I'm Not a Feminist, But...

 by Alisha

I’m not a feminist, but… okay. That’s a lie. I’m a hardcore feminist. I often hear the saying “I’m not a feminist, but…” when someone agrees with the concepts of gender equality, or other feminist perspectives, but also believes the stigma that feminists are hairy, man-hating, bitches. Well, let me tell you something: we’re not all like that; in fact, most aren’t. Let’s clear some things up here: 

1. So what is this whole feminist thing…? According to Jessica Valenti, (awesome feminism author, blogger, and person, check out feministing, some of her other thoughts here) feminism is simply social, political and economic equality of sexes. If someone wants to argue with that, tell them to check the dictionary.
   
2. Feminism really is for everyone No matter your age, gender, race, sexuality, ability, favorite color, height, shoe size, or any other difference you find, I’m sure you can find something in feminism that you relate to. If you really need help, Ryan Gosling might be able to help you out. ;)
   
3. I am a feminist, but…Being a feminist doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy things that are stereotypically defined by gender roles, it simply means that you don’t have to. And if you do, it’s for you, not to please anyone else! I still love cooking, being crafty, wearing dresses, and putting on makeup. Ask my sisters: I’m really feminine, but I also love intellectual conversations, curse like a sailor, and enjoy doing construction projects here and there.
   
4. We don’t need feminism anymore, everyone’s equal! I hear this far too often, but patriarchal culture is engrained so deep into our brains, that we don’t even recognize it. Don’t believe me? Try naming 10 famous males who gained praise apart from the media (think politicians, scientists, authors, people of medicine, Nobel Prize winners, etc.). Now try naming 10 females. A lot harder, right?  (If you think they don’t exist, check out GeekFeminist.) What about everyday language? When addressing a group of people do you often say “Hey you guys”? The last time I checked, I’m not a guy. If you go up to that same group and say “Hey ladies!” you’ll get a very different response, and it probably won’t be a pleasant one. Check out these handy cards that a college class came up with to help make language gender neutral! 

So for those who say that feminism is out dated, or doesn't matter, you might be surprised. 

Ew: Madonna Makes M.I.A. Her Back Up Cheerleader

by Rosemari

Seeing M.I.A. (again) in 2010

I have been a long-standing M.I.A. fan and when I heard that she was going to sing on Madonna's new album, I was intrigued.  After all, Swagga Like Us with one of the best hip hop songs of the decade and and her performance at the Emmy's on her due date was one of the most kick-ass things I've ever seen a pregnant woman do (if you missed it, here's the best video I could find).


M.I.A. pushed the envelope.  She never apologized for her style, her unique (at least for the music industry) femininity that didn't try to hide that she was a woman of color or be a sex kitten for someone else, and speaking up about the things that were important to her (particularly issues regarding Sri Lanka).  Sure, I once got sprayed by a supersoaker filled with vodka at one of her concerts.  But she was a nonconformist, international, young female rock star and sexy in her own terms.  And I needed that. And so did hip hop (can video vixens get any more trite at this point?). 





So, today I watched the new Madonna's video, Give Me All Your Luvin. It features both Nicki Manaj and M.I.A. as backup dancers to Madonna and appear to be more of an afterthought than anything else.  If M.I.A. had been featured in such a supporting role by a male performer, shaking her pom-poms in the background without much of an opportunity to really show off her musical creativity, I would have been disappointed. But this? Really, it's just insulting.  


Everything I loved about M.I.A. was twisted around in this video. M.I.A.'s cheer-leading uniform, her blonde wig, the product placement.  And, worst of all, those ridiculous spiked heels.  

Job Hunting Without Congress (and Other Appendages)

by Rosemari

In August, I graduated with my Masters from American University.  Like most of my fellow graduates, I hit the pavement, trying to find a paying position between pulling espresso shots and my dream job.  Along the way, I got bundles of advice from all kinds of great, helpful people.  Some of it I knew (networking is important; don’t have typos on your cover letter or resume).   Some of it was new (you will be judged based on your social media presence; your personal references can be held against you). And some of it was, for lil’ ol’ me, somewhat shocking to hear in 2011. Here are a few “gems:”

Photo source

1.     “Do you have any advice on people I might want to reach out to?” – me to a director of a large government agency in an informational interview

“If your parents know members of Congress, you should call them now.” – Director of aforementioned government agency

This advice exemplifies nepotism at its best.  When I walked into his office, I had already proved myself with two months of quality work.  But after this comment, I knew that no matter how hard I worked or how much I deserved a position, it wasn’t going to be enough to land me a full-time jig (at least not in his mind).  While it was an extremely condescending moment for me, I also knew it was, in part, the truth.

2.     “Should I apply to this department?”  – me  to a very helpful manager in a large government agency

“Yes, but you won’t get in. And if you do, they will never promote you or let you try anything new.  You are a woman and it’s still an old boys club.” – Very helpful manager in a large government agency

Old boys club? Huh? In 2011?

While I hate this advice, it came from one of my biggest cheerleaders, who tried every trick in the book to make sure I was gainfully employed.  I knew that it was well intentioned – the last thing she wanted was for me not to reach my potential because of a silly thing like gender.  It made me wonder how many of my applications were overlooked because of my gender.  And whether or not I wanted to spend my professional life breaking through glass ceilings.

3.     “This position about international family planning looks awesome.  What do you think of the organization?” – Me to an international family planning consultant

“[The organization] is only good if you have a penis.” – International family planning consultant

Errr... Well, I guess won’t waste my time spell checking that cover letter.  Once again, even if I landed a position in an organization like that, I knew it would be an uphill battle.  And I also knew that thanks to decades of work done before me, I was privileged to encounter this response a handful of times.  But, in my opinion, a handful is still too many.

Luckily, I am extremely fortunate to find gainful employment that I love, with a little help from Facebook, a former classmate, and a great organization willing to take a chance on me.  But I wonder how discrimination plays either for or against job hunters every day – and whether or not people are typically so forthcoming in saying it out loud.