Stuff that annoyed me this morning

There's nothing wrong about being pretty, or sexy, or shopping, or being interested in traditionally girly things—but there is a big problem when that's the only option you're given. I know I'd be stressed if I were constantly told I'm less of a man if I'm not playing football or working in a manly occupation that involved large wrenches and heavy industrial tools, so I can sympathize with the limited choices given women: oh, you aren't wearing a bikini on your lithe body with the large breasts? Then you're an ugly dyke. You aren't planning a career as a homemaker and mother? You just want to be a man.

So let's socialize the little girls early, and start them on video games with good role models: slender women obsessed with clothes and boyfriends.

i-2354f5e6d2e4317bffe678cc6f683275-girlie.jpeg

Read the description. It's appallingly shallow. It makes me want to run out and buy John Madden's football video game, so I can learn what it takes to be a True Man.

That's one side of the problem: pressure to conform to a ridiculously narrow set of values. Here's the other: the absence of support and recognition when you try to pursue other better, greater interests.

There's just something wrong with our society. Women, get out there and fix it, OK?

(Also on FtB)

Tags

More like this

Subtitle: It's really cool when feminists can help me advance my personal interests, as long as nobody sees me talking to them, 'cause, you know, they're ugly. Over at Isis's place, Victoria writes that she does not wish to be sexually harassed at scientific conferences, no matter what she is…
Important clarification: CAH is a real and serious disease. There are no objections to pediatricians treating the physiological disorders in utero. However, lesbianism, traditionally masculine career choices, and disinterest in having children are not diseases…and the problem in this work is that…
Inquiring minds want to know: what's a feminist activist, and how should she dress? My last post has raised a lot of discussion for people about the nature of feminism and feminists. There are questions about litmus tests and whether Zuska applies them. I thought it best to take a moment or too…
It must be tough running a charity. You've got a cause you care deeply about, and you're constantly juggling the game of having to spend money (in administration, advertising, staff) to raise money (for the cause!), and worse, of sometimes having to compromise to achieve your goals — you sometimes…