Apr 18


Carnival of Feminists XIII

by Terry 18 April 2006


I hope you’ve got a pot of coffee at your elbow so you can settle in for a long read. The theme for this issue of Carnival of Feminists is “Feminisms and Challenges.” Finding our voices and demanding dignity and self-determination is always an uphill battle, but for some women that difficulty is augmented by personal issues–medical, mental health, aging and physical disability–which make the battle more difficult.

Welcome To the Nut House explores the right of the physically disabled to fully express their sexuality in To have sex, or not to have sex, that is the question …. I encourage you to read the rest of her 6 part series as well. Penny Richards presents portraits of elderly disabled women and their strength in Really Old, Disabled and … Tough? Greenwords writes on dependency issues in dealing with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. The difficulty of riding public transportation is described by Jean in Disability Discrimination: Alive and Well in NYC.

Persephone’s Box tackles the issue of women’s anger being labeled mental illness, as well as some insight into schizophrenia and niceness.

Aging is not a disability, but in women it is treated as one. An Unsealed Room presents Life Begins at 40? Not in the Jewish World, discussing the discrimination against older women in the international renewal and revitalization programs while Sue Richards at My Menopause Blog writes how menopause can frees us to tell the truth.

Issues of aging segue into questions of appearance. Echidne of the Snakes takes tackles both in Botox Babes and Tammy Bruce compares the public perception of Sharon Stone with that of men the same age.

But a women’s looks aren’t judged strictly on age. Meloukhia rips an advice article on how men can get “their” women to lose weight , while Hugo Schwyzer follows up developing the theme of men viewing women’s appearance in terms of their own homosocial status. Laurie at Body Impolitic gets to the heart of the matter with a discussion on the definition of beauty.

Pam at Big Brass Blog exposes how the Montgomery (AL) Independent dug up a cleavage-bearing photo of gubernatorial candidate Loretta Nall and turned the size of her breasts into a election issue. “Women of ample cleavage must stick together; the assumption that boobs=stupid, boobs=slut or boobs=return to mommy’s teat surfaces all too quickly — and openly — as we see here in completely inappropriate, irrelevant ways.”

Women’s health and contraception seems to be everybody’s business but the woman’s. Feministe runs down the many reasons the Right gives for opposing a women’s right to control her fertility. Pharyngula explains Why Wingnuts hate Plan B. Reproductive Rights Blog writes on the difficulty many are having even buying condoms. Media Girl takes on the political effort to control women’s health care, from an HPV vaccine for cervical cancer to abortion.

On a woman’s right to choose, Jill Zimon at Writes Like She Talks asks some tough questions about the intersection of rape and the abortion ban in “What If Duke Were in Durham, South Dakota.”
Uma at IndianWriting speaks of her difficult decision to terminate the pregnancy when it was discovered her fetus had died. Amanda at Pandagon writes of women’s bodies as crime scenes when proving miscarriage in El Salvador.

Even if a woman chooses to carry a pregnancy to term, there are no easy answers. Sherry Chandler examines the popular trend toward elective c-sections. Women’s Space/The Margins writes on the Brittney Spears birthing statue controversy and the pornification of the birth experience. Blogger on the Cast Iron Balcony covers the notion of “silent birth.” Culturekitchen observes how whether women chose to reproduce or not, they’re seen as selfish.

Being born female is a political act. Philobiblion write on the Roman introduction of female infanticide to Britain. Ubergirl reports on a Saudi discussion of who is to blame when a woman gives birth to a female child. Sthreeling writes on sex-selective abortion in India and the faulty premise of supply/demand value of womanhood and The Wannabe Indian Punkster details how the scarcity of women has led to buying and selling of women there as “sexual brides.” When women are not purchased, Nurilya at Kyrgyzstan Student Blog writes that they are often stolen: “According to some estimates, upwards of 30 percent of the country’s married women have been snatched from the street by their husbands in a custom known as “ala kachuu” which translates roughly as “grab and run.” Annabengan relates a sad joke about the limited roles foreseen for married Albanian women.

Around the world, Wandering Ignoramus debates how much progress Pakistani women have made in the last 70 years and how far there is still to go. Afrikan Eye writes of the effect of colonialism on African Women. Melinda at Sour Duck shares her notes on a speech by Jehan Sadat discussing her work on women’s rights in Egypt. Unwilling Self-Negation writes how the Muslim view of women in the afterlife affects their treatment on earth. Pamela Taylor at Warped Galaxies conveys good news about a recent statement from a Muslim scholar supporting the idea of women leading mixed prayers. The Dees Diversions tells us of Sarah Weddington in Women’s History Month.

The public forum is a political place, with women’s right of movement impeded by cat calling, sexual innuendo and physical intimidation. Everchanging World writes of being grabbed on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria and Blank Noise Project displays a street sign project in India commanding men to Curb Your Animal Instincts. Lost Clown at Angry For A Reason takes on the fallacy of fighting harassment by defining women in terms of their relationship to men: “Every time someone does the “you shouldn’t harass women on the street b/c that woman is someone’s (pick one of the terms above: sister/etc)” I die a little inside.” Meanwhile RJ at Bark/Bite adds a man’s perspective on the mob mentality involved. Ilyka Damen explains why it’s not women’s job to make men good.

Violence against women cuts across all cultural and socioeconomic lines. Morgaine at The Goddess details the many forms–some obvious, others less so–that it takes. Wicked Angel writes of the need for domestic violence support for women in India as well as for Indian women abroad. Alien in the Caribbean writes of how Christian religious leaders have failed women on the issue of domestic violence. Black Looks examines Gendercide in Africa. Molly Saves The Day shows that child abuse is a feminist issue and points out how young adults fleeing violence at home are treated differently than adult women. Red State Feminists writes on the stereotypes that keep women from receiving justice in court.

On the Duke rape case Blac(k) ademic asks “How much am I worth?”: “i know the answer. it is because black women’s bodies do not matter. we are the trash, the waste, the wretched, the walking dead of this planet–especially those of us who dance to put food in our childrens mouths.”

Laura at I’m Not A Feminist But … writes about the frightening trend in the UK to let rapists off with a caution.

Gukira writes on Raping Black Women: “Faced with accusation, male privilege responds with aggression. Faced with evidence, male privilege responds with mitigating circumstances. Faced with conviction, male privilege revels in braggadocio. After all, strong men know how to control their women.”

Captialism Bad; Tree pretty covers another notorious rape case, this one in New Zealand, in which the victim’s history was admitted, but the past of those accused was suppressed.

In the world of work, AldeaMB writes that the sexism she experiences daily can’t be made up for with flowers on Secretary’s Day. Diary of a Freak Magnet tells how she handles unwanted familiarity with humor. Jonathon Reese explains why wages and lack of promotion at Wal-Mart is a women’s issue. Annalee Newitz writes of how the crowd at Slashdot reduced comments on her article to a debate about her looks. (Be sure to follow the link to her column on Alternet on the same issue.) I Blame The Patriarchy identifies the sexism of Roller Derby. In a broader note, KC Sheenan explains why world economic justice is a feminist issue.

On women in the arts, Maud Newton writes on the life, work and death of Dame Muriel Spark. SAartsEmerging writes about the career of South African artist Donna Kukama. Jane Tomlinson writes Don’t Call Me a “Woman Artist.” Bardiac brings us the Women Writers Mem list. Deepa of Teashop On The Moon examines the role of women in Hindu epics. Ms. Violet writes on the feminist music of Ani Di Franco. Frankengirl dissects the misogyny in the movie Rebecca and her earlier acceptance of it.

On religion, The Happy Feminists tells us of a father/daughter retreat focused on a Biblical-based relationship in which daughters were to comb their father’s hair, shave them, tie their ties for them, and tie their shoes. Cruella-Blog writes about when religion clashes with human rights.

Other women are our greatest strength. Kenya Pundit writes on a the Imagining Ourselves project: “a platform for young women to create positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world.” Sinister Girl comments on the need for safe women-only spaces online, and Rotating Bitch at Bitch | Lab writes of the need to respect feminist allies when they disagree with us.

FirePussy of Harare Diary writes of women activists in Zimbabwe: “To lift their spirits in the police station they sing a song which has the words shinga mata shinga (be strong cunt be strong) in it. They say they draw on their strength from down below and even if they sing in a good natured spirit apparently the police don’t take it kindly.”

In expanding the notion of safe spaces, Any’s Brain Today at Feminist Reprise explains how her choice of lesbian separatism was a feminist decision. Yawning Lion at fe-mu-nist writes of how she came to lesbian feminism from her heart, not a women’s studies program.

Definition looks at feminism through the broader lens of privilege. Goddess Musings points out how liberals would like women to hush up and go away.

And finally, to leave you with a smile, I’ll point you to Eye of a Cat and a piece entitled Peyton Place in the Pleistocene, a delightful parody of gender roles played out by cave people.

I hope you’ve found some new writers here and much food for thought. The amount of great feminist writing out there overwhelmed me and I inevitably missed much which was deserving of attention – my apologies for not being able to spotlight them all.

The 14th issue of Carnival of Feminists will appear May 3rd on Women’s Autonomy and Sexual Sovereignty. You can submit your nominations through the online form.

Tagged:

56 Comments

56 Responses to “Carnival of Feminists XIII”

  1. Natalie Bennett on April 19th, 2006 1:41 am

    Spectacularly brilliant job thanks! I’m off to spread the word…!  (Quote)

  2. Ceridwen Devi on April 19th, 2006 3:50 am

    There is much food for thought in this piece. I shall link to you so that others can share your many valuable links. Well done!  (Quote)

  3. Jane Tomlinson on April 19th, 2006 3:53 am

    Splendid work, Terry. There are some outstanding thinkers out there. Thank you for drawing them to my attention.
    Jane x  (Quote)

  4. Winter on April 19th, 2006 4:46 am

    Brilliant job! I look forward to working my way through it all.  (Quote)

  5. frankengirl on April 19th, 2006 4:47 am

    Lovely! Thank you for all of your hard work here! What a wonderful buffet of feminist posts – :)  (Quote)

  6. AldeaMB on April 19th, 2006 5:31 am

    Thanks for including me in this! Can’t wait to explore them all!  (Quote)

  7. Bardiac on April 19th, 2006 6:50 am

    Fantastic collection!

    Thanks for including my meme project!  (Quote)

  8. Jill on April 19th, 2006 6:56 am

    Wow, Terry! What an anthology. Thanks for including me. So much reading, so little time!!  (Quote)

  9. Sour Duck on April 19th, 2006 7:10 am

    Great collection of blog pieces – thank you for all the work you put into this issue.

    Well done!  (Quote)

  10. Lorraine on April 19th, 2006 7:47 am

    Wow. Thanks a million. I guess I have some reading to do, which shall be great!  (Quote)

  11. culturekitchen on April 19th, 2006 8:00 am
  12. Sherry Chandler » Carnival of Feminists on April 19th, 2006 8:20 am
  13. [ Empowerment4Women ›› Community ›› Blogs ›› Inside the Box » Carnivals! ] on April 19th, 2006 9:15 am
  14. Leisha on April 19th, 2006 9:20 am

    Wow! As always I’m stunned by the amazing blogging that we’re all doing.  (Quote)

  15. amyjames on April 19th, 2006 9:24 am

    It’s huge!

    Thanks for all the hard work. I’m looking forwards to a little after dinner perusing . . .  (Quote)

  16. Marcella Chester on April 19th, 2006 9:47 am

    Thanks for such a wonderful compilation of information and insight.  (Quote)

  17. culturekitchen on April 19th, 2006 9:53 am
  18. ms. jared on April 19th, 2006 10:40 am

    wow. excellent round up. thanks!

    xoxo, jared  (Quote)

  19. PamAlonia McCrary on April 19th, 2006 10:51 am
  20. Roni on April 19th, 2006 11:48 am

    Thanks for including me!  (Quote)

  21. cara on April 19th, 2006 3:30 pm

    I’m flattered to have been included. Thank you.  (Quote)

  22. cara on April 19th, 2006 3:31 pm

    Sorry about the typo…  (Quote)

  23. Feminist Law Professors » Blog Archive » Carnival of the Feminists Number Lucky 13! on April 19th, 2006 4:10 pm
  24. Asher Abrams on April 19th, 2006 5:20 pm

    ???  (Quote)

  25. Management Professor Notes II on April 19th, 2006 5:55 pm
  26. Terry on April 19th, 2006 7:12 pm

    Sorry, Asher. It’s back up now.  (Quote)

  27. Slant Truth » Carnival News on April 19th, 2006 7:32 pm
  28. Asher Abrams on April 19th, 2006 7:34 pm

    Thanks!!!  (Quote)

  29. laurie toby edison on April 19th, 2006 8:50 pm

    It’s a _really_ interesting compilation. THANKS.

    Deb and I are delighted you incuded the beautiful/ugly conversation from Body Impolitic.  (Quote)

  30. Mary on April 19th, 2006 10:46 pm

    I see lots of great links that I will peruse tomorrow with that pot of coffee you recommend. Thanks for all of your hard work digging through the blogosphere so I don’t have to.  (Quote)

  31. New Carnival of Feminists is up! at Pandagon on April 20th, 2006 4:47 am
  32. Kilted Liberal on April 20th, 2006 5:29 am
  33. Noli Irritare Leones » Blog Archive » New Carnival of the Feminists on April 20th, 2006 7:54 am
  34. Have Coffee Will Write » HURRY… HURRY… HURRY… on April 20th, 2006 7:54 am
  35. Pharyngula on April 20th, 2006 9:58 am
  36. Sherry Chandler » Tough Old Women on April 20th, 2006 11:32 am
  37. Brandon on April 20th, 2006 11:36 am

    This look like a great carnival. The Third Radical Progressive Carnival is up over at Juliusspeaks!  (Quote)

  38. Brandon on April 20th, 2006 3:13 pm

    I am greatly inspired by this carnival! Wonderful stuff here…I am going to add you to my blogroll. Alas, check out the Radical Progressive carnival on my site and please contribute!  (Quote)

  39. Cynthia Bagley on April 20th, 2006 4:10 pm

    wow, Terry you did a great job. I am impressed.
    :-)

    Your religious retreat reminded me of something my dad said… a woman would should stay with her father until she is given to a husband so that why she would always be under the umberella of a man.

    then he finished sadly… you won’t do that will you

    I said.”Absolutely not.” and joined the Navy.

    Most religions I find too patriarchal.  (Quote)

  40. Kitty on April 20th, 2006 9:01 pm

    What an excellent collection of posts – thanks!  (Quote)

  41. Bluegrass Poet on April 21st, 2006 12:31 pm

    Terry — a great collection of writing. Thanks to you for collecting it all and to the writers for writing it all.  (Quote)

  42. PnP on April 21st, 2006 2:54 pm

    Wonderful work, Terry! Thanks so much…. :-)  (Quote)

  43. Terry on April 21st, 2006 4:23 pm

    Thanks for all the support, folks. It was a rewarding experience–stressful but rewarding. :) If anyone is interested in hosting a future edition, see The Carnival Of Feminists home page for information.  (Quote)

  44. Sue Richards on April 22nd, 2006 12:44 pm

    Thanks for making room for the menopausal!

    Sue Richards  (Quote)

  45. Creative Destruction » Link Farm and Open Thread #20 on April 22nd, 2006 8:31 pm
  46. Alas, a blog » Blog Archive » Link Farm and Open Thread #20 on April 22nd, 2006 8:33 pm
  47. Worldwide Underground on April 23rd, 2006 12:16 am

    that’s why I love Dove’s new real beauty ads  (Quote)

  48. greenwords on April 23rd, 2006 12:43 am

    Wow – what an amazing Carnival you’ve put together Terry. I’m inspired…such a comprehensive compilation! I’m only a little way through the reading marathon, with my trusty teapot at the ready. So much great writing and so many good ideas. Thank you for including me. :-)  (Quote)

  49. pat callahan on April 23rd, 2006 10:12 am

    feminists don’t want sex but will go to their death to protect abortion. What…………..?  (Quote)

  50. Roja on April 25th, 2006 12:10 am

    Hi ,

    I’m new to your blog. I love this carnival (although I’m not nearly done reading). I will put a link to here on my blog if that’s ok.

    (ps. to Pat: Who said feminists don’t like sex?)  (Quote)

  51. Bellow it from the rooftops… - Philobiblon on April 25th, 2006 9:59 am
  52. Burrow on April 26th, 2006 1:47 pm

    Great job Terry. Thanks for including me. And although I haven’t blogged on the topic (I meant to) I have been thinking about it for some time and will probably do a post on the subject soon, so thank you.  (Quote)

  53. Oh, for the love of God… » A few thoughts on weight… on April 27th, 2006 1:09 pm
  54. culturekitchen on May 7th, 2006 11:01 pm
  55. inkblog » Feminist Readings on July 1st, 2007 12:19 pm
  56. Smite Me! [.net] » Blog Archive » Feminisms, Challenges & Godidiots on July 7th, 2008 5:52 pm

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