't be blogging as much as I would like to. I am taking a maximum course load as well as taking on the role of president of the campus feminist organization, SASS (Students Against Sexism in Society).

Although I'll be busy, feminism will still be in my thoughts. I'm actually working on approval for an independent study about feminist theory and body image to prepare for my summer research fellowship that will be dedicated to a similar topic.

So, readers, what sorts of feminist-y goodness have you been up to in your lives lately? I'm interested to see how people balance their feminist work with the other demands of their lives.

One of these things is not like the other ones...

Let's play a game! One of these things is not like the other ones...

Get with the program, Murphy Robes. Lots of denominations ordain women, and some have been for decades upon decades. PCUSA ordained its first woman clergy in 1893, the UMC gave full ordination rights to women in 1956, ELCA since 1970, the Church of England in 2004 (as priests).

Women wear the pulpit robes, bishop robes, albs, and more, but there's not one woman modeling the pulpit robes. Why don't you put some female models in there? And stop relegating women to just the "women's styles"?

Oh those ladies, trying to be preachers...

Thanks to my friend, Lisa, for mocking these websites with me. I'm getting her a pair of manpants for her upcoming ordination.

I heart Meghan McCain vol. 2

I know I've said it before, but I'm kinda in love with Meghan McCain. In her latest post at The Daily Beast, she writes:

I have been teased about my weight and body figure since I was in middle school, and I decided a very long time ago to embrace what God gave me and live my life positively, attempting to set an example for other girls who may suffer from body image issues. I have nothing to hide: I am a size 8 and fluctuated up to a size 10 during the campaign. It’s ridiculous even to have this conversation because I am not overweight in the least and have a natural body weight.

But even if I were overweight, it would be ridiculous. I expected substantive criticism from conservative pundits for my views, particularly my recent criticism of Ann Coulter. That is the nature of political discourse, and my intent was to generate discussion about the current problems facing the Republican Party. Unfortunately, even though Ingraham is more than 20 years older than I and has been a political pundit for longer, almost, than I have been alive, she responded in a form that was embarrassing to herself and to any woman listening to her radio program who was not a size 0.

I have boundless respect for Meghan McCain. If she becomes a major voice in the Republican Party in the future, I think conservatives and liberals will have really substantive discussions and we might actually get stuff done and respect each other at the same time. Crazy, huh?

So from me to you - much love, Meghan.

Nominate Your Women's Health Hero Starting April 1

I recently got an e-mail alerting me to a very cool event that will be happening over at Our Bodies, Ourselves. The Women’s Health Heroes awards "honor those who make significant contributions to the health and well-being of women." Do you know someone who has made an impact in your life with regards to women's health issues? Look here for information about nominating someone, along with more general info.

Sunday Night Music

Here's some Sunday night music to ease you back into Monday:



The Watson Twins covering The Cure's Just Like Heaven.

Also, it might be a little slow around here this week - I think we're all on spring break so consider this your vacation also. A slow-down of sorts, maybe.

Review: Dee Dee Myers' Why Women Should Rule the World

I first picked up Dee Dee Myers' Why Woman Should Rule the World after hearing about how she experienced the wage gap in her role as press secretary to President Clinton from 93-94. I also knew that she consulted with The West Wing and that she was the inspiration for the character C.J. Cregg (who I loooove).

Myers discusses how her position in the Clinton Administration was often a conflicted one - she was given increased responsibilities but no authority in her role as deputy press secretary under Stephanopoulos. By positioning Myers under Stephanopoulos, it decreased the importance of the press secretary. So while Myers was de facto press secretary and the press held her to the standard set by prior press secretaries, she was given less resources, less staff members, and was paid less.

Additionally, Myers describes how another deputy assistant to the president was making more money than her, even though she outranked him and had more responsibility as press secretary. When she asked for a pay raise to equal his, she was denied on the basis that he took a pay cut from his prior job to come to the White House and he had a family. If this happened today, Myers could take action under the newly signed Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. But it didn't and she didn't recieve equal pay - more like less pay for more work.

Myers' argument in her book is that the world would be a drastically different place if woman were more actively involved in various sectors of life - foreign policy, health issues, executive jobs, etc. Although the book was written pre-2008 Democratic primaries and Hillary Clinton was still a potential for president, Myers' case for increased female participation are still pertinent. She suggests that in some cases, the institution and "way things are done" needs to be altered and modified to incorporate more women. She cites the work of Princeton University President Shirley Tilghman who made the university a more mother and female-friendly place. Tilghman instituted policies that made tenure a longer process to ease the timing of children, as well as a Back-Up Care program where anyone could call and request help for cheap - babysitter, someone to wait for repairs, etc.

Myers covers lots of ground and deftly argues her case. I'm not quite sold on all of her assetions - I question the claim of decreased violence in the world if women were more actively involved in foreign policy (due to their mothering). She's got research to back it up, but I'm hesitant to jump on board any argument that uses motherhood as such a large reason for why the world wouldn't be violent if women were in charge. Perhaps it's because I'm not a mother, but I don't think it's a fail-safe reason. I'm iffy on this point, but she makes many good ones in her book; and on many, I agree with her. The book is well researched, yet the academic in me wishes her sources were footnoted or generally easier to reference.

Although her title suggests that women should be ruling the world, she's suggesting that women become significantly more involved in making major decisions in the public sphere. I have to admit, Why Woman Should Rule the World is way more catchy than Why Woman Should Be Equally Represented in Politics, Education, and Basically Everything. But Myers' has me sold. Check out her book if you're interested in a quick, engaging read that will make you want to run for public office or generally become more involved in the public sphere.

Epic Patriarchy Fail

Sorry, FailBlog. This is not a win. This is an epic patriarchy fail.

Happy International Women's Day!

If I could write a postcard to my sisters from all around the world, I would say:

Hey!
Happy International Women's Day from the United States! The weather is a little rainy here, at least in the Midwest, but we're still enjoying Obama's sunshine (at least for a little longer)! Things have been going pretty good with the Fair Pay Act and the no longer around Global Gag Rule, but we're still have a lot of work. I hope we see each other one day soon, when we can celebrate our sisterhood with no clouds above our heads. Enjoy your celebration and good luck!
Missing you,
Kate

Where's the Meg White love?

If you're not familiar with the White Stripes, they're a kick ass rock group made up of Jack White and Meg White. Jack plays guitar and sings; Meg plays drums. The White Stripes have released six albums with a seventh supposedly on the way. Three of their albums have won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album (Elephant, Icky Thump, Get Behind Me Satan).


However while Jack White is heaped (well deserved) praises for his guitar playing, Meg White receives a ton of criticism for her drumming, or is just ignored.

Here's an excerpt from an iTunes review:

"I don't know that America has encountered as much talent as Jack White.... I believe this album is the finest expression of Jack's artistic freedom and it shows you the many facets of his abilities. True to their form The White Stripes take the listener on a journey through different types of expression, no two songs are quite the same... Jack White is to be considered a prophet on some levels and inspired in the very least." - review by hofmary for Get Behind Me Satan

Although Jack White certainly plays like none other and deserves much praise, the focus on Jack White alone seems to miss the point of their collaboration. Not all of the iTunes reviews are this way, but the fawning over Jack White and dismissal of Meg White is a common motif in reviews and general public opinion.

Jack's spoken out on criticisms of Meg's drumming before. From a 2005 Rolling Stones article, Jack said, "I never thought 'God, I wish Neil Peart was in this band.' It's kind of funny: When people critique hip hop, they're scared to open up, for fear of being called racist. But they're not scared to open up on female musicians, out of pure sexism. Meg is the best part of this band. It never would have worked with anybody else, because it would have been too complicated... It was my doorway to playing the blues."

I've had this discussion with my roommate - he loves the White Stripes, thinks Jack is great, but says Meg is horrible. I asked why he thought she was so bad and he said she didn't match Jack's talent. While he is amazing, that doesn't mean she's terrible. I questioned him on why he thought the band was so great if half of the members were just crap. It just doesn't add up, in my opinion. Meg White's talented and her contribution to the White Stripes helps make up their unique sound - The White Stripes couldn't be the White Stripes without Meg White.

So here's my appreciation for Meg White - she's awesome and rocks out in her own style. I salute you, Meg White. Keep up the good fight.

Women: Shameful and Unclean (part two)

This BBC article about the practice in Nepal of chhaupadi, or confining women who are deemed to be considered by society to be “unclean” is yet another way in which women are made to feel and be perceived as dirty and shameful.

In Nepal, chhaupadi applies to new mothers (until the eleventh day after the birth of their child), and to women during their monthly period. This practice is attributed to a belief that their god will become angry with families who do not practice chhaupadi. Padma Devi Deuba, a young mother, said of being on her period: “If I touch anyone, it will be a sin.” Other beliefs are not universal, ranging from bad luck on a household that allows a new mother or a menstruating women to remain in the house, to the idea that such women can make blood out of cow’s milk.

Many of the women in Nepal are forced to deal with cramped, unsanitary conditions, often in spaces shared with cattle, and the consequences can be frightening.

“Last summer a 15-year-old girl died of diarrhoea she contracted while sleeping alone in a shed. No one wanted to take her to a health post.”

Such realities did lead the government of Nepal to take some action on this issue.

“Extreme confinement was outlawed by Nepal's Supreme Court three years ago, but continues to be widespread.”

Devaki Shahi, who was confined after the birth of her son, now travels and speaks out for change in regard to this practice. She works for the Rural Women's Development and Unity Centre, a local charity.

Women: Shameful and Unclean (part one)

I have been doing some preliminary readings in preparation for a feminist-type research project I hope to undertake at my college this summer. Many of the readings I have done have either gone into detail about, or at least briefly mentioned, the problem of shame and dirtiness surrounding women in our society when it comes to menstruation.

Shame sells menstrual products.

The idea of shame is widespread in advertisements for menstrual products. This 1992 ad describes how Kotex pads will keep girls from being embarrassed by their hot lab partner finding out she’s on he period. This buys into the idea that menstruation, a perfectly natural part of women’s lives, is something to be ashamed of and to hide from everyone, especially those cute boys in your life. This 1990 Tampax tampons ad plays into the idea that a girl’s virginity is tied to her worth, and that a girl who loses her virginity is shameful, by assuring potential buyers that “you can use them at any age and still be a virgin.”

Along those same lines, the following, more recent ad for Tampax Pearl Tampons also buys into the idea of shame. Notice how it doesn’t go into any detail about why this particular product is supposedly such an “upgrade.” All it says is that it’s their “best protection ever” from those possible leaks that are to be avoided at all costs if women want to avoid long-lasting humiliation and shame.



This trend does not only apply to advertising for menstrual products, but it is especially troubling in this case because menstruation is a very natural function, and one for the most part, cannot be controlled.

For more advertisements, check out the Museum of Menstruation website.

Vote for the Beat Freaks on ABDC!

I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but I kinda really love America's Best Dance Crew, especially the all-woman team Beat Freaks. They've made it into the top two teams, and have consistently kicked butt to make it there.

They're competing in the live finale on Thursday night, but you can vote for them now here. The other team, Quest Crew, is awesome too, but Beat Freaks have been rocking out week after week.

Here's a video of Beat Freaks on the show:



Don't forget to vote here. Finale is Thursday at 10e/9c.

Happy Blog-a-versary!

The Female Impersonator Blog was started one year ago today...ish.

I actually wrote the first post on this blog on Feb. 29, 2008, a leap year.
So I decided that March 1 will be the anniversary.

I am so proud of this blog and all the wonderful people who write for it. Many many thanks to my co-bloggers and all our wonderful readers for a great year of blogging. I hope there will be many more to come.

To celebrate, I am going to take a little me time and relax with some good music. Join me!


"How Would It Be" by Ellis


"Reckless" by Tilly and the Wall


"Nur ein Wort" by Wir sind Helden

and


"Playing With Pink Noise" by Kaki King

Thanks again to all of our supporters! And please, if you have the means, support the above artists and buy some of their music.

Love.

An Open Letter to Activists of All Sorts

Bill Ayers, Obama's pal, spoke at Knox this afternoon. While his talk acknowledged the election "controversy," it focused more on the purposes of activism and how an individual can balance activism with individualism.
Ayers is a dynamic speaker, and one of the most important moments for me came when Mr. Ayers spoke about connecting activist movements. He is most famous (or infamous) for his work within the anti-war movement, but he also talked about his experiences protesting after Prop 8. Mr. Ayers noted how the feminist movement and the environmental movement can connect to the anti-war movement to broaden support for all causes.
I think this is absolutely important, and something both feminists and other groups don't do often enough.
I think of myself as a Marxist, pacifist, feminist, with an emphasis on feminist. I also feel passionately about ending global warming, expanding gay rights, and emphasising immigrant concerns. However, I blog, almost solely about feminism.
The post I wrote about the Texas sheriff was linked in many places in the blogsphere, but one aspect I failed to address was the victim's supposed crime, drug possession. While I feel that drugs should be legalized I didn't go there; I don't think I even remarked upon it. I should have. Drug legalization and the prison industrial complex and feminism are intimately linked, as are feminism and environmentalism, feminism and food, feminism and pacifism, feminism and LGBTQ rights, and feminism and [insert your cause here].
However, another issue within the feminist community is the ostracism we may feel after identifying as feminists. Some groups do not want their causes associated with us. There is still a huge stigma on feminism. Many of my progressive friends still shy away from the label or refuse the association. I urge these causes, whether it be the movement for universal health care in the United States or organizations against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to accept feminism as an important cornerstone of your organizations. The agenda of your group will not be diminished or over taken by feminist concerns, instead your participants and concerns will be broadened to make them more comprehensive and important.
And my sisters and brothers in feminism, we must also expand our agendas beyond the typical women's rights checklist. Fair pay has to do with more than sexist discrimination; it deals with economics, socialism, and the further discrimination suffered by sisters of color. Abortion is tied to racism and environmentalism and radical religion. What a beautiful web we could weave.
Historian activist Howard Zinn addressed specialization within social movements:

"To work on a real problem (such as how to eliminate poverty in a nation
producing $800 billion worth of wealth each year), one would have to follow that
problem across many disciplinary lines without qualm, dealing with historical
materials, economic theories, political problems. Specialization insures that one
cannot follow a problem through from start to finish."

I didn't address the charges levied against survivor of the Texas sheriff's assault because I didn't want to complicate the issue within a short blog post, so I categorized it as rape, a man's power over a woman. While it was rape, it was also about drug legalization, and the threatening power of the prison industrial complex. The woman's problem was not accurately addressed, and a prescription for her mistreatment will not come out of a misdiagnoses.
Please, my feminists and fellow activists we need to begin a dialogue between each other. I promise to do better as a blogger. I will ask the more complex questions and explore the deeper power dynamics. I will not be afraid to ask other causes for support or help and be quick to answer their calls for assistance. I urge you to do the same. Feminist blogs need to address other environmental issues. Environmental blogs need to address immigrant issues. Immigrant rights blogs need to address feminism. Ect. Ect. Ect. It will make us each stronger. We have the power.
Si se puede.
Yes we can.

Happy Birthday Amelia!

Woo-hoo! Today is Amelia's 20th birthday! There she is blogging admist all the paint inspired birthday hoopla. Isn't she smart/awesome/wonderful/talented?
Yay. Happy Birthday, roomie.