Women's Libber

Leadership and the Sexes

2010-05-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well, even in my Public Relations Management class I have found a way to incorporate gender :) Check out my book review on Michael Gurian's Leadership and the Sexes. We had to read a book about management/leadership for the class and I found this one very interesting and useful. I encourage everyone to give it a read!

Leadership and the Sexes

Michael Gurian’s Leadership and the Sexes: Using Gender Science to Create Success in Business is a book that defines the differences between sexes in a way that can be employed throughout business to create a more productive atmosphere. It increases gender intelligence between men and women which allows them to discover new ways to supervise, negotiate, and manage. The revision of male and female relationships ultimately allows for a more conducive and productive work environment.
This book nowhere implies that one gender is better or more capable than the other. It is specifically to show that there are biological differences between men and women that affect they way they communicate, lead, and manage in the workplace. Understanding these differences leads to better communication between genders which ultimately leads to more bottom line success and productivity, along with higher job satisfaction and employee happiness. It also does not assume that just because one is a certain gender, they encompass all of that gender’s characteristics. Gurian outlines a gender/brain spectrum where each person’s male/female brain coding fits, meaning that a person may exhibit certain gendered characteristics differently depending on which trait is being assessed.

Through PET scans, MRI scans, and SPECT imaging, scientists have found that men and women produce equivalent intellectual performance like said above, but that their brains do it differently. The three primary areas of brain difference outlined by Gurian are the differences in neural blood flow patterns, in particular structures of the brain, and in brain chemistry. Differences between gender include how and what we remember, how we process words, how we react to stress, how we experience the world, the way our limbic system and emotional processing works, the amounts of white and gray matter in the brain, and the way our hormones affect our brains. So while men may stay too singular, get bogged down in data and statistics, zone out, or be too insensitive with their words, women may waste time on relational matters, need to talk through things for too long, or not be assertive enough. Realizing and recognizing differences in the workplace because of gender allows each one to know what to expect from one another, making them more sensitive to each other’s differences, and shows them how to relate to each other in the most effective way.
Gurian also goes into great detail about the science behind the biological differences in the brain but they basically come down to the fact that men tend to be more spatial-physical, men’s brains go into more rest states while women’s stay constantly active, men tend to compartmentalize more brain activity which focuses them on one task while women are multitaskers, and male aggression is helpful in leadership but women’s rapport building is as well. Men and women also lead differently. Females are more interactive and like participative teams whereas men are more transactional in their leadership and prefer a hierarchy. Women are inductive in their problem solving where men are deductive. Their management styles are just as different with men being more prescriptive and women being more descriptive.

He outlines GenderTools that can be directly applied to one’s business or organization to increase understanding and communication between the genders. They are titled “Improving Your Negotiation Skills with Both Genders, Running a Gender-Balanced Meeting, Improving Your Communication Skills with Women and Men, Improving Your Conflict Resolution Skills with Men and Women, and Practicing Gender-Intelligent Mentoring and Coaching in Your Corporation.” Gurian then outlines exact application tips on how to hold awareness training that allows business management teams to employ the GenderTools. From workshops and strategies to hold for all levels of employers to tips on how to supervise and mentor the different genders in the most productive way, this book is effective in defining and applying its’ facts and theories.

As women have had to frequently “act like men” in the workplace, studies have shown that they find changing who they are deeply dissatisfactory as well as stunting to their work productivity. One of the conclusions made in this book is that both gender’s qualities are useful and needed, and when combined in top management and leadership positions, businesses can really take off.
I think the author offers a great approach to leadership and management. Gender differences in today’s society are often overlooked or not addressed as most think gender equality has been met in the workplace. That is unfortunately a false reality as many men and women find it frustrating working with the opposite sex because of their very diverse communication differences. Gurian’s GenderTools can be used directly in one’s business or team to make its employees aware of the differences between sexes and gives tips on how to directly employ them leading to increased communication skills. The management systems we have studied in class have exemplified different ways to most effectively and efficiently meet the bottom line in business; which is to increase quality production. Gurian’s book also outlines ways to reach higher productivity, but through gender relations. So instead of standardizations of job processes to find the quickest and best method of production like with scientific management, this book emphasizes the importance of communication between the genders. It allows for worker input, unlike scientific, which encourages people to express themselves and cooperate with others effectively like collaborative management. This also leads to collaboratives’ qualities of self-growth and authority. With total quality management, the system was to fix the quality of the product and with this book the problem lies within the quality of communication between genders, with both ultimately affecting production and the bottom line. In both systems, if you raise standards of excellence focus on individual characteristics, you’re more successful. With horizontal management, there is an increase in communication between groups, and with this book, it is the same but by honing in on specific gender characteristics.

I would definitely recommend this book to other Public Relations students because gender affects us in multiple ways everyday. While people frequently notice the differences between genders in personal relationships, eventually everyone will face them in the workplace as well, and this book gives them the tools they need. And though most graduated students will begin in entry-level positions, being a strong, efficient and accepting leader isn’t only needed in management. If they are taught the differences between males and females and about the “GenderTools” Gurian has outlined, they will be able to set the tone even at lower levels that will stay with them throughout their careers. Being accepting and aware of the differences will allow them to work better with their coworkers and enable them to recognize problems in their environments faster than others. His theories and research have actually been used by IBM, Nissan, Proctor and Gamble, and Brooks Sports to name a few. So being aware of different internal strategies that large companies are practicing will help students once they get in the workplace as well.

Prices- Viagra vs. Birth Control

2010-05-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well this blog was originally made for my Journalism class here at the University of Georgia and I didn't think I would keep up with it after this semester, but this email from the Women's Studies Student Organization got me fired up..yet again.

They Sent this link. I can't believe how cheap it is for men to "enhance" their sexual performances while birth control pills for women can be up to $70.00. I do realize that some generic forms of birth control can be way cheaper, closer to $8 and $10, but coming from someone who is on Ocella (The generic for Yasmin) with insurance who doesn't take much off, $55 is what Im shelling out every month! True I could get better insurance that covered more, or switch to a cheaper brand but do you know what it's like switching birth controls?

Your hormones are all over the place and have to regulate which takes about 3 months leaving you with sore breasts, spotty/ month-long periods, breakouts, mood swings, fatigue that literally has you sleeping all day, etc.

And we haven't mentioned those who can't even afford a $20 a month birth control. What are they supposed to do if they need something like Yaz/Yasmin that helps breakouts, PMDD, and other wonderful problems women face?

It is frustrating and unfair how men can buy Viagra and condoms for so cheap to protect themselves, while women have to shell out tons of a money a month to keep themselves protected!

Middle-Aged Women

2010-04-28T10:28:00.001-07:00

Im telling ya'll, this woman cuts straight to the point. Back on the "Say Something, Sister" blog, I find myself laughing out loud at this author's unashamed and proud way of writing about women's issues. In her post, Menstruating in the Forties, she talks all about the realities of women's periods from the age they first start to the age when they should be dwindling down. Coming from a big family with many pre- and post-menopausal women, I found myself relating what she was saying to them. It is truly funny. Her word choice is imaginative and so creative Check it out for yourself!

Hilarious Blog- Say Something, Sister

2010-04-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

I just found an awesome blog for all you cynics out there! Titled Say Something, Sister the author describes her blog as "A loud-mouth woman's rant about the need for all women to shed our lady-like habits and Say Something about the issues - gynecological, psychiatric, every-day, spiritual, not-spiritual, gastro-intestinal, dermatological, illogical, and otherwise - that we hide from each other, our partners, and our daughters, because we are ashamed, embarrassed, polite, meek, in denial, or just too plain stupid or asleep to say it. I'm working at it. Goddammit."

HAHA, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through this blog and she does "say something" about tons of topics that most of us try to ignore, hide, or just forget about it! I am inspired to exapand on the issues I blog about now! Please check this one out- she is exposing the truth my friend!

Join the Movie Discussion!

2010-04-28T09:52:00.001-07:00

On The Happy Feminist blog, the author has a discussion going questioning the "MOST MISOGYNIST OR FEMINIST MOVIE YOU HAVE EVER SEEN". It is more of a discussion thread, and quite fun to read through and even be a part of! I personally think Enough featuring Jennifer Lopez is an awesome movie- very inspirational to those who have suffered through domestic abuse. Some other bloggers have thrown out The Departed, John Tucker Must Die, and some Disney/Cinderella movies.

In my women's studies classes we frequently talk about the problems within Disney's movies and the traditional gender roles they portray.. you know the typical girl in waiting who is defenseless with her only means of survival being her handsome, all-out strong and mighty prince. My classes would go on to also describe how the beautiful, ideal women were always the ones portrayed as the helpless victims, while the stronger, more opinionated, or actual "doers" of some kind were either old (Fairy Godmothers), ugly (All the witches), or ultimately less feminine overall.

What do you think about the way Disney perpetuates traditional gender roles? Do you think it's problematic for young children to watch these movies? Let me know and then go read The Happy Feminist's post to get in on the movie discussion action!

Women's Sexual Desirability as a Means to Power

2010-04-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Many feminists have discussed the issues surrounding women's sexuality since first-wave feminism. Even I, in a past blog, have discussed how some men, especially those in the college and partying atmospheres, see women's sexuality as their main contribution and place high value on acheiving it in anyway possible. On The Happy Feminsit, I found a post titled: Power? From Whose Point of View? . In this post, she discusses how seeing women's sexual desirbaility as powerful is reinforcing androcentric viewpoints. For those who need clarifying androcentrism is a term defined by the male being the norm, therefore the standard, so everything must deviate from him, his characteristics, and everything else that makes him "him." Examples of this are seen in our society everyday and especially in the workplace: "He's assertive; She's pushy," and often times in medical and research studies. Thus, women become defined by their relation to men, whether it is how they are similar or how they are different from the "norm."

The author of the post makes the connection between women's sexual desirability as her "power" to be androcentric, and I completely agree. If women are basing the value of their sexual desirability off of men, it is once again putting men in the center of the culture and society. Read more of her post to see how she develops her idea further! She brings in some great quotes and examples.

Young Feminists

2010-04-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

The blog, feministing.com, has great coverage about all types of women's issues. I have found it quite enjoyable to peruse the different blog posts and encourage you to do the same. One blog post that I found personable for my own life was titled Young Women are the Future of Feminism. It is pretty lengthy but awesome as it remembers first- and second- wave feminists and inspirational leaders and activists, while passing the torch to the young women and feminists out there who plan to follow up on their original goals and plans. It discusses abortion issues, all the work older feminists achieved, and demands respect for the new feminists out there who are trying to pave their own way. I really related to the fact that the author was trying to express gratitude to older feminists while trying to write young feminists into history; though we may be young, we still understand the issues and problems within society that need to be addressed and we plan to try and fix them our own ways with our own solutions.

Women's Self-Esteem

2010-04-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

Throughout my blog I have posted about issues surrounding women's body image, confidence, and self-esteem. In this blog post, Women's self esteem building self worth self confidence, the author describes feelings in the first couple of paragraphs and many women have. After introducing her topic, she gives great advice on how to raise one's self-esteem slowly but surely in everyday life. I agree with everything she says about taking "me time," as it seems most women don't enough of that between playing mother, wife, caregiver, career woman, chauffeur, laundress, and cook. Though we might not ever escape the "double shift," I agree with her on the fact that women should take time for themselves doing things that raise their self-confidence. Whether it's working out, reading a book, developing a newfound passion, or from the more trivial things she described such as getting your nails done, or having a new haircut, one of these should hopefully do the trick. Making time for yourself, remembering that you are a person who has needs, wants, and desires outside of your career and family is the first step to realizing what you need to raise your self-esteem.

Fashion Tips for What Goes Under Your Clothes

2010-04-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

Many women find that having and wearing lingerie makes them feel sexy and confident. Regardless of it's for yourself or for a romantic rendezvous, having the right lingerie for your body is important and fun to find. This blog post, How to Choose Your Sexy Lingerie, gives some ideas on how to start the process of differentiating and choosing the kind for you!

Benefits of Women's Friendships

2010-04-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

From the Women's Issues blog, the author wrote a post titled, Boomer Women And Friendship: The Gift You Give Yourself. She talks about how friendships and interactions between women releases the hormone oxytocin, which decreases stress levels. She then connects this to the fact that women live longer than their male counterparts. It is a very interesting blog post about the benefits of friendships for women and I encourage everyone, especially those of you who don't take enough personal time, to read and implement her ideas in your everyday life.

Making Your Body Work For You

2010-04-27T12:39:00.001-07:00

Back to my favorite Healthy Lifestyles Blog, Nicole Nichols wrote a great blog titled I may not be perfect, but Im still fit and healthy. I encourage everyone to read it because it encompasses the same idea I was trying to get across in my previous post about how I think it is important to feel about one's body. She talks exactly about how not everyone's bodies are meant to be like supermodels' and that obsessing over your body image is unhealthy. What is important is to stay healthy, eat right, exercise often, and to accept your body for the way it is. Of course easier said than done, as the author of this blog even said she used to have an eating disorder, but I feel she is good inspiration for those who are struggling with obsessive ideas about their bodies.

Can mother's dieting lead to eating disorders?

2010-04-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

Once again from This Healthy Lifestyle Blog, Jen Mueller wrote a post about the effects of mother's dieting and body image issues on their daughters. She has research that proves a connection between mother's negative body images and their daughters developing eating disorders.

At the end of her blog she asked: What do you think? How did your mother's dieting habits impact you? How do you instill a positive body image in the young women in your life?

These questions intrigued me and I wanted to answer them from the experiences and knowledge I have acquired throughout my lifetime.

I do think that a mother's body image can affect her daughter. If a mother continually talks and obsesses about her body, weight, and dieting, it will eventually project to her daughter. As children usually take on ideas and values of their parents, if that is deemed important and of value, a young girl will take those on. BUT I think if a mother does consistently follow and worry about her weight or body image while also developing self-confidence in her daughter about her body, some of these effects can be lessened. All the women in my life have talked about their weight,: about working out, eating healthier, dieting, loosing weight, gaining muscle, you name it, they have probably talked about it. But it wasn't in a necessarily negative way from what I remember as a child.

My mom instilled in me a confidence about my body, stressing the importance not of being thin, but of being healthy and in shape. Constantly having to scrutinize my body in a leotard and tights through ballet, if anyone pushed the "thin factor" it was my ballet teachers and peers in ballet class. Not even through direct statements, but when you are wearing such revealing attire and constantly surrounded by mirrors, it isn't hard to see the imperfections in a body. My mom always encouraged me to eat healthy, work out everyday, drink lots of water, and take vitamins, but not to stay thin, just to stay healthy. Working out three times a week in a gym under the title of "Barb's Belles," my mom was an inspiration to me to stay fit. Seeing her confidence in her body, not because it was super-model thin, but because it was awesomely muscular and strong, I have always striven to achieve the same qualities.

I think instilling confidence in young girls about their bodies, especially in a society where advertising pushes one type of body that isn't natural for most to achieve, is very important. I think it is possible to do that by outlining realistic expectations for young girls- Not every body is the same, only a small percentage of women actually have the body types they see in magazines, it is more important to be healthy and in shape than super skinny, and even if there are flaws in your opinion, it is possible to work towards goals in a healthy way. Teaching girls to embrace their bodies for the way that they are is what is ultimately most important.

WSSO Quinceanera

2010-04-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

Women's Studies Student Organization, WSSO, at the University of Georgia is turning 15 this year and they are holding a coming of age party! It is the last event of the year, and I encourage everyone interested at UGA to come celebrate the end of another great year at 569 Meigs St. (Elizabeth's house) around 7pm.

WSSO had another successful "Take Back the Night" this past month. Tabling all day at Tate Center and then holding a rally/march around downtown Athens afterward, WSSO helped take back the night from sexual violence and assault against women! Great job girls, the event was inspiring and awesome!

Healthy Lifestyles Decreasing Risk of Breast Cancer

2010-04-26T13:37:00.001-07:00

I previously posted a link to this "Your Healthy Lifestyle Blog" but felt I should write a little bit about a certain blog posted on April 9th. Titled Diet and Exercise May Prevent 1/3 of Breast Cancers
, this post focuses on how exercise and nutritious lifestyles can decrease the chances of getting breast cancer. As I have posted many times about the issues surrounding breast cancer, I thought this would fit right in. You can read the entire blog for yourself, but basically it talks about how increased levels of estrogen are linked with breast cancer. Estrogen is a hormone that is stored in fat tissues, so the fatter (sorry, I know the word is harsh) a woman is, the more estrogen she most likely has. Exercise not only slims a person down, but turns fat tissues into muscle which would help in the increased amounts of estrogen levels in women.

Though estrogen levels in women are not the only factor in developing breast cancer, it seems taking certain steps (literally and figuratively) can decrease the risk! Check out the article and feel free to comment on this blog or hers!

More Blog Edits

2010-04-25T13:27:00.001-07:00

Below are some more awesome blogs to check out dealing with women's issues and feminism.

-Ask Amy:This blog has created a space for both men and women feminists to strategize about problems and create solutions while building a lasting community. Though Amy is real person, for the purposes of this blog Amy refers to all the people behind this blog. They encourage people to comment and ask questions hoping to answer and enlighten. Topics they cover range from feminism, girls/children, health, international, reproductive rights, women's history, and violence against women. This is a great place to start learning about women's issues or to delve deeper into the knowledge you already have.
-Women's Issues: This blog, with it's Sex and the City feel, focuses on women's health, beauty, sex, dating, and lifestyle information. Not as go-hung feminist, it provides a fun and light atmosphere that allows for discussion. She also has some great links to other blogs that I have found interesting and all encompassing of both male and female ideas/issues about similar topics. It is very useful to compare and contrast these two things as a feminist!

Number One Blog for Moms

2010-04-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

As mothers are women, I felt like I should include some blog posts to those that feature articles and stories about mothering. This Healthy Moms blog has many experts and mom bloggers that give information on nutrition, health, diet, parenting, family, faith, beauty, and fashion. They even have links to articles on women's issues, pregnancy, and all around health. Though I am not a mother yet, I felt that this was a great place for women to convene and express their feelings and experiences not only as mothers, but as women struggling to balance everything in their lives.

Another Blog on Issues of Victim Blaming

2010-04-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

After writing my post on "Sexist Toasts" and the parallels between some attitudes towards women and rape victims, this Women's Rights blog features a post titled "It's Hard to Hear from Victims When They're Already Dead." Focusing on a different aspect than I did in my post, it still encompasses the same ideals of how victims are portrayed. This blog is a little different than most because it seems to be a place that compiles a whole bunch of posts on women's issues by different authors, it is awesome because it shows "Today's Top Stories" allowing the viewer to see all kinds of stories. Check it out daily for what's new in the women's issues world!

Diet and Health Issues for Women

2010-04-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

As most women consistently worry about living up to certain body image ideals and stereotypes, dieting and overexercising has become an issue. This Healthy Lifestyle blog has great posts that feature ways to diet and exercise in a healthy way, the benefits of certain nutrition tips for women's bodies, and also with obsessive body image problems. Writing on plastic surgery, eating disorders, real women's bodies, and female athletics, this blog is awesome! After reading some of the entries I can definitely say this is a blog to visit if you are feeling negative about your body. She writes about ways to turn your negative thoughts into positive ones while focusing on real women's bodies, not super-skinny models and actresses. Changing the ideal for women's self-image, this blog is inspirational and realistic.

Sexist Toasts

2010-04-25T12:02:00.000-07:00

With my very heavy workload this semester and not being able to go "dt" as UGA students like to call it, I somehow forgot all the womanizing, sexist remarks, and unwanted attention girls have to put up with. When I went out this weekend for my best friend's 21st birthday along with my cousins who came into town, I was immediately aware of my obnoxious surroundings.

Constantly having to deter unwanted gazes, touches, and advances from men, women can find the downtown atmosphere overwhelming and demeaning. As a consistent "going outer" during my freshman and sophomore years here at the University of Georgia, I found everything to do with downtown alluring, fun, and exciting. But now I find myself annoyed and legitimately pissed off. I don't know why men feel they have the right to look at women and touch women they don't even know as if they have a right to their bodies or to their sexuality.

After having conversations with multiple young men about the way they treat young women, they usually have the common response of "Well if they are dressed like that, then of course we are going to look" or "If she dancing like that then she must only want one thing." This infuriates me as it is parallel to the problems with victim blaming. For those who are not aware of that definition, let me explain. Victim blaming most frequently occurs with rape victims and the common responses to the violence with, "Well what were you wearing the night you got raped?" or "How much had you been drinking before it happened?" or "How were you acting?" All of these statements infer that it was somehow the victim's fault that they were raped; that they did something, wore something, acted a certain way to bring the violence upon themselves. Though I agree that one should watch out for the situations they put themselves into, I do not agree that it is ever the victim's fault they were raped regardless of how drunk they were, how provocative their behavior was, or how showy their clothing was.

Most would agree that if a man ran around naked people would find it funny or as a joke, but if a woman did the same thing, "she must just want it" or she would be a "slut." The never ending and escaping double standard that separates men from women sexually is the cause of this. Only furthering these differences are men's attention and focus on sexual behavior. During my downtown experience this weekend here are three toasts I heard:

-to honer: being on her and getting off on her
-to lesbians and virgins: thanks for nothing
-to our wives and girlfriends: may they never meet

As I watched everyone laugh and down their drinks or shots after these toasts were made, I really started thinking about everything behind their meaning. I will agree they are humorous, but when one actually thinks about that meaning, it soon becomes offensive. All three of these further prove that, to men, a big part of a woman's value and appeal is her sexuality. And if that sexuality is not there, or not directed towards them, their being and existence is therefore lessened.

In my women's studies classes we discuss and dissect the issues involving women's sexuality. The more and more I'm in public places and social atmospheres, I see these issues playing out in front of me. I personally think that women should be able to act, dance, dress however they please and not have personal advances or certain labels or attitudes placed upon them. Boys don't normally have to deal with this, so why should girls have to?

Newfound Passion in Feminism- Beat Profile

2010-04-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

Julie Anne Tuttle, an Atlanta, Georgia native, had three passions throughout her life: her family, her ballet dancing, and her summer camp. Devoted to all three throughout her high school years, she wondered what passions she would find at her time at the University of Georgia. It only took Tuttle a semester to find one after taking her first Women’s Studies class during her freshman year. Intrigued and inspired by what she learned, she fell deeply interested in feminism and everything it encompassed.

Recalling on her first day in the Women’s Studies class she remembered how the teacher asked the class to write down “if they were a feminist” and “why or why not.” Tuttle wrote that she wasn’t. After the semester was over, she realized that was a good question to ask as it called into question personal values and beliefs that may or may not be socially constructed. Tuttle connects the first question with the following to those who say they are not feminists, “Do you not think your daughter and wife should be equal to you?” She changed her mind on that initial question and now feminism means to her a worldview that focuses on women’s experiences and gives value to women’s history. Interested in assisting domestic, sexual abuse, and rape victims, Tuttle now focuses on all the problems encircling violence against women.

A social work major and women’s studies minor, Tuttle thought volunteering at The Cottage would be a great way to test out the waters of her future career. The Cottage Sexual Assault and Children’s Advocacy Center allows volunteers and interns to help out in many different ways. Currently working as a hotline and child care volunteer, Tuttle is finding out how challenging and rewarding this field of work can be. She said, “Some [callers] can be really hysteric or in a state of crisis and want to talk past the time allowed. It takes time to gain confident and know the process of how to deal with it. But when you’re on the phone with someone and you see how you’re making a difference in their mood, even if you can’t change the crisis that happened in their life, it’s really rewarding. Knowing that you can do that much in a 30 minute conversation is awesome.”

Tuttle trained for 12 hours before becoming a hotline volunteer. The hotline requirements include signing up for several weekly or weekend shifts throughout the month where you pick up the phone by 5 p.m. The volunteer must answer the phone throughout the night, while in class, basically whenever, in order to help the victims in need. The shifts are 16 hours on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends. Calls that can be expected are mandated reports, crisis calls, and victims just wanting to talk. So Tuttle had to be trained in emergency protocol, stabilizing situations, documenting the calls, and knowing when to call for back-up staff or on-call advocates. “Ultimately, you’re the communicator. You are there to talk, calm them down, and direct them to the help they need.”

Tuttle said she always wanted to try out different volunteer options in Athens to test out paths for her career in Social Work. The Cottage has proven to be a good way to test her levels of interest in assisting domestic and sexual abuse victims. Tuttle said, “It’s a completely different form of volunteering. It’s not face-to-face. The point isn’t a temporary thing. You’re not just making a shoebox full of gifts at Christmas or making dinner and scooping out soup. It’s more of a deep understanding that you have to give people and a lot more individual responsibility. I wanted to see how capable I was of helping people by myself.”

Working at The Cottage has made Tuttle realize that society dos not take rape and sexual abuse/violence against women as seriously as it should. She thinks there needs to be more social change and concerted effort to stop it from happening. Tuttle is helping all of these issues herself though by being on the end of that phone call when someone is in need. Maybe she is not stopping violence against women from occurring in the first place, but she is acting as a means to an end for these women to receive help which is very honorable in itself. Though Tuttle described it as stressful and overwhelming at times, she feels she has found the area of Social Work she wants to spend most of her time in: helping women and children. With the experience she is getting from working at The Cottage along with her degrees from the University of Georgia, Tuttle seems like she will be very influential and helpful in her career.

Blog Edits to Some Fantastic Pages

2010-04-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I would put some links to other peoples' blogs having to do with women's issues that seem to go along with either what I have already written or what I plan and envision for this blog. Hope you find this helpful and interesting!

-blac(k)ademic: The brainchild of doctoral student Kortney Ryan Ziegler, blac(k)ademic represents a perfect 21st-century, third-wave feminism. blac(k)ademic is pure thought, pure expression--and some of the most mindblowing stuff you'll ever read. Go to this site and see how enlightened you can get from one blog!
-The Happy Feminist: Subheaded as "Legal, Liberated, and Loving it- The thoughts of a 30-something, married, Unitarian, dog-loving attorney" this blog shows a softer side to feminism in the way it is written. Completely brilliant, I personally love this blog. She is great about connecting older first- and second-wave feminists to feminists of today, connecting ideas of certain times with ideas of today and how they have either evolved and changed or how they have not at all, etc. I found her humorous and actually got good advice about certain books, theories, and women.
-Now What?!: The most active planned parenthood and pro-choice blog on the internet, this is a great site to find information on both! The website gives information about locations of help "near you." This is also sponsored by Planned Parenthood's Save Roe Campaign.
-Alas, a blog: This is an interesting and fun blog that covers everything that goes hand in hand with feminism. As most feminists are also concerned and conscientious of animal rights, food production problems, the environment, etc. this blog is great because it features all of that. I saw some posts about vegetarianism, veganism, sexual conduct in the workplace, Earth Day features, etc. It is also featured to say it holds men accountable for their sexism, something all women would love to read about :)
-Feministe: Having a more community feel, this blog is open to all kinds of thoughts and opinions about the issues it features, along with the ideas of feminism. With anti-feminists commenting, I-tunes playlists shared, and little less harsh features, this blog has a softer side to it. Even with this softer side and more open and inviting atmosphere, it definitely remains relevant with it's important topics. After going through it, I found myself laughing along with the author and being able to relate perfectly. She does great with making her writing open and connecting it to modern media, ideals, and thoughts.
-Hugo Schwyzer: Get ready folks...this is a male feminist's blog site! Yep that's right. He has both an intuitive understanding of feminist values and an intuitive understanding of how to try to humbly live into those values as a heterosexual white man--dealing as much with the business of day-to-day life, and the day-to-day values and relationships that give it meaning, as he does with policy issues. I found reading from a man's perspective very intriguing, and I also found myself wistfully wishing more men were like Hugo!

That's all for now! Look through the previous posts on my blog and there are other blog posts, plus I am sure I will have more!

New Mammogram Guidelines

2010-04-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I found out that my Aunt Roxanne has to go in to have a biopsy because they are worried she might have breast cancer. After finding a build up of calcification's in her breast during a mammogram, she has had to go in for multiple tests. This whole experience unfortunately brings back memories of my time in 5th grade, when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Going through about the same procedures- first mammogram, "oh something does not look too good, can you come back again?," the second mammogram, biopsies, 72 hour waits for the doctor to call back: "fear world" is what my mom used to call it. The horrible waiting time of not knowing. Not knowing if you will be okay, if you have cancer or not, how bad it is, will I have to go through chemotherapy and radiation, will I lose my hair, will I survive for my family? All of these questions my mom felt come flooding back for her sister and my aunt, Roxanne. After finding all of this out just yesterday it reminded me of an article that came out by the New America Media titled, Breast Cancer Research Neglects Environmental Links. Though talking a lot about the environmental links to breast cancer, it begins with the new mammogram guidelines.

Mammography is the main tool women use to detect breast cancer. Older guidelines, that were used for 25 years, stated that women should start having annual mammograms at the age of 40. A federal task force instituted new guidelines this past November that stated women shouldn't even start initiating mammograms until age 50. Then once they do start having them, it should only be biennially. While the federal task force put this into place, the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology plan to stick to the old guidelines where women start screening at 40.

I am completely shocked and in disbelief that a federal task force would make this and advertise it to the public. Have they not seen the statistics? The numbers?- That all point to the fact that breast cancer is on the rise? Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. It is the number one cause of death in Hispanic women and the second most common cause of death for white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Native American women.

In the article it says that over the years some have questioned the efficacy or regular screening for breast and prostates. How could they question the efficacy of it? That screening is what caught my mom's breast cancer early. It is what caught my dad's prostate cancer early. Oh and did I mention it was what also caught my other Aunt Carole's breast cancer early too?

They say the phrase "detection is not prevention." I understand that, but as of right now, despite all the millions and billions of dollars being sent to cancer research funds to find cures for the horrible disease, detection is all we have. All we have at having a chance to survive. No I dont think that means we should have mammograms every week, but I think once a year starting at age 40, is doable and it has saved many lives. So I encourage everyone to stick with the old guidelines; you never know how much it could help. Would my mom still be alive if she had waited two years in between mammograms, instead of one? Would her cancer have had two whole years to spread and intensify probably making her recovery and survival much harder? I think so.

Recent Investigations of Women in the Media

2010-04-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

The Killing Us Softly videos are just a quite bit dated though their information and presented problems are still very relevant in today's advertising and media.

The WIMN's Voices blog is a group blog on women, media, and news. They focus on the different portrayals of women in today's more recent movies, advertising, and news. It furthers what Jean Kilbourne says in her lecture while also giving some more recent examples. Check it out if you want some cross-referencing!

Women's Objectification through Advertising

2010-04-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

In America's society, advertising plays a big role in everyone's life. From the constant bombardment of commercials to the never-ending billboards and product placements in the media, advertising plays a crucial role in constructing our culture. It helps define gender roles, gender expectations, and overall attitudes on all kinds of subjects. Unfortunately, most are passive consumers of this advertising, not spending much time analyzing or picking apart the meanings and symbols behind it.

In my first women's studies class, we watched a video, Killing Us Softly, on youtube that opened our eyes to the way advertising objectifies women almost constantly. This video, actually a taped lecture by Jean Kilbourne, puts a humorous twist on studying gender representation in advertising. I will put the links to the four parts of the video and encourage everyone to watch them if they have the time. They will have you laughing along with the audience while also showing you the realities, repercussions, and negative consequences of the negative portrayal of women. Let me know what you think!

Killing Us Softly Part 1
Killing Us Softly Part 2
Killing Us Softly Part 3
Killing Us Softly Part 4

Tribute to Charlotte Perkins Gilman

2010-04-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Perkins Gilman, a social critic and reformer of the 19th century, preferred to be called a "humanist" rather than a feminist. With over 200 written works, Gilman introduced and helped shape many feminist ideas we still find important today. Famous for Herland, The Yellow Wallpaper, and Women and Economics her underlying theme was that there should not be separate and different spheres for women and men based off sex.

Part of the first wave of feminism, Gilman met with women such as Margaret Sanger and Emma Goldman under the name of "heterodoxy" in Greenwich Village, NYC a couple of times a week. Here they only accepted unorthodox ideas and opinions on such ideas as female sexuality, they rejected the idea of different spheres, and thought women should develop individually first and foremost. Revolutionary for their times, these women created controversy and were met with disapproval.

During a time where women depended solely on men for their economic survival, Gilman stressed the problems with women's sex-relations in Women and Economics. Proving that when women can only gain economic survival through marriage, they are only seen for their sexual worth and attractiveness. Learning from an early age to display certain qualities and actions, women knew that to live they needed to acquire a husband. Gilman absolutely refused this idea and stressed the importance of women finding their own identity and personalities. Realizing that motherhood was of value and important to the fulfillment and well-being of the society, she did not necessarily cast that down. But she did say that developing one as an individual would only continue the betterment of the society as during that time, only half the population was allowed to do so. With the other half gaining independence economically would put less of a strain on relationships all around.

In Herland, Gilman writes about an all-female, Utopian society that three men find themselves upon. Not believing their eyes, these men see that women could run a society all their own without men. Defying stereotypes that women could not get along together, that they weren't athletic or sufficient or efficient in most areas, that they were not as smart, that they were not architecturally able or organized, this book really was a play off of all them. Very funny and entertaining to read, I enjoyed every minute of it!

In The Yellow Wallpaper, Gilman writes about a woman that was given the "rest-cure treatment" from a doctor, a treatment that was given to Gilman herself along with many other women of the time. Women unfulfilled with their domestic lives could not explain why they were feeling symptoms of depression. Instead of doctors encouraging them to delve into their own personal interests, they instead told them they needed more isolation, inside, in a room by themselves. Driving most to go even crazier, this woman in the book falls deep into her sickness, eventually crawling around a room covered in yellow wallpaper.

Gilman was a revolutionary and inspiring feminist and I encourage everyone to read her works.

Women's Issues Beyond this Country

2010-04-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

Most feminist and women's issues blogs focus on problems facing women in America. This blog below actually focuses on issues that affect many across the world. From human trafficking to perspectives and problems of women living as one's property, this blog covers it all. Check it out and see how the feminist movement is needed all around the globe!

Human Rights Now

Magazines To Check Out

2010-04-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

Whether youre a feminist or not, checking out some magazines and literature that are written from a feminist perspective could enlighten and open your mind to different issues and problems facing our society.

One is Ms. Magazine, which can also be found online, and it helped shape contemporary feminism. Quoted from their website, "Ms. was the first U.S. magazine to feature prominent American women demanding the repeal of laws that criminalized abortion, the first to explain and advocate for the ERA, to rate presidential candidates on women's issues, to put domestic violence and sexual harassment on the cover of a women's magazine, to feature feminist protest of pornography, to commission and feature a national study on date rape, and to blow the whistle on the undue influence of advertising on magazine journalism."

Revolutionary at the time, now they still cover any and all kinds of women's issues in their journalism and of course, from a female perspective.

The more radically titled, Bitch magazine, is yet another example of good feminist writing. Started by women who wanted a smart analysis of female pop culture, it still works to point out the sexism in popular culture today. Quite hilarious and quick to the point, this magazine has served many feminists and non-feminists alike with much humor on all kinds of issues.

I encourage everyone to check them both out!

And for all you feminists out there

2010-04-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

This is a great blog covering all kinds of feminist issues. Check it out :)

http://www.feministing.com/

Check out this other women's issues blog!

2010-04-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

For an older audience, this is a great blog!

http://womensissues.about.com/

Sexual Assault Awareness Week

2010-03-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Cottage, here in Athens, GA., which is a sexual assault center and children's advocacy center is holding their second annual Sexual Assault Awareness Week from Monday, April 5, 2010 through Sunday, April 11, 2010. There will be a series of events designed to bring the community's attention to the realities of sexual assault and child abuse and to the need to raise funds to support programs combating these issues.

They will also be sponsoring their 2nd Annual Cottage 5K Run/Walk.

Schedule of Events:
Monday, April 5: Community Awareness Day and Sponsor Recognition Breakfast 8 a.m. at The Cottage
Tuesday, April 6: College Awareness day
Wednesday, April 7: Free Self Defense Classes, throughout day at UGA Tate Center, Rm 311
Thursday, April 8: Percentage Night at Area Restaurants including Barberitos, Beef O Brady's, Chili's, Gnat's Landing, Loco's, Mama's Boy, Which Wich, and Your Pie
Friday, April 9: Cultural Night
Saturday, April 10: Downtown Awareness Night
Sunday, April 11: The Cottage 5K and Family Fun Run/Walk at 3 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park

Register for the 5K at www.thecottage5k.com

Contact Information:
The Cottage, Sexual Assault Center and Children's Advocacy Center
3019 Lexington Road
Athens, GA 30605
(877)-363-1912 Crisis
(706)-546-1133 Business
(706)-353-9455 Fax
www.northgeorgiacottage.org

Women's History Month

2010-03-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

As the University of Georgia's Women's History Month comes to a close, I wanted to remind everyone of the remaining events. The theme this year is "Writing Women Back into History" and the Women's Studies department has done a great job with everything!

-Thursday, March 25: "Cnn Reports: Beyond the Glass Ceiling" Film at Sanford, Rm 312 6 p.m.
-Sunday, March 28: "The Life & Legacy of Jeannette Rankin: Defining America's Role in the World" at Oconee County Library 3 p.m.
- Monday, March 29: "Indigenous Women & Legal Justice: Thinking Comparatively about Mexico & the U.S." a talk by Shannon Speed at MLC, Rm 247 at 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 31: "The Life & Legacy of Jeannette Rankin: Workplace Justice Then & Now" a talk by Dr. Bethany Moreton & Dr. Pamela Voekel at MLC, Rm 248 5 p.m.

Come out and learn about women's history!

Breast Fest 2010 in Athens, GA

2010-03-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 10 years old and when she was 43. The whole experience took a hard toll on our family, but we were blessed with her survival. Then just last year my aunt, and mother to four children, was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 40s as well. Our family was once again blessed with her treatment and survival, it is obvious that breast cancer hits close to home for my loved ones and me. When I found out about this event I really wanted to share it with the rest of you to help raise awareness and proceeds about the disease.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes and usually between the ages of 40-55. With the recent change in guidelines for mammograms making them biennial instead of annual, which I completely disagree with, it is now more crucial than ever to impress the importance of testing. Whether the federal task force who issued this change believes this or not, early detection is our only hope in preventing the worst damages of breast cancer.

BreastFest is an annual event held to raise awareness about breast cancer, its diagnosis, and treatment. It also raises proceeds for The Tyanna O'Brien Foundation. Tyanna O'Brien was a mother who died of breast cancer at the young age of 48. Her legacy, embodied by her five daughters, is a commitment to awareness and prevention of breast cancer. When her daughter, Sara O'Brien, found the journal her mother kept during her last year of life, she was inspired to organize an event to promote breast cancer awareness. The first BreastFest was held in Athens, Georgia in 1998.

Now in 2010, BreastFest is still continuing on. This year it is being held this weekend on March 20 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Terrapin Beer Company on Newton Bridge Road. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door but children are free! The event will feature live music, food, beer tasting, brewery tours, silent auctions, raffle, and kid activities.

There is a BreastFest 5K Run the morning after on March 21 at 8:00 a.m. behind Stegman Coliseum. If you want to register, just go to this link: http://www.runningintheusa.com/CRS/docs/10BreastFest5K.pdf

Check out their blog for more information on the event and foundation.