Ain't I A Woman? by Sojourner Truth

Delivered 1851 at the Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio

Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.

Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.

Source:

http://www.feminist.com/resources/artspeech/genwom/sojour.htm

Adrogonous Chic: P.I.M.P.

Katie Holmes' style is so awesome. Ever since she married Tom, became a scientologist, and had a baby, Katie's cool points skyrocketed.From her chic haircut to her Roger Vivier platforms, Katie did a complete 180 from that girl we all loved (actually, I hated that show) on Dawson's Creek. Oh and that child of theirs, Suri Cruise, is like the fiercest child there is!

She's sexy without trying to dress...well "sexy!"

I'm Just a Girl, What's my destiny?

Support it!

Great Womyn In Progress is an organization that aspires to tighten the much needed bond among all women. It doesn't matter what race, religion, or political affiliation you belong to. As women we all suffer the from a vast range of inequalities; it is a struggle to be taken seriously when it comes to career, religion, authority, sports, class, and relationships, and although some struggles are more substantial than others, it is very important that we fight the cause together.  This is an outstanding organization because it supports positive ways of thinking to reach an illustrious and  fulfilled future.

Websites:

www.greatwomyninprogess.ning.com

www.myspace.com/greatwomyninprogress

Naw boo, I got this!

"I love her cause she got her own"

-Neyo

  Every so often an artist comes out with a song that motivates women to aim to be the "Independent Woman." And I'm all for it. It's good to see a female who has worked her way up society's standards of success without the reliance on a man. However, after listening to both of Neyo's new songs, "Miss Independent" and "She Got Her Own," I'm starting to wonder if this is just a ploy to get ladies to begin "trickin" since "they got it"?

Honestly, the lyrics continually repeating, "It's coo, I got it" has to be some sort of voodoo/subliminal message  to inspire more women to take care of their significant other's bills, expenses, and/or checks.  Why do I think, "her favorite thing to say, don't worry I got it"is going to soon turn into his favorite thing she says. I'm definitely not knocking Neyo's effort to glorify the independence of a women but even Beyonce implies in "Upgrade You," "anything [he]you cop[s] I'll split the bill." Dividing the expenses sounds much more reasonable. How come it can't be cool to be an independent women yet still get half way treated out on a date? Or why isn't there a mutual understanding that in any case if an established man and woman are dating they should make it equal by splitting the check like Beyonce and Jay-Z would? Hey, thats still an upgrade!

I want to be an independent woman. But as of now, I am claimed on my mothers taxes and probably will be for as long as she can stretch it. I go to college to someday purchase everything on my own. Depending on a man is definitely not an option. However, taking a man out and buying him all his "new new shit" is not an option either. I am a firm believer in equality. And although men have had it tough for many centuries when it comes to being the "bread winner," they should still understand the consequences of allowing their "independent queen" to take care of everything. Soon men will have to take care of the children, the house, and they will become burdened with trying to stay pretty for their women. Just Kidding!! But just split the check got damnit! All problems will be solved, trust me.

Research: Women, Sororities, and Rape

Many women join sororities to gain a sense of sisterhood, pride, and leadership. Women of sororities usually become very close to the men of fraternities, often referring to them as their own “brothers.” The last thing on the mind of a sorer is being sexually assaulted or even raped by their fraternity brothers. However, in a study entitled “ Sexual Victimization Among Sorority Women: Exploring the link Between Sexual Violence and Institutional Practices”, Stacey Copenhaver and Elizabeth Grauerholz search to understand whether sorority women’s connection with fraternity men is linked to their risk of encountering sexual coercion. Martin and Hummer conducted an analysis of college fraternities and rape in 1989. Their analysis provided understanding on the fraternities’ sexually aggressive behavior and suggested that they are encouraged to act sexually violent towards women. Because fraternities encourage secrecy, loyalty to brotherhood, aggressive behavior and alcohol and drug use, they are more likely sexually coercive towards women. The women that are mostly around fraternity men are sorority women; therefore, they are naturally at a higher risk then the average, college, female student.

It has been reported that approximately one in four college women experience rape or attempted rape. Most victims know their attackers. Sorority women are at a greater risk to be attacked by fraternity men, since it has been proven that Greeks have a high degree of homogamy when it comes to dating. Most times during the attack, heavy alcohol and drug use were involved. A large number of fraternity functions include prodigious amount of drinking, indicating a higher risk for sexual coercion to be conducted at these functions. The study predicts that the more involved the sorority women are the more likely they are to be sexually assaulted.

The method used in this study was a random sample. 500 random sorority women from large, public, Midwestern universities where sent a mailed in questionnaire. 140 of the 500 women responded back. The sample made up of 24% sophomores, 40% juniors, 35% seniors; 99% of the sample consisted of Caucasians and most were either catholic or protestant. The questionnaire consisted of ten questions that related to sexual coercion. Koss and Oros developed the questionnaire in 1982 and it is called the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES). “The SES has been found to be a highly reliable and valid measure of sexual victimization (Koss & Gidycz, 1985).” The SES classified what acts were legally defined as rape. If the samples had experienced rape, after the age of fourteen, there were additional questions that they had to answer. Some of the questions asked do they know the attacker, how long have they known the attacker, how long ago did the rape take place, what type of force did the attacker use, and did it occur at college.

     In the study it was concluded that a little more then half (51%) of the women had experienced some type of sexual coercion since the age of 14. 83% of these women had encountered at least one of the acts of sexual aggression while in college. Of these women 24% were victims of attempted rape and 17% were legally qualified as rape. The women who were victims of attempted rape and rape were asked additional questions as stated earlier. 95% of women in this sample knew their attacker. Some knew their attacker for over a year. The locations of the attacks varied from apartments to dormitories to cars.

      As far as sexual coercion in context of sorority life, over half (57%) of the attacks took place during fraternity functions or by a fraternity member. Most of the offenders had been drinking or taking drugs before the incident occurred. The more involved sorority members had a greater chance of becoming a victim of sexual coercion. Sorority women are at higher risk then general, female, college students. The study concludes, “ Fraternity-sorority rape reinforces women’s subordinate status within both the greek system and society as a whole.” This study also provides evidence that fraternity men are encouraged to be sexually aggressive. In order to prevent sexual coercion acts, universities should create workshops to help more students become aware of the dangers in alcohol abuse and gender roles.

-erica f. 

Copenhaver, Stacey; Grauerholz, Elizabeth; 1991; “Sexual Victimization among Sorority Women: Exploring the Link between Sexual Violence and Institutional Practices”; Source: Sex Roles, vol 24, no. 1-2, pp. 31-41, Jan 1991; Journal Volume, 24; (Accession Number, 91Y1609); Journal Issue, 1-2; Journal Pages 31-41.

To boycott or Not to boycott

Africaaaaaaa *random animal sounds*

Well, well, well, America Apparel has truly outdone themselves. For their latest attempt to be innovative, edgy, and hip, AA created a new line called "Afrika."...Yep spelled with a "k" too. The line features body suits and tights with good ol animal and tribal prints. Because thats what afriKa is all about! Tigers, zebras, elephants and girafes. Everybody walks around naked and shit, they got huts for shelter, monkeys for pets, and spheres for protection. Hell yea! And even though afriKa is composed of 53 countries and tons of various languages and cultures, we just like to squish them all into ONE category. 

Immediately when I saw the name for this line, I thought of Jamie Foxx's stand up bit about Africa. Funny stuff.

Anywho, after all of the controversy already stirring up from this Afrika line, I decided to do more research on AA. Definitely became disgusted when I read about the several sexual harassment charges owner of AA, Dov Charney , has faced. Even more disgusted when I visited the official site to be welcomed by some half naked girl "advertising" the new, skinny jean with her pant button and zipper undone, her hand firmly placed in em feeling on her cookies jar, and a nasty ass smirk on her face. Yippie, I thought. It was a slideshow to my very pleasant surprise. More sexually suggestive (or downright amateur porn) pictures passed through my computer screen, each girl looking even more underaged and drugged up then the last. I was well aware of the racy ads but gotdamn, that was just way too much.

So now I'm thinking with all this shit going on, should I still support AA? It is sweat-shop and brand free. But is that enough when the owner is sexually harassing employees and producing racially insensitive clothing lines? Where else will I find my precious v-necks in every possible color, or my cute, comfy hoodie? Welp, being that 90% of the American Apparel clothes I own were given to me, I'm not too bummed that I spent a meesly $40 bucks at that store. However, I am still contemplating whether I should continue to buy AA clothing. By wearing the bright, purple, sleeveless bodysuit, purchased or not, I am still somewhat supporting and advertising AA.

P.S. I literally just found the downtown AA warehouse this summer. It's only 2o something minutes away from my house and most of the clothes are sold for half-off. I was really planning on getting a lot shit when I got back to L.A. for winter break. This totally ruins my plans!!!