Wednesday, March 31, 2010

New Moon: a New Beginning or the same old Riff-Raff?

**WARNING: Contains spoilers.**

Although I’ve never quite gotten on board with the fanaticism surrounding the Twilight saga, I don’t deny that the combination of werewolves and vampires, in theory, remains appealing to me. As a feminist, sociologist, agnostic, and hard-headed critical thinker, I am oh-too-familiar with the critiques of the Twilight saga, ranging from accusations of sexism, racism, and usage of Mormon-fueled anti-sex, anti-choice, and anti-female agency rhetoric and undertones. When a friend offered me the chance to borrow her DVD copy of New Moon, I figured a bit of research might prove valuable in shedding a bit more insight into the cult phenomenon of Twilight. There were a few things about New Moon that initially struck me: overall demanding language towards Bella (i.e. Edward: Marry me, Bella. Jacob: Stay away from me, Bella. Charlie: Go to sleep, Bella), the construction of relationships (i.e. obsessive “I can’t life without you” mentality), that women must always be “protected,” and the horrible dialogue (if it is any reflection of the books, I am in no way inspired to become a dedicated Stephanie Meyers fan).

I find reassurance and comfort in knowing that a film and book series written by a woman with a female protagonist has obtained mainstream success due to hoards of mostly dedicated female fans , but do take issue with the potential messages it might be sending younger generations (and older for that matter). After conducting a bit more research on other’s perceptions of New Moon, it appears my critiques are rather kind. Concerns from a group of women writers include the following:

“My problem with it is that Bella’s life is given over to pregnancy, marriage and being a vampire all before she hits 20. I would hope girls aspire to bigger and better things.”

“It’s escapist entertainment for girls, so that part of it is okay, as long as girls don’t have aspirations to be her. “

“The idea of someone watching you while you sleep, following you to ‘protect’ you — these are signs of abusive, controlling relationships.”

Additionally, it’s also a bit sad to find out that the female director for the first Twilight film, Catherine Hardwicke, was replaced by male director Chris Weitz for the second installment.

An article in from Bitch Magazine discusses issues of repressed, controlled, and potentially limiting sexuality portrayed in New Moon (and consistently throughout the saga). Author Kelly Wallace asserts that “though I am not denying that many teenagers feel pressured to engage in sex before they're ready, I am also not willing to deny that many young people just want to get laid, and they have the agency to make their own choices” in regards to the arguably anti-sex, wait-until-marriage mentality of Twilight. Responding to an article reflecting on Twilight’s success by author Jonathan Zimmerman of the Chicago Tribune which states that “women want love, not just sex,” Wallace argues that the popularity of Twilight actually indicates girls DO want sex (think ripped and topless “wolf-pack”). Werewolves aside, the sex-as-taboo message, especially for Bella isn’t hard to locate nor is it necessarily difficult to understand its roots or intended implications. To think, all along I thought Sarah Haskins “vampires” sketch about people waiting until marriage to get bitten was a joke until I saw the end of New Moon when Edward stated the only way he would bite Bella (to turn her into a vampire) is if she married him. Guess you really should wait until marriage to have sex….I mean, get bitten.

There is much that could be said and has been said regarding Stephanie Meyers’ messages, the directing of the Twilight films, and if Edward really is bad for Bella. However, it could also be argued that perhaps Twilight is exactly like so many other predictable and limiting love stories of its time, just re-imagined with supernatural “monsters” that might just scratch your face up or suck your blood if you make them angry.

Monday, March 29, 2010

"My New Pink Button" Had Got Me Seeing Red (title courtesy of Sarah Bruhn)

The other day, while channel surfing, I caught the end of the Chelsey Lately Show. She made a reference to a product called “My New Pink Button.” So, naturally, I had to check it out.
My New Pink Button is yet another product out there to “beautify” your vagina. My New Pink Button is a powder dye that you apply to your labia. The dye comes in four shades: Marilyn, Bettie, Ginger, and Audry.

Besides the dye being totally and completely offensive to women’s vaginas everywhere, it just appears to be a sketchy product. The website makes it difficult to find out the details about My New Pink Button. Once you find the desired information, the kit makes the product look totally unappealing


Here is the description of how the product was thought up and its features.


Description:
My New Pink Button (tm) is a temporary dye to restore the youthful pink color back to your labia. There is no other product like it. This patent pending formula was designed by a female certified Paramedical Esthetician after she discovered her own genital color loss. While looking online for a solution she discovered thousands of other women asking the same questions regarding their color loss. After countless searches revealing no solution available and a discussion with her own gynecologist she decided to create her own. Now there is a solution!
Features:
• Bettie - Think of that favorite lipstick you wear for those dressy black tie affairs and think "Bettie". This shade blends with a woman's own skin tones to bring out that "sexy hot pink, I am fired up, look". Go dancing this weekend and remember to bring "Bettie" along!
• Dye System Kit includes 20 disposable applicators, mixing dish, labia colorant dye and instructional guide.
• Our Products are Never Tested on Animals, but it will bring out the Animal in You!
• Easy to use - applies in just one minute - and your pink is back!
• 20 applications per bottle


Unfortunately, there are no safety guarantees. Also, although it is nice for the animals that they are not tested on, one must wonder where and how it’s been tested. Below is the profile of the creator provided on the website.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority


This Wednesday, March 31 the WRC, in collaboration with the Asian American Center, will be screening the film Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority, in the Illinois room of the Holmes Student Center.

Every woman with aspirations of higher education should know Patsy Mink. In 1965 Mink was the first woman of color elected to the United States Congress. Her liberal independence and outspoken nature often attracted open opposition, even from her own party. Nevertheless, she spoke out against the Vietnam War and fought for the passage of Title IX. Title IX was the groundbreaking legislation that transformed women’s opportunities in higher education and athletics. Mink’s political and social views were ahead of the majority in that she pushed and defied the limits of political thought while adhering to her principles.

Please join the WRC and the AAC as we screen this historical film. Afterwards, Professor Sandra Dawson will lead a discussion about Mink’s efforts to promote equality and persevere through political criticism.

Monday, March 22, 2010

The 411 on Birth Control

Don’t know much about birth control? Perhaps you’ve only heard of the pill or using a male condom. This Alternet article gives the 411 on birth control methods that are not commonly discussed or prescribed, but might be a better option for many women out there. See some of the options below with pros, cons, and other information. But remember, all birth control methods don’t protect equally against STIs. So, no matter what contraceptive you choose to use, make sure you are practicing safer sex.

1. Cervical barriers
When people think of barrier methods, they often think of the male condom. But they're leaving out a whole slew of barriers contained entirely within the vagina. Cervical barriers include the diaphragm and the cervical cap. (As well as Elaine Benes' favorite, the contraceptive sponge.)

How they work: There are several kinds but let's delve into two of the most common. The cervical cap is the smallest among cervical barriers. Most of these use suction to stay in place, be it on the cervix or on your vaginal walls. And of course there's the diaphragm, which sits behind the pubic bone and has a firm but malleable ring that allows it to press against the vaginal walls and do its thing. Almost all cervical barriers have to be fitted by your health-care provider and must always be supplemented with spermicide.
Pros: You can put in your cervical barrier of choice up to two hours before intercourse, so you don't have to stop foreplay to worry about insertion. They are cost-effective because they are washable and reusable -- you can get away with using one for a few years! If you want to have sex while you're on your period, this is a relatively easy way to reduce the chances of a bloody stain on your sheets.
Cons: It can take a bit of practice to put in (not unlike the first time you used a tampon or a menstrual cup), and you need to leave the cervical barrier in your vagina for six to eight hours after intercourse. There may be an increased risk of bladder and urinary tract infections. Some male partners report feeling the cervical barriers during use.What you should know: Some doctors will just figure these are really old-school and most people would prefer something hormonal or that doesn't require insertion upon each use. And some doctors may not be trained to fit a cervical cap or diaphragm -- but that doesn't mean one may not be right for you.

2. Female condom
Get ready to hear a lot more about this one. Another barrier method, female condoms (or FCs) have been underused for a long time, but they just received a full-on makeover. A smoother, softer, more affordable ringed version was recently approved for the market by the FDA.

How it works: Just insert into your vagina (or anus) and you're ready to go. The female condom is lubricated, and shaped like an open-ended tube, with a removable inner ring and an attached outer ring. The inner ring stays in the back of your vagina. When used for anal sex, the inner ring can be left in, or taken out, depending on your preference. The outer ring then covers the surface area around the vaginal or anal opening, providing increased protection against STIs that are spread by skin-to-skin contact.
Pros: First off, this is the only condom controlled by the receptive partner -- the woman. Unlike male condoms, it is unlikely to come out during intercourse. It's hypo-allergenic which is great for those who can't use latex. FCs also adjust to body temperature so you and your partner both feel the heat. You can put it in hours before having vaginal sex, which means you don't need to interrupt foreplay. FCs don't require an erect penis, and you can use it for both vaginal and anal intercourse. Not only will this method prevent unwanted pregnancies, it also blocks out STIs and HIV.
Cons: They're more expensive than male condoms and can be tougher to find, though this may change as the new FCs grow more popular.
What you should know: A lot of doctors don't even bring up the FC when birth control methods are being discussed. Further, they might remember the older sandwich-bag version of the female condom, so they may not look kindly on the new, improved version.

3. The Patch
We've all heard of the nicotine patch, which helps cigarette addicts wean themselves off their fix, while still providing them the nicotine they need. The contraceptive patch works much the same way, slowly applying the anticonceptive dose you need through your skin.




How it works: Much like a band-aid, you stick the adhesive patch somewhere on your body -- arms, hips, bums are most popular; anywhere but the breasts works -- and you receive ovulation-suppressing hormones transdermally. Every week for three weeks you switch your patch out for a new one; on the fourth one, you take a break. The hormones in the Patch match most of those in the Pill.
Pros: Lots of women have lighter periods, less cramping and diminished PMS symptoms.Cons: Use is contraindicated for smokers and women over 35. Diabetics, breast-feeders and those who suffer high blood pressure ought to avoid the Patch. And some not-so-great side-effects include vaginal dryness, yeast infections, breast tenderness, and possible weight gain. The Patch does fall off more than advertised, particularly if you use a lot of body lotion. It is slightly more expensive than the Pill, averaging $35-50 per month. It does not protect against STIs.What you should know: There's slightly more estrogen than in other birth control methods. This is good to know, especially if a woman is particularly concerned with hormonal side-effects.
4. The Ring
Here's one way to think of your birth control method only once a month. Put a ring on it, ladies!

How it works: It's a plastic ring that you put inside your vagina (as far up as you can manually manage) that releases hormones that prevent pregnancy. You replace it once every three weeks, and go one week without. After that last week, you put a new ring in.
Pros: The Ring delivers a lower dose of estrogen than both the Pill and the Patch. Most people don't feel the Ring during intercourse, but if you do, you can take it out for up to three hours for some unencumbered fun before replacing it. Shorter, lighter periods; less cramping and PMS. Oh, and of course: you only have to think about it once a month!
Cons: Some women report increased vaginal irritation, odor, imbalances, lubrication or infections. If you don't put it in right, it can fall out, though this usually happens only to newbies. Women who are over 35, have high blood pressure or cholesterol, are breast-feeding, suffer from depression, have migraines, and/or are smokers should avoid the Ring. This method does not protect against STIs.What you should know: Doctors may gloss over the fact that it is indeed OK to take it out during sex -- because they worry you'll forget to put it in within three hours of taking it out. You might expect to add more lube than you've ever used before, too.

5. The Shot
If once a month isn't good enough for you, try once every three months. Leave your birth control in your health-care provider's hands, with this hormonal birth control delivered much like the vaccines you've been getting your whole life.




How it works: The Shot is a progestin-only form of birth control, meaning it contains no estrogen, which some women prefer. Just go to your health-care provider once every three months for a shot, and you're protected from unintended pregnancy 24/7.
Pros: Proper use isn't really an issue here, as long as you keep your appointments with your health-care provider, which makes the Shot one of the most effective birth control methods. Further, the Shot may decrease cramping and menstrual bleeding and rarely negatively interacts with other medications. It's great for women who haven't enjoyed estrogen-based birth control side-effects.
Cons: May cause bone loss over a long period of time, which means you shouldn't use the Shot for very long-term use. Most report weight gain; and those who already suffered depression say those symptoms can be aggravated by the Shot. Irregular bleeding or light spotting is possible. Women who are breast-feeding shouldn't use this method. The Shot does not protect against STIs.What you should know: If you try the Shot once and never get a second injection, the effects may be with you for up to six months or longer. If you want to do the Shot but have never tried a progestin-only birth control method, try the "minipill" first, so you can make sure to avoid bad side-effects for such a long time. And if you care about this sort of thing, the average weight gain here is serious: 11 pounds. Finally, it's suggested you take a break from the Shot every three years.

6. Continuous Birth Control
For eons, women have had their periods about once a month. For just as long, women have wished that could change. With continuous birth control, monthly periods can be a thing of the past.

How it works: First some background: when women have periods on the Pill (and other forms of synthetic hormone-based birth control methods), they're not actually periods, they're withdrawal bleeds. So with continuous birth control you're skipping the placebo period that would usually create the bleeding. You can achieve continuous birth control either by skipping the placebo week with regular birth control methods such as the Pill, or you can use pills expressly designed for continuous use and period suppression, which may give you a period only four times or even just once a year.
Pros: For women with particularly heavy or lengthy periods, or lifestyles greatly complicated by regular periods, continuous birth control can be a game-changer. Some research even suggests that women weren't designed to have periods for as long as we do these days, given how long we live -- so cutting down on your menstrual cycles could cut down on the stress placed on your reproductive system, reducing the risk of ovarian and other cancers.
Cons: If you're the kind who gets nervous when you don't get your period, even if you've been diligently applying your birth control method, this method may stress you out. Bleeding suppression pills don't work for everyone -- some women still go ahead and have periods anyway. More common is some spotting, which won't be predictable. Finally, cutting against the research cited in "pros," is different research that questions the long-term effects of cycle-suppressing contraception. This method does not protect against STIs.What you should know: Your doctor should warn you of the possibility that you may not skip your periods 100 percent of the time; continuous birth control affects women differently. We still don't have studies for this conducted on women under 18, even though some doctors may prescribe it to teens. And current studies have only analyzed a test period of two years, so we don't yet have a good idea of what long-term effects of continuous birth control use will be.

7. Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
What if you never, ever had to think about birth control -- until the day you either decide to get pregnant, hit menopause or give up on contraception? Then an IUD is for you.

How they work: An IUD -- a tiny T-shaped device -- is inserted into your uterus by your health-care provider (it's not something you can do yourself). There are two popular kinds of IUDs -- one is hormonal and the other is made of copper, which acts as a natural spermicide.
Pros: One of the most -- if not the most -- effective birth control methods out there, mostly because there is little room for error on your part. Once it's in, it's in and you don't have to think about it. Neither you nor your partner will ever feel it. You can keep it in for many, many years -- up to and beyond 10 years, if you pick the copper version. The day you want it out, just schedule an appointment to have it removed. If hormonal birth control hasn't worked for you in the past, the copper IUD could be your ticket out of hormone-land. But the hormonal IUD can decrease your period.
Cons: Insertion is a minor but still surgical procedure. (You can ask for a local anesthetic.) While in the long-term an IUD is likely one of the cheapest birth control methods out there, the one-time up-front cost can be daunting (up to $600), particularly because most insurance plans don't cover it. With the copper IUD, most women get heavier and/or longer periods and report increased discharge and cramping. With the hormonal IUD, your period may become so irregular it can make some women nervous. Women who have a history of STIs or vaginal infections should avoid IUDs. And of course, IUDs do not protect against STIs.What you should know: Your doctor is likely to say that if you've never been pregnant and given birth you should avoid an IUD, because it could lead to infertility, but there is no data to back this up. Indeed, it's more likely doctors may be misremembering and speaking of an IUD from the 1970s -- the Dalkon Shield -- that killed women and doesn't resemble today's IUDs in any way other than they were both inserted in the uterus. Doctors may also say you should only use an IUD if you're married or longtime monogamous, since they're trying to account for the risk of STIs -- although this doesn't consider the fact that many single people have a lot of safe sex and a lot of married folks don't.

8. The Implant
The contraceptive implant has a bad name in the United States because a now-discontinued version drew lots of complaints from its users. But the new version of the implant has been popular throughout the world since 1998, and now it's making a splash among many American women.

How it works: Your health-care provider inserts a tiny, soft plastic rod in the layer of fat under the skin of your non-dominant arm. Good for three years, the Implant emits low doses of the hormone progestin, which prevents pregnancy.
Pros: Like many of the other birth control methods that require little-to-no thinking on the user's part, after insertion you don't have to think about birth control for three years! This is a particularly good method for women who suffer heavy or painful periods, because the Implant may lighten your menstrual cycle.
Cons: Irregular spotting or bleeding may occur -- for some women, this could be daily -- mostly because your period may become very light. Like other hormonal methods, your sex drive and vaginal lubrication may become affected. Epileptics, depressives and diabetics should avoid the Implant. Insertion and removal may be painful -- but doctors usually use lidocaine to numb your arm. This method does not protect against STIs.What you should know: Not all doctors are trained to do this yet, so yours might not even offer it as an option. Your provider should also warn you that the implant is a lot more visible in the first weeks before it settles in -- this is normal.

9. Emergency contraceptives
As careful as you may be, no birth control method is 100 percent fail-safe. That's why it's a good thing we now have morning-after pills.

How they work: These over-the-counter pills are not to be confused with pills that induce a medical abortion. Emergency contraceptive pills cannot be used to end an existing pregnancy, but they can prevent one, especially if taken within 24 hours of intercourse (though it works for up to five days, less effectively each day). These pills usually work by preventing ovulation and/or making the vagina a less hospitable place for sperm.
Pros: In the U.S., anyone 17 and over can get one of these pills without a prescription. The main thing the emergency contraceptive pill has going for it is that it's a fantastic second measure to take if a condom tore or you run into any other problems with your current birth control method.
Cons: Emergency contraceptives have high progestin levels -- close to six days' worth of birth control pills taken over a two-day period -- which will likely cause an out-of-cycle period soon after taking one of these pills. Headaches and nausea are also likely. Emergency contraceptives cannot be used as a regular birth control method -- "emergency" is the keyword here. Of course, this method does not protect against STIs.What you should know: A lot of people don't know you can buy emergency contraception for others -- men can even get it for their partners. Good to know is that you can get a prescription from your doctor in advance just in case -- because some pharmacies won't sell it without a prescription. (The ACLU is working to change this.) Also worth knowing is that you can actually use a copper IUD as an emergency contraceptive. The window of effectiveness there is increased to about eight days after intercourse. The added bonus is you not only prevent pregnancy in an emergency situation, you also have a long-term birth control method from there on out.

10. Tubal ligations & vasectomies
You may have noticed that many of the birth control methods discussed here are not appropriate for women over 35. Also, many of you might never want to become pregnant, so even a 10-year method like an IUD isn't good enough for you. For you we have tubal ligations and vasectomies!


How they work: Both surgical procedures, tubal ligation is a form of female sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are severed and sealed or pinched shut to prevent fertilization. And lest we forget that men have a role here too, vasectomies are the male version of tubals. In a vasectomy, a man's "tubes" -- or vas deferens -- are similarly severed and sealed to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculate.
Pros: Vasectomies are far less invasive and expensive than tubals. Both are great options for people who've already had kids and don't want any more, or those who are sure they don't want children, ever.
Cons: Both vasectomies and tubals should be considered irreversible, though some chances of reversal are possible. What you should know: Many doctors will say this is a non-option for younger people or those who haven't yet had children, in the belief they may change their minds down the line and want kids after all. But if you've done all your research, don't give up. You'll find a doctor who understands that you're making an informed physical and emotional decision.

Reposted from Alternet.org

Original article By Daniela Perdomo

Friday, March 19, 2010

Female Football Head Coach

Last Friday, Calvin Coolidge Senior High School in Washington D.C. announced that 29 year old Natalie Randolph will assume the position of head coach of the school’s varsity football team. Randolph teaches biology and environmental sciences at Coolidge and is no stranger to football. From 2004 to 2008 Randolph was the wide receiver for the pro football team, the D.C. Divas, which won the National title in 2006.

Of the 15,000 varsity head coaches in the country Randolph is the only female. But this significant fact does not seem to be of great importance to Randolph. In an interview with NPR Randolph states "[w]hile I'm proud to be part of what this all means . . . being female has nothing to do with it. I love football. I love football, I love teaching, I love these kids. My being female has nothing to do with my support and respect for my players on the field and in the classroom."

The Washington Post reports that the last female head coach appointment was in 1985. However, after only one day on the job, Wanda Oates was removed after the school received pressure from other coaches who did not want to coach against her. Fortunately, this time around Randolph seems to have the support of her district and her team.

I am incredibly excited that Randolph will be joining the sports leaders of the country, and I hope her performance will encourage other women to do the same. I am also impressed with her focus on the sport and her team in the face of the media frenzy calling her a “pioneer” and her appointment “historic”. While those observations certainly seem true, the point is that she is qualified and capable of doing this job, and that’s why she is the varsity head coach.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Julia Serano to Visit NIU

Next week the Women’s Resource Center, along with other co-sponsors, is presenting nationally-recognized trans-activist and speaker Julia Serano at Northern Illinois University. This is sure to be informative and edgy presentation. Details are as follows:

Rethinking Sexualization with Julia Serano

As a feminist, biologist and femme-identified trans-woman, Julia Serano has a unique perspective on feminine gender expression. Sexualization occurs when sexuality is non-consensually imposed upon a person, or when a person is reduced to their sexual body or behaviors. Julia moves beyond an examination of the ways in which women are often sexualized by men in our culture and explores less familiar forms of sexualization. Join the WRC and Julia Serano to learn why sexualization is such an effective tactic to intimidate and invalidate people and what we can do, as individuals, to confront and challenge sexualization.

DATE: Monday, March 22
TIME: 7-9 p.m.
LOCATION: Capitol Room, Holmes Student Center

Co-Sponsors: Psychology Department, Unity in Diversity, Presidential Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Campus Activities Board, Women’s Studies Program, and LGBT Studies.

Please attend and invite friends! Also, check out previous WRC blogs for more information related to Julia’s area of specialization:
http://niuwrc.blogspot.com/2009/04/means-for-re-valuating-femininity.html
http://niuwrc.blogspot.com/2009/09/in-wimp-factor-gender-gaps-holy-wars.html

Monday, March 15, 2010

Catholics Come Home – unless you’re gay… then we don’t want you or your children

I imagine that by now, most people are aware of the current push by the Catholic Church to bring Catholics back to their faith, or as the ads put it “come home.” It is not my intention to bash religion, or to say that all religions, including Catholicism is unworthy of one’ times. However, sometimes, these institutions alienate more people with their actions rather than bring them “back home.”




One example of this was the Archdiocese of Denver decision to kick the two students out of school because their parents were in a same-sex relationship. The choice to kick out these young children, one a preschool student and the other in kindergarten, was supported by the Archbishop Charles Chaput. Chaput’s rational was, as change.org put it, “since the Catholic Church believed gay marriage was sinful, then they had every right to view the children of gay parents as unworthy of a Catholic school education”

Fortunately, many Catholics are not behind this outrageous decision. A Colorado Catholic group has developed an ad (see below) and campaign against the Denver Archdiocese’s decision.

This story hits close to home for me because I was raised on the Southside of Chicago in an Irish Catholic neighborhood and I am a member of the LGBT community. Although I am not a practicing Catholic, I know many people who had many personal qualms with how the Catholic Church dealt with LGBT issues. Many of my gay friends would try to ignore the Church’s views on sexuality, wanting to follow Catholicism. This most recent action taken by the Catholic Church alienates those trying to follow the religion even further even causing an uproar that crosses divisions of sexual orientation.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

"Rock Against Rape" Benefit Show Next Month


I came across an event called "Rock Against Rape" in a newsletter in the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault last semester while researching a program. These events are benefit concerts put on by colleges and agencies that aim to raise awareness about sexual assault. I really liked the idea, and thought it would be awesome to put one on here in DeKalb.


That dream is quickly becoming a reality; the WRC and The House Cafe, in conjunction with several local bands, are planning DeKalb’s first “Rock Against Rape.” We are holding the event in April, as it is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Admission is $5, and all proceeds are going to Safe Passage, DeKalb County’s domestic violence and sexual assault agency. Safe Passage "provides a wide range of services to victims of domestic and sexual violence including crisis intervention and medical advocacy for victims of domestic and sexual violence, short- and long-term housing for victims and their children, counseling, legal advocacy, children's services, community education." Safe Passage’s funding has been reduced due to state and federal funding cuts. However, the need for such services in our community has not lessened. An event like Rock Against Rape is crucial to help this agency continue serving our citizens.


Mark your calendars, and enjoy artists from the local music scene while contributing to a good cause!
Here are the bands that are donating their time and talent to this event:
Sweet Lucy
Wienerslav

Friday, March 5, 2010

Surprised by Your Period…There’s an App for That

A new application, iPeriod, developed by Winkpass Creations allows users to predict ovulation and fertility, receive alerts when periods are late or expected, record symptoms or moods, and much more. The results can be graphically displayed and a calendar will be generated with different colors to show you when you are expected to be fertile, having your period, and when you are ovulating.

While this app may give some women more control over their health and sexual lives, some are skeptical about the app’s capabilities. Bitch magazine comments on how in order for the application to be most accurate, a woman must know how long her menstrual cycle and luteal phases are. Since the luteal phase is not easily ascertainable, the app uses the average length of 14 days which lessens the accuracy of the apps predictions. But on the other hand, this technology could facilitate more meaningful conversations with significant others and doctors by providing an easy way to compile and track information about a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Of course this isn’t the only app out there like this. Similar applications include, iMensies, iPregnancy, Menstrometer, PMS Buddy, and FemDays. I guess it’s a good thing that there is such an interest in gathering information about women’s body’s, but absent a trained professionals interpretation, the accuracy of these apps conclusions should be taken with a grain of salt.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Girls Will Be Boys, If They Want


I came across this article in Life & Style that criticizes Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt for allowing their 3 year old daughter Shiloh to “act like a boy.” I'm not real big on celebrity gossip, but it caught my eye because I am a child development major and someone who is passionate about gender equality and freedom from masculine and feminine stereotypes.

The article says that Shiloh has a short hair cut and insists on being called boy names. Apparently, the 3 year old dresses very masculine.


This article is absolutely ridiculous, and it helps perpetuate dangerous myths concerning gender identity formation and children. The typical 3 year old is just becoming aware of gender. The way a child dresses or wears their hair when they are 3 is of no consequence to their adulthood image. And even if it were, who gives a damn? What does it matter if a woman wants to cut her hair short and wear masculine clothing?

This article tries to insinuate that Pitt and Jolie could be doing their child harm through hair cut and wardrobe choices, which is stupid. I’d be much more concerned about the implications that Pitt and Jolie’s fame could have on the child. I’m tired of media outlets trying to dictate normalcy regarding outward appearances- it has gone on far too long, and tainted too many facets of life. This aggressive and obtrusive attitude towards a 3-year-old’s non-gender conforming behavior is pathetic.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Oh Politics.....


I understand that the fight over abortion had never been clean, but Virginia State Delegate Bob Marshall (R) has hit a new low. Marshall stated, in a press conference opposing funding for Planned Parenthood,

"The number of children who are born subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the first born of any, nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children,"

Furthermore, Marshall went on to state:

"Looking at it from a cultural, historical perspective, this organization should be called 'Planned Barrenhood' because they have nothing to do with families; they have nothing to do with responsibility,"

There are so many factual inaccuracies in these statements, but I will focus on the two things that are blatantly wrong with this occurrence.

First, does anyone remember that little legal decree where the United States adopted a stance of Separation of Church and state? As a political science major, I respect the importance of differing views on contentious issues, such as abortion. I could not imagine ever forcing my religious or personal beliefs onto the general public. Part of a democracy is having the freedom and ability to disagree, but when you start forcing your views onto people it becomes a dictatorship (or in this case a theocracy)

Next, it appears that Marshall is not aware of what Planned Parenthood really does. Planned Parenthood offers more than just abortion services, they offer things like:
· Gynecological exams
· STI diagnosis and treatment
· Breast exams
· Male reproductive heal services
· Pregnancy testing and options counseling
· Birth control
· Pregnancy resources (prenatal services, childbirth classes etc.)
· AND educational programming

Perhaps Marshall should think about his role as a public representative and do a little fact checking before he makes unfounded claims.