When I first started this blog I knew for a fact it wouldn't become the next Den of the biting Beaver, it's just nice to know that if something upsets me so much I feel compelled to voice it or give it some sort of form I have a place to do that.
Well, I took a break to get Christmas over and done with (nice and quiet, best kind of x-mas') and now I think I'll finish off 2006 on a lighter note, frankly I think if my blog gets any lighter it'll float away.
Here is one of my favourite quotes I heard this year from one of my favourite comedians, Dylan Moran;
"It's amazing what men interpret as sexual, for instance, 'Did you see the way she looked at me, before she tolded me to fuck off'."
Happy New Year!
Friday 29 December 2006
Wednesday 6 December 2006
I want to be a Mantis!
Or a Blue Whale.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KYp_Xi4AtAQ
The funniest part are the comments, you can just tell that all the blokes (I assume their blokes) are really scared shitless at the very idea, so they have to lash out at females.
Meanwhile I'll enjoy the image of a male getting on with the job even without a head.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KYp_Xi4AtAQ
The funniest part are the comments, you can just tell that all the blokes (I assume their blokes) are really scared shitless at the very idea, so they have to lash out at females.
Meanwhile I'll enjoy the image of a male getting on with the job even without a head.
Free Hate Speech?
I think that everyone has a right to their opinion, opinions are great! They separate us and help define ourselves as individuals. When you have an opinion on something, no matter how trivial, it means you've at least applied a little thought on the matter and that you can have a friendly chat or deep discussion with another person on the subject where you can both express your ideas, agree, disagree or agree to disagree on it. Fantastic!
Free speech is even better, an expression of those thought out (or not) opinions that you are entitled to as a citizen of your country and, more so, as a human
being.
BUT I don't think anyone is entitled to Hate speech. Hate speech is not free speech. Free speech is an expression of your opinion, Hate speech is just that - speech (or even text) that incites or expresses hatred towards a person or group of people by degrading, dehumanizing, cheapening that person(s).
Two arguments I come across when I've tried defining Hate speech in this way:
1) But what if that is their opinion and they are just expressing it in an assertive way?
If you value your own opinion in such high esteem then surely it is worth the effort to communicate it to people in a way that is going to get through and they will actually be willing to listen to. If you believe in what your saying why make it so people will simply
dismiss it at first sight?
2) Wait for it... ... ... 'This is political correctness gone mad!'... there we go.
No it isn't (I wish I could leave it at that, but I can't). Treating others as human beings isn't PC or being hyper-sensitive, it's giving them the respect the deserve as people. You have to treat a person with respect to expect any back. I'm 17 and I've learnt that, how come Mr. God-bag from No.7 Privilege Road can't?
Let me finish with an example that I think will help summarise my stand on Free speech and Hate speech.
God Hates Fags . com
God Hates Homosexuals . com
See? Better, well not better, but consider this, which site are you less likely to dismiss?
*Note: As my ideas on this subject change and progress I want to come back to this post and add any new angles or perspectives on the matter.
Free speech is even better, an expression of those thought out (or not) opinions that you are entitled to as a citizen of your country and, more so, as a human
being.
BUT I don't think anyone is entitled to Hate speech. Hate speech is not free speech. Free speech is an expression of your opinion, Hate speech is just that - speech (or even text) that incites or expresses hatred towards a person or group of people by degrading, dehumanizing, cheapening that person(s).
Two arguments I come across when I've tried defining Hate speech in this way:
1) But what if that is their opinion and they are just expressing it in an assertive way?
If you value your own opinion in such high esteem then surely it is worth the effort to communicate it to people in a way that is going to get through and they will actually be willing to listen to. If you believe in what your saying why make it so people will simply
dismiss it at first sight?
2) Wait for it... ... ... 'This is political correctness gone mad!'... there we go.
No it isn't (I wish I could leave it at that, but I can't). Treating others as human beings isn't PC or being hyper-sensitive, it's giving them the respect the deserve as people. You have to treat a person with respect to expect any back. I'm 17 and I've learnt that, how come Mr. God-bag from No.7 Privilege Road can't?
Let me finish with an example that I think will help summarise my stand on Free speech and Hate speech.
God Hates Fags . com
God Hates Homosexuals . com
See? Better, well not better, but consider this, which site are you less likely to dismiss?
*Note: As my ideas on this subject change and progress I want to come back to this post and add any new angles or perspectives on the matter.
Tuesday 5 December 2006
Thank you Shakespeare
I just thought of this phrase today while leaving Eng Lit and I think it can be applied to any misogynistic man who tries to discredit a woman by using degrading names (e.g., bitch, slag, prossy, dyke etc.);
The gentleman doth project too much, methinks.
The gentleman doth project too much, methinks.
Monday 4 December 2006
Only Rapists Can Prevent Rape
- If a woman is drunk, don't rape her.
- If a woman is walking alone at night, don't rape her.
- If a woman is drugged and unconscious, don't rape her.
- If a woman is wearing a short skirt, don't rape her.
- If a woman is jogging in a park at 5 am, don't rape her.
- If a woman looks like your ex-girlfriend you're still hung up on, don't rape her.
- If a woman is asleep in her bed, don't rape her.
- If a woman is asleep in your bed, don't rape her.
- If a woman is doing her laundry, don't rape her.
- If a woman is in a coma, don't rape her.
- If a woman changes her mind in the middle of or about a particular activity, don't rape her.
- If a woman has repeatedly refused a certain activity, don't rape her.
- If a woman is not yet a woman, but a child, don't rape her.
- If your girlfriend or wife is not in the mood, don't rape her.
- If your step-daughter is watching TV, don't rape her.
- If you break into a house and find a woman there, don't rape her.
- If your friend thinks it's okay to rape someone, tell him it's not, and that he's not your friend.
- If your "friend" tells you he raped someone, report him to the police.
- If your frat-brother or another guy at the party tells you there's an unconscious woman upstairs and it's your turn, don't rape her, call the police and tell the guy he's a rapist.
- Tell your sons, god-sons, nephews, grandsons, sons of friends it's not okay to rape someone.
- Don't tell your women friends how to be safe and avoid rape.
- Don't imply that she could have avoided it if she'd only done/not done x.
- Don't imply that it's in any way her fault.
- Don't let silence imply agreement when someone tells you he "got some" with the drunk girl.
- Don't perpetuate a culture that tells you that you have no control over or responsibility for your actions.
Retrieved from Modesty Rocks (From the f-word blog)
Agree? Re-post it then.
Don't mess at a Baptism!
Ow, ow, ow! My tongue still hurts from having to bite it all yesterday.
I had to go to my cousins Baptism on Sunday, thanks to an impressive guilt trip by my Dad, and anyone who knows me well enough will know that that isn't my 'thing' (what with me believing that Christianity in all it's forms is practically the main cause of all racism, sexism and homophobia in Western society - but that's not the point of this post).
So I'm sitting there, my bum going numb and getting crushed by the old 'rock and hard place' A.K.A 'a pew stand and my Gran' and it was time for my cousin to go up and receive the service of holy Baptism, we all smiled proudly while she lit the advent candle, I muttered out the communions part of the prayers (like everyone else does), the priest presented my cousin then asked her to make 'The Decision'. To anyone who has never been to a Christening/Baptism or hasn't been to one recently, usually people are christened when they are babies and so it's the God-parents who make the Decision for them during the service as representatives. However, my cousin is thirteen so she made the decision by her self and now we get to the point in the service where I had to bite extra hard on my tongue, this is what 'The Decision' involves (P = Priest, C = Cousin):
P: In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
C: I reject them.
P: Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
C: I renounce them.
P: Do you repent of the sins that seperate us from God and neighbour?
C: I repent of them.
P: Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
C: I turn to Christ.
P: Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
C: I submit to Christ.
P: Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
C: I come to Christ.
I nearly pierced my tongue trying to keep myself quiet, for the sake and love of my family and all I thought form that point on: 'These people do not mess.'
And you know what? I have to do it all again next month!
I had to go to my cousins Baptism on Sunday, thanks to an impressive guilt trip by my Dad, and anyone who knows me well enough will know that that isn't my 'thing' (what with me believing that Christianity in all it's forms is practically the main cause of all racism, sexism and homophobia in Western society - but that's not the point of this post).
So I'm sitting there, my bum going numb and getting crushed by the old 'rock and hard place' A.K.A 'a pew stand and my Gran' and it was time for my cousin to go up and receive the service of holy Baptism, we all smiled proudly while she lit the advent candle, I muttered out the communions part of the prayers (like everyone else does), the priest presented my cousin then asked her to make 'The Decision'. To anyone who has never been to a Christening/Baptism or hasn't been to one recently, usually people are christened when they are babies and so it's the God-parents who make the Decision for them during the service as representatives. However, my cousin is thirteen so she made the decision by her self and now we get to the point in the service where I had to bite extra hard on my tongue, this is what 'The Decision' involves (P = Priest, C = Cousin):
P: In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
C: I reject them.
P: Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
C: I renounce them.
P: Do you repent of the sins that seperate us from God and neighbour?
C: I repent of them.
P: Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
C: I turn to Christ.
P: Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
C: I submit to Christ.
P: Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
C: I come to Christ.
I nearly pierced my tongue trying to keep myself quiet, for the sake and love of my family and all I thought form that point on: 'These people do not mess.'
And you know what? I have to do it all again next month!
Sunday 3 December 2006
Rape petition (please sign it)
They seem to still be taking names:-
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Support victims of rape and sexual violence by ensuring more rapists are convicted.
Submitted by Linda Calvert – Deadline to sign up by: 29 November 2007
More details from petition creator,
We request HM government to:
- Provide central government funding for rape crisis centres to support victims.
- Create specially trained CPS and police teams to prosecute sexual offences.
- End unnecessary cross examination of rape victims and allow all juries to hear evidence of previous convictions of defendants and of previous similar allegations against defendants.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/rape-convictions/
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Support victims of rape and sexual violence by ensuring more rapists are convicted.
Submitted by Linda Calvert – Deadline to sign up by: 29 November 2007
More details from petition creator,
We request HM government to:
- Provide central government funding for rape crisis centres to support victims.
- Create specially trained CPS and police teams to prosecute sexual offences.
- End unnecessary cross examination of rape victims and allow all juries to hear evidence of previous convictions of defendants and of previous similar allegations against defendants.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/rape-convictions/
Monday 13 November 2006
Mikey is in the stocks (anyone got any rotten tomatoes?)
Apologetic Newell faces Luton D-day
Mon 13 Nov, 11:45 AM
Luton have called an emergency board meeting for Monday to discuss Mike Newell's future, despite his apology for criticising female officials.The Hatters hierarchy are understood to be unhappy with their manager's remarks, which were made after Luton's 3-2 home defeat by QPR in the Championship on Saturday.
A statement on the club's official website read: "An emergency board meeting of the directors of Luton Town has been called for 4pm today (Monday).
"The meeting is to discuss the comments made by the manager, Mike Newell, at Saturday's post-match press conference.
"A formal statement will be made following the board meeting."
Newell on Monday apologised for his outburst against women officials in professional football.
Newell claimed after Saturday's home defeat by QPR that assistant referee Amy Rayner should not have been allowed to run the line in a Championship match.
But the 41-year-old admitted his comments were "out of order" and revealed he has attempted to speak to Rayner to apologise in person.
Newell said: "I want to apologise publicly to Amy Rayner and to anyone else I have offended.
"The comments I made were ill-timed and out of order. I wanted to apologise privately before I apologised publicly, but I could not get hold of Amy Rayner.
"I have not spoken to her, but I have left messages and I will continue to try to speak to her."
Newell's contrition might not be sufficient to save his job.
Newell claimed the club had gone backwards since chairman Bill Tomlins took over in 2004, but would not retract those comments.
Asked whether he regretted those remarks, Newell said: "I very rarely say things I do not mean.
"I have not spoken to the chairman. They have called a meeting, and I am sure I will learn the outcome.
"Will I be the manager at the weekend? That is a question for the board, but I am not going to resign."
http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/13112006/1/apologetic-newell-faces-luton-d-day.html
Mike Newell, after his football team's (Luton) defeat started a string of sexist comments not only directed towards the female referee, Amy Rayner, but at all female officials,
"She should not be here. I know that sounds sexist, but I am
sexist, so I am not going to be anything other than that.
"We have a problem in this country with political correctness, and bringing
women into the game is not the way to improve refereeing and officialdom.
"It is absolutely beyond belief. When do we reach a stage when all officials
are women, because then we are in trouble?
"It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have, but if
you start bringing in women, you have big problems.
"This is Championship football. This is not park football, so what are women
doing here? It is tokenism, for the politically-correct idiots.''
It seems Mr. Newell does not like the idea of having to face his own inadequacies as a manager, rather he would use Ms. Rayner as a scapegoat to cover it up. The match was on home ground and Luton lost 3-2 to QPR, however rather then apologise to the fans for his team's defeat, Newell has decided to place the blame on the shoulders on one of the few female referees. The consequences of his actions for himself and his own position are un-known as of yet however it is possible that his remarks towards women in football may have a lasting impression on any of the young women and girls interested in getting involved in the sport. If this is the case, it'll take more then a stern talking to and a slap on the wrists to rectify it ( I'm still waiting on those tomatoes). And, if my knowledge of football is at all correct, no manager is suppose to critique the ref's decision whether they are male or female, (I think the term we are all looking for is 'Stop digging, Mike!')
But one good thing is being shown from this, sexism won't be tolerated even in areas that are supposedly 'Men only'. Newell will have to face the music this evening and I'm sure you know what result I'm hoping for.
Rayner 3 - Newell 0.
Mon 13 Nov, 11:45 AM
Luton have called an emergency board meeting for Monday to discuss Mike Newell's future, despite his apology for criticising female officials.The Hatters hierarchy are understood to be unhappy with their manager's remarks, which were made after Luton's 3-2 home defeat by QPR in the Championship on Saturday.
A statement on the club's official website read: "An emergency board meeting of the directors of Luton Town has been called for 4pm today (Monday).
"The meeting is to discuss the comments made by the manager, Mike Newell, at Saturday's post-match press conference.
"A formal statement will be made following the board meeting."
Newell on Monday apologised for his outburst against women officials in professional football.
Newell claimed after Saturday's home defeat by QPR that assistant referee Amy Rayner should not have been allowed to run the line in a Championship match.
But the 41-year-old admitted his comments were "out of order" and revealed he has attempted to speak to Rayner to apologise in person.
Newell said: "I want to apologise publicly to Amy Rayner and to anyone else I have offended.
"The comments I made were ill-timed and out of order. I wanted to apologise privately before I apologised publicly, but I could not get hold of Amy Rayner.
"I have not spoken to her, but I have left messages and I will continue to try to speak to her."
Newell's contrition might not be sufficient to save his job.
Newell claimed the club had gone backwards since chairman Bill Tomlins took over in 2004, but would not retract those comments.
Asked whether he regretted those remarks, Newell said: "I very rarely say things I do not mean.
"I have not spoken to the chairman. They have called a meeting, and I am sure I will learn the outcome.
"Will I be the manager at the weekend? That is a question for the board, but I am not going to resign."
http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/13112006/1/apologetic-newell-faces-luton-d-day.html
Mike Newell, after his football team's (Luton) defeat started a string of sexist comments not only directed towards the female referee, Amy Rayner, but at all female officials,
"She should not be here. I know that sounds sexist, but I am
sexist, so I am not going to be anything other than that.
"We have a problem in this country with political correctness, and bringing
women into the game is not the way to improve refereeing and officialdom.
"It is absolutely beyond belief. When do we reach a stage when all officials
are women, because then we are in trouble?
"It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have, but if
you start bringing in women, you have big problems.
"This is Championship football. This is not park football, so what are women
doing here? It is tokenism, for the politically-correct idiots.''
It seems Mr. Newell does not like the idea of having to face his own inadequacies as a manager, rather he would use Ms. Rayner as a scapegoat to cover it up. The match was on home ground and Luton lost 3-2 to QPR, however rather then apologise to the fans for his team's defeat, Newell has decided to place the blame on the shoulders on one of the few female referees. The consequences of his actions for himself and his own position are un-known as of yet however it is possible that his remarks towards women in football may have a lasting impression on any of the young women and girls interested in getting involved in the sport. If this is the case, it'll take more then a stern talking to and a slap on the wrists to rectify it ( I'm still waiting on those tomatoes). And, if my knowledge of football is at all correct, no manager is suppose to critique the ref's decision whether they are male or female, (I think the term we are all looking for is 'Stop digging, Mike!')
But one good thing is being shown from this, sexism won't be tolerated even in areas that are supposedly 'Men only'. Newell will have to face the music this evening and I'm sure you know what result I'm hoping for.
Rayner 3 - Newell 0.
Sunday 12 November 2006
Why I started this blog
The reason behind this blog is that ever since I was very young I have often felt rather sensitive to aspects of my culture that were or still are misogynistic and sexist; politics, attitudes in education, media such as TV, radio and movies or even comments made by those around me such as friends and family.
As I get older and (theoretically) wiser I am becoming more and more able to articulate my views and opinions on feminism in an educated and thought out manner. And now I'd like to use blogging, as I have seen many others do, to communicate, develop and maybe even further understand myself these ideas.
As I get older and (theoretically) wiser I am becoming more and more able to articulate my views and opinions on feminism in an educated and thought out manner. And now I'd like to use blogging, as I have seen many others do, to communicate, develop and maybe even further understand myself these ideas.
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