The F Word

Feminism is a word that depending on who you ask has several definitions. Some of these definitions are favorable, others unfavorable, and some mesh positive and negative words together.

I find it very interesting that if most people were randomly sampled on the street, and asked point blank if they agreed with things like women’s suffrage, equal pay for equal work between men and women, women’s legal rights, amongst other things, they would proudly say “Absolutely.”

Yet, to ask any of these individuals if they consider themselves feminists, the answer would change to “No, I am not crazy like that.”

This puzzled me, because feminism as a movement is the reason that women’s suffrage was won, and is why we have domestic violence laws, and if you can agree that these are good things, why would you not identify yourself as a feminist or a feminist supporter?

I wanted to investigate this idea of there being some kind of disparity formed between the term feminism, and the principles it actually promotes. I went out and asked a sampling of random people their thoughts and feelings towards what feminism is, and if they identified with the term on a personal level. I then questioned them as to what they thought the general perception of the term was to the population. The feedback I received was interesting, yet troubling all the same.

The question posed to everyone was what does feminism mean to you, and how do you think the term is perceived by others? Below are a few good responses:

“People are actively taking a role to ensure a greater equality of all genders. You can’t have prejudices against one person if you’re striving for equality. Those who don’t embrace feminism, they are either scared off by the word because they perceive this as an aggressive kind of means or they just don’t understand it in general.”–Jill

“As far as the perception of feminism, I think there is a huge misconception with what feminism is, and people think it’s a way of bringing men down, when really it’s just a way of bringing women up to the same level. I think it’s really positive and everyone should be feminist, but people really don’t know what it means.”–Laura

“I think there are some feminists that are a bit extreme, but there’s good and bad with everything, like most Muslims are not terrorists, I think most feminists are women who may have had experiences of not feeling equal, so they want to help all women as a gender out, through legislation and demonstrations.”—Steve

“Feminism is the radical notion that women are people too. I think the general populous forms this stereotype of this lady who doesn’t shave her legs, or shave her armpits, and thinks that all men are devils, people form this stereotype, and don’t understand that men can be feminists too.”—Alex

“I think it has a negative connotation in society because people think women want to overpower men, but I think that most women in this wave of feminism want equality, nothing more, nothing less. I think in our generation people take the term as a really liberal radical view on women’s rights, and a lot of people think that women are equal. They think feminist are fighting for something unnecessary, but to feminists they understand that we are [women] misrepresented in politics at almost every level including congress, women still are not paid equally as men, so to feminists it’s just a fight for equality.” --Meredith

These responses are mostly favorable and contain some good points. Firstly, feminism does not necessarily involve just women, but strives for all gender equality meaning men can be feminists too.

Secondly, there is a HUGE misconception about who feminists are. I am a feminist, and I like men as a gender. Most women who consider themselves feminist are not trying to drink the blood of the male gender out of hatred. I think it’s silly that men are threatened by a woman in power, and feel that any male who would take this aggressive view of feminism is nothing but a coward.

Another thing that was popular in defining a feminist was a woman who has never seen a razor in her life, and of course hates men. I feel that anyone who has this view needs to educate themselves on reality, which is very different.

One thing that repeatedly emerged in my interviews was this thought of the radical sect of feminism. Apparently, if you are a feminist you must walk around unshaven and rudely shouting obscenities towards men, while you torch your bra. It was disturbing to me because it seems that most people think of this when they think of feminism, and that is why they refuse to educate themselves on or identify with the movement.

I have never seen a feminist demonstration that crazy and out of hand, and bra burning happened a few times back in the 1960’s, so why is this still popular perception today? I think it’s really important for all feminists to come out and say that they are part of the movement, because popular opinion shows that the only type of feminist is a mean unattractive man hater, and that is an egregious misrepresentation.

Here are a few examples, illustrating the point:

“When I hear the word, I think of man haters, women who hate men, and think it’s really unfair how the world is, and think it should be equal like men and women, people who are speaking toward it, haven’t given it a good rep. The movement has a bad name.” –Chelsey

“I have a very negative connotation with that [the word feminism] and that’s caused by, for instance there are feminists who believe that you can’t truly be a feminist unless you’re a lesbian, which is the same thing like you can’t support not being cruel to animals unless your vegan, and I think that’s crap. So when you say feminism, my first gut reaction is this persons a goof ball. I think it depends where you’re at like when you’re in Athens, people are going to say ‘Right On!’ [about feminism]but the country as a whole may feel differently “—Tom

“I think feminism has a negative connotation, just an excuse for being overly aggressive with beliefs and views”.—Lincoln

“They see it as women hating men and blaming them for all their problems. I think it’s good as long as it’s not taken too far, for example calling freshman girls ‘freshwomen’”-Nick

It was interesting that not only men had a negative reaction to the word feminism, but many women did as well. Every movement from civil rights to religious sects has a radical part. Yet, with feminism it seems that the radical sect has defined the movement. These ‘radical’ members like Susan B. Anthony and Margaret Sanger are the reason things have been accomplished. If women would have quietly sat at a long table for negotiations about voting rights, sexual rights, and workplace legislation NOTHING would have gotten done. You need those ‘radical’ people to own a movement, like women's equality that was/ is unfavorable to some.

It is very disheartening that people have a stigma about these ‘radicals,’ and that is why these disregard the movement and all it’s great work. I think one reason that the ‘radical’ perception is the one that get’s the most attention and is acknowledged by most people is the fact that there is still some discrimination towards women, and it’s much easier to poke fun at the lesbian with the butch haircut than to actually address and assess real problems of gender inequality.

My research proved that most people agree with the goals of feminism, yet will not identify with the word because the word means something completely different in their minds, when in reality the word feminism is what has given women opportunity.

The opportunity of CHOICE is its main contribution. You can choose to stay at home with the children, or you can choose to work. You can choose to use contraception and you can choose to participate in democracy. Feminism is still fighting for equal pay and for a more balanced representation of women in power, as well as equal child care responsibilities.

As much as people would love to say that in this utopia we live in gender discrimination has vanished, they are WRONG. Anyone who can look at a statistic could see that it still exists, trickling down from corporate America right into the unbalanced home.

I think it is important for women to also keep in mind that choice does mean that women can choose to work, can choose to work and have a family, or can choose to just have children. Not any scenario is the right answer, it depends on the individual, but whatever the CHOICE may be it should be respected.

It is my hope that more people will become educated on what feminism truly means and what it promotes and all it has accomplished for both genders. It is the F word, but it is not bad, and needs to receive the respect that it deserves because without it, life would look very different.

Until Next Post,
G.

Hip Hop- Less About Actual Art, More about Cash

It is very obvious that one of the most popular genres of music today is rap/hip hop. This is especially true amongst teenagers. Yet, regardless of its popularity, I find certain aspects of the genre appalling. Specifically, raps derogatory lyrics towards women and the all too common ass shaking/ tit bouncing music video.


I would like to preface this by saying I enjoy some hip hop, and think certain artists in the genre are very talented and evidence this through actually creating ART. Yet, I feel that some of these fast talkers (not calling them real artists) just release songs with a beat to just make more benjamins, and therefore it doesn't really matter what the video looks like, so the default hip hop video model is used.

In general this model simply depicts an orgy of woman wearing next to nothing , oiled up and rubbing themselves all over a single male, while inevitably rolling in some cash and drinking excessively.

I am sure there is an ignorant facet of the population who see’s this as perfectly fine and acceptable, and to this group I would suggest you clear your narrow minded world and realize that by being a proponent and supporting imagery that is so misogynistic and harmful to women, you are encouraging gender discrimination against your mothers, daughters, sisters, and every other self-respecting woman.

To women who allow themselves to be portrayed in such a negative sense, self-respect is a wonderful thing and no amount of dollar bills you collect from your “work,” can buy you that.


Rap has definitely evolved over the years, and seems now to represent a lifestyle. This lifestyle talks all about sex, alcohol, and money, essentially creating a glamorous image of the high life. It seems that a central part of this includes a male to female ratio of about one male to six females.

The language used to talk about women says it all. We are either bitches or ho’s, who are good for one sole purpose, which has nothing to do with mental capacity or the articulation of a sentence. It’s all about how hourglass you can be, and how quickly you can spread your thighs to reveal the prize, the one thing you’re good for, PUSSY.

This may seem harsh, but all one needs to do is to look at the popular songs from this genre to realize that this message is delivered to a large population on a daily basis. Contemplate the following lyrics:

From Lil Wayne’s song “Every Girl,” a popular song this past summer:

Uh, I like a long hair thick red-bone open up her legs to filet mignon that pussy I'ma get in an' out that pussy if she let me in, i'ma own that pussy go on' throw it back and bust it open like you 'posed to

I just find it interesting that the male anatomy would NEVER be discussed in such a capacity, and yet it is deemed acceptable to talk about owning and busting open pussy. This is a mild example, yet illustrates the point of female oppression through lyrics, by manipulating the female identity to just a sexual object.

Yet, hip hop also involves lyrics that are not only sexual, but violent. For example, Eminem’s song “Stay Wide Awake”, uses harsh words and references rape.

I sit down beside her like a spider hi there girl you mightaHeard of me before see whore your the girl that ida,Assault and rape and figure why not try to make your pussy wida


This is a disturbing example of a song that definitely shows a sexual and violent tone toward females.

Yet, as previously noted lyrics do not present the only barrier women face in obtaining a fair representation in the hip hop world. The way women are portrayed in music videos, as a sole accessory that is used for pleasure, and provides nothing else to the picture besides a shallow smile and a status quo for rappers.

Here is a video that just shows some clips from a variety of videos:


Make sure to catch the song making reference to 'bitches swallowing'...charming

One former video “talent” named Karrine Steffans, took a stand against the video culture. She was a former video vixen, who was nicknamed Superhead, and slept with all the big rap names from Jay-Z to Usher. She has since taken a stand against her former career and wrote the best-selling book “Confessions of a Video Vixen,” where she gives the following description in the introduction:

Where young girls once aspired to be models and ballerinas, they now aspire to be hip-hop video girls. I sat down to write this book because I think my story can serve as a warning to anyone aspiring to the kind of life I have led.
Like so many young girls, I grew up wanting to be famous. I used to watch television and dream about the Beverly Hills lifestyle seen in all my favorite film. I reached most of my goals, but I didt do it in a conventional way. I did it using the oldest trick in the book. Sex.
I was known as Superhead, the insatiable lover of many Hollywood stars, sports figures, and some of music's most influential performers and executives.
My hips have swayed and popped on MTV while I danced on tabletops and poolside in some of your favorite videos.

The top reason a woman finds herself in a rap video, sprawled undressed over a luxury car while a rapper is saying lewd things about her, is a lack of self-esteem. No one who values, loves, or knows herself would allow herself to be placed in such a degrading position.



(From Google)

For a woman to have been involved in the music video industry so intensely as Steffans, and to then write a tell all, is definitely very powerful and offers much insight that would not be obtained otherwise.

The hip hop culture needs to be broken down and remodeled into something that does not consistently degrade women in almost EVERY VIDEO released. It should be more about art, and making a product that took some time and production value, other than a piece of dental floss for a woman to wear and providing the bed for her to lie on, or the table for her to hump.

African American Feminist Bell Hooks had an interesting perspective on the matter. Below is an excerpt from an article she wrote "Sexism and Misogyny: Who Takes the Rap?", which discussed misogyny in hip hop and patriarchy:

Witness the recent piece by Brent Staples in the "New York Times" titled "The Politics of Gangster Rap: A Music Celebrating Murder and Misogyny." Defining the turf Staples writes: "For those who haven't caught up, gangster rap is that wildly successful music in which all women are `bitches' and `whores' and young men kill each other for sport." No mention of white supremacist capitalist patriarchy in this piece, not a word about the cultural context that would need to exist for young males to be socialized to think differently about gender. Staples assumes that black males are writing their lyrics off in the "jungle," away from the impact of mainstream socialization and desire. At no point in his piece does he ask why huge audiences, especially young white male consumers, are so turned on by this music, by the misogyny and sexism, by the brutality? Where is the anger and rage at females expressed in this music coming from, the glorification of all acts of violence? These are the difficult questions that Staples feels no need to answer.

I agree with Staples assessment, yet also feel Hooks presents a valid perspective. The sexism would not persist if customers did not validate the content, by watching the videos, hanging the posters, and accepting the lyrics.

I challenge all of you to think about the messages being sent through videos and lyrics, especially to teenage males about their views on women, as well as the implications it has on young females who see their gender objectified in this way. It is my hope that “artists” will take a more responsible approach with their music, and will actually put some real consideration into video content, by trying something new and actually creating REAL CONTENT.


Until Next Post,
G.

Body Image

Courtney Martin is the author of several articles and the book Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters. In honor of Diversity Week, Martin spoke at Ohio University to a group of feminist thinkers and extra credit seeking students alike.

Martin, who focuses her writings on female development, politics, and activism, spoke about why she wrote her best- selling book. It seemed that writing the book was something she found she had to do, as a service to young women and parents alike struggling with body image issues.

I enjoyed Martin's discussion and agreed with her perspective yet, thought a lot of the information presented in the lecture was common sense. I would like to say that I have NOT read the actual book, so I am ONLY speaking on the talk.

I thought she had a great point when she said that young women learn about body confidence from their mothers, and if their mothers say "Look at my hips...yuck," young women will probably grow up to share in this hatred for their features.

Yet, Martin also shared an example that depicted women on a daily basis having thoughts like "I can't eat this bagel," or "I should be at the gym, when I really want to nap," which I admit happens. Yet, I do not think it happens as often and as painstakingly as Martin depicted. She pointed out that in a woman's lifetime she will have spent six months of her life on these thoughts.

This might be true to some extent, yet I don't necessarily see a problem with going to the gym when you would rather be watching a television program or napping. I do not think that is unhealthy, and would say that life's full of choices, and you can't always do what you want.

Obviously if I had my way, instead of going and busting it at the gym, I'd rather sit and eat a mountain of donuts, yet common sense kicks in and I tell myself "no." This doesn't mean I have an image problem, it just means I want to be confident in my beach attire.


Now, this is not to say that I am going to hit the treadmill until my knees bleed and starve myself until I hit size zero, I am just saying that some of the examples presented seemed to be normal and moderate, as opposed to troubling. If kept in moderation, I think certain choices made even if not desired, are better long term.

Obviously I agree with Martin that young women are made to feel bad about their image, when magazines illustrate the Kate Moss sized models as ideal. Yet, the idea that women are conscious about their figures and will sometimes make healthier choices or choices they don't necessarily want to make to maintain that image, seems fine to me.


As long as women try to live a healthy lifestyle and keep a weight they are comfortable with, I do not see a problem.




Check out part of Martin's speech via podcast!



Until Next Post,
G.

Pornography? Is there an app for that?

It seems that there is an iPhone application for everything, from turning off the kitchen lights, to ordering Starbucks. So obviously an app for porn would not seem too far away?

Interestingly enough, Apple has received criticism for some of their more ‘risqué’ applications, from self- respecting women and concerned parents alike. Apple responded by pulling a few of these applications, but not all of them.

It is important to note that these recently pulled apps involved scantily clad women, yet no actual full on nudity. Obviously porn is retrievable on the iPhone from its internet browser, yet the only application that was ever pornographic was called ‘Hottest Girls,’ which originally showed photos of women wearing next to nothing, however when they added topless content, it was removed by Apple as an application. When Apple took this action their spokesperson Tom Neumayr released the following statement:

"Apple will not distribute applications that contain inappropriate content, such as pornography. The developer of this application added inappropriate content directly from their server after the application had been approved and distributed and after the developer had subsequently been asked to remove some offensive content. This was a direct violation of the terms of the iPhone Developer Program. The application is no longer available on the App Store."


The application that was removed, illustrating how you could take your categorical pick! (minus showing the nudity)

Recently, Apple dealt with complaints dealing with the following applications: Dirty Fingers (an app where a girl in a swimsuit looked as if she was cleaning the iPhone screen), SlideHer (which was a puzzle game where you had to reassemble a scantily clad woman’s body), and Scratch Off (which was an app where with the swipe of your finger you could smudge a woman’s clothing off, revealing her undergarments.) These programs were consistently on the list of the most downloaded apps, however Apple decided to remove these apps because of concerned customers.

Pictured Below is SlideHer and Dirty Fingers Apps

However, as commendable as the 'removal' may be, there are still several other apps that display the same type of content, yet have not been removed. For example, Playboy has an application that shares photos of scantily clad women, Hooters has a puzzle game app (same concept as SlideHer, which was removed), and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has also been deemed acceptable.
Example of a still 'allowed' SlideHer app:


It is just interesting that although Apple seems to be taking the high road in removing content that may be deemed offensive or inappropriate; they are still keeping that same type of content under their offered applications, if it is brand name.

I think that it is great Apple wants to maintain a squeaky clean and family-friendly image. I also think it is a good idea to not allow full scale pornographic applications.

Yet, if Apple is going to say they do not support this type of content, then just REMOVE ALL OF IT or KEEP ALL OF IT, don’t pick and choose because of the name.

Just because Hooters or Playboy releases the app, does not make it any friendlier to children or any less misogynistic to women. It’s the EXACT same thing and serves the same purpose whether done by Playboy or Dirty Fingers.

It’s nice to receive good press, and I do commend Apple for taking some action and striving to be a responsible brand, however it’s all or nothing in this case.



Until Next Post,
G.

Link to The New York Times Article