The end of the semester has come and with that brings summer and so much free time (thank goodness).
This course, Women and Computers, and brought to my attention many different strategies for effectively navigating the web. Because of this class, I made this blog. I had, eventually, intended on creating a blog where I would write about feminist politics and such, but if it wasn't for this class, I don't think I would've discovered the passion of blogging. I might have, but I don't think it would've given me as many opportunities - opportunities to grow and find my niche here on the internet.
This class brought me closer to the young women I enrolled with - they are absolutely wonderful and I will miss seeing them every week!
This semester has just been a huge learning experience, not only in this class, but in all of my other classes. I've learned so many things in regards to feminism and really started to create a community of friends that really make me feel confident and loved. This will be a very memorable semester, and I cannot look back on these past few months without thinking of this class.
This class gave me many tools to aid in the growth of myself on the web. Thank you.
Friday, May 6, 2011
International Feminism
Being a feminist means being open-minded, or relatively so. For a class assignment, we were to look at different feminist websites from different parts of the world.
The two websites I chose to look into were The F Word: Contemporary UK Feminism and Ultra Violet: Young Feminists on Life in Contemporary India. Now, I had never before heard of or visited these websites - but I wish I had.
The F Word website was really eye-catching and flashy. The first thing I saw when I entered the website was the F-Word blog, which I was excited to read. I loved it. The posts were relevant to most women and I read a really good find titled, "1 in 6 women would rather be blind than fat - so?"
Aside from their blog, their website offered many different outlets and resources for women (and men) interested in feminism. The website also had an "events" tab, which had the listing of the major feminist events going on in the surrounding areas in the UK. Too bad I live all the way over here, because most of them seemed like a great deal of fun!
The shop on the website had many different reading materials (all of which I'm totally interested in) that one could purchase just at the click of a button. The shop also sells DVDs, music, and poetry (among many others) that is inclusive to all feminists.
The other site, Ultra Violet: Indian Feminists Unplugged, wasn't necessarily as established as the previous website, but I was greeted with a "Coming of Age" story right as I stumbled onto the website. Very heartfelt and interesting story of a young woman's account with gender based inequality.
This website reminded me a lot of Feministing - a more blog-based website, and I didn't mind. The website/blog offered different subject topics, such as, Self, Art & Culture, Govt & Politics, Law & Institutions, Work & Economy, Relationships & Marriage, Media, Society, and Our Bodies. The website also offered different news stories, related to feminist politics, that gave a lot of insight into the kinds of issues and topics the feminists in India work with on a daily basis.
Overall, I believe that my favorite (being between these two sites) would be The F-Word, only because they offered more on their website than did the Indian based webpage. I believe that the internet is an important feature to feminism now and with these sites, both from different parts of the world, establishing and creating movement on the internet is the beginning to awareness of gender bias and gender discrimination.
The two websites I chose to look into were The F Word: Contemporary UK Feminism and Ultra Violet: Young Feminists on Life in Contemporary India. Now, I had never before heard of or visited these websites - but I wish I had.
The F Word website was really eye-catching and flashy. The first thing I saw when I entered the website was the F-Word blog, which I was excited to read. I loved it. The posts were relevant to most women and I read a really good find titled, "1 in 6 women would rather be blind than fat - so?"
Aside from their blog, their website offered many different outlets and resources for women (and men) interested in feminism. The website also had an "events" tab, which had the listing of the major feminist events going on in the surrounding areas in the UK. Too bad I live all the way over here, because most of them seemed like a great deal of fun!
The shop on the website had many different reading materials (all of which I'm totally interested in) that one could purchase just at the click of a button. The shop also sells DVDs, music, and poetry (among many others) that is inclusive to all feminists.
The other site, Ultra Violet: Indian Feminists Unplugged, wasn't necessarily as established as the previous website, but I was greeted with a "Coming of Age" story right as I stumbled onto the website. Very heartfelt and interesting story of a young woman's account with gender based inequality.
This website reminded me a lot of Feministing - a more blog-based website, and I didn't mind. The website/blog offered different subject topics, such as, Self, Art & Culture, Govt & Politics, Law & Institutions, Work & Economy, Relationships & Marriage, Media, Society, and Our Bodies. The website also offered different news stories, related to feminist politics, that gave a lot of insight into the kinds of issues and topics the feminists in India work with on a daily basis.
Overall, I believe that my favorite (being between these two sites) would be The F-Word, only because they offered more on their website than did the Indian based webpage. I believe that the internet is an important feature to feminism now and with these sites, both from different parts of the world, establishing and creating movement on the internet is the beginning to awareness of gender bias and gender discrimination.
Women's Contributions to the Web
For my Women and Computer's class, one of our assingments was to research and create a "digital story" about a woman who has made a well-known contribution to the world wide web. The woman I chose to research was Emily Boyd, co-founder of the "Remember the Milk" application. If you haven't ever checked out the app before, please do so, as you can:
The more I thought about women's contributions to the internet and such, I got to thinking that the internet is a place where women can be heard - where women can make great strides in the gender gap - possibly even start to breach the digital divide. The internet offers so many different mediums where one could blog, video blog, communicate, and create programs that are used by thousands, if not millions, of people.
I love the idea of more women on the internet working together and creating great resources that I know I will use. Keep up the great work, women!
- Manage tasks from anywhere
- Get email, SMS, or IM reminders
- Share your tasks
- Access from your phone
- Manage tasks offline
- Use with Google Calendar
- Add tasks from iGoogle
The more I thought about women's contributions to the internet and such, I got to thinking that the internet is a place where women can be heard - where women can make great strides in the gender gap - possibly even start to breach the digital divide. The internet offers so many different mediums where one could blog, video blog, communicate, and create programs that are used by thousands, if not millions, of people.
I love the idea of more women on the internet working together and creating great resources that I know I will use. Keep up the great work, women!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A scary realization: They're coming for Roe v. Wade
This video, which I could not embed or attach to this post, must first be watched before you continue any further.
Reaction:
The GOP, because of all of their uncanny and vicious attacks on women in the past few months, this video didn't shock me one bit. I'm not in the least bit surprised that Republicans want to completely dismantle Roe v. Wade, in fact - I even expected this. The right to a safe and legal abortion isn't one that is guaranteed. Women have been battling to keep the existence of Roe v. Wade since the Supreme Court declared that a right to privacy under the due process clause in the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution extends to a woman's decision to have an abortion.
What angers me about this attack on women (well, all of it angers me), is the fact the showcased in this video, and accurately so, are the voices of men speaking out against Roe. Excuse me, but I'm more than positive that this is a WOMEN'S ISSUE.
WOMEN GET PREGNANT.
WOMEN HAVE ABORTIONS.
I am just sick and tired, sick and tired, SICK AND TIRED of men seizing control of women's bodies and women's access to health care. And you're right, men aren't the only ones attempting to take complete control over women's bodies - some women are just as guilty - and that just makes me sick and even more angry.
Reaction:
The GOP, because of all of their uncanny and vicious attacks on women in the past few months, this video didn't shock me one bit. I'm not in the least bit surprised that Republicans want to completely dismantle Roe v. Wade, in fact - I even expected this. The right to a safe and legal abortion isn't one that is guaranteed. Women have been battling to keep the existence of Roe v. Wade since the Supreme Court declared that a right to privacy under the due process clause in the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution extends to a woman's decision to have an abortion.
What angers me about this attack on women (well, all of it angers me), is the fact the showcased in this video, and accurately so, are the voices of men speaking out against Roe. Excuse me, but I'm more than positive that this is a WOMEN'S ISSUE.
WOMEN GET PREGNANT.
WOMEN HAVE ABORTIONS.
I am just sick and tired, sick and tired, SICK AND TIRED of men seizing control of women's bodies and women's access to health care. And you're right, men aren't the only ones attempting to take complete control over women's bodies - some women are just as guilty - and that just makes me sick and even more angry.
I simply do not understand their ignorance.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Interesting Finds
So, as finals approach I'm finding that I have less and less time to do the things I want (i.e. blog, sleep, keep my sanity... etc.). Once finals are over and I'm officially on summer break, I will be blogging at least twice a week (let's hope!), with a few possible summer projects coming your way. Keep your eyes on the look out.
In the time being, I figured I would share some of the interesting, feminist-minded (of course) finds I came across while stumbling through the interwebs. Sounds good, right?
Let's get to it.
Regarding the recent assassination of Osama bin Laden, I highly suggest you read this article written by Falguni Sheth, a guest blogger from Feministing. This article was very bold, interesting, and accurate, and to just give you a little taste:
Jill, from Feministe, did a very sarcastic and comical write up in review to Rich Santos, writing a series titled, "Dating Diaries: Sex and the Single Guy," over at Marie Claire, and why he thinks sometimes, bitches be crazy.
Watch this heartfelt and thought-provoking video, made by Baratunde Thurston, in regards to the whole Obama birth certificate debacle:
And last, but certainly not least, I invite you to participate in my call to action. The magazine, Elle, recently conducted an interview with the pop-star Will.i.am, and in that interview, he stated that he doesn't like it when women have, or supply, their own condoms. And I quote:
ELLE: If you walked into a woman’s house, what one item would convince you that you weren’t compatible?
W: If she had condoms in her house, that would just fuckin’ throw me off. That’s just tacky.
Now, I never really was fond of Will.i.am and this statement of his really made me angry. Since when is it tacky that women are prepared for their sexual experiences? Never. Nonetheless, he is basically shaming women for keeping a common method of contraception and being prepared and educated. Will.i.am, not only is your name ridiculous and inconvenient to type, I'm calling you out on this - you are wrong and I don't appreciate your opinion.
So, to the call to action. As seen on Feministing, writer Mya gathered all of her condoms and placed them in a bowl and left them on her coffee table in the middle of her living room, for everyone and anyone to see. So, I invite to you do the same, I know I will be. I'm proud of being informed and educated about the different methods of contracption, and I feel a sense of empowerment being able to supply condoms - in the event that my partner should forget (and we all know that men have the attention span and mental capacity, sometimes, as a fly). Hehee.
In the time being, I figured I would share some of the interesting, feminist-minded (of course) finds I came across while stumbling through the interwebs. Sounds good, right?
Let's get to it.
Regarding the recent assassination of Osama bin Laden, I highly suggest you read this article written by Falguni Sheth, a guest blogger from Feministing. This article was very bold, interesting, and accurate, and to just give you a little taste:
"The assassination of Osama Bin Laden doesn’t signal a victory for Americans but rather a resounding alarm about the surreal state of affairs in which we Americans have landed, with President Obama at the helm, leading the charge to assassinate Americans and foreigners alike, and vicious beatings of all others who express dissent and stand in the way of the United States Government."Also, there have been reports circulating that Osama bin Laden used his wife as a shield when the attack occurred, resulting in her death.
Jill, from Feministe, did a very sarcastic and comical write up in review to Rich Santos, writing a series titled, "Dating Diaries: Sex and the Single Guy," over at Marie Claire, and why he thinks sometimes, bitches be crazy.
Watch this heartfelt and thought-provoking video, made by Baratunde Thurston, in regards to the whole Obama birth certificate debacle:
And last, but certainly not least, I invite you to participate in my call to action. The magazine, Elle, recently conducted an interview with the pop-star Will.i.am, and in that interview, he stated that he doesn't like it when women have, or supply, their own condoms. And I quote:
ELLE: If you walked into a woman’s house, what one item would convince you that you weren’t compatible?
W: If she had condoms in her house, that would just fuckin’ throw me off. That’s just tacky.
Now, I never really was fond of Will.i.am and this statement of his really made me angry. Since when is it tacky that women are prepared for their sexual experiences? Never. Nonetheless, he is basically shaming women for keeping a common method of contraception and being prepared and educated. Will.i.am, not only is your name ridiculous and inconvenient to type, I'm calling you out on this - you are wrong and I don't appreciate your opinion.
So, to the call to action. As seen on Feministing, writer Mya gathered all of her condoms and placed them in a bowl and left them on her coffee table in the middle of her living room, for everyone and anyone to see. So, I invite to you do the same, I know I will be. I'm proud of being informed and educated about the different methods of contracption, and I feel a sense of empowerment being able to supply condoms - in the event that my partner should forget (and we all know that men have the attention span and mental capacity, sometimes, as a fly). Hehee.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Reflection
In light of the recent events taken place in the last 24 hours, I am speechless. I have nothing good nor bad to say about the assassination of Osama bin Laden. I have been reading many news reports this morning and afternoon, and yet I'm still indifferent.
I was browsing through my Facebook news feed and my dear friend posted this quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. that just seemed to make this ordeal make sense to me, so I thought I'd share.
I was browsing through my Facebook news feed and my dear friend posted this quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. that just seemed to make this ordeal make sense to me, so I thought I'd share.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
I've caught you in your feminsim... (part 2)
... oh, yes I have.
This series is dedicated to the those who claim that they're not feminists, yet have feminists ideals. To those who want nothing to do with feminism, YET believe in the core principles of feminism. To those who are so determined to stay out feminism. To those that give me so much shit about being a feminist and for standing my ground on my beliefs. To those same people that secretly believe in the same equality that I do, even if they are completely oblivious to it.
This is my little, "HAHA" in your face for catching you in your feminism.
My male friend and I were texting and this is how it went:
Friend: Its quite interesting really, how much our federal government pays to make sure teachers teach only abstinence.
Me: I know, right?! Feminism. :)
Friend: What the fuck does that have to do with feminism?
Me: That's a part of feminism. I'm going to write about you in my blog now. (I'm awful, aren't I?)
Friend: That is not feminism. That's something about the public school system. It's not like it's taught to only girls, you dolt.
And the conversation stopped after that point because he is completely impossible. Why I chose to make him a part of this series is because comprehensive and holistic sexual education is a huge part of the feminist agenda, whether he thinks so or not.
Feminists have been fighting, and continue to do so, for every woman's right to choose. Feminists have made it a point to call out our government for the poor, and lack of, proper sexual education in our public school system. Personally, as a feminist, sexual education is one of the biggest issues I struggle with, and advocate for.
And he's right, abstinence-only sex education isn't just being taught to girls. Girls and boys, alike, are being subjected to false, inaccurate claims and "facts" regarding sexual health. This isn't just an issue about and for girls. Feminism, as defined by any dictionary, is basically the equality between genders, and don't worry, Friend, we aren't leaving the boys out on this one.
This series is dedicated to the those who claim that they're not feminists, yet have feminists ideals. To those who want nothing to do with feminism, YET believe in the core principles of feminism. To those who are so determined to stay out feminism. To those that give me so much shit about being a feminist and for standing my ground on my beliefs. To those same people that secretly believe in the same equality that I do, even if they are completely oblivious to it.
This is my little, "HAHA" in your face for catching you in your feminism.
My male friend and I were texting and this is how it went:
Friend: Its quite interesting really, how much our federal government pays to make sure teachers teach only abstinence.
Me: I know, right?! Feminism. :)
Friend: What the fuck does that have to do with feminism?
Me: That's a part of feminism. I'm going to write about you in my blog now. (I'm awful, aren't I?)
Friend: That is not feminism. That's something about the public school system. It's not like it's taught to only girls, you dolt.
And the conversation stopped after that point because he is completely impossible. Why I chose to make him a part of this series is because comprehensive and holistic sexual education is a huge part of the feminist agenda, whether he thinks so or not.
Feminists have been fighting, and continue to do so, for every woman's right to choose. Feminists have made it a point to call out our government for the poor, and lack of, proper sexual education in our public school system. Personally, as a feminist, sexual education is one of the biggest issues I struggle with, and advocate for.
And he's right, abstinence-only sex education isn't just being taught to girls. Girls and boys, alike, are being subjected to false, inaccurate claims and "facts" regarding sexual health. This isn't just an issue about and for girls. Feminism, as defined by any dictionary, is basically the equality between genders, and don't worry, Friend, we aren't leaving the boys out on this one.
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