Here's a post I found on the GLBTSSS Feed:
My name is Sonya Bettendorf and I am a psychology graduate student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, working under the supervision of Dr. Ann R. Fischer.
- I’m writing to you because of my commitment to improving the lives of women.
- I’m hoping you will help me reach out to women by completing the following survey, which is part of the final phase to my dissertation project: http://www.dbcdesigns.com/experiencesofwomen/
- Women across diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, social classes, ages, and abilities are invited to participate.
- Participants have an opportunity to enter a drawing to win a $20 gift certificate.
- You are invited to forward this email to others who might be interested in participating in the survey.
- More details are outlined below:
My name is Sonya Bettendorf and I am a counseling psychology graduate student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I am currently working on my doctoral dissertation, which is chaired by Dr. Ann Fischer. I am writing to ask for your help by participating in a study that will help me develop a measure that assesses women’s experience related to social and cultural messages about women’s bodies.
Exploring this issue is important for several reasons. First, it may contribute to deeper and more meaningful understandings about women’s experiences. Second, it may help psychologists develop ways to best help people. Third, it might help psychologists focus on strengths that women already have in providing more effective services.
Participation in this study is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time. It will take you approximately 45 minutes to complete the survey. Your responses will remain confidential such that only the researchers will have access to your data. Identification codes, rather than names, will also be used to assure your anonymity. After full completion of the questionnaire, you will have the option of providing an email address to be entered into a drawing to win a $20 gift certificate to a Barnes & Noble book store. Only researchers will have access to the data file containing the email address, the email address will only be used for the purpose of the drawing, and it will be deleted following completion of the study.
If you would like to participate in the study, please visit the following website:
http://www.dbcdesigns.com/experiencesofwomen/
If you would like to have your name removed from this mailing list, please respond to this email at sonya.bettendorf@gmail.com and indicate that you opt-out from the messages. If you do not respond to this survey or return the opt-out message, you will be contacted again with this request 2 times during the next 4 weeks.
If you have any questions about this study, feel free to contact us at by email at sonya.bettendorf@gmail.com or arf12@siu.edu or by phone at (618) 453-3560.
This research study has been reviewed and approved by the Human Subjects Committee at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Questions concerning your rights as a participant in this research may be addressed to the Committee Chairperson, Office of Research Development and Administration, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901-4709. Phone (618) 453-4533. E-mail: siuhsc@siu.edu.
Thank you for taking the time to consider participating in this study. Your participation is valuable and will contribute to strength-based research and practice.
Sincerely,
Sonya Bettendorf, M.A.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sex and State Power
I hope you are all having wonderful summers. If you are looking for a way to make your blood boil this afternoon, try reading this article:
http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/07/sex_and_state_power.html
Of course, this inflammatory style of writing and aggressive ignorance are no news to any of us, but given the fact that the subject matter is so large a focus of WSA and the fact that someone really truly posted this on Facebook this morning in agreement with its message (prompting me to believe that large numbers of Americans feel the same way), I thought I would pass it along to you.
For the sake of argument, and because some people seem to agree with it, I will briefly entertain the main point of the article. The author posits that, in introducing programs into schools that aim to end sexual harassment, promote individual expression, and provide comprehensive sex education, the Evil Government is stripping children of their individuality (?) and control of their bodies. I will interpret this as saying that the children in question are being encouraged (or forced, depending on your reading) to be homosexual and promiscuous, rendered incapable of "choosing" the heterosexual, saving-it-for-marriage lifestyle God intended for them.
Obviously, this article's main fault is its horribly contorted attempt to shape the means (i.e. the argument) around the ends: that is, the author's prejudices and discomfort with the fact that the world is changing. He appeals to our inner Western imperialist, comparing this oppression of our children by the government with the oppression of women under Islam, and goes on to make several racist remarks about Muslims (uncultured barbarians!). I am not versed in identity politics, so I feel unfit to comment on the situation of Muslim women, but nevertheless the allusion seems a bit pointless, foremost since it makes no sense.
Though there are many highlights, one of my favorite parts of the article is the author's utter horror that there was a program in an eighth grade classroom that taught proper use of a condom. (As an aside, there was a similar program in my schooling when I was about the same age. New Hampshire kinda rules sometimes.) Par for the course as far as fantasy-world sex ed. goes, but still worth acknowledging, as always. Then of course we have the infallible nuclear family being threatened through mere critical thinking. The author strongly condemns the health curriculum of a Helena, MT elementary school, saying it "veers wildly between respect and advocacy." He goes on to quote the curriculum: "[u]nderstand media often presents an unrealistic image of what it means to be male or female, what it means to be in love & what parenthood & marriages are like." That sure sounds like "advocacy" (of what, using your mind?) to me.
As society continues to evolve, it has less and less in common with the traditional "Western Christian" model; as we continue to become more integrated, more in tune with each other, and learn more about the human race, it becomes more and more obvious that our societal model needs to be revised. If you want your child to receive a "traditional Judeo-Christian" education, send them to a "traditional Judeo-Christian" school and not a public one. From there, you can feel free to decry social progress as social decay and leave the rest of us out of it.
(Please understand I am not a writer, nor am I a debater in any capacity. Feel free to point out any holes in my argument or anything I've missed.)
http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/07/sex_and_state_power.html
Of course, this inflammatory style of writing and aggressive ignorance are no news to any of us, but given the fact that the subject matter is so large a focus of WSA and the fact that someone really truly posted this on Facebook this morning in agreement with its message (prompting me to believe that large numbers of Americans feel the same way), I thought I would pass it along to you.
For the sake of argument, and because some people seem to agree with it, I will briefly entertain the main point of the article. The author posits that, in introducing programs into schools that aim to end sexual harassment, promote individual expression, and provide comprehensive sex education, the Evil Government is stripping children of their individuality (?) and control of their bodies. I will interpret this as saying that the children in question are being encouraged (or forced, depending on your reading) to be homosexual and promiscuous, rendered incapable of "choosing" the heterosexual, saving-it-for-marriage lifestyle God intended for them.
Obviously, this article's main fault is its horribly contorted attempt to shape the means (i.e. the argument) around the ends: that is, the author's prejudices and discomfort with the fact that the world is changing. He appeals to our inner Western imperialist, comparing this oppression of our children by the government with the oppression of women under Islam, and goes on to make several racist remarks about Muslims (uncultured barbarians!). I am not versed in identity politics, so I feel unfit to comment on the situation of Muslim women, but nevertheless the allusion seems a bit pointless, foremost since it makes no sense.
Though there are many highlights, one of my favorite parts of the article is the author's utter horror that there was a program in an eighth grade classroom that taught proper use of a condom. (As an aside, there was a similar program in my schooling when I was about the same age. New Hampshire kinda rules sometimes.) Par for the course as far as fantasy-world sex ed. goes, but still worth acknowledging, as always. Then of course we have the infallible nuclear family being threatened through mere critical thinking. The author strongly condemns the health curriculum of a Helena, MT elementary school, saying it "veers wildly between respect and advocacy." He goes on to quote the curriculum: "[u]nderstand media often presents an unrealistic image of what it means to be male or female, what it means to be in love & what parenthood & marriages are like." That sure sounds like "advocacy" (of what, using your mind?) to me.
As society continues to evolve, it has less and less in common with the traditional "Western Christian" model; as we continue to become more integrated, more in tune with each other, and learn more about the human race, it becomes more and more obvious that our societal model needs to be revised. If you want your child to receive a "traditional Judeo-Christian" education, send them to a "traditional Judeo-Christian" school and not a public one. From there, you can feel free to decry social progress as social decay and leave the rest of us out of it.
(Please understand I am not a writer, nor am I a debater in any capacity. Feel free to point out any holes in my argument or anything I've missed.)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Stop Sexist Remarks
From the blog stopsexistremarks.org
Stop Sexist Remarks: "In January, Egyptian parliamentarians introduced a law that if passed, would impose a year in prison and/or a fine of 1,000 Egyptian pounds on men who sexually harass women in public places. The legislation came about through the efforts of the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights, a grassroots organization started in 1996 by six women from Cairo. In 2005, the Center launched a campaign against sexual harassment, culminating in a 2008 study involving interviews of 2000 women. The Center’s investigation revealed that in Egypt, 83 per cent of Egyptian women and 98 per cent of foreign women had been sexually harassed, usually on the street or public transport. The study raised the profile of the issue, igniting a debate among Egyptian academics and policymakers about what should be done. Today, the proposed law is supported by both the ruling National Democratic Party and the opposition Muslim Brotherhood and so is expected to pass."
Stop Sexist Remarks: "In January, Egyptian parliamentarians introduced a law that if passed, would impose a year in prison and/or a fine of 1,000 Egyptian pounds on men who sexually harass women in public places. The legislation came about through the efforts of the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights, a grassroots organization started in 1996 by six women from Cairo. In 2005, the Center launched a campaign against sexual harassment, culminating in a 2008 study involving interviews of 2000 women. The Center’s investigation revealed that in Egypt, 83 per cent of Egyptian women and 98 per cent of foreign women had been sexually harassed, usually on the street or public transport. The study raised the profile of the issue, igniting a debate among Egyptian academics and policymakers about what should be done. Today, the proposed law is supported by both the ruling National Democratic Party and the opposition Muslim Brotherhood and so is expected to pass."
Monday, April 12, 2010
punk rock girls
So I went to see Joe Jack Talcum from the classic satirical punk band The Dead Milkmen this past Saturday night.
Both the bassisit and drummer of the band that backed him, called the boohoos, were women.
Thought it was preeetty cool.
Both the bassisit and drummer of the band that backed him, called the boohoos, were women.
Thought it was preeetty cool.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Ick.
Via Jezebel.
An opinion columnist at American University has written a piece attacking feminists and queer activists as overly sensitive and anti-sex, comparing them inexplicably to the "great religions of the world."
The anti-sex thing might actually makes some sense, given that his own view of being pro-sex somehow equates with being pro-date rape. Date-rape and consent, he argues are too loose of concepts to be applied to "the sexual arena" and "the volatility of its practice."
Helpfully, he breaks it down further: "There's rape and there's not rape."
"Rape," apparently means a violent attacker jumping out of the bushes, "not rape" seems to be just about anything else. A woman drinking alcohol and going to a man's room is "indicating" consent to sex (emphasis mine). Sex is not about "contract-signing" (read: normal, healthy communication between partners, like, "Is this okay?"); rather, it is about "control" and "surrender."
O, rlly? Ew.
At least you have a handy example next time someone asks you what rape culture is or why feminism still matters.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Abortion and the Healthcare Bill
Anyone who has been following the healthcare debate has noticed that reproductive and abortion rights have been used as a means to detract debate away from affordable healthcare. Often, individuals have made the argument that if they do not agree with abortion, then they should not have their tax dollars pay for it. This argument is a frustrating one. Why is it only with abortion that taxpayers should be able to opt out of funding something that they are against? I am a pacifist and would prefer to not fund military operations. The argument is flawed considering that abortion is a LEGAL medical procedure (which people often forget) in addition to the fact that taxpayers often have their money go toward funding areas to which they are opposed. Should taxpayers be able to determine what their taxes fund, even if it is legal?
Jay Smooth, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and other bloggers created this PSA to discuss this very issue. While it specifically addresses the Hyde Amendment, I believe it raises valid questions about the status of abortion rights in the United States and how millions of low income women and families are disproportionately affected when abortions are not accessible and low cost.
Jay Smooth, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and other bloggers created this PSA to discuss this very issue. While it specifically addresses the Hyde Amendment, I believe it raises valid questions about the status of abortion rights in the United States and how millions of low income women and families are disproportionately affected when abortions are not accessible and low cost.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Moby steps up when Arnold cuts domestic violence funding
http://axisofjustice.net/moby-reaches-out-to-california-domestic-violence-victims/
This was back in October but I had not known of it until now.
This was back in October but I had not known of it until now.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Vag-A-Fit
Vag-A-Fit Commercial -Moon County - watch more funny videos
This drags a bit but thought you all might appreciate the gist.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Wealth Gap Among Women
As posted on Feministing, a report recently was released by the Insight Center for Community and Economic Development showing how extreme the wealth gap is between white women and women of color. A few key statistics highlighted:
- Single black and Hispanic women have a median wealth of $100 and $120 respectively; the median for single white women is $41,500.
- Nearly half of all single black and Hispanic women have zero or negative wealth, the latter of which occurs when debts exceed assets.
- About one-third of single Hispanic women and one-fourth of single black women have no checking or savings account.
- On reservations where unemployment rates can be as high as 70 percent, Native American women are hard pressed to fulfill "job search" requirements to qualify for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
- While 57 percent of single white women own homes, only 33 percent of single black women and 28 percent of single Hispanic women are homeowners.
- Only 1 percent of single Hispanic women and 4 percent of single black women own business assets compared to 8 percent of single white women.
- While 66 percent of white men and 60.4 percent of white women receive retirement income from assets, the same is true for only 40 percent of Asian women, 25.4 percent of black women and 23 percent of Hispanic women.
To read the entire report, click here.
- Single black and Hispanic women have a median wealth of $100 and $120 respectively; the median for single white women is $41,500.
- Nearly half of all single black and Hispanic women have zero or negative wealth, the latter of which occurs when debts exceed assets.
- About one-third of single Hispanic women and one-fourth of single black women have no checking or savings account.
- On reservations where unemployment rates can be as high as 70 percent, Native American women are hard pressed to fulfill "job search" requirements to qualify for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
- While 57 percent of single white women own homes, only 33 percent of single black women and 28 percent of single Hispanic women are homeowners.
- Only 1 percent of single Hispanic women and 4 percent of single black women own business assets compared to 8 percent of single white women.
- While 66 percent of white men and 60.4 percent of white women receive retirement income from assets, the same is true for only 40 percent of Asian women, 25.4 percent of black women and 23 percent of Hispanic women.
To read the entire report, click here.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
A Lack of Consequences for Sexual Assault - Sexual Assault on Campus: A Frustrating Search for Justice
A Lack of Consequences for Sexual Assault - Sexual Assault on Campus: A Frustrating Search for Justice
Posted using ShareThis
Posted using ShareThis
This is the story Julia and I mentioned at the meeting today that also aired on NPR recently. Incredibly depressing but still very much worth reading.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Feminist Spoken Word
When I was in New Zealand, I was able to see spoken word poet and activist Sonya Renee perform. Since then, I can't get enough of this art-form and how it can convey so many emotions. I've selected a few feminist-focused pieces by different artists, including the two that got me hooked.
This video was the first poem I heard from her. It is about relationship violence, specifically her cousin who was killed by her partner.
"What Women Deserve"
This is such a powerful poem. She discusses the need for reproductive choice.
"Liking Me"
This poem is about the connection between loving yourself and having safe sex.
"Feminist or Womanist"
This poem is about the constraints of labels and the existence of many identities. She also touches on the treatment of women when they speak out after being sexually assaulted.
"As With Most Men"
In this poem, he speaks about misogyny in American culture and questions if we would react the same way to the "War on Terror" if it was gendered rather than racialized.
I definitely recommend looking into all three of these artists as well as others.
Sonya Renee
"Still Life"
This video was the first poem I heard from her. It is about relationship violence, specifically her cousin who was killed by her partner.
This is such a powerful poem. She discusses the need for reproductive choice.
This poem is about the connection between loving yourself and having safe sex.
Staceyann Chin
This poem is about the constraints of labels and the existence of many identities. She also touches on the treatment of women when they speak out after being sexually assaulted.
Mark Gonzales
In this poem, he speaks about misogyny in American culture and questions if we would react the same way to the "War on Terror" if it was gendered rather than racialized.
I definitely recommend looking into all three of these artists as well as others.
Toni posted this article on facebook already, but if you get a chance you should check it out since it is particularly relevant to our conversation yesterday on Sheryl WuDunn. It is a Washington Post editorial from Jessica Valenti discussing why it is so much easier for us to recognize the problems women face in other parts of the world than admit that that "equality is still an illusion" for American women.
Also, this is a link to a feministing.com review of Half the Sky, and as Toni mentioned yesterday, it articulates many of the concerns we had about the book.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Minutes from WSA Meeting - 2/21
WSA Minutes
2/21/10
Girl's Inc- Went well!
1. Call-Out
-Flyers
-Chalking
-Tuesday, 7pm - Ballentine Hall, 016 (Please arrive 15 minutes early)
-presentation-Jenna, ice-breaker- Introductions, snacks- Cami is bringing cookies!, Colleen -Cups and Napkins, Rachel/Toni-drinks
2. OWA Networking night
-Wednesday, 7pm - Cami and Carrie will attend
3. Sexual Assault Awareness Month update
-Cami met with people from Prosecutor's office and Middle Way House
-Series of presentations planned for late March, primarily want our help with advertising
-Presenting to Dorm neighborhoods, Frats/Sororities
4. Reschedule social
-Golden Girls Night - this Friday, Cami's apartment - 7pm
-Boob Night - March 4th @ 8pm - tentatively
5.Connecting with Katie Blair from Planned Parenthood
-Katie has suggested baking cookies for abortion escorts on Thursday mornings and collecting
magazines for the clinic lobby.
6.Sheryl WuDunn
-Book club
-Anyone want to volunteer to make WSA logo for the flyer - Toni will ask friends
7. Vag Mons wrap-up
-Do a cast Q & A after the show
-Change the question at the end of the show- or don't do it at all
-Have one person in charge of each event
-Reach out to Sororities
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