September 2011
16 posts
“If you’re just complaining about this stuff to hear yourself complain, with no intention of changing your reading or buying habits, because you somehow need the security blanket of the same ol’ superhero comics you’ve always read, knock yourself out. You will get more of the same, and you can make yourself feel important by denouncing these creepy, cringe-worthy comics whilst continuing to support them like the good little fangirl you are.”
—
http://it-sparkles.blogspot.com/2011/09/stop.html (via comixace)
Down for this, of course. Complaining is not enough—we need to take concrete action, individually and in numbers, against sexism in comics. Call to arms, kids etc. etc.
But then there’s this:
Support the books that do it right. Stop calling attention to all the offensive material, because seriously? What you’re really doing is helping the very things you hate find a wider audience. So, stop.
#sideeye
like the good little fangirl you are.
#sideeye
Listen up ladies, boyfriend’s gonna show us how to do feminism, fandom and media activism right. Complaining about sexism in superhero comics is silly, because what else did you expect, right?
Except—ALL sexism is harmful, ALL sexism is worth calling out. The micro level matters, because by and large, that is where people live.
Except—superhero comics are not in fact simple soft core, id-porn. Heroic fiction is, culturally speaking, kind of a big deal. Superman means something to people. By dint of being on a massively popular cartoon, Starfire means something to people. Superhero comics can be better, and they should be better.
Except—new readers deserve the chance to weigh in on this issue, and they don’t deserve to be scolded for not being into cool comics. What I’m saying is that, a) not everyone is ~over this conversation, and b) “But why are you reading The Outsiders anyway?” isn’t helpful in this context.
Except—“What you’re really doing is helping the very things you hate find a wider audience. So stop.” Nope! People are bringing attention to the comics and to the problem at same time, and in the process, finding new allies and enemies. They’re opening the conversation to new voices, and that’s a good thing.
thinking about character
Short version: I don’t need or want bullies or predators for allies.
Longer version: There is sometimes a tendency in social justice/activist circles to accept all comers, so long as they are ‘right thinking’. Welcoming bullies or predators, though, degrades the quality of work your group can do, and destroys any sense of safety in your formerly safe(r) space. Character matters more than ideological purity.
No slate of social justice bona fides is so magical, as to make up for your being, say, a sexual harasser. Honesty is more important than volume. Fortitude is more important than where you went to school, who you’ve read, or how pretty your rhetoric is. At the end of the day, what I want in an ally is someone who is willing to work hard, and keep working hard. Someone who’s willing to listen, change direction, and own up to hir failings.
I don’t want guns for hire; I want allies.
[Aside #1: Character is not tone. I’m not interested in defining the hows and whens of activism. Getting angry, lashing out—these are not indications of poor manners or a lack of character, but natural reactions to violence and oppression.
Aside #2: I’m not trying to draw a line in the social justice sand—Sarah Palin, call yourself a feminist if you like, we can be, idk, fellow travelers, even if we will never be friends or allies—but I don’t need or want to work with people who are ethically repugnant to me.
Aside #3: These comments are not prescriptive. I know there are lots of people who will take whatever allies they can get. Do your thing, and I’ll do mine.]
srsly, where have you been?
Yeah, so hey. I’m back!
I’ve spent the last month-ish finishing up various DIY projects (my own, and for my parents and friends), settling into a new program at a new school, and taking comic book classes on the side. I’m also looking at a series of workshops on community development and social economy. Things are happening, is what I’m saying.
I’ve also been prioritizing Toronto Comics Review over my Tumblr projects, hardcore, but hopefully now that I’ve settled into my new schedule, I’ll be able to once again find time for this Tumblog and my two FYs.
So how have you been?
Climate Adaptation: Local climate action is more effective than national dialog: →
climateadaptation.tumblr.com
Via Matt Nisbet: U.S. climate campaigns focusing on risks in other countries or other U.S. regions can boost polarization among Americans rather than build consensus and support for policy action. In contrast, locally focused campaigns that highlight the risks to fellow residents of a state…
Must log into one of my school accounts, to read this!
new wave feminism: I was watching Extreme Couponing yesterday... →
newwavefeminism.tumblr.com
interesting show. My mom used to be a (significantly less extreme) couponer back in the day. But I noticed, while these people end up getting hundreds of dollars of groceries for free - they usually get tons of junk food. 60 bottles of Franks Hot Sauce? Cases of Life Water. Bus loads of diet coke….
There was an episode where the couponer went in for extremely healthy food. She explained that if you contact the company expressing interest in their products—and coupons for their products—very often they’ll send you something.
Complaining also works. I always advise dissatisfied customers to contact manufacturers for refunds/part replacement/general complaints. They have more incentive to keep you loyal than does a store—what’s the difference to the retailer if you buy one brand or another?
It’s worth pointing out that extreme couponing is only possible in mega markets like the USA. In Canada, couponing to the point of getting all your groceries for free, or even money back, just isn’t possible.
Tell Fox News: Remove Dr. Ablow's Transphobic Article From Their Website. →
change.org
TRIGGER WARNING: Transphobia, medical violence (psychology)
The article is a relentless, transphobic and disrespectful attack against Chaz Bono that reflect’s Fox News’ support for Dr. Ablow’s stream of heteronormative and offensive articles. Coupled with his earlier (removed) post about Bono and his tirade against J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons, Fox News has repeatedly demonstrated that they have no problem publishing and backing Ablow’s hateful words as reflective of their news organization.
Fox News has previously removed an article Ablow wrote about Bono, following criticism from blogs and other news outlets. The current article, called “Don’t Let Your Kids Watch Chaz Bono on Dancing With The Stars,” promotes the idea that Chaz Bono is dangerous for children, likens sexual reassignment surgery to willingly amputating both of your arms or changing your species, discounts Bono’s transition as someone who “thinks she is a man,” and calls supporting transgender surgery a “tragic celebration.”
Sign our petition and tell Fox News that their continual support for Dr. Ablow - Fox News’ resident psychiatrist, is unacceptable. Transphobia should be and cannot be supported by a national news network.
If you don’t sign it, please send it around.
As we pointed out in our piece about the article, what Dr. Ablow wrote was beyond the pale. It’s a damaging article as a whole, and if you feel that it should be removed, you should probably sign this.
Ablow decided to kick his transphobic hatefulness up a notch—I say this by way of warning, for those who follow the link back to the source.
Goodbye to All That: Reflections of a GOP Operative Who Left the Cult →
truth-out.org
Worth your time.
I am excite. (I also don’t have brain for further commentary, as I’m siiiick).
I HAVE BEEN BOGGLING AND RAGING AT THIS FOR A WHILE NOW.
WON’T SOMEBODY THINK OF MY STRAIGHT, WHITE, MALE PRIVILEGE? IT IS UNDER ASSAULT! BY WOMEN! (possibly lesbians).
“Turning a straight character gay is just like turning a black character white.”
Nope.
