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A lot of these thoughts really spoke to me. The pressures that women put on themself or on other women are great. We must work to fight against those pressures in order to change the world we live in.
image courtesy Devil Doll
Because my mother was a painter and a beauty when artists had patrons and a woman like that needed a man to take care of her, so she married a money man.
Because my mother’s mother was a beauty and her mother was, too, and that’s what people said: “She was a beautiful woman,” as if that was the only remarkable thing.
Because I was born in 1966, the year Betty Friedan and others started the National Organization of Women and challenged an industry which required flight attendants to quit if they got married, pregnant, or reached the age of 32.
Because when my mother had me, she stopped painting and started cleaning house and throwing dinner parties and smoking too many cigarettes and crying in the mirror.
Because my mother never told me that I looked pretty because she did not want me to grow…
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Yesterday, for-profit T-shirt company FCKH8.com released a video called “F-Bombs for Feminism: Potty-Mouthed Princesses Use Bad Word for Good Cause.” The video features five angry girls, ages 6 to 13, who express outrage at society’s sexist treatment of girls and women while decked out in princess attire.
The video opens with the girls sweetly cooing, “Pretty!” while posing in their gowns and tiaras. But three seconds later, they switch gears and shout: “What the fuck? I’m not some pretty fuckin’ helpless princess in distress. I’m pretty fuckin’ powerful and ready for success. So what is more offensive? A little girl saying ‘fuck,’ or the fucking unequal and sexist way society treats girls and women?”
As the video progresses, the girls review the ongoing issues of inequality, systematic discrimination, and sexual violence faced by women in the U.S. They pepper these facts with more f-bombs, of course.
This combination of pretty pink princesses and relentless use of the…
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“Women are not going to be equal outside the home until men are equal in it.” #GloriaSteinem
Pink Viagra sounds like a good idea…but let us not forget the big picture. This article touches on the FDA’s rejection of flibanserin.
Rape culture is a term that was designed decades ago, to bring to light ways in which a society blames rape victims and rationalizes the behavior of the rapist. In a rape culture society, women may feel intimidated to speak out against actions ranging from sexual remarks, sexual touching and rape itself. In a rape culture emotional and physical terrorism against women are considered a societal norm. Shocking as it sounds; it is common practice in the United States. Furthermore, researchers have cited rape as a crime that disproportionately affects women. Majority of the rape victims are women, with only 2% representing male rape victims.
Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. 1 in every 4 women report being assaulted in their lifetime. The majority of these women will be assaulted sexually multiple times. Rape culture is accepting that sexual violence exists, telling women and girls to be more careful with:
…and the list goes on with the do’s and dont’s that every woman should follow in order to stay safe from sexual violence. In addition, society encourages women to take self-defense courses. A rape victim is then faulted for being in the wrong place at the wrong time or not defending themselves. That is where we are all wrong because, providing such solutions suggests that, rape comes from irresponsibility, lack of common sense, or failing to rebuking offenders to stop rape.
Still not convinced that the U.S. could be defined as a rape culture? Remember the Steubenville, Ohio rape case? A high school girl, incapacitated by alcohol, was sexually assaulted by two of her peers. The same peers then circulated nude photos of the girl all over social-media, (which reflects a high degree of disrespect for women’s dignity!) Media reports were filled with empathy for the two young men, stating the court ruling could ruin their life – ignoring that their action of sexual assault was the real cause of their misfortune. Most of the media and community supported the side of the perpetrators, adding pressure to the plaintiff and sending a message for other women and girls in similar circumstances not to come forward. A national survey in America further indicated that, only 16% of rape cases are reported to the police. This statistic tells a tragic story that sexually violence against women is not a priority and most criminals get away with it.
Women rights groups and individuals are working hard bring light and see an end in rape culture, a necessary change needed to end violence against women. Rape culture is a prevalent problem, which must be addressed from the systems level in order to make impactful changes. We must:
Address the Real Problem – Instead of asking what a woman was wearing when a rape case arises, ask why the perpetrator thought it was acceptable in the first place.
Re-examine Masculinity – Masculinity should be defined in a context free of violence. Supporting those who are or were victims of sexual assault, rape or domestic violence is manly.
Speak up – When you see behaviors or hear remarks that degrade a woman or promote rape speak up and condemn the action. If your friend makes a joke about rape, do not laugh along; rather say you don’t find it funny!
Support Survivors – This should not be a one gender role; everyone, including men, should condemn rape and support those who have survived the ordeal by listening, being patient and avoid judgment.
Rape in society needs to be given full attention. Creating awareness, although somewhat painful, is essential. We must stop victim blaming, and view rape as a violation of human rights. Cooch Coach Community is dedicated to playing a part in this change.
Writers and reporters check out this resource before covering a rape story.
What are you doing on March 8th? It is #WomensDay! International Women’s Day is a chance to connect and be a part of the global community. The holiday is a big celebration abroad, and many events are happening across the United States. For more info check out the official website. Let the Cooch Coach Community how you’re celebrating…
In the modern world, feminism is the act of striving to empower all women to stand up for themselves and stand up for each other – feminism provides a framework for women’s empowerment in realizing who you are and who you want to be. Yet many women are deterred from being referred to as a “feminist” in the 21st century? Decades ago, a feminist was perceived as unfashionable or a man hater. Things have changed, and the modern feminist is daring to be herself, or himself, by toiling in securing the rights of women and girls around the globe.
Modern feminists come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and sexual orientations. Modern feminism is about realizing the progress our foremothers have made, while still driving the society to provide equal opportunities to all women. Like so many other movements, feminism has taken to the web to unite supporters.
Gone are days when sharing an experience with peers was such a hard decision. The digital age is allowing feminists to bring their views to the web, where women around the globe share experiences more confidently; get empowered and become more enlightened thanks to the Cooch Coach Community and others who are leading the way to the next generation of feminists.
Those who began the feminism movement back then found it necessary because of several factors:
These are still issues today! Feminists are struggling to see an end to them. If we do not continue to push, we are at risk to lose it all. Although most enjoy these hard fought rights, others still are not able to:
In generations past, it has not been easy for feminists to fight for the plight of women. I admire their bravery. Although we still must continue to push some of their beliefs, our battle, that of a modern feminist, is dramatically different. While is it important to acknowledge their progress, it is even more vital that we understand the discrepancies. I love my bra and do not hate men. In addition, did you know the average woman in the US still make almost $10,000 dollars less a year than a man, or that women have a higher rate of disability than men at almost any age? For more myth busting information on women’s health, check out the Women’s Health Review 2013. Feminism has not fully accomplished its mission yet and needs all the warriors possible. Are you contributing to the fight? Share your story with the Cooch Coach Community.
Many of us are inspired by our mothers. She is the reason we care about topics like women’s health equality. Valentine’s Day (or today) is a great time to thank her for everything, or at least some of these things below.
The# vagina is only a part of your #downthere. Anatomically speaking, the vagina is the canal from your volva to the cervix #vagfacts #CCC #CoochCoach
More myths unveiled here
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