This is the perfect analogy to the war on women's reproductive rights. Shout out to Todd Akin in the words at the bottom of the picture, haha!
Monday, September 3, 2012
We should ban life jackets...
This is the perfect analogy to the war on women's reproductive rights. Shout out to Todd Akin in the words at the bottom of the picture, haha!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
US Congressman: Rape Victims’ Bodies ‘Shut Down’ Pregnancies Automatically, No Need For Abortion
US Congressman: Rape Victims’ Bodies ‘Shut Down’ Pregnancies Automatically, No Need For Abortion
Read the article ^. The statement is so absurd, it's almost hilarious. If only it weren't such a serious situation...
Read the article ^. The statement is so absurd, it's almost hilarious. If only it weren't such a serious situation...
Friday, August 17, 2012
Pussy Riot- outspoken feminist rocker chicks
I am sure most are aware of Pussy Riot, a Russian female punk band who staged a performance at a Moscow Cathedral back in February, blaring the lyrics: "
St. Maria, Virgin, Drive away Putin
Drive away! Drive away Putin!"
Drive away! Drive away Putin!"
They were recently condemned two years in jail for "hooliganism".
The band members said their protest was against the orthodox church leader's support for Mr. Putin. Their lawyer stated that the women will appeal but not ask for Mr. Putin for a pardon.
Meanwhile, all around the world, supporters of Pussy Riot have risen up in their own protests and demonstrations as their verdicts were declared. The feelings in Russia, are in contrast, not so sympathetic. According to an article on bbc.co.uk, A recent opinion poll released by the Levada research group showed only 6% of Russians sympathised, while 51% felt antipathy.
I can see how they were wrong in causing an uproar in such a religious atmosphere, but their message might not have had such a widespread reach if the circumstances were more prudent. The extremity of the scene is what caught attention, and made such a bold statement. Their sentence of two years I think is harsh, but I guess that's because I live in America; such displays of opinion might be more socially and politically acceptable in places like the US than in places like Russia.
Check out the video of their Moscow performance:
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Fashion Blog
I'm a person with varied interests, and I thought that I would be able to blog about them all eclectically on this blog.
But fashion doesn't really go well with politics and such so I made a separate blog to showcase my love for fashion and help those who also are interested in fashion to be visually and mentally inspired.
So check it out, Concrete Catwalk, everybody! Go! Go! Go!
http://www.concretecatwalkstyle.blogspot.com
http://www.concretecatwalkstyle.blogspot.com
http://www.concretecatwalkstyle.blogspot.com
But fashion doesn't really go well with politics and such so I made a separate blog to showcase my love for fashion and help those who also are interested in fashion to be visually and mentally inspired.
So check it out, Concrete Catwalk, everybody! Go! Go! Go!
http://www.concretecatwalkstyle.blogspot.com
http://www.concretecatwalkstyle.blogspot.com
http://www.concretecatwalkstyle.blogspot.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The Bystander Effect
I think everyone should take a look at this website: https://sites.google.com/site/bystandereffect4/
I saw someone post it on Facebook, (Hey! Facebook can be educational!)
It talks about the Bystander Effect, a psychological phenomenon that explains why people don't take action for others in their moments of need, particularly when they are in large crowds.
What struck me the most, although all famous examples shown are terrible, was the Homecoming Dance Gang Rape. The fact that people looked on as a young girl was beaten and raped at a school dance, and even took pictures as it happened before them, sickens me in ways I can't fully describe with words.
It dispels the belief that you are in less danger when in a place full of people-you would think that the more people and the more onlookers, the more help you would receive if you were in a dangerous situation. But as seen in many real life instances, the more people who are around, the less likely they are to take action if there isn't someone to tell them to. The mob effect of inaction takes place. It's scary to think about and kind of makes you place less hope in humanity.
But if more people knew more about this and the dire effects of inaction, more people would hopefully be inclined to do something, or say something if they see something wrong, even if no one else does first.
What stops people are thoughts such as, "Someone else will call for help", or "I don't want to get involved". But if everyone thinks this and carries on, then a person(s) in need will never receive any help at all.
The situation becomes controversial when talking about photojournalists however. It is up to a photographer to make the decision whether to help or snap a photo, but it is important to realize that a picture speaks a thousand words and one photo can spark a huge movement of action.
The most well-known example of this is Kevin Carter's Pulitzer Prize photo shown below. The most powerful photo I've ever seen, it doesn't even seem real. But it is.
I saw someone post it on Facebook, (Hey! Facebook can be educational!)
It talks about the Bystander Effect, a psychological phenomenon that explains why people don't take action for others in their moments of need, particularly when they are in large crowds.
What struck me the most, although all famous examples shown are terrible, was the Homecoming Dance Gang Rape. The fact that people looked on as a young girl was beaten and raped at a school dance, and even took pictures as it happened before them, sickens me in ways I can't fully describe with words.
It dispels the belief that you are in less danger when in a place full of people-you would think that the more people and the more onlookers, the more help you would receive if you were in a dangerous situation. But as seen in many real life instances, the more people who are around, the less likely they are to take action if there isn't someone to tell them to. The mob effect of inaction takes place. It's scary to think about and kind of makes you place less hope in humanity.
But if more people knew more about this and the dire effects of inaction, more people would hopefully be inclined to do something, or say something if they see something wrong, even if no one else does first.
What stops people are thoughts such as, "Someone else will call for help", or "I don't want to get involved". But if everyone thinks this and carries on, then a person(s) in need will never receive any help at all.
The situation becomes controversial when talking about photojournalists however. It is up to a photographer to make the decision whether to help or snap a photo, but it is important to realize that a picture speaks a thousand words and one photo can spark a huge movement of action.
The most well-known example of this is Kevin Carter's Pulitzer Prize photo shown below. The most powerful photo I've ever seen, it doesn't even seem real. But it is.
Anyway, I'm not here to preach at you all, (well maybe I am) but it is interesting and something worth thinking about.
xx
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Read this somewhere...
"So what if it feels like you're all alone, the whole world is yours to befriend".
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Making Bank
I've had absolutely no time to do the things I enjoy like write in this blog for one, because I've been too busy making money.
Sounds like I'm complaining and in a way, I am. I am completely content with the fact that I am earning my own paychecks, by tutoring kids and working at a retail store, but I would probably be more happy about it if it weren't for the mundane, monotonous type of work I do at my retail store job. Not to mention my boss is a complete asshole (stereotypical I know, but so true).
Why is the workplace such a pain in the ass?
Sounds like I'm complaining and in a way, I am. I am completely content with the fact that I am earning my own paychecks, by tutoring kids and working at a retail store, but I would probably be more happy about it if it weren't for the mundane, monotonous type of work I do at my retail store job. Not to mention my boss is a complete asshole (stereotypical I know, but so true).
Why is the workplace such a pain in the ass?
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Ohhh, 'murika...
The clock has struck twelve and it's officially Independence day!
It seems as though the party has started early for some...particularly my neighbors.
After waiting for the incessant cheering, whooping, yelling, and other party-related drunken noises to eventually stop, I couldn't put up with it anymore. Trying to fall asleep while listening to the reckless partying of others? That simply won't do. Especially since you can't even join in on the fun.
My window is now shut tight firmly and I'm ready to get some beauty sleep in anticipation for (hopefully) an equally eventful day as my neighbor's from across the street.
Happy 4th!
It seems as though the party has started early for some...particularly my neighbors.
After waiting for the incessant cheering, whooping, yelling, and other party-related drunken noises to eventually stop, I couldn't put up with it anymore. Trying to fall asleep while listening to the reckless partying of others? That simply won't do. Especially since you can't even join in on the fun.
My window is now shut tight firmly and I'm ready to get some beauty sleep in anticipation for (hopefully) an equally eventful day as my neighbor's from across the street.
Happy 4th!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Affordable Care Act
Obama's signature Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, has been upheld by the Supreme Court with a 5-4 ruling as constitutional, thus allowing it to be a legitimate mandate.
This is a monumental achievement for the Obama administration, and a historic moment in general.
Inevitably, it has caused an uproar on both sides of the political spectrum: jubilation for liberals, vehement disapproval for conservatives.
This law will require all US citizens to have health care insurance, including employers for their employees, and if not followed, a tax will be imposed. This tax portion of the act is by the way, what deemed it constitutional: The constitution does allow the federal government to exercise taxing authority. This tax is enough to insure people will follow the individual mandate.
Although this will benefit many who cannot afford to be insured, continue coverage for woman's contraception health, and outlaw denial of those with pre-existing conditions, it also brings complications for states that have the option of whether or not they want to expand medicaid to the poor in their states, the raise in various taxes on certain Americans above an income level, and overall increases in health care.
xx
This is a monumental achievement for the Obama administration, and a historic moment in general.
Inevitably, it has caused an uproar on both sides of the political spectrum: jubilation for liberals, vehement disapproval for conservatives.
This law will require all US citizens to have health care insurance, including employers for their employees, and if not followed, a tax will be imposed. This tax portion of the act is by the way, what deemed it constitutional: The constitution does allow the federal government to exercise taxing authority. This tax is enough to insure people will follow the individual mandate.
Although this will benefit many who cannot afford to be insured, continue coverage for woman's contraception health, and outlaw denial of those with pre-existing conditions, it also brings complications for states that have the option of whether or not they want to expand medicaid to the poor in their states, the raise in various taxes on certain Americans above an income level, and overall increases in health care.
 |
| image from barackobama.com |
xx
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Word of the Day
gallivantingpresent participle of gal·li·vant
| Verb: |
|
Jimmy Carter on Human Rights
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/25/opinion/americas-shameful-human-rights-record.html?smid=pl-share
Excellent article by the 39th US president
xx
Excellent article by the 39th US president
xx
Monday, June 25, 2012
What's all this Fuss about "Fifty Shades of Grey"?
The first time I heard about this book was when my friend casually pointed to her copy on the coffee table at her house and said with a smirk, "It's like the porno of books".
I chuckled, and brushed the book off as just another over the top, unrealistic, erotic romance novel.
But it wasn't the last time I would hear about it. In fact, I hear about it everywhere, people reference it all the time, and now I'm wondering, jeez, what is with this book?
My first impression of the book still stands despite me not reading it, which I will probably have to at some point since curiosity will most likely prevail.
I looked up reviews of the book and found this great article on the nytimes website. According to several sources in the article, the series is "'just another conventional depiction of female submission. And more off-putting than most. Same old same old.'"
Interestingly, quoted from the article, " Helen Fisher, the anthropologist and Rutgers professor, warns keening feminists: “Let’s not confuse the bedroom and the boardroom. This is the world of fantasy and play." "
I chuckled, and brushed the book off as just another over the top, unrealistic, erotic romance novel.
But it wasn't the last time I would hear about it. In fact, I hear about it everywhere, people reference it all the time, and now I'm wondering, jeez, what is with this book?
My first impression of the book still stands despite me not reading it, which I will probably have to at some point since curiosity will most likely prevail.
I looked up reviews of the book and found this great article on the nytimes website. According to several sources in the article, the series is "'just another conventional depiction of female submission. And more off-putting than most. Same old same old.'"
Interestingly, quoted from the article, " Helen Fisher, the anthropologist and Rutgers professor, warns keening feminists: “Let’s not confuse the bedroom and the boardroom. This is the world of fantasy and play." "
You got me Helen Fisher.
I can't seem to make a decisive opinion on this wildly talked about trilogy so maybe I should stop being a smart ass and just read it?
Oh, but I hate submitting to popular culture...just kidding...sort of.
xx
Oh, but I hate submitting to popular culture...just kidding...sort of.
xx
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
summersummersummer
This morning, I awoke in a sweaty, tangled, mess of sheets. Cracking the window open, fierce sunshine poured in. The day's temperature read: 96 degrees.
It's officially summertime.
This calls for a beach day tomorrow.
It's officially summertime.
This calls for a beach day tomorrow.
 |
| I had refrained from using pictures on my blog, until now. Happy? |
Intimacy on the T
The most intimate encounters I've had with strangers were during subway rides back home during rush hour. People are packed into trains, limbs puzzling their way through open stretches of space to find something to hold on to, to keep balance. Everyone is squeezed in until at last, you are surrounded by people, the tiniest of inches away from you.The person facing you averts his gaze. He is so close that one step would mean you were on top of him. You turn your head slightly towards the other direction and nearly catch a mouthful of hair in your mouth from the women standing beside you. For a fleeting moment you make eye contact with the middle aged man to the far left, broken by the mutual avoidance of awkward eye contact.
Everyone endures this uncomfortable intimacy to get to their destinations, patiently waiting for their stop, and deftly maneuvering for those who need to get out of the train before them.
This affair is brief when finally, it's your stop and you are freed, able to carry on towards your other affairs.
Who knew public transportation could be this intimate?
Everyone endures this uncomfortable intimacy to get to their destinations, patiently waiting for their stop, and deftly maneuvering for those who need to get out of the train before them.
This affair is brief when finally, it's your stop and you are freed, able to carry on towards your other affairs.
Who knew public transportation could be this intimate?
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Speaking Out Against Gender Roles in Video Games
Anita Sarkeesian, feminist pop culture critic and web blogger, has recently raised enough funds,thanks to all her supporters, for a web series project to explore and present the most common stereotypes of female characters in video games. You can read all about the ongoing project on KickStarter here.
In the midst of gaining supporters and recognition for the proposal of the project, Anita has been faced with harassment and threats by groups that oppose Anita's intentions to speak about this topic, namely video game forums. Anita has chosen to publish examples on her website of some of the harassment she has been struck with, to show that this type of misogynist harassment and hatred does exist and can be manifested in very ugly ways.
Also this dude right here knows what he's talking about :
Preach brother!
Check out http://www.feministfrequency.com/, for interesting dissection of pop culture.
In the midst of gaining supporters and recognition for the proposal of the project, Anita has been faced with harassment and threats by groups that oppose Anita's intentions to speak about this topic, namely video game forums. Anita has chosen to publish examples on her website of some of the harassment she has been struck with, to show that this type of misogynist harassment and hatred does exist and can be manifested in very ugly ways.
Also this dude right here knows what he's talking about :
Preach brother!
Check out http://www.feministfrequency.com/, for interesting dissection of pop culture.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Obama temporarily providing immunization to young illegal immigrants
As he announces this new policy, some big-mouthed reporter decides to interrupt with questions, but Obama plows on and retorts, defending his stance. Read about it here.
For the most part, I support this policy, a temporary and simpler version of The Dream Act. It's a step towards preventing the disruption of so many young immigrants' lives who have lived here their whole lives but do not have the official status and benefits of a citizen because they might have been born to immigrant parents and born outside the US. They are essentially aliens in their own home.
One can make the argument that they weren't supposed to be here in the first place. Well, they are here, and they have been for years and years and no one can change that. No one can take back the years of schooling and education these young immigrants might have had in the US. No one can take back their dreams of pursuing their goals in a country they have always called their home, as any other citizen does.
This is an extremely controversial issue that I often go back and forth with but I really don't believe that this will damage the country in any way but in fact, help so many deserving young people.
On a negative note however, Obama stresses that this is a temporary policy. Is this merely a political gimmick to obtain votes?
I love it for its potential to help many, but I don't like it for its temporariness.
Details can be read here.
Feel free to post thoughts.
For the most part, I support this policy, a temporary and simpler version of The Dream Act. It's a step towards preventing the disruption of so many young immigrants' lives who have lived here their whole lives but do not have the official status and benefits of a citizen because they might have been born to immigrant parents and born outside the US. They are essentially aliens in their own home.
One can make the argument that they weren't supposed to be here in the first place. Well, they are here, and they have been for years and years and no one can change that. No one can take back the years of schooling and education these young immigrants might have had in the US. No one can take back their dreams of pursuing their goals in a country they have always called their home, as any other citizen does.
This is an extremely controversial issue that I often go back and forth with but I really don't believe that this will damage the country in any way but in fact, help so many deserving young people.
On a negative note however, Obama stresses that this is a temporary policy. Is this merely a political gimmick to obtain votes?
I love it for its potential to help many, but I don't like it for its temporariness.
Details can be read here.
Feel free to post thoughts.
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