A Feminist Speaks

Week 4: Students Overwhelming Overwhelmed

2012-02-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

Well I knew it would happen at some point during the term, I would go from being the cool, hip Women’s Studies instructor to “that teacher who gives us too much work!!”

I handed out the mid-term study guide and they freaked out. I thought I was doing them a favor, laying out, in detail how to study. Then I handed out the outline for their rough draft research paper and they freaked out. Again, I thought I was doing them a favor, laying out, in detail how to do their paper outline. Silly me.

Before class was over I had 2 students tell me they had to leave early and wanted to know if they were going to miss anything. “Yes, you’ll miss 3 hours of class.” Duh. As a student, I never, NEVER asked that question to my teacher. One student left to attend a baby shower and another left because her boyfriend kept texting her. I encouraged her to put her phone away and then she wouldn’t see the text. Makes sense right?

I also had them watch the fantastic documentary by Jackson Katz called Tough Guise. It is a movie devoted to deconstructing how the media at large presents masculinity as violent, emotionally shut down, and in direct opposition of femininity and therefore needing to dominate women. It’s a great film because it’s written by a man and all the examples are taken from movies, television and news broadcast. Up until this point in the class I have spoken mostly about the patriarchal system and its impact on woman but now the students learn how damaging a system it is to our boys and men.

Here’s the film’s trailer . And if you want to watch the film online you can view it here.

Both classes enjoyed watching the film and many of them felt that they could relate to it because they had tough guys in their families as models (brothers and dads). One student said that as a result of watching this film, she's rethinking how to raise her sons because she didn't realize that by raising them to be tough, she's raising them into this culture of violence and now she wants something different for her boys.

Week 3 Teaching Intro to Women’s Studies

2012-02-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

I had both my classes watch the 2011 documentary film, Miss Representation. I first saw the film last fall and it is a powerful film about the media’s depiction of young women, older women and women in power (specifically looking at Clinton and Palin.) Miss Representation looks at television and movies and is an unflinchingly honest report on the sad state of affairs we call entertainment and news in this country.

It was interesting to listen to the sharp intakes of breath and shock of the students as they watched the film. Many of them shook their head throughout and looked in disbelief at me.

Afterwards we moved into fishbowl discussions in which I asked them to answer two questions, What do you think? And how do you feel? The conversations were personal, insightful and full of questioning what they’ve always thought to be true. After twenty minutes one young woman asked the group what they thought about the 1 in 4 women have been raped statistics the movie talked about. In seconds, 4 women had identified that there were survivors of rape or incest. The truth about their lives were a testament to the facts stated in the documentary—a very powerful moment for us as a class to share.

You can see the trailer here and check local listings on OWN network.

Miss Representation 8 min. Trailer 8/23/11 from Miss Representation on Vimeo.

Here is their Facebook page which is currently talking about the Super Bowl Sunday ads and the new Sarah Palin movie, Game Changer.

I highly recommend this film for the home and classrooms…it will change the way you see television and films forever and hopefully inspire you to take action to help the girls and women of the world. For more information, visit the Miss Representation's website. Have you seen the film? What did you think of it?

Week 2 Teaching Intro to Women’s Studies

2012-01-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

Friday’s class was cancelled due to flooding but we were given the go ahead for the Saturday morning class. You’ll recall the Saturday class is the large class with 28 students!!!

It was clear after handing out the reading comprehension quiz that the majority of students did not do the readings. I even had some students tell me they didn’t have the book so what should they do? Do the best you can on the quiz is what I said. The quiz was no surprise given we had read aloud the syllabus on day one and talked about them. Oh well.

After the quiz I drew the patriarchy tree by Allan Johnson and deconstructed it into it’s different parts. From that diagram I introduced the idea of social locations and the oppression wheel. I had two students place themselves on the oppression wheel and talk about where they are privileged (white, able bodied, heterosexual, male) and where they experience oppression or lack of power (person of color, uneducated, working class, etc.). I think it was a powerful real-life example for the class to relate to.

Finally we did a gender literacy exercise were in groups of 4 the students were asked to name 10 male directors and then 10 female directors; 10 men of power and then 10 black women of power and so on... They struggled, of course with the female directors and black women of power. When I asked them why they thought I had them do this exercise they honed in on the fact that there are few of those people in positions of power and understood how the patriarchal structure limits access to people who are not white, male, middle to upper class and straight. They are starting to make sense of why things are the way they are...very cool.

Soapbox Feminist Intensive

2012-01-19T20:27:00.000-08:00

After 9 successful Feminist Boot Camps designed for undergraduate and graduate students, Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards are are launching a Soapbox Feminist Intensive for professors and women's/LGBTQ/diversity center staff.

Details: It'll take place in New York City June 20-23, 2012, for three three full days of events, including a day dedicated to global feminisms, and a media day that will include meetings with publishers. In addition to the provocative meetings, they aim to provide an invaluable chance to convene with like-minded feminist educators from across the country.

This program will be capped at 12.

For more information go to http://www.soapboxinc.com/ or email jenandamy@soapboxinc.com for more information.

First Day of Classes

2012-01-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

Last Friday was the first day of my new teaching career. I am teaching an Introduction Women’s Studies on Fridays and the same course at another location on Saturday mornings. Same prep—2 different classes! Both are 4 hour block courses which I love. I like having that much time to watch a movie, discuss it in depth, do experential learning modules and small group discussions. With a shorter class time, we get into the heart of the matter (where things get sticky) and then it’s time to go.

Each class is quite different. The first class is small and mostly women of color. Saturday’s class is much larger with both women and men from seemingly all backgrounds.

Several women revealed they were recovering drug addicts. Another woman revealed to the class that she had been the survivor of domestic violence. I love that they were comfortable disclosing this news to us on day one. We’re building trust and rapport and respect which is what is needed to change the world.

After introductions, we talked about the the “f” word and each student wrote on the white board words s/he associated with both feminism and feminist. Lively discussions! Next we compared and constrated the traditional classroom versus feminist pedagogy. I let my students decide when breaks and meal times occur as well as room configeration. It’s a chance for them to experience a key feminist pedagogical tool put into practice—sharing power and responsibility between instructor and students. After reviewing the syllabus and reading assignments I wrapped up the class with a viewing of Beyonce’s video, Run the World and nineteen percent’s awesome response.

I showed these videos to help them to start thinking critically about pop culture, in this case, pop music and videos. And instead of critiquing it harshly myself, I let nineteenpercent do it for me.

The first two days of classes went great and I know that it’s going to be a great first term of teaching. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes.

***
I was glad to be home with my boys, telling them about my classes, when there came a knock at the door.

Trucks, Trains and Baby Dolls

2011-10-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

As a feminist mother raising a toddler boy I continue to dumbfounded that there are so few books and resources out there to support my quest to raise a feminist boy. There are some great films out there, Tough Guise and Raising Cain but those films highlight the issues (violence, suppression of emotions) and offer little solutions.

These are the strategies I use to help me raise a feminist boy:

Dress him in purples and pinks and when people ask me why I tell them, "Gender has no color" or point out that they have no problem seeing girls where green and blue.
I steer clear of all logos and phrases that reinscribe the gender binary like "Mommy's Tough Boy" or those damn rescue shirts that show boys as saviors on a fire truck.

I deleted all the Thomas the Train videos from our TV set. I just got so fed up with all the story lines being about boys and their adventures. From time to time there would be a girl train (Rosie) but she's be stuck in a dilemma about flowers of all things.
Books--I provide lots of variety in his books: dump trucks, animals, trains, fishes, instruments, holiday themes. And if the characters are mostly male I change them up to make them female.
I support with my dollar, female children's book authors (Virgina Burton, Anna Dewdney ). And I seek out books who use girls as their central characters. (Katy the the big Snow, among others)

I also make everything female in our home and out of the home--the baby doll, the monkey, the fish, insects--you name it, it's female. In a world that sees the male experience as the human experience I am doing my part to balance that androcentricism.

What do you do? I'd love your tips and ideas for raising your feminist boys. I'll use your comments and ideas in an upcoming post.

Turning 40

2011-08-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

Like no other birthday, this one has gotten to me. The big 4-0! I know it’s all in my head and that I should just get over it but it’s taking me some time to sort out what’s really bothering me. I’ve figured out that it feels like my youth is over. You know, that’s it, just my youth. My husband likes to console me by reminding me that I’m ten years from 50…can you say, not helping!!! Check back with me in a few weeks and I’m sure I’ll be over turning 40.

As much as I love gifts, I thought that one way I could get over myself was by asking friends and family to donate to my favorite charity, Every Mother Counts.

This is from their website:

Every Mother Counts is an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for maternal and child health. Every Mother Counts seeks to engage new audiences to better understand the challenges and the solutions while encouraging them to take action to improve the lives of girls and women worldwide.

At my birthday party this weekend we raised over $200.00. I’d love to add your contribution to Every Mother Counts to our community donation. Please message me to find out how you can send me a check. Why not donate $40.00 for me turning 40! I couldn’t think of a better birthday present.

Dreams Really Do Come True

2011-08-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

It was fall term, the year was 1992 and I took my first Women’s Studies class entitled, "Male and Female Roles" by Pamela Kaye. Within days of doing the assigned reading, being a part of classroom discussions and hearing what Pam had to say I was forever transformed. From that moment on I proudly called myself a feminist.

"Male and Female Roles" was such a pivotal time in my life—a time in which I discovered that I had genuine passion for the subject and boundless energy for the women’s movement. I also knew that I wanted to devote the rest of my life to feminist work and decided that being a teacher was the best way to do it. After all Pam was a teacher and she changed my life—I had decided I would like to do the same for my students who one day I would encounter.

Well guess what folks? That day has arrived! 19 years of dreaming about being a teacher and wondering how to do it, where to go to make it happen and through many failed attempts at getting into graduate school and suffering through Statistics once I did get into a graduate program and 6 months of job searching I can finally announce that I am a Women’s Studies instructor.

This is one of the proudest moments of my life.

Washington DC Day 4 continued and Day 5

2011-04-12T12:06:00.001-07:00

I was exhausted and drained from this tour and ready to move on to something else. My friend Kesra who lives in Maryland drove over and meet me at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. We had a great time chatting and getting caught up. We were in school together and Sylvester house sisters together.

Sunday morning Emily picked me up and took me to her house in Georgetown. I had brunch with them and got to meet Doug’s daughter Bella.

I then reversed my commute from Wednesday and made my way to the airport for a 5pm departure. By the time I landed in Vegas (urgh the slots!) I was exhausted and ready to be home. Micah had parked the car at the airport for me and I drove home and crawled into bed at 4am (DC time for me!).

What a trip!

Washington DC Day 4

2011-04-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

I had been told to come back to the Holocaust Museum early the next morning to stand in line for a free pass to the permanent exhibit. I got there at 9:15 with a crowd of already 50 people in front of me. I waited for 45 minutes and then went in. I took a deep breath as I entered the elevator made to resemble a cattle car like the ones used to deport the Jews to camps. I had tried to prepare myself but nothing could steel me from the pain and deep sadness that I experienced the moment we all got off the elevator. (There are no photos allowed in the permanent collection). The first image you see once you step off the elevator is a floor to ceiling image of the stacked bodies of murdered Jewish people. It is a stark and heavy reminder of what you are about to witness.

The collection spans 3 floors and uses images, story boards, film and art to tell the story of the rise of Hitler, the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe and the United States, how the Jews were forced into hiding or into camps, experiments done to them, the degradation they were made to experience and how they history and culture were rendered dirty and vile. Mid way through the exhibit there is a room filled with the shoes that remain and the hair from the prisoners. I was stunned into silence and later flooded with tears as the shoes served as a reminder of all that was left behind of a people. Later there is a heart wrenching replica of the death chambers and descriptions of how the Jews were forced to kill their own people by stripping them, leading them into the gas chambers and later removing and incinerating the bodies.

I was overwhelmed with the meanness and cruelty of thousands of people who directly had a hand in extinction of an entire population of people.

Needless to say I appreciated when the tour ended with the discovery of the camps, stories of people saved because they went into hiding and the brave souls who kept them alive. The exhibit ends with a long documentary in which survivors tell stories of their time in the camps or in hiding. They were heartbreaking and beautiful—a testament to people’s strength and will to survive and of people’s goodness.

Washington DC Day 3

2011-04-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

I slept in and read and sipped coffee Friday morning. Then I made my way back to the mall to tour the Holocaust Museum. I debated about whether or not to go but eventually decided that it was extremely important to honor and witness the struggle and persecution of millions of Jewish people. I once dated a Jewish man for a number of years—I learned so much from him about the holocaust and ongoing racism that Jewish people experience today. He is a dear man who is now a rabbi with a wife and two sons. I thought of him constantly throughout the day.

I didn’t make it in time for the free ticket to the permanent museum so I toured all the rest: Daniel’s story about a young boy who survived but who’s family did not. I toured the Propaganda exhibit which was fascinating and educational about the power of the media. I learned a great deal about the rise of Hitler and how he was able to come to such great power. And watch a horrific film which left me sobbing on the bench, shaking my head about how we could let this happen.

I ended the afternoon with the hall of remembrance and the children’s tile art project. The tiles were heartbreaking. The babies and children were the first killed and if they weren’t killed they were used for horrifying experiments. I concluded my tour with the Never Again exhibit talking about Rwanda.

A sobering day indeed—I had no idea what was truly in store for me the next day.

At the end of the day I met up with an old friend, Emily and her fiance Doug and his co-worker. We spent the night laughing, drinking, and telling stories and eating wonderful Cuban food. It was a rough transition going from the museum to the crowded metro and then a bar, but it was good to see wonderful Emily and reconnect with her.

Washington DC Day 1 and 2

2011-04-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

I was so looking forward to my plane flights on Wednesday. I read one of my favorite authors (Anita Shreve) and devoured her book, Rescue during the 6 hour flight. I arrived in DC late evening and took a shuttle bus to the metro and then short ride to Columbia Heights where my fabulous host Julie picked me up. Julie is one of the founding members of Girls Rock! DC (GR!DC) and a board member of Girls Rock Camp Alliance (GRCA). We hit it off instantly and felt as though we were long lost sisters who would have been GREAT college room mates. We share a love of music and feminist philosophy. Her bookshelf could have been mine.

Thursday late morning after coffee and hanging out with Julie, I ventured out to the mall (where all the museums are) and checked out the sights. I briefly checked out the National Gallery of Art.

Micah asked for a few photos of me because Parker was missing me. If you look closely you can see monuments behind me.

I was getting hungry and had heard the food court at the National Museum of the American Indian was fantastic. This was my favorite museum. I loved everything about it from the food to the intention of the architecture—no straight lines but modeled from Mother Earth. I took several hours to view the movie, all the exhibits and sit in on part of a guided tour. If you are ever in DC this museum is a must.

The museum is the last in the row on the mall so I walked a few more hundred feet to the capital building and took the obligatory tourists shots. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and gorgeous.

What a brilliant idea!

Thursday night I headed out to dinner with Julie and other attendees of the GRCA conference. We headed to the Black Cat and I set up for my presentation. Before long, friends from camps all over the country showed up-Nora and Natalie most notably. My talk lasted about an hour with some Q&A. It was by far, the biggest professional success I’ve had—the talk went great and I was calm, relaxed, passionate and on-point. I spoke mostly about the importance of girl-only space and female mentorship as it applies to rock camps designed for girls and self-esteem building. Molly, sts and Julie were all pleased which made me super happy since they were the ones who wanted me to be there. I danced the night away to the sounds of the DJ and slept like a rock star until mid morning.

The Details: Women Who Rock Conference

2011-02-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

Rock Camp Panel Members--my new BFF's!

Plenary Panel

I presented last week at the Women Who Rock Conference and had a mixed experience...there were some huge glaring errors that made the conference run less than smoothly but on the other hand, I met some amazing collegues and was inspired by their work. As a group we decided to write a feedback letter to the conference leaders--I think it will tell you all you need to know.

February 23, 2011

Dear Women Who Rock Conference Organizers:

We want to commend you all on your hard work and dedication to the first ever Women Who Rock Conference. We can only imagine all the time and effort it took to pull off a first ever event—congratulations!

As conference presenters, we wanted to offer some feedback because we had mixed emotions about the conference. We hope that you will take this feedback as it is intended, in the spirit of sisterhood, professionalism, and constructive criticism. Because we can imagine it will be hard for you to hear some of these things we will keep them brief.

There appeared to be some logistical challenges:

1) Not enough signage leading up to the conference buildings

2) There were no name tags that distinctly identified panelists and presenters from attendees

3) The break-out sessions were held at the same time so we could not attend any others but our own—missing out on important work and

4) There were no presenters bio’s printed in the programs.

There was no communication of time changes (regarding break-out sessions) and many presenters started on time only to discover no conference attendees in the audience. This was the case of our break-out session, Rock Camp. Our first presenter, Jen Moore presented her ground-breaking, first-of-its-kind research to only a few members in the audience. After she finished her presentation 10 or more people came in announcing that other break out sessions started late and we now had until 12:40. But sadly, that was not the case because our last presenter, Alicia Dara, was in the middle of her talk when a teacher came in and kicked us out of the classroom. This type of disrespectful treatment could have been avoided with better planning and communication.

We have each attended a number of conferences and felt the expertise of your excellent plenary panel was sadly wasted by giving us feedback on break-out sessions. It felt especially hurtful that the panelists missed many of the break-out session presentations. After having just heard from the stage the importance of documenting women’s lives, it was a contradiction to then be silenced and told what some of us spoke about, while others completely ignored. We imagine the goal was to share with the other attendees the work that was going on. Instead of having some people speak for others, why not have provided each presenter 5 minutes of stage time to share her work with the audience?

It was also a surprise to learn that a man (Quetzal Flores) was running a conference expressly for and about women. While we all certainly agree there is a substantial place at the feminist table for men, an essential place, it felt a bit underhanded and deceptive to not be open about a man’s front and center position leading this conference.

We want to end with some positive notes. I really appreciated how accessible parking and conference buildings were to me as a first time traveler to Seattle University. It was a breeze to pull into campus, park in the lot close by and walk only a few feet to the building. And while we had a frustrating experience we were also extremely grateful to have connected with other conference goers. Thanks to your conference we’ve made meaningful connections with other women that will be treasured in the years to come.

We welcome an open dialogue with you all on any and all topics discussed above.

Thanks for keeping the spirit of women musicians, artists, scholars, activists alive and well.

Sincerely,

Alicia Dara
Jen Moore
Alex Niedzialkowski

Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame Includes a Women Who Rock Exhibition

2011-02-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

Finally the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame seeks to include the countless wonderful and talented musicians who have made rock n' roll music great. While this is great in some ways, it continues to highlight the ways in which women have been seen and treated as outsiders in a genre they helped create. After all, there's not ever going to be an exhibit explicitly titled Men Who Rock, right? And what's worse? The museum is not seeing this is a permanent collection but rather one that starts on May 13 2011 and ends February 26, 2012. It sends the message that women's contributions are nice but not lasting and integral. See exhibit details here and I've excerpted some below.

Women Who Rock exhibit eras:

Suffragettes to Juke-Joint Mamas : The Foremothers / Roots of Rock.

In the 1920s, blues women like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith were the first – and for a while, the only – artists to record the blues. Mother Maybelle Carter made the first country music recordings in 1927. American women of this era made great strides toward gaining equality and basic human rights for themselves and others in society, including attaining the right to vote and working toward social justice. The 20th Century was a wide-open opportunity for women to embrace the modern world, outside of the traditional bounds of the home. The narrative of these groundbreaking women will be presented along with the stories of trailblazers such as Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Billie Holiday.

Get Outta that Kitchen, Rattle Those Pots and Pans: Rock and Roll Emerges

“How many of us know the names of the pioneer women songwriters/singers/musicians of the ‘50s?” is a question asked by Yoko Ono in her preface to She’s a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock and Roll. Two names that the Museum will highlight in the emergence of rock are Ruth Brown and Wanda Jackson, the voices of two predominant roots of rock – R&B and country/ rockabilly, along with LaVern Baker and Brenda Lee.

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow: The Early 1960s / Girl Groups

Girl groups, though sometimes seen as puppets manipulated by unseen and mostly male handlers, were an authentic manifestation of the worldview of teenage girls – a group just coming into its own in the early 1960s and increasingly recognized for its growing economic power as consumers and arbiters of style. The girl groups reflected teenage girls’ explorations of their world, their limitations and their limitless potential. Groups like the Shangri-Las and the Ronettes give voice to those explorations and the possibilities that waited down the street or just around the corner.

Revolution, the Counterculture and the Pill: The Late 1960s

American society experienced a revolution in the late 1960s and early ‘70s, especially for African- Americans and women. Janis Joplin was the finest white blues singer of her generation; female singer-songwriters like Carole King and Joni Mitchell bared their souls, and Aretha Franklin emerged as the Queen of Soul. Bonnie Raitt established herself as both a strong vocalist and brilliant guitarist. Highlighted artists will also include Tina Turner and Grace Slick, as well as country artist Loretta Lynn.

I Will Survive: The 1970s – Rockers to Disco Divas

Women are in the center of the ‘70s mainstream, from Joan Jett and the Runaways, Heart and Fleetwood Mac to Donna Summer. The gains of the feminist movement throughout the ‘70s enabled women working in all areas of the music industry to assume more control over their careers.

Dance this Mess Around: Punk and Post Punk

Chrissie Hynde said, “That was the beauty of the punk thing: [Sexual] discrimination didn’t exist in that scene.” The DIY aspect of punk rock made it easier for a woman to find a place in music. Highlighted artists will include Yoko Ono, Siouxsie Sioux, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson of the B-52s, Deborah Harry, Tina Weymouth, Kim Deal and Marianne Faithful.

Causing a Commotion: Madonna and the Pop Explosion

Madonna unapologetically celebrated and monetized her sexuality and physicality, paving the way for female performers to explore previously taboo roles and take control of their image and career. Highlighted artists will include Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and Janet Jackson.

Ladies First: The ‘90s and the New Millennium

The 1990s was the era the riot grrrl, the rapper and the Lilith Fair, reshaping traditional ideas of feminism and traditionally male-dominated areas of the music industry. Women have arguably become the leading voices of the industry, standing -- army-booted, bare-footed, or high-heeled stiletto -- toe to toe with any artist of today. Highlighted artists will include Bikini Kill, Meg White, Queen Latifah and Lady Gaga.

How Pregnancy and Marathon Training Are Similiar

2011-02-03T19:58:00.000-08:00

When I got pregnant in November of 2008 I was thrilled and amazed but slowly as the months progressed I began to worry—I worried about a lot of things: was my baby going to be healthy and grow since I was throwing up all the time?; would I survive the pre-natal depression that was overwhelming me?; and most deeply troubling would I be able to give birth naturally?

I reminded myself countless times, women all over the world for eons have given birth naturally and that I could do the same. I reasoned that my body was uniquely designed for this task and that while my mind not be up to it, my body certainly was. Slowly over the 9 months my faith grew and on that sweet Friday morning on July 17the morning in 2009, I did just that. I remember thinking in the minutes, hours, days and weeks that followed—“I have just done the most incredible thing ever and I can now do anything!!!”

This feeling of invincibility has stuck with me a long time and now Parker is 18 months old and I’m training for my first marathon in October. These are the thoughts that run through my mind as a run mile after mile after mile:

Both tasks seem highly challenging and yet other have done it

Both tasks require nearly a year’s worth of preparation to tone and ready the body

During the months leading up to both tasks there is doubt, fear and uncertainty

Both trainings require special clothing

Both undertakings require lots of support from experts and folks who’ve gone down the same road

And if completing a marathon is anything like how I felt after giving birth, I know it will be an endeavor well worth having undertaken.

26.2 miles…you are mine!

National Young Feminist Leadership Conference

2011-02-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Join us at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. from March 12-14th to be energized and empowered, share feminist organizing strategies, and network with over 500 young activists, including top feminist leaders in advocacy organization, universities, public office, and more.

Students from across the country will come together in workshops to discuss birth control options, LGBT issues, health care reform, the environment, and other critical topics at this two-day conference. Then join us on Monday March 14 for our Congressional Visit Day and talk to your members of Congress about the feminist issues that matter most to you!

Early bird registration is only $20 for individuals and $15/person for a group of 5 or more, so organize your group today! Email nyflc@feminist.org to take advantage of the group discount when registering. After February 1, prices go up to $30 for individuals and $25 for groups, so register today!

For more information, check out our conference website, which also has info on discounted group rates at hotels located near the conference. If you have any questions, call the DC campus organizers at 703-522-2214 or email nyflc@feminist.org. Hope to see you there!

Click here for more information and to register

Ladies Rock Camp

2011-01-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

Think you can’t play the drums? Don’t know how to write a song? No way you could ever be able to get on stage in front of hundreds of people and play guitar, while making 30 new friends in 3 days? Yes you can!

At Ladies Rock Camp you will

Learn drums, bass, keyboards, vocals or guitar

Form a band, write an original song and perform at the Showcase

Join the Rock Camp community and meet women from the US and beyond!

Party like it’s 1999 at the legendary Saturday night LRC karaoke party

Treat yourself or a special someone to a weekend of rockin’ out, havin’ fun and hangin’ out with awesome women while supporting a great cause!

Join us in a great Rock Camp tradition in raising money.

Ladies Rock Campers of 2007-2010 were proud to collectively generate over $100,000 for Rock Camp!

Beginner to advanced level instruction available.

No experience necessary!

Out-of-towners can choose to stay at a nearby hotel or get hooked up with a host family for the weekend.

SIGN UP FOR LADIES ROCK CAMP NOW

21+, all levels of experience from beginner to advanced welcome!

Tuition $390

Session 1: May 13-15, 2011

Session 2: Oct 21-23, 2011

Bring your grannie, your sis, your BFF!

http://www.girlsrockcamp.org/

Upcoming Speaking Engaging About My Research Involving Young Girls, Music, Self-Esteem and Rock n' Roll Camp for Girls

2011-01-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

I will be presenting my scholarship and research findings found in my thesis entitled, Keeping the Beat: How Young Girls Create Self Through Music at the following conferences this winter and spring:

2011 Women Who Rock: Making Scenes, Building Communities Conference in Seattle, WA (February 2011)

Lewis and Clark’s Gender Studies Symposium in Portland, OR (March 2011)

SW Social Science Association Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, NV (March 2011)

If you are interested in more information about my research please leave a comment with your email address and I can send you either an abstract or a electronic version of my master's thesis.

A Rock n' Roll Cause

2010-12-29T23:14:00.000-08:00

My friend Jackie has been working on her film, Rock N Roll Mamas and is seeking donations. Think about supporter her and this great film.

Here's a blurb about her movie:

Rock N Roll Mamas is a work-in-progress feature-length documentary about three indie rockers/mamas who strive to follow their creative dreams while also providing for their families in an alternative lifestyle that is often judged harshly by our society. Over the course of four years, award-winning filmmaker Jackie Weissman followed Kristin Hersh of Throwing Muses, Zia McCabe of The Dandy Warhols, and hip hop artist, Ms. Su´ad. The film takes us into their daily lives as they struggle with economic instability, the rigors of touring with children, and "normalizing" home life, all interwoven with the blood, sweat, and personal fulfillment they find in performing. From the outside it seems like it should be easy, merging motherhood with making music; but there is always a sacrifice. The film is a reminder to us all that there is no one way to parent.
And this is her request for fundraising support. Click here to support!

Hello Rock N Roll Mamas Supporters.

Thank you all for your support through the years. You'll be happy to know that Rock N Roll Mamas is coming down the home stretch. I am editing the film and am now raising money to pay for music and image rights for film festivals.

We have started a Kickstarter fundraising page to help in this effort. Please take a look at it, watch the trailer, PASS IT ON TO ANYONE YOU KNOW, and of course, give to the extent you can.

Thanks so much for all of your support. I am so grateful to all of you and wouldn't have gotten this far without all of your encouragement and support.

2011-2012 Research Associateships in Women/Gender - Five College Women's Studies Research Center

2010-11-19T07:57:00.000-08:00

FIVE COLLEGE WOMEN'S STUDIES RESEARCH CENTER

A collaborative project of Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

The Center invites applications for its RESEARCH ASSOCIATESHIPS for 2011-2012 from scholars and teachers at all levels of the educational system, as well as from artists, community organizers and political activists, both local and international. Associates are provided with offices in our spacious facility, faculty library privileges, and the collegiality of a diverse community of feminists. Research Associate applications are accepted for either a semester or the academic year. The Center supports projects in all disciplines so long as they focus centrally on women or gender. Research Associateships do not provide a stipend. We accept about 15-18 Research Associates per year.

Applicants should submit a project proposal (up to 4 pages), curriculum vitae, two letters of reference, and on-line application cover form. Applications received by February 7 (including letters of recommendation) will receive full consideration. Submit all applications to: Five College Women's Studies Research Center, Mount Holyoke College, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075-6406. Deadline is February 7, 2011.

For further information, contact the Center at TEL 413.538.2275, FAX 413.538.3121, email fcwsrc@fivecolleges.edu, website

2nd Annual Heather Hartley Hike

2010-10-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Friends, colleagues, students, and nature lovers are invited to remember Dr. Heather Hartley in one of her favorite places, The Gorge. Now an annual tradition, the Sociology Department at Portland State University invites you to spend some time in the woods with old and new friends.

Where: Horsetail Falls Trail

When: Sunday, October 17 at 2 pm

It's an easy 2.6 mile hike near Multnomah Falls

Directions: Along I-84, take exit 28 at Bridal Veil (or exit 35 at Dodson if traveling west on I-84). Drive east along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Hwy for 5.5 miles to the signed turnout for Horsetail Falls More information here

Meet at the trailhead at 2 pm. It should be a perfect fall day and a great way to keep Heather in our hearts. For more information, contact: Randy Blazak at blazakr@pdx.edu Please feel free to bring friends and family along.

The Multnomah Falls Lodge has a wonderful Sunday brunch for those who want a hearty meal before hand: http://www.multnomahfallslodge.com/

Seeking an Intern for Feminist Documentary

2010-10-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Trixie Films is looking for a smart, energetic intern to work in our Brooklyn office on different components of our documentary film project on virginity.

You can see the kind of work we do at http://www.trixiefilms.com/

This is a great opportunity to work on production and post-production on our documentary, as well as help with a larger audience engagement campaign. You must be interested in women’s issues, sexuality, activism, and social media (but you do not have to be female).

Prior documentary filmmaking experience is not essential, but it would be great if applicants had some Final Cut Pro experience. However, you must be totally proficient in a Mac computer environment and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Schedule:

The internship begins in October and runs for 3 months. You’ll work two days a week, Monday – Friday from 10:30 – 6:30 at our Park Slope studio. We’re open to working around your work or school commitments.

Some responsibilities include:

Transcribing documentary interviews; contributing to our blog; maintaining our database; researching, acquiring and logging archival photos and video; assisting on shoots; and assisting in finding and creating partnerships with young women’s organizations.

This is an unpaid internship but we can offer college credit, credit on our film and other projects, and the possibility of paid work in the future.

If you are interested, please send a resume and cover letter to info@trixiefilms.com

Feminist Camp!

2010-10-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

My friends Jennifer and Amy are once again hosting, Soapbox Feminist Winter Term. It's their 5th year doing a Feminist Immersion week in NYC. The dates are January 2-8, 2011. Click here for more information and spread the word!

Operation Beautiful

2010-09-11T09:51:00.001-07:00

Check out this wonderful website and movement called Operation Beautiful

Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls Seeks Executive Director

2010-09-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

I will be sad to see Winner go....

VISION AND MISSION: The Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls, a 501(c)3 non-profit, builds girls self-esteem through music creation and performance. Providing workshops and technical training, we create leadership opportunities, cultivate a supportive community of peers and mentors, and encourage social change and the development of life skills. Celebrating almost 10 years of service to our community, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls was founded in 2001 built on feminist principles and equality for all.

Executive Director

BASIC FUNCTION: Under the general direction of the Board of Directors, serves as the chief executive of the organization. Responsible for managing human and financial resources within boundaries set by the Board in order to fulfill the organization’s defined mission and goals.

CORE FUNCTIONS:

1. Serve as primary interface between the organization’s staff and Board. Responsible for timely and accurate reporting of financial, fundraising, program, and strategic partnership developments. Support strong organizational governance and sustainability by strategically expanding the Board through effective recruitment and orientation.

2. Collaborates with management team in the design, marketing, promotion, delivery, and quality of programs and services. Leads Board and Staff in the planning, execution, measurement and correction of the organization’s Strategic Plan.

3. Develops an annual budget with input from staff, monitors actual revenue/expense, and takes responsibility for the organization’s financial health.

4. Oversees and collaborates with the Development Director and appropriate staff in fundraising planning and implementation and preparing and managing grant applications, budgets and reports as needed.

5. Negotiates, executes, and/or oversees all contracts/agreements for services.

6. Effectively manages the human resources of the organization according to authorized personnel policies and procedures to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.

7. Recruits, hires, terminates, and takes other personnel actions as appropriate. Collaboratively develops organizational changes and staff roles to reflect program and other needs. Establish professional development goals and training plans for all staff.

8. Guides the management team in proactive operational planning to ensure the organization’s stability and promote effective communication, teamwork, and accountability throughout the organization.

9. Assures the organization and its mission, programs, and services are consistently presented in a positive manner in promoting partnerships with our community and other arts and social change organizations.

Applicants should:

be able to work in a child-friendly, noisy environment;

have a minimum of three years of management experience;

possess strategic planning skills,

have a proven capability to build strategic partnerships and serve as an external representative of the organization, including media relations experience,

have experience developing and managing budgets;

and a willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment that evaluates performance on a 360 degree basis.

Salary: $37,000-$42,000, based on experience. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls offers a competitive benefit and Paid Time Off package. All applicants will be subject to a criminal background check. Please send a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references by September 17, 2010, to rockcampsearch@gmail.com. The Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls is an equal opportunity employer.

Guerrilla Girls On Tour Seeks Intern

2010-09-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

Guerrilla Girls On Tour is seeking an intern for the fall 2010 term. Candidate should be a self-starter with computer knowledge of file maker pro, excel and PowerPoint. Most of the duties involve research that can be done at your own pace on your own time. We are based in New York City but intern can be located anywhere. If interested please send an email and resume to aphra@guerrillagirlsontour.com.

Women's Inequality Day-Today and Every day

2010-08-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

Women’s Equality Day is a misnomer for me. We don’t have equality—not by a long shot. We still have a long ways to go. But perhaps this yearly reminder and/or the month of March (Women’s History Month) serve as a stark reminder that we have many roads to travel before women all over this land and the world are truly equal.

People love to look back and say that we have come so far. Yes we can vote, yes we can own property and divorce when we want—but we still have violence perpetrated against us. We are raped by our brothers, husbands and family members (rarely is it the stranger lurking in the woods like they’d like you to believe). We still don’t make the same money as male counterparts. Women do the lion share of unpaid childcare and housework. And this is just the tip of the iceberg folks.

It’s so insidious this notion that women’s equality has already arrived as evidenced by the fact that many people said something to the effect of, “isn’t every day women’s equality day?” on my fb page. Um no. No, No, NO—every day isn’t women’s equality day and so far we have yet to have ONE DAY IN HISTORY that has provided equality for women—not once.

The real juxtaposition is the fact that there is no such thing as a Men’s Equality Day. It would be considered ridiculous because men are of course full fledged citizens and we as a nation/world could not imagine men not being powerful, in control and in charge.

Sometimes I just struggle so under the weight of patriarchy and it’s like Le Tigre say in their song, Hot Topic—“So much bullshit to give into, give into.”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Yes, nine decades ago, women gained the right to vote, only 144 years after Abigail Adams pleaded with her husband, John, to "Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors." John laughed her off.

It took us a while, but today we are having the last laugh--if only for a moment--and then a toast. As are many of the world's women as they too gained the right to vote and to run for political office.

Today, Remember the Ladies. Celebrate the bravery, determination and brilliance of the women who came before us, who carried the movement forward to where we are today.

We know that we are making more money than ever, but are still not on a par with our male counterparts; exercising more political power than ever, but still not having enough clout; enjoying more freedoms of movement and travel, but still never feeling truly safe.

And as we watch with grudging admiration the number of successful Republican female candidates who are calling for the voters--even the female voters--to rollback the nation's laws to those of Abigail Adams's day, remember: Abigail would have wanted it this way.

Meanwhile, maybe we should get a committee together now to start planning for a barbeque, a three-day weekend (can we have too many?) and a fireworks display. Just so all of us will always Remember the Ladies.

Excerpted from Women’s enews

New Film: Latching On

2010-08-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

The new film LATCHING ON is now available through Women Make Movies:

“After filmmaker Katja Esson’s sister gave birth in Germany, she was able to breastfeed her baby anywhere and at any time. Returning home to New York, Esson found that breastfeeding was rarely practiced and largely unseen. Academy Award® Nominee Esson (Ferry Tales) turned her quirky eye on the subject and set out to learn why this was so. Her wide-ranging, frequently funny documentary highlights the intersecting economic, social, and cultural forces that have helped replace mother’s milk with formula produced by a billion dollar industry, and reveals the challenges and rewards for women who buck the trend.

LATCHING ON draws on lively first-hand accounts from mothers of diverse ethnicity and economic backgrounds, as well as candid observations by pediatricians, health care providers, lactation specialists, and the proprietor of New York’s first breastfeeding boutique. Including data about paid maternity leave, hospital post-delivery policies, and workplace accommodations for nursing mothers, the film compares current US practices with standards adopted elsewhere. Tensions around public breastfeeding and "breast is best" promotion campaigns highlight society's perceived interest in regulating women's reproductive behavior, as well as the power of culture to assign sexual and moral meaning to mothers' bodies. Entertaining and insightful, LATCHING ON is an important analysis of the politics of breastfeeding, illuminating the complexities behind a simple, natural act.

Click to view a clip

To learn more or order please visit:
Or contact Women Make Movies * 462 Broadway #500LS * NY, NY * 10013 * orders@wmm.com

Great Article About Breastfeeding

2010-08-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=ariel09

Support Breastfeeding Moms

2010-08-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Video taken before the event officially began

One of Parker's Midwives...the wonderful Angela

Me and Parker at Alma for the Big Latch On

Last week I had the privilege of being apart of the Big Latch On in Portland, OR. It's a nation-wide event in which nursing moms get together and nurse their babies in a show of community support. I met up with my friend Jolina at Alma Midwifery. It was special to be at Alma because that's where Parker was born. I learned that a mom had just given birth at 7:30 that morning in the same room that Parker was born. She was thrilled and loved that so many breastfeeding moms were right next door to her room where she was nursing her newborn son.

Breastfeeding shouldn't be a revolutionary act but it is. I embrace the revolution. Every time I breastfeed in public I know that I am supporting moms who might be afraid to do so in public. Every time someone asks me "How long are you planning on nursing?" which really is code for, "When are you going to stop nursing because it's gone on too long?" I say, "I don't know, it will be between me and Parker to decide when it's time." And I also like to add, "Did you know that the world average for breastfeeding is 4 and 1/2 years?"

My mom was discouraged from it for both of her kids and personally shunned the idea. I think many women feel it's gross and unnatural but I think as a culture we've enforced that belief by sexualizing women's bodies and breasts. Because, really--what could be more normal than your body producing milk to support your child's life. Your body was supporting life while the baby was in the womb, it's nature's way of making sure the baby survives.

I have been overjoyed with how much I have loved breastfeeding my son. It's connecting and calming and soothing and nutritious!

While I understand the individual rights and reasons of non nursing moms, I proudly say, BREAST IS BEST.

Tortured By My Music

2010-06-26T19:17:00.000-07:00

Music had been my escape, my love, and my muse. And then one day, it became my greatest tormentor.

Like most teenagers in high school I listened to the rock gods (not aware that there were also rock goddesses). You know the staples—The Stones, The Who, Rush and my favorite Led Zeppelin. On any given spring or summer day you would find me driving my bright, green, 1979 Volvo with the windows down and the stereo up.

Fast forward 2 years later. It was 1992 and I was at college, taking the first of many Women Studies classes. It was a survey course in which we looked at the portrayal of women and men in our culture—everything from advertising to TV to music. The assignment was to inventory our personal music catalog—to find out how many women artists and female fronted bands we had in our CD collection and compare that with the male artists and male led bands. I failed miserably with any kind of 50/50 split. The next step was to listen to some of the content of our favorite music. It only got worse.

I remember that fateful day when I actually heard what Plant was saying: "Ah, ah child the way you shake that thing, I'm gonna make you burn, I'm gonna make you sting". Just what exactly is he talking about here? Is he referring to women's butt, breast or clit? So if I'm shaking my 'thing', I deserve what I get— and what am I getting? Raped? Sounds like the age old excuse of, 'she deserved it, she was asking for it'. Burning and stinging doesn't sound like my kind of fun. Rape anthem or not, I realized that with my new found feminist vision, my music was offensive to me.

Then I looked at one of my boyfriend’s favorite albums, Gun's N' Roses album, "Appetite for Destruction". Just in case you don't own this album, (be grateful) let me tell you what's inside. The album's jacket picture portrays a brutally raped and beaten young women with her panties ripped down to her ankles. She's alone in a deserted alley. There's an accompanying song inside that describes the rape in detail.

What the hell? How had I let this slide? How had this crap been acceptable to me before?

Why was I listening to music that treated me like an object of brutality and a sex object? I'm not one of Duran Duran's 'Girls on Film', nor am I a House of Pain's 'ho' and I'm certainly not Stone Temple Pilot's 'sex type thing'. Ever seen the video? Believe me, change the channel: a young woman in a pink, prom dress with fear painted neatly on her face as the singer shouts that he's "a man, I'll give you somethin' that you won't forget, I said ya shouldn't have worn that dress...here I come". Sounds like another rape glorification song to me.

Did these lyrics have an effect on me and my self image? What was I getting out of this music besides good guitar riffs? Why are these degrading images of women so prevalent in my music? Am I responsible for the music I listen to? Why am I giving these bands money? And finally was I contributing to the growing miscommunication between the sexes?

It took me a long time to see the harmful role that women have been placed in as objects of men's lust and as the disposable, weaker sex. I could no longer listen to this trash that degraded me and told me I was shit. I put aside my sexist music and listened to women's voices. I needed music that shared and celebrated my similar experiences as a woman. I found that women centered music portrays women in a positive light. The shared rites of passage were present: equating love with sex, monthly blood and the struggle to be free from oppression. Women's music, its soul, resonated with my own. There was no humiliation, shame or defensiveness in my new music. I'm an insider who is respected and understood. Women's music expanded my view of community and welcomed me into a larger consciousness of women. Most importantly there was no sense of otherness that was so apparent in my men's music.

Now I get goose bumps from Sinead's realism, tears from Tori's pain and a new outlook on God with Sweet Honey in the Rock. Women are strong and powerful and courageous and doers. This is a reality. Women's music speaks my truth and reflects my life.

Take my word for it, there is life after Zeppelin.

Listen.

Feminist Outsider

2010-06-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

I often feel lonely as a strong feminist who speaks her mind. I know there are millions of strong women out there (that label themselves feminists and many who do not) and that I am not truly alone. But sometimes I feel like it’s me against the patriarchy and I’m losing. Big Time. I see so much hatred towards women and queer folk and wonder why more people aren’t outraged.

Many things serve as a reminder that I’m not alone—being with my friends, reading blogs and books and magazines, watching films and volunteering at my favorite organizations (Rock N' Roll Camp for Girls and IOW). But what gets me through those days when I feel isolated and think that I’m the only one who sees the shit we have to put up with—I turn to music. Over the years it’s changed but in my arsenal of quick fixes it’s always been Tori, Ani, Sleater-Kinney, and Le Tigre. I don’t know how they did it, but they wrote their songs for me. All of them.

Last weekend I went to the Portland Queer Documentary Film Festival and saw Le Tigre: On Tour directed by Kerthy Fix. It profiles the band’s last year on tour in 2004. Sadly I never saw them on tour but this fantastic documentary put me in the front row with an all access backstage pass.

What I wasn’t expecting was how deeply connected I would feel to the struggle and movement for women’s rights in watching this film. Kathleen, Joanna and JD are beautifully and singularly themselves. The film reminded me that I can continue to be myself in all my glory—never mind what the haters have to say.

One of the themes in the movie and in the riot grrrl music movement is messiness. In a culture that teaches girls and women to be anything but it feels radical to be messy. Boys and men have long been allowed, encouraged to just go out there and make music regardless of what it sounds like. Not so for girls and women. We have been prescribed violins and piano to master and leave the rocking and rolling to the men. But this movie, riot grrrl and Le Tigre say is “C’mon girls make some music! Never had a lesson, who cares pick up the guitar and explore.”

And that’s just the message I needed to hear—life is messy and it’s ok. I’m a new mom and don’t have the answers and that’s ok. I’m embarking on my thesis research this summer and I’ve never done anything like it before—that’s ok.

Thanks to this fantastic documentary it’s as though I now have the gals of Le Tigre sitting on my shoulder egging me on to my greatness and for that there are no words.

What The Health Care Bill Means for Women

2010-04-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some bullet points, for the complete story go here.

■Contraceptives are covered, which means millions more women will gain access to family planning.

■Basic benefits include preventive care such as PAP tests and mammograms—without any co-pays or deductibles—as well as maternity coverage, not currently in most individual policies.

■“Gender rating,” the practice of charging women more for the same coverage (48 percent in some cases), will be eliminated for individuals and workplaces with under 100 employees.

■Discrimination in favor of higher-paid employees will also be banned, so employers will not be able to give lesser plans to lower-paid workers, who are more likely to be women and people of color.

■The executive order that President Obama promised to sign in order to gain the votes of Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) and other anti-choice Democrats will implement the “compromise” abortion restrictions proposed by Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE). Abortions cannot be covered by any federal subsidy or funding (in accordance with the longstanding Hyde Amendment), but individuals may buy insurance plans that offer abortion coverage as long as they pay for it with their own money. To “segregate” the money, the policyholder must make two payments, one for the bulk of the coverage and a second minimal amount to an allocation fund that would include the abortion coverage. In addition, individual states may pass a law to “opt out” of allowing abortion coverage.

Ms. Countdown to 2015 Campaign

2010-04-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

Every minute of every day, a woman or girl dies from complications of pregnancy or childbirth – 99% of them in the developing nations. For every girl and woman who dies, twenty more are injured. Tragically, nearly all of these deaths are preventable.

This Mother’s Day, join Ms. magazine as we launch the Countdown to 2015 Campaign to call attention to the needless suffering and deaths of these very young girls and women.

Why 2015? In 1994, the U.S. joined with 178 other nations in pledging to achieve universal access to reproductive health services and basic education for women and girls by the year 2015. The cost was estimated at some $29 billion in today’s dollars, and the U.S. promised to cover its fair share.

But every year, the U.S. has failed to meet its commitment – and time is running out.

What better way to honor women on this Mother’s Day than to add your name to the Ms. Countdown to 2015 Campaign calling for an end to these needless deaths? Ms. will print the names of supporters who join the Countdown Campaign in the Spring issue. And, you can add your mother’s name or the name of another very important woman in your life.

The Ms. Countdown to 2015 Campaign is demanding the U.S. fulfill its commitments to help end these tragic deaths. And we must make up for lost time and failed policies. During the Bush years, not only was funding for international reproductive health woefully inadequate, but half of it was limited to harmful and ineffective abstinence-only programs. To make matters worse, President Bush reinstated the Global Gag Rule.

President Obama has increased U.S. funding for international family planning programs and reversed the Global Gag Rule, but we must and can do more.

For $3 billion – or less than one-half of one percent of what the U.S. spends every year on its defense budget – we could meet our commitments and help prevent the needless deaths of hundreds of thousands of women and girls every year.

Please join us by adding your name to the Ms. Countdown to 2015 Campaign. And we ask signers to make a tax-deductible contribution so Ms. can raise awareness and promote the Countdown to 2015 Campaign.

At the same time, you can send a letter to President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton to urge that the U.S. fulfill its commitments to empower women and girls and end maternal deaths around the world.

I urge you to act today. We have only 5 years left to meet the ambitious – but highly attainable – goal of universal access to reproductive healthcare and education by 2015.

Your name and your voice will make a difference.

New Internship Positions Open at Bitch Media

2010-04-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Looking for a way to be regularly involved with your favorite nonprofit, independent, feminist media organization?! Bitch Media is currently looking to fill two internship positions as soon as possible: an events coordinator and a library coordinator.

These positions are a great way to volunteer your time with Bitch Media, acquire new skills and experience in nonprofit administration and programs, and spend some regular time spreading the gospel of Bitch!

To apply, please see the linked internship descriptions, and send application materials to the appropriate contact person. To learn more about Bitch Media, check out our website and blog at http://www.bitchmedia.org/ and read more about the organization on our 'About Us' page.

Five Movies Directed by Women Coming Out in April

2010-04-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

The lineup of new releases in April offer little in the way of refreshment. Just five films this month are helmed by women, and three of those were made abroad.

"After.Life," a horror thriller directed and co-written by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo, stars Christina Ricci as a woman who awakens after a disastrous car accident to find her body being prepared by an undertaker (Liam Neeson) for her funeral -- despite her conviction that she's not dead. This beautifully shot film is a treat for viewers who have a taste for shock.

In "Please Give," writer-director Nicole Holofcener delivers a quirky female-centric comedy. Set in N.Y.C., the film stars Catherine Keener as a gal juggling career, marriage and parenting, while coping with a cantankerous old woman who happens to be her tenant and who has two assertively protective granddaughters. Opening in theaters on April 30, "Please Give" provides an enjoyable reflection and gets my recommendation for box office support.

From Germany, "Everyone Else," directed by Maren Ade, opens April 9. The film, which won several prizes at the 2009 Berlin Film Festival, is about a young couple whose relationship is challenged by a collision with old friends while they're all on a Mediterranean vacation. The film is a tightly-wound and tension-filled drama that will keep you spellbound. It's a great escape.

"Hey Hey It's Esther Blueburger," Cathy Randall's first feature, is an Australian coming-of-age comedy opening April 29. It's a story most of us can identify with. A girl (Danielle Catanzariti, a newcomer with Anne Hathaway's appeal) is trying to fit in at a staid private school and meet the expectations of her perfectionist mother. Luckily, she finds support from a new friend (played by Keisha Castle-Hughes) whose unconventional single mom (played by Toni Collette) encourages her to be who she really is by playing at being someone else. This film is a real charmer with a hilariously quirky plot and fine performances.

From France, Agnes Jaoui co-writes, directs and stars in "Let It Rain," a comedy about a feminist politico who returns to her family roost in the South of France to help her sister untangle their deceased mother's affairs and assess her chances of a successful campaign. While there, she agrees to be the subject of a documentary to be made by her married sister's paramour and the son of the family's Algerian maid. Opening in limited release on April 29. Jaoui is among France's galaxy of superb female directors. Her films are always thoroughly engaging; "Let it Rain" does not disappoint.

Michel Gondry's "The Thorn in the Heart" opens April 2. It's a documentary about the filmmaker's elderly aunt, a retired school teacher who recounts her life in a rural French town and reveals family secrets in a most disarming way. Gondry's obvious fondness for his aunt gives the film alluring intimacy.

"Mary, Mother of Christ," co-written by Barbara Nicolosi, is about . . . well, how do we avoid redundancy here? Ah, yes: Joseph's wife! The film is straight out devout in its approach to Mary. Opens April 2.

"The Backup Plan" opens April 23. It's the new Jennifer Lopez movie. She plays an unmarried woman who meets the man of her dreams on the very day she's successfully been artificially inseminated for twins. Aside from Kate Angelo's slightly risque script premise, the film's a rather predictable romcom. But, if you're a big Jlo fan, this one's for you.

In addition to covering film for Women's eNews, Jennifer Merin writes about documentaries for About.com (http://documentaries.About.com) and is president of the Alliance of Women Film Journalists (www.AWFJ.org), a nonprofit organization of the leading women film journalists in the U.S. and Canada.

For more information:
Alliance of Women Film Journalists:
http://www.awfj.org/

Ms. Magazine Launches Their Blog

2010-03-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

Ms launches their new blog. Check it out. Ms. Blog.

Below is text from their marketing email:

We're excited to be able to keep readers abreast of the latest feminist news and commentary in between quarterly issues of the magazine.

The Ms. Blog will showcase the sharp writing and informed opinions of a community of feminist bloggers from around the nation and the globe. The diversity and quality of our starting lineup of bloggers is already exceptional: There are contributors reporting on the ground from seven countries and counting, and the overall roster ranges from well-known names to up-and-coming writers/thinkers. Most of the bloggers are women, but some feminist men have joined the team as well!

We at Ms. are thrilled about the prospects of intercultural and intergenerational exchange on this blog.

So please become part of this exciting new community-a place where feminism takes center stage. We can't wait to read your comments, whether in agreement or disagreement or just to add fuel to our feminist fire. We've also created two special pages-Share With Ms. and Take Action-in recognition that real feminist change requires both community dialogue and direct action.
Welcome aboard!

Calling All Women and Men: Embrace Your Inner Girl

2010-03-08T11:45:00.001-08:00

If you watch one video this year, let this be it. I watched this video by Eve Ensler this weekend and cried sad tears and happy tears. Her message is clear and vibrant and needed now more than ever today--we must all embrace our inner girl--men, women, boys and girls.

In this passionate talk, Eve Ensler declares that there is a girl cell in us all -- a cell that we have all been taught to suppress. She tells heartfelt stories of girls around the world who have overcome shocking adversity and violence to reveal the astonishing strength of being a girl.

Eve Ensler created the ground-breaking Vagina Monologues, whose success propelled her to found V-Day -- a movement to end violence against women and girls everywhere.

Celebrating Women's Herstory Month

2010-03-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

To celebrate Women's History Month, and the 30th Anniversary of the National Women's History Project, I've made 2 free downloads available at my website, "I Didn't Raise My Boy To Be A Soldier" and "Oh Dear, What Can The Matter Be." You'll also find historical info about the songs, and lyrics.

Feel free to use the songs in your classroom or programs. Enjoy!

:-) Gerri Gribi

Free Songs here

National Women's History Project

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Gerri Gribi gerri@creativefolk.com

Feminist Summer Camp

2010-03-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

Calling all college women--come to NYC for Feminist Summer Camp.

My friends Amy Richards and Jennifer Baumgardner host an annual Feminist Winter Term in NYC (a one-week intensive). This year we have added a summer session, June 6-12.

Feminist Summer Camp 2010 is an intensive week-long program for college students interested in meeting with progressive leaders and national feminist organizations in New York City. Our program emphasizes career development and will include a day-long internship and opportunities to network with professionals and learn about career and internship opportunities

More information can be found at Soapbox

Portland Oregon Women's (POW) 2010 Film Festival

2010-02-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

PORTLAND OREGON WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL (POW FEST) ANNOUNCES 2010 SELECTIONS

Festival to be held Thursday – Sunday, March 18 - 21, 2009, at The Hollywood Theatre

Portland, Oregon – February 16, 2010 – The Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival (POW Fest) is pleased to announce the selections for this year’s festival, scheduled to take place Thursday, March 18th through Sunday March 21st, 2010, at Portland’s historic Hollywood Theatre. Celebrating its 3rd year, POW Fest showcases the work of today’s top women directors and co-directors, honoring both the true pioneers as well as providing support and recognition for the next generation of leading women filmmakers.

“We are on the cusp of something huge for women filmmakers!” exclaimed POW Fest Executive Director, Tara L. Johnson-Medinger. There is much hope that the Oscars on March 7th will see their first female director, Kathryn Bigelow, take the Academy Award for Best Director for a Feature Film for her war epic, The Hurt Locker. “POW Fest was honored to have Kathryn here in Portland to preview her film, speak about her craft and inspire local filmmakers. With this year’s festival following on the heels of the awards, there will be much to celebrate - it’s going to be a different playing field for women filmmakers from here on out,” she remarked.

While women have historically been acknowledged by the Academy for their work behind the scenes in fields such as Screenwriting, Costume Design, Editing and Art Direction; and in front of the camera in acting categories; there has been a significant lack of representation in the Feature Directing category. Bigelow is just one of four women to have ever received a Best Director nomination from the Academy, and that is exactly what POW Fest hopes to change. From the looks of the submissions, that change is underway.

Of the over 450 films submitted from as far away as Cambodia, Israel, Australia and Bangladesh; 44 selections including features, documentaries, shorts and animations, made their way through the jurying process and onto this year’s schedule. In addition to the thought provoking lineup of independent film and documentaries, will be the opportunity to participate in filmmaker panels and talk with filmmakers about their craft. Highlights from this year’s festival include:

Thursday night, March 18th – Local Showcase and Reception – 6:30 pm

Committed to kicking off every festival with a spotlight on local filmmakers, opening night features a POW Fest Locals' Showcase with films by Heather Harlow, Kristina Wipple, Liz Vice, Janiee Dial and Patti Duncan. Prior to the screening will be a Portland Film Industry Night Reception sponsored by Portland Women In Film (WIF-PDX), the Oregon Media Production Association (OMPA), New Belgium Brewing Company and Tribeca Light at The Hollywood Theatre. This 21 & over event is free and open to the public and will be hosted by Portland’s own, Tara Dublin.

Friday night, March 19th – Documentary Showcase – 7 pm – Among the documentary selections this year is one that hits close to home, Playground. Filmmaker Libby Spears faced death threats when she went undercover in South Korea and Thailand to infiltrate brothels and investigate the trafficking of children for commercial sexual exploitation. What she uncovered was an unknown epidemic and the untold story of an American underworld that has also infiltrated Oregon. Executive produced by George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh; punctuated with poignant animation by Japanese pop artist Yoshitomo Nara; and music by Bjork, Chris Martin, Radiohead, Cat Power and others; this film is essential viewing for any parent or engaged citizen. http://www.playgroundproject.com/

Saturday, March 20th – Film Showcase – 1pm – Saturday is about films of all genres! Animation/Experimental, Documentary & Narrative Shorts, Mature Themes, as well as feature-length documentaries and narratives; including Stages - a moving and surprisingly funny exploration of the unexpected, liberating power of the simple act of storytelling, where old and young Puerto Rican women come together across generations in New York City’s oldest Community Center; and Love Hurts - in which a successful doctor but obtuse husband is finally left by his wife (Carrie Anne Moss) only to become the most desirable single man in town after some tutoring by his extremely popular 17 year-old son. Other films include Puffer Girl, by Academy Award winner and Portland native, Joan Gratz; and a series of shorts Rated “M” for Mature audiences screening at 9:30 pm.

Sunday, March 21st – POW Fest Family Day – 1pm – Starting the afternoon with a Mother/Daughter screening, the programming this final day of the festival is geared to teens and their parents.

A complete list of programming is available at: www.powfest.com. Tickets are $7 per screening or festival passes are available for $25 and include entrance to all film screenings. Tickets go on sale on March 1, 2010 and are available at www.powfest.com and at The Hollywood Theatre box office.

Thursday, March 18th – Sunday, March 21st, 2010
The Hollywood Theatre
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, Oregon 97212
(503) 493-1128

For a detailed schedule of screenings, please visit http://www.powfest.com/

About POW Fest

The Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival (POW Fest) places a spotlight on women filmmakers by showcasing their work, strengthening the community of women in film, and empowering women to find their voice and share their stories through innovative and quality filmmaking.

POW Fest showcases the art and cinematic contribution of women filmmakers from around the world and seeks to present films that have been directed or co-directed by women; of any length, style, or genre. We feature the work of today’s top women directors; honoring the true pioneers while providing support and recognition for the next generation of leading women filmmakers.

By providing a platform to exhibit the work of today’s top women directors and co-directors and educating community members of all ages through instructional panels and hands-on workshops, POW Fest is helping to create opportunities for women working in all areas of the film industry. By honoring female pioneers in film, we provide the support and recognition necessary for the next generation of leading women filmmakers.

A Feminist Mama’s Response to Shel Silverstein’s, The Giving Tree

2010-02-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

Recently I came home to my husband, our seven month old son, and a just read copy of The Giving Tree. My husband had read it to our son as part of his bedtime routine, only to learn that the book’s message was not one that he wanted our child to espouse. I remembered thinking it wasn’t my first choice either but took a few moments to re-read the now classic children’s book to rediscover why.

Sadly this beloved classic is a twisted take on maternal love and affection.

Many of you know the story line—a young boy and tree (gendered as female) form a bond and friendship and we are told, “she loved a little boy.” We see the boy play and swing on her branches, climb her trunk and enjoy her apples. But as soon as he becomes a young man he has only a using relationship with his tree mom. He doesn’t come and visit with her except when he wants something from her. And she is glad to oblige because, we learn, her happiness is sought and found in making him happy. So she sacrifices her branches so the now man can build a home for his family, and later her trunk so he can make a boat and leave his miserable life, and finally when he comes back as an old man, all she has to offer is her stump for him to sit and rest on, which she gladly does. This final act makes her happy.

This is such a metaphor for how we expect mothers to be with their sons (and daughters): completely selfless to the point of draining ourselves; a life centered around our child/ren; and asking nothing in return from bratty, spoiled children who are anything but unloving. In fact we are expected to be ok with the fact that they nurse off our bodies, play with us, and want us only for what we can give them.

What a horrible model to hold up to our children!

My husband and I talked about how the story would be no better if the gender of the tree and child were switched. I agree to a certain extent. Because we live in a patriarchal society that views childrearing as a mostly female (unpaid) profession we aren’t all that comfortable seeing men as nurturing and self sacrificing, especially not to the extent that they would literally cut off limbs for their children. When we do see men as the main child providers we assume that they have strong willed wives who are career driven and hate their children and force their husbands to stay home. We also feminize stay at home dads as less than real men, because they are doing a feminine job.

We are much more comfortable with seeing a female (tree) die for her child. Because that is the definition of a good mother—one who gives up her life for her child. The expectation for a good dad is much different—he just has to be out alone with his child (no mother/wife around) and he’s an amazing father because he’s with his child.

And I’m not alone in my critic of this book. Others agree that it is sexist. Click here for more analysis.

Instead of this self sacrificing model of motherhood, I hold up a vision of female empowerment to my son. He sees a mom and dad who work outside and inside the home. He knows that mom as well as dad is there to fulfill his needs and to nurture him. Instead of rewarding selfish behavior, we are teaching him to respect himself and us. And most importantly, and what Silverstein’s book fails to do, is teach children that they are responsible for their happiness—that joy and fulfillment are an inside job, not something that either parents can give.

Instead of giving your child The Giving Tree book, just give the book away and replace it with something much better like, Free to Be You and Me by Marlo Thomas and friends.

A Memory

2010-01-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

While in college I realized that up until that point the voices I heard and was assumed to respect were the voices of predominately men. I looked at my extensive musical library consisting of hundreds of CDs and realized women’s voices were hardly there. If they were they were as backup singers or singing male songwriters song. Or as was the case of several female fronted bands, they were singing about how much they needed men. As a result of reading my feminist foremother's words I set out to consume only music written and sung by women.

During this time I became so discouraged by the fact that I was at a religious school, Principia College, that regarded "man" as synonymous with "man and woman" and I couldn't give my spiritual textbooks and writings any more wiggle room--I just didn't feel seen or heard, let alone respected. Because I knew that if men were expected to be seen and heard being addressed as "woman" they wouldn't go for it--at all. But as women, it was expected. Men are the norm after all in this culture.

Quite depressed I just stopped reading my spiritual textbook, Science and Health, even though it was written by a woman, Mary Baker Eddy. One night in college my boyfriend at the time, Randy, knocked on my door and led me next door to my best friend dorm room. It was all lit up with sparkling Christmas lights and the room was inviting and gentle to my battered heart and soul. They told me to lay down and close my eyes. What I heard next changed my life forever: Bobby McFerrin's 23rd Psalm. Tears poured out of my eyes and flowed down my cheeks as I heard feminine God exalted and praised in the most gorgeous and reverent music I had ever heard.

To this day I hear this song and tears can spring to my eyes. I played it a lot while pregnant and planned to play it while laboring. It's now one of the lullabies I play and sing for my son Parker so that he may know music that lifts up women.

Here are the complete lyrics:

The Lord is my Shepard, I have all I need,
She makes me lie down in green meadows,
Beside the still waters, She will lead.

She restores my soul, She rights my wrongs,
She leads me in a path of good things,
And fills my heart with songs.

Even though I walk, through a dark and dreary land,
There is nothing that can shake me,
She has said She won't forsake me,
I'm in her hand.

She sets a table before me, in the presence of my foes,
She anoints my head with oil,
And my cup overflows.

Surely, surely goodness and kindness will follow me,
All the days of my life,
And I will live in her house,
Forever, forever and ever.

Glory be to our Mother, and Daughter,
And to the Holy of Holies,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
World, without end. Amen.

SISTER GIANT: Rousing the Sleeping Giant of American Womanhood.

2010-01-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

From Marianne Williamson:

On February 26, 27 and 28, 2010, I will be hosting a weekend gathering called SISTER GIANT: Rousing the Sleeping Giant of American Womanhood.

This seminar/conference speaks to the role of women at this pivotal moment in history. It's a critically important time to transition from disastrous probabilities to fantastic possibilities, and women can lead the way.

If you are a woman who feels a prompting in your heart that goes something like this: "Okay, it's time. I might not be perfect, but I'm good enough. And I'm ready," then this invitation is for you.

During SISTER GIANT, we will review the historic forces that quelled the voice of the Western woman, as well as those that both challenge and invite us to speak our truth now. I hope you will come to Los Angeles on February 26th to join with other women who feel moved to both find our greatness and to do something great.

We will journey from an understanding of our history .... to a reclaiming of our personal power .... and ultimately to a vital commitment to be a powerful collective force in eradicating hunger and poverty on the planet today. It is time for us to change the world.

We will look within, and we will look without. In partnership with the RESULTS organization, we will work on forming a women's delegation to the regional Microcredit Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2010.

Sister Giant will take place at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel. The cost of the seminar will be a suggested donation of $250 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Click here for registration information

Mary Daly: Death of a Radical Feminist

2010-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Radical and feminist are two terms that are synonymous in my mind. To be a feminist is to be a radical. But if there ever was a radical feminist it was the wonderful Mary Daly.

I was in college, a new feminist, all ablaze when my professor, Dr. Pamela Kaye assigned sections Gyn/Ecology. I ended up reading the entire book—devouring it. I distinctly remember the term ended and I was heading to Greece for a vacation. While beauty was all around me while riding on ferries and planes I had my nose deep her the book—I could not believe what I was reading.

Her views have always been controversial and it’s one of the reasons I love her so much and why she’s one of my sheroes. For me, being a feminist is controversial for most people. It’s like breathing air for me and yet for millions to be a feminist is so “out there.” Because of Mary’s work I never felt alone. I was comforted by the fact that there was someone else out there even more radical than me. She preached lesbian separatism, banned men from her classroom, and in general, held up women to the point of disregarding men. All of this was so thrilling to me—that this is someone out there holding this firm ground and refusing to move based on her ideals. That is inspiring to me.

In an interview with EnlightenNext magazine, she says "... I don't think about men. I really don't care about them. I'm concerned with women's capacities, which have been infinitely diminished under patriarchy. Not that they've disappeared, but they've been made subliminal. I'm concerned with women enlarging our capacities, actualizing them. So that takes all my energy ... I'm trying to name something that can only be recognized by women who are seizing back our power. But the words have been stolen from us—even though perhaps they were originally our words—they're our words, but they've been reversed and twisted and shrunken. I see myself as a pirate, plundering and smuggling back to women that which has been stolen from us."

I agree with her in theory and often not in practice and yet think it is VITAL to have people and idea like her with us on this planet.

Her re-wording on the language to make it more female centered has been I think her greatest contribution to my life. To read her work is to enter into Mary land where she re-works words and phrases and takes back slang such as “crone,” and “maven.”

She was fierce and passionate about creating a better world for women. While in college I realized that up until that point I (and most of our culture) the voices I heard and was assumed to respect were the voices of predominately men. I looked back through my educational career and could scarcely come up with a textbook or novel I had read by a woman. There were a few exceptions but that’s just the point—they were the exceptions. I also looked at my extensive musical library consisting of hundreds of CDs and realized women’s voices were hardly there. As a result of reading her work I set out to read and consume only music and text written by women. I spent the next eight years doing just that and it was quite educational experience.

So wherever you are Mary Daly—thank you for changing my life and changing the world. May the goddess be with you always. Your contributions to my life are immeasurable.

Links of interest:

An obit on Mary

Her website

Mary Daly Dies

2010-01-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

[I plan on writing up a post later about the impact and importance of this amazing woman]

Mary Hunt sent this email through the Water list:

With a heavy heart, yet grateful beyond words for her life and work, I report that Mary Daly died this morning, January 3, 2010 in Massachusetts. She had been in poor health for the last two years.

Her contributions to feminist theology, philosophy, and theory were many, unique, and if I may say so, world-changing. She created intellectual space; she set the bar high. Even those who disagreed with her are in her debt for the challenges she offered.

When I return from vacation at week's end I will post more. But I want WATER colleagues, of which she was a stalwart one, to know this now. She always advised women to throw our lives as far as they would go. I can say without fear of exaggeration that she lived that way herself.

May her spirit soar and her ideas endure.

Mary E. Hunt
Hoechenschwand, Germany

The Power of One

2009-12-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

Throughout my life I’ve had people assume what’s next through their questions—while dating it was, “When are you getting married?” And soon after it was, “When are you having kids?” But now that I’ve had my son I’m amazed that people are asking me when I’m having a second child. I know this is a very common phenomenon—and it’s natural to ask questions about the next phase of people’s lives but I’ve been really amazed at the brazenness of people’s assumptions about having another child.

I was always clear that I only wanted one. I would joke, “one and done” as my way of letting people know that we felt complete with one child. But lately people have become downright insistent on me having a brother or sister for my child. It shocks me how much people push the point—over and over and over again. And it’s always me who gets it, never my husband.

First, my son is enough, all by himself. He’s this amazing little boy who’s come into our life and is such a huge blessing. It feels disrespectful of him and to him to suggest that he is not enough to make a family for us. We are a family. 3 is a family. Heck, the 2 of us before having our son were a family.

Second, this notion of having another child for the sole purpose of being a play mate is ridiculous to me. Having another child should be a desire from the parents, not a present to their first child.

And finally, why do other people think they know what is best for me and my family? My favorite response when I tell people I don’t want another child is, “oh go on, you’ll love it—just wait and see” is simply nuts to me. Why would I not know what is best for me?

When I do go into my reasons for not wanting another child people find them easy to dismiss: my age (oh you’re old enough), want to focus on my son (you’ll make time enough for both—your heart expands), my career (you can have kids and a career), money (oh you’ll make do) and on it goes. I’ve decided to stop giving reasons and simply say, “I don’t want another child.” And when they press me I will respond, “Why is it so important to YOU that I have another child?”

“Great Job Mom”

2009-12-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday while I was out running errands I was parked in front of the library talking on the phone with a girlfriend. A mother and her two girls came leaping out of the library and onto the wet sidewalk. The oldest child (perhaps 7) was running towards the car with an armload of books when she slid on the slippery metal grate. She landed hard. My heart and body leapt! I hung up and jumped out of the car in time to get to her side. She was badly shaken and crying very hard. Her mother swept her up in her arms and began comforting.

When the little girl fell her hearing aids flew off as well. I collected them and handed them back to the mother who put them back in her daughter’s ears. I stayed close and talked to the younger child letting her know that her sister was going to be ok. I noticed she too had hearing aids. After a few minutes the child was consoled and I picked up her library books and gave them to her. I handed the mom her keys and asked if I could help load the girls in the car. While buckling them in the seat I was so moved with compassion for this mom who fiercely loved her children as much as I love mine and without hesitation I said, “You are doing a great job mom.” She thanked me with tears in her eyes and said how much she appreciated that I stopped to help. She drove off.

Before motherhood it would never have occurred to me to say such a thing to a mother but now I can relate so much to the joys and trials of motherhood that it seems so natural. Why wouldn’t I want to support my fellow mothers out there working hard to raise their children?

An hour or so later I was back home and told my husband the story and when it was done I cried. I think I cried because I am not ready to see Parker fall and hurt himself and cry so loudly that my heart aches. I know folks will say that it is only a matter of time when it will happen but I’m not ready. No parent is ever wants that for their child. We are never ready to see our children learn life’s lessons—like metal is slippery when it rains. But we can be there for our kids to help them heal and we can be there for other mom’s who are doing the same.

An Open Letter to Moms Everywhere

2009-12-09T18:37:00.000-08:00

I've been having this ongoing conversation with my mom friends about this idea of either being a good mom or a bad mom. Inherent in the conversation is that there is no grey space whatsoever—you are either a good parent or not. From talking with my new mom friends it’s clear there is so much ancestral guilt already laid upon our shoulders if we are able to be there for our kids all the time or if we do one thing wrong. It's like we forget we are human and that if we are new moms, that we are well, new to this job and there is quite a steep learning curve. And as soon as we figure out one thing, there is something else (or many things) to master to support the growth and health of our children. My theory is that we love our kids so much that we want them to have everything we can give them as well as always get the best of us. I think the real lesson in all these conversations is that we can model "good mom" behavior by being kind and gentle and loving to ourselves. If we are able to be loving, forgiving and compassionate with ourselves with our short comings and failings, then we are imparting that gift to our children.

So let’s continue to support each other and remind ourselves that we are doing the best we can at all times and that by loving ourselves, we love our kids.

Can Things Really Get Any More Ridiculious?

2009-11-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

Leave it to Sarah, the queen of comedy to leave us laughing and crying at the ridiculous efforts we are asked to go through all for the sake of beauty in her lastest Target Women video about beauty conTRAPtions.

Guerrilla Girls

2009-11-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

I have been a big fan of the GG since I first learned about them while I was an intern at Ms. Magazine in the early nineties. A GG came into our offices with, well, a Gorilla mask on her head and I nearly screamed at the sight. Everywhere they go they all wear masks to make a statement that women in art are hidden from view. They tour, produce thought-provoking marketing campaigns about women in art awareness, and publish/write fantastic books. If you don't know about them, you should. They are fantastic.

This was a recent post of theirs on a women studies listserv I belong to. Check it out:

Here are some nibblets Guerrilla Girls On Tour discovered on the internet in the last 10 minutes:

. February 4th marked the 27th anniversary of Karen Carpenter's death via anexoria nervosa.

. The Biggest Loser is currently in it's 9th successful season on NBC.

. 18% of the world's population is starving, and they're not doing it on purpose.

. Paula Deen has 45,000 followers on twitter.

. Fat Camp The Musical debuted at the 2009 New York Musical Theatre Festival last month.

Are you confused? So are we.

Every time we open the refrigerator.

Jamming food into our mouths is the way our major organs continue to function. It's a good thing, but it's an awfully loaded act, isn't it? We think so too. This is why we created If You Can Stand The Heat: The History of Women and Food. In the show, we will address women's consistent anxiety around food and the body, we'll feature a handful of lady culinary heroes who contributed to the menus of our daily lives, and we'll investigate what responsibilities we have as surplus-food American citizens to the under-nourished nations in our global community. The show is a hilarious, flour-dusted, theatrically surprising stage conversation meant to dissolve fears of food borne from obliviousness and encourage freedom of the fork.

As we've toured across America, we've noted that the most pervasive issue young women want to tackle in our poster-making activism workshops is around BODY IMAGE. We realized we have a lot to talk about, a lot of work to do, and a lot of bread to knead while we do so.
The show involves 3 performers, a photo-shopped chorus of satirically charged images (per usual), and live food preparation. Spoiler alert: I wouldn't be surprised if somebody got a pie in the face.

Guerrilla Girls On Tour

Contact us: aphra@guerrillagirlsontour.com

Talk to a live Guerrilla Girl On Tour: 917-742-2973

Come visit us: http://www.ggontour.com/. We tour a variety of different shows and workshops. You can check it all out there!

Trick or Tweet us: www.twitter.com/GuerrillaGsOT

PS: We chew with our mouths open! Don't tell our moms.

Baby Blog

2009-10-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yes I've gone and done it joined the mom and babe blog craze. I am really enjoying have a place to journal about our days and post pictures. If you are interested in the blog leave a note in the comment section with your email address. It's a by invitation, private blog so I'll need to add your email address so that you can see the blog.

About Last Night: A Feminist Mama’s Insight

2009-10-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

Having read many parenting books and listening to my friends struggles with parenthood I know just how incredibly blessed I am to have such a mellow, sweet tempered baby in Parker. He rarely cries or fusses and only does so for a few moments until I either pick him up or nurse him. He’s really an easy baby and to make it even better he smiles, BEAMS at me all day long. With that being said I felt like a complaining mom who should just suck it up and deal with the sleep deprived evenings and count my blessings that my only real parenting challenge is that Parker is up every 2 hours at night.

But this week it really got to me. Usually he falls back asleep after nursing and I can get another hour or so of sleep until he wakes to eat again. This week he would nurse and nurse and keep nursing and then be wide awake, refusing to sleep. After a week of this sleep deprivation I was starting to really get cranky and weepy and quite frankly worried that I would never feel rested again.

And then my sweet husband came home last night and seeing me in my exhausted state told me to get to bed and sleep a good night’s sleep—that he would bottle fed Parker tonight while I recharged. I protested: “No it’s my job to take care of him and besides you have to go to work tomorrow morning. This is my job.” To which he replied, “I can handle a rough night every now and then. My job is to take care of you and Parker tonight.” Then the waterworks really flowed, first out of appreciation and then quickly, out of guilt.

“I should just deal with this—all moms go through this. I should just be able to nurse him throughout the night and be ok with it all,” I said. He responded, “You need a break and I can give you a break. Let this be my present to you…let me wrap up a good night’s sleep for you.” Micah picked this metaphor specifically because he knows my love language is presents.

In an instant I realized that I was overwhelmed with this notion that I should be able to do this mothering job without any help and that if I need help I have someone failed. Literally a moment later I knew that if I was talking to a girlfriend and she had said that I would have come to her aid telling her that everyone needs a break. I would have told her that needing a break doesn’t mean you failed. I would have pointed out how important it is for her to have her husband’s support and that it’s good for him and their child to have those late night feedings together.

So why is it so easy for me to be hard on myself? Why am I able to give other moms the benefit of the doubt but not myself? I may not have all the answers to those complicated questions but am glad that I was able to see for myself, quite quickly, that I should banish the mommy guilt and perfectionism and opt for the sleep.

Besides, I’m a better role model for my son—teaching him that support and co-parenting are essential to a healthy family. And who knows, maybe my full night’s sleep will rub off on Parker and he’ll begin sleeping through the night!

Baby Bird

2009-10-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today Parker is three months old. It’s like time has flown by and stood still all at once.

It seems as though I can remember every moment I’ve spent with him from bringing him home the day he was born, that first night of breastfeeding, the birthday cakes that friends brought over, and the tears of joy that never left my eyes those first few weeks. I can remember all the family and friends who came to meet him for the first time—the way their eyes lit up and how broad their smiles were. Now we are comfortably in our routine and I’ve even spent an entire week alone with him. We wake up each morning to a huge grin and now watch him as he is learning to roll over. He coos and makes funny talk like sounds. And I still find myself so deeply in love with this little creature who is my son.

And time feels like it’s flown by—how is it that he’s gotten so big outgrowing his newborn clothes and stretching tight his bring home from Alma outfit that I can bear to get right of. I didn’t capture those first bubbles he blew but I was there the first time he grasped a ring on his baby gym. I witnessed the first time he smiled in recognition of me and my voice. And I sang him his first lullaby and read his first book. And today was another day filled with firsts—thunder and rolling over. It’s all happening so fast. And while I am one to be in the present it’s amazing that he is 3 months old.

Happy Birthday to my 3 month old baby boy…here’s to the next 3…may they fly by and go slow as molasses. Thank you for choosing our nest to come home to.

(Gorgeous artwork courtesty of my amazing friend Memory. Check out her website here)

First Annual Heather Hartley Hike

2009-10-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Previously I have written about the passing of my friend Heather Hartley. This weekend will mark the First Annual Heather Hartley Hike!

Friends, colleagues, students, and nature lovers are invited to remember Dr. Heather Hartley in one of her favorite places, The Gorge.

In what we hope will become an annual tradition, the Sociology Department at Portland State University invites you to spend some time in the woods with old and new friends.

Where: Horsetail Falls Trail

When: Sunday, October 11 at 2 pm

It’s an easy 2.6 mile hike near Multnomah Falls.

Directions: Along I-84, take exit 28 at Bridal Veil (or exit 35 at Dodson if traveling west on I-84). Drive east along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Hwy for 5.5 miles to the signed turnout for Horsetail Falls.

More information go here

Meet at the trailhead at 2 pm. It should be a perfect fall day and a great way to keep Heather in our hearts.

For more information, contact:

Randy Blazak at 503-725-8502 or cfrb@pdx.edu

Mama’s Bookshelf

2009-09-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

As a new mama I find myself reading lots of parenting and developmental books. Right after Parker was born I found two books to be immensely helpful. To some they are contradictory but I found them quite useful. The first was Tracy Hogg’s, The Baby Whisperer. She is a fan of putting your baby on a schedule. I am not. I do not subscribe to the Baby Wise philosophy of having a baby fit into your lifestyle and schedule—at least not in those first 3months or the 4th trimester. What I did find really useful in Hogg’s books where:

 A chart listing all the various gestures and movements that signal hunger, tiredness, or pain.

 She also identified several different cries—the cough cry signals hunger. This helped a lot in identifying when Parker was hungry.

 Outlines the various stages of sleep and knowing when to put down the baby in this cycle

 Identifying the pattern for babies: after sleeping he likes to eat right away, then have some active time, and then falls asleep again. And during the active time, it’s diaper changing time and bath time.

My friend Jessica recommended The Happiest Baby on the Block book by Harvey Karp. This book was a life saver and is my #1 recommended book to give to all my new mom friends, which I have many (how fun!). Hogg’s strategy for helping a baby fall asleep did not work for Parker but Karp’s technique did. He outlines the 5 S’s that trigger the calming reflex so that your child can fall asleep. They are: swaddling, lying sideways, making a ssssshhhh sound, swinging and finally sucking. Employing these techniques absolutely made me feel like a better parent to Parker because I was finally able to get him to sleep without an hour of trying.

I recently finished Opting In: Having a Child Without Losing Yourself by my friend Amy Richards. I’ve written about her books before. I started her book while pregnant and didn’t find myself easily engaged in it. But then after a month of being a new mom I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. She writes very engaging about how feminist moms reconcile motherhood and their politics both in the home and out of the home.

For reference I am currently using two books: Dr. Sears’ Baby Book and Your Baby’s First Year: Week by Week. Both provide good information of everything a new mom or dad could possibly want to know.

What are the books that have been invaluable to you as a parent?

Birthright: Mothering Across Difference

2009-09-22T10:44:00.001-07:00

Mothering Survey

2009-09-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

Study on feminism and mothering

If you have a few minutes, please take the time to complete this online survey for a researcher at the University of Mary Washington, in Fredericksburg, Virginia who is researching attitudes about mothering and feminism. You can fill out the survey here: http://ff5umw.com/motherconsent.html

From the author:

"Despite much internet discussion and many books written about the potential relationship between feminism and mothering, there is surprisingly little research about people’s actual attitudes and beliefs about the relationship between feminism and motherhood. Given this, we are trying to collect data from feminists, non-feminists, mothers, and non-mothers to understand their beliefs so that we clear up some of the potential misconceptions out there.

We’re collecting our data online through a secure server, and all data is completely anonymous. While email addresses are used by participants to gain access to the survey, they are stored in a separate data base than survey responses and can never be connected.”

This is reposted from the In Other Words blog

Love Our Bodies, Heal Our World

2009-09-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

Like most post pregnancy women I wonder when and if my body will return to it's pre baby body shape. The answer is most likely, no. This website, The Shape of a Mother is a place for moms to share their shapes with one another so that no one feels alone about their changing breasts, belly and other body parts.

I gained a bit over 40 pounds but the hardest part of the weight gain was going over 200 pounds. I just had a mental block about it. After birth I quickly dropped below 200. It's now been nearly 8 weeks and I still have 20 pounds I want to lose. I won't diet while breastfeeding but want to find some form of exercise I can do at home with a baby--walking and yoga come to mind.

This website has a beautiful message with lovely women supporting one another. It is very inspiring. Share it with other moms you know. Maybe if we learn to love our bodies we can help heal the world.

What’s in a Name? Why We Named Our Son After My Dad

2009-09-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Parker was easy. We both wanted a name for our child that had something to do with our marriage. We were married at Tilden Park in Berkeley, California. It was that easy for us to pick the first name.

Kaufmann-Moore was also easy. Micah has two boys, twins, from his previous marriage and when he and his first wife divorced she took back her maiden name while their boys kept Micah’s last name of Kaufmann. When we married I kept my name. When we decided to have a child together we wanted his boys to have a parent with their last name—it just felt right to us. And what equally felt right was that since our child was a part of both of us, he should have both our names.

That leaves the middle name of Thomas. Picking a middle name was much more challenging. We threw up middle names for months and nothing stuck. We even made a game of it at one of our showers to try and generate some names…nothing. My mom really lobbied (and uncomfortably so) for her name Lynne—but it just didn’t work. Neither of us where drawn to it but at one point I suggested it since we couldn’t think of anything else and I knew she would be thrilled. But wanting to make someone else happy isn’t a good enough reason. I liked Clinton as a middle name but he wasn’t crazy about it and he couldn’t think of any names to suggest.

Then after he was born, I thought, “well now we’ll be inspired now that we’ve meet him.” Nope. After the midwives had called and left us several messages about his birth certificate and asking about a middle name, we got more serious: we looked up names on the Internet, did searches based on his first name and the last name…it went on and on and on. After all this time I kept coming back to Thomas. I really liked how it sounded with Parker and I liked the idea of carrying on a family name. I had mentioned using my father’s name very early on but Micah never really connected to it so I didn’t push. I was disappointed that Micah didn’t like Thomas because I loved what the name represented to me—forgiveness and a new story and healing.

Micah asked me why I wanted to use the name Thomas. Here’s what I told him.

My father, Tommy, died when I was 18 and throughout the short time I knew him I had a lot of opportunities to forgive and show compassion towards my father. I also had a lot of wonderful memories of laughter, joy, and family time stored up as well. I was not sexually or physically abused but rather neglected for a number of years by my father who was struggling to find his own path in life: he had divorced my mother, moved back in with his parents, came out of the closet, and was having financial troubles. Having the simple perspective that he did the best he could helped me dig deep and learn to forgive. This healing lesson has sustained me all my life and because I did the hard work of letting go and forgiving my father, I more easily do the same now with the people I am challenged by. Ultimately he has been the biggest blessing in my life because he taught me one of life’s most amazing lessons—how to release, let go, and forgive and for that I will always be grateful.

After hearing this Micah smiled at me and said, “I can live with that.” And that’s how we came to name our son Parker Thomas Kaufmann-Moore.

Powerful Reminder

2009-09-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

Making Peace with My Today Will Improve My Future... It may sound odd, but the fastest way to get to a new-and-improved situation is to make peace with your current situation. By making lists of the most positive aspects you can find about your current situation, you then release your resistance to the improvements that are waiting for you. But if you rail against the injustices of your current situation, you hold yourself in Vibrational alignment with what you do not want, and you cannot then move in the direction of improvement. It defies Law. In every particle of the Universe, there is that which is wanted - and the lack of it.

--- Abraham

Movie Review: Julie and Julia

2009-08-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

Click here for the movie trailer staring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams.

I want to share a few thoughts on the film Julie and Julia from my feminist perspective. This is a charming, unexpectedly hilarious film about two women. It’s produced by a woman, Nora Ephron and written and based on a woman’s blog that became a book, Julie Powell. All in all a very woman centered endeavor. I thoroughly enjoyed it and endorse it for all to go see!

While watching the film I really appreciated how these two women where the center of the movie and how odd it felt to have their two husbands be supporting characters and roles. I am so used to seeing women in supporting roles that it was lovely to see them take center stage. And it wasn’t a sexualized film in the least. Generally when women are leads in movies it’s as a sexual or crazed woman or worse, victims of horrific crimes—these were just ordinary women living their lives.

A Man’s World

Julia Child’s story is well known—she was a woman, unable to have children of her own, and bored. She wanted something to do so she began taking classes at the famed Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris. The film quietly understates the challenges she faced as a woman entering a male dominated profession. She handles the pressure beautifully and with humor. She wins the respect of her male teacher as well as her colleagues. And later she wins the respect from her publishers and editors not to mention hearts of American cooks who now see her book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking as a food lover’s bible.

Julie Powell is a woman working in NYC and living in Queens. She struggles in her dead end, no respect job and longs for purpose. She is encouraged by her husband to start a blog about her passion for cooking. She undertakes a massive project—completing all the recipes in Julia Child’s book in one year. The blog and later her book become a massive success.

Female Friendship/Sisterhood

In both storylines the idea of female friendship is explored. In Child’s plotline we see her connected and strengthened by female friendship. Two girlfriends approach her and they begin teaching cooking classes together and eventually that collaboration leads her to writing the cookbook. Later after years of struggling to get her cookbook published a female friend passes it through to a female editor who lobbies and eventually gets the book published and sees Julia for the amazing cook she is.

In Powell’s plot she struggles more with female friendship. At one point she is seen having lunch with girlfriends she clearly doesn’t like and who don’t respect her. Later she asks, “Do all women hate their girlfriends?” This disappointed me. I would much rather have seen her break away from these so-called friends and leave them behind.

For both Child and Powell they have one woman in their life who tries to bring them down or at the very least, put them down. For Child’s it’s the owner of the cooking school and for Powell it’s her mother. But where those relationships fail the main characters their husbands offer encouragement, love, and support as they watch their wives flourish and grow.

Two different women, in different times undertake their passion and are rewarded with success, fame, and
money! What a great message to send to girls, boys, women and men—that you can go after your dream and succeed.

A New Story…A New Reality

2009-08-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

If you know me or have read my blog in the past 10 months you know about my pregnancy…it was a rough one and it was unexpectedly rough. Before getting pregnant, I had no fears or concerns about being pregnant. I figured I would have a normal pregnancy with some morning sickness and the usual bloating and feelings of “I’m as big as a house” and the like. The plan, (insert laughter) was to get pregnant in the fall (which happened on the first try!), finish up my school work, defend my thesis in the spring and deliver our baby in the summer. It was the perfect plan. But no, I ended up barely being able to make it to the end of the fall term with my classes and teaching schedule due to extreme morning, afternoon, and night sickness. With only a few days before the winter term and unable to walk, feed or really take care of myself I had to admit that I needed to stay home from school and work and rest up. For 5 months I was couch and bed bound throwing up as many as five times a day and lots and lots of crying as I struggled with why it was all happening to me. Needless to say I was feeling quite victimized by the whole process. Towards the end of my fifth month I started to have some energy—like 2 hours a day where I could email, Facebook, cook a bit, take a shower. And finally by the 6th month I was able to go out a few times a week and be social. I still threw up and found myself able to laugh at all the various places I threw up in Portland. By the end of my pregnancy I had to admit to myself that I was one of those women who was sick her entire pregnancy. I was sad about it and took my fear about my hard pregnancy into my visions of a hard labor [see post below to hear how my labor turned out]. I resented feeling like I had lost nearly a year of my life and my health.

But this hard luck, poor me sob story of my pregnancy does not serve me. It does not make me happy. I know all too well when I don’t make peace with the past I end up recreating it in my future. I have done work through Context Associated and the 21st Century Leadership course. I have watched The Secret a hundred times---I know the power of my thinking and how it shapes my reality. Because I didn’t make peace with my pregnancy I kept being sad and frustrated when I would think about it. I recently attended a friend’s wedding and one of the guests was pregnant. I told my pregnancy story and relived it all over again. When the conversation was over I felt horrible. And then a few days ago I was talking to my neighbor about her pregnancy and I relived some more of the awful things that happened to me during my pregnancy.

Enough is enough.

I know the power of thought and I know the power of thought to manifest and create my reality. So right here and right now I choose to put down the story of my pregnancy and tell a different story.

MY NEW PREGNANCY STORY

My pregnancy was an amazing time of growth. My pregnancy gave me the gift of slowing down and tuning into my body and my baby and my health. I learned how to support myself (letting housework go), how to ask for support, (cry on my friends shoulders) and finally and most importantly to acknowledge and give gratitude for the tremendous amount of support I have around me. My loving husband held my hand throughout the journey. My friends were compassionate and held space for me to cry. My church family celebrated and prayed for me. My mom and step dad came up to visit and were there to witness the ultrasound and celebrate as we learned we were having boy.

After a life long fear of hospitals and distrust of doctors I was freed from that crippling fear and ended up feeling supported (sense a theme here) from a group of professional I had long feared had their own interests at heart, not mine. And for over six months I had the pleasure of getting to know and be under the care of an amazing group of midwives from Alma.

And finally, I am so grateful for my pregnancy because from it I receive the best gift of my life, my son, Parker Thomas.

I encourage you to re-write any stories that are not serving you. Change your thoughts, change your life!

Nature vs. Nurture

2009-08-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

As a long time feminist, I have always given much more credence to the nurturing aspect of our culture for it is strong abilities to influence and shape us as human beings. Nurturing in the sense that what you are exposed to, how you are communicated with, what opportunities are made available to you, as well as the biggie of how you are raised (morals, principles, etc) has a greater influence than say biology or nature—whether you are male or female.

It’s not that I didn’t value how our bodies and brains work and function and shape our lives but I never saw much evidence of it shaping my life or the lives of others. Or rather it’s more honest to say that I never bought into the line of reasoning that says women are the weaker sex and that biology is destiny (i.e. women aren’t as physically strong as men, etc.). And I feared believing that biology is destiny meant we as women where doomed to a certain life.

This was no truer when thinking about pregnancy in hetero relationships. I thought that even though a woman may have carried her child the man still had no excuse for not being close emotionally and mentally to his own child. And I extended that logic into parenting—men have just as much a shot at parenting their child with love, devotion, and skill as the woman does. But I was looking from the outside in.

Having now been pregnant I lived through the experience of being intimately tied to my child in a way that my husband never could. Through my biology (nature) I grew and nourished life inside my uterus. This was a physical impossibility for my husband. Throughout the months my intense connection grew stronger and stronger as I felt more and more—fluttering, kicks, jabs, hiccups and watched in amazement as my body grew to accommodate and house our son. I would try to explain these wondrous feelings to him but it was hard for him to relate because of biology.

How do you explain a contraction to a man? A woman understands a bit when related to menstrual cramps.

Giving birth to Parker was the most incredible experience of my life. Only I could give birth to him…no one else could do that work for me. Dad was there to support me as were my midwives and friends, but it was work that Parker and I did together as mother and son. We are bonded.

And now as a breastfeeding mom there are things that only I can give him.

All this is to say that it does not mean my husband is any less close or connected to our son, it’s just a different love and a different intimacy. Daddy and Parker have a different relationship than me as mommy to Parker. When he cries my breasts ache. When I haven’t feed him in a few hours my breasts swell and then I must go and seek him out.

As a life long feminist I have always sought to gain equality in everything I do: communication, relationships, work, religion…every stage of my life, right down to housework being split 50/50 but now I am beginning to realize that parenting isn’t a 50/50 job. It’s a 100% job from me and a 100% job from my husband and it will look different based on who we are as man and woman. We each bring different aspects to parenting based on our biology (nature) as well as our personality that has been shaped by our environment (nurture).

Reflections on Motherhood: The First 5 Weeks

2009-08-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am so enjoying being a mama to babe Parker Thomas. He is just the sweetest bundle of love I have ever laid my eyes on. I love to smell him, watch him while he sleeps, nurse him, and snuggle with him at night.

I was unprepared for just how much love and tenderness I would feel towards him. I knew that of course I would love him, but HOW much I love him is indescriable.

I find that I am much more senisitive to the world around me now. I cannot watch violence of any kind. If I see a child being yelled at in the grocery store or an annoyed parent frustrated by their child, I cringe. It's like I've been cracked open and all I feel is love for this child and when I see anything unloving I hurt more deeply as a result.

Patience has never been a strong suit of mine but I have endless amounts of it for him. Through all the exhaustion and the steep learning curve I find that I just take it all in stride. This has come as a great surprise to me.

It's already been a busy first 5 weeks for our son. He has met his brothers, Quin and Harrison, his grandparents Harvey and Sandi and my mom Lynne, came for a month long visit. We've been to the Sandy river, saw the Harry Potter movie, gone shopping, visited with our midwives, gone to church, had brunch out, gone to the soapbox derby and even attended a wedding. We are getting the hang of this new thing we call a family.

Micah has blossomed as a father. It has been so special to watch him parent his son so tenderly. He loves to hold him on his chest, bathe him, shhh him to sleep, and smile at his every changing facial expressions.

Labor and Birth Reflection

2009-08-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

Parker Thomas Kaufmann-Moore

July 17, 2009 at 10:38 am
8lbs and 8 ounces
20 inches

2am on Tuesday July 7th my water broke. I made it to the bathroom and decided at the last minute to let it release on the bathroom floor so that I could see the color and amount. I excitedly woke up Micah and stepped into the shower where more of my bag of waters broke. I called our midwife Melissa and she had me verify that Parker was moving and not in any distress. She told me that usually mamas go into active labor between 12-24 hours after their bag of waters break. We went back to bed happy to be meeting our baby boy soon.

Over the course of the next several days my midwives took my blood to monitor if there were any growing signs of infection. We verified the presence of amniotic fluid by using pH strips. We began moving forward natural induction. Wednesday I stimulated my nipples by using the breast pump; Thursday I did acupuncture and got a massage; Friday I got another round of acupuncture and used naturopathic tincture called cottonwood bark. Right after taking it I began to feel steady and strong uterine contractions and felt for sure that this was going to work. Terra and JJ came over and we did a wonderful ritual calling forth Parker and welcoming him. We also appreciated and blessed the rough road of pregnancy and my strength and Micah’s support. It was a powerful ceremony that grounded all of us. That evening I began to feel cramps and my back ached so the gals took me upstairs and gave me a massage and Terra walked us through a beautiful birth visualization which would later all come true! But with my contractions gone in the morning it was time on Saturday to pull out all the stops and drink a castor oil shake! Terra and JJ came over and we made the chocolate/castor oil shake and danced around the kitchen to Kelis’ Milkshake song. We watched Role Models to pass the time. Soon the shake had worked its magic. But even this most extreme of natural measures did not bring on active labor like we had hoped. The hardest part about this week was feeling like each and every day my body had to prove that it could go another day of health so that we wouldn’t have to go to the hospital. So each and every day that my body “failed” to go into active labor, I wondered if I would get to give birth at Alma. It was a stressful but exciting time.

A few hours after taking the shake Melissa came by to recommend that, as we had exhausted the tools available to the midwives to instigate labor, we move to the hospital and consider inducing for Parker’s sake. This was not an easy adjustment for us. We had been looking forward to delivering Parker naturally in the lovely Lily Room at Alma for a long time and it was difficult to see this dream slip away. The hours leading up to going to the hospital were some of the toughest of my life. Having had nearly eighteen surgeries I experienced more than my share of bad bedside behavior, mistreatment at the hands of doctors, and a general dislike and distrust of doctors and hospitals in general. It’s not too strong a statement to say that I was terrified and thoroughly depressed that I was now going to have to go to the hospital to deliver Parker. I cried for hours as Micah and Terra and JJ prepared our bags and made food for me. I called my mom and cried on her shoulder and I even tried to hide under the covers to make it all go away. I was in a very dark place. Eventually I knew that I would have to pull myself together and choose this new birth plan if it was going to be successful.

We arrived at Legacy Emanuel around 11 PM and got settled into our room. A pelvic exam since my water broke indicated that I was 50% effaced and 3 cm dilated. No action was necessary at that moment and we went to sleep for the night. I woke up Sunday morning after checking vitals again, took a quick swab to verify the presence of amniotic fluid, to test if my bag of waters had broken. We also had another ultrasound to compare the amount of amniotic fluid to the amount from the ultrasound from the previous week, before my bag of waters broke. Much to my surprise, the swab did not confirm the presence of amniotic fluid and the ultrasound indicated that fluid levels had not changed during the last week. Despite the conditions that seemed to indicate to the contrary, the hospital was able to confirm that my water had not, in fact, broken!! No test we could take would tell us exactly what happened, but the best guess is that the outer of the two amniotic sacs was punctured, but not the inner one. This would explain the rush of water, along with the regular leaking, and the fact that neither of the hospital tests confirmed a ruptured membrane. After another hour or two of monitoring, we were released and headed home. Needless to say, both Micah and I were elated and thrilled beyond belief with this sudden and unexpected twist. The word “miracle” came up more than once.

What was even more surprising was my hospital experience. From the moment we were introduced to the floor nurses and the nurse midwives, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE I came into contact with were respectful, courteous, kind, and utterly professional. I was floored with the treatment. After getting checked in the nurse midwife asked me what I would like to see happen…imagine that! This 24 hour experience was so unlike anything else I had ever experienced at a hospital that it completely healed me of any and all fear relating to hospitals. It was a transformative life experience.

Sunday afternoon through Thursday was a weird haze of both let down and bliss. Because I had received such constant monitoring it was strange to suddenly just be told to relax and wait. I went to bed Thursday night around 11 and could not fall asleep because Parker was kicking me and had the hiccups. After tossing and turning for over an hour I got up and went downstairs to watch television. Micah came looking for me a few hours later around 2am. He encouraged me to come to bed and I told him I was experiencing really intense cramps—more than I had experienced the week before. I went to bed and 3 hours later at 5am was awakened by sharp uterine contractions. I felt a few of them and then decided they were serious enough to wake up Micah. From that point on my contractions stayed steady—every 2 minutes for about 1 minute to a minute and a half. By 5:30am I was convinced I was in active labor because I couldn’t talk through them and the pain was ramping up with only 30 seconds of break time in between. I asked Micah to call JJ and she confirmed that what I was experiencing sounded like active labor. Micah then called Kori our midwife and said she would send over Kelley to check me out in a few hours.

After several hours of these intense contractions in which I would moan, groan, and walk back and forth to the bathroom I knew that Kelley would need to come sooner to check on me. My contractions would remain at 2 minutes apart and were steadily getting more and more painful every 30 minutes or so. I began to worry if I could manage the pain for much longer. I started watching the clock and thought, “if this is suppose to go on for 10 or 20 hours there is no way I can sustain this level of pain for that many hours.” Micah called Kori back and told her Kelley should plan on coming sooner. She arrived around 9am and asked me to describe what I was feeling—I was unable to talk, only manage the pain. This gave her a clue I was farther along than anyone had thought. She asked to check me for dilation but with only 30 seconds in between contractions I didn’t have time to lie down in bed and let her examine me. After 20 minutes or so of her support through contractions I told her I felt like pushing. I had wanted to push earlier but thought it was too soon to be in the pushing phase of labor so I didn’t tell her. But when I was compelled to really push I told her. She examined me while I was standing up and then left the room to call Kori. It was at that moment I knew I was close to having the baby. She came back and said to me and Micah, “it’s time to go to Alma.” She encouraged me not to push and it was a Herculean effort not to do so. The bedroom door opened and JJ and Terra where both there dressed in purple smiling and encouraging me on. Slowly I made it down the stairs where JJ’s mom Joyce was holding Caitlin. Moving towards the garage I had a strong urge to push and when I did the last of my bowels released and I panicked for a moment because I knew how close I was. I did not want to deliver in the car.

Lying in the backseat with Micah driving and Kelley supporting me in the front seat was the longest car ride I’ve ever had. It took all my strength and courage not to push but to pant like a choo choo train. We arrived at Alma and waiting curbside were Kori and Angela. They guided me up the stairs and I noticed the blank chalk board which was part of the vision Terra had led me through--a good sign. Entering the Lily room a wave of relief washed over me. They began to undress me and Terra and JJ walked in and said, “You made it!” I beamed at them. I climbed into the tub and got on my hands and knees. It was intense because all around the tub there was a woman or Micah staring at me. I shifted to my back and Kori listened to Parker’s heartbeat. Moments later an oxygen mask was put around my mouth and nose. Kori calmly told me that Parker’s heart rate wasn’t where she wanted it to be and that it was time to really push him out. “He’s ready to be born” she said. I pushed several times grunting as I went. The midwives encouraged me not to waste my breath on grunting but to push with all my might. Terra then encouraged me to push and her energy and voice were a bit overwhelming so I told her to be quiet. And then I told everyone in the room, “Not to panic.” I could feel everyone focused on me and Parker and I wanted everyone to know that he and I were ok and that I needed the energy in the room to be taken down a notch. I heard Micah laughing behind me—apparently he thought it was funny that I should say this because never in a million years would he have imagined me saying such a thing. But it worked and I felt everyone relax and that helped me to relax.

After 10 minutes in the tub, Kori asked me to move to the bed so she could get a better sense of what Parker was doing. I didn’t want to give birth lying down but I obeyed her wishes and got out of the tub and made my way towards the bed. I stopped at the foot of the bed by the iron bed frame and pushed. He was really close and I knew it. I bent my knees in a wide stance and pushed but the pain was intense. I was was afraid to push through the pain. Terra was in front of me on the bed and Kelley beside her and everyone else behind me. I told Kelley I was afraid to push because I felt like I was going to be ripped in two. She told me that if I could push through it, Parker would arrive and that I would still be whole. I heard someone say, “You are a warrior Jen” and another person say, “You are a goddess” and it gave me strength. I believed them all and pushed while screaming through the ring of fire. I heard a baby cry and thought it was Caitlin in JJ’s arms but later found out it was Parker. I pushed again and out came his torso and a third and final push his butt was released.

Moments later I was helped to the bed where I laid down and they put Parker on my chest. And the next thought that I remember having is, “I did it. I am so proud of myself.” I must have said this out loud, over and over, many times. I was just awash in pride and joy that I was able to be courageous and give birth naturally. All those moments in my pregnancy when I doubted or had fear around natural childbirth and my ability to cope through the pain had been conquered. In those first few moments I realized that now that I had given birth to my son, I could do anything.

He was just perfect and pink and beautiful lying on my chest. I just took him in and smelled him and stared at him in amazement. The next hour was a blur of tears, phone calls, pictures, hugs and kisses from the midwives, Terra and JJ and the tenderness that only Micah and I could share as we lay on the bed and looking at our son. After eating breakfast and getting stitched up we napped and breastfed and then took a family bath. This family bath was so precious for me. I had envisioned this moment throughout my pregnancy and it did not disappoint. Parker loved the warm water and the bath felt so relaxing and soothing to me. We stayed in for a long time and just enjoyed our family time. We had dinner and then left Alma around 9pm. We got home where JJ, Joyce and Caitlin were waiting for us with balloons and smiles. JJ helped me with some breastfeeding tips and then they headed home. Micah and I fell asleep with our beautiful, perfect, boy with huge smiles on our faces.

Mother’s Day

2009-05-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

I spent my first Mother’s Day down in Southern California with my mom and step dad. I flew in the week before to celebrate my mom’s 72 birthday. We went out for steak and I embarrassed her by telling the wait staff it was her birthday…later they brought out an ice cream cake for her…so she got over her embarrassed because she LOVES ice cream. It was a fun night out and I really enjoyed spending the day with her.

The Friday before Mother’s Day my step dad brought in a box of flowers sent to my mom. I thought that my brother had sent them and eagerly hovered over her as she opened the gorgeous roses. Turns out my amazing husband sent us Mother’s Day flowers. It was a total surprise and it was lovely. The card made me cry.

Sunday, Mother’s Day, we went to a champagne brunch (sadly no bubbly for me!) at an amazing French restaurant. The food was delicious, the company divine, and the weather was beautiful. My mom and I exchanged bracelets engraved with “Moms Together” and this year’s date. I just love the bracelet so much and every time I wear it I feel connected to her. She has been such a great mom to me that I can only hope to be as good a mom to Parker as she has been to me.

Hope all you moms out there had a great Mother’s Day!

3rd Trimester Yumminess

2009-05-20T13:03:00.001-07:00

“Everyone” says that in the 3rd trimester you start to slow down, sleep a lot more and have less energy. Given that I’ve already experienced that throughout my 1st and 2nd trimester I am making the most of my 3rd trimester. I feel great! Really great. I have more energy than I’ve had in months. I’m busy running errands, doing house chores, doing baby projects and connecting with friends. I’m sleeping the best I’ve slept since being pregnant. No more am I getting up 2 or 3 times a night—just once a night and then I fall back to sleep easily. Even my naps are better!

But even though all those things are great the thing that has really made the last month so wonderful for me is that I am really starting to connect with my son. I get goose bumps just writing the words, “my son”. Maybe I feel more connected to him because I feel him all the time bumping and squirming and rolling all around inside me. I find myself talking to him a lot too just like I talk to our dog. “Parker—mommy is going to the store for some fruit? What kind of fruit do you like?” Or last week I genuinely did not feel alone when I was in the pool at my parent’s house. As I walked into the pool I could feel him squirm inside me and I told him, “Parker, this is your first swim!” I just smiled and took in the good feeling.

I have 10 weeks to go (maybe more or less) and I am making the most of it as we attend baby showers put on by dear friends, write thank you cards, wash his baby clothes, get his room ready, read labor and parenting books and just soak up the sun and enjoy the Portland spring with all it’s beautiful flowers

Pregnancy Books

2009-05-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

I’ve been reading lots of pregnancy related books—I’ve read some funny one, like Sippy Cups Aren’t for Chardonnay (thanks K), the always popular Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy and most recently I read It sucks and then I cried by Heather Armstrong. I was drawn to this book because I knew she would be writing about just how hard her pregnancy was and I wanted to commiserate with someone, even if just in written form. While the first 5 months of my pregnancy were pretty awful I knew that someone out there had to have had just as challenging if not a worse pregnancy. I thought it would make me feel better. And it did for a short while but after I finished the book I realized that I was done reading about hard luck stories and feeling sorry for myself. I didn’t realize that I was feeling sorry for myself but I was. I was giving myself permission to wallow in how hard my pregnancy has been—poor Jen who’s thrown up in every conceivable place—the grocery store, the bookstore, church, side of the road, in the woods, you get my point. After reading Armstrong’s tale, I knew that I was not alone in having a pregnancy turn out differently than I wanted but so what? What’s important is that I want to be happy and move forward so the best way to do it was to thank and bless all the moms before me and know that I am not alone but that it’s time to get off the pity party. And so I have. Just as simple as that.

Now I am reading Birthing From Within which I am really loving. It encourages creating birth art which I’ve found quiet healing. In a nutshell the book teaches laboring moms to let go and be in the moment…to loosen this idea that we can be in control and just be in the moment. The book isn’t talking about a passive birth but rather this idea that it’s more important to be in the moment with yourself than understanding what stage of labor you’re in…that’s what midwives and doctors are for. I’m also excited to start our Birthing From Within classes next month! It will be wonderful to meet other moms who are about to give birth and hear what they are thinking about and learn from them.

What are some of your favorite pregnancy and birth books?

10 Things About Being Pregnant

2009-03-30T17:06:00.001-07:00

Off the top of my head here are 10 things about being pregnant...what are you ten?

1. I can eat an entire meal and dessert and be hungry 20 minutes later

2. I now go into any store or a restaurant and find the bathroom and use it

3. I still find myself surprised to be pregnant especially when walking past mirrors sideways

4. I breathe heavy, really heavy

5. Walking upstairs winds me

6. I actually enjoy maternity clothes shopping

7. I find that I can look really cute, even sexy in some maternity clothes (dress especially)

8. I love my midwife team so so much. If I have a question or concern I can get one of my three midwives on their cell phone in less than 10 minutes...that's health care!

9. Seeing Parker's face for the first time on the ultrasound was one of the single most amazing moments of my life

10. I grow more in love with my husband every day

Learning to Surrender Part 2

2009-03-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

Being pregnant is not anything like I expected it to be. The biggest surprise for me is how weak I feel both emotionally and physically. I always viewed pregnancy (as an outsider) as a major point of power and strength for women….we are after all growing a child inside of us. And then nine months later laboring, which takes a great deal of emotional and physical strength, to bring our child into the world.

But the experience of my pregnancy has been one of waiting, constantly waiting for that strength to some how find me. This is quite victim position I know but like a surge of hormones I keep waiting for pregnancy to empower me and sweep this tide of sadness, fear, and what I can only describe as weakness from me.

I feel weak because I can barely climb a flight of stairs without being out of breath; I sleep endless hours of the day away; find myself numbed to watching only television and connecting on Facebook; cry and weep all the time; find it hard to most anything these days.

I’m in prenatal yoga classes these days with women who are working full time jobs, taking baby moons to Hawaii and all I can think of is that it’s a major accomplishment for me to make it to the damn yoga class.

Where is the old Jen who would have all her schoolwork done, a full social calendar of events, a kept up garden, a well-walked dog, thank you cards written, projects completed, and enjoying her 9 months of pregnancy? She’s no where to be found. Instead the reality is that I spend most of my days sleeping or numbing out with TV. Gone is my motivation and I don’t know what to do about it.

Just like most of my lessons this pregnancy the only real answer I can come to is that it’s suppose to be this way…even though I want something different, maybe I’m just suppose to surrender to blah feeling and just be ok with it all…this slow pace of life with few accomplishments to speak of.

Decided to write this all down cause I’m just tired of feeling like I’m the only one who feels this way. I know that out there other women have gone through this too. I am not alone even though I may feel it at times.

Learning to Surrender

2009-02-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

To be sure this pregnancy has really taught me some amazing life lessons. Granted I wasn’t necessarily ready for them but came they did…one of the biggest lessons I’ve been learning is to surrender.

When I am attached to something, and outcome or believe something should be a certain way, I suffer. This is what Buddhist have been teaching and practicing forever: attachment to form leads to suffering. For 3 or more months I’ve been attached to my pregnancy being a certain way—namely not being sick and exhausted.

The last two services at church really spoke to me about how important it is to let go of attachment and just surrender to what is. So I’ve been thinking, if God/the universe allows this pregnancy to be how it is, why can’t I? I mean how self centered of me to think that just because I want it to be different that it should. Perhaps the universe has greater lessons for me to learn that can only be taught in this manner? So slowly I’ve been surrendering to what is and finding peace in it.

I also think that learning this lesson at 4 and ½ months is a great thing because there will be more down the road for me to deal with in this pregnancy and certainly in labor and delivery.

The First 16 Weeks

2009-02-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

Each Thursday signals a new week in my pregnancy. I am now 16 weeks pregnant—four months. The last 3 months have been grueling and difficult for me. The first month I was pregnant I was finishing of my fall term—teaching and taking classes. I would struggle through the day sipping on ginger ale and eating my weight in saltines. But then I became extremely exhausted. I would go to school for one class and come home and sleep for hours. By the end of the term I was nauseous and exhausted…I barely made it to my classes and had many a close call with me and the garbage can. The last thing I wanted to do was throw up in front of my students and thankfully I never did.

Then I started having horrible nightmares—I mean horrible. Like ones where several men would break into my house and rape me in front of my husband who was struggling to break free from being tied up. It got to the point where I didn’t want to nap or go to bed at night because I would be terrorized. Thankfully with some meditation and music to fall asleep to the nightmare phase didn’t last too long.

My biggest challenge these last 3 months has been the intense nausea and vomiting. I’m not someone who really minds throwing up—there have been times when I’ve had too much to drink in my twenties and I would force myself to throw up—knowing I would feel better. My husband is the opposite. He abhors it and hasn’t done it in over a decade. He’d rather have leeches put on his skin than purge. Sadly, I’ve had no choice in the matter. I’ve literally spent the last 3 months throwing up multiple times a day. And on top of that I have to try to eat my way through this intense nausea. It has really taken its toll on my body and spirit. I’ve had days where I feel like I can’t go on and throw myself huge pity parties. Other days I tell myself that it will be over soon and force myself to keep a positive attitude.

Most women, I’m told, find a release from all this nonsense sometime around the 12 and 14th week of pregnancy. I’m at 16 weeks and have experienced only 4 days of non-purging in 3 months. Each day I try to tell myself the next day will be better.

Telling My Mom

2009-02-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

My mom already has grandchildren—lots of them—but she has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of our child. There is just something about her only daughter having a baby. During the fall term I had a long weekend break for Thanksgiving. We flew down to southern California and I could barely contain my excitement. I was so happy to get to share the news in person and not over the phone.

After hugs and kisses and putting away the luggage we all sat around the living room: me, my husband, my mom and my step dad. I asked about the grand kids and heard of soccer games and guitar lessons…I was making my opening. “So let’s see, how many grand kids do ya’ll have again?” I made like I was counting on my hands. My step dad responded quickly, “8” and with a big, proud grin. Perfect I thought. “Well” I said, “how do you feel about adding a 9th?”

They knew instantly what we were saying and jumped up and hugged and congratulated us. My mom was just beside herself with joy—she kept hugging me and saying, “My baby’s gonna have a baby.” It was just perfect and immensely special to share the news with them.

Needles and Landmines

2009-02-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

I was fearful about my ability to get pregnant. This was my rationale—I’m 37 years old and I’ve never had a pregnancy scare, ever. Never missed a period, never needed an abortion, never had a condom break. So because I was never able to confirm in my earlier years that I was fertile, I was worried that it would take me at least 6 months to get pregnant. My husband thought this was the funniest rationale ever. He’d say to me, “So you’ve been careful and safe about sex all your life so that means you aren’t able to conceive?” And I would say, “Yes, you understand” and he’d reply, “I understand that you are crazy!” And of course I understood it was wacky but it made sense to me.

So I was immensely grateful when after only one night, that’s right, one night I got pregnant. It was just an amazing confirmation that everything was ok with my body and that I wasn’t too old to have a baby.

Little did I know that this isn’t the kind of information to share freely with my women friends. I would share the amazing news and more often than not I would hear of their infertility struggles and miscarriages. Quickly I learned that many of my friends had struggled, some for years, with fertility issues. This made my experience all the more deeply humbling. I became even more grateful that I was able to conceive so quickly.

Now I’ve learned, out of respect, not to share the fertile myrtle story. The other day I was visiting my new acupuncturist for a treatment to help with my nausea and she remarked when I told her I was 15 weeks, “So now you are out of the woods”. I didn’t know what she meant. She explained, “Now you don’t have to worry about losing the baby” and without thinking I said, “Oh I’ve never been worried about losing the baby. I’ve been attracting her/him to me for years and I know she’s here to stay…so no I’ve never had fears of miscarriage.” She seemed genuinely shocked but replaced the look with a grin and said, “Good for you”.

About 20 minutes later when she’s through asking me questions and getting ready to treat me I asked her how old her child was. She had mentioned that she could relate to my intense nausea and vomiting. What she said stunned me, “I recently lost the baby last month. I was at 15 weeks.” I just felt awful and sad and felt like such a jerk for my earlier comments about not having any fear of miscarriage.

I had no idea there would be so many landmines in talking about my own experiences as a pregnant mama. Most days and times I am grateful and humbled and have learned to err on the side of not sharing certain details but sometimes it’s frustrating that I feel like I have to apologize for my own experiences.

I'm Pregnant

2009-02-07T09:43:00.001-08:00

It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged…a long time…and so much has happened in the world (President Obama!) and in my own little world (I’m pregnant). My husband and I have been talking about having kids for many years and in 2008 we started to get serious about it. We talked timetables, money, and I shared my fears of not being able to get pregnant. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. I got pregnant on our first try! WOW.

That was at the end of October. A few days later I began to feel a stitch in my ribcage that wouldn’t go away…somehow I just knew I was pregnant. I began to feel every little thing-stretches, pulls, everything. My husband thought that perhaps I was just tuned in to my body and that I was experiencing ovulation. I’ve been ovulating for a long time and I knew this wasn’t it.

I tried to get the idea of my mind and just live my life until the 2 weeks went by when I could pee on a stick…but it’s all I could think about. I jumped the gun, like many women I’m sure, and took 2 pregnancy tests at before the two week window. That nearly convinced my husband that I wasn’t but I knew I was. I made a pact with myself. I would wait another few days and on Saturday morning I would try the last pregnancy test. It was an instant read—within moments the screen announced “pregnant”!!!! I began screaming, laughing, and crying—all at once.
My husband and I hugged and hugged and hugged some more and looked at the test stick together—we were grinning ear from ear. We had made a baby

Congratulations Secretary of State Clinton

2008-12-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

I've always been big fans of the Clintons. I thought that as a President, Bill Clinton moved our country forward in the right (left!) direction and his second term in office displayed the powerful right wing agenda. Until Kenneth Starr and others I was naive to the working of the right wing. So while it was painful to watch Bill and Hillary be torn down, one gate at a time, I began to see how politics really worked.

As much as I've liked Bill, I've loved Hillary twice as much. I read her autobiography and followed her bid and work as NY Sentor. So of course I was behind her all the way when she announced her bid for the presidency. I poured over her campaign documents, watched her interviewed, and was glued to every debate. I even had a chance to see her live at a rally here in Oregon--that was a thrill for me.

I was of course devastated like millions of other Americans who voted for her when she lost to the party's nomination to now President Elect Barack Obama.

Many asked if I wanted her to be appointed as VP. No. I never did. I hoped and wanted either Secretary of State or for a new post to be created for her--Health Care Czar or something along those lines.

I am thrilled beyond belief that Clinton has accepted the post of Secretary of State. I think President Elect Obama showed tremendous wisdom in nominating her and I could not be happier. Join me in congratulating Clinton by sending her a note.

End Rocklessness

2008-12-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

This is my most favorite organziation to support, of all time: The Rock N' Roll Camp for Girls. I've been volunteering for them for a few years now and just love the work they do to empower girls thru music and music education. End rocklessness now..support RNRC4G!

Tori's New Album Comes Out Next Spring

2008-12-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

I have always been a huge, HUGE fan of Tori Amos. From the first time I heard her voice on Little Earthquakes back in 1993 I'm been hooked. I seen her perform multiple times, worship her, and pretty much think she is the best thing since sliced bread. Her music has been the soundtrack to my life in many ways. I can remember where I was when I heard certain songs for the first time. I remember vividly waiting in line to buy her albums at midnight and of course remember so much about her amazing live performances.

This is a news release put out a few days ago by her record label:

NEW ALBUM ACCOMPANIED BY GROUNDBREAKING NEW VISUAL COMPONENT DUE IN SPRING/SUMMER OF ‘09

(New York, NY) Innovative; influential; poetic; bombastic - indefinable multiple Grammy nominee, Tori Amos, has teamed up with Universal Republic Records, it was announced today by Monte Lipman, Co-President and COO of Universal Republic Records. “We’re honored to welcome Tori Amos into the Universal Republic family,” stated Mr. Lipman. “It was Doug Morris (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music) who originally signed Ms. Amos to her first recording deal, and we’re excited that they will be able to continue their association via Universal Republic. Tori has always exemplified the truest spirit of the independent artist, blazing a path for nearly two decades with a legacy of incomparable conceptual breakthroughs; as singer/songwriter; as social commentator; and as one of our most thought provoking visual performers. We’re thrilled to be in a position to help facilitate the next chapter of her amazing career.”

In a unique venture in keeping with Ms. Amos’ and Universal Republic’s unconventional approach to the artist/record company relationship, the two powerhouses have joined forces to jointly navigate Ms. Amos next release, as well as correlate other ventures in tandem with Ms. Amos’ prolific creative output. Her upcoming Universal Republic debut (her tenth studio album), is currently scheduled for a late spring/early summer 2009 unveiling. Every track on the album will be accompanied by a corresponding ‘visualette,’ featuring footage that has been captured over the past year. Shot in HD and Super 8, the visualettes will incorporate a documentary style. “Tori is very much looking forward to a fulfilling creative relationship with Monte Lipman and the great team he has assembled at Universal Republic,” stated John Witherspoon, Amos’ manager, “The intricate development of this unique Audio Visual component to Tori’s musical presentation, which she has been crafting through her own Galactic Media company, is indicative of the outlier creative and strategic opportunities both Tori and Universal Republic hope to build upon in this extraordinary relationship.”

Ms. Amos’ most recent album, American Doll Posse, which has been hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as ‘her best album in years,’ was released in 2007 to a chorus of rave reviews. The captivating album, like many of her previous efforts, was tethered to a strong conceptual theme, with Ms. Amos inhabiting multiple archetypal female personae, a testament to her willingness to continue to challenge the thematic landscape and emotional currency of the female singer/songwriter.

With more than 12 million albums sold, and commanding a significant and uniquely loyal audience from the rock, pop, alternative, and under-the-radar regions of the music world, Ms. Amos has influenced a new generation of artists in a myriad of platforms. Most recently, she was the catalyst for a one-of-a-kind anthology chronicling her career, the 500 page Graphic Novel, Comic Book Tattoo, featuring stunning visual interpretations of her songs by more than 80 artists, (including an introduction by friend and creative influence artist Neil Gaiman, creator of the Sandman series).

Regarded as one of the most compelling and emotionally fearless live artists in music today, her American Doll Posse World Tour, launched in the summer of 2007, saw her soar with her first full-fledged rock band in nearly a decade. Media platforms such as the BBC lauded both her live show and album as ‘returning Tori Amos back to the forefront of a genre she defined...still pushing her own boundaries.’

Her genre-shattering breakthrough in the early 1990s, including 1991’s ‘Me And A Gun’ EP, and 1992’s masterwork, Little Earthquakes, single-handedly revived the piano-and-singer motif in rock music. Little Earthquakes went on to sell more than 3 million albums worldwide, with subsequent Grammy nominated albums such as Under The Pink (1994), 1996’s Boys For Pele, 2001’s Strange Little Girls, and 2002’s Scarlet’s Walk continuing to explore broader themes.
Known for her extraordinary repertoire, groundbreaking videos and astounding visual transformations, an assortment of compilations have been intermittently released the past few years, including, A Piano: The Collection, a Rhino Records 5 Box set of classics, rarities, and never-before-released gems adroitly re-capping her career, a DVD compilation of signature Amos videos, Fade To Red in 2006, and 2008’s Live At Montreaux, a DVD release featuring the singer/songwriter’s earliest performances at the festival in 1991/1992. In conjunction with her American Doll Posse Tour, Ms. Amos oversaw the release of the web-compatible Legs And Boots series, a complete collection of shows available for downloading, culled from her North American live trek.

Nominated for multiple awards, including ten Grammy’s, Ms. Amos has been working on a musical for London’s British National Theatre called The Light Princess tentatively scheduled to debut in 2010.

My Favorite Feminist Music: What's Yours?

2008-11-22T21:38:00.001-08:00

Recently feministing.com did a top ten list and asked folks for their faves. Check it out here. So it got me thinking...what would be on my top ten? The list if constantly changing but today it's this:

1. Le Tigre--Hot Topic

2. Tori Amos--Fat Slut

3. Dar Williams--When I Was a Boy

4. The Gossip--Standing in the Way of Control

5. Sleater-Kinney--Little Babies

6. Madonna-What it Feels Like For a Girl

7. Scissor Sisters--Filty Gorgeous

8. Ani Difranco--Blood in the Boardroom

9. Natlie Merchant--Motherland

10. Liz Phair--Fuck and Run

What about you?...Post away!

Transgeneration

2008-11-22T21:28:00.000-08:00

For the Sexualities class that I'm mentoring this term, we showed an episode of Transgeneration. I highly recommend this documentary that follows the lives of four transexuals, in college, who are all in various stages of taking hormones, having sex re-assignment surgery, and in general just figuring it all out. I think it's really well done and helps answer questions for people about the difference between gender (mind) and sex (body). Our class seemed to enjoy it and hopefully learned something from it. I was hooked instantly and took the disc home and watched the remaining 5 episodes the next day. It's hard to not fall in love with, relate to, and have compassion for the women and men going through this life changing experience. I highly recommend it.

Great Article on Obama and Clinton

2008-11-22T21:23:00.001-08:00

This NY Times article gives a good account of the relationship between Obama and Clinton leading up to him asking her to be his Secretary of State. Here is an excerpt:

"The thaw in the resentful relationship between the most powerful woman in the Democratic Party and her younger male rival began at the party’s convention this summer, when Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton gave such a passionate speech supporting Senator Barack Obama that his top aides leapt out of their chairs backstage to give her a standing ovation as she swept past.

Mr. Obama, who was in the first steps of what would become a strategic courtship, called afterward to thank her. By then, close aides to Mrs. Clinton said, she had come to respect the campaign Mr. Obama had run against her. At the least, she knew he understood like no one else the brutal strains of their epic primary battle."

By this past Thursday, when Mr. Obama reassured Mrs. Clinton that as secretary of state she would have direct access to him and could select her own staff, the wooing was complete.
“She feels like she’s been treated very well in the way she’s been asked,” said a close associate of Mrs. Clinton, who like others interviewed asked for anonymity because the nomination will not be formally announced until after Thanksgiving.

Michelle Brings the New Everywoman to White House

2008-11-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

This is taken directly from women's enews:

By C. Nicole MasonWeNews commentator

(WOMENSENEWS)--Is she more Jackie Kennedy or more Hilary Clinton? Is she a feminist or isn't she? Will she have an agenda of her own or champion causes identified by her husband on the campaign trail? Will women of all races and classes be able to identify with her?

As Michelle Obama stepped into her role as first lady this week with that ceremonial visit with the Bushes at the White House, she's already offered a few clues.

So far I see her as having a little bit of Jackie--graceful, elegant and stylish--with a hint of Hillary--independent, brilliant and ambitious.

She doesn't describe herself as a feminist but says that if you laid out a feminist agenda, she would agree with a large portion of it.

She is an all-American woman, yes. But her all-American-ness is shaped by her experience as an African American.

In other words, no matter what comparisons may be drawn, she will be like no other before. Because there is no map or historic reference point for how to be the first African American first lady, Michelle will have the opportunity to define the position on her own terms and provide a rare national glimpse into the everyday lives of an African American middle-class family.

As a professional, a mother and a wife, she will also have the opportunity to expand the limited representation of black women in the dominant culture beyond stereotypes and cliches. As a woman, she will be able to articulate the day-to-day concerns of all women.

What makes her so intriguing is the extent to which women across race and class can identify with her. She is the new everywoman.

Her Struggles Seem Like Ours
Her struggles and concerns seem like ours: How to create work-life balance. How to raise two healthy children. How to make choices that are both good for you and for your family. And until about four years ago--before the explosion of the sales of Barack Obama's biography--how to make ends meet. From the supermarket cashier to the professor to the single woman without children, every woman can see a piece of herself reflected by Michelle.

She is also real. When asked about her favorite recipe, Michelle replied, "You know, cooking isn't one of my things." Unconcerned by the probable gasp from baking mothers across the country, she went on to say, "My view on this stuff is I'm just trying to be myself, trying to be as authentic as I can be. I can't pretend to be somebody else."

As first lady, Michelle will have the opportunity to define for a nation what it means to be a Millennium Mother: where cooking is an option, co-parenting is the order of the day and career ambition is a good thing.

For African American women and women of color, Michelle's move to the White House is particularly sweet.

One of Us
She is one of us.
While many have argued that Barack Obama transcends race by virtue of his biracial background and time spent living outside the United States, Michelle's identity is more pinned down.

She grew up in a working-class African American family and community on the South Side of Chicago in post-civil rights America as a black woman. All that will no doubt inform her perspective and choices.

It will also allow the country a chance to see the many sides of who we are as women.
On the campaign trail Michelle was often a surrogate for her husband and was able to clearly articulate the issues and concerns of Americans from health care to the current economic crisis.
As first ladies go, Michelle is among the youngest, most educated and most accomplished. An Ivy League-educated lawyer with a background in public service, she will carry not only experience but a deep understanding of a diverse range of issues to her new post.

Some have wondered if Michelle will bring her own agenda to the table or assume the role of a more traditional first lady, such as Nancy Reagan or Laura Bush.

Champion of Working Mothers
I believe she will have the opportunity to do and be both. While she has made it clear that her priorities are her children and her family, she is equally clear about her commitment to champion causes facing working women and mothers. Publicly she has stated she will fight for working women and figure out how to make sure our policies are structured in a way that supports that work-life balance, whether it's more family leave from paid work or better health care.

The key for her will be to strike a balance, which as mother and professional she can do with her eyes closed.

As wife of the nation's first African American president, Michelle Obama will have to contend with her own first: being an African American first lady.

In speaking about her undergraduate experience at Princeton she wrote, "I often felt out of place on college campus and as if I really didn't belong." As first lady, she faces a similar kind of challenge, because while there may have been only a few blacks at Princeton, she is now preparing to occupy a space never visited before by an African American woman. The difference this time around is that she will be able to draw on those previous experiences for perspective.
As first lady, Michelle will blaze a new path and redefine the position. To be successful all she has to do is be herself and the nation will follow her lead.

C. Nicole Mason, Ph.D., is a political scientist and the executive director of the Women of Color Policy Network at the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University. She is also a senior research fellow at the National Council for Research on Women.

Clinton in the White House???

2008-11-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

I can hardly wait. President elect Obama has asked Hilliary Clinton to become his Secretary of State.

I. Am. So. Friggin. Excited.

Rally for Oregon Rights

2008-11-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

Rebecca and I had a lovely breakfast this morning at Cup and Saucer and headed over to PSU for the Oregon Rights Rally. Here are the picture highlights:

Women Supported Obama, Will He Return The Favor?

2008-11-13T08:39:00.000-08:00

Money Dries Up to Push Women for Obama Cabinet
By Allison StevensWashington Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON (WOMENSENEWS)--As President-elect Barack Obama mulls over potential Cabinet picks, women's rights advocates are scrambling to make up for an unexpected shortage of cash to fund a push for female appointees.

"It's late in the game but we're really confident we're going to do this," said Kim Otis, head of the National Council of Women's Organizations, an umbrella group of women's rights groups in Washington, D.C.

The council has for many years worked with the National Women's Political Caucus to mount the Women's Appointments Project, a public relations campaign to pressure incoming presidents to put women in executive posts.

But in an economically pinched year, funding has so far failed to arrive, a blow at a time when hopes for gender parity in government are higher than ever.

"We are continuing to seek funding," Otis said. "It's such an important time for getting half the population to be represented in this new administration."

One major backer has been the Barbara Lee Family Foundation in Cambridge, Mass., a philanthropy that supports programs aimed at increasing women's representation in politics, public policy and the news media.

But this year, Lee focused on electing--rather than appointing--women to office.
"It is my hope that President-elect Barack Obama is committed to diversity in his appointments, including women in key and visible administrative posts," she said.
Still Time to Secure Funding

Otis and other advocates have not given up; Obama was elected only a week ago, and there is still time to secure funding for the appointments project before he puts together his Cabinet and makes hires for other key administrative posts.

But they are preparing a Plan B in case they don't get funding. She and other allies in the women's rights movement plan to hash out their strategy at meetings over the next week.
"Money is not going to get in our way," said Ellie Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority Foundation, a women's rights lobby in Arlington, Va.

Smeal said women's rights groups are more organized than ever and have new communications tools at their disposal. One possibility would be an online site that would collect recommendations from grassroots women's activists around the country.
Otis' organization, an umbrella group in Washington, has collaborated since 2000 with the National Women's Political Caucus--a political action committee in Washington, D.C., that works to elect pro-choice women to political office--to oversee the project. Before that, the Women's Caucus led the effort on its own.

The first appointments project came after the resignation of Richard Nixon, whose 31 Cabinet positions were all male, according to a history gathered by the two groups that oversee the project.

Project Re-Launched Every Four Years
Advocates have re-launched the project every four years since then.
President Clinton set the standing record by appointing 10 women to Cabinet-level positions during his two terms in office. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Attorney General Janet Reno held two of what are regarded as the Cabinet's four most important posts: the department heads of State, Justice, Defense and Treasury.

President George W. Bush asked eight women to serve in his Cabinet, including Condoleezza Rice, the first African American woman to serve as secretary of state.

Progressive political journal In These Times published a list of Cabinet recommendations that was evenly divided among men and women this week.

Author and activist Rianne Eisler and Linda Basch, president of the National Council for Research on Women, a think tank in New York, have also put out calls for gender equity in government appointments.

"As you roll up your sleeves and consult your most trusted allies about creating a team to take this country into a more secure future, I ask you to keep something in mind: the interests of the women who played such a decisive part in your election," Basch wrote in an open letter to Obama published on the online news site AlterNet.

Women Came Through for Obama
On Election Day, 56 percent of women cast their ballots for Obama versus 49 percent of men, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in New Brunswick.

Smeal is confident women's advocates will have a receptive audience in Obama's team.
Policy advisers such as Karen Kornbluh, who is advising Obama on women's policy during the transition, "understand these issues from A to Z," Smeal said. "They're brilliant and there's a real commitment."

Obama has not yet made any nominations for the Cabinet.

Two prominent women under discussion for the Treasury Department are Republican Sheila
Bair, chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which insures bank deposits up to $250,000; and Laura D'Andrea Tyson, who chaired the Council of Economic Advisers under President Clinton.

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton has been mentioned as a possible secretary of state.

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and ex-Justice Department official Jamie Gorelick are reportedly under consideration to head up the Department of Justice.

News reports have also played up Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas as a possible head of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Media speculation about the next national security adviser has included the names of women such as Harvard professor Samantha Power and foreign policy expert Susan Rice. Rice and Caroline Kennedy, who headed up Obama's vice presidential search, are also mentioned as possible ambassadors to the United Nations.

Apart from Rice and Napolitano, women on Obama's economic and transition teams include long-time friend Valerie Jarrett; ex-Environmental Protection Agency chief Carol Browner; Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm; Ann Mulcahy, the chair and CEO of Xerox; and Penny Pritzker, CEO of Classic Residence by Hyatt. All of them could find work in the next administration.

At the top of a short list of names that many women's rights advocates want removed is that of Larry Summers, the former president of Harvard University who resigned after suggesting that women were not as successful in math and science because of innate differences between the sexes. He is reportedly under consideration for treasury secretary.

"Women played a large role in getting Obama elected," said Bernice Sandler, a senior scholar at the Women's Research and Education Institute in Washington, D.C., who is known as the Godmother of Title IX, the law guaranteeing equality to girls and women in sports and education. "It just would be a shame if one of his first major appointments was someone who said nasty things about women."

Allison Stevens is Washington bureau chief at Women's eNews.

Olbermann's Comments on Gay Marriage

2008-11-12T11:40:00.000-08:00

This is Keith Olbermann's response to Prop 8. I love it when I see a straight man tear up about gay rights and on television no less! But there is one thing, he says he doesn't know any gay people...really Keith? You should get out more. This commentary is beautiful, moving, and wonderful...read the transcript here or watch the video here. (Thanks to Kati!)

Fight for Gay Rights

2008-11-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

Join thousands (maybe millions!) of Americans this Saturday November 15th as we all join together across this land to protest the stripping of gay rights. Click here for your city. If you are in Portland, come to PSU campus at 10:30am. See you there.

Meeting A Legend, Meeting Cherrie Moraga

2008-11-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

Fifteen years ago when I was an undergrad, I took a Feminist Theory and Methods course and we read, This Bridge Called My Back: Writing By Radical Women of Color edited by Moraga and Anzaldua. This book was the first of it’s kind for me—women of color talking about their experiences of sexism, racism, and homophobia. I was in such a deep hole of sadness while discovering feminism—it was all just too fucking depressing to have my eyes opened and see all this oppression. But this book woke me up to the suffering and injustice faced by women and color and snapped me back from self pity into the realization that I have it pretty good as a white woman.

Fast forward to last week

Last Thursday my faculty partner and I decided to have our Intro to WS class go here Cherrie Moraga speak rather than attend class. It was a tough decision because each class time is precious because there is so much to get through. But I’m so glad we made the choice we did.

The program was to start at 7 and it was 6 so I decided with an hour to go I should grab some dinner. I headed up Broadway and was planning on grabbing a cheap burrito. But then I began arguing with myself about getting Thai food from across the street. It was a pretty funny conversation back and forth in my head: “Burritos are cheap go there.” “But something’s telling me to get chicken yellow curry.” “You always get chicken yellow curry.” “I know but I really want it tonight.” “Ok fine.”

I am so grateful that the Thai restaurant won out because I walked in and low and behold I saw the WS department chair and other teachers and students sitting with Cherrrie Moraga! I went over and my chair was gracious and introduced me and invited me to stay for dinner. It was so neat to sit and listen to Cherrie talk about her life and the recent Prop 8 ballot measure in California. It was so nice to be at a table of other women who agree with what I’ve been feeling all along—Barack Obama is not progressive and radical enough for us. We all expressed our happiness that he’d won but still had our concerns.

After dinner we headed back to campus where she read from her soon to be published book and answers questions. It was such a great evening. I hope my students enjoyed it and got something out of it. I thought she was phenomenonal and it’s special to meet someone who had such an impact on my feminist upbringing.

If you don't know about Cherrie's work, I encourage you to read her work, visit her website, and prepare for having your mind expanded!

News Of The Weird

2008-11-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

This is taken directly from NOTW:

"Recent research in the Journal of Economic Analysis and Policy sheds light on the thorny social issue of why females continue to earn less money than males, even in similar jobs. Competing hypotheses have been advanced: It's either gender discrimination or simply that more women than men de-emphasize career aggressiveness in favor of family. The recent research suggests discrimination. Researchers found that females who were established in jobs and who then underwent sex changes actually increased their earnings slightly, but that males who became females lost about one-third of their earning power, according to an October summary of the research in Time magazine" [Time, 10-3-08]

It’s A Small Thing But It’s My Thing

2008-11-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

Since so many of my friends are married to their partners in California and last week the state voted to take away their rights, I have decided in a small gesture of solidarity to not wear my wedding rings. Many years ago I came out as bi—over 10 years ago in fact. And I knew that I would either settled down with a man or a woman but wasn’t sure which. I knew that I wanted that lifelong partnership with someone. I happened to fall in love with a man and we decided that we wanted to get married. I’m sure I knew at the time how privileged I was to able to be able to marry, but now I’m made even more aware, as I watch my friends, some who have been partnered up over 20 years, have their rights taken away and their love and marriage annulled. I believe in time we will see gay rights as human rights. Hell, we have yet to see women’s rights as human rights. In the meantime I know my gesture won’t win gays our/their rights back, but it will serve as a reminder that we still have a long way to go.

Siren Nation

2008-11-11T22:53:00.000-08:00

This past weekend wrapped up a week of Siren Nation events. Siren Nation is a women’s art and music festival that was started here in Portland last year. I volunteered last year at the 1st annual festival held at The Wonder Ballroom. This year my friends from Felina’s Arrow played and stole the show on Saturday night. They were amazing and should have played 3 or 4th in the lineup rather than first! Poeina and Felicia put on an amazing set with a harpist, my friend Sara played drums, Nicole was one of their backup singers, they had a stand up bass and violins….they even had two dancers (go Gabe!) perform a modern piece. Amazing! The audience enjoyed them so much they got a standing ovation—that didn’t happen again at the festival and it didn’t happen last year. It was really special to watch them do such a great job.

I had never heard of The Trucks let alone see them perform and they were hilarious and my friends and I had a ball laughing and dancing to their music. If you don’t know these gals, check them out.
And because I’m Jen I had a huge insight on Friday night about white culture. Because I am a privileged white woman I have been conditioned to see my whiteness as the norm and therefore all culture is white culture unless otherwise stated. So I’ve been trying to understand what white culture looks like and how it’s created. Well I got to see it live and in action when Northern State played. It was painful to watch the headlining act of 3 white woman rap. RAP. Seriously painful. But eye opening in a I’m-a-feminist-who-likes-to-understand-white-privilege-kind-of-way.

Siren Nation also held workshops and a marketplace. I didn’t attend any workshops because I was busy with schoolwork but I took some time out on Sunday after church to head over to The Kennedy School for the marketplace. My husband and I ran into lots of people we knew and I purchased a gorgeous necklace made from flatware!

If you are interested in supporting the event next year as a volunteer or coming to the events go to the website and sign up for information. It’s a great way to support the local arts and women—activism was never easier.

More Thoughts on the Election and Throwing Sarah Palin Under the Bus

2008-11-11T19:12:00.000-08:00

Wow what an amazing week it’s been—it’s been one week exactly that we as a nation elected Senator Obama to the office of President of the United States. I’ve been paying close attention and have some things I want to share

This whole idea that because we have elected the first African American man we as a nation have transcended race is completely ridiculous. Yes it’s a huge step forward—an amazing thing—but I’m so tired of hearing pundits and reporters saying that now there’s no excuse for black women and men not to succeed because Barack did. This notion that we have moved beyond race completely ignores the very real fact that racism does actually exists. One Black President does not change that. Soon we’ll be even more blame from the White community that Blacks should stop complaining about pay inequity, racial profiling of jobs, homes, and that driving while black is just a made up name. Yes this is amazing this turn of history but let’s remember that we still have a long way to go.

Why aren’t we saying bi-racial? He was born to a white woman and an black father.

Boo-Hiss to the two, White, women on The Today Show, who the morning after the election said how much they liked Michelle Obama because she was unlike Hillary Clinton because they can tell that Michelle doesn’t want to be President like Clinton did. They cited the fact that since Michelle Obama hasn’t been vocal about having an agenda or stated that she is going to focus on her family that thankfully she’ll be a more traditional First Lady. Yes because another strong, powerful, political mind in the White House is a bad thing especially when she’s a mad, black woman. I’m so tired of this sexist crap passing as commentary.

Here is Alice Walker’s letter to President Elect Obama

I have several family members who voted for McCain and I’m thrilled that my mom wasn’t one of them. Throughout the last few years (years!) of this campaign we have remained civil and respectful. But then election night came and I heard one family member proclaim: “Only morons vote for Osama” That’s right she calls him Osama. I usually don’t try to resist the urge to go there with my family—I’m more than happy to talk politics even if it gets messy but this is one conversation I just don’t want to have. It just smells doesn’t it? Osama…oh that's just nasty and let's face it, racist.

This election helped and Women Win Big

And finally Sarah Palin—I know I said I wouldn’t blog about her anymore but I think it’s awful what her now late campaign strategists are doing to her. Since the election McCain campaign aids have been saying that Palin didn’t know that Africa was a continent and that she was in fact stupid and they were trying to hide it and on and on and on. I don’t know why I’m surprised that she’s become the scapegoat—I should have seen it coming, because, she is a woman after all. Yet another reason I dislike the Republicans—they eat their own. Here is an excerpt from a fascinating article from The Nation on her impact on feminism:

“So the first way Palin was good for feminism is that she helped us clarify what it isn't: feminism doesn't mean voting for "the woman" just because she's female, and it doesn't mean confusing self-injury with empowerment, like the Ellen Jamesians in The World According to Garp (I'll vote for the forced-childbirth candidate, that'll show Howard Dean!). It isn't just feel-good "you go, girl" appreciation of female moxie, which I cheerfully acknowledge Palin has by the gallon.”

For the rest of the article go here. And here you can find a list of articles written recently talking about Palin and the media on FlowTV.

Where Were You When You Heard the News?

2008-11-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

The question that so many people have been asking and will continue to ask throughout the decades: “Where were you when you heard the news that Senator Barack Obama became the President of the United States?” I was in my Intro to Women Studies class on Tuesday November 4th, 2008. Mentor session group #3 was doing a presentation on the 3rd Wave of Feminism and around 8pm everyone’s phones started buzzing and vibrating with texts. Vicki and I asked for someone to tell us what happened—of course we already knew—we knew that he had taken Ohio and Pennsylvania and that it was only a matter of time. But still, I wanted to hear it. Students yelled the news that Obama had won and we cheered. Our inside cheering matched the outside cheering and then we sought to settle ourselves for another fifteen minutes so that the presentation could continue. Once class ended I checked my phone and I had a text from my husband echoing the good news. Moments later he picked me up and as we drove to our friend’s house for the celebration. In the car I heard the tail end of McCain’s gracious concession speech. He knew it was coming. I heard the sadness and tears in his voice.

Once at our friend’s house we hugged and exclaimed. We waited patiently (10 minutes or so) until Barack, Michelle and the girls took the stage. What a moment to see the new First Family before us. Only later did I think about the fact that they all wore red—intentional I believe to begin the long fight towards unity and reconciliation with the Republicans who were of course disappointed.

His speech didn’t wow me as much as the faces in Grant Park: Jesse Jackson’s tear stained face, Oprah’s eyes welling up, and the millions of Americans who deeply resonated with this new truth that yes we can have the America we want. It will take hard work and time but together with all of us working we can create the future: energy independence, ending the war, reviving our economy and so much more.

These are the images I will remember for years to come:

Not a Citizen = Not Paying Taxes

2008-11-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

I love Melissa Etheridge's response to Prop 8 passing...Check it out here.

Proud Day

2008-11-06T16:26:00.002-08:00

I was talking to my mom this morning, who lives in California, and she was telling me how she voted on the propositions. She said, "Jen, you'll be happy to know that I voted against Prop 8." And she was right. I was so proud and happy to know that this feministy daughter of hers (and sometimes thorn in her side) has made an impact on her politics. While I couldn't convince her to vote for Senator Obama she didn't vote Republican. I at least take some comfort in that. She's a life long Republican but ironically a woman who's made her living in the arts and was one of the working poor, raising two kids for decades. And still she saw herself as a Republican. Go figure.

So back to Prop 8--the measure to ban gay marriage--she said that she voted against it because she knew that I have lots of gay friends who are married and wants them to stay married. She also pointed to Ellen's recent wedding to Portia and the fact that "she was glowing...I've never seen her happier...so why shouldn't we let them get married." She also said she voted against Prop 8 because of my Dad who was a bisexual.

Everyday I'm proud of my mom--she was a single mom for decades who still lived her dream and opened up ballet schools wherever we lived and loved me fiercely--but today I'm especially proud that my mom, who would never consider herself a gay-rights supporter--just voted like one.

Proud Day`

2008-11-06T16:26:00.001-08:00

Good Luck With the Lawsuit Update

2008-11-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

This is directly from feministing.com:

Columbia University filed a motion to dismiss the suit brought against is by anti-feminist crusader Roy Den Hollander, former Feministing "Anti-feminist dumb ass of the day," who claims that the university's Women's Studies Dept. is "a bastion of bigotry against men." Next on Hollander's to-sue list: African American Studies (biased against white people), Judaic Studies (an affront to Christians) and Computer Science (offensive to typewriters).

Congratulations President Obama

2008-11-04T22:30:00.003-08:00

2008-11-04T22:30:00.001-08:00