This fall, women are ruling political discussion in the United States. For one, Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina are dominating presidential primary headlines. And in late October, Suffragette, a star-studded film about the long and ultimately violent political struggle for British women’s right to vote, makes its U.S. premiere. While we’re pondering this relatively unknown […]
Month: October 2015
It Felt Like a Breastfeeding Cult
I was as prepared as a new mother could be to begin breastfeeding upon the birth of my son. While pregnant, I took the hospital’s “Breastfeeding Basics” course, secured my breast pump from the insurance company and obtained the access code for an online support group. The delivery room was supposed to be the place […]
Stand Up for Congo
Dr. Denis Mukwege, founder of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, raged against his community, international NGOs, the government and Congolese men—all of whom in his view do nothing to prevent the atrocities and devastation still being perpetrated on women in Eastern Congo today. “Why is no one standing up to protect the women and children? Where […]
We Heart: Shonda Rhimes Taking On Pay Inequity
In a fabulously feminist moment on Grey’s Anatomy last week, Miranda Bailey, newly appointed chief of surgery at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, and Richard Webber, her predecessor, have it out over pay equity. Accusing Bailey of failing to pay Meredith Grey as much as a male surgeon receives, Webber tells the chief, “I would […]
This Girl Genius Will Blow Your Mind, Make You Wish She Was Your BFF
What did you do when you were 13 years old? If you’re like me, you raced bikes with the neighborhood kids, tore your way through the entire Baby-Sitters Club canon (even the Super Specials) and choreographed elaborate dance routines with your BFFs to the pulsing, booty-wiggling beats of C+ C Music Factory. But if you’re […]
An Evening in May
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Ms. Blog will be publishing a series of posts detailing the impact of domestic violence, including personal essays and more, throughout the month. In the midst of an argument, I see the glass fly through the air at 24 frames a second. While sitting on our bed, my vision slows, […]
Amber Rose’s Feminism: For Women Who Have “Been Through Shit”
Reprinted with permission from Autostraddle Amber Rose’s SlutWalk in Los Angeles Saturday brought together hundreds of survivors and allies in the fight to end rape culture, victim-blaming and slut-shaming. But this SlutWalk was unlike many that had come before it—and in all the best ways. The event, which took place in Pershing Square, matched up […]
A True Hero
The word “hero” is used far too often today. It seems as though we bandy the word around for actions that should be considered normal human behavior. In my travels to Congo with Jewish World Watch, however, I have had the honor to meet several of the real heroes in the world. Some of these […]
After the Oregon Shootings: A Campaign to Raise Healthy Sons
Again. This time, the scene was a community college in Roseburg, Oregon, 175 miles south of Portland. This time, nine people were murdered and the shooter committed suicide. This time, President Obama spoke out more forcefully than he did after Sandy Hook. This time, stronger alliances are forming to lobby Congress to pass stringent new […]
Cultural Appropriation Suits Up for Halloween
Tis’ the month that culminates with witches, mystical creatures, fictional characters, and, well, a little bit of cultural appropriation. Turn on your television, and you’ll hear Michael Jackson’s Thriller courtesy of Party City. Head to YouTube and the beauty community competes to upload the most popular Halloween looks. Run over to your local Walgreens and […]