Femininity..!?

More Plastic Surgery

2009-11-03T12:18:00.002-06:00

Read this and tell me this didn't make you think "wow douche bag"

Linky

I hate this part:

" "When I first met Cany, she had physical deficiencies..." Wtf! So she went from an A cup to an F. Is having an A cup a physical deficiency now?

But she is happy now. Sad that you have to get all that done to be happy with yourself in this world now.

Plastic Surgery

2009-11-03T11:39:00.003-06:00

Aww, this makes me really sad. Linky

"Girls as young as seven would like to change something about their appearance and half of 16 to 21-year-olds would consider surgery to achieve their perfect body, a study has revealed.

The research, carried out by Girlguiding UK, shows that 95 per cent of 16 to 21-year-olds would change their bodies, with 33 per cent saying they wanted to be thinner and around a quarter of 16 to 21-year-olds said they would consider resorting to cosmetic surgery."

Admittedly, I have heavily considered surgery since I was maybe 13 and let everything get to me and realized how ugly I am. I still think about it often. I have links saved, and done a lot of research, and a separate savings account towards saving for my cosmetic surgery. I hate that I feel this way.

Children Pageants

2009-10-28T09:58:00.002-05:00

Not going to get into it really, but basically children beauty pageants = pure evil. No doubt about!

Lately though there have been a quite few reality shows on this lifestyle, usually centered around some child pageant contestants. A show like Toddlers & Tiaras for example. Scary. I don't watch the show myself and everything that has to do with these pageants is bad, but I was a bit shocked and grossed out when I heard and watched a clip that a mother had put her 8 year old girl on a crash diet because she could not fit into the dress that was custom made for her when she was a bit younger. The child just grew. She did not gain weight. Even if she had, wtf, why would you put your 8 year old on a crash diet when her health is no where of concern, but for pure aesthetic reasons only? Creepy.

Linky

Disovery of 7 Year Old Girl's Body.

2009-10-28T09:54:00.001-05:00

This sorta stuff makes me cry every time I read it or hear about. I'm always shocked at how a person could ever do this. I always ask "why?" and "how could they?" It's just unreal and disgusting. But this is real and this is the disgusting truth: Link

Republians For Rape

2009-10-28T08:55:00.005-05:00

Not sure if anyone has been following but, Al Franken, a U.S. senator had an amendment processed that would restrict companies from demanding private arbitration and using employee contracts as an excuse to prevent being sued when it comes to keeping sexual assault/rape and discrimination out of court. Jamie Leigh Jones, a woman that was ganged raped by her fellow co-workers and even had to undergo reconstructive surgery could not sue or obtain a case in court. Basically the sick rapists and company were safe, because within her employee contract the company (KBR) mandated private arbitration, so justice was never served. This woman spent years trying to get her case.

Here's a background on what Jamie Jones had to endure:
"When she awoke the next morning still affected by the drug, she found her body naked and severely bruised, with lacerations to her vagina and anus, blood running down her leg, her breast implants ruptured, and her pectoral muscles torn – which would later require reconstructive surgery. Upon walking to the rest room, she passed out again." Jones' account was confirmed by U.S. Army physician Jodi Schultz. Schultz gave the rape kit she used to gather evidence from Jones to KBR/Halliburton security forces, after which the rape kit disappeared. It was recovered two years later, but missing crucial photographs and notes. Jones was confined by armed guards to a shipping container containing only a bed, under the orders of her employer, KBR. She says she was denied food, water, and medical treatment. After approximately one day, says Jones, a sympathetic guard gave her a cell phone and she called her father, Tom, who in turn contacted Representative Ted Poe who contacted the State Department. Agents were dispatched from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and removed Jones from KBR custody"

Raped, held captive, and then the evidence disappears. Then she has to deal with a fine print in her contract saying she can't sue if she were raped. How messed up is this?

So Senator Al Franken went ahead and made this amendment and added it to the Defense Appropriations bill to help people like Jamie. It did pass, but the interesting thing was that all the people who voted No to pass this were all Republicans. I don't really care what political party you're a part of, but WTF?

Thus, the Republicans For Rape blog was born. Link

Jon Stewart had some things to say too: Linky

Finally, and best of all, this vid of Senator Al Franken during testimony. Linky

Too Fat?

2009-10-28T08:49:00.001-05:00

Model too big for clothes..?

Target Women

2009-10-28T08:40:00.000-05:00

Rape.

2009-10-28T08:22:00.004-05:00

I want to throw up.

A gang rape of a young girl. Not only was she beaten, robbed, and rapped, but many who seen the act -- watched, mocked, and participated.
Link

Vid- Misogyny

2009-08-31T20:39:00.000-05:00

War Against Terr-...oh. Birth Control

2009-08-05T22:27:00.002-05:00

Click for vid

Update on Afghan Law

2009-04-16T21:37:00.001-05:00

counter-protesters ... grrrr
Linky

Target Women

2009-04-03T23:26:00.000-05:00

:( New Laws- Afghanistan

2009-03-31T23:16:00.001-05:00

Makes me want to cry. So depressing.

Link

"U.S.-backed Afghani President Hamid Karzai is poised to issue a law on women's rights that the UN Development Fund for Women has warned against and a female Parliamentarian calls "worse than during the Taliban." The law would legalize marital rape; require women to seek their husband's permission to leave the house; additionally mean that women obtain their husband's permission to see a doctor, go to school or work; and eliminate the child custody rights of women in the event of divorce or widowhood."

A Thousand Splendid Suns

2009-03-24T22:29:00.002-05:00

Good book.

A Thousand Splendid Suns
Fiction.

"Afghan-American novelist Hosseini follows up his bestselling The Kite Runner with another searing epic of Afghanistan in turmoil. The story covers three decades of anti-Soviet jihad, civil war and Taliban tyranny through the lives of two women. Mariam is the scorned illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman, forced at age 15 into marrying the 40-year-old Rasheed, who grows increasingly brutal as she fails to produce a child. Eighteen later, Rasheed takes another wife, 14-year-old Laila, a smart and spirited girl whose only other options, after her parents are killed by rocket fire, are prostitution or starvation. Against a backdrop of unending war, Mariam and Laila become allies in an asymmetrical battle with Rasheed, whose violent misogyny—"There was no cursing, no screaming, no pleading, no surprised yelps, only the systematic business of beating and being beaten"—is endorsed by custom and law. Hosseini gives a forceful but nuanced portrait of a patriarchal despotism where women are agonizingly dependent on fathers, husbands and especially sons, the bearing of male children being their sole path to social status. His tale is a powerful, harrowing depiction of Afghanistan, but also a lyrical evocation of the lives and enduring hopes of its resilient characters."

Interesting quote:

“Like a compass needle that always points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman. You remember that Mariam jo.”

Please Your Man! >=|

2009-03-04T14:49:00.000-06:00

Messed up article: Linky

Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T10:47:00.001-06:00

I ordinarily wouldn't accept a day like this, but our economy needs some money pumped into it. GO AND SHOP ;p

Sister's Story

2009-02-03T20:38:00.004-06:00

Meh. My sister called and told me about this a few days ago. I couldn't post it until now, since my emotions were high but I'm calm now so I won't rant and can just post her story.

Quick summary:
My sister and her friend took a quick walk down the street to go to the store three blocks away from the house. It was dark out. A man hollered something sexual at them from his car window and started to follow them at their walking pace. My sister screamed and he drove off in a panic, but circled around. I guess he saw where they were going and waited in his car in the empty store's parking lot. A woman saw the scene and also was harassed by the man. Once my sister and her friend got closer the lady approached my sister and told them both to stay close to her and that she'd call the police because the man was in his car waiting for them. The man saw her take her cellphone out and took off. She had his license plate numbers though and I think she reported him.

....swell, isn't it?

Women Attacked -India

2009-02-01T15:15:00.002-06:00

Why? Because the attackers felt the women weren't appropriately dressed.

Woman Molests Male

2009-01-29T18:03:00.001-06:00

Women molest male friend: source

Wtf? She doesn't even see what she did was wrong ...

Not Eating Meat =/= Gay

2009-01-29T16:38:00.003-06:00

A man was fired because he is a vegetarian and that makes him less manly apparently, which means he must be one of them gays. Obviously he is suing. The ignorance and sexism is really frustrating.
Link: source

"Catalanello said, "Who the f- - - cares? It's his fault for being a vegetarian homo."

...classy

Target Woman

2009-01-28T01:45:00.001-06:00

Make up kits with a message. A pretty awesome message: linky

Wtf of the day..!

2009-01-15T00:08:00.003-06:00

Man in Cali trying to sell his 14 year old daughter for money, meat, and beer. He didn't get his payment so he went to get his daughter and this is how police found out.

Disgusting douche bag.

Source

Replusive Hate Crime

2008-12-27T14:12:00.002-06:00

Ugh... how can people do such horrible things.

Lesbian was gang raped, beaten, and robbed by four men.

Read on: Linky

Banker Creeps..!

2008-12-27T14:09:00.001-06:00

This happened last week but I forgot to post it.

What do you call those people who work in the bank and they usually open up your bank account, or open a debit card, and work with your account and add overdraft security and all that good stuff? Banker?

Anyway, I went to the bank today just to deposit 20.00 XD There was no line. I was the next person. Then a man of that position I described told me I could take a seat and that he would deposit my money for me so I didn't have to wait in line (...what line? XD). I did so. I just wanted to deposit money, but he went on the computer and looked at my account and told me I need overdraft security protection. I'm a private person, so if people ask me about my life I instantly think 'nosiness'. At first it was about adding overdraft security to my account, then it led to questions about why my mother's maiden name is Spanish, where I'm from, what I do, why I'm so shy and quiet, how old am I, where I work, how much I make, ... then to "Do you party? You should party with me." and getting his number without requesting it. Haha. He kept pointing out that my address meant I lived only down the street from him.

I felt it quite unprofessional and unattractive, especially the "I'm a party man" aspect of it.

It's creepy.

Interesting

2008-12-18T15:38:00.000-06:00

Bratz Dolls

2008-12-13T17:42:00.001-06:00

WILL DIE :] yay...

Lazy post, but Barbie sued, Barbie won. Bratz lose and thank goodness for that.

Horrible dolls for young girls.

MTV/Bi TV

2008-12-11T15:25:00.001-06:00

Thought this was interesting. Give it a read:

"Double Shot at Love; or America's Crazy Love Affair with Bisexualism

Caveat: I have not yet seen a single episode of MTV's new hit reality show "A Double Shot at Love." The few times I flipped past Tila Tequila's Shot at Love were enough for me.

So. This is not a new topic, but WTF is up with America and bisexual women? MTV has a brand new reality show for all of us who were missing "I Love Money" and hadn't really gotten into "Charm School." On Double Shot, two identical, bisexual twins will vie for the affections of twelve lesbians and twelve straight men to find their one (two) true loves. Tila Tequila, MySpacelebrity extraordinaire, ramped up the bisexual-reality-TV-show genre last year when she (albeit minus her identical twin) tried twice to find the love of her life on MTV, and sadly failed.

Now we have the "Ikki Twins," as they've been dubbed": Rikki and Vikki Mongeon. According to the review on Slate, the twins spent the first episode pretending to be one person, canoodling with the lesbians and straight guys and waiting to shock them with the realization that HOLY TWINS, there were two of them.

The elephant in the room, of course, is the possibility that the twins will make out on national television, which brings me to the crux of the post. America's homophobia combines awkwardly with its misogyny to create an exception for women making out. Essentially, while LGBT people are marginalized by society, women making out (I do not use the term lesbian or bisexual here for a reason) are tolerated for the supposed turn-on factor that they provide for some straight men.

As a bisexual woman, I applaud women like Tila Tequila and the Ikkis for being comfortable enough in their sexuality to go on MTV. But at the same time, I cannot help but realize the following truths:

1) Besides on Bravo,and L-word, etc, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans relationships are hardly tolerated on TV except for their token value.

2) There will never be a "Shot at Love With Jose Quervo" because male bisexualism isn't tolerated in American society.

3) If the Ikkis do make out on MTV, there will not be a constructive discussion of incest in the mainstream media.

4) Tila and Ikkis are not creating a safe space for bisexual women - indeed they are heightening the expectation that bisexual women are promiscuous and easily and readily objectified.

Again, while I appreciate the strides that bi-visability can take through a show like Shot at Love and the dialogues that will take place around it, I also mourn the continuing emphasis on the sexuality of women, bisexual or not."
Posted by herong

Linky

"Perfect Wife"

2008-12-10T23:36:00.008-06:00

Inventor creates "Perfect wife/woman" [in other words: a sex fembot that'll do whatever you want and won't nag lawl]

This is just really creepy and sexist. I'll just quote some things. If you're interested in reading then here ya go: Linky

My words are in bold and between [brackets].
------

"SHE is the perfect wife, with the body of a Page 3 pin-up and housekeeping skills that..." [ 'Cause we know how perfect wives need perfect bodies and house keeping skills. :] ]

"Her name is Aiko [At least he gave her a name. How considerate =\, but it begs the question: Is her NAME perfect enough for such a perfect woman? o.o ], she can even read a map [She can EVEN read a map!? Wow.], and will never, ever, nag. [No nagging? ... Too perfect. ¬_¬ ...suspicious...]"

"Can be set to “mute” during the football;" [@#&!hefvv....*punches wall*]

"Easy to turn on." [...wha...?]

"in her 20s” [but looks like she is 12...? HOT ^.^] — has a stunning 32-23-33 figure [perfect woman need perfect measurements!], pretty face [duh] and shiny hair [you don't want a wife who has dull hair do you?].

"She is always happy to clean the house for “husband” [she better if she knows her rightful place!] Le, help with his accounts or get him a drink. [...okay now that's just being lazy]"

There is a lot more, but I'm too annoyed at the sexist BS of it all; however, I can't end this post without this beauty of a quote:

"Her software could be redesigned to simulate her having an orgasm." Sexy...

....

...

SHE LOOKS 12 FOR F#@$ SAKE~!

Keyboard for blondes

2008-12-09T22:32:00.003-06:00

Haha, this is so bluntly sexist and stereotypical that I thought it was a fake and found humor in it. Then realized it was serious and selling for 50 dollars a piece. You're insulting yourself if you buy this, ladies and fellow blondies. *is blond and not happy >;| ...*

Link

and

link

Bad ads

2008-12-09T16:54:00.003-06:00

Interesting read:
There are pictures for all you short attention folks ;p
Please give it a read!

1. Five Sexist Trends the Ad World can't shake off: source

2. More bad advertising and she's kind of got a aggressive but funny sense of humor: source

I was pretty happy about this. Uk news and their concern on why there are older/young men on the television and young women, but not many older women.
Source

Twlight: Target Women

2008-12-09T10:03:00.006-06:00

More Twlight stuff:
Possible scandal?

Ya Fired! /Trump

2008-12-09T09:20:00.005-06:00

Ignoring the corny article writing, read this: Source

Short version:

"An actress fired from a touring company of "Peter Pan" claims she was made to walk the plank after complaining about sexual harassment by Captain Hook."

"[...]slapped her butt and told her "nice ass"[...]"

"[...]also asked for oral sex as she was preparing to go on stage in her role as Mrs. Darling."
"Meanwhile, the road show's child actors - who played the Lost Boys - were subjected to "sexually inappropriate behavior" by men backstage, her suit says."
"[...]director Jeffrey Moss said the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission tossed O'Regan's "bizarre" claims during earlier proceedings."

It's hard to tell who is lying in these situations sometimes, but my annoyance was fueled more towards the fact that he said her claims were bizarre. Speaking out against sexual harassment is not bizarre. This is behavior that really bothers me since sexual harassment is serious and to act as if it shouldn't matter is really unprofessional, shaming, and wrong as well as counterproductive in helping women and men who encounter sexual harassment.

JCpenny Jewelry Ad

2008-12-09T09:12:00.004-06:00

Haha, wow, the sexism toward men and women isn't even disguised and dressed up this time.

Upskirting

2008-12-08T23:33:00.002-06:00

A troubling surge in creepy "upskirt" photography has lawmakers in a twist -- and the body parts of women posted all over the Internet.

Source

Some good news concerning law changes.

Singapore Ad

2008-12-08T13:13:00.003-06:00

Source: Linky

The first image could possibly be interpreted as extremely subtle racism, but that's if you're really looking for it I think.

Then we have the second image...

Yes, sex sells. We hear it all the time. That stupid phrase that tries to justify objectifying women/men and their body, sex appeal, and pseudo sexual orientation to sell a product. What creeps me out most about it is how young they look and the play on humor they attempt, by having a bunch of men gawking at them like peeping toms, as if their lesbian display is for their entertainment. Disgusting and creepy =\

Bag a Rich One!

2008-12-05T18:38:00.005-06:00

Wanna learn how to get that rich guy and endorse that gold digger stereotype, ladies? Well, cosmopolitan, a leading magazine for girls and women of all ages can give you tips!

-.-

ugh.

Oh PETA....

2008-12-04T23:02:00.003-06:00

PETA, how you bug me so much...

click for link

Prop 8 Musical.

2008-12-04T17:35:00.001-06:00

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Abortion = reason for abuse? What?

2008-12-03T23:34:00.003-06:00

Ladies, if you keep having abortions and thinking you're equal then, I'm sorry, but you will continue to be abused. =(

Well, that's what he thinks anyway: Link

Just ... wow.

"I have said it before and I say it again: The number one cause of abuse against women and children is abortion."

"The second major cause of violence against women and children is the belief held by too many women that they should not just be equal to men but, in all but physical appurtenances, are the same."

Texas

2008-12-02T23:34:00.003-06:00

I haven't posted much.

Lots going on.

1. Moved 1,500+ miles away from family and friends. I know no one here. I live in Texas now. Time to be a grown up!
2. Lots of unsuccessful job hunting. Boo to America's current economy crisis.
3. Lots of shopping!
4. Turned 20 today. :(
5. Eating a lot healthier. I eat three meals a day now instead of one big one!
6. Two new stories.

Two new stories:

1) Only lived here in TX for 4 weeks now. My first week here, I got my first creep asking for my home address and if I wanted to get in the car for a ride home. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Let's say he had pure intentions. Why would I need a ride, on a beautiful day, by a strange man (do you know how intimidating it is to a tiny woman who is alone,)? His tone was nice, but then again, creeps want to lure you to them, so they're not exactly going to use mean tactics to trick you.

2) Just a few days ago it happened again. My friend joked, saying I must have a scent for these type of guys. This man opened his driver door and asked to give me a ride. I just said no. He said "It's cold out!" It was a little chilly, mostly due to the breeze. I refused again. "I ain't gonna hurt you!" He called out again. I refused a third time. He left. I wanted to take a pic with my phone cam (for proof), but I wasn't fast enough. I don't know. I don't trust strangers and I didn't know asking women (when they are alone) if they want a ride was such a common occurrence. Seems like there are really nice guys here trying to give girls a free taxi service... I am almost sure that if I had been walking with a male friend, no one would pull over to ask if I wanted a ride. So what are their intentions? I'm gonna give this man the benefit of the doubt as well, but I will continue to refuse any person who offers something I feel uncomfortable with, even if they're being "nice".

I got a few honks. No catcalls here just yet. A lot less harassment than my city I must add.

Target Women: Cars

2008-11-19T18:01:00.003-06:00

Fat Acceptance

2008-11-11T17:22:00.008-06:00

Link is NSFW

"Fat acceptance is not about you telling me I don't look fat. Fat acceptance is not about telling me I am a good person, smart or worthwhile. Fat acceptance is you, seeing me, as sexy, bold and beautiful AS a fat person. And that is the purpose of the Adipositivity Project that photographs sexy fat women to challenge our perceptions of beauty."

-Quote source

:)

This is great, however, when I clicked the link, my only concern was that some of the images linger on a very unhealthy fat. I will not accept an unhealthy image, whether it be too thin or too fat nor do I feel that seeing someone as sexy and beautiful is the way to "accept someone". One's appearance should not be used to judge one's worth.

Edit: then again, who am I to determine if they are unhealthy? Hm... I'm not a doctor.

It still stands that in all the images, the women are either naked, or in naughty clothing and the camera is aiming at specific women assets and this isn't anything different what most magazines advocate...

Also odd, is that none of the images show faces.

Target Women: The View

2008-11-06T22:16:00.000-06:00

Obama wins!

2008-11-04T22:05:00.003-06:00

He won!!! YES! I don't have to move out of the country now!

AT&T Ad

2008-11-01T10:48:00.003-05:00

This ad comes on so much. I hate it! It's not clever. It' s sexist. ;'(

Halloween!

2008-10-31T12:56:00.013-05:00

Woo, it's Halloween! :) xoxox

Pros: Free candy, parties, pizza, scary movies, chocolate, fun! I personally enjoy this day and buy a new costume each year and go out trick or treating, despite age.

The cons of Halloween is usually the costumes and how unsafe this day can be for children.

I can't be bothered to go into too much because this makes me angry, so I'll just make this quick. It's very difficult to find an adult female (and now even teen and preteen female) costumes that aren't "sexy" or sexualized in some way. Seriously. All the scary, cool, and creative costumes are usually in the men/boys section and unfortunately don't fit my petite short body, so I have to browse through dozens of sexy lingerie and short dresses in the women's Halloween section, only to discover, that's NOT lingerie, it's actually a costume! O.o Every Halloween store seems to be like that. Here check a popular online Halloween store for example: link. Browse around. Have fun, then come back and you'll know what I mean. Oh you're back? Did you check out sexy anorexic? Classy stuff.

Click for this funny parody: click here :D. Please! Funny~

Now don't get me wrong. Dressing sexy is fun and there are also men sexy costumes (though not nearly as many), but basically most female costumes are sexualized. The sexism is bluntly obvious. When I check out the young girls section it's about being a princess, fairy, angel, or diva. The boys section? A doctor, a ninja, Indiana Jones, Batman, an astronaut, many scary/cool costumes. The sexism is unbelievable. Many costumes are also racist. Cringe worthy! Bonus points if you can spot the rascial costumes without me having to tell you. Let's just say a lot of bad stereotypes come into play when people design these costumes.

I'll end now before I actually start linking like crazy and going on a long rant. I'll end with this wonderful picture of a pre-pubescent girl in a French Maid costume, since you'll be seeing a lot of pre-teens wearing these type of costumes now! Just like the adult types only... smaller to fit the children! :\

edit: link to consumerist post on sexist costumes.

Double Standards/Politics

2008-10-24T16:40:00.000-05:00

Target Women

2008-10-18T00:09:00.001-05:00

Palin Not Airbrushed? OMFG!?

2008-10-10T20:31:00.006-05:00

This is so incredibly stupid and frivolous that it is hilarious to watch them trivialize something so insignificant.

Our economy is crashing, but you know what is more important? Palin. Why isn't she touched up in this photo? How dare those sexist horrible liberals do this! Showing what she truely looks like... ugh.... terrible. They're trying to insult her! .. ...

The cover image
I actually thought it was touched up. It looks fine this way since now she doesn't have to look fake, which most touch ups often produce a fake/gross and unrealistic image. She is in her 40's? She looks fine... I have no idea why they're complaining. A close up on my face would scare people. haha. She looks great if that is untouched.

Here is the Obama ad's they claim is retouched:
The covers
I don't know about you, but I see many normal flaws and untouched areas in that photo! ARE THEY TRYING TO INSULT OBAMA, BY NOT RETOUCHING! I AM APPALLED.

Target Women

2008-10-08T11:34:00.001-05:00

Funny Picture

2008-10-05T08:54:00.004-05:00

It's actually a bit accurate too if you watched the V.P debates. Haha.

Tina Fey as Palin Again (Funny)

2008-09-29T12:39:00.001-05:00

McCain Wins... Already?

2008-09-26T14:47:00.004-05:00

The Debates haven't even occurred, yet it seems ads have already claimed McCain as the winner.

Mysterious..!

Screenshot:

http://canyoubelievethisshit.blogspot.com/

More Political Stuff

2008-09-26T13:59:00.002-05:00

Funny:

Targert Women: Cleaning

2008-09-20T19:05:00.001-05:00

Shocking...

2008-09-19T01:17:00.002-05:00

O.o

I don't even know what to say to this...

It is so shockingly disturbing and ... I don't know. Read for yourself.

8 day old baby raped by father

Obama Ad

2008-09-16T14:15:00.001-05:00

The Fall

2008-09-12T21:18:00.003-05:00

The Fall
Director: Tarsem Singh

Sorry, but I just have to speak about this movie. I watched it recently (it just came out on DVD on the 9th!)

Amazing. The acting was great, the surrealism really made the movie stand out and was beautiful, and the storyline was fantastic. I absolutely loved this movie and cannot believe how underrated it is. Everyone needs to get/rent this movie! Drama, action, fantasy, and romance. The Fall is stunning. If you liked Big Fish, Star Dust, or Pan's Labyrinth, you should give this movie a try since it's similar in genre and style. Just brilliant! One of my favorites now. Not sure why it is rated R. There is violence but it isn't too graphic. I could handle it and I suck when it comes to handling violence. The movie made me cry! Watch it please :) ..! I would give it 8 out of 10. I think it lacks phenomenal/beautiful music to go with the surreal and beautiful scenes. I also wish the story that was being told could have had more depth to it. It was so interesting.

imdb synopsis: (I removed the spoilers)

"Roy Walker (Lee Pace), an early 20th century Hollywood stuntman, lands in the hospital after performing a dangerous stunt to impress his girlfriend. Distraught and suicidal after losing her, the bedridden Roy befriends a fellow patient, a young girl named Alexandria (Catinca Untaru). He enchants her with vivid, fantastical tales about five heroes — an Indian, an ex-slave named Ota Benga, an Italian explosives expert, a masked bandit, and Charles Darwin — who unite to fight a common enemy, Governor Odious. Although Roy has genuine affection for Alexandria, he also has an ulterior motive."

Do not look up any youtubes/trailers on this. The person who created the trailer should be fired. It holds a lot of spoilers.

A Little on Islam!

2008-09-10T21:47:00.011-05:00

I found this on someones profile on Skype. I believe the person was from Egypt.

Anyway, I found it interesting. Some things I agree with, and others I do not (such as the modesty issue and it never mentioned honor killings.) Nice read though:

Are Muslim Women Oppressed?

I like how it does make the distinction between cultural and religious differences. I may perceive something as bad or wrong, but I was born and grew up in a totally different culture with different values, norms, and mixed religions, and do not understand truly all about Islam so who am I to judge what is oppression and what it is that Muslim women may want?

Since this is slightly related (if you read the article is does talk about hijab):
Muslim women speaking about the hijab.
Edit: Tell me if Youtube embedding is still acting up.

Wearing the hijab is a choice (heard mixed things about this actually. Choice or law ...?) so bans in western societies of wearing hijab is oppression and taking away basic human rights! Although, I have read articles of Muslim women (in predominately Muslim countries) who choose not to wear "Islamic dressing/behavior" (loose clothing/hijab/modest appearance etc) have been killed (which is odd since isn't killing a sin?) So confusing :(. Wearing make up is "not modest" in public. It should be only for the husband. I'd like to see where it said in the Quran that women should not wear make up since it is not "modest" XD. I guess modesty is definitely subjective. As I was saying before, different culture, different religion, different societal norms... hard to determine what is oppression and wrong so I cannot judge without being biased since I am still ignorant to it all. :(

A part of my conversation with a Muslim man (I left his name and chat untouched so that those who don't believe me can contact him. Shoukrn is his Skype username.)

Steph says: Is makeup bad?
hurly_burly says: wht r u talking about?
hurly_burly says: ohhhhhhhh
hurly_burly says: make up for girls?
Steph says: yes
hurly_burly says: not bad at home
hurly_burly says: for her husband only
hurly_burly says: but outside is bad
hurly_burly says: woman can do whtever she wants with her husband inside home
hurly_burly says: but outside she have to be modest
Steph says: How about wearing the hijab
hurly_burly says: so no guys will be seduced by any thing she does
Steph says: is that law? or choice?
hurly_burly says: law

Another article to check out:
In Europe, Debate Over Islam and Virginity

“In my culture, not to be a virgin is to be dirt”

And:
Link

I like this quote from the "In Europe ..." article:

“The man is the biggest of all the donkeys,” said Abdelkibir Errami, the center’s vice president. “Even if the woman was no longer a virgin, he had no right to expose her honor (-like honor killings!!-). This is not what Islam teaches. It teaches forgiveness.”

Both speak a bit on hymenoplasty (reconstruction surgery is the surgical restoration of the hymen- to be a "virgin" or "tightened") which can be expensive, dangerous, painful, and has a list of risks and complications.

Lastly (and a bit off topic) a trailer for a documentary about Islam and homosexuality:
Edit: Try this link if Youtube embedding acts up again.

Sarah's Turn.

2008-09-08T15:11:00.001-05:00

Hilary faced a lot of sexism and still does, but now it's Palin's turn. Only it's a different type of sexsim that Hilary faced.

You'll see what I mean.

Do I even have to point it out? It's so blunt.

Blogger Templates

2008-09-03T19:56:00.003-05:00

I really want to change my template and layout. Badly. If anyone knows a site with decent premade blogger templates I would be most pleased. I found a few, but most are either SUPER pink (and even too cutesy for ME.) I'm sure my male readers would not appriciate that. The other styles I tend to see is very emo and dark. I am looking for a simple theme, easy on the eyes, nice fonts, and possibly three columns. A bit of creative art to it would be nice. I wish I knew how to make this stuff myself.

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps.

One last note, check your youtubes. I sent a private vid. It's really stupid, but I wanted to play around with video effects.

I appreciate the emails by the way, but you guys can leave comments instead of emails since it is faster. Haha.

Creeps!

2008-09-01T20:16:00.006-05:00

Now, should I give this situation the benefit of the doubt, or label it creepy?

My little cousins, one is nine, another is eleven, and my sister decided to hang out at the park down the street from my house. The park was empty so it was nice for us. We played basketball then later moved on to play kickball. (Kick ball is basically baseball except you kick the ball and run bases. The ball is the size of a soccer/football.) It was beginning to get dark, but we stuck around for a bit longer. For maybe an hour of playing kick ball -- there was a man watching us. He was the only one there with us. He didn't move at all the entire time. He just watched us play. He was near the batting area, where we used to kick the ball, so any time someone went up to kick the ball, he would mumble incoherently to himself while staring at the person. (Look at bad illustration above to understand.) It was getting even darker and we starting getting a little worried that the man was STILL there watching us after an hour. We started to leave getting sick of it and it was getting too dark. When we left, he left too.

Was it bad for us to be creeped out? Nothing happened, but... I don't know. Something didn't feel right about a much older man watching children and one awesome adult named Stephnaie play kickball at night. My cousins and sister told me how uncomfortable they felt. I was almost worried he would follow us.

Edit: I just remembered.

I had a discussion with my 11 year old cousin, who was really excited about Halloween (it being two months away now.) Really early to be thinking about Halloween, but basically lets just say Halloween in America is like hm... okay my friend Shannon puts it best (she is not a feminist so this is not a feminist view): "Dress up like a slut day." Many girls, despite the freezing cold weather on Halloween night, will wear a sexy pirate, sexy devil, sexy cowboy, ... SEXY ____ anything. I don't have much issue with that. People can wear what they want. Now what I have issue with is the sexualization of younger females/males. There are sexy costumes being marketed towards teens and even preteens. Creepy? Yes. I will go on more about this (and racist costumes) once Halloween is around, but anyway my cousin told me how she and her friend would be a sexy angel and sexy devil. They found these sexy costumes in the preteen section. I talked to her and was trying to understand WHY they wanted to dress like that and the only reason was "to be girlie." I mostly just told her how cold Halloween night is every year in our city and how the costume would not keep her warm at all. I didn't want to force my opinons on her. I'm just shocked, I guess. I just wanted to share that.

Links Galore

2008-08-21T16:58:00.006-05:00

Haven't posted in a little while. I also have so much to talk about, but it might have to wait. I have my reasons! I will wait until I can produce a decent post.

Here are links on some stuff I wanted to write about. Please check it out if interested:

1. New low for PETA (Racism)
2. Spain's basketball racist picture pose
3. Interesting satire [Youtube]
4. Axe (sexism in nearly every Axe ad...but here is a recent one) [Youtube]
5. America's Next Top Model to feature a transgender in the competition
6. Women held hostage. Forced to have babies. "Baby Factory"
7. Beauty > talent for China (Olympic related)
8. Go Canada! Protest. Public breast-feeding

9. Sexualization of female athletes in the Olympics:
9a. Part 1
9b. Part 2
9c. Part 3
9d. Part 4

10. Seriously disturbing. Guinness was not responsible for this ad. Made by some film student.

Please let me know if any of the links are incorrectly linked or don't work. :)

Lalala

2008-08-01T15:27:00.003-05:00

I got my hair done today. Only cost me $60.00! How cheap! Yay for more damaging hair dye. It looks super cute. Felt a little bad for cutting 3 inches off since I love my hair long, but did it to get rid of some damage. I should get a picture up. Unfortunately, I have to go wash the dishes and clean the house a little and it is really hot out, so that means a little sweating and that my hair will be frizzy by the time I am done. It will never look as good as it did when I left the salon ;'(. I'm too cheap (also without a job ;x ) to buy those expensive hair products that help style and keep hair healthy. Blah!

Anyway, it looks good. I had to mention that here. Just because. ;p

Oh right. I have been totally addicted to this game Persona 3 Fes. I hope to get Persona 4 once it comes out. The game is great. It honestly feels like a crossover of Sims/Pokemon/and usual rpg styles. I think the only problem is probably the over sexualized female characters/persona (expected that didn't you ;D). The voice acting is good too. Yes, a dub that is actually tolerable! Crazy.

Games I'm looking forward to so far:
FFIV for the DS (released recently)
FFXIII
Little Big Planet
Persona 4

---

Cleaning time. :(

Pulled Snickers Ad

2008-07-31T12:24:00.003-05:00

Think this ad was pulled recently soon after being aired in the UK:

It is offensive. Just making a quick analysis.

Assuming the white male was gay this ad is entirely homophobic. Assuming he is not, the ad leans on being sexist and asserts a problem with gender expression.

Sexist: because it deems "feminine" qualities as bad.

Problems w/ gender expression: because the man is breaking social norms where society judges what is "masculine" and "feminine." His behavior is inappropriate because it makes him less of a man?

The aggression used (although you gotta love Mr. T :p hehe) directs a negative and violent choice of action towards these "feminine" qualities. Using intimidation to assert authority and whip people back into 'proper' social structure. I'm still wondering how power-walking is not "manly" enough. Haha. So odd.

Also, you so know the commercial would have been considered racist had it been a white man using the Snicker gun and shooting the bars of delicious goodness at a black man.

"According to CNN Snickers (M&M) has announced that after protests from many gay rights groups that they are pulling the advertisement globally."

Some one said it better:

" Sexuality has nothing to do with gender identification, and when we relate the two, we further support a gender binary as an acceptable way to understand and order our world . A gay male is just as masculine as a hetero male. The problem is that we have assigned specific behaviour patterns to masculinity without acknowledging that what we view as masculine has morphed over the centuries, thus what we have normalized today is simply the result of the continual social disciplining of gender performativity."
From: Link

Knightley Speaks Out. "No" to Digital Enhancement!

2008-07-30T18:07:00.005-05:00

Video in link below! (And an author for a book I've read is in the video too~ I've recommended her book before on my blog. Courtney E. Martin - "Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters").

Link here

You know something is wrong when people as pretty as Keira Knightley continues to get airbrushed. O.o

India's Gulabai Gang

2008-07-21T15:20:00.007-05:00

Gulabai Gang

A bit interesting. I don't agree with violent actions, especially since they use violence to stop violence against them, but I believe desperation plays a role which results in the use of violence and the fact the law officials won't do a thing about it. One man in the video said, "This is not violence. Women are just coming forth and demanding their rights." Not sure how I feel about it. Anyway, this is progress and women being empowered to take a stand against violence against women, to stand for their rights as well as a step towards employment, and to express themselves and learn to help each other.

Check it out:

Harass Her, Because She Deserves It!

2008-07-20T11:16:00.004-05:00

There was a recent survey, and the results showed that nearly two-thirds of Egyptian men admit to sexually harassing women; not only that but the survey shows that most of the men believe the women are to blame for and deserve the harassment for wearing "tight clothes" and not being home by 8 pm. It has become a big problem on a daily basis for women visiting and living in Egypt.

Unfortunately many of the women do not report it. Nothing is done about it because they feel they should remain silent and that it could ruin their reputations. The country is a conservative one so there is cultural differences to take in. So many of the women dress conservatively along with a headscarf. However, the women are still to blame for their "indecent" appearance, which basically means, the guys are using this as an excuse for their behavior.

This is of course not only limited to Egypt.

As a side remark, no one deserves to be sexually harassed because of what they wear. If I planned to wear a skirt outside one day and it was because I wanted to feel good about myself, feel pretty, and it was weather appropriate, I do not want or ask for some pervert to holler at me like some dog nor do I deserve it, but oh wait, I'm wearing a skirt so obviously I want attention and harassment. D:

That's some ego guys have. Women wear what they want, because maybe they actually feel nice, happy, comfortable, sexy, and free (etc) in what they wear and let me just say: I'm sorry guys but it's just not for you all the time. News flash, we dress for ourselves too. I'm really sick of the blame that goes to women just because some men can't control themselves. Especially the rape blame. The ones where men blame a woman for being raped 'cause she wore something too sexy. That is horrible.

I hope this doesn't sound like "male-bashing". Women do sexually harass as well. My aunt does in fact. I yell at her for it! And also there are many men who don't harass nor do they always think with their man bits and treat women with disrespect. There are guys that know how to properly treat ladies. If you're that type of guy and you're reading this right now, you rock.

Linky for Article on Harassment in Egypt

"It said 62 percent of Egyptian men reported perpetrating harassment, while 83 percent of Egyptian women reported having been sexually harassed. Nearly half of women said the abuse occurred daily."

"Only 2.4 percent of Egyptian women reported it to the police..."

"Some 53 percent of men blamed women for bringing on sexual harassment..."

"It added most agreed women should be home by 8 p.m."

Here's a quote I read from a female poster on a website I go to (since we're on the topic of harassment):

"US harassment involves being called "mamacita" or "nice tits" or told to smile on command. It's the occasional ass grab, creepy look, or, possibly, a guy rubbing against you on the subway. It sucks. We all get it alot, especially in summer. But its manageable.

Harrassment in Turkey and Morocco (what I've personally experienced, and this was while dressed extremely modestly) involved being followed for hours. It involves packs of guys stalking you, not leaving you alone even if you scream at them. It involves constant, screaming declarations of love, and sexual propositions. It involves being heavily groped every time you're in a crowd. You feel like you're walking a gauntlet when you go out, and if you stop on a park bench or at a cafe, dudes converge on you. It involves everyone, including cops you're reporting a theft to, and guys who you thought you were having nice, platonic, 10 minute talks with, assuming you're available to fuck, and jumping on you accordingly.

Sure, there are examples like that here and there in the US, but it's nothing like the omnipresent wall of harassment that a foreign woman gets in the Middle East. I first went to Morocco when I was 17, and it freaked me out so much that I was jolted by it for weeks."

And just for something different:

Submit or I Will Abuse You!

2008-07-18T21:10:00.003-05:00

This is all kinds of wrong.

Link: Read Me

"One reason that men abuse their wives is because women rebel against their husband's God-given authority"

"...women desire to have their own way instead of submitting to their husbands because of sin."

Just wow. Probably an extreme religious view.
___

Oh and I have a conflict. I hid the jar of fudge from my sister. The problem? I forgot where I hid it :(. I really... realllllyyy want fudge right now for my ice cream.
__

I keep forgetting to mention, but my youngest sister (15) and I took a walk and decided to count how many cat-calls or vulgar remarks we would get within our short walk (to make a game of it instead of seething). We didn't count all the long "I'm undressing you with my eyes" type stares, since there were too many. (Glimpses were fine).

We counted about 8 cat-calls and 4 vulgar/rude shout outs at us within fifteen minutes of walking. That's pretty sad. I want to so badly get a good camera and record this for proof one day. You'd see the daily harassment one gets just by walking outside.

One comment in particular made us laugh though. Okay. Picture two very thin girls walking and a man in a car shouts, "Hey fat a$$es!" then proceeds to whistle and drives off. Yeah... we cracked up. We couldn't help it. Two girls, who barely fit into size small clothing because they're too skinny were called fat a$$es. We deduced that he just must have been a beginner in cat-calling. :]

Today is Hot! Virgins! Sexism! Racism!

2008-07-16T14:54:00.014-05:00

Today is really hot. Like too hot. I am melting!

You know what else is hot? A nice tight virgin. Yeah, you like that, don't you?

The only problem I have with this product is probably the name and way of advertising. Another product that advertises in a way of virginity fetishization/virginity glorifying, which sometimes causes women to be ashamed/depressed (media pressure etc.). Also, here is a "wtf" that pops out at me. Are they trying to advertise to ten year olds ? (I'm kidding, but ...-) Why would you decorate it similar to Hello Kitty products? All pink, hearts, and bubble letters (something I did when I was like in middle school). Otherwise I have no problem (aside from medical issues) with this product and what it does.

The product, however, does uses some problematic ingredients. Like for example: alum (common in these type of products). This can cause skin irritation/dryness and be a risk factor if ingested (yes people are stupid enough to ingest). So the lubrication claim on the package is possibly a false one.

_______

Sexism dressed up as "humor":

_______
Racism in media/politics:

Sign petition here and please pass it on to STOP Fox with its extreme, conservative, biased-propaganda and racist/sexist coverage.
Linky

_______
Now it's time for "Steph's confession on stupid things she does!"

I took my sister's birth control packet out of her purse and was going to eat them. I thought they were candy. She stopped me. No worries. That was the stupid thing I did today. Come back again to find out what other stupid things I do! :(

Facebook Ads

2008-06-28T19:16:00.006-05:00

Above is a picture that was in a Facebook ad. The ad was another "Get thin, lose fat" type of ad. Now, can someone please tell me why people are now trying to tell/sell to women to lose natural curves, boobs, and waist to be thinner? Isn't the one on the left (the before) more attractive than the one on the right (the after)? I don't understand this...

It's scary that they were actually calling it "fat." I'm at a loss. Many Facebook ads are getting on my nerves already (aside from the fact that they're ads and ads are annoying). It is what and how they advertise that gets me.

I'm not the only one that's annoyed. Here's a man who was annoyed with the fact that Facebook ads targeted his gender with ads that only sold sex and "sexy." When he switched his gender on Facebook to Female, ads shifted to "Lose weight" or "How to make that meal for your man" and so on.

Read it here: Linky

I have to figure out an ad block, since I'm having trouble ignoring and tolerating anymore of these ads.

GoshaDole

2008-06-21T14:39:00.003-05:00

How adorable are these?

I've known about these animations for quite a while (and know them by heart >_> ), but I thought about them again randomly today and figured I'd share it with others! It's adorable!

Oh and did any one hear about the Salmonella outbreak in tomatoes in America? I didn't know about that until today! I had gone to Subway and on the tomato section there was a sign saying "FDA approved" and I was like "What's up with that?" Once I got home, I looked it up. 500-600 cases of the infection found so far throughout 32+ states now or something like that. Very few people died from it. I think only one actually and the man was dying from cancer as well.

PETA

2008-06-14T13:06:00.022-05:00

I think most people already know much of the hypocritical actions and preaching PETA does. What most may not know or fail to notice is that they promote and continue to objectify females (and sometimes males) to get their "point" across. They want attention, and they know sex sells ("trivialization to equate selling on the basis of sex to the wholesale objectification of women"), but the stunts they pull are way over the top. Yes, it's not by force, and yes, I can agree that using shock factors work, but they are doing it in a wrong direction. Using women/men them like sexual objects for their "cause" and having them do stunts in the nude (usually submissive/vulnerable/sexually suggestive positions... 'cause that's like so animal like) will not get people to become vegan and it would mostly be aimed at the male demographic anyway... Committing crimes, such as ruining people's property (like throwing paint on celebrities very expensive fur coats), is not something they should be able to get away with.

It seems like publicity stunts. Their stunts sometimes overwhelms what they are even protesting. People don't get the idea of what they are protesting and just ogle the protesters. Most of their stunts are horrendous. It seems it is now about promoting PETA and not about saving the animals, me-thinks. How exactly does a woman's vagina and breasts have anything to do with protesting against eating animals? Their stunts do little to raise awareness except bring us a few steps closer to degrading woman publicly and using them as sexual objects for "selling" things. If they want people to feel bad for the animal's situations they need to evoke empathy. Putting naked women on display won't work except get them the attention they obviously want and only for the wrong reasons.

Can you honestly say these photos do not offend you or at least make you question their actions?

PETA's "Unhappy Mother's Day for Pigs" campaign featuring a pregnant woman naked and caged:
NSFW-IMAGE
Read about it here: Linky

PETA's campaign about "chicks" and their caged conditions:
NSFW-IMAGE
Read about it here: Linky

And finally the most horrific one that I have seen so far.
PETA packaging half naked woman as if they were dead in the heat:
NSFW-IMAGE
A must read here: Linky

"PETA recently celebrated World Vegetarian Week in Memphis by shrink-wrapping its interns like a couple of flank steaks, despite 80+ degree weather.
When officers inquired about the well-being of intern Shawn Herbold (bottom) and volunteer Thomas Olsen, a sweat-soaked Herbold replied that she was in pain and feeling nauseated from the heat after being wrapped in cellophane for 30 minutes, and also asked how much longer she needed to stay there. Byrne let her know it wouldn't be much longer and left her under the hot afternoon sun for 30 minutes more while debating with the officers.
The kicker:
PETA would never treat a cow that way, but I guess it's OK for an intern."

These are just SOME of the horrible stunts PETA pulls off. 'Cause you know... showing naked women makes me want to stop eating meat. Stop eating meat by treating woman like meat! Great stuff. Now it's my turn for an over the top (silly/sarcastic/semi-serious) reaction! There is no way that more effective protesting would work! Nooo not at all. ;p Spreading proper information and awareness on how to prevent animal cruelty/help animals would be silly and would never work.

"Hey! We're not done protesting yet! Back in your cages!"

"Oh! You're right! Ogle my body, for within it lies the truth to treating animals properly and all the information you need. ;D Observe! *Gets on all fours* 'Cause that's what real animals do =D! Look how helpless and mistreated I look ;D. And this is why the animals need help! Their poor situations... :(... Hey! Stop staring at those, I'm talking here!"

"PETA is promoting animal rights at the expense of women’s rights — and that’s not only simplistic, but it’s bad for everyone involved.
If you want to draw attention to the plight of animals by humanizing them, go for it. But you don’t have to de-humanize women in the process."

I feel a strong urge for some tuna or maybe chicken nuggets. Yummm

Depressed!

2008-06-13T20:08:00.006-05:00

Ugh! I am so depressed. Must vent.

My laptop broke recently. Well, it didn't, I just can't use it. It's either the adapter or the connector pin that broke. If it's the adapter then it will be cheap to replace, but if it is the other thing... *sigh* lets just say I won't be able to use my laptop for a long while. (Also means no Skype for a long time. The one thing that kept me out of depression, oddly.)

I'm so broke. I want a job so badly, but the employment in my city is at an all time low. All the schools are letting out too so the chance of me getting a job is like a 10% probability seeing how I also can't drive and buses stop running past 5-6 pm.

I need to get out of here (this house... this state!) so badly as well. Can't say why, but I'm miserable. A friend of mine is really sad too, since a special person to him passed away and it's so heart wrenching.

Ugh! And Uni! I have to take a year off since I don't have the money and I never got a chance to fill out Uni applications.

I don't know where I want to go or how to go about it. It's depressing and scary stuff!

If I go to UMass I will have in-state tuition (cheaper), and be near my sisters.

If I go to Austin UniTexas I will have to work a year there for in-state tuition, but I would have to start working and live there by July- August so that I would be able to go to Uni the year after and won't have to skip another year, but how can I do that with no money to get there and live there!? Same goes for Iowa Uni. These are my only options since I have friends in these locations willing to help me. I can't do anything on my own. I'm hopeless sometimes. Depressed...

But here I am, whining! There are people suffering in the world! My problems are so miniscule. I shouldn't even be allowed to whine! >=\ Mehhh

Edit: Now that I think about it... I might have lost those few pounds, because of all the stress... hm At least now that mystery is solved!

Not Just Any Magazine!

2008-06-10T14:22:00.004-05:00

An abstinence magazine!

You must read all 8 pages of the magazine which you can get from here:

Just For Girls

They also have a guy version. They are totally serious. It's hilarious. I'll update my post with comments about this magazine later tonight.

Disclaimer: I do not find teaching abstinence wrong, but I find the misinformation and HOW they teach it (the shaming and misogyny involved) especially the lack of facts about safe sex for people if they cannot abstain is wrong.

"Honor Killings" - Iraq

2008-06-04T19:16:00.007-05:00

There are no words for this. I think I'll go cry now.

Link:
Daughter killed by father and brothers over a crush on a British solider. Mother later killed for seeking safety from husband.

"Five weeks ago Leila Hussein told The Observer the chilling story of how her husband had killed their 17-year-old daughter over her friendship with a British soldier in Basra. Now Leila, who had been in hiding, has been murdered - gunned down in cold blood."

___

"She died, still a virgin, four months after she had last seen him when her father, Abdel-Qader Ali, 46, discovered that she had been seen talking 'to the enemy' in public. She had brought shame on his honour, was his defence, and he had to cleanse his family name. Despite openly admitting the murder, he has received no punishment."

___

"...the only thing that they had to say was that Leila was wrong for defending her daughter's mistakes and that her death was God's punishment."

Honor killings are just horrible. How this man was applauded for his actions is just so... ugh...so inhumane.

Random Self-Esteem Quiz

2008-06-04T15:16:00.002-05:00

You Have Low Self Esteem 64% of the Time

You tend to blame yourself when things go wrong, regardless of whether it's your fault or not.

You're anxious to please others and rely too much on their opinions. Learn to please yourself first, and your confidence will soar.

How is Your Self Esteem?

Another Book

2008-05-20T17:31:00.000-05:00

Just a book reminder to myself. I like reading :x

The Lolita Effect

Drunkard

2008-05-15T22:25:00.002-05:00

My 15 year old sister and I were attacked by a drunk man today. In broad day light. At 4 pm. With many people around and only later was when someone decided to help. =\. It was scary.

On another note, who gets drunk at 4 pm?

Quirks

2008-05-13T12:01:00.005-05:00

I've been asked to just post about my quirks. Not sure if I have any since that would imply that I am odd and I am not! I'll list some random stuff about myself, I suppose.

I talk to strangers on the computer and even meet some.
I'm afraid of the dark, yet I will never turn on the bathroom light at night when using the bathroom.
If my cat bites me I will bite her right back (not hard).
Just about everyday I measure the circumference of my legs.
I bite my lips to make them swollen and give them a plump appeal.
Sometimes before I sleep, I fantasize I'm a sexy female android out to end the war. \o/
I'm celibate and straight edge with strong morals, but I'm an atheist!
I am completely opposed to the idea of the floor touching my feet. I wear slippers or shoes at all times unless in bed or in the shower.
Women are better looking than men. I am straight.
:] I'm shy!
I'd totally kick your butt at video games.
;p I'm a terribly jealous person, but I try to convince myself I'm not and am pretty darn good at hiding it (most times)..!
I have a Peter Pan complex (I refuse to grow up just yet).
If I received a grade below a B I would sulk endlessly.
"I must shop for cute things" impulse overwhelms my self control sometimes :( and I later experience a great deal of regret and shame for it.

Too lazy to go on. Leave some random stuff about yourself in the comments section.

Assult On College Campus

2008-05-07T15:45:00.005-05:00

I encountered one article about how the University of Portland, a private Catholic Uni, refuses to believe such a thing as sexual assault/rape could occur on their campus. This makes it harder for people to report such problems and it ignores the support it should actually be providing. It stigmatizes college students. Article can be found here.

No campus seems to be perfectly safe. In fact there is a path called the "rape trail" in the Uni of Conn. Here is a story from a girl attacked by guys on the campus of University of Conn. Link

"It was while I was on the phone, sitting on the ground with my back against a telephone pole in order tohear her, that I was picked up by my shoulders, pinned up against the pole and "dry humped" by a stranger. At first I thought it was one of my friends' attempt at humor, until I heard the man moaning.

I hung up the phone, and shoved the man off me. I am 5'5". He was around 5'11".

"My, aren't we feisty tonight," he said.

Another man, around 6'1", approached me and said, "You think that was assault?" and he pulled down my tube top, and grabbed my breasts. More men started to cheer. It didn't matter to the drunken mob that my breasts were being shown or fondled against my will. They were happy to see a topless girl all the same. I punched him in the face, and someone shoved me into a throng of others. I was surrounded, but I kept swinging and hitting until I was able to break free of the circle they had formed."

UPDATE: It seems Melissa who was sexually assaulted is now being verbally assaulted by many people on campus because she had the nerve to claim such a thing happened! They also criticize her appearance and her claim, since.. you know.. you have to look like a playboy model in order to be sexually assaulted. Others say she is using this for "fame". This is just disgusting. I guess I should have expected the misogynistic outcries.

Another person commented the article with:

"It's comments like these that assure me that I did the right thing at not reporting my sexual assault," the anonymous poster writes. "I never wanted to face the battery of verbal assault that melissa is facing right now after facing the sexual one that she faced the other weekend..and the emotional and physical one that she will torment her for the REST OF HER LIFE just like the one that will face me."

I applaud Melissa's bravery of coming out to tell everyone about her dangerous encounter. It does take guts and I hope she can get through all of this.

Pills Kill Babies!

2008-05-06T10:39:00.003-05:00

Apparently, it kills babies.

Birth controls pills, which are used to tricking your body to prevent pregnancy, is now being protested since some pro-life people in America believe the pill actually kills babies. How can a pill kill something that never existed is beyond me, seeing how the pill prevents the egg from being implanted.... thus no baby can be killed. If anything this prevents abortion. I guess every missed opportunity to have an egg implanted is now abortion to them. Interesting. I wonder how they feel about periods.

They're calling it "Chemical aboriton," (I spelled it wrong since the idiots of the site spell it wrong more than once as aboriton.)

"Everyone should know the deadly consequences of the pill and similar contraceptive products– they cause chemical abortions."

Right...

Anyway, check it out:
Pretty hilarious

Spouting lies to protest my reproductive rights! How wonderful.

Not sure if I should include this, but the project is being led by a Catholic group. So they're spouting lies and pushing their beliefs of religion into it I suppose.

Disney Getting Risqué

2008-05-02T19:18:00.003-05:00

First the whole deal with Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) and the implicit "sexual" pictures and now Disney has a line of push up bras made for preteens. Wow. Doesn't this billboard just pander to pedos? Though to be a bit honest, young girls go to beaches wearing swim suits like that, so it's nothing unheard of or never seen before. It's just the fact that she is wearing a push up bra on a huge billboard in her underwear. A push up bra for kids.... WHY? Whyyyyyy?

Link to an image of it: I feel weird about linking this. :(

Afghanistan- Women Rights? What's that?

2008-05-01T11:19:00.005-05:00

Seriously, Afghanistan is one of those countries that greatly lacks rights for women, because you know... women aren't human so why treat them as if they were? That's crazy!

This article is just few of the disgusting and harsh treatment of afghan women: (warning: scary/sad read)

Woman jailed for being kidnapped and raped and 3 year old son brutally murdered by rapist/murderer. Along with mistreatment of other women.

Airbrushing + Media= :'(

2008-04-29T22:03:00.020-05:00

So I'm wondering how people feel about airbrushing.

My own thoughts? Well, I hate it. It distorts real beauty with unrealistic, perfect, and flawless looks and warps women AND men's perception on how they should look and what they should hope to achieve and even expect of others. It alters the mind of what "real" people actually look like. The perception (what is seen), cognition (what you think), and sensation (what you feel) of what is healthy and normal about body image is twisted. The person modeling in the photo doessn''t even look like the fake airbrushed person!

This affects people physically, psychologically, emotionally. Quick overview on effects:

Physically: They will begin to try to reach unrealistic expectations for their bodies. They will never achieve the look that airbrushing has given the image of a man or woman. Unhealthy methods are introduced in desperation. Abuse of steroids, exercise, laxatives, diet pills etc... Eating disorders and muscle dysmorphic disorder can develop.
Psychologically: Always feeling you have to keep working at it to get that look and the failure along the way can have quite the toll on a person mentally. It can affect sleeping patterns, social patterns, concentration and focus on the more important aspects of life, can affect self-esteem, confidence, cause anxiety, shyness, self-conscious, insecurities, depression, body dysmorphic disorder, etc...
Emotionally: It can wear a person down. I am guilty of crying over an image I wish I could look like. Excessive concern/fear on weight/appearance, mood swings, avoidance patterns, severe self-criticism. It can upset a person and develop emotional disorders in the long run for severe cases.

There is a lot more to it, but I'm fairly poor at explaining things.

Advertisements include all these airbrushed images and they have a great impact on how we feel, act, and wish to appear. The media has power over our self-esteem and body image. It is our culture that greatly defines us. American culture specifically has a media controlling culture. Telling us what to wear, look, feel, act etc to be "beautiful" and associate beautiful with thinner, softer, smaller, hairless, plastic, scar less, younger, tighter, fitter etc... We have all this thrown at us everyday through the media and ads.

Facts: (Keep in mind this is only reported stuff. Many are still under reported and this is just in the USA.)

80% of American women are dissatisfied with how they look.
10% of all eating disorder patients are male and this is increasing.
Fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women.
A study found that 3 minutes spent looking at a fashion magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed, guilty, and shameful.
70% of 6th graders are concerned about their weight. These are girls around 10-12 years-old!!
More than half of girls ages 9 to 15 report exercising to lose weight.
42% of 1st -3rd grade girls want to be thinner. 5-8 year-olds!!
51% of 9-10 year-old girls feel better about themselves when on a diet. These girls should not even know about diets yet!
The average woman sees 400 to 600 advertisements per day.
"Consider these statistics: Ten million Americans suffer from eating disorders. Seventy million people worldwide suffer from eating disorders. More than half of American women between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five would prefer to be run over by a truck or die young than be fat. More than two-thirds would rather be mean or stupid. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychological disease."
Edit: Bulimia affects 1 to 3%of middle and high school girls.
9% of girls under 14 reported some form of purging behavior.
7.5% of the post-pubescent population meets diagnostic criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating.
10% of all eating disorders patients die each year

(If any one is interested on the sources just send me a comment requesting such. Leaving the huge amount of sources out will make my post significantly smaller, although it's already too big! Also please help fill in some male related statistics! There are many males suffering the same.)

A few Youtubes of interest (they're all real short so please give them a look!) :

Onslaught of ads
Self-Esteem
Photoshoot
Doll Face <- 4 minutes long, but a very interesting watch.
Male body image

(Also sorry if I mix effect and affect a bit. =( I just know I've made mistakes. )

I have a 11 year-old cousin who told me she wishes to be thinner. I heard this and became so scared and tried to talk her out of it. She would not be moved from such a desire. It is frightening.

Recommended read: Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: The Frightening New Normalcy of Hating your Body by Courtney E. Martin.

Edit: What are the messages of these Ads?

Carl's Jr Ad

534 ways to LOOK and FEEL fantastic? Yay a magazine that tells me how to look and feel in order to be fantastic. Now imagine this... everyday for years on TV, radio, malls, magazines, movies etc... then the images you see of all these "perfect happy beautiful looking" women.

A magazine advertising a celebrity diet

Exercise for 2 hours every day and this is lunch?... Just Wow.

"Lunch
2 celery stalks with 2 to 4 tsp almond butter"

Joy and Joyness! Candy Mountain!

2008-04-24T10:03:00.007-05:00

I've been making too many angry or upset posts. I need some happy ones.

So yes, I'm posting about a really random video called Charlie the Unicorn. Oh, well you look at that; feminists CAN have a sense of humor too, wow. =p

Haven't heard of Charlie the Unicorn? Click part one and part two. It is kind of odd, but that's why it's so funny. My friend from Ireland showed me it and ever since we just keep making jokes about it. I love it.

My favorite quotes:
"It's a lioplerurdon, Charlie. A magical lioplerurdon!"

"Shun the non-believer! Shunnn. Shunnnnnnn"

"Charlie. Charlieeee. Charlieeee. CHARLIEEEE!" "What! I'm right here! What do you want!?" "We're on a bridge Charlie!"

Note: Hopefully my links work. I'm linking this from school at the moment.

Postsecret

2008-04-22T10:33:00.003-05:00

I saw this on Postsecret this week (google "Postsecret" if you never heard of it!) ...

.... and I do wonder sometimes if life is easier as a man. I'm not the only one who wonders about this.

Hayden "Jokes".

2008-04-13T14:47:00.013-05:00

I'm a fan of Hayden Panettiere from the show Heroes so I'm a bit sad or maybe confused with this video she made. She is downplaying sexual harassment as a joke. I wonder how she would feel if people downplayed the killing of dolphins and put it up so she could see since she is a "save the dolphins" activist. I'm sure she wouldn't be laughing at that sh*t. I'm pretty frustrated now.

The clip

It's not even slightly funny.

Across the Universe

2008-03-27T01:36:00.006-05:00

Watch it! Watch it!

The actor, Jim Sturgess, who plays Jude (pic above & below), a poor guy from Liverpool who comes to America and meets Max (who is also gorgeous) and Lucy (notice all names from The Beatles' songs?) is so amazingly good looking. I'm foolishly struck and ogling. He sings so well, has a nice accent, acts quite nicely (is in an upcoming movie called 21), he is just so adorable. I'm fan girling! Eeeeek.

Anyway, the movie is set in the 60's with the Vietnam War, the draft, the expression of music, freedom of speech and the Civil Rights movement. Max, Lucy, and Jude get mixed up in all the cultural changes. There is romance, lots of symbolisms, and of course many songs from The Beatles. There is bizarre animation incorporated, but I liked it. The movie is absolutely adorable. It was depressing at times and oddly Lucy reminded me somewhat of young Jenny from Forrest Gump. The two movies do share similar settings so I suppose that might be why, along with how both female characters take a stance in radical movement. I loved this movie (and Jim/Jude). Wonderful work of art in my opinion. I want to watch it again. I am a Beatles fan (my ex had introduced me to their music). I do have a lot of their music and know much of it by heart so being a fan helps when watching this movie. The ending was so perfect.

The person who plays Max, is actually English, but he did so well with hiding his accent and sounding American that I thought he was American until I looked it up.

There was a character named Sadie, so I was disappointed when the movie didn't play the Beatle's song, "Sexy Sadie."

I'm so stuck on Jim though. That smile... that accent. *melts*. Actually I'm crushing more on the character he played: Jude. He actually beats Johnny Depp for me O_O. I never get crushes on celebrities. I think Depp, and a few female actresses have only really gotten my attention so this is huge for me. ;p

A youtube on a song he sings:
(may contain spoilers)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8apitDJ7nms&feature=related

Swollen Lymph Nodes!

2008-03-18T23:56:00.003-05:00

I'm a hypochondriac (ironic for a student nurse in training). Any little thing I find abnormal or strange or even think is different I panic, research it, and worry some more. Usually I end up crying or wondering how to make money for a doctors appointment, since health care in America is amazing. .. ..

Anyway, my recent fears: cancer and diabetes. I'm having period problems. The inconsistency/irregularity of my cycles have always been abnormal. I have an irregular period due to thinness, diet, and stress. This recent period(and still on going from March 1st...) is scaring me O.o. Shouldn't bleeding for 19 days now, mean I should be dead or have a terrible illness? I started, then stopped for a day, then started and kept going since the beginning of March. Anyway, I searched things, and HPV is linked, so I've been freaking out and crying a bunch. Other major problems are also linked. I need to set a doctors appointment. This is even too abnormal for someone with an irregular period!

Two days ago I noticed my lymph nodes (behind my ears) were oddly swollen. Basically lymph nodes become swollen when fighting off an illness or infection or a reaction to cancer. Today, they're really swollen, so I'm freaking out thinking I have cancer now since both problems link to it. I did some crying and then more researching.

Then I realized I put my earring on a couple a days ago. I barely wear earrings as they hurt my ears after a while. My earrings may have caused an infection so my lymph nodes are reacting to it. Anyway, that is what I hope and seems logical. I worry too much :(. It took me nearly all day to come to this conclusion because I've been panicking all this time! I'm still going to die from my never ending period. I need iron! I won't stop!

I don't want to get into the reasons why I think I have diabetes since then this waste of a blog post will become even more unbearable and I'll start freaking myself out again. Ah the life of being a hypochondriac.

Importing Blogger Feed!

2008-03-09T20:38:00.008-05:00

I'm not so techy intelligent, but I was able to find out that you can import blog feed to Youtube and Facebook. So I have done just that. It's taking a while for my Youtube to import the feed... but Facebook is all set. Oh right. If you're interested in adding me on Facebook here it is:

I used to only allow real life friends, but all my friends mostly use Myspace (disgusting... I know...) so I've arranged my Facebook for both online and real life friends. :).

Also my Youtube for anyone interested:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Shylilsweety

That's all!

Update: It seems my privacy on Facebook is higher than I thought. I won't be taking down my privacy but if you link me to your Facebooks then I can add you. :]

International Women's Day

2008-03-08T22:33:00.007-06:00

http://www.internationalwomensday.com/

This is a great link! Watch the videos!

Happy International Women's Day!

Oddly my blog wasn't working all day and finally it's working for me so I don't have much time to say things since I only have 15 minutes until this day is over and I've been out today celebrating!!!

I love being a woman. :] I'm going to do great in school, and become a hard working woman!

Ah! So much to say so little time! I wish my blog was working earlier!

Much appreciation for the progress made so far for women in societies and the hope for more progress to be made! Look out for phony empowerment scams and be strong and independent! You go girls! :D

<3

:)

Arbys

2008-03-06T15:50:00.006-06:00

Yeah, making light of sexual harassment (illegal in my state) is hilarious when trying to sell food. =\

You know, the act of staring at women/men like they're a piece of meat, cat-calling, and treating them like a piece of meat is such a brilliant idea when wanting to sell your meat-made products.

*facedesk*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDJGjPMR0zo

Book reminder to self

2008-02-28T09:18:00.001-06:00

Tina Fey: "Mean Girls"

Exams

2008-02-25T13:43:00.003-06:00

Exams suck. I've been studying so much. D:
I better get a decent score.

Oh I saw something odd today. A man and what I would assume is his son were out for a walk today. The odd part was the man had his son on a leash. Wtf? XD So strange.

Also, do guys think that saying, "Hey do you need a ride?" when you're walking along minding your business is a way to get a girl or something? It happened today. Not unusual or anything, but I began to wonder if that actually works on girls. Maybe? It just annoys/creeps me out, but maybe other girls like that. *Shrugs*

Creepy.

2008-02-20T19:25:00.006-06:00

This morning when I walked to school a voice called for me from a car. I looked. He kept calling "Hey girl, hey girl, come here" from within his car. I just turned around and kept walking. :] He didn't pursue. \o/

This is the creepy bit. It makes me scared and worries me.

My youngest sister (15 years old) went to a corner store with her friend. It was dark out by the time they decided to go out. Returning home from the store and nearly at the house my sister and her friend noticed a man in a car who had stopped to have a good look at them. They walked a little quicker feeling uncomfortable by the unwanted stare. The quickened pace I guess resulted in an action from the man that freaked out my sister. The man actually started going in reverse to follow them since he had already passed them. They took a turn to go up a street that led them home and he kept his vehicle in reverse and took a turn and followed them up the one way street (he was going up the street when it's actually a one way -down- the street and was going backwards at the same time: wtf is wrong with this man). He sped up as they started running. The house was pretty close so they ran into the house and the guy stopped in front of the house, and shouted something to them (My sister and her friend said it wasn't clear, but it was something like "I know where you are now" or "live" or something like that).

How freaking creepy is that? Ugh. It really worries me. I don't even want to think on what would have happened had they not been close to home and other what if's. :( Scary.

Juno

2008-02-18T22:18:00.009-06:00

A good movie. If you haven't seen it... GO WATCH!

I just wanted to quickly blog about something the woman playing as the character Juno in the movie said in an interview.

Ellen Page ("Juno") said:

"I call myself a feminist when people ask me if I am, and of course I am 'cause it's about equality, so I hope everyone is. You know you're working in a patriarchal society when the word feminist has a weird connotation. "Hippie" has a weird connotation. "Liberal" has a weird connotation."

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/15/AR2008021500818.html?hpid=sec-artsliving

VOTE

2008-02-05T21:54:00.001-06:00

Vote :3

I still have to register to vote. My first time! *all excited*

Meh.

2008-01-26T14:40:00.000-06:00

My tio* Joe died today. Meh.

*uncle-Portuguese.

Weight

2008-01-23T21:33:00.001-06:00

Well, just a random post about my weight. I'm a thin girl. I have always been underweight my entire life.

Lately it's been bugging me since, I'm 19, in college, and I'm only 89lbs. I don't know why my metabolism hasn't slowed. I eat so much, I engage in light physical activities at the school gym to stay healthy, and I eat loads of junk food and too much chocolate and sugar most times. You'd think I'd be gaining instead of losing weight all the time.

I must admit, there have been times where I've wanted to just give up and just accept what everyone calls me or asks me. An anorexic that is. I've heard so many people call me it or ask me if I was because of my bodies problem with maintaining weight or gaining because of my metabolism. Don't get me wrong, it's great when you can eat all you want and anything you want without worries, or if you're in Japan where skinny is everything, but it's not all that great when you're routinely put down by friends, family, and even random strangers, you don't fit into any clothes except for the ones in the children's section, and you lack womanly curves!

/whine.

Haha, I need a job. Money keeps me from whining. :]

:(