Community Building, Community Development, Equality, Gender Identity, Gender Studies

A Four Step Action Plan So That #metoo Can Become #neveragain

The #metoo movement was quite intense, to say the least.  I knew that the prevalence of harassment was high, but some unexpected people in my circle of friends came out with their own #metoo stories that had me shook. It has also been very hard on the men in my circle of friends, who have… Read More A Four Step Action Plan So That #metoo Can Become #neveragain

Family, Gender Identity, Gender Studies, Marriage, Pregnancy

More Thoughts on Supporting the Husband of a Pregnant Woman

Nothing about the birth of my child was about the other person that had so much to do with it: my husband.  I have already discussed this matter previously, but I think it’s such an important topic that I have to bring it up again. During labor, no one took care of my husband.  And… Read More More Thoughts on Supporting the Husband of a Pregnant Woman

Gender Studies, Media

Becoming Obsessed With Strong Female Characters: My Hopes For a Post-Wonder Woman World

Do you guys remember when Edward Cullen was everywhere?  To call him an obsession is an understatement.  Parallel to this Cullen-mania, I developed an obsession with, well, Edward Cullen obsession. How meta is that? Back in November 2008, I wrote how the only thing that seems to be able to cure this Cullen-mania was to… Read More Becoming Obsessed With Strong Female Characters: My Hopes For a Post-Wonder Woman World

Empowerement, Gender Identity, Gender Studies

Missing the Point: What a Girl’s Anthem Should Not Sound Like

The title seems harsh, doesn’t it?  I know that this the post might get my inbox filled with emails from irate Beyoncé fans, but her song “Run the World (Girls)” still is, in my opinion, part of a series of popular girl’s anthems gone wrong. It doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate the song.  Quite… Read More Missing the Point: What a Girl’s Anthem Should Not Sound Like

Celebrity Culture, Empowerement, Gender Studies

What Empowerment Means and How Kim Kardashian Has It Wrong

Kim Kardashians’ nude selfies has been a trending topic for a few weeks now.  While the pictures themselves are nothing spectacular to warrant the trend, the surrounding conversations about the implications of her posts have been fascinating to me, to say the least.  I am particularly intrigued by the concept of Kim demonstrating a sense… Read More What Empowerment Means and How Kim Kardashian Has It Wrong

Beauty, Gender Identity, Gender Studies

Barbie has Three New Body Shapes: A Step Forward Well Worth Exploring

You might have heard that Barbie now comes in four different body types. On top of the original body type she is known for (tall, thin, busty, and blond), she also comes in tall, curvy, and petite. The top secret project apparently took years to take shape (ha) and even came with a code name.… Read More Barbie has Three New Body Shapes: A Step Forward Well Worth Exploring