LESLIE KNOPE WON COUNSELWOMAN...Spoiler Alert, BTW.

Leslie winning 2012 Pawnee City Counselwoman
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Jessica Says: Teacher, Teacher, What You Gonna Do?

The Movie "Jennifer's Body" - For irony purposes
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WHY I AM WRITING THIS :

This must seem to be a completely random Jessica Says post, right?
Or something that's laced with sex and scandal, right?
I mean, I did use a Megan Fox picture up above, so clearly my intentions here are horrible and lustful.

Well think again because this is a post about my recent meeting with two high-up officials at this university for having a discussion with my new female adviser to whom - during a meeting - I spoke about how wonderful my previous adviser, someone of the male gender, is and how I appreciated his support and was disappointed that he no longer is my adviser.
Clearly, no ill intentions. They never existed.

So what can I possibly say about this other than this unfair treatment is wrong, hypocritical, stereotypical, and hateful. I was ordered to only speak of professional things with him, like a club I belong in or if I have a question about the fundamentals behind the construction of adverbs or something equally dreadfully boring of the sort.

And they kindly insinuated I am a slut, though I'm far from it.

Female student and female educator
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MASKED EXAMPLES :
Here are some completely true stories that I wanted to respectfully reveal to help prove my point, but I'm not going to the put names of specific professors whose encounters I've written below, for obvious reasons. And something to note is that the majority of these examples are professors in the department that I was being excessively reprimanded for conversing with :

1. Let's start with the Authority #1, whom I only met just today for the first time. She and I spoke about where we grew up, if she liked or disliked living in Pennsylvania, what she likes to write, how insane it is that it's 80 degrees in March, how New Jersey has beautiful parts and she visits the area where I grew up quite frequently, how we both think that the Lake I was going to was pretty though she's never been there, how long she's been working at [University Name Withheld], etc. etc. etc - quite the "personal conversation", though they reprimanded me for having "personal" conversations in person and via email with a male professor about things like video games or traveling. Is it okay for me to have "personal conversations" with only female authority figures? What if I were a lesbian, that'd be put me in a very difficult situation because obviously, it'd be the same "inappropriate" situation but flipped upside-down, though people rarely ever think about that because it's not in black-and-white before them or entirely socially acceptable. What if I were a bisexual? Would I never be allowed to have a conversation with ANY professor because of the constant worry of the professor (or others) thinking I may be hitting on them for having conversation that goes further than the "How are you?" "Good" - which, by the way, is a completely worthless conversation to even have in my book. Those particular ones are wasted time because they say absolutely nothing about how anyone is actually doing.

2. Let's talk about the Authority #2 who was the main culprit of claiming I was something I wasn't and doing things I wasn't. It was almost as though she were pushing me to confess to something I never did, just so she can be right and I could be wrong. At the end of this lovely meeting, I said it was a pleasure to meet the two of them, however, not under such circumstances. To this, she smiled and said that perhaps she and I shall in the future, obviously about personal things since she is not a Professional Writing professor or adviser - which doesn't that completely defeat the purpose of that entire meeting? Or is it because she's a female that her words make this entirely okay, though excessively intrusive and ironic.

3. Let's talk about example Professor #1 who I had an endearing conversation with about our births,  upbringings, and personalities. It was truly one of the most amazing conversations I've ever had with anyone, professor or not. And this professor is a female. Is it wrong that we talked about this very, very personal and real topic that probably went far deeper than any "personal" conversation I've ever had with any other male or female professor - or well, anyone for that matter? And she's a photographer, something else we have in common. Seems as though the rules should apply to both genders, but like the first example I posted, it only seems to go one way.

4. Let's talk about example Professor #2 whom I've known since the first day I began here at  [University Name Withheld] and he is one of the most amazing people I know and I am infinitely in debt to all he has done for me.Though he is not my professor for any course, I still like to speak to him about just about anything, though I rarely ever feel the need to speak to him about something that would be deemed as "professional." It's sad, but it's true that people would obviously automatically assume that any female student/male professor relationship is always more than just that. Because he is a man and I am a woman.

5. Let's talk about example Professor #3 who was kind enough to make me a cappuccino in her office one evening while working on a website for her. We spoke about many things and caught up with each others' lives. She, like Professor #2, has supported me for the past 3 years, as well, and I value her honesty and opinions. But would this situation be completely inappropriate if she were, instead, a male professor? She and I also have the same sense of style, so does that mean that we are secret lesbian lovers just because she made me a coffee, we wear black boots, and talked about the home life.

6. Let's talk about example Professor #4 who was kind enough to waste his time to speak to me about past part-time jobs done decades ago. He could be my grandfather and he also spoke of his children and his grandchildren. Is it wrong that we had a conversation about something like part-time jobs because he is a male professor and probably triple my age?

7. Let's talk about example Professor #5 who I sent an email to telling him that I sincerely appreciated the fact that he did a stand-up kind act for a friend of mine when nobody else was willing to do something monumental for her monumental event during her college career. That was a truly personal and expressive email, though I don't know him very well personally. Am I in the wrong for being honest and appreciative for a friend who deserves better than she receives?

8. Let's talk about example Professor #6 who helped me realize that I could be infinitely happier as a Professional Writing major, not a Music Composition major. He is maybe in his forties and we've spoken on a number of occasions early in my college career about our shared interest of New York City, vampires, and escaping the boring scene that is [University Name Withheld]. Am I in the wrong for speaking to him about more than just switching majors? Or is that fine because he's homosexual? Would that mean that if a male homosexual student were to speak to him about something not "professional," they're automatically sleeping together?

9. Let's talk about example Professor #7 who I have the utmost respect for. Sometimes it's difficult to be able to have professors who remind you of your aunt and is also an extremely phenomenal professor who pushes her students to try and succeed. And she is a woman. And we've had conversations before that focus on New Zealand, the tropics, retirement, and choral music. Am I wrong to have spent time in her office at 8am that one morning because that was her office hour? Or is that okay because of her status, respect, and gender? Was I wrong to ask her if I could borrow a pencil for my math exam because I forgot to grab one?

10. Let's talk about example Professor #8 who asked me to help him create a school website and needed  photographs of himself conducting because he had none. Obviously, he is a male professor who asked me something that can easily be viewed as inappropriate, however, it wasn't even in the slightest. If someone were to walk into the building that we were in, though, I am certain that they would question our motives, but especially mine because I am a female student and he is a male professor.

11. Let's talk about example Professor  #9 whom I barely know anything about, but had a nice chat about a British television show titled "Dr. Who," the amazing works and saddening death of Vincent Van Gogh, and my friendship with one of my friends. Would this be inappropriate if this particular professor were male and not female? Is death/suicide of an amazing painter off limits?

12. Let's talk about example  Professor  #10 whom I had emailed an email of complete truth and honesty after she had asked our class to leave because hardly anyone was prepared for the class. She asked me to come to her office hour and wanted to discuss my email, which coincidentally, she sincerely appreciated even though I was nervous that I may have been far too honest. During this meeting, we discussed how students seemed to have changed, how she felt as though I were a student from perhaps 20 years ago, how my parents were educators and I remember sitting in the faculty lunch room listening to these teachers speak of anything and everything, how she may pick up another job as a translator, and the reality of being a music performance major. Am I wrong for having emailed her in the first place even though she truly felt happy that I had emailed her? Am I wrong to have had a personal conversation with her during the meeting? Or is it because she's a female professor this makes my honesty and conversational personality okay?

13. Let's talk about a single example Teacher #1 whom I had for three years in high school - sophomore year through senior year, obviously during most of the time, I was a minor. We had connected instantly because he would have been my teacher at the high school I was meant to go to back in New Jersey. We had plenty of personal conversations about the differences between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, how the students were different, which teachers and students we both knew of, how we became interested in music, amongst many other things. And we generally spoke in his office and through email. Was it wrong that a 30-something-year-old man conversed with me, a minor, in his office alone and through email about things not related and not entirely related to what he taught?

14. Though I know I am no Megan Fox, I know I am not the homeliest-looking girl with the worst sense of fashion. I love boots, I love pleather, I love lace, I love looking a notch-up from the typical college student in their mismatched pajamas and tank tops.If I were extremely not aesthetically-pleasing or not generally well-put-together, would I have gotten half the heat that I did during that meeting? If I had kyphosis or two lazy eyes, would that matter? If I wore a sweatshirt or long pants instead of a dress to that meeting, would that matter? I feel like their attacking on me was brought far too cruelly than necessary, and a lot because of my physical appearance along with my choice of attire?

15. So am I wrong for having let a male professor borrow video games, telling a female professor I loved her shoes, letting a male professor borrow the movie "Girl, Interrupted," letting a female professor see me cry when I received a bad grade, telling a male professor he dressed nicely today, complimenting a female professor's dress, doing flyers for a male professor's music ensemble I'm not even a part of, purchasing a tremendous bag of candy for the former amazing female secretary of the music department for passing students so she didn't have to spend her own money, buying two large Hershey's bars for a male professor who loves chocolate, telling a female professor what I really thought of how she teaches a class, informing a male professor that he had mayonnaise on his lips after taking a bite of his sandwich,  letting a female professor have access to my website-making account, taking pictures at a male professor's ensemble event even though I don't actually have to do so, etc. etc. etc.? Am I?

16. And am I wrong for naturally being able to converse with older people, male or female, better than people my own age or younger? Perhaps it's because my parents were both educators and so are a few of my relatives, so I know how this game works, but I still like to talk to them. I remember sitting in the teachers' lunch room at my parents' schools, listening to the teachers gossip about what this particular kid did, what that particular kid said. It was hilarious. I loved being able to see backstage and hear what teachers really thought of their students and jobs and lives. I love when they're real, and a number of professors truly are actually. I love getting to know educators and being able to get a glimpse of behind the Educator Exterior, which I respect all the same, regardless. And if I can't, that's fine, too. But I like to know what they think of things, what their interests are, what they like to write, what music they like to play, what they really think of my talent, etc. It's not unprofessional.

17. I truly cannot emphasize enough the importance of the many topics in this blog post. I am a female straight student and that's why I am not allowed to have a conversation with a male professor. But as I mentioned earlier in this post, what if I were a lesbian? Would I not be able to have a conversation with a female professor? And dear gosh, if I were a bisexual, would I not be able to have a conversation with any professor? Who would I talk to then? An animal? Perhaps a dog professor named Professor Dogowitz? Or a cat professor named Dr. Meowski? How on earth would I be able to prevent myself from rubbing either of their animal bellies? I love animals.

Dr. Meowski is judging you for being judgmental
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18. And by the way, isn't EVERY email a personal email? We all say things like "warm regards" or "Good morning Professor X" - that is personal. Or do they just want me to write something like this:

Professor X:
Body paragraph with absolutely no emotion.
And absolutely no final farewell.
Just my name.
My full name.
(And I have a number of middle names.)


19. This entire blog post is a lengthy embodiment painting my silent words of regret and disappointment to the male professor whom I can no longer converse with.

And that is a shame.

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JESSICA ASKS :

1. How long do you think it took me to write all of this? Secondly, how long did it take you to read all of this?
2. What do you think about all of the true and unfair examples I provided here?
3. Do you have a professor like any of the ones I listed above that you feel you can relate to and have absolutely no fear that anything inappropriate will result from your conversations?

~xxj

Shouldn't Everyone Be Able To Do Their Own Laundry? I Mean, How Old Are We?

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BACKGROUND INFO :

It actually took me a couple of tries to write a title that's appropriate for this particular post. I figured the one I finally chose is suitable and not filled with rage.

Anywho, word has it that a British apparel company called Mad House recently wrote sexist instructions in their mens trousers washing instruction label. As can be seen in the image above, the label shows the real instructions (that everyone should be able to do at a certain age...especially if this is a MEN'S trousers line...keyword: MEN'S...not little boys - MEN) and then an alternative to being able to do something that most adult humans of both genders can do, however, that particular alternative got them into a ton of trouble.

This alternative is:
"GIVE IT TO YOUR WOMAN/IT'S HER JOB"

Yeah, um, sexist much?

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THE STITCH :

(See what I did there?)

So apparently the company is denying that they think that they believe that laundry is strictly a woman's job.  They're also now claiming that they do not proofread the care instructions of their products that are stocked in their store. The company has not issued a statement and are not responding to phone and email requests for comments. They have, however, responded to select few tweets that are defending Madhouse and saying that the instruction labels are comical, not offensive. They also promise to proofread their labels before putting them on shelves, but still stand behind the fact that they found it "comical."

Knowledge of this was mainly brought about by British journalist Emma Barnett because she tweeted about how shocked she was to see this in her boyfriend's pants label over the weekend while tidying the house. She stated that she normally can stomach and smile along with what can be considered as casual sexist banter, but she felt as though this truly took it too far. Some agree with her, some think that it's hilarious, and some want to know where they can buy a pair.

So what's wrong with this?

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JESSICA SAYS :

I generally can also stomach or occasionally laugh at stupid sexist statements, too, however, I think this crosses the line. How could this company produce such trousers and  how on earth can the store not have noticed this in their shipment? I mean, it's not like they just got one pair, they got a stock of them. It's not like they don't know of the stereotype of women and the old-fashioned stereotypical expectation that women should be the only one to do the housework and have vast knowledge of domestically.

I also think it's dumb that the company is not issuing an apology. Even though they claim that they will proofread their labels more, they're only saying that because of the backlash - not to mention that they never bothered to apologize. I think it's fairly obvious that the store's owner does not care about the fact that some took this "joke" offensively. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he found it humorous.

I'm not saying if I were living with a man, that I wouldn't offer to do both of our laundry; however, it's a two-way street.  And he sure as Hell will know better than to crack sexist jokes...just saying.

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JESSICA SAYS :

• Do you find this label humorous or offensive?
• What do you think about the fact that the store never apologized to those who were offended?
• Can you do your own laundry, male or female?

~xxj

Rihanna And Chris Brown To Duet In Rihanna's New Single? Seriously?

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BACKGROUND INFO :

I gotta be honest, I actually had a different Rihanna post in the drafts queue that showed that the producers for the Grammys felt as though they were the victims of Chris Brown's domestic violence assault on Rihanna 3 years ago. I felt that that was completely selfish and heartless because if anyone was the victim, I'd have to say it was the girl who was beaten unconscious. I was going to focus on the fact that Rihanna was a victim and therefore, should not be mocked.

But now I can't really do a post on that. One, because I kind of missed posting it in a reasonable amount of time after such information was released. And two, because supposedly these two are planning on doing a duet together and have been conversing on Twitter, a public social networking site, for a while now.

So what's the problem here?

How about this question that readers of online media are asking themselves:
WHAT THE HELL?

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WHY IT'S SICKENING :

It is sickening for many reasons, but I must first note that I find it truly disgusting how the media seems to be giddy for the two to be conversing and possibly working together again. Does nobody take domestic violence seriously in Hollywood? But even the better question could possibly be this:
Does Rihanna?
I remember reading about the assault three years ago and vividly remember the pictures that were released. Needless to say, I was revolted. How could any person lay their hands on another in such a violent and ill-intended way? Especially those in a relationship? Domestic violence is certainly no laughing matter. The world gained a lot of respect for Rihanna when she opened up about the ordeal and stood by causes that promoted awareness for domestic violence. She was strong even though she was hurt physically. She wasn't afraid to tell people about the reality of the situation.
But after such a noble deed for being a sufferer of such a horrible crime, has she truly forgiven the man who so brutally beat her years ago?  
Is it really that easy to move on from a man who was photographed jet-skiing in Miami only a month after the assault took place?
Though neither celebrities will confirm or deny the rumor of their collaboration, it honestly seems likely at this point. They were both relatively recently photographed leaving the same studio, but in a short 20 minute interval of one another. And Chris Brown celebrated Rihanna's birthday with her.  
Well now.

Rihanna and Chris Brown leaving the same studio in a 20 minute interval from one another.
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JESSICA SAYS :

 I still don't think it's right that he hit her. But I also don't think it's right that she's already getting cozy with him or would even want to. I personally know that I would never be able to speak to, work with, or see a person who was so heartless and violent towards me and resorted to domestic violence. Maybe I'm just a very unforgiving person, but I don't think you should ever have to fear the person you choose to be in whatever relationship with. 

And what sort of message is this sending to the women who could relate to her and appreciated her speaking up about something they went through themselves? Now she's getting back together with a guy she knew hurt her.  

I realize this is her own love life, but being that she's a public figure, you'd expect that she would at least keep in mind all of the people she touched with her story and pain. 

Chris Brown hugging Rihanna at her most recent birthday party.
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 TO THE READERS :

• What do you think of Rihanna and Chris Brown possibly getting back together?
• Being that Rihanna's openness about the situation when it happened helped many other battered women. What do you think they feel about this new situation?
• Will you listen to their duet?

Courtney Stodden: America's New Female Role Model?

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BACKGROUND INFO :

Welcome the newest try-hard to enter the socialite/reality television scene by resorting to selling sex and professing her controversial love of husband Doug Hutchinson to the gullible, drama-craving American public. And by controversial love, I'm alluding to the poking fun at the age difference of 34 years with Courtney supposedly being 17 [hahahaha yeah right. Also, for all the people checking out her supposed 17-year-old body, PERVS] and Doug being 51.

Certainly smells like the controversial story line that Americans would just love to watch on television, right? But you know, nobody is that shallow to be able to sell everything about themselves and possibly craft completely fake persona to become rich and famous.
Yes, that was sarcasm.

Anywho, Courtney Stodden has no future aspirations, enjoys tweeting tweets that reflect her lack of intellect and soul but knowledge of the Thesaurus right-click option in Word, has no problem walking around exposing her body in overly-revealing outfits, and seems to be quite dead behind the eyes that are lined in pounds of black eyeliner and blended into her spray tanned skin.

Well, color me shocked.

Oh, it's funny what the lack of self-value, need for attention, heavy makeup, and breast implants can do for you.
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SHE IS NO ROLE MODEL :

As you can probably tell above, that photo is a before and after picture [I'm guessing when she actually was 17 on the left and now as she's 32 or something on the right]. Most do not know that prior to becoming a sexed-up socialite and "child"-bride, she was once just a model trying to break into the business. 
Well now, she certainly made an break into the Hollywood business, but is her method actually admirable or worthy of being considered a national role model?

Perhaps the article I read was a joke [read it Here], but the author claimed that Stodden appeared right in time because young female Americans need a new role model to look up to. Though she may seem like a performance artist trying to get rich and famous for being notorious and controversial, the author said that she is perfect because she practices what she preaches. She does not hide her real self for the sake of not being judged or getting backlash. And if she really is the person she claims to be, then this would be true and possibly even a tad respectable. But despite the fact that she says exactly what is on her mind and how she feels [it's dangerous sometimes, seriously], is she really the woman young girls should feel the need to aspire to be?

What on earth is she on?
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JESSICA SAYS :

I'm sure you can tell in my tone throughout this entire post that I believe this socialite is the furthest thing from what a female role model should be for American girls and young women. One can practice what they preach in a tasteful way without resorting to outlandish and inappropriate means. For example, she has no problem ranting about her sexuality, but she can do so without prancing around in thongs in public and revealing her kinky sex life on Twitter. Not only that, but she's only proving to females that succumbing to selling sex will get you what you want in life. That women should conform to society's messed up standard and expectation of women. And that's wrong.

Yes, if Courtney Stodden is actually a real person and not a persona, then she does hold true to her words. But her words shouldn't be what inspires people to be what they want in life. If all females were to follow this woman's mentality and lack of morals, every woman would have fake breasts, would spray-tan consistently, would wear thongs in public, pose publicly in questionable positions with their husbands, etc. etc. etc. For a woman who claims to be so comfortable in her skin, it's ironic how much she changed about herself since her teen years.

I honestly think she is in her thirties and that she became desperate enough to become famous that she chose to be this empty-eyed sex doll. I think it's because she never made it big as a model. Seems she eventually found her way to have her name known. But females shouldn't feel that they need to resort to selling sex and becoming a false image just to get somewhere in life or have their name be known. There is a tremendous difference between being famous because of being reputable and being notorious.

If she really is the person she claims to be and is legitimately happy in her life and is not faking a marriage just to have her own reality TV show, then fine, whatever. But to suggest her being this role model is ridiculous and I would hope - for the sake of humanity - that others agree with me, too.

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TO THE READERS :

• I tend to read a lot of posts on a gossip site called ONTD so I tend to read a bit about these types of people. My question, though, is have you heard of Courtney Stodden?
• What do you think about this person or persona being a role model for young American girls and women?
• Do you really think this woman is 17-years-old?

"Pretty Little Liars" : Having A Lesbian Couple On TV Is "Irresponsible Imagery?"

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BACKGROUND INFO :

"Pretty Little Liars" is currently one of the most popular shows that ABC Family has to offer American audiences. But it is also one of the most controversial.
And it's not so much because the television show doesn't entirely follow the books, it's because there is a lesbian couple on screen. The characters' names are Emily and Maya.

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WHAT THE "FLORIDA FAMILY ASSOCIATION" HAD TO IGNORANTLY SAY :

So while doing some research on this show, I found that many protest groups attack ABC Family for allowing there to be "irresponsible imagery" on a family channel. Clearly, ABC Family has yet to back down and succumb to these ignorant protesters. And Emily and Maya's relationship seems to be stronger than ever, which is great. Everyone deserves to be happy, right?

Here's an excerpt from that they claimed:
"Unlike any other show on unrestricted advertiser-supported television networks, the majority of the primary cast on 'Pretty Little Liars' are lesbians. The series has grown from one lesbian lead character to three. The majority of the viewers of 'Pretty Little Liars' lesbian show are children. More than half or 1.3 million of the 2.5 million female viewers are children -- girls between the ages of 12 and 18 according to cable reports on Deadline.com. This report does not include girls younger than 12, but certainly they are also watching by the tens of thousands. ABC using salacious and glamorizing scenes portraying young, pretty women as lesbians sends the wrong message to these young girls, a message that reinforces and legitimizes this homosexual lifestyle in a manner that could affect these young girls’ sexual identity for a lifetime."

Although I can write a list of various retorts against this highly disappointing excerpt, I will ask this:
What about the questioning or lesbian young girls, preteens, teenagers, young women, and adult women who may watch this show and continuously struggle to have their own sexual identities be accepted in such a society?
(Also, wouldn't it be more accurate for this family group to attack ABC for using pretty, young women dressed up in heels, short dresses, and makeup that may promote sexualization of young girls?)

A video that captures some of the struggles these characters had to go through.

I also found that some advertisers even pulled their ads from the show right when the character Emily revealed that she was a lesbian. One example is GENERAL MILLS, you know, the cereal brand that makes a variety of cereals for children? So, clearly those at General Mills thinks it wrong for people to be gay. What a wonderful notion to express to children, right?

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JESSICA SAYS :

I personally don't really follow the show, but I occasionally leave the TV on after watching "The Lying Game" (woah, what's ABC Family really trying to promote here with all these lying-based shows?) and watch some if not all of the following episode of PPL. That being said, I do not entirely know the entire background story behind Emily and Maya, however, when I caught episode 18 of this season that had rather endearing scenes between Emily and Maya, I began to do some research. I was curious to see if people would be angry at this episode and sadly, I was right.

I find these scenes between the two very refreshing, to be honest. Finally, an accurate and kind portrayal of a lesbian relationship on television, not these gay or lesbian characters who only play the "mean person" roles and get killed off or something.

I realize that the General Mills thing was something that happened about a year ago, but it's still the principle of the matter. I really hope one day people can just allow other people to just be happy. I really do think that everyone deserves to find their own happiness in life, so why do others do their best to ruin it for others?

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TO THE READERS : 

•  What do you think of the Florida Family Association attacking ABC Family for having a lesbian couple, but not attacking them for the possible promotion of sexualization of young girls?
• What are your views on having gay or lesbian characters on TV?
• When do you think society will finally allow everyone to just be happy and be allowed to publicly express their happiness?

~xxj

Parks and Recreation's Leslie Knope Is Not Allowed To Have A Good Boyfriend?

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 I love Leslie Knope.

BACKGROUND INFO : 

Although it should be obvious, Leslie Knope is one of my favorite fictional characters on the hilarious show "Parks and Recreation". (Sensing bias, yet?)  In a world where most female characters on television are dulled down to fit and further the female stereotype, Knope is a strong woman who has her own voice without being the spokesperson and face of feminism. On the show, she is also a bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of little Pawnee, Indiana. She's competent and strives to be the first female President. (How many other female television characters do you know of who strive for that?)

Here's a pretty funny and accurate video to further describe Knope:

 

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And she loves waffles.

So how can you possibly hate on this amazing character?

AMANDA MARCOTTE CAN : 

It seems as though the fact that Leslie Knope has a boyfriend and that her boyfriend does nice things for her seems to  have tarnished Ms. Marcotte's opinion of Knope and what Knope stood for to her on television today. 

Marcotte implies that Knope has become weak ever since the writers gave her the romance storyline with co-worker Ben Wyatt, much like a damsel in distress. It is true that when Leslie hits a bump in her life, as does everyone, she sometimes turns to Ben for suggestions and support. But isn't that what a girlfriend should expect of her boyfriend if he truly cares about her? And Leslie asks for the advice of just about everyone on the show, so why is she being considered weak to turn to her boyfriend for support? Marcotte makes it sound as though Knope is becoming anti-feminist just because she has a GOOD boyfriend who she, in turn, is a good girlfriend to

But I guess she's not allowed to be happy, right? 

Here's the link to the original article:

Click Here

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JESSICA SAYS : 

I think I may have voiced my opinion a bit too much in the prior paragraph, so there may not be much to say here. 

Ultimately, I just think it's stupid to insinuate that a strong-willed woman is not allowed to have a boyfriend she can turn to for support, comfort, and advice. Is she not allowed happiness just because she has feminist qualities? And the writer of that article may argue that Leslie is free to find happiness and have a good relationship, but would Leslie's character being paired with a jerk boyfriend really be much better for the sake of this argument? Sure, after she realizes she deserves better and dumps him, she will be dubbed ~Strong Woman Knope, but is it truly THAT bad that she's in a relationship with a good guy? And it's not as though Ben deters her away from her aspirations. If anything, he helps keep that fiery passion alive.

Obviously this blog entry is about the big picture, here, not just this one particular couple on this one particular show. Women all over the world are entitled to  a partner who treats them the way they deserve to be treated. And just because some woman may be strong as hell doesn't mean they become weak when they find this partner.

Sheesh.

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TO THE READERS : 

• So do you think if a strong-willed woman turns to her boyfriend for support, she has become weak?
• Do you think Amanda Marcotte may have narrow view of what exactly embodies feminism?
• On a scale of 1-10, ten being highest, how AWESOME is this show?

~xxj

So Ladies Shouldn't Get Tattoos, But Should Be Victimized?

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BACKGROUND INFO :
Although we may hope that most people in modern society aren't reverting back to the sexism-laced days of yore, many would probably be surprised that some people are doing just that. And what is even more surprising is when these views are being promoted by none other than a female herself. But here's the double-whammy that makes this particular topic interesting to dedicate a blog post to: this woman also believes that women should not tarnish their bodies with tattoos. 
So, this is a post about a female writer who believes that women shouldn't get tattoos, but should fit into the impossibly-shaped boxes of perfection that society has created. 
(Oh boy, here we go...) 

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WHY THIS CROSSES THE LINE :
I think most people who are pro-tattoos or who have no opinion either way can understand why some would believe that tattoos can be viewed as "bad". Everyone has a right to have an opinion about permanent ink body art. I think what most don't like is that one can get just about anything, inappropriate or not, permanently tattooed on their body. That's why it's one of the many things listed under the genre "taboo" in our culture, although I would hope that such self-chosen means of expression would be nobody's business; however, like most things, there will always be some who will adamantly oppose stuff, regardless. But this particular article crosses the line because the author not only condemns those who get tattoos, she only condemns her own for doing so and also manages to personally ignore what feminists have so long fought for.

She seems to flip-flop on whether or not she hates her own gender for choosing to get tattoos. She says that women are naturally beautiful creatures. But then she boldly says that if a woman is not happy with how she looks, she goes to the gym. She says that women's bodies are beautiful temples (or something weird like that). But then she condemns these "beautiful temples" for choosing to get something meaningful permanently "engraved" into their skins. With this, she also insinuates that even though someone may have a meaningful tattoo, they're probably not really happy at the end of the day and they're only trying to be cool since they're a woman in the 21st century. To be edgy. Yes, that's what tattoos are ALL about. Being a cool, edgy woman in the 21st century.


But here's a direct quote that I don't think I really have to explain. This is what she claims women should invest their time, money and effort into instead of getting a tattoo:
"Invest your time, money, and effort into a gym membership, or yoga classes, or new clothes, or experimenting with different hairstyles if you’re craving something new with your body, not a tattoo.
I promise, it will be a much more rewarding experience, and you won’t find yourself in a rut when your future grandkids ask you what’s up with the angel wings on your upper back as you’re in the middle of giving them a life lesson on the importance of values and morals" (Lisa Khoury).

Well it's good to see that Ms. Khoury doesn't condone tattoos but, instead, condones stereotypical gender roles, consumerism and product production based upon society's stupid perfection-rubrics for women, and the messed-up impractical messages of "what a woman should be, look like, sound like, smell like, etc." being plastered and preached in the media. 

Yeah, don't get that tattoo of the angel wings on your upper back that symbolize the day your mother died of lung cancer, but you knew that she would go to heaven because she was just that amazing of a human being. Don't get that tattoo of baby's feet over your heart for the child you recently lost in a miscarriage, whose  feet, though never managed to walk upon this earth, managed to leave an everlasting footprint upon your broken heart. Don't get that tattoo of your favorite uplifting quote on the top of your foot which will help remind you why you choose to get out of bed everyday, stand upon your own two feet, and march fearlessly into the hellish maze we call life. Don't get that tattoo of the shooting star behind your ear that represents that even though we women live in a day and age where we are still not entirely treated as equals, that you will never listen to that degrading sexist nonsense and do your damn best to reach the stars and watch your dreams come true. 

JESSICA SAYS :
One of my friends asked me to write an entry about this particular article because she felt very deeply about the unfairness of its contents and thought that I would also be interested in it. Obviously, I was. 

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I personally have nothing against tattoos or those who get them, male or female. I feel as though it's truly none of my business how someone wants to express himself or herself. To put it into perspective, if someone is wearing the color orange, should I judge how he or she chose to express himself or herself because orange is not my favorite color? I could care less. Tattooing is permanent body art, but it's still a way some choose to express themselves. Why should anyone stop them? And if you follow the link I will provide that shows the original article, look at the picture of the writer. She is wearing a black shirt, gold necklace, and black-framed glasses. I wonder how she would feel if someone judged her by the way she chose to express herself in that picture? Why not wear a brown shirt, silver necklace, and silver-framed glasses?

Link to original article: click here.

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TO THE READERS : 

• Do you think tattoos ruin the "beautiful temple" that is the female body? 
• Why do you think this writer is condoning stereotypes, but completely bashes tattooing? 
• If you were to get a tattoo, what would it be of and why? How would you feel if some opinionated writer claimed your tat was a waste and classless? 

High Fashion or High Risk?

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  BACKGROUND INFO : 

Meet Thylane Loubry Blondeau, a beautiful 10-year-old French model whose above feature appeared in French Vogue. Blondeau is no stranger to the modeling world, though. She's actually been modeling ever since she was 5-years-old.
(Perhaps that may explain the sultry, glossed look in her eyes.)
In this particular fashion spread, Blondeau sports high heels, bold lipstick, heavy eyeliner, and age-inappropriate dresses while seductively sprawling out on leopard print bed covers. 
So.

Is this art or is it premature sexualization?

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 THE CONTROVERSY :  

There is no denying that sex sells in the fashion industry, however, there is a fine line between exploitation and advertising in regards to child models. I have read many articles and opinions about this and people seem to have one of these two views:

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this fashion spread and the model has not been photographed in any way that can be considered sexual. It's just an advertisement for fashion. Nothing more, nothing less.

OR.

This fashion spread only furthers both sexualization of girls and pedophilia. There is no need to have children photographed in seductive positions, wearing pounds of makeup, staring sensuously into the camera, and wearing age-inappropriate clothing and accessories. Sexualized images such as these also have a lasting effect on young girls who see them. An APA taskforce found that such a damaging influence by the media can severely affect how girls think about femininity and sexuality, promoting "appearance and physical attractiveness" as key values. Sexualization is also linked to low self-esteem, eating disorders, and depression.

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JESSICA SAYS :  

The sexualization of young girls is definitely a topic that will be seen again on this blog because I thoroughly believe that it is both disgusting and harmful. It is something that should be stopped and perhaps if enough attention is brought to it, something will finally be done about it. So I do my best to help.

Anyway, if it isn't obvious already, I agree with the second view written above. That fashion spread isn't selling fashion, it's selling sex.

(And what kind of mother would actually purchase these types of clothing and shoes for their 10-year-old anyway?)

Any creepy pedophile or child pornographer can plead that the spread is "artistic license". Bottom line: No 10-year-old should ever be victimized like this; however, judging by the fact that her mother pushed her into modeling at such a young age, Blondeau probably knows nothing else.  

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TO THE READERS :  

• Which view do you guys agree with: artistic and harmless or creepy and sexualized?
• Although this incident didn't happen in the US, there are many things in the media that promote premature female sexualization. Why do you think portions of society around the globe promote this?
• Do you think Blondeau's mother made a poor parenting decision to sell her daughter out to the fashion and modeling industry?

~xxj