tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91375604330270369042024-03-05T02:47:16.558-08:00The Grown Up GirlThese are my reactions to the world.The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-48073655160071453272013-03-10T11:27:00.000-07:002013-03-10T11:27:56.633-07:00Week Two Goals<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">First, a review of last week's goals and my progress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Daily Goals</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I will drink one cup of tea every day. <b>SUCCESS</b></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I will use a sinus rinse every day. (Icky but it makes me feel so much better.)</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">SUCCESS</b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I will sleep for eight hours every night.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">SUCCESS</b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I will go for a walk every day. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I will not drink soda.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">SUCCESS</b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I will not eat candy.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">SUCCESS</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Weekly Goals</u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I will do yoga three times this week.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I will finish reading </span><u style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Looking For Alaska</u><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> by John Green.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">SUCCESS</b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I will watch no more than ten hours of television this week.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">SUCCESS</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I really enjoyed what walking I did do, so I'd like to carry that through as a goal for this second week. Similarly, I was not consistent with my yoga. I'm going to carry that on as well. I barely made it with the ten hours of television - a particularly captivating West Wing storyline took a lot of my attention for a bit. I've definitely grown to love tea! So far I've only enjoyed chamomile, but I'm excited to try more varieties. I feel so much better now that I'm not drinking soda or eating candy - it's definitely making me sleep better, too. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Now, my goals for week two!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><u>Daily Goals</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I will go for a walk every day.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I will drink hot water with lemon every morning.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I will meditate every morning right when I wake up.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I will read for 30 minutes every day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><u>Weekly Goals</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I will do yoga three times this week.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I will try one new food.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I will go vegan with my sister.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This week brings the Vegan Challenge! Stay tuned for details on our contract, progress, and final thoughts! </span></span><br />
The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-51774403776804608622013-03-05T09:01:00.000-08:002013-03-10T11:28:26.400-07:00Beauty HaulI've decided to start switching to cleaner beauty products. While I don't have the funds to throw everything away right now and start from scratch (which just seems wasteful...), I'm going to replace items as I run out of them.<br />
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As it happens, I ran out of chapstick and eye makeup remover this week. So I trekked to Whole Foods and did some shopping!<br />
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I bought <a href="http://earthsciencenaturals.com/product/229/Chamomile-%26-Green-Tea-Eye-Makeup-Remover-4-oz.-.html">Earth Science's chamomile & green tea eye makeup remover</a>. It has a sort of gel-like texture to it, but it's definitely not a gel. There are no artificial colors and it's fragrance and paraben free. Bonus - it was not tested on animals. I actually really love this product. It wipes away all traces of eye makeup easily and doesn't leave my eyes feeling sticky, either. A little of this goes a long way, which is really appreciated as I'm spending a little more than I usually would on drugstore eye makeup remover. But this new product is definitely better for my skin, so it's worth it!<br />
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I also bought <a href="http://www.soothingtouch.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VANILLA%2DCHAI%2DVEGAN">Soothing Touch's vanilla chai lip balm</a>. The lip balm section was a bit of an adventure...many lip balms at Whole Foods are made with coconut oil. I'm not entirely sure if I'm allergic to that or not so I had to veer away from those. But my roommate has raw virgin coconut oil, so I'll be doing a little test to see if I'm allergic to that or not. Anyway, I settled on the vanilla chai lip balm. It's vegan, 70% organic, and has a very calming smell. It goes on very smooth and I can already feel a difference in my lips. It stays on for a long time, too, which is really great in the winter.<br />
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I'm very excited about my new beauty products and I'm looking forward to replacing more in the future!The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-46285510825145055742013-03-04T07:08:00.000-08:002013-03-04T07:08:41.900-08:00Week One GoalsHere it is! The first week of my wellness transformation to a healthier me!<br />
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I've decided to set some goals - both daily and weekly. I think this will be the easiest way to break my transition into smaller, more manageable pieces.<br />
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<u>Daily Goals</u><br />
I will drink one cup of tea every day.<br />
I will use a sinus rinse every day. (Icky but it makes me feel so much better.)<br />
I will sleep for eight hours every night.<br />
I will go for a walk every day.<br />
I will not drink soda.<br />
I will not eat candy.<br />
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<u>Weekly Goals</u><br />
I will do yoga three times this week.<br />
I will finish reading <u>Looking For Alaska</u> by John Green.<br />
I will watch no more than ten hours of television this week.<br />
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The hope for this week is that I will complete these goals and carry them through next week and beyond.<br />
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Here I go!The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-48776718827680253592013-03-03T21:12:00.000-08:002013-03-03T21:12:07.107-08:00A New DirectionThis blog is going to be headed in a new direction. I want to live a healthier lifestyle and this blog is going to reflect my efforts.<br />
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Six months ago, my mother died from cancer. In the months leading up to her death, I became super focused on exercise and counting calories. I was successful in my endeavors. But looking back, that was my way of dealing (or really not dealing) with my grief. When my mother died, all of my good intentions slipped away. In the fall, while struggling with grief, school, and family, I was diagnosed with panic attacks and binge eating disorder. I finally decided that I need a change.<br />
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I'm fascinated by the power of whole foods, yoga, and mediation. I'll be making lots of changes in the days/weeks/months/years to come and I am so excited.<br />
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Here comes a brand new me.The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-6056450787915992112013-01-31T21:21:00.000-08:002013-01-31T21:21:43.219-08:00Disney Princesses Redux<div style="text-align: center;">
In case you haven't heard, Disney has revamped the look of their princesses. </div>
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For the most part, the differences are minor. There seems to be a lot more glitter/sparkles, and several princesses have this slightly messed-up hair. Which is definitely a different look. Is this supposed to be a statement that princesses are real people too? That's debatable.</div>
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I would now like to bring your attention to two of the princesses: Pocahontas and Mulan. #problems<br />
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This is the revamped Pocahontas. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzaRUPc219jzVy7bX7SMijI_cN03lRgveYOSHcWeo8MP13vBwW1Ga0jfwovqZf9WGJSlEIP5mJ54KlGkkY9xHbV0VBHd24HsOJXbTzJNqm3A_5Z1XQHa06AkpOC7H09jBGRPRZIfkkyXE/s1600/poca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzaRUPc219jzVy7bX7SMijI_cN03lRgveYOSHcWeo8MP13vBwW1Ga0jfwovqZf9WGJSlEIP5mJ54KlGkkY9xHbV0VBHd24HsOJXbTzJNqm3A_5Z1XQHa06AkpOC7H09jBGRPRZIfkkyXE/s1600/poca.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is the original Pocahontas.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtekh7CB_eQZKcfFsJwVLp0P4xDz6btUAOVWU-WhPz3Mhpga9lWvecajss64Swz0tw8t1J62AouMCwMJgJ47GhB298LSLnaTbmnJhi8FSMIXinYytRoX_HZKaGAzc5d3w7zre22iVmtlA/s1600/poca3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtekh7CB_eQZKcfFsJwVLp0P4xDz6btUAOVWU-WhPz3Mhpga9lWvecajss64Swz0tw8t1J62AouMCwMJgJ47GhB298LSLnaTbmnJhi8FSMIXinYytRoX_HZKaGAzc5d3w7zre22iVmtlA/s1600/poca3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Problems:</div>
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1. Her clothes becomes more elaborately decorated.</div>
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2. Do I detect blush?</div>
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3. The earrings.</div>
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These changes are problematic because they contradict Pocahontas's character. This is a woman who preferred to roll around in the grass, talk to animals, and listen to the colors of the wind. It seemed to me like she could have cared less what was dangling from her ears.</div>
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This is the revamped Mulan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZYV_1Cd54fhnArCt1QpMuOEhSOCh86G644Nowls-GfBomG6ewFxUVwCIdjerO234Zn6HvFhTXXz3YCBDHf06eUqI-1rJ1iWoI7SrRIfN5xNIz6PA24vwbjS7GLJwy1zjUD7iHl9Nxf4k/s1600/mulan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZYV_1Cd54fhnArCt1QpMuOEhSOCh86G644Nowls-GfBomG6ewFxUVwCIdjerO234Zn6HvFhTXXz3YCBDHf06eUqI-1rJ1iWoI7SrRIfN5xNIz6PA24vwbjS7GLJwy1zjUD7iHl9Nxf4k/s1600/mulan.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is the original Mulan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspeRy7nGtyH4jChlSN3elk_SQFG7ftomkXPVeDaff6fexr4P-kTp7odeIFlzL0oKjISLRzwlnirdM4E1mICFPlMExgVeyym4f-fjKC3zkh15qer4lWWJF2BclQeFHU7VUPctpGgUDo_mw/s1600/mulan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspeRy7nGtyH4jChlSN3elk_SQFG7ftomkXPVeDaff6fexr4P-kTp7odeIFlzL0oKjISLRzwlnirdM4E1mICFPlMExgVeyym4f-fjKC3zkh15qer4lWWJF2BclQeFHU7VUPctpGgUDo_mw/s1600/mulan2.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></div>
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Problems:</div>
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1. Is it just me, or do her eyes have a bluish tint?</div>
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2. Blush.</div>
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3. A completely new outfit.</div>
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4. Whitewashing.</div>
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Mulan's new look is completely out of character. We only see her dressed in traditional women's attire in the beginning of the movie, and the story clearly depicts how unhappy she is with conforming to society's expectations of her. She is definitely uncomfortable with the clothes, makeup, and hairstyle. She actually spends the majority of the movie in more traditional male attire. Which makes sense seeing as it's difficult to train as a soldier in a tight skirt. But in this new illustration, Mulan has been whitewashed to fit our expectation and standards of beauty. </div>
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Frankly, I'm very disappointed in these changes. I don't know why the princesses needed to be redone. They seemed just fine the way they are. </div>
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The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-65986418017634652122013-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:002013-01-27T00:00:02.739-08:00On John Boehner's Crusade to End Abortion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-utiEGu6y-ZXnvkqyUbOpHEFDfosAzn_2CgnNAmvC1LyL0QnNwtnw4r0Pd8wgj-JeJ0E7x0zD2zGe28EMJVb3dMa7BZRJWsRXPZyZK_P6BmBpbVJTNdnYgsU41ZSulkkMwk5-Yb1UpDmK/s1600/11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-utiEGu6y-ZXnvkqyUbOpHEFDfosAzn_2CgnNAmvC1LyL0QnNwtnw4r0Pd8wgj-JeJ0E7x0zD2zGe28EMJVb3dMa7BZRJWsRXPZyZK_P6BmBpbVJTNdnYgsU41ZSulkkMwk5-Yb1UpDmK/s400/11.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.streetlaw.org/en/landmark/cases/roe_v_wade">Photo Credit</a></div>
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Earlier this week (at March for Life, an anti-abortion protest), House Speaker John Boehner announced his intention to ban abortion permanently.<br />
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Here is the first part of his plan: make the Hyde Amendment permanent.<br />
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The Hyde Amendment prevents certain federal funding from paying for abortions, with exceptions for incest and rape. It passed in 1976 in response to Roe v. Wade.<br />
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First of all, the government has no right to tell a woman what she can and can not do with her body. Her choice in what to do with a pregnancy is exactly that. <b>Her. Choice.</b><br />
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Second, even if legislation is put in place outlawing abortions, do anti-choicers really believe that abortions will disappear? If anything, anti-choice legislation creates an even more dangerous situation for women. If there is no safe space to turn to for an abortion, she will either take matters into her own hands or seek help in an unsafe way.<br />
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Please, John Boehner. Come to your senses and back away from women's bodies. They are not yours to legislate.The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-24327993706055067402013-01-25T18:56:00.001-08:002013-01-25T18:56:38.035-08:00Women Finally Allowed in CombatIn case you hadn't heard, the Pentagon recently decided to end the ban on women in combat roles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8guVzKJfagTiAD9mZ3meZme9H6zPWjBT4C3qxX2BsQtYMfsXrcycWHsUl6WX5Bey9grwMjt_FMIMXGpaNKBR7zYpRtmIxxu2QzQLtRxm7__QYsyVN_TUAqeJmFvfih6-2bM2CiKVj7oCR/s1600/130123223824-women-marines-afghanistan-story-top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8guVzKJfagTiAD9mZ3meZme9H6zPWjBT4C3qxX2BsQtYMfsXrcycWHsUl6WX5Bey9grwMjt_FMIMXGpaNKBR7zYpRtmIxxu2QzQLtRxm7__QYsyVN_TUAqeJmFvfih6-2bM2CiKVj7oCR/s400/130123223824-women-marines-afghanistan-story-top.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/23/us/women-combat-troop-reaction/index.html">Photo Credit</a></div>
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THIS IS A BIG DEAL.<br />
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Of course, many people are upset about this decision for numerous reasons, including...<br />
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<li>women can't keep up</li>
<li>women aren't as physically capable</li>
<li>it's difficult for male soldiers to bond when women soldiers are there</li>
<li>women are distracting, especially in a sexual way</li>
<li>the living conditions will be too unhygienic </li>
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Could I personally be able to fight someone in hand-to-hand combat? No. Could I personally handle the psychological toll of war? No. THAT'S WHY I HAVEN'T ENLISTED IN THE MILITARY.</div>
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The women who have already enlisted? They can do these things that so many protesters believe they can't. And you know what? Women who want to be in the military will enlist. They're not going to go away just because some ignorant men can't handle the thought of them doing a job as equally well as men. </div>
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I realize that this stigma is going to last for a long time. It's unfortunate, though. How long until I wake up in a world in which a woman's capability isn't questioned solely because she is a woman?</div>
The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-79363638008314838072013-01-21T12:42:00.000-08:002013-01-21T12:42:18.459-08:00Feminism in Film: The Little MermaidFor my other Feminism in Film posts, go <a href="http://thegrown-upgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Feminism%20in%20Film">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXH9ecVdXg9WNG4RWk3EkWbXz-p8ZKGLs5WOr50Y0eO15MlvD3T32pe0rNwObOEqnO2jz3q2ZPz9poJZzevhGHhnyRPiTcON8J2gTTCzzcI9olAOulCKfCflheo7f1GgAWqTPN306W2OZ/s1600/ariel-the-little-mermaid-14629313-1280-1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXH9ecVdXg9WNG4RWk3EkWbXz-p8ZKGLs5WOr50Y0eO15MlvD3T32pe0rNwObOEqnO2jz3q2ZPz9poJZzevhGHhnyRPiTcON8J2gTTCzzcI9olAOulCKfCflheo7f1GgAWqTPN306W2OZ/s320/ariel-the-little-mermaid-14629313-1280-1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Initial Thoughts</u><br />
I love many of the songs from The Little Mermaid. They're great for sing alongs!<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>The Critique</u><br />
<u><br /></u>It should be noted that Ariel is the first princess to dream about something other than a man. She sings about walking on land, not of finding true love. Go girl! But...the only reason she seeks an actual change is because she sees Eric and wants to be with him. Which is not so great. Also, Eric wasn't the one spying on Ariel. She spies on him! Definitely a change from the previous movies. However, I'm really tired of Disney couples becoming madly in love when they don't even know each other's names. This is so not realistic.<br />
<br />
Ariel's relationship with her father is also worth noting. He is very restrictive on where she is allowed to go and what she is allowed to do. Symbol of the our repressive patriarchal society? Possibly. Ariel dreams of a different world and her father won't allow her to follow her dreams. That's some bad parenting right there.<br />
<br />
Oh, look! Still no female friendships!<br />
<u><br /></u>
Ursula definitely falls under the category of <a href="http://www.feministfrequency.com/2011/05/tropes-vs-women-4-the-evil-demon-seductress/">Evil Demon Seductress</a>, which is a common trope. While Ursula may not be traditionally sexy at first, she transforms herself into Vanessa. Vanessa then proceeds to manipulate and seduce Eric.<br />
<br />
White washing. But a Jamaican crab? I also don't care for the stereotyped French chef. I mean, come on.<br />
<br />
She is known for her singing voice, which is at least a skill. The previous princesses were only known for their beauty. But let's get right down to the biggest problem: Ariel trades her voice for legs. She gives up her right to speak. She is a woman who has been silenced. Ursula actually has lines that include "you have your looks, your pretty face, and don't underestimate the importance of body language", and that men "prefer for girls not to say a word...it's she who holds her tongue that gets the man". SO MANY PROBLEMS. A woman should never have to change for a man.<br />
<br />
Eric is the one who ultimately destroys Ursula. So once again, the princess doesn't save herself.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>The Bechdel Test</u><br />
*two named women? <b>YES</b> (Ariel, Ursula)<br />
*who talk to each other? <b>YES</b><br />
*about something other than men? <b>NO</b><br />
Their only conversation takes place when they strike a bargain to turn Ariel into a human so she can get Eric. Ursula gives her some tips on how to get a man - mainly, don't talk.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Final Rating</u><br />
Two and a Half StarsThe Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-86025123561063747542013-01-21T09:11:00.001-08:002013-01-21T11:37:07.131-08:00Feminism in Film: Sleeping BeautyFor my other Feminism in Film posts, go <a href="http://thegrown-upgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Feminism%20in%20Film">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDhKXR3cY9QdYxAlC3-ZdfQdbGGbpmI2EJA_DzcRmDgZ46N9tGq1LDskauJ19_bXs27sKnRQKOHz6KNs12xczu8-wdqHNo2Lzt3vzNC9IAQ-Co-oE3jk0jZyqHJCa16qwGDDcSv8rmJyE/s1600/Sleeping_Beauty-_1280x800_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDhKXR3cY9QdYxAlC3-ZdfQdbGGbpmI2EJA_DzcRmDgZ46N9tGq1LDskauJ19_bXs27sKnRQKOHz6KNs12xczu8-wdqHNo2Lzt3vzNC9IAQ-Co-oE3jk0jZyqHJCa16qwGDDcSv8rmJyE/s320/Sleeping_Beauty-_1280x800_copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<u><br /></u>
<u>Initial Thoughts</u><br />
I honestly could not remember anything about this movie. I wasn't really looking forward to watching it, either. But it was the next movie in our line-up, so off we went!<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>The Critique</u><br />
The three fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, bestow gifts upon the baby princess- beauty ("hair of sunshine gold and lips red as the rose"), song, and true love's kiss will break the sleeping curse. The latter is a very practical gift and I like that a woman did what she could to save another woman. However I don't understand why beauty must be a qualification to be a princess. Why couldn't the fairies have made sure Aurora was intelligent? Or curious?<br />
<br />
So why does Maleficent cast a curse on Aurora? Because she wasn't invited to a party and she was jealous of a baby's beauty. Seriously? Don't these high-powered women have anything better to concern themselves with? And why can't the women stop hating on other women?<br />
<br />
The fairies take Aurora away to raise her, which I like. Three women working together to rise a child!<br />
<br />
I think the pink/blue debate for Aurora's dress is great. Merryweather challenges traditional gender stereotypes!<br />
<br />
Aurora is betrothed to a young Prince Phillip. Not a fan of betrothals! I know that in this movie they ultimately end up together, but why did they have to be forced together by their parents? Shouldn't their children be allowed to choose their spouse?<br />
<br />
When do Aurora and Phillip meet (after their initial meeting when they were betrothed)? He spies her singing in the forest and goes up to her. He says they met "once upon a dream". CREEPY. STALKER. STRANGER DANGER.<br />
<br />
COME ON PRINCESSES. GET IT TOGETHER.<br />
<br />
Aurora knows absolutely nothing about Phillip! She won't even tell him her name! He asks when he can see her again, and she says "never"! NO MEANS NO.<br />
<br />
Prince Phillip saves her. These princesses need to start learning how to save themselves.<br />
<br />
Also, white washing. White washing everywhere.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>The Bechdel Test</u><br />
*two named women? <b>YES</b> (Aurora, Maleficent, Flora, Fauna, Merryweather)<br />
*who talk to each other? <b>YES </b><br />
*about something other than men? <b>YES </b>(fairies discuss how to save Aurora)<br />
This is the first Disney princess movie with more than one "good" female character. It's refreshing to finally see a change! The fairies want to protect Aurora, and do everything in their power to keep her safe from harm. Ultimately, they fail. But to err is human.<br />
<br />
<u>Final Rating</u><br />
Two StarsThe Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-62462702427761047622013-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:002013-01-20T00:00:01.326-08:00Feminism in Film: CinderellaFor the rest of my Feminism in Film Posts, go <a href="http://thegrown-upgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Feminism%20in%20Film">here</a>.<br />
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<br />
<u>Initial Thoughts</u><br />
The is my other sister's favorite movie! We're going through them all in order.<br />
<br />
<u>The Critique</u><br />
Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella hate on Cinderella. Why? Because Cinderella is kind, sweet, classy, and beautiful. Lady Tremaine allows her daughters to sabotage Cinderella's dress and then locks her in the tower. There's some Queen/Snow White dynamics going on here. Granted, Lady Tremaine isn't as brutal as The Queen. But still. Cinderella is cast into non-existence because she is a good person.<br />
<br />
However, I don't really understand why Anastasia and Drizella need to be unattractive physically. Over and over again, we are given examples of how unattractive their personalities are. So Cinderella is the only one who is allowed to be beautiful? Why can't these women be solely evaluated based on their character?<br />
<br />
The only female friendship is between the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella. All the other women gang up on her. I really wish the princesses had friends who weren't animals. It's just not very practical.<br />
<br />
Whitewashing, again. No people of color here!<br />
<br />
In this movie, the prince actually gets to talk to Cinderella. Which is a vast improvement from Snow White's prince. But still. He wants to marry her after a few hours! Not exactly realistic.<br />
<br />
Cinderella doesn't save herself. She relies on two male mice to retrieve the key to her locked tower bedroom. And then she is safe from her wicked stepmother by marrying the king.<br />
<br />
<u>The Bechdel Test</u><br />
*two named women? <b>YES</b> (Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella)<br />
*who talk to each other? <b>YES</b><br />
*about something other than men? <b>YES</b> (usually chores, also Cinderella's presence at the ball)<br />
I don't really know why these women are so bitter towards the princesses.<br />
<br />
<u>Final Rating</u><br />
Two StarsThe Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-42026597233320548592013-01-18T19:05:00.000-08:002013-01-18T19:56:10.961-08:00Feminism in Film: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs<span style="font-family: inherit;">For my other Feminism in Film posts, go <a href="http://thegrown-upgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Feminism%20in%20Film">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KpjcvMGUBNiPyusKBIKEBsKkGpdQYqlYU4uNykDAhkotGJDjGbJZ0WoZH2TEpa1xcgbwtJABTRmiCQNiWdlypsKZNl9ivji455nsTmoJCKRGhf4WwPDRL5u0_yOzVaZIedv3BikH_yM0/s1600/snow_white_and_the_seven_dwarfs_wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KpjcvMGUBNiPyusKBIKEBsKkGpdQYqlYU4uNykDAhkotGJDjGbJZ0WoZH2TEpa1xcgbwtJABTRmiCQNiWdlypsKZNl9ivji455nsTmoJCKRGhf4WwPDRL5u0_yOzVaZIedv3BikH_yM0/s320/snow_white_and_the_seven_dwarfs_wallpaper.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Initial Thoughts</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is one of my sister's favorite movies. I've never liked it. But I decided to give it a go!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u>
<u>The Critique</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Queen is highly obsessed with beauty. She goes so far as attempted murder so she can remain the most beautiful in the land. I really don't like the way this movie portrays older women: terrified of turning old. I understand that both men and women do not enjoy some of the effects of aging, but it isn't the only thing on their minds. Why can't we see The Queen ruling her kingdom? Why can't we see her dealing with Kings and Queens from neighboring realms?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On a similar note, Snow White is only known for her beauty. I understand that this is to be taken as a compliment, but she does have other qualities. Her entire purpose should not be reduced to her appearance. She is incredibly kind (she takes the "killing with kindness" thought quite seriously) and very good with both people and animals. Why couldn't we focus on that? On that note, however, Snow White's only way to make a livelihood is by cooking and cleaning. She conveniently fits into the housewife stereotype.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This movie is so incredibly white washed. Not a single character of color. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because of when this movie was released, but still.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So...the prince. A bit of a stalker? He spies her over a giant wall, leaps in, SCARES HER, and then proclaims his love for her. Also, he's the only one who can save her. White Knight complex? Damsel in Distress?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two words: STRANGER DANGER.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<u style="background-color: white; color: #323232; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Bechdel Test</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; line-height: 18px;">*two named women?</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; line-height: 18px;"> YES </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; line-height: 18px;">(Snow White, The Queen)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; line-height: 18px;">*who talk to each other? <b>YES</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">*about something other than men? </span><b style="color: #323232; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">YES </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">(delicious apples)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">So the only time Snow White and The Queen actually talk to each other is when The Queen disguises herself as an old woman so she can </span><span style="color: #323232; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">poison Snow White. Not exactly female friendly... To that extent, there are NO female friendships in this movie! Of the only two female characters, one is trying (desperately) to kill the other!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #323232; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18px;"><u>Final Rating</u></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #323232;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Two Stars</span></span>The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-61771427856979858372013-01-15T08:15:00.000-08:002013-01-15T08:15:09.051-08:00The Women of the Oscar Nominations - Miss RepresentationI recently became a Social Action Rep with <a href="http://www.missrepresentation.org/">Miss Representation</a>! I will be blogging my thoughts on women in the media.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFAGawPdAgFTbKDX9p-gQ9zbYPa03yDbQKQ5pTLyUx5y2GjtuTMKixdLS1Y1nnvcBylo6XAJVFX7j5ya6ZPcrsdugOQrz5DCFF-iUUsrzq9vxLKq6HmGR6NJ2C9pibGpWVDh60XzZ7F7R/s1600/010913_OscarsLogoABC-355x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFAGawPdAgFTbKDX9p-gQ9zbYPa03yDbQKQ5pTLyUx5y2GjtuTMKixdLS1Y1nnvcBylo6XAJVFX7j5ya6ZPcrsdugOQrz5DCFF-iUUsrzq9vxLKq6HmGR6NJ2C9pibGpWVDh60XzZ7F7R/s1600/010913_OscarsLogoABC-355x200.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://womensvoicesforchange.org/">Source</a></div>
<br />
Let's talk about the lack of female nominees at the Oscars.<br />
<br />
Now, there are a handful no<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">minated for producing in the Best Picture category: <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Stacey Sher (Django Unchained), </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Pilar Savone (Django Unchained), </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Debra Hayward (Les Misérables), Kathleen Kennedy (Lincoln), </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Donna Gigliotti (Silver Linings Playbook), </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Kathryn Bigelow and Megan Ellison (Zero Dark Thirty). Five out of nine movies had one or more female producers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">For Animated Feature Film? There's only Brenda Chapman, for Brave.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">For Cinematography? Zero.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">For Directing? Zero.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">For Original Score? Zero.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">For Adapted Screenplay? Only </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lucy Alibar, for Beasts of the Southern Wild.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For Original Screenplay? Zero.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Perhaps it would be easier to visualize this discrepancy in a graph, as the lovely people of Bitch Flicks have so kindly done for us: </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOm3Mov6n6KVgRGDUczpzWeRqyBLLzoNu2asUjGQWTfjUYahMTq0tK_uuEUwu2g6EfjE8q0gwtcMUnpFv5CDfFcH_feepgVFhUZ1ENnyu6byNbO7fXhisGOgdfGUmNajYovdl2l1m5lEu/s1600/oscar+graph.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOm3Mov6n6KVgRGDUczpzWeRqyBLLzoNu2asUjGQWTfjUYahMTq0tK_uuEUwu2g6EfjE8q0gwtcMUnpFv5CDfFcH_feepgVFhUZ1ENnyu6byNbO7fXhisGOgdfGUmNajYovdl2l1m5lEu/s1600/oscar+graph.png" height="491" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.btchflcks.com/2013/01/this-needs-no-explanation.html">Source</a></span></span></div>
<br />
Now, it's not like women are not out there in all of these careers. But time and again, the Academy chooses to nominate more men than women in arguably the more "technical" areas.<br />
<br />
What will it take for more women to be nominated? I know that some will argue that it's not the Academy's fault. That the best and most talented contributors just happen to be male. So then who actually needs to deal with this problem?<br />
<br />
I do think the Academy needs to nominate more women. But at the same time, movies need to utilize more women. If you don't hire a female director, she can never be nominated. If you don't hire a female to do the visual effects, she can never be nominated.<br />
<br />
I do hope the 2014 Oscar nominations fare better.<br />
<br />
<u>Further Reading</u><br />
www.missrepresentation.org<br />
http://www.btchflcks.com<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The views and statements in this message do not necessarily reflect those of
Miss Representation.org and their leadership. </span><br />
<br />
<br />The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-55649804877602150302013-01-06T12:23:00.000-08:002013-01-06T12:23:06.615-08:00Debunking the Feminist Nazi Meme<div style="text-align: center;">
You've probably seen the 'Feminist Nazi' meme floating around the internet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, it's offensive. But it's also full of incorrect statements. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Below are some debunked "<a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/feminist-nazi">notable examples</a>". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Actually, women used to be diagnosed with hysteria by doctors in the 19th century. It was sort of a catch-all diagnosis for any problem a woman might have. Often, however, it was used for "troubled" women. So does calling attention to a stereotype make me hysterical? Apparently it does, according to this meme. Google image search 'hysterical men'. Pictures of Steve Carell and Zack Galifianakis pops up. Google image search 'hysterical women' and suddenly you've got pictures of women screaming and being violent. That's a problem. Oh, by the way: the cure for female hysteria? Orgasms. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCkONG8TQZkyXnW4asUzcSeu0oJIWQn-dHfmU1SGKj6BGV8-hZCrmHm7KFRLnqCAdi5gQnrU9YbV_hLDLwr7f_XRH-CGAulmMEQPTL4J_iw05bzHUobo85LPGO_2bNzSs-LNbU6ai5ovM/s1600/734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCkONG8TQZkyXnW4asUzcSeu0oJIWQn-dHfmU1SGKj6BGV8-hZCrmHm7KFRLnqCAdi5gQnrU9YbV_hLDLwr7f_XRH-CGAulmMEQPTL4J_iw05bzHUobo85LPGO_2bNzSs-LNbU6ai5ovM/s1600/734.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ok, so here we get into slut-shaming and rape culture. Men and women can wear whatever they damn well want. Both genders should be able to leave the house in whatever makes them feel comfortable and not be judged, harassed, or violated. Unfortunately, we live in a patriarchal society where the opposite takes place. If a woman puts on a bikini, then she's "asking for it". Right? WRONG. SO WRONG. It is incredibly humiliating to be ogled and examined like a cow at a country fair. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iMQvWdMdgfR18WSdQTm_ic14AzYUgkwZT8TgM-m3TqPJQtIykbU8qTq_59vBcRYSBzno8isfi0bzFrwra2xD81iRV5C3t9fMZ50jhRgW49LF5UyTY-ZhP6F4u4MXMQGHdVTD68rKDY0C/s1600/759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iMQvWdMdgfR18WSdQTm_ic14AzYUgkwZT8TgM-m3TqPJQtIykbU8qTq_59vBcRYSBzno8isfi0bzFrwra2xD81iRV5C3t9fMZ50jhRgW49LF5UyTY-ZhP6F4u4MXMQGHdVTD68rKDY0C/s1600/759.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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Actually, that's wrong. </div>
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Women have been pushing to join the front lines for decades. </div>
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It's the government that doesn't want to allow it. See <a href="http://news.discovery.com/human/women-military-front-120213.html">here</a>.</div>
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The word 'pussy', when used as an insult, is most often </div>
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used by men to describe other men. </div>
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It is a way of criticizing another man's masculinity. </div>
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See this incredibly well written (cue eye roll) <a href="http://www.thesmokingjacket.com/humor/male-cheerleading-pros-cons">article</a> by a man for a mens blog.</div>
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<br />The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-49706680169056698742013-01-04T20:20:00.000-08:002013-01-04T20:20:31.254-08:00Slut Shaming via TumblrSo you may have seen this article on BuzzFeed, "<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/katieheaney/girl-on-girl-crime-the-did-you-know-slut-shamer">Girl-On-Girl Crime: The 'Did You Know' Slut-Shamers of Tumblr</a>". In case you're unfamiliar with the 'Did You Know' meme, here's a quick <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/dear-girls">revie</a>w of the original post and then here's a <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/hey-girls-did-you-know">recap</a> of the response to it.<br />
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It all originated with this extremely photo-shopped photo on Tumblr. Catch the irony here? Honestly, I think his intentions were good. But as <a href="http://jezebel.com/dear-boy-in-outer-space/">Jezebel</a> and <a href="http://slacktory.com/2012/06/sassing-back-boys-with-pseudofeminist-handwritten-signs-its-a-trend-nsfw-naked-woman-inside/">Slacktory</a> pointed out, their well-meaning message is actually one of misogynistic slut-shaming.<br />
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Why?<br />
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1. Women do not need a man's validation. See a recent post on <a href="http://animalstalkinginallcaps.tumblr.com/post/39673457663/dammmmmmmn-baby-i-like-what-youre-working-with">Animals Talking in All Caps</a>, which happens to be a fav of mine.<br />
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2. What the young man is referring to in this photo is, I believe, the "natural look". Now, speaking as a young woman, I do not go out of the house in my "natural" state. I take the time to do my hair, makeup, and put on nice clothing because that is my choice. If a woman does not want to do any of the above, or a mix of the above, then cool. Her choice. But the "natural look" that this man is referring to requires careful makeup application and styled hair. So one does, in fact, need makeup to look beautiful because that is the society we live in (see the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/01/02/does-makeup-hurt-self-esteem">New York Times discussion</a> about the value of makeup for women).<br />
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3. This photo is an excellent example of girl-on-girl slut-shaming. Obviously, everyone is entitled to their own opinions regarding dress and their own personal choices of how to dress themselves. Do I walk around in low-cut tops? Nope. Not my style. Do I make fun of women who do? Nope. Whatever they want to wear, they should wear. I am not, however, a fan of a woman wearing something specifically because it is "expected of her" or to "please a man". But that's a subject for another day.<br />
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Two things need to change here. First of all, men need to stop telling women how to be beautiful. Instead, they should accept and appreciate women for being exactly the way they are. Secondly, women need to stop attacking each other. Women should be the first to support each other, no matter what. How do we change? By being more supportive, understanding, and accepting.<br />
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<br />The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-46639153047551148482012-12-29T18:54:00.000-08:002012-12-29T18:56:32.879-08:00Feminism in Film: Moonrise KingdomFor more Feminism in Film, go <a href="http://thegrown-upgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Feminism%20in%20Film">here</a>.<br />
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I just finished watching the Wes Anderson's film "Moonrise Kingdom". What a wonderfully charming movie! It is the first of his films that I've seen, but I'm definitely looking into the others.<br />
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<u>Initial Thoughts</u><br />
I heard lots of good things about this film from various people, mostly that it's a fun little movie. Which it was! I love that the scout group is called the "Khaki Scouts". Hi-larious. <br />
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<u>The Critique</u><br />
Overall, I enjoyed it. I kinda wish there was a female scout group because I think the similarities/differences between the two would have been really entertaining. Oh well, small potatoes.<br />
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I didn't particularly care for the scene in which Suzy and Sam dance and make-out on the beach. Maybe because they were in their underwear? I think I understand Anderson's intentions with the scene (firstly being that it's awkward, as are everyone's first encounters, and secondly being that these kids were exploring their sexualities). But still it left me unsettled. I don't really feel like it was necessary.<br />
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<u>The Bechdel Test</u><br />
*two named women?<b> YES </b>(Suzy, Laura Bishop)<br />
*who talk to each other? <b>YES </b>(I should hope so-they're mother and daughter!)<br />
*about something other than men? <b>YES</b><br />
<b> </b>There was one scene, when Laura gives Suzy a bath. Suzy says she hates her mother and Laura talks about the hopelessness/uncertainty she feels in her own life. Frankly, I thought it was an interesting (and short) scene. I liked that Laura expressed her dissatisfaction with her home life and her choice to have an affair. I liked that Suzy openly displayed her feelings toward her mother. Good stuff. I wish conversations that real happened more often in film.<br />
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<u>Final Rating</u><br />
Three Stars<br />
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Fun times. Now off to watch Star Wars!<br />
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The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-77320653389401462402012-12-25T11:05:00.002-08:002012-12-25T11:05:45.836-08:00RevampI've taken some time off from this blog to reconsider how I want to use it. As a theatre and gender studies double major, I want to combine the two fields a little more. Moving forward, you can expect the following:<br />
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1. Continuation of my Feminism in Film series as I work my way through the Oscar Best Picture winners.<br />
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2. Feminist analysis of plays<br />
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3. More coverage of current events<br />
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4. Book reviews<br />
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That's all for now!<br />
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Happy Holidays everyone!The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-48052315087266309232012-11-24T09:04:00.001-08:002012-11-24T09:04:51.484-08:00Fashion vs. FeminismYesterday, my family had a few family friends over to watch some football game. We somehow ended up on the topic of bad TV, and Mr. K (the husband of this other family) began to mock such shows as Gossip Girl, Vampire Diaries, 90210, etc. Mrs. K turned and said that her daughter has begun to watch Gossip Girl and she's so embarrassed. Now, I watch Gossip Girl and I said as much. But then I went on...<br />
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"The storyline is horrible. The writing is abysmal. The acting is even worse. The only reason I watch it is for the pretty clothes."<br />
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My 18-year-old sister quickly turned and said, "What? Ms. Feminist watches a show for the clothes? Shame!"<br />
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The conversation continued without anyone realizing what my sister had said. But I was a little upset. Which leads me to a few thoughts:<br />
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<b>1. No one can tell you which shows you should or should not like.</b><br />
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Everyone has their guilty pleasure shows. Be it Dance Moms, Gossip Girl, or Dr. Who, everyone has one. But no one has the right to mock you for your choice of enjoyment. I truly enjoy the beautiful outfits on Gossip Girl. So what?<br />
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<b>2. I can be a feminist and someone who enjoys fashion.</b><br />
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The two are not mutually exclusive. This sort of perpetuates the stereotype of man-hating feminazis who burn their bras and don't wear makeup. Which isn't true. I can be a feminist who loves nice lingerie and quality makeup. I love beautiful clothing. This does not make me any less of a feminist.<br />
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I have not said anything to my sister, and I'm not sure if I will. It's pretty after the fact and I don't want to cause a scene. But I do want her to understand that feminism does not exclude traditionally feminine qualities.The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-1776541450489143212012-11-22T09:37:00.002-08:002012-11-22T09:37:54.930-08:00How to Have a Body Positive Thanksgiving<br />
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Thanksgiving is all about food. And giving thanks. But mostly, it's about food.<br />
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Everyone struggles with their body image. Whether you wish your legs were longer, your biceps weren't so big, you had an hourglass shape, you wish your teeth were whiter, or your hair blonder. It's human nature to compare ourselves to others but that doesn't mean it's healthy. So how can we think positively about our bodies on a holiday that makes us question our bodies?<br />
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<b>1. Love Yourself</b><br />
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This is easily the most important part of having a body positive holiday. Take a look at your body, but not in the mirror. Look down at yourself. Think about all of the amazing things your body can do. Do you play an instrument? Run marathons? Sculpt? Build things? Give birth? Rescue others? Do you read and write? Focus on your gifts and strengths. Give yourself compliments. Love your long brown hair? Love the little gap between your front teeth? What about those scars? Give thanks for the amazing things your body can do instead of narrowing in on how your hair isn't as blonde as Jennifer Aniston's.<br />
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<b>2. Build Your Support Team</b><br />
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Surround yourself with people who take you higher. Everyone has that relative who comments on your body. Be pleasant and civil to him/her, but don't go out of your way. Instead, help with the cooking or join in a family game. By choosing who you spend time with, you can set yourself up for success.<br />
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<b>3. Practice Self-Care</b><br />
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Take time for yourself! Go for a long walk, take a bubble bath, play with your pet, read a book, dance, go to the movies... the list never ends! Everyone needs to focus on themselves. It's easy to get swept into the stress of the holidays. By spending time with yourself, you can reenergize for later.<br />
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<b>4. Set Boundaries</b><br />
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If you're spending time with your family and someone makes a comment on another person's body, you can politely say, "Oh, we don't say things like that here". Usually, people only need to hear that once or twice before they get the message. This is a great way to get your point across and set the tone for the evening without causing a scene. Instead of pouring over a tabloid, gather everyone outside for a lively family game! Or break out the cards for some poker! You can easily set the stage for a body positive, and fun, Thanksgiving holiday.<br />
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The holidays are stressful for everyone, no matter what your situation may be. Take time to be with yourself, spend time with your loved ones, and enjoy your day!The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-89877702091864792342012-11-20T14:21:00.001-08:002012-11-20T14:21:26.095-08:00Good Reading This Week"<a href="http://cratesandribbons.com/2012/11/18/women-arent-funny-gender-and-stand-up-comedy/">Women Aren't Funny - Gender and Stand-Up Comedy</a>" offers a look at why society makes it harder for women to be funny.<br />
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An interesting article that really makes me want to read The Handmaid's Tale now: "<a href="http://feminema.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/thoughts-on-the-election-forgetting-and-the-handmaids-tale-1985/">Thoughts on the election, forgetting, and The Handmaid's Tale</a>".<br />
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Some great thoughts about the use of the word 'girlcrush':"<a href="http://ollieroberts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/girlcrush-its-little-things.html">Girlcrush: It's the Little Things</a>". I hate that word, too!<br />
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"<a href="http://culturallydisoriented.wordpress.com/2012/11/15/you-need-to-be-the-bad-guy-disability-and-abuse-on-greys-anatomy/">'You Need to Be the Bad Guy': Disability and Abuse on Grey's Anatomy</a>" offers some insight (that I had not thought of but now agree with) on the show's treatment of disabled characters.<br />
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This article really makes me happy because I dislike what Taylor Swift stands for: "<a href="http://www.nerdyfeminist.com/2012/11/no-taylor-swift-no.html">No, Taylor Swift. No.</a>".<br />
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<br />The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-8345014215252461362012-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:002012-11-18T00:00:15.315-08:00Why I Love FeminismWhat I love about feminism is that it gives women the go ahead to be whomever they want to be. If I want to marry young and be a stay-at-home-mom, that's acceptable. If I want to hold off on having kids because I would rather pursue a career, that's acceptable. If I want to juggle kids and a career, that's acceptable. If I want to dress like Sandy in <i>Grease</i>, power to me. If I prefer the more demure styles of the 1950s housewife, power to me. I can dress, speak, move, and act however I want. But only if it's what I want.<br />
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When I put on a low-cut top, tight jeans, and killer heels, it's because I know I look hot and I like looking hot. It makes me feel confident. I'm not choosing that outfit in the hopes of attracting some boy's eye. I'm not going to the gym to meet some buff gym rat, I'm there to become healthier. When I pick out a Halloween costume, I don't go for the traditional "slutty" costume. This year I was Leslie Winkle from <i>The Big Bang Theory</i>. Obviously sexy? Nope. She's wicked smart, has the same curly hair as me, and isn't afraid to speak her mind. Bonus-the costume is ridiculously easy to put together (jeans, t-shirt, hoodie).<br />
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My cousin is a sophomore in college. We lead very different lifestyles. This year for Halloween, she chose to dress as a "slutty Snow White". Now, I don't think I'm going out on a limb here when I say that she was not making a political statement about our oppressive patriarchal society and the pressure it puts on women to be sexy and available. She was just trying to look hot and get a guy's attention.<br />
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Like I said, feminism is about being who you want to be. But you have to dress, speak, move, and act that way because it's your choice. This is not about another man or another girl.<br />
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Who do you want to be?The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-74207401450073808152012-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:002012-11-16T00:00:05.459-08:00Wise Words on Depression<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” -Laurell K. Hamilton</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“That's the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it's impossible to ever see the end.” -Elizabeth Wurtzel</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“When you're lost in those woods, it sometimes takes you a while to realize that you are lost. For the longest time, you can convince yourself that you've just wandered off the path, that you'll find your way back to the trailhead any moment now. Then night falls again and again, and you still have no idea where you are, and it's time to admit that you have bewildered yourself so far off the path that you don't even know from which direction the sun rises anymore.” -Elizabeth Gilbert</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“Some friends don't understand this. They don't understand how desperate I am to have someone say, I love you and I support you just the way you are because you're wonderful just the way you are. They don't understand that I can't remember anyone ever saying that to me. I am so demanding and difficult for my friends because I want to crumble and fall apart before them so that they will love me even though I am no fun, lying in bed, crying all the time, not moving. Depression is all about If you loved me you would.” -Elizabeth Wurtzel</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“When you're surrounded by all these people, it can be lonelier than when you're by yourself. You can be in a huge crowd, but if you don't feel like you can trust anyone or talk to anybody, you feel like you're really alone.” -Fiona Apple</span>The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-87267265229700948482012-11-14T00:00:00.000-08:002012-11-14T00:00:06.765-08:00Good Reading This WeekAdios Barbie has a great article on "<a href="http://www.adiosbarbie.com/2012/11/top-ten-myths-about-transgender-people/">Top Ten Myths about Transgender People</a>".<br />
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Over at Feministing, a look at "<a href="http://feministing.com/2012/11/08/project-unspoken-it-should-be-a-right-to-walk-down-the-street-and-be-safe/">Project Unspoken: 'It should be a right to walk down the street and be safe.'</a>".<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A really thoughtful post over at Bitch Flicks, “<a href="http://www.btchflcks.com/2012/11/disney-buys-star-wars-new-hope-for.html">Disney Buys Star Wars: A New Hope for Women and Girls</a>”, about the possibilities of more diverse Disney programming. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">An interesting article on the women (or lack thereof) in Supernatural: "<a href="http://www.fangsforthefantasy.com/2012/11/supernatural-women-in-very-overstocked.html">Supernatural: Women in the Very Overstocked Fridge</a>".</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A fascinating post about the tendency for men to fix women in pop songs: "<a href="http://ollieroberts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/fixable-you.html">Fixable You</a>".</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A male's opinion of No Shave November: "<a href="http://quiteirregular.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/the-shave-and-the-shame-problems-with-movember/">The Shave and the Shame: Problems with Movember</a>".</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This title says it all: "<a href="http://considertheteacosy.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/because-you-cant-care-about-everything-activist-burnout-guilt-and-love/">Because you can't care about everything: Activist burnout, guilt and love</a>".</span><br />
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The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-43132600994262631862012-11-12T00:00:00.000-08:002012-11-12T00:00:02.046-08:00Feminism in Film: Braveheart<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My next post in my reviews of Best Picture winning films! See all posts in this series <a href="http://thegrown-upgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Feminism%20in%20Film">here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braveheart">Photo Credit</a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Initial Thoughts</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This film is long. Three hours long. Now, I’m no stranger to long films (Gone With the Wind is my favorite and I’ve seen Cloud Atlas twice), but Braveheart was too long. Also blood. Blood everywhere.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Critique</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Braveheart, the English King Edward I decides to bring back Primae Noctis. That’s when a common Scottish girl gets married and British lords have the right to have sex with her on her wedding night. Let’s be real here. Old men get to rape a young girl because they’re on a big power trip. A quick google search proves that not only is the concept of Primae Noctis most likely a myth, but the English certainly never enforced it on Scotland. So...rape makes a compelling plot point? The story was a little boring so let’s liven it up a bit with rape? </span></span><br />
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Rape appears to be a catalyst for this movie. Mel Gibson's character Wilson marries Murron, who dies just 45 minutes into the movie. Some English soldiers are attracted to her and attempt to rape her. But she fights back! Yay! And then her throat is slit to attract Wilson's attention.<br />
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Princess Isabelle of France is sent by the King to discuss terms of a surrender. Wilson is shocked at the thought of having this conversation with her and she says, "Will you speak with a woman?" Apparently that little question sparked a romance between the two, for later on they have sex and Isabelle conceives his child. But isn't he in love with Murron? Isn't that really what all of these battles are about? Whatevs, man, Wilson had the opportunity to get laid and he took it.<br />
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When Isabelle returns from speaking with Wilson, the King asks if she gave him the money. When she replied that it was donated, the King laughed and said "That's what happens when you send a woman". Quite the subtle (note the sarcasm) jab about women's roles. Can't trust a woman to do anything important, am I right?<br />
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Also...this film had an all white cast. I'm not up to date on my history of Scotland, but that can't be right.</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Bechdel Test</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*two named women? <b>YES</b> (Princess Isabelle, Murron)</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*who talk to each other? <b>NO</b></span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*about something other than men? <b>N/A</b></span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The women never speak to each other. The women are completely alone in a film that celebrates the triumph of masculinity. For god's sake, the final image of film is a sword. Phallic much?</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Final Rating</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">0 stars</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Awful movie.</span></span>The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-30748490590932062672012-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:002012-11-10T00:00:01.295-08:00Wise Words on Eating Disorders<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">"There is no magic cure, no making it all go away forever. There are only small steps upward; an easier day, an unexpected laugh, a mirror that doesn't matter anymore. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I am thawing.” -Laurie Halse Anderson</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“We turn skeletons into goddesses and look to them as if they might teach us how not to need.” -Marya Hornbacher</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“A cultural fixation on female thinness is not an obsession about female beauty but an obsession about female obedience.” -Naomi Wolf</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“And, what's more, this 'precious' body, the very same that is hooted and honked at, demeaned both in daily life as well as in ever existing form of media, harrassed, molested, raped, and, if all that wasn't enough, is forever poked and prodded and weighed and constantly wrong for eating too much, eating too little, a million details which all point to the solitary girl, to EVERY solitary girl, and say: Destroy yourself.” -Emilie Autumn</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“Women who love themselves are threatening; but men who love real women, more so.” -Naomi Wolf</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“...compulsive eating is basically a refusal to be fully alive. No matter what we weigh, those of us who are compulsive eaters have anorexia of the soul. We refuse to take in what sustains us. We live lives of deprivation. And when we can't stand it any longer, we binge. The way we are able to accomplish all of this is by the simple act of bolting -- of leaving ourselves -- hundreds of times a day.” -Geneen Roth</span>The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9137560433027036904.post-86881753639965926442012-11-08T08:55:00.002-08:002012-11-08T08:55:36.424-08:00Love Your BodyThere are a vast amount of contradictory messages on body image.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dove.us/Social-Mission/campaign-for-real-beauty.aspx">"Real women have curves."</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9lx8f1qpWEGnvBjzDFhOQliG1ZICmK4QuF5HncRxI-ZxVWGQa4uvp_M4Nd3jzpxvjVV8wjztRVP27F6Cm8c49aOA-iip2yAx3V9PL5a_9hQ4E2UH3CsLqB41wEW28AgAJJi0lPMtZTDX/s1600/4__1_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9lx8f1qpWEGnvBjzDFhOQliG1ZICmK4QuF5HncRxI-ZxVWGQa4uvp_M4Nd3jzpxvjVV8wjztRVP27F6Cm8c49aOA-iip2yAx3V9PL5a_9hQ4E2UH3CsLqB41wEW28AgAJJi0lPMtZTDX/s400/4__1_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://stophatingyourbody.tumblr.com/">"Stop hating your body."</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOcTxNxxlCsuMXOxws6pGQMFiG4YxxYwfWGJUZ_YYceUk1jENYcSMA3s6LB5AvRKUmed5AcvVinGuwpo8I5gPB2i3bB1pG8I0lAXAOkQl2A64xKK25eRAg2yh2dgukGLhLJ7pF4s0JWRt/s1600/311254_348677401892100_1727832413_n_large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOcTxNxxlCsuMXOxws6pGQMFiG4YxxYwfWGJUZ_YYceUk1jENYcSMA3s6LB5AvRKUmed5AcvVinGuwpo8I5gPB2i3bB1pG8I0lAXAOkQl2A64xKK25eRAg2yh2dgukGLhLJ7pF4s0JWRt/s320/311254_348677401892100_1727832413_n_large.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thinspiration-pictures.blogspot.com/">"Thinspiration"</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6RsNZKF39bKSaRM58_h_022e6KqXnLG_d6QHAcmkwnqBmhLnqhyphenhyphenermNVQfdrlDLCbN6Y3-GcrM0lWibXEkuishgyrheHPlRS8OmHckw3cnCHF8VvssA2mTzSYVJLPj-7rI3NhYuz7qk-/s1600/tumblr_ma3xauYSxC1qduh58o1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6RsNZKF39bKSaRM58_h_022e6KqXnLG_d6QHAcmkwnqBmhLnqhyphenhyphenermNVQfdrlDLCbN6Y3-GcrM0lWibXEkuishgyrheHPlRS8OmHckw3cnCHF8VvssA2mTzSYVJLPj-7rI3NhYuz7qk-/s320/tumblr_ma3xauYSxC1qduh58o1_400.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://fitspiration.tumblr.com/">"Fitspiration"</a></div>
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The problem with these messages is that each one heralds a specific body type. Be it curvy, thin, fit, or something in between, each message prioritizes one look over all others.<br />
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I think that these messages mean well. By trying to accept certain body characteristics, these messages hope to inspire women to embrace their bodies. But what happens when a young girl or even a woman sees to many "thinspo" pictures? She begins to critically analyze her own body and see only her flaws. This harmful outlook triggers eating disorders. Should the opposite of "thinspo" then be better? Not necessarily. "Fitspo" images do promote a healthier body type, however they still encourage the viewer to critically analyze their own body. It's a double edged sword. Either a woman notices there's no gap between her thighs or her biceps aren't muscular enough.<br />
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Clearly, our culture has body acceptance issues. The mainstream media needs to teach girls and women how to appreciate their own unique body. Every body truly is different. No two bodies carry weight the same way, are shaped the same way, or have the same metabolism. I don't know what the new message would be, though. "Stop hating your body" is the least descriptive of one specific body type, but I don't like its negative connotation. There should be no body hating. Only body loving.<br />
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Love your body.<br />
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<u>Further Reading</u><br />
From Genderly Speaking: "<a href="http://genderspeaking.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/skinny-curvy-and-still-not-fitting-the-mold-2/">Skinny, Curvy, and Still not Fitting the Mold</a>"<br />
From Adios, Barbie: "<a href="http://www.adiosbarbie.com/2012/10/minnie-mouse-doesnt-need-a-model-makeover/">Minnie Mouse Doesn't Need a Model Makeover</a>"<br />
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<br />The Grown Up Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16284045305740064238noreply@blogger.com2