Related Articles: June 24, 2017
I am apologizing in advance for the amount of reading I recommended this week. It's at least a couple of hours worth, but I promise that you will walk away from reading these as a satisfied and enlightened human being. Maybe that's too much to promise...you'll walk away having learned something about someone somewhere.
I've annotated 20 articles I read this week, and I really love each and every one of these. I hope you enjoy, and if you have any recommendations for next week, let me know!
"Three Thoughts On Emotional Labour" by Clementine Morrigan for Guts Magazine - This long read was incredible. Emotional labour is very real, and from the perspective and thoughts of this non-binary queer bisexual femme, completely necessary and respected as long as we ask ourselves these three questions. If you read one thing this week, let it be this! PS. Shout out to Emma DeBord for sharing this on Facebook which led me to reading it and recommending it here <3
"What It's Like To Live In A World Not Designed For You" by Sinéad Burke for Teen Vogue - Ableism has been in feminist news a lot lately as something not commonly thought about. This personal essay by a real little person can open your eyes into the difficulties some disabled people face on a daily basis for tasks we take for granted, like using a public bathroom with ease. Burke also points out that not all disabled people are disabled in the same way, and to group them all together can be dangerous and ignorant. Another amazing piece from the woke Teen Vogue.
"Why Women Don't See Themselves As Entrepreneurs" by Claire Cain Miller for The New York Times - This is a factual read about mainly White women in the workforce with specific details on entrepreneurship and how mentors affect entrepreneurs. It's not too long and was a little thought provoking for me as someone who is very entrepreneurial. Definitely rethinking some networking strategies after reading this.
"The Status Of Black Women" by Asha DuMonthier, Chandra Childers, Ph.D., and Jessica Milli, Ph.D - In complete disclosure, I didn't read the whole report. But I know that this is definitely an important study and valuable resource that will be used in the future when siting the wrong doings toward WOC. There are positives and negatives included in this report, like the recognition of the incredible importance that Black women have as cultural influencers, but ultimately how they are discredited and worked against at every turn. From heads of households to politicians, this report covers it all. Teen Vogue summarized it in the article below.
"Report Reflects On The Status Of Black Women In The US" by Taylor Crumpton for Teen Vogue - This piece is a shorter summary of the previously mentioned Status Of Black Women. If you don't have time to read the whole 94 page report, this Teen Vogue article will give you the quick and dirty facts about how we're letting Black women down.
"Artists Protest Sexual Violence And David Choe's Bowery Mural" by Danielle Tcholakian for Hyperallergic - This piece documents a peaceful artist protest as a part of the uproar about David Choe's sexual assault history and privilege. Choe has reported on record that he sexually assaulted a woman and was recently commissioned to paint a mural on the famous Bowery wall. Giving Choe a platform after his blatant admittance of wrong doing is harmful to those who have experienced sexual assault, and supports him and his actions by default. Was there seriously no other artist who hadn't committed acts of sexual violence to commission? The mural was vandalized and then painted over in white paint when this protest took place.
"Eliza Bourner Questions the Sexualization of Young Girls" by Fotoroom - This is an aesthetically pleasing photo series poses young woman in a slightly sexualized way. There are several photos in the series, but one thing that bothers me is the all White-passing models. Still, it's a fun quick look at the work of an emerging photographer.
"12 Liberian Women Share What Body Image Means To Them" by Sara Coughlin for Refinery29 - An insight into how Liberian culture treats body image. I really loved the quotes and accompanying photos!
"13 Photos That Break Down Stereotypes of Non-Binary People" by Amelia Abraham for Refinery29 - This photo series is by the amazing photographer, Laurence Philomene. It's accompanied by quotes from Laurence and some of the other models in the series about their experiences as non-binary people. It's beautiful to look at, and a great learning opportunity for those who don't understand or want to know more about their perspectives.
"Why I Look Up To Kamala Harris As A Black Woman" by Fresh U for Teen Vogue - This personal essay from a young woman of color gives inspiration through the actions of the only Black woman Senator of the United States. Kamala Harris is a force to be reckoned with and I really enjoyed reading about her accomplishments that have inspired young WOC around the country.
"Channeling Audre: Janet Mock Opens Up About Her Memoir, Sex Work, And Being An Icon" by Raquel Willis for Bitch Media - The young Raquel Willis interviewed Janet Mock about her new book, podcast, and experiences with media. It's great!
"The Fragility of Silence" by Jenn Jackson for Bitch Media - Trigger Warning, this piece is about the silence surrounding violence and sexual assault. This is an amazing long read from Bitch, empowering those who might not have the strength to come forward by illustrating how silence is a construct meant to further oppress women and marginalized people with an emphasis on the abuse that Black women experience from Black men.
"Women Are Flocking To Wellness Because Modern Medicine Still Doesn't Take Them Seriously" by Annaliese Griffin for Quartz - I've been really struggling to find any modern medicine answers to my current health problems. I have visited numerous doctors and can attest to the FACT that women are not taken seriously when visiting the doctor, even by women doctors. I have yet to find a physician that actually listens to me and has alternative ideas about how I can treat my illnesses. So personally, though I doubt I'll get into the Goop life, I've begun research into Eastern medicine and alternative treatments for PCOS. This article, though directed at and written about White privileged women, gets the jist.
"No Two Sides About It: Being Anti-Abortion Is Anti-Science" by Caroline Reilly for Bitch Media - THIS ARTICLE IS FIRE. Beyond emotions and with an emphasis on the respect we should all have for the medical decision an abortion is, this article lights every anti-abortion argument on fire with facts and scientific evidence. READ THIS.
"Philadelphia Pride Flag Opposition Is A Sign Of Racism In The LBGTQ Community" by Phillip Henry for Teen Vogue - This op-ed takes no prisioners while calling out any and everyone who opposes the additions to the pride flag. A brutal and necessary analysis of the racism that very much exists in the LBGTQIA+ community.
"Gender Variance Around The World Over Time" by Lucy Diavolo for Teen Vogue - This is exactly what it says it is – a short history lesson on gender identities.
"In Praise Of Being High Maintenance" by Margaret Eby for Nylon - As someone who has just dyed her hair for the first time, I totally relate. I am entering this new beauty journey knowing that it will take maintenance and care, which is partially why I did it. This article 100% justifies your beauty routine and validates and recognizes the amount of effort that goes into looking effortless.
"Learning To Be Alone" by Meghan Nesmith for Man Repeller - I loved living alone, but it can be hard for some people. This article has some great activities to try on your own, like a matinee movie or taking a 10 minute bath without your phone or a book.
"Feminist Body Hair Is Rarely An Option For Middle Eastern Women" by Busra Erkara for i-D - There are cultural differences around the treatment of body hair and not recognizing the patriarchal influence that this has on women around the world is addressed in this article about how Muslim women are often expected to maintain themselves. I loved reading this, and just wanted to shout *fuck yessss* when I was done.
"Lena Dunham On Why Red Lipstick Is Feminism's New Calling Card" by Lena Dunham for Vogue - Just to clarify, you don't have to wear red lipstick to be a feminist. But I do love me a red lip.
Okay, so that was a lot for this week, but I guess the world had a lot to say. Until next week...
xo Sarah