http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/01/04/168612148/gerda-lerner-dies-womens-studies-trailblazer

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/01/04/168612148/gerda-lerner-dies-womens-studies-trailblazer

Gerda Lerner recently passed at the age of 92.  Anyone who has taken a women’s studies class has Gerda Lerner to thank.  She is the woman who created the women’s studies academic discipline, and was an influential feminist in her lifetime.  This NPR article gives an overview of some of the historic moments in her life. 

The Price of Beauty

The Price of Beauty

I loved when MTV had this show by Jessica Simpson called The Price of Beauty that talks about beauty all over the world

How much are you willing to share?

The Florida Department of Health sent out a survey asking women to share specifics about their sex life. The survey was sent to 4,000 randomly selected women. The survey is said to be geared toward finding out how Florida should reevaluate their family planning. Women were not pleased at the questions. The questionnaire is said to be invasive. The questions that are asked are very private questions so critics believe that most women wont even even tell the truth. My question to you all is how much are you willing to share for the advancement of  “women’s rights”

Beauty and Brains

Beauty and Brains

In the most recent election, the Israeli government has seen a spike in women politicians. But the spike in women membership does not change Israeli’s views of all women in general. This article addresses the issue that these women were made politicians because they’re “beautiful” and a nice thing to look at. Though these women have potential to be great politicians and fix some of the issues in Israel, they are belittled by the media and their male counterparts. The author of the article Sigal Samuel says “Way to reduce a bunch of brilliant, powerful, driven women—not to mention some of Israel’s most successful feminists—to political pin-ups.”

Something to think about

Something to think about

In this article Michelle Burns address the issue of sexism in politics. She specifically talks about Boston’s newspaper not acknowledging female candidates. She argues that its not so much a bad thing because it causes so much commotion that the candidates get more attention. Burns says that although the people in charge get no repercussions from participating in sexist act, the publicity that the women get can help boost their campaign.

Dressing Modestly

Dressing Modestly

I found this article on Jezebel.com, and it is about women dressing modestly.  The article discusses the gendered history of modesty in a woman’s appearance.  The argument was made in the article that since modest-clothing’s beginning- it has been a way for men to oppress women, that by telling a women what she should or shouldn’t wear, is society’s way of saying that women are not in charge of their own bodies.  I am curious what everyone’s take on the matter is.   

HelloGiggles!

HelloGiggles!

Ths is a website created by Zooey Deschanel, Sophia Rossi, and Molly Mcaleer.  It is a website full of diverse posts from cooking to “cuteness” to social studies.  It is made for and by girls so that there is a place on the internet that covers all things related to us ladies.  It is a wonderful website with something for all girls. 

Liz Lemon and Carrie Bradshaw, one in the same?

Liz Lemon and Carrie Bradshaw, one in the same?

THis is a link to a blog post discussing similarities between two television characters; Liz Lemon (30 Rock) and Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City).  The author of the blog post, Andrea Greb, discusses how similar she believes these characters to be.  While I agreed with her that the endings to both of these shows are a bit disappointing (both characters married to men who don’t really seem right for them), I don’t quite know if I agree that the characters are really all that similar.  I do however, completely agree that although both shows seem to be rooted in feminism, they always seem to back track into traditional societal roles. 

Forbes Most Powerful Women 2012

Forbes Most Powerful Women 2012

Looks aren’t everything, not only are these women beautiful but for the second year running, three of the top five women on Forbes list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women are politicians. Love this [What does this say about the changing dynamic of women in politics around the world? In the words of former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, a little something like this: “People say there are not enough qualified women, that’s one of the biggest bullshit things I’ve ever heard.”] Just looking at the top 10 6 women are from the United States with Hilary Clinton in 2nd place behind German Chancellor and Michelle Obama in 7th spot. Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez are some of the celebrity stars on the list Lady Gaga also being the youngest at 26. The age range is a wild range between 26 with Lady Gaga to the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, at 86 years old.

Women in Politics Break Records in 2012

Women in Politics Break Records in 2012

“The 113th Congress will have at least 20 female senators, the most ever in U.S. history. These women include Democrats Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Baldwin, and Mazie Hirono, who all are the first female Senators from their states. Baldwin is the first openly gay Senator-elect, and Hirono is the first Asian-American woman in the Senate.” Not only is that impressive but this will be the first time that white men will no longer be the majority in the Democratic caucus. This is so amazing and unbelievable to see how far women have gone and over come the stereotypical man dominated caucus’ this is the most inspiring article I have read this year about women in power. “EMILY’s List, a progressive organization that works to recruit and elect Democratic women to Congress, raised a record-breaking $51.2 million this election cycle and quintupled its membership to 2 million. The group attributed its many victories to a backlash against Republican efforts to dismiss women’s issues and limit women’s reproductive rights.”