Here is something better, much better, on feminism today, although it still resorts to using "the f-word." Have a look at Annie Lennox's interview of five good women in the Guardian Observer.
The issues are described in a more contemporary context and in greater depth. This is a much deeper piece and you will find it much more filling.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
CBC Doc Zone piece about Feminism
CBC's Doc Zone broadcast The F-Word last night, a doc about feminism. Check the link if you want to watch it on line, but seriously, if you are reading this blog, you are probably way past what this has to offer.
I guess it was fine for those who are just happy to have women and what might be of concern to some of us show up ANYWHERE in the media, and I'll give it credit for explaining anti-feminist feminists, one of my favourite topics. I can see it being used in first year introductory women's studies courses, or probably more likely in high schools. But honestly, I felt tired watching it. And bored. Are we really back to explaining THIS? Are we really STILL trying, a little too desperately, to reassure ourselves that it's okay to call ourselves feminist? Is this REALLY where we still are? I don't blame the interview subjects. They were giving excellent historical context and telling the story of feminism in the west. And they did it pretty well. But hasn't it been done already? Haven't we already interrogated the relationship between second and third wave feminists? Isn't this ground so well trodden that it is bare of vegetation, devoid of all signs of life? Are we STILL reassuring ourselves that if we call ourselves feminist it does not mean we're ugly and can't find a man? REALLY?
It's not my style to simply complain and not offer an alternative. So this is what I want. I want to see a documentary detailing (that's "detailing" not merely mentioning) how the Harper government (and if you want to, insert your favourite woman-hating politician in to the Harper slot as you wish) has waged war on women in this country. The information is easy to find. It can refer to the war on women worldwide while it's doing so. Read Marci McDonald's excellent book "The Armageddon Factor" or look at a paper by Jill Arkles called the War on Women. (I know, I know, very academic and has the required explanation of positionality and methodology at the start which is enough to turn any general reader off). But get past this. I hope Arkles rewrites it for a popular audience, maybe even makes it into a documentary, but of course, there would be NO FUNDING for that because the Harperites would make sure anything that could possibly fund anything about women and anything that dissents with the party line is starved of cash and they are probably at this very moment trying to shut down the university program that generated her paper. But the facts are there. Somehow, a few brave women and journalists and students and dissenters have continued to get these facts out. Look for them. Read. READ and learn and make the connections.
When this level of depth is available, what is anyone doing making a doc called The F-Word? The title itself denigrates its subject. It's not cute. It's annoying.
I guess it was fine for those who are just happy to have women and what might be of concern to some of us show up ANYWHERE in the media, and I'll give it credit for explaining anti-feminist feminists, one of my favourite topics. I can see it being used in first year introductory women's studies courses, or probably more likely in high schools. But honestly, I felt tired watching it. And bored. Are we really back to explaining THIS? Are we really STILL trying, a little too desperately, to reassure ourselves that it's okay to call ourselves feminist? Is this REALLY where we still are? I don't blame the interview subjects. They were giving excellent historical context and telling the story of feminism in the west. And they did it pretty well. But hasn't it been done already? Haven't we already interrogated the relationship between second and third wave feminists? Isn't this ground so well trodden that it is bare of vegetation, devoid of all signs of life? Are we STILL reassuring ourselves that if we call ourselves feminist it does not mean we're ugly and can't find a man? REALLY?
It's not my style to simply complain and not offer an alternative. So this is what I want. I want to see a documentary detailing (that's "detailing" not merely mentioning) how the Harper government (and if you want to, insert your favourite woman-hating politician in to the Harper slot as you wish) has waged war on women in this country. The information is easy to find. It can refer to the war on women worldwide while it's doing so. Read Marci McDonald's excellent book "The Armageddon Factor" or look at a paper by Jill Arkles called the War on Women. (I know, I know, very academic and has the required explanation of positionality and methodology at the start which is enough to turn any general reader off). But get past this. I hope Arkles rewrites it for a popular audience, maybe even makes it into a documentary, but of course, there would be NO FUNDING for that because the Harperites would make sure anything that could possibly fund anything about women and anything that dissents with the party line is starved of cash and they are probably at this very moment trying to shut down the university program that generated her paper. But the facts are there. Somehow, a few brave women and journalists and students and dissenters have continued to get these facts out. Look for them. Read. READ and learn and make the connections.
When this level of depth is available, what is anyone doing making a doc called The F-Word? The title itself denigrates its subject. It's not cute. It's annoying.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Undercover at Pregnancy Crisis Centers
Here is a good article on what goes on at the Pregnancy Crisis Centres, you know, the fake "clinics" that lure pregnant women in with their false promises. Thanks to the writers for doing the undercover work needed to continue to expose these places for what they are - Christian missions.
Although this article is American, the same thing goes on here. In fact I passed one the other day in Vancouver and there was nothing on their signage indicating they were Christian or that they did not refer for abortions. There was plenty of signage that was indicative of a "medical" setting though. Is it too much to ask the Christians to just be honest?
Although this article is American, the same thing goes on here. In fact I passed one the other day in Vancouver and there was nothing on their signage indicating they were Christian or that they did not refer for abortions. There was plenty of signage that was indicative of a "medical" setting though. Is it too much to ask the Christians to just be honest?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Walk for Choice - Great Signs
A great sign that so many walked for choice on the weekend. And with that, here are some great signs!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Walk for Choice in Toronto February 26
WALK FOR CHOICE!
Saturday February 26 @ noon
Meet in the parkette SE corner Bloor & Spadina
Walk For Choice - in the U.S.A. and around the world, including Toronto.
This event started in the United States to answer the Republican attacks on Planned Parenthood and abortion providers across the country. Solidarity events are happening in Canada and the U.K. Here in Canada the anti-choice are on the march, patients are regularly harassed at clinics, and a fundamentalist neoconservative government is chomping at the bit in Ottawa. Defend the right to choose in Canada, for our American sisters, and around the world!
Spread the word - bring your friends!
sign up on FB: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193343527356456
(Thanks to Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada for the notice)
Saturday February 26 @ noon
Meet in the parkette SE corner Bloor & Spadina
Walk For Choice - in the U.S.A. and around the world, including Toronto.
This event started in the United States to answer the Republican attacks on Planned Parenthood and abortion providers across the country. Solidarity events are happening in Canada and the U.K. Here in Canada the anti-choice are on the march, patients are regularly harassed at clinics, and a fundamentalist neoconservative government is chomping at the bit in Ottawa. Defend the right to choose in Canada, for our American sisters, and around the world!
Spread the word - bring your friends!
sign up on FB: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193343527356456
(Thanks to Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada for the notice)
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Kitchener/Waterloo Show On Sale Now
Tickets for The Abortion Monologues in Kitchener/Waterloo, Friday March 25 (7pm) can be purchased at http://www.sellyourevents.com/JaneCawthornesTheAbortionMonologuesFridayOpeningNight.aspx and tickets for Saturday March 26 (1pm) can be purchased at http://sellyourevents.com/JaneCawthornesTheAbortionMonologuesSaturdayMatinee.aspx.
Both show are at the First Unitarian Congregation, 299 Sydney St. S., Kitchener.
Proceeds go to support Planned Parenthood Waterloo Region. The venue is wheelchair accessible and free childcare is provided.
Both show are at the First Unitarian Congregation, 299 Sydney St. S., Kitchener.
Proceeds go to support Planned Parenthood Waterloo Region. The venue is wheelchair accessible and free childcare is provided.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Funding to Planned Parenthood Banned in US
Well, they did it. The US House of Representatives just voted to ban all funding of Planned Parenthood. I feel ill.
Please, if you are American, take action. Go to the Planned Parenthood website and stand united with them.
And Canadians, as I've said before, don't be smug. If this isn't a wake up call, what is?
For more background info, have a look at this New York Times article.
Please, if you are American, take action. Go to the Planned Parenthood website and stand united with them.
And Canadians, as I've said before, don't be smug. If this isn't a wake up call, what is?
For more background info, have a look at this New York Times article.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
