Russel: don’t buy into the brand!

As you may have noticed, my blog has been a little quiet lately. But I felt compelled to take a break from my hectic schedule to write this entry. After catching up with THE episode of Question Time. You know, the one with those two headline-grabbers claiming to give a shit about ‘the working British man’ …

Well what about the working British woman? Yet again sexist commentary and aggressive interruption of a female panelist was left unchallenged… Except by another female panelist.

Gentlemen, it a time to wake up. To realise that gender equality is at the heart of so many of our problems and to understand that it is YOUR ISSUE AS WELL.

Let’s begin with the comedian-come- saviour of us all *cough*…

Russell Brand.

Brand is no revolution leader… He is a sexist, self-serving career man.

How dare he have the audacity to assume he can speak for “us”, the electorate?

How dare he refer to Penny Mordaunt MP as “love” and talk her down. Is it not this kind of tone which undermines the position of female MPs? Is it not this very attitude which perpetuates the inequalities Brand claims to be addressing?

Possibly worst of all – How dare he suggest that the answer to our problems is to refrain from voting?

Spoil your paper, vote for the most unlikely party – but NEVER stop voting! All over the world, people are still denied this fundamental human right, and yet this attention seeking wannabe is advocating we squander ours? Maybe if the British education system told our kids about feminist history, Brand wouldn’t be so ignorant about this issue.

As a regular Question Time viewer, it is frustrating when they pull the ‘ratings winner’ stunt; inviting the likes of Brand and UKIP’s Nigel Farrage was always going to make headlines. Brand was clearly supposed to represent a voice for “ordinary people who disagree with UKIP.

Well guess what… I disagree with UKIP. But I also disagree with casual, off the cuff sexism on prime time TV.

When Penny Mordaunt attempted to quote the inspiration that is Malala, she was talked down. And why? Because Russel Brand is exactly the type of man who will be threatened by female political presence…

It speaks volumes that a comedian (who lest we forget has already publicly slut-shamed Andrew Sachs’ grand daughter) thinks he has the right to adopt a persona bordering on contemporary-Marxist. It is beyond hypocritical for him to preach about inequality, and talk to a female panelist in such a patronising way.

I’m not saying that Brand did not make some incredibly salient points (His response to the moronic Nigel Farage was fairly spot on) But this only demonstrates his position on the existing male-dominated political spectrum. As per usual, gender inequality was not listed among the most pressing issues in our society – probably because this would detract from Brand’s ‘working class champion’ fantasy.

So feminists, I urge you to continue to fight for what we all know is right. To ignore this man and others like him and use your vote in May. Stand up for what you believe in – even if that’s with a scribble on your ballot!

Never Too Busy for Feminism

So I must begin by apologizing for the radio silence of late! I have just started my formal teacher training and have an insane workload already (for those of you who think us teachers just take holidays all the time – we don’t! )

This in itself has led to me neglecting my blog, and in turn, neglecting feminism – something which prompted me to write this post. This time, I am ditching my usual satire to discuss the issue of authenticity in feminism and the notion that a quiet and inactive feminist is STILL a feminist.

And so I arrive at a key question:  To what extent is it possible to call yourself an ‘activist’ if you are not particularly active? Is it the state of mind that’s active or the amount of time you dedicate to protesting and standing up for your beliefs? If it’s the latter, I may as well hang my feminist hat up right now.

After contemplating this for most of today, I came to the conclusion that actually if you genuinely believe that a particular ideology should be promoted, then you will do this without thinking. I felt incredibly guilty this week for having to cancel a meeting with a local feminist group in my new city, (simply because I don’t have the time to dedicate to weekly get-togethers right now) and was beginning to feel rather lousy. As a teacher, I will be required to adopt a classroom identity which I fear will conflict with my feminist beliefs and I was really hoping the meetings would help to counterbalance these feelings. In reality, my workload simply won’t allow it –oh what to do!

During a discussion about the benefits of Media Studies today, I realised how much of my critical ability has stemmed from my research and complete fascination with feminist literature/theory. We are all guilty of over-using the phrase “I need feminism because…” but today I was instead left contemplating what feminism has given me already. Here is the list I came up with:

1. Feminism has empowered me to re-visit old and often painful memories of reading teenage magazines which made me feel rubbish about myself. Flow charts which told me boys wouldn’t like me and make up ‘tips’ which only served to make me even more conscious of my acne prone skin. I feel able to look back on those days from a renewed perspective and the knowledge that thousands (if not millions) of other women feel exactly the same way.

2. Feminism has helped me to articulate feelings of discomfort around men, and to identify behaviours which are not acceptable. All too often, I believe girls and women are encouraged to accept that ‘boys will be boys’ and that harassment and sexist behaviour is something to just be tolerated. It is my firm belief that feminism has already provided women with the courage to stand up against this. (Just today, my flat mate was harassed on the way to do her washing … yes, really)

3. Feminism has provided me with the ability to stand up for myself AGAINST OTHER WOMEN. I capitalise this, because it is all too readily assumed that women are automatically feminists or that feminists demonise men. This is bullshit. In the last few days, I have experienced some particularly un-sisterly behaviour from a female peer and used the strength I found in feminism to assert myself. This is who I am, this is how I look and if you can’t accept that…too bad!

So to conclude, I would say that being a feminist is not about having the biggest banner or the loudest voice. It’s not about spending every hour of every day ‘flying the flag’ so to speak. It is about recognising that so much of who we are as gender-equality campaigners is about what is already within us. We have a great world view, always remember that.

Yay for us! 

The Gaming Issue

A great article! As a teacher, I think this is an issue which needs highlighting in the classroom

f/ing Aperture Films

You see it all the time. People accusing women at gaming or comic conventions of being “fake nerds” trying to seem like they are fans of a medium they clearly do not like. Because how dare a woman dress as scantily clad as the characters that men have drawn to look like this:

Some go so far as feel the need to test these women on their knowledge of the character, saving the convention from people having fun. The message is clear: Women, you are not welcome in geek culture unless you pass our tests (which basically means act and look exactly how I want you to.)

Recently an indie game developer by the name of Zoe Quinn came under fire from gamers for…well not really much of anything. You see, Eron Gjoni, Quinn’s ex-boyfriend, recently posted a particularly long blog post about their relationship and breakup. It went into…

View original post 2,144 more words

What’s So Funny About Feminism?

Beware of Faux-feminism

Let’s face it, whilst most of us Feminist bloggers will happily hold women’s magazines to well-deserved account, (Baxter and Cosslett, I’m looking at you and your genius work The Vagenda as a prime example), it is becoming increasingly more difficult to ‘talk back’ to such mediums when they are online.

For one thing, sexism has become such a regular and routine part of our experience as users of the internet that I believe we have become desensitised to its impact. But be warned – sexism is as prominent on our Facebook and Twitter feeds as it is anywhere else. A while ago, I highlighted the problems associated with sexist ‘Memes’, aimed at teenagers who regularly browse the internet looking for images to share with their friends. This time, I move the spotlight to a slightly older audience – The Cosmopolitan target audience of 18-35 year olds.

Like many women in their 20s, I list Cosmpolitan magazine among my many ‘liked’ Facebook pages, and for many years I thought nothing of trawling through the endless ‘Top 20’ lists, laughing and closing my screen. It was only when I studied the magazine’s glossy pages as part of my undergraduate dissertation that I realised how sinister much of the magazine’s content really is.

As a linguist, I focused much of my project on the language and discourse Cosmo uses to perfect its “we really do understand your life” image. I found that this magazine, and many others like it, were using adjectives to construct and prescribe female identity as opposed to simply describing it – a worrying thought. But what exactly is it that magazines like Cosmo are trying to construct? And furthermore, what does it mean to be the kind of fun and fearless woman Cosmo envisage in 2014?

When I logged into my Facebook account this morning, the above image appeared on my news feed underneath the heading:

 

“The ‘Ideal Woman Project’ will seriously make you rethink any negative thoughts you might be having about your body”.

 

 

The link had been shared by Cosmpolitan UK, and whilst I love the ‘Ideal Woman Project’ itself, I couldn’t help but feel patronised. This image had been shared  by a magazine which actively perpetuates female stereotyping in order to make money. How can it have the audacity to adopt a stance which is in complete opposition to everything Cosmo has ever been about?  As hypocritical as this is, it’s not the first time Cosmpolitan have publicly claimed to be in support of women’s rights and even feminism itself.

Above is another recent post from Cosmpolitan‘s Facebook feed, this time presenting the question: “What does healthy look like?” accompanied by a picture of the ‘Fatkini’ trend which has gained esteem over the summer. Like the ‘Ideal Woman Project’, this issue is definitely worthy of debate and something which I have myself been fairly vocal about over the years. But Cosmpolitan‘s Facebook page simply is not the appropriate forum; presenting readers with confusing and juxtaposed messages which simply don’t fit with how the magazine operates in practice. Endless references to dieting and constant references to beauty saturate the pages of magazines like this one, and posting a few links on Facebook does not eradicate the impact that has on the reader…So why exactly do they do it?

Following a sharp increase in the number of Feminist bloggers and responses to women’s media, I believe Cosmopolitan et al. Are simply adopting this new stance in an attempt to combat feminism’s critique of them. The editors are hardly going to come back with ‘In response…’ pieces, or overt defense of their use of gender stereotyping. What they can do, is attempt (poorly) to even up the playing field by adopting a semi-~Feminist stance on a few carefully chosen issues. 

As readers, we are supposed to respond with a sigh and the notion that even when a quick flick through the glossy pages has made us never want to eat again, Cosmpolitan is a feminist friend. This is patronising at best, and manipulation at worst.

 

I’m not fooled.

 

 

LINKS:

 

http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/body/health/a29089/what-does-healthy-look-like/?utm_content=buffer91006&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

https://www.facebook.com/cosmopolitanuk?hc_location=timeline

“I’m Not a Feminist, But . . .”: Liberal Feminism

Girls and Special Educational Needs: The Double-Glazed Glass Ceiling

The issues surrounding girls with Special Educational Needs (or ‘SEN’ as we call it in the UK), is something which has been of growing interest to me throughout my time working in education. Since finishing my MA, I have been able to dedicate a little more time to researching this and finally putting out a blog post.

After three years working with school children of various ages, I have been lucky enough to encounter a number of girls who could be described as having one or more Special Educational Needs. These have ranged from social and emotional disorders, to autistic spectrum disorders and ADHD. Sadly, I have all too often encountered young girls displaying traits of particular SEN conditions, but without any formal diagnosis or recognition of their particular learning needs. This has meant that they have often gone without the support and understanding they need from teachers.

So why are girls so overlooked when it comes to understanding and making provision for their SEN? After a fair amount of internet research, I have summarized some of what I found into three key issues I feel should be addressed:

1. Difficulties Identifying the Issues

The norms and values which are prescribed to us stem from what is deemed to be ‘acceptable’ within our patriarchal society, and as a result, girls with SEN experience what has been termed as a “double-glazed glass ceiling” (Gomez de la Cuesta & Mason 2010) . They are pre-judged firstly for how they perform as girls, and secondly how this performance compares with the girls who conform to society’s expectations of them. As any feminist will tell you, gender forms a huge – and arguably over-attributed – element of how a person is perceived, and I firmly believe that removing gender stereotyping from SEN diagnosis and support would revolutionise the way we think about girls’ development.

2. Stigma of Girls’ behaviour

Expectations on girls to be well-behaved are by no means exclusive to those with SEN. The over-used and problematic phrase “boys will be boys” is telling of society’s belief that a badly behaved boy is to be expected, whilst girls are the more docile and placid of the sexes.

Being the parent of a child with SEN is incredibly difficult, and the stigma attached to disability – even in 2014 – remains one of the hardest aspects of managing a young person’s SEN needs.

There are many girls with SEN who are aware that they are different – such as those with various Autistic Spectrum Disorders – who learn to mimic the social conventions they see others performing. This often leads observers to overlook them as being just like their friends, when actually they are finding the whole process of social interaction far more difficult.

It is absolutely vital that the education system devotes more time and research into reconstructing the lense through which we view girls with SEN.

3. A Matter of Discourse

Something I have become increasingly tuned into (and alarmed by) is the language used to discuss the behaviour of girls with SEN. In education, we are regularly required to write reports about children and to share our knowledge of any SEN they may have to encourage good practice – something which is absolutely vital for inclusion. However, I have observed that whilst boys with SEN are often described in detailed accounts, girls are often labelled as “moody”, “emotional” or “needy”. Aren’t these the same words we hear time and time again to describe all females at some point in their lives? It is simply not good enough to dismiss young girls in this way and deprive them of the kind of in-depth analysis we give boys.

This post is in no way trying to criticize the work of teachers or any particular group of educational professionals. For me, the lack of awareness about girls with SEN stems from the wider issue of society’s rigid behaviour codes for its female inhabitants. Only once we quash the notion of ‘gendered behaviour’ will girls with SEN get the help and support they deserve.

Useful links:

The National Autistic Society:

http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/autism-and-asperger-syndrome-an-introduction/gender-and-autism/women-and-girls-on-the-autism-spectrum.aspx

Another #WomenAgainstFeminism Post to Add to the Pile

A brilliant articulation of the underlying issues fuelling #womenagainstfeminism

Neglecting Conservative-Feminists: Why Karren Brady’s Success Should Be Celebrated

Karren Brady is one of the UK’s most well-known business women, famous for her success in the male-dominated world of football and no-nonsense attitude on The Apprentice. So why isn’t Ms Brady hailed as one of the greatest contemporary feminists around?

It is a great shame that whilst scrolling through the various Feminist pages on my Facebook newsfeed, I have failed to come across a single update about Ms Brady’s appointment as a peer in the House of Lords – an occasion which provides an ample opportunity to shine a spotlight on the career of an inspirational woman.

So why have the achievements of Ms Brady been overlooked by Feminism?

Because she is a Conservative.

There I’ve said it. Karren Brady isn’t a liberal or a Labour party voter. She doesn’t conform to the kind of mould that so many people think is a ‘prerequisite’ for being a Feminist, and so her corporate and economic success is overlooked. It is about time that changed.

What is the point in advocating fairness at work if we are not going to celebrate women who stand up for just that?

What is the point in protesting that women are every bit as logical and in control of their emotions as men, if we are not prepared to celebrate those who personify just that?

What is the point in fighting for women’s democratic right, if we are only going to celebrate certain voters within that democracy?

Karren Brady’s autobiography worked it’s way onto my ‘beach reads’ on a recent holiday, and though I have always admired her, I wasn’t expecting it to have such a profound impact of me.

And why?

Because as a passionate feminist, I am fed up of reading material which dictates the kind of beliefs which should go ‘hand-in-hand’ with my support of feminism. It felt incredibly refreshing to read a book by a woman who was passionate about women’s rights, whilst also displaying a great desire for economic and capitalist success.

Let’s be clear, if you are anti-Capitalism then you are anti-Capitalism. If you are feminist, you are feminist. But the two are not entwined.

In her autobiography Strong Woman: The Truth About Getting to the Top Brady states that getting more women into business is something she is deeply passionate about. Brady’s passion for equality is evident in every page and something which could be inspirational to so many young women struggling to combine feminist beliefs with a desire for economic success. Just because you have a desire to participate in the corporate world, does not mean you are “supporting patriarchy”, “stepping all over your sisters” or “benefiting from inequality” (Just some of the lines I have come across on various ‘Feminist’ blogs).

Throughout the course of my thesis research, I have been compelled to try and understand the reasons why so many women are becoming ‘anti-feminists’; holding the belief that feminism does not represent them. One of the most prominent factors was the feeling that Feminism has become every bit as prescriptive as the patriarchal society it has fought against. This is a notion which is not only soul-destroying for me as a Feminist campaigner and activist, but one which requires immediate attention if we are to continue reaching out to women from across the political spectrum.

It must be made explicitly clear that Feminism is a movement designed to promote the kind of equality men enjoy, and that no matter who you vote for there is a place for you in our fight for fairness.

 

 

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28703150  

The Post-Feminism Delusion

 

For the past three months, I have been researching the birth and growth of what has come to be known as the ‘Post-feminism myth’; in the hope of understanding what it is that leads women to believe we no longer than feminism.

 

To be honest, before I began this project, I had spent so many years campaigning for women’s rights that I had been ignoring the growth of anti-feminist feeling. Every day I would be surrounded by statistics and stories conveying the need to keep fighting for equality, and never really thought about women who didn’t see this need. Writing my thesis on ‘Post-Feminism’ has been an eye-opener, and something which has left me feeling both incredibly saddened and determined to continue fighting for equality.

 

For those of you who aren’t sure, the ‘Post-feminism myth’ can be defined most simply as the belief that feminism is over. The reasons for this vary from believing that men and women are now equal, to the notion that feminism is disadvantaging women who want to get married and have children.

 

If I’ve learnt anything over the last few months I’ve spent researching ‘The Post Feminism Myth’, it’s that it really is a myth. A myth based on the media’s outright disgust with women who dare to look/speak/be any different from the stereotypes they thrust upon us day in, day out. A myth perpetuated to fool us that women are equal now. Worst of all, a myth which says feminism works against women (good old divide and conquer when all else fails).

 

Worryingly, it is a myth which has grown so much that groups of women are now taking to social media to openly reject feminism and distance themselves from it’s work. For me, this is a particularly sad reflection of how this incredible movement has come to be portrayed.

 

The disturbing ‘I don’t need feminism because…’ pages have gained much esteem throughout the course of my project, and though I don’t have time to respond to each and every ridiculous cardboard sign on Tumblr, I feel compelled to give a few of them a piece of my mind…

 

1. “I don’t need feminism because I don’t want to politicise my gender”

 

Feminism is NOT ABOUT JUST ABOUT WOMEN. Feminism is about promoting the idea that masculinity – in whatever form that takes – is not supreme. Feminism does not just speak up for women, it speaks up for anyone who does not ‘perform’ a masculine identity.

 

2. “I don’t need feminism because I can think for myself”

 

As a feminist, I would go as far saying this is offensive. Thinking for yourself is all very well and good, but who listens to your thoughts without equality? All women can think for themselves, and feminism serves to remind society of that.

 

3. “I don’t need feminism because being whistled at in the street isn’t oppression”

 

The simple response to this is, yes it is. I am a human being and walking down the street is not an opportunity for men to judge my appearance.

 

 

I could go on and on. The frightening thing about these statements, is that they demonstrate exactly how far the ‘Post-feminism’ illusion has spread. Just yesterday, the Evening Standard newspaper’s lead story was the fact that women in London earn around 13% less than their male counterparts. This is because society – capitalist, patriarchal society – does not value a woman’s work in the same way it values a man’s.

 

I have said in previous posts that the work of the ‘contemporary feminist’ is incredibly different from that of previous generations. Our battle is with more covert sexism, sneakier division tactics and just downright ignorance about what feminism actually stands for.