It's such a stereotype:
"Are you moody because of your period?"
"Oh.. Did you receive your monthly gift?"
Yes. Because obviously the only time a woman can be rationally upset about something is when she's menstruating. It's annoying. We can't belittle a woman's feelings and moods to a 5-7 day period of each month. This might sound like a feminist rant, but I really don't care. I'm a feminist, if you don't like that, that's okay.
I don't like being belittled to my ovulation cycle. I already have enough pressures as a young woman, society's eyes are always watching, I'm always being judged. By myself, my peers, teachers, family. It never stops. I'm not always going to be happy or chipper. I'm going to have days where I'm grouchy. I try not to take it out on other people, but it happens.
It's not just men and boys who feed into this stereotype. Girls themselves do it. We are told that our hormones are out of whack. We may be moody and irritable. If you are told something long enough and consistently, you'll eventually believe it. You can't hide your true emotions behind a tampon, it's true, we can be more irritable, but if you're truly upset about something, don't push it aside and blame your period.
Periods are real. It's not a hoax. Cramps are real too, believe it or not! It's not a conspiracy. So, if a woman in your life is having period pain and she's tired and seems a bit more irritable than normal, don't make fun of her. Don't joke about it. That'll only make her upset.
I'm not being bitchy because of my period, I'm being bitchy because you asked if I was being because of my period.
stay peaceful (and considerate)!!
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Friday, March 25, 2016
Alexis Isabel
I had never really looked at feminism or thought that my voice mattered. I didn't have a clear understanding of issues that we were dealing with as a society, I wasn't educated. Sure, I knew how to find the circumference of a circle and I had just spent 180 days talking about photosynthesis in AP Bio, but I didn't know what was going on in the world, I wasn't "in the loop".
Alexis is a strong young woman with an immensely bright future ahead of herself. She's writing bills and regularly visits her state capital to advocate for rights and causes that benefit multiple groups of people who are underrepresented. She speaks up for the poor, for transgender individuals, gays, rape victims, people effected by mental health, and most of all women.
It's so inspiring to see someone so young, only one year older than me, with such a strong platform. She's able to speak to 79.9 thousand people each and everyday with 140 characters. I think I would've realized that I'm a strong feminist, but Lexi showed me sooner which is nice.
She's so strong. Being in the public eye, even if it's just over twitter has it's downs. She faces hate every day. She's called names and is judged for her beliefs. She's outspoken and a woman, two things that some men don't think can go hand in hand. Newsflash: they can, and they do.
Alexis is more successful than the people who feel the need to internet troll her. She's working on passing a bill, she's been featured on MTV and she's empowering young women and men around the world.
I like Alexis because we share a lot of the same opinions and viewpoints on certain issues. She's also respectful, if she doesn't agree with someone or something, she's respectful about it. I think that shows a lot about who she is as a person. It's one thing to hold your own opinion, but to respect other people even if they don't agree with you is something we all need to work on, even me.
She has her own personal twitter account which you should follow (@lexi4prez). On this account she tweets about her life, social issues spanning from the presidential race to recent world terror attacks. She also has a second twitter account (@FeministCulture). Feminist Culture is her twitter account dedicated to all things feminism, statistics and links to her blog, which she keeps regularly updated with teen writers like herself.
Check her out, even if you're skeptical. She's a bad a$$ who has a huge future ahead of her and I'm so happy she's helped me get to where I am today. Check out her blog, Feminist Culture by clicking here!
stay peaceful (and vote lexi4prez)!!!
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Kinder Kennedy
Today, March 24th, 2016, my school held an assembly. It was an assembly about kindness, which we could all use a little more of.
Two weeks ago we suffered a loss. A freshman girl took her own life. It struck the school like a lightning bolt. There were tears and hugs and an overwhelmingly large amount of support to our freshman class and upperclassmen who knew the student. I didn't personally know her, but I wish I had. From what I've heard and read she was compassionate, kind and had a smile that could light up any room. I wish I had known her because maybe then I could have helped prevented this tragic event.
You can't focus on the "what ifs" in life, they drag you down, you can't go back and change the past. But we get stuck on them, especially when something this tragic happens to someone so young with such a bright life ahead of them.
Suicide is tragic, it affects everyone. Yesterday was the two year anniversary of my stepbrother committing suicide. I knew Jacob, but we didn't see each other often. I was with my mom more and he was with his dad more, so our paths didn't cross much, but when they did I always had fun. I think what hurts the most is seeing how it affects their loved ones. How his mother, my stepmom dealt with the pain and how my half-sister, his half-sister as well dealt with the pain. You just want to hold them and tell them everything is going to be okay. You can't do that though, not when there are so many unanswered questions. So many, "why?"s and "what could I have done?"s.
This all ties into "Kinder Kennedy" because the student who committed suicide was bullied. Bullying is such an ugly word. It's evil and always has a bad ring to it, even if you're talking about preventing it. That's why we should focus on being kind. We need to focus on the love and the good in the world and not let the evil and hate bring us down.
It's so much easier to love in this world and choose to be happy than it is to focus on the bad and make an effort to be angry.
"It is not our job to play judge and jury, to determine who is worthy of our kindness and who is not. We just need to be kind, unconditionally and without ulterior motive, even- or rather, especially, when we'd prefer not to be." -Josh Radnor
I love this quote. It emphasizes the need to be just to be kind. Without any other motives or interests in mind. Be kind, be loving and be open-minded.
stay peaceful (and always be kind)!!
Two weeks ago we suffered a loss. A freshman girl took her own life. It struck the school like a lightning bolt. There were tears and hugs and an overwhelmingly large amount of support to our freshman class and upperclassmen who knew the student. I didn't personally know her, but I wish I had. From what I've heard and read she was compassionate, kind and had a smile that could light up any room. I wish I had known her because maybe then I could have helped prevented this tragic event.
You can't focus on the "what ifs" in life, they drag you down, you can't go back and change the past. But we get stuck on them, especially when something this tragic happens to someone so young with such a bright life ahead of them.
Suicide is tragic, it affects everyone. Yesterday was the two year anniversary of my stepbrother committing suicide. I knew Jacob, but we didn't see each other often. I was with my mom more and he was with his dad more, so our paths didn't cross much, but when they did I always had fun. I think what hurts the most is seeing how it affects their loved ones. How his mother, my stepmom dealt with the pain and how my half-sister, his half-sister as well dealt with the pain. You just want to hold them and tell them everything is going to be okay. You can't do that though, not when there are so many unanswered questions. So many, "why?"s and "what could I have done?"s.
This all ties into "Kinder Kennedy" because the student who committed suicide was bullied. Bullying is such an ugly word. It's evil and always has a bad ring to it, even if you're talking about preventing it. That's why we should focus on being kind. We need to focus on the love and the good in the world and not let the evil and hate bring us down.
It's so much easier to love in this world and choose to be happy than it is to focus on the bad and make an effort to be angry.
"It is not our job to play judge and jury, to determine who is worthy of our kindness and who is not. We just need to be kind, unconditionally and without ulterior motive, even- or rather, especially, when we'd prefer not to be." -Josh Radnor
I love this quote. It emphasizes the need to be just to be kind. Without any other motives or interests in mind. Be kind, be loving and be open-minded.
stay peaceful (and always be kind)!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
"No Homo"???
"Happy birthday man, you're the best friend I've ever had, I love you. No homo"
I saw this tweet earlier today and it made me think. Why do high school and middle school boys
(and some girls) feel the need to add "no homo" to the end of their sentence if they're telling someone they love them?
I'll admit, I said it in middle school. It was more of a peer influence than anything else. I didn't know what I was saying or even what it meant. I didn't know the context of the phrase and didn't realize it was unnecessary to add to my sentence. It's crazy how often we say stuff that we don't even know. We repeat what we hear because it makes people laugh or it's the cultural norm, that's how influential we are.
Being gay is being more socially acceptable but there are still definitely homophobic individuals everywhere you go. You may not be homophobic, but by using the phrase, "no homo" or "that's so gay" can be very offensive to many people in the gay community.
By saying, "no homo", the individuals is repeatedly reassuring his audience of his heterosexuality. They're so scared of having emotions that they have to constantly remind us that they're heterosexual, and not gay. But why is being gay so scary?
I don't speak from experience, but people are people. They just love someone different than you, and that's okay. It doesn't affect you. Be you, and they'll be them.
What I wanted to get across here is that we need to watch our words. They can hurt, even if it was meant as a joke or a last minute statement. Don't say a phrase or a word if you don't know what it means, you'll eventually just look dumb.
Stay peaceful (and watch your words)!!
I saw this tweet earlier today and it made me think. Why do high school and middle school boys
(and some girls) feel the need to add "no homo" to the end of their sentence if they're telling someone they love them?
I'll admit, I said it in middle school. It was more of a peer influence than anything else. I didn't know what I was saying or even what it meant. I didn't know the context of the phrase and didn't realize it was unnecessary to add to my sentence. It's crazy how often we say stuff that we don't even know. We repeat what we hear because it makes people laugh or it's the cultural norm, that's how influential we are.
Being gay is being more socially acceptable but there are still definitely homophobic individuals everywhere you go. You may not be homophobic, but by using the phrase, "no homo" or "that's so gay" can be very offensive to many people in the gay community.
By saying, "no homo", the individuals is repeatedly reassuring his audience of his heterosexuality. They're so scared of having emotions that they have to constantly remind us that they're heterosexual, and not gay. But why is being gay so scary?
I don't speak from experience, but people are people. They just love someone different than you, and that's okay. It doesn't affect you. Be you, and they'll be them.
What I wanted to get across here is that we need to watch our words. They can hurt, even if it was meant as a joke or a last minute statement. Don't say a phrase or a word if you don't know what it means, you'll eventually just look dumb.
Stay peaceful (and watch your words)!!
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Spring Break!!
It's Spring Break Season and you know what that means; road trips, parties and vacations. I'll be staying in Iowa, reading my AP United States History text book and venturing to Iowa City. But a lot of the kids at my school travel. To remote islands, Mexico and sunny states.
Spring break is fun, it gives us a hint of summer. We usually get a peek at the sun and get to break out the Birkenstocks a little early. Spring break is fun, but it's also dangerous.
The legal drinking age in Mexico and many Latin American countries is 18. I feel like some teenagers take advantage of this, especially if they're on a spring break trip with friends, and not their parents.
We all hear about drinks getting spiked, or girls getting roofied. It's scary to think about, and it's scary that I'm blogging about it, but it happens. So I have some tips to keep in mind if you're vacationing in unknown territory.
1. Stay in a group! Never go by yourself, especially at night. If you don't definitely know where you are and how to get where you're going it will be more secure and assuring to travel in a group
2. Never take a drink from someone you don't know. Anyone can spike a drink, but if someone offers to buy you one, take it from the bartender, or from the server themselves. Don't take it from a second party, it only takes thirty seconds to spike a drink.
3. Carry pepper spray. It sounds silly, but it can help in an attempted assault situation. It'll distract your harasser and give you time to run away and find help.
These are simple, pretty self-explanatory tips to help keep you safe. Spring break is definitely fun, but it can also be dangerous. So stay safe.
stay peaceful (and safe)!!
Spring break is fun, it gives us a hint of summer. We usually get a peek at the sun and get to break out the Birkenstocks a little early. Spring break is fun, but it's also dangerous.
The legal drinking age in Mexico and many Latin American countries is 18. I feel like some teenagers take advantage of this, especially if they're on a spring break trip with friends, and not their parents.
We all hear about drinks getting spiked, or girls getting roofied. It's scary to think about, and it's scary that I'm blogging about it, but it happens. So I have some tips to keep in mind if you're vacationing in unknown territory.
1. Stay in a group! Never go by yourself, especially at night. If you don't definitely know where you are and how to get where you're going it will be more secure and assuring to travel in a group
2. Never take a drink from someone you don't know. Anyone can spike a drink, but if someone offers to buy you one, take it from the bartender, or from the server themselves. Don't take it from a second party, it only takes thirty seconds to spike a drink.
3. Carry pepper spray. It sounds silly, but it can help in an attempted assault situation. It'll distract your harasser and give you time to run away and find help.
These are simple, pretty self-explanatory tips to help keep you safe. Spring break is definitely fun, but it can also be dangerous. So stay safe.
stay peaceful (and safe)!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Kim Kardashian
It's kinda crazy. We still badger and judge a woman for posting a picture of herself where she feels comfortable and has the self-confidence any woman deserves to have.
This past Monday, March 7th, one day before International Women's Day, Kim Kardashian West posted a mirror selfie of herself with no clothes on. She wasn't fully nude however, she did cover her breasts and "private parts" with two thick black lines.
Yeah it's a controversial picture to post. But I really don't see anything wrong with it. "She's not even wearing clothes." She may not technically be wearing clothes but she's covered the body parts that are sexualized by society so it doesn't really concern you.
"Well, I don't want my children to see this." First off, if you don't want your kids to see "this kind of content", don't allow them to have social media profiles. I assume the age of the child is young if you're concerned about them knowing female anatomy and potentially seeing a little side boob. Children shouldn't be exposed to social media platforms at that young of an age.
That's my personal opinion. I was fourteen when I got my first social media page, good ole Facebook, and I had to beg for it. The only reason I didn't wait until I was older was because I gave my mom an ultimatum, hamster or Facebook (she really doesn't like "rodents"). That's pretty off topic though, I'm sorry.
Kim's selfie really shouldn't bother anyone, as far as I'm concerned. She's a thirty-something year old mother of two and she pretty amazing body. If she wants to show it off, that's her choice. I get that it may be offensive for that much of her body to be showing, but why? Why does her body bother you? Or people on the internet? It shouldn't.
This also isn't the first time Kim Kardashian has faced controversy because of her body. Her claim to fame comes from a sex tape. But that's different, that was released without her knowledge, and without her consent. She didn't choose to have that leaked, but it happened. She's built an incredible career, life and family given how she was brought into the public's eye.
She's also gotten heat from her multiple selfies. She posts a lot, but if she's confident in her skin that shouldn't be a problem. When she was pregnant, she posted a mirror selfie with not clothes on, showing of her baby bump and nothing else. She got a lot of backlash for that post but I thought it was so beautiful! She was showing her growing body, the amazing things that women can do.
Chloe Grace Moretz, a talented actress who has been featured in multiple films felt the need to speak her opinion on this issue.
"@KimKardashian I truly hope you realize how important setting goals are for young women, teaching them we have so much more to offer than just our bodies."
I get where she's coming from. But why don't we also teach girls to embrace confidence. You can have a strong mind, intelligent brain and successful career, but posting a "sexy selfie" doesn't take away from that. That's where people go wrong. Just because she posts a risqué picture, doesn't take away from her intelligence.
Kim Kardashian is a beautiful mother of two, with a loving husband and a successful life. Given the cards she's been dealt I think she's made quite a name for herself.
We need to teach girls to embrace their confidence and not hide their sexuality. Kim Kardashian is advocating for confidence and I stand behind her. Confidence is key to successful women!
stay peaceful (and don't judge)!!
This past Monday, March 7th, one day before International Women's Day, Kim Kardashian West posted a mirror selfie of herself with no clothes on. She wasn't fully nude however, she did cover her breasts and "private parts" with two thick black lines.
Yeah it's a controversial picture to post. But I really don't see anything wrong with it. "She's not even wearing clothes." She may not technically be wearing clothes but she's covered the body parts that are sexualized by society so it doesn't really concern you.
"Well, I don't want my children to see this." First off, if you don't want your kids to see "this kind of content", don't allow them to have social media profiles. I assume the age of the child is young if you're concerned about them knowing female anatomy and potentially seeing a little side boob. Children shouldn't be exposed to social media platforms at that young of an age.
That's my personal opinion. I was fourteen when I got my first social media page, good ole Facebook, and I had to beg for it. The only reason I didn't wait until I was older was because I gave my mom an ultimatum, hamster or Facebook (she really doesn't like "rodents"). That's pretty off topic though, I'm sorry.
Kim's selfie really shouldn't bother anyone, as far as I'm concerned. She's a thirty-something year old mother of two and she pretty amazing body. If she wants to show it off, that's her choice. I get that it may be offensive for that much of her body to be showing, but why? Why does her body bother you? Or people on the internet? It shouldn't.
This also isn't the first time Kim Kardashian has faced controversy because of her body. Her claim to fame comes from a sex tape. But that's different, that was released without her knowledge, and without her consent. She didn't choose to have that leaked, but it happened. She's built an incredible career, life and family given how she was brought into the public's eye.
She's also gotten heat from her multiple selfies. She posts a lot, but if she's confident in her skin that shouldn't be a problem. When she was pregnant, she posted a mirror selfie with not clothes on, showing of her baby bump and nothing else. She got a lot of backlash for that post but I thought it was so beautiful! She was showing her growing body, the amazing things that women can do.
Chloe Grace Moretz, a talented actress who has been featured in multiple films felt the need to speak her opinion on this issue.
"@KimKardashian I truly hope you realize how important setting goals are for young women, teaching them we have so much more to offer than just our bodies."
I get where she's coming from. But why don't we also teach girls to embrace confidence. You can have a strong mind, intelligent brain and successful career, but posting a "sexy selfie" doesn't take away from that. That's where people go wrong. Just because she posts a risqué picture, doesn't take away from her intelligence.
Kim Kardashian is a beautiful mother of two, with a loving husband and a successful life. Given the cards she's been dealt I think she's made quite a name for herself.
We need to teach girls to embrace their confidence and not hide their sexuality. Kim Kardashian is advocating for confidence and I stand behind her. Confidence is key to successful women!
stay peaceful (and don't judge)!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
International Women's Day
Women are kick ass. It's a fact, and if you don't realize that just hop off my blog. We make up about half of the world's population, no big deal. We resupply the world with tiny kick ass boys and girls, but eh, whatever..
It's about time we go some recognition. Yeah, there's mother's day. But that focuses on how amazing we are at raising kids and taking care of the home, *cough cough* themes instilled by the patriarchy. A day to recognize how frickin awesome women are was much needed.
So many celebrities have spoken out on International Women's Day, and it's so amazing. Women, men and teenage stars are speaking up about the recognition that the billions of women around the world need but rarely receive.
Matthew McGorry, an incredible actor and activist posted on his Instagram about International Women's Day! Matt McGorry is frankly, a dream guy. He's handsome, which is a plus, but looks aren't the only thing that matters. He's talented, in Orange Is The New Black and How To Get Away With Murder. But most of all, he's a feminist!!! A male feminist, how crazy?! Who knew they existed? He's pro-choice, pro-woman and speaks up about what he believes in and wants to fight for.
Women are amazing. We carry tiny humans in our bodies for 9 months. Without a woman, you wouldn't be reading my amazing blog! So many women are taken for granted. Women are so incredibly strong.
"Why isn't there an International Men's Day?" Stupid question, every other day is a man's day. The last 2,000 years have consisted of men being worshipped and placed on a pedestal. It's annoying. Annoying how easy it is for people to forget history. To forget that men have constantly been on top. Feeling threatened by a day for women makes you look weak, and portrays an egotistical snob instead of a caring individual who respects the women in their life.
International Men's Day can actually be celebrated on November 19th.
Recognize the single moms. Recognize the working mothers who are married. Recognize your mother, your sister, you grandmother and your wife. Be a #HeForShe and be a #SheForShe because the only way we can achieve equality is by working together.
stay peaceful (and celebrate International Women's Day)!!
It's about time we go some recognition. Yeah, there's mother's day. But that focuses on how amazing we are at raising kids and taking care of the home, *cough cough* themes instilled by the patriarchy. A day to recognize how frickin awesome women are was much needed.
So many celebrities have spoken out on International Women's Day, and it's so amazing. Women, men and teenage stars are speaking up about the recognition that the billions of women around the world need but rarely receive.
Matthew McGorry, an incredible actor and activist posted on his Instagram about International Women's Day! Matt McGorry is frankly, a dream guy. He's handsome, which is a plus, but looks aren't the only thing that matters. He's talented, in Orange Is The New Black and How To Get Away With Murder. But most of all, he's a feminist!!! A male feminist, how crazy?! Who knew they existed? He's pro-choice, pro-woman and speaks up about what he believes in and wants to fight for.
Women are amazing. We carry tiny humans in our bodies for 9 months. Without a woman, you wouldn't be reading my amazing blog! So many women are taken for granted. Women are so incredibly strong.
"Why isn't there an International Men's Day?" Stupid question, every other day is a man's day. The last 2,000 years have consisted of men being worshipped and placed on a pedestal. It's annoying. Annoying how easy it is for people to forget history. To forget that men have constantly been on top. Feeling threatened by a day for women makes you look weak, and portrays an egotistical snob instead of a caring individual who respects the women in their life.
International Men's Day can actually be celebrated on November 19th.
Recognize the single moms. Recognize the working mothers who are married. Recognize your mother, your sister, you grandmother and your wife. Be a #HeForShe and be a #SheForShe because the only way we can achieve equality is by working together.
stay peaceful (and celebrate International Women's Day)!!
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