The Sydney Region Dance festival has been on this week. Matilda performed in an item.
The
creativity on display is markedly, and refreshingly, different from the
kind of dance you see at local dance schools and on music videos. No
skimpy costumes. No bump and grind. No exploitation. Just lots of ideas
well expressed.
There
were pieces about Willy Wonka, mirrors, about having a cold (performed
in pyjamas), about the daily life of Buddhist monks (based on yoga
poses), the song Naughty from the new musical Matilda (written by Tim
Minchin), a dance about Schindler’ List, and one about the Olympics.
From a program for an earlier night’s show there was a piece called
Where’ Wally and a dance to Bjork’s It’s Oh So Quiet.
The
local performing dance school was a stand-out. The primary schools had a
mix of girls and boys performing, expected to dance equally well. Some
of the high schools just had girls dancing, and the standard was
excellent. The biggest disappointment was from a primary school that put
up a group of boys performing a piece about football. There was no
dancing involved. Movement and poses. Low expectations. And they
received the loudest cheers from the audience. I don’t understand. Boys
are celebrated for just turning up at a dance event. But shouldn’t we
expect them to, you know, dance?
I’ll
definitely be attending these in future years, with or without my
children being involved, and encourage dance teachers to go too.
The
festival is organised by The Arts Unit. The Arts Unit organise
opportunities for students from NSW public schools to be involved in
programs for dance, drama, music, visual arts and public speaking. They
also run professional development programs for teachers. To sign a
petition protesting against the proposed funding cuts, sign here.
http://www.communityrun.org/petitions/save-the-nsw-dec-arts-unit?time=1340378521
motherhood activism Australia, maternal feminism
Friday, June 22, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
After prac, the rest of life.
I’ve made it to the next chapter.
I’ve just finished my first prac at a high school. It was at the local boys school, a public school. It was good. I liked it. I found that I like being at a boys school. I haven’t thought much about boys the last twelve years. Well, I haven’t had to think very deeply about boy children for a long time before that. The boys were well behaved. I quite miss them now that the prac is over. I’m interested to see what they do next - how they go in their school work. I was interested to see boys exploring notions of masculinity in their self devised performances in drama. They’re working out how to be men, and acknowledging the different ways men are presented to them in our culture. They’re critiquing these representations. Good work.
In my studies in education we’re constantly told to incorporate technology in our teaching. From what I saw, the students are so connected, all the time, we would do well to unplug them while they are at school. The students are on their laptops - playing games - not doing research, on their phones, plugged into their ipods (in fact they dress with their earplug cords under their shirts so they can listen to music at any time) and playing DSs. It was common to see a group of boys crowded around a screen at recess. They know how to use technology. What they don’t know how to do is sit and read a book, without being plugged into something else.
Being with mothers of Year 6 children I’ve heard mothers of boys saying that their son is sensitive or quiet, so needs to go to a co-ed high school. It makes me wonder what they think of boys generally (their son being the exception) and who they think is at the boys school. I haven’t heard anyone say that her son is a bully so needs to go to an aIl boys school. All sorts of boys are at the local boys public school. Everyone is catered for. I think I’ve already commented on the process of choosing a high school as revealing people’s classist attitudes, and their racism, so I’m adding sexism to that decision making process too.
Racism, classism, sexim, ageism and homophobia. Regular topics for discussion on Q&A. But inconsistent. I know there are different panelists on different days, but if these are the great leaders in our culture (are they supposed to be?) the inconsistency is glaring. Rampant sexism on the episode with Barry Humphries. This week the panelists agreed that we should enforce laws to stamp out racism. That racism is never funny. But ageism is funny. Jokes about Jewish mothers are funny. Pru Goward said in one breath that there is no point asking how the universe began, then in the next breath said that humankind has always sought answers to life’s big questions, to the extent that people need religion. What wasn’t said is that sexism is still often accepted unchallenged. Human rights for all - respect for all - but not extended to homosexuals to allow them to marry. I’m writing a question for next week’s show. Asking Kate Lundy, the Minister for Sport, about the Lingerie Football League. I consider it a commercial venture akin to jelly wrestling or topless waitressing. If you haven’t already, I suggest you read this, the experience of an athlete who tried out for the team.
http://melindatankardreist.com/2012/06/abused-yelled-out-called-pussy-and-told-to-pancake-the-shit-out-of-her-my-experience-of-lingerie-football-league-try-outs-in-sydney-last-week/
Mortaza then read out the numbers of the girls who were chosen for the final round. Despite my ability to perform the drills, it was clear Mortaza wanted a certain ‘look’. So I was not particularly surprised that a number of us who had displayed greater football skills remained on the sidelines.
While a couple of the girls who made the cut were obviously talented athletes, in the end it was clear to everyone that our ability to play gridiron was a far lower priority than how our body would fill out the uniform.
Other recent articles about sexism in the media, which confirm my suspicion that the media is run by young men who are really pretty juvenile. This one is about the attitude of the advertising industry (you say ‘sexy’. I hear ‘lazy’), but it could just as easily apply to the music industry and some quarters of Sydney theatre.
http://melindatankardreist.com/2012/06/an-insiders-view-on-the-sexualisation-of-women/
To do anything less is considered within that group to be not “creative”. This why you see films, music videos, songs etc. being released with ever more pro-active lyrics, ideas and imagery.While it is true that the role of artists in a culture is to ‘push the boundaries’, nowhere is it written that means you have to do so by degrading the culture. That you could of course push the limits of the culture by inspiring it with enlightening, uplifting, noble campaigns seems to escape many in the industry.
This is a piece written by the ex-editor of UK Loaded magazine. His goal as editor was include as many nipples as possible. Now he is a father he regrets turning a generation of boys onto porn. Even so, the article shows the soft porn covers of the mag. I’m glad he’s spoken out, but really it’s too late, and he uses the old chestnut about a woman being someone’s daughter. No. She’s someone in her own right. He couldn’t acknowledge that before having children.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2156593/The-lads-mag-I-edited-turned-generation-porn--Im-father-I-bitterly-regret-A-remarkable-confession-longest-serving-editor-Loaded.html
Then my life changed for ever. In May 2009, I became a father to Sonny. A month later, I turned 40. Almost overnight, my world view changed.
…..
I started seeing the women in my magazine not as sexual objects, but as somebody’s daughter. Some of Loaded’s models had children themselves, and I’d think ‘what’s your kid going to think of you when they’re old enough to understand Mummy used to get her boobs out for a living?’
To think that the girls who posed for our magazine had once had their nappies changed, had once been taught to take their first steps and had once been full of childlike hope . . . it was almost heartbreaking.
I was confronted by the painful thought that maybe Loaded was part of the problem. Was it an ‘enabler’ to young teenage boys who’d consume harder porn later, in the same way dabbling with cannabis might lead to stronger addictions to cocaine or heroin?
Then, in July 2010, it was announced that terminally-wounded Loaded was to be sold to a small publisher with a murky reputation. It was the excuse I needed to leave. I woke up and thought ‘I can’t do this any more’ and quit.
The prospect of having to tell Sonny — and his friends’ parents — that I worked for a company linked to pornography was pivotal. As the father of a young child, working in such a place would be indefensible.
I suddenly wanted to vanish and do something decent with my life. I became a house dad, which fulfilled me more than Loaded ever had.
Now, nearly two years on, I am ashamed at the way I used to defend my magazine.
And this article by the ex-editor of Girlfriend magazine.
http://melindatankardreist.com/2012/06/why-i-regret-being-a-teen-model-judge-and-threw-my-womens-mags-away-ex-mag-editor-erica-bartle-seeks-something-better/
Anyone else hear Sarah de Bono’s self-penned song on The Voice and see the disconnect between her singing about being beautiful on the inside and her outward appearance - fake hair, loads of make-up, huge shoes, bright colourful mini dresses - and she says appearance doesn’t really matter?
Yesterday I saw an ad on a bus for women’s underwear. The point was that the underwear, shown on an otherwise naked women, is smooth. Surely that’s not the point. The underwear shouldn’t show under the clothes. The clothes should be smooth over the underwear. That’s the point. Were there no women involved in this campaign?
We need more women in companies that shape our culture and make decisions about how women are presented: in advertising, the music industry, film industry, in theatre. Everywhere. More women making decisions.
Ok, I’ve got that off my chest.
During my preparation for the Wordsmiths event at Mamapalooza I found lots of poems about motherhood. I plan to post them on my blog, when I get a chance.
Some local feminist friends and I decided at Mamapalooza that we need to keep meeting. We looked at attending the Country Women’s Association, but they meet during the day, and we’re not all available then. I’ll try to catch a meeting at Haberfield on a Tuesday morning, after I teach ethics. Also, I noticed the f collective have formed a feminist book group. They are the group that organised a feminist conference in Sydney a few years ago. Eva Cox is one of the leaders. At the end of the conference they declared Melinda Tankard Reist to not be a feminist, and I argued with them about this - it really was out of control - there was no constitution, process, agenda, minuted meeting in which to present and pass motions or deliver evidence or present two sides to the case - they just moved against her - no-one spoke n her defence - it was frightening (if they come for her, they could come for me.) Anyway, they’ve started a feminist bookgroup. It seems they’ve met once. Their blog seems to be focused on happenings at Sydney Uni. Have a look if you’re interested. Anyway, we’ve decided to start our own group. When we’ve worked out our regularly meeting time and place I’ll post detail on my blog.
Now, back to catching up on everything else that I’ve postponed for the last few weeks. Believe me, it’s a very long list...
I’ve just finished my first prac at a high school. It was at the local boys school, a public school. It was good. I liked it. I found that I like being at a boys school. I haven’t thought much about boys the last twelve years. Well, I haven’t had to think very deeply about boy children for a long time before that. The boys were well behaved. I quite miss them now that the prac is over. I’m interested to see what they do next - how they go in their school work. I was interested to see boys exploring notions of masculinity in their self devised performances in drama. They’re working out how to be men, and acknowledging the different ways men are presented to them in our culture. They’re critiquing these representations. Good work.
In my studies in education we’re constantly told to incorporate technology in our teaching. From what I saw, the students are so connected, all the time, we would do well to unplug them while they are at school. The students are on their laptops - playing games - not doing research, on their phones, plugged into their ipods (in fact they dress with their earplug cords under their shirts so they can listen to music at any time) and playing DSs. It was common to see a group of boys crowded around a screen at recess. They know how to use technology. What they don’t know how to do is sit and read a book, without being plugged into something else.
Being with mothers of Year 6 children I’ve heard mothers of boys saying that their son is sensitive or quiet, so needs to go to a co-ed high school. It makes me wonder what they think of boys generally (their son being the exception) and who they think is at the boys school. I haven’t heard anyone say that her son is a bully so needs to go to an aIl boys school. All sorts of boys are at the local boys public school. Everyone is catered for. I think I’ve already commented on the process of choosing a high school as revealing people’s classist attitudes, and their racism, so I’m adding sexism to that decision making process too.
Racism, classism, sexim, ageism and homophobia. Regular topics for discussion on Q&A. But inconsistent. I know there are different panelists on different days, but if these are the great leaders in our culture (are they supposed to be?) the inconsistency is glaring. Rampant sexism on the episode with Barry Humphries. This week the panelists agreed that we should enforce laws to stamp out racism. That racism is never funny. But ageism is funny. Jokes about Jewish mothers are funny. Pru Goward said in one breath that there is no point asking how the universe began, then in the next breath said that humankind has always sought answers to life’s big questions, to the extent that people need religion. What wasn’t said is that sexism is still often accepted unchallenged. Human rights for all - respect for all - but not extended to homosexuals to allow them to marry. I’m writing a question for next week’s show. Asking Kate Lundy, the Minister for Sport, about the Lingerie Football League. I consider it a commercial venture akin to jelly wrestling or topless waitressing. If you haven’t already, I suggest you read this, the experience of an athlete who tried out for the team.
http://melindatankardreist.com/2012/06/abused-yelled-out-called-pussy-and-told-to-pancake-the-shit-out-of-her-my-experience-of-lingerie-football-league-try-outs-in-sydney-last-week/
Mortaza then read out the numbers of the girls who were chosen for the final round. Despite my ability to perform the drills, it was clear Mortaza wanted a certain ‘look’. So I was not particularly surprised that a number of us who had displayed greater football skills remained on the sidelines.
While a couple of the girls who made the cut were obviously talented athletes, in the end it was clear to everyone that our ability to play gridiron was a far lower priority than how our body would fill out the uniform.
Other recent articles about sexism in the media, which confirm my suspicion that the media is run by young men who are really pretty juvenile. This one is about the attitude of the advertising industry (you say ‘sexy’. I hear ‘lazy’), but it could just as easily apply to the music industry and some quarters of Sydney theatre.
http://melindatankardreist.com/2012/06/an-insiders-view-on-the-sexualisation-of-women/
To do anything less is considered within that group to be not “creative”. This why you see films, music videos, songs etc. being released with ever more pro-active lyrics, ideas and imagery.While it is true that the role of artists in a culture is to ‘push the boundaries’, nowhere is it written that means you have to do so by degrading the culture. That you could of course push the limits of the culture by inspiring it with enlightening, uplifting, noble campaigns seems to escape many in the industry.
This is a piece written by the ex-editor of UK Loaded magazine. His goal as editor was include as many nipples as possible. Now he is a father he regrets turning a generation of boys onto porn. Even so, the article shows the soft porn covers of the mag. I’m glad he’s spoken out, but really it’s too late, and he uses the old chestnut about a woman being someone’s daughter. No. She’s someone in her own right. He couldn’t acknowledge that before having children.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2156593/The-lads-mag-I-edited-turned-generation-porn--Im-father-I-bitterly-regret-A-remarkable-confession-longest-serving-editor-Loaded.html
Then my life changed for ever. In May 2009, I became a father to Sonny. A month later, I turned 40. Almost overnight, my world view changed.
…..
I started seeing the women in my magazine not as sexual objects, but as somebody’s daughter. Some of Loaded’s models had children themselves, and I’d think ‘what’s your kid going to think of you when they’re old enough to understand Mummy used to get her boobs out for a living?’
To think that the girls who posed for our magazine had once had their nappies changed, had once been taught to take their first steps and had once been full of childlike hope . . . it was almost heartbreaking.
I was confronted by the painful thought that maybe Loaded was part of the problem. Was it an ‘enabler’ to young teenage boys who’d consume harder porn later, in the same way dabbling with cannabis might lead to stronger addictions to cocaine or heroin?
Then, in July 2010, it was announced that terminally-wounded Loaded was to be sold to a small publisher with a murky reputation. It was the excuse I needed to leave. I woke up and thought ‘I can’t do this any more’ and quit.
The prospect of having to tell Sonny — and his friends’ parents — that I worked for a company linked to pornography was pivotal. As the father of a young child, working in such a place would be indefensible.
I suddenly wanted to vanish and do something decent with my life. I became a house dad, which fulfilled me more than Loaded ever had.
Now, nearly two years on, I am ashamed at the way I used to defend my magazine.
And this article by the ex-editor of Girlfriend magazine.
http://melindatankardreist.com/2012/06/why-i-regret-being-a-teen-model-judge-and-threw-my-womens-mags-away-ex-mag-editor-erica-bartle-seeks-something-better/
Anyone else hear Sarah de Bono’s self-penned song on The Voice and see the disconnect between her singing about being beautiful on the inside and her outward appearance - fake hair, loads of make-up, huge shoes, bright colourful mini dresses - and she says appearance doesn’t really matter?
Yesterday I saw an ad on a bus for women’s underwear. The point was that the underwear, shown on an otherwise naked women, is smooth. Surely that’s not the point. The underwear shouldn’t show under the clothes. The clothes should be smooth over the underwear. That’s the point. Were there no women involved in this campaign?
We need more women in companies that shape our culture and make decisions about how women are presented: in advertising, the music industry, film industry, in theatre. Everywhere. More women making decisions.
Ok, I’ve got that off my chest.
During my preparation for the Wordsmiths event at Mamapalooza I found lots of poems about motherhood. I plan to post them on my blog, when I get a chance.
Some local feminist friends and I decided at Mamapalooza that we need to keep meeting. We looked at attending the Country Women’s Association, but they meet during the day, and we’re not all available then. I’ll try to catch a meeting at Haberfield on a Tuesday morning, after I teach ethics. Also, I noticed the f collective have formed a feminist book group. They are the group that organised a feminist conference in Sydney a few years ago. Eva Cox is one of the leaders. At the end of the conference they declared Melinda Tankard Reist to not be a feminist, and I argued with them about this - it really was out of control - there was no constitution, process, agenda, minuted meeting in which to present and pass motions or deliver evidence or present two sides to the case - they just moved against her - no-one spoke n her defence - it was frightening (if they come for her, they could come for me.) Anyway, they’ve started a feminist bookgroup. It seems they’ve met once. Their blog seems to be focused on happenings at Sydney Uni. Have a look if you’re interested. Anyway, we’ve decided to start our own group. When we’ve worked out our regularly meeting time and place I’ll post detail on my blog.
Now, back to catching up on everything else that I’ve postponed for the last few weeks. Believe me, it’s a very long list...
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mamapalooza - The Festival is Over
Well, we did it. The Mamapalooza festival is over. The Wordsmiths session was lovely. We could have just talked about writing about the arts, or published books, or mothers in fiction, or poetry, or activists' writing, or the mothers movement, or any of a number of topics, but we talked about what the speakers (bluemilk, Joan Garvan, Debra Kellahan and I), who had been thinking and researching and writing about motherhood for many years wanted to say, and that was fine. We heard from some local writers too. To me the week seemed to go very quickly. Vee disagrees. I've already forgotten all the hard work that went into the preparation, and we're planning for next year, hopefully with funding and with more people helping. And we're organising a local Feminist Mums Discussion Group.
As for the rest of life, we awoke this morning to no bread, no milk, and not enough eggs. The car needs repairs and my tooth broke. Child was crying because her uniform wasn't clean and ready - she hadn't put it in the wash. I have a story to write, learn and perform, and two assignments due. I need to do some mending for Banjo and sew elastic and ribbons on Matilda's new point shoes. Yes, moving onto pointe. Exciting and a bit scary. I'd like to say the fitting was fun, but it wasn't, and we're looking for a new dance wear shop!
As for the rest of life, we awoke this morning to no bread, no milk, and not enough eggs. The car needs repairs and my tooth broke. Child was crying because her uniform wasn't clean and ready - she hadn't put it in the wash. I have a story to write, learn and perform, and two assignments due. I need to do some mending for Banjo and sew elastic and ribbons on Matilda's new point shoes. Yes, moving onto pointe. Exciting and a bit scary. I'd like to say the fitting was fun, but it wasn't, and we're looking for a new dance wear shop!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Mothers' Day and Mamapalooza
For Mothers Day my gift to myself was helping create the festival that is Mamapalooza Sydney. Hoopla have published my article here - they make me look good!
http://thehoopla.com.au/day-mothers/
I'm having a lovely time with Mamapalooza, but Vee and I have been thinking that next time we'll run it over one day or one weekend, like an expo, so that the participants (artists, writers,musicians, stand-ups) can all meet each other, and so we can bring together groups that are raising money for charities and bringing awareness to causes.And so that we aren't going out every night for a week.
Last day today - my Wordsmiths session - and I'm excited. Lots of poems to read, and lots to talk about.
Sharing some other pieces about Mothers Day here. Clementine Ford on how naff Mothers Day is, according to the commercialised view , ie, mothers want gifts that help them do domestic work, then something to help them rest from domestic work, so they can get back to what they should be doing - domestic work.
http://www.dailylife.com.au/news-and-views/dl-opinion/the-anti-mothers-day-gift-guide-20120510-1yevu.html
The reason I don't have a mobile phone, iphone etc. (Well, the main reason; the others are cost and I wouldn't know where to keep them - books and shoes and cds - I know where they go.)
http://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/05/07/how-to-miss-a-childhood/
And about Hoopla - you can't tell older women to shut up
http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/executive-women/queenagers-rule-the-net-20120512-1yjb1.html
As for me, I visited my mother yesterday and kept thinking, I really could drop everything and just help my aging parents. I'll be dropping a few commitments soon. To pay more attention to people.
http://thehoopla.com.au/day-mothers/
I'm having a lovely time with Mamapalooza, but Vee and I have been thinking that next time we'll run it over one day or one weekend, like an expo, so that the participants (artists, writers,musicians, stand-ups) can all meet each other, and so we can bring together groups that are raising money for charities and bringing awareness to causes.And so that we aren't going out every night for a week.
Last day today - my Wordsmiths session - and I'm excited. Lots of poems to read, and lots to talk about.
Sharing some other pieces about Mothers Day here. Clementine Ford on how naff Mothers Day is, according to the commercialised view , ie, mothers want gifts that help them do domestic work, then something to help them rest from domestic work, so they can get back to what they should be doing - domestic work.
http://www.dailylife.com.au/news-and-views/dl-opinion/the-anti-mothers-day-gift-guide-20120510-1yevu.html
The reason I don't have a mobile phone, iphone etc. (Well, the main reason; the others are cost and I wouldn't know where to keep them - books and shoes and cds - I know where they go.)
http://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/05/07/how-to-miss-a-childhood/
And about Hoopla - you can't tell older women to shut up
http://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/executive-women/queenagers-rule-the-net-20120512-1yjb1.html
As for me, I visited my mother yesterday and kept thinking, I really could drop everything and just help my aging parents. I'll be dropping a few commitments soon. To pay more attention to people.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Mums really do rock!
Last night at the Supper Club was a great night of mums making music. It was fascinating how each act used a different language, different style of music, and had different things to say in song. I loved it.
There were two mother/daughter acts, and it was a privilege to see how much they loved performing together.
The Supper Club was a good venue - they looked after us well and the food was fresh and delicious.
It would be wonderful if we could put together a complication cd!
There were two mother/daughter acts, and it was a privilege to see how much they loved performing together.
The Supper Club was a good venue - they looked after us well and the food was fresh and delicious.
It would be wonderful if we could put together a complication cd!
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Mamapalooza is a wonderful thing
We opened the art show tonight, displaying 34 art works by mums about mothering. The artists wrote of the way their creative practices have changed since becoming mothers. Some said how much it means to them to be part of Mamapalooza.
My favourites are the works by Jasmine Symons, Niki McDonald, and Emma Morris.
So happy. It's worth it.
My favourites are the works by Jasmine Symons, Niki McDonald, and Emma Morris.
So happy. It's worth it.
Sunday, May 06, 2012
I feel like things are changing
There has been so much public discussion about feminism lately, I really feel like things are changing.
Yes, it really is me here. Me not being a tired pessimist.
The reasons for my optimism?
Feminist mother blogger bluemilk was approached by Fairfax to write for the Daily Life pages. About feminist mothering. That's big. She keeps up to date with the big and small conversations about feminism. I really don't know how she manages to read the amount she does. She's intelligent, thoughtful and insightful. She also has a serious job, and two kids, and is involved in her community. She's some kind of wonder, and I'm so happy I'll get to meet her (again) when she joins us at the Mamapalooza Wordsmith forum at Tap Gallery on Mothers' Day. At Daily Life she joins Clem Bastow and Clementine Ford, who also write about feminism.
You can read bluemilk's piece here:
http://www.dailylife.com.au/life-and-love/work-and-money/leave-work-at-530-20120501-1xwej.html
And there are more.
Musings of an Inappropriate Woman, the blog by Rachel Hills, also is a great place where feminism is discussed. And I love her picks for best of the rest of the net.
The newsletter of the Women's Electoral Lobby also compiles feminist events and issues from around the world, and is worth subscribing to.
The Hoopla, News With Nipples, Feministe, Hoyden About Town. Reports of grassroots action in the UK and the US. Sydney Writer's Festival and other public forums. It's all going on.
Gives me hope, it does, and makes me think it is OK for me the settle back a tiny bit. Still speak out, yes. But it's OK to do some other things as well.
Yes, it really is me here. Me not being a tired pessimist.
The reasons for my optimism?
Feminist mother blogger bluemilk was approached by Fairfax to write for the Daily Life pages. About feminist mothering. That's big. She keeps up to date with the big and small conversations about feminism. I really don't know how she manages to read the amount she does. She's intelligent, thoughtful and insightful. She also has a serious job, and two kids, and is involved in her community. She's some kind of wonder, and I'm so happy I'll get to meet her (again) when she joins us at the Mamapalooza Wordsmith forum at Tap Gallery on Mothers' Day. At Daily Life she joins Clem Bastow and Clementine Ford, who also write about feminism.
You can read bluemilk's piece here:
http://www.dailylife.com.au/life-and-love/work-and-money/leave-work-at-530-20120501-1xwej.html
And there are more.
Musings of an Inappropriate Woman, the blog by Rachel Hills, also is a great place where feminism is discussed. And I love her picks for best of the rest of the net.
The newsletter of the Women's Electoral Lobby also compiles feminist events and issues from around the world, and is worth subscribing to.
The Hoopla, News With Nipples, Feministe, Hoyden About Town. Reports of grassroots action in the UK and the US. Sydney Writer's Festival and other public forums. It's all going on.
Gives me hope, it does, and makes me think it is OK for me the settle back a tiny bit. Still speak out, yes. But it's OK to do some other things as well.
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Mamapaloza Sydney is Next Week!
For more info or if you would like to get involved
please contact Festival Organiser Vee Malnar 0402036082
or email mamapaloozasydney@gmail.com
We are part of Mamapalooza International.
For more info please go to:www.mamapalooza.com
Find us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/
Pozible Crowd Funding: Please go to:
http://www.pozible.com.au/
Monday, April 23, 2012
Easter holidays and residential school
Before
I went away Banjo invented a type of drawing called scribblex (yes,
drawing to Skrillex), Matilda organised and orchestrated her birthday
party (hamburgers and water fight), including a clean up round robin
beforehand, and the village helped me write my assignment by taking the
children for the day - three children with three families. I watched my
first box set: Mad Men Season 4, and loved it. Don’t know that I’ll be
rushing out to watch more box sets (I find it strange that people boast
about seeing certain tv shows, as if they made them, when really,
they’re boasting about sitting on their lounge for twelve hours), but
I’ve broken the seal. The only box set we have at home is West Wing, and
yes, I’ve started watching it. It’s educational - the lead up to US
elections. I wonder if candidates have asked Aaron Sorkin to be their
speechwriter. I'm not in the habit of watching dvd's. We'll see.
I’ve been away at residential school. I’ve spent a week of thinking about one thing: just one unit of study. Very unusual for me. No cooking or cleaning. No organising children. I didn’t even read the news. While away I found I was feeling more myself than I do at home, which is bit of a worry. I found I can still do theatre, that I’m good at it, and noted the freedom to just do it without worrying how it looks. I feel now like I can be a drama teacher, and even though I have a lot to learn, at least I have a clue about what it is I have to learn, so I’m on track. Quite confronted by how free I can be in a theatre studio, yet I haven’t danced on a night out in years, and I’m really quite conservative now. I don’t have to be. And I have sorted my drama teacher uniform. I know what to wear. Done.
It was good to catch up with old friends, who knew me when I was fun and interesting, and be reminded that it’s hard to live with integrity, after studying the arts, no matter where you end up. If it wasn’t mothering for me it would have been something else I’d be applying critical thinking to. A reminder that not everyone has the education we had.
Realising that, coming from an arts background, of course I’m the kind of mother I am, and of course I help organise a Mamapalooza festival.
I read ‘A Visit from the Goon Squad’ by Jennifer Egan, which I enjoyed. Recommended.
While I was away I got an article published in The Hoopla. Not world changing, but nice to be acknowledged.
And while I was away I wore my reading glasses. Like a new character. Because I feel a bit funny wearing them in front of people who already know me. Must grow up and wear my glasses.
But oh, my back. Not a good idea to sit in a train for nine hours when you have a fractured tailbone. I knew that. Didn’t stop me. Reminder to self. Don’t do it again.
First day back, last day of school holidays, I offered to take the children to Luna Park. We drove to the train station. I withdrew some money. Matilda said she didn’t feel well and wanted to go home (she didn’t want to go out with Clancy). I drove her home. We drove to the station. Bought rail tickets. Waiting on the station Banjo said she didn’t feel well and wanted to go home . (She missed Matilda). We drove home. Then tried to organise an outing with Clancy, without treading on other children’s toes about who wanted to see which movie. Matilda now felt fine. So even though I had planned an outing that meant lots of walking around and not much sitting, I ended up sitting. Must do something to help my back.
Apparently, while I was away, the children did more cleaning up after themselves and their lunches were better (I’ve been a bit slack about holiday lunches, but hey, after twelve years of three good meals a day, and morning and afternoon tea, I’m on a break). And the children said they enjoyed not hearing the word ‘assignment’.
So, coming up this term, and time to get back into work mode.
* Preparing lessons to teach ethics classes.
* Writing stories to perform as the library storyteller - look at folk tales. All help gratefully accepted.
* The playgroup I run - learn everybody’s name, get the resources together and decide about singing songs.
* Helping with the reading program - no preparation but there are conversations re organisation.
* Uni assignments. My assignments this trimester haven’t been as good as they could have been. Need to make this high priority and do better this term.
* A block of prac at a local school. What to do with my children after school? Do I just cancel all afterschool activities and put them in after school care - they won’t like that! Organising people to cover me in my jobs. Wish me luck.
* And of course, Mamapalooza - that’s going to be one crazy week. I need to keep reminding myself that I don’t have to write a book in preparation for the Wordsmiths session.
And in between all this, I’ll be cooking, cleaning and running around after children. Or is it the other way around??
Now, off to work. If you see or hear me doing anything not related to my set goals for the term, give me whack!
I’ve been away at residential school. I’ve spent a week of thinking about one thing: just one unit of study. Very unusual for me. No cooking or cleaning. No organising children. I didn’t even read the news. While away I found I was feeling more myself than I do at home, which is bit of a worry. I found I can still do theatre, that I’m good at it, and noted the freedom to just do it without worrying how it looks. I feel now like I can be a drama teacher, and even though I have a lot to learn, at least I have a clue about what it is I have to learn, so I’m on track. Quite confronted by how free I can be in a theatre studio, yet I haven’t danced on a night out in years, and I’m really quite conservative now. I don’t have to be. And I have sorted my drama teacher uniform. I know what to wear. Done.
It was good to catch up with old friends, who knew me when I was fun and interesting, and be reminded that it’s hard to live with integrity, after studying the arts, no matter where you end up. If it wasn’t mothering for me it would have been something else I’d be applying critical thinking to. A reminder that not everyone has the education we had.
Realising that, coming from an arts background, of course I’m the kind of mother I am, and of course I help organise a Mamapalooza festival.
I read ‘A Visit from the Goon Squad’ by Jennifer Egan, which I enjoyed. Recommended.
While I was away I got an article published in The Hoopla. Not world changing, but nice to be acknowledged.
And while I was away I wore my reading glasses. Like a new character. Because I feel a bit funny wearing them in front of people who already know me. Must grow up and wear my glasses.
But oh, my back. Not a good idea to sit in a train for nine hours when you have a fractured tailbone. I knew that. Didn’t stop me. Reminder to self. Don’t do it again.
First day back, last day of school holidays, I offered to take the children to Luna Park. We drove to the train station. I withdrew some money. Matilda said she didn’t feel well and wanted to go home (she didn’t want to go out with Clancy). I drove her home. We drove to the station. Bought rail tickets. Waiting on the station Banjo said she didn’t feel well and wanted to go home . (She missed Matilda). We drove home. Then tried to organise an outing with Clancy, without treading on other children’s toes about who wanted to see which movie. Matilda now felt fine. So even though I had planned an outing that meant lots of walking around and not much sitting, I ended up sitting. Must do something to help my back.
Apparently, while I was away, the children did more cleaning up after themselves and their lunches were better (I’ve been a bit slack about holiday lunches, but hey, after twelve years of three good meals a day, and morning and afternoon tea, I’m on a break). And the children said they enjoyed not hearing the word ‘assignment’.
So, coming up this term, and time to get back into work mode.
* Preparing lessons to teach ethics classes.
* Writing stories to perform as the library storyteller - look at folk tales. All help gratefully accepted.
* The playgroup I run - learn everybody’s name, get the resources together and decide about singing songs.
* Helping with the reading program - no preparation but there are conversations re organisation.
* Uni assignments. My assignments this trimester haven’t been as good as they could have been. Need to make this high priority and do better this term.
* A block of prac at a local school. What to do with my children after school? Do I just cancel all afterschool activities and put them in after school care - they won’t like that! Organising people to cover me in my jobs. Wish me luck.
* And of course, Mamapalooza - that’s going to be one crazy week. I need to keep reminding myself that I don’t have to write a book in preparation for the Wordsmiths session.
And in between all this, I’ll be cooking, cleaning and running around after children. Or is it the other way around??
Now, off to work. If you see or hear me doing anything not related to my set goals for the term, give me whack!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Mamapalooza Sydney 8-13 May
We've finalised the schedule for the week of celebrating motherhood - the Mamapalooza festival! It's shaping up as an exciting week. Please come along and get involved. If we have good crowds, Vee and I will feel encouraged to organise another festival next year! And if you can't come, you can still be involved by helping us with crowdscourcing (ie, fundraising) at Pozible (see below).
*Hey Hey Mama Art Prize:
Artists Celebrating Motherhood.
8th-13th May 2012. Opening Night Tuesday 8th May @ Tap Gallery
Art inspired by motherhood, created by mothers. For entry forms to the art show please email:
mamapaloozasydney@gmail.com or pick up your entry form from Tap Gallery.
*Mama Songwriter Night
Wednesday 9th May 7.30pm @ The Supper Club, The Oxford Hotel, 134 Oxford St. Darlinghurst. Hosted by Carolyn Woodorth. $10 entry includes meal. Songs inspired by motherhood, with Tina Harrod, Mindy Sotiri, Hiske, Kathy Cox, Ruby & Faith, Zelda Smyth, Trish Young (Clouds) and Freya.
*Mama Film Night
Thursday 10th May 7.30pm @ Tap Gallery. Entry by Donation. Films inspired by Motherhood -
Award-winning ‘Maverick Mother’ by Janet Merewether. 'At 39, Janet's biological clock was chiming a deafening 'tic-toc'. A film about single motherhood by choice and the contemporary role of the father.’
And ‘Rock Chikz’ by Vee Malnar. An all girl band have to find a replacement when their keyboard player and mum has to leave to give more time to her family.
*Mama SONGWRITER Night @ Parramatta!
Host Carolyn Woodorth
Friday 11th May from 7.30pm Mars Hill Cafe, 331 Church St. Under 18 venue (no alcohol) - mums can bring their kids! $10 entry. Contact Russell Neale to book a spot songsonstage@hotmail.com
*Mama CLOWN Workshop with Ruby Star
Saturday 12th May 1-5pm: To register call Ruby on 0404917033.
http://www.facebook.com/events/256047717798537/
*Mama VARIETY Night!
Hosted by Lou Lou Pollard. Saturday 12th May 8pm @ Tap Gallery, 278 Palmer St. Darlinghurst. Mama Performers, Clowns, Stand-Up Comics - Christina Van Look, Kathryn Bendall, Kathryn Yuen, Regina Botros, Ruby&Faith and more!
*Mama WORDSMITHS! “Mothers Day”
Sunday 13th May 3pm @ Tap Gallery. Catherine Walsh leads readings and a discussion on Motherhood and the Arts, with Joan Garvan, Andie Fox, and Debra Keenahan. An afternoon tea with poets (Melissa Curran & Patricia Blackman), writers and artists. A free event. Come along after brunch with the family.
For more info or if you would like to get involved
please contact Festival Organiser Vee Malnar 0402036082
or email mamapaloozasydney@gmail.com
We are part of Mamapalooza International.
For more info please go to:www.mamapalooza.com
Find us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/events/299769770062231/
Pozible Crowd Funding: Please go to:
http://www.pozible.com.au/index.php/archive/index/5603/description/0/0
*Hey Hey Mama Art Prize:
Artists Celebrating Motherhood.
8th-13th May 2012. Opening Night Tuesday 8th May @ Tap Gallery
Art inspired by motherhood, created by mothers. For entry forms to the art show please email:
mamapaloozasydney@gmail.com or pick up your entry form from Tap Gallery.
*Mama Songwriter Night
Wednesday 9th May 7.30pm @ The Supper Club, The Oxford Hotel, 134 Oxford St. Darlinghurst. Hosted by Carolyn Woodorth. $10 entry includes meal. Songs inspired by motherhood, with Tina Harrod, Mindy Sotiri, Hiske, Kathy Cox, Ruby & Faith, Zelda Smyth, Trish Young (Clouds) and Freya.
*Mama Film Night
Thursday 10th May 7.30pm @ Tap Gallery. Entry by Donation. Films inspired by Motherhood -
Award-winning ‘Maverick Mother’ by Janet Merewether. 'At 39, Janet's biological clock was chiming a deafening 'tic-toc'. A film about single motherhood by choice and the contemporary role of the father.’
And ‘Rock Chikz’ by Vee Malnar. An all girl band have to find a replacement when their keyboard player and mum has to leave to give more time to her family.
*Mama SONGWRITER Night @ Parramatta!
Host Carolyn Woodorth
Friday 11th May from 7.30pm Mars Hill Cafe, 331 Church St. Under 18 venue (no alcohol) - mums can bring their kids! $10 entry. Contact Russell Neale to book a spot songsonstage@hotmail.com
*Mama CLOWN Workshop with Ruby Star
Saturday 12th May 1-5pm: To register call Ruby on 0404917033.
http://www.facebook.com/events/256047717798537/
*Mama VARIETY Night!
Hosted by Lou Lou Pollard. Saturday 12th May 8pm @ Tap Gallery, 278 Palmer St. Darlinghurst. Mama Performers, Clowns, Stand-Up Comics - Christina Van Look, Kathryn Bendall, Kathryn Yuen, Regina Botros, Ruby&Faith and more!
*Mama WORDSMITHS! “Mothers Day”
Sunday 13th May 3pm @ Tap Gallery. Catherine Walsh leads readings and a discussion on Motherhood and the Arts, with Joan Garvan, Andie Fox, and Debra Keenahan. An afternoon tea with poets (Melissa Curran & Patricia Blackman), writers and artists. A free event. Come along after brunch with the family.
For more info or if you would like to get involved
please contact Festival Organiser Vee Malnar 0402036082
or email mamapaloozasydney@gmail.com
We are part of Mamapalooza International.
For more info please go to:www.mamapalooza.com
Find us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/events/299769770062231/
Pozible Crowd Funding: Please go to:
http://www.pozible.com.au/index.php/archive/index/5603/description/0/0
Friday, April 13, 2012
Toni Morrison
An interview with Toni Morrison in The Guardian.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/apr/13/toni-morrison-home-son-love
She has a new book, Home, which I'll read. I've read all her novels. I can't say I've fully understood them all, but spending time with her makes me feel better, hopeful, inspired.
In this interview she talks about the loss of her son, aging, politics in the USA. She is a woman worth listening to.
Here she says again, similar to one of my favourite quotes of hers, how becoming a mother freed her. She began writing fiction at the age of 39. She's now 81. She's written the books she wanted to read.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/apr/13/toni-morrison-home-son-love
She has a new book, Home, which I'll read. I've read all her novels. I can't say I've fully understood them all, but spending time with her makes me feel better, hopeful, inspired.
In this interview she talks about the loss of her son, aging, politics in the USA. She is a woman worth listening to.
Here she says again, similar to one of my favourite quotes of hers, how becoming a mother freed her. She began writing fiction at the age of 39. She's now 81. She's written the books she wanted to read.
At one level, says Morrison, it was terrifically simple. "I was young. I started writing when I was 39. That's the height of life. The real liberation was the kids, because their needs were simple. One, they needed me to be competent. Two, they wanted me to have a sense of humour. And three, they wanted me to be an adult. No one else asked that of me. Not in the workplace – where sometimes they'd want you to be feminine, or dominant, or cute." She smiles. "The kids didn't care if I did my hair, didn't care what I looked like."
Enjoy.Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Clancy's poem to her Nana on the occassion of her 80th birthday
Dear Nana
I love you with all my heart
With friendship, beauty, grace and art.
In a forest you are Snow White,
Always witty, always right.
A page you will turn
in the chapter of life
For you are a Nana and a mum
and don't forget a wife.
Great hope you bring to everyone
Small, young, and bold.
You are my Nana, oh great dear,
You are eighty years old.
I love you with all my heart
With friendship, beauty, grace and art.
In a forest you are Snow White,
Always witty, always right.
A page you will turn
in the chapter of life
For you are a Nana and a mum
and don't forget a wife.
Great hope you bring to everyone
Small, young, and bold.
You are my Nana, oh great dear,
You are eighty years old.
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Easter Morning
We're not big on Easter eggs, and I've never done the Easter bunny. Actually, I've only gone back to eating chocolate after about ten years of eating none. Last year I babysat for a family just after Easter and the children had large piles of chocolate - about 40 eggs and bunnies each. Anyway, this year I've bought a few more treats for the kids. And because I don't do the Easter bunny, Clancy hid my egg and made a treasure hint. Here are her clues.
Chocolate is a galaxy so here is your first clue.
PS if in doubt remember to look behind you
Paper, lots of paper, but sometimes running out
Of white sheets that we really need.
You should really be in doubt.
Clothes, lots of clothes.
Banjo has the most.
Matilda has so little.
She doesn’t mean to boast.
High clothes and low clothes
I sometimes cannot reach.
Clothes for the mountains
Clothes for the beach.
Congratulations
You’ve got one more to find
You should be able to find it,
that is if you’re not blind.
Look outside and you may find
a beautiful Easter egg.
But don’t be too hasty
‘Cause you might fall off the edge.
It was in a tree in the backyard!
Happy Easter.
Chocolate is a galaxy so here is your first clue.
PS if in doubt remember to look behind you
Paper, lots of paper, but sometimes running out
Of white sheets that we really need.
You should really be in doubt.
Clothes, lots of clothes.
Banjo has the most.
Matilda has so little.
She doesn’t mean to boast.
High clothes and low clothes
I sometimes cannot reach.
Clothes for the mountains
Clothes for the beach.
Congratulations
You’ve got one more to find
You should be able to find it,
that is if you’re not blind.
Look outside and you may find
a beautiful Easter egg.
But don’t be too hasty
‘Cause you might fall off the edge.
It was in a tree in the backyard!
Happy Easter.
Religion for Atheists
I was keen to read this book because Alain de Botton argues some points that I argue: that religion fills the basic human needs for community and ritual. I was keen to see an atheist book that acknowledges and respects what belonging to a church or religion provides for people that is good for them and for society.
But, I’m disappointed, for a few reasons.
1. He needs a better editor. He does harp on.
2. He acknowledges that New Atheists in their books (Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens) are quite cruel and dismissive in their rally against religion, yet he does this in a way that joins in the ‘fun’ of religion bashing. Not cool. Especially when you claim your book isn’t in that camp, and acknowledges that millions of people who are religious must get something worthwhile from religion. It only takes a line or two to lose credibility.
3. He refers to religion very broadly. He refers to Christianity, Judaism and Islam, but not to other religions, nor the vast variety within the main religions. Sloppy.
4. He does offer suggestions for secular societies to enjoy and benefit from engaging in rituals and building communities. However these are either far fetched, or impractical or just not very well thought out. I could suggest people are already finding ways to build communities and create rituals to make meaningful events in their lives, whether that be sitting in a circle passing the bong around, or attending a big football match or going to the theatre, or having morning tea and singing songs at playgroup. (We say the Romper Room grace: ‘For our family friends and food we say thankyou.’) Or the shared humanity of acknowledging people’s sorrows in internet forums. He asks that we think more about how to be good and wise, without seeing the ways in which we already do, in conversations big and small, about ourselves and others, known and unknown, in institutions real and virtual. Just as working together in a community garden, attending committee meetings and babyshowers and school assemblies, offering consolation and support on blogs and forums, playing video games together or discussing tv series, books or films, or attending raves, have their own rituals and build community when people come together, in ways that add meaning to our lives, and challenge us to assess ourselves, what we believe, and how we’re faring in attempting to live according to our values and beliefs.
So, I’m calling this book at starting point.
But, I’m disappointed, for a few reasons.
1. He needs a better editor. He does harp on.
2. He acknowledges that New Atheists in their books (Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens) are quite cruel and dismissive in their rally against religion, yet he does this in a way that joins in the ‘fun’ of religion bashing. Not cool. Especially when you claim your book isn’t in that camp, and acknowledges that millions of people who are religious must get something worthwhile from religion. It only takes a line or two to lose credibility.
3. He refers to religion very broadly. He refers to Christianity, Judaism and Islam, but not to other religions, nor the vast variety within the main religions. Sloppy.
4. He does offer suggestions for secular societies to enjoy and benefit from engaging in rituals and building communities. However these are either far fetched, or impractical or just not very well thought out. I could suggest people are already finding ways to build communities and create rituals to make meaningful events in their lives, whether that be sitting in a circle passing the bong around, or attending a big football match or going to the theatre, or having morning tea and singing songs at playgroup. (We say the Romper Room grace: ‘For our family friends and food we say thankyou.’) Or the shared humanity of acknowledging people’s sorrows in internet forums. He asks that we think more about how to be good and wise, without seeing the ways in which we already do, in conversations big and small, about ourselves and others, known and unknown, in institutions real and virtual. Just as working together in a community garden, attending committee meetings and babyshowers and school assemblies, offering consolation and support on blogs and forums, playing video games together or discussing tv series, books or films, or attending raves, have their own rituals and build community when people come together, in ways that add meaning to our lives, and challenge us to assess ourselves, what we believe, and how we’re faring in attempting to live according to our values and beliefs.
So, I’m calling this book at starting point.
Friday, April 06, 2012
The Picasso Exhibition
I went to this exhibition, but didn't really enjoy it, for a number of reasons.
I wonder how many people go to these kinds of events because they are truly interested, and how many go because they think they should be interested, or because it is culturally good for them, an equivalent of eating their vegetables? Or because it is a socially acceptable outing for women of a certain age?
Every time I see the celebration of a major male artist I wonder about the women who made his food and washed his clothes. In the case of Picasso there was a series of women to renew his spirits and share the work. He painted them. They took care of him and his children. I wonder if he ever made his own sandwich or interacted with his own children. It feeds into the ideal of the artist as someone with no care responsibilities, and expendable relationships. The kind of artist that mothers just can't be. The kind of ideal that mother artists, in any artform, rally against.
I was just as interested in watching the people at the Art Gallery as I was in the exhibits. Perhaps more so. People are interesting. My main thought at Picasso's works was this:considering he could draw so well at a young age, and do any type of art he liked, why was he not interested in conventional beauty? Why did he not use his talents to add to the beauty of the world? And yes, I understand he was creating new forms and commenting on his world, and that world is not always beautiful, but that was my thought. If you could create beauty, why wouldn't you?
I was more interested in the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, after seeing the doco on tv that same week I attended the Picasso exhibition. But perhaps Jean-Michel Basquiat could not have done the work he did without Picasso.
I wonder how many people go to these kinds of events because they are truly interested, and how many go because they think they should be interested, or because it is culturally good for them, an equivalent of eating their vegetables? Or because it is a socially acceptable outing for women of a certain age?
Every time I see the celebration of a major male artist I wonder about the women who made his food and washed his clothes. In the case of Picasso there was a series of women to renew his spirits and share the work. He painted them. They took care of him and his children. I wonder if he ever made his own sandwich or interacted with his own children. It feeds into the ideal of the artist as someone with no care responsibilities, and expendable relationships. The kind of artist that mothers just can't be. The kind of ideal that mother artists, in any artform, rally against.
I was just as interested in watching the people at the Art Gallery as I was in the exhibits. Perhaps more so. People are interesting. My main thought at Picasso's works was this:considering he could draw so well at a young age, and do any type of art he liked, why was he not interested in conventional beauty? Why did he not use his talents to add to the beauty of the world? And yes, I understand he was creating new forms and commenting on his world, and that world is not always beautiful, but that was my thought. If you could create beauty, why wouldn't you?
I was more interested in the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, after seeing the doco on tv that same week I attended the Picasso exhibition. But perhaps Jean-Michel Basquiat could not have done the work he did without Picasso.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Sexism on tv
Good on Clem Bastow for pointing out sexism on tv in this article for Daily Life. (Not sure I agree about Agony Uncles, but anyway.) A job worth doing.
http://www.dailylife.com.au/news-and-views/dl-culture/sexist-tv-a-spotters-guide-20120403-1w9sb.html
What I don't understand is why she included this paragraph.
(If you’re anything like me – i.e. a tiresome, man-hating feminist who would rather plait her overgrown underarm hair than engage with popular culture – it’s rather more difficult, when it comes to Australian broadcasting, to find a TV show that doesn’t display some level of sexism.)
How does that add to the argument in any positive way? Has she no editor?
http://www.dailylife.com.au/news-and-views/dl-culture/sexist-tv-a-spotters-guide-20120403-1w9sb.html
What I don't understand is why she included this paragraph.
(If you’re anything like me – i.e. a tiresome, man-hating feminist who would rather plait her overgrown underarm hair than engage with popular culture – it’s rather more difficult, when it comes to Australian broadcasting, to find a TV show that doesn’t display some level of sexism.)
How does that add to the argument in any positive way? Has she no editor?
A Woman of a Certain Age
This week I've been referred to as 'the lady', 'that woman', and 'someone', even though I was right there - 'Hello! I'm the someone!' That's what I said.
Is this the invisibility of an aging woman?
Or have I just encountered some rude people this week?
I do seem to be visible at the baking aisle of the supermarket. People consult me. 'Yes I have used that brand of flour. Yes it is fine for making white sauce.' Matronly.
I'm not exactly shy, and I do often wear bright colours. If I was more retiring, or not so determined, or not feeling well, I'd be quite hurt.
And while I need to dress for function (I really can't see myself getting around like the women featured in Advanced Style) it would be nice to not be invisible. Time to speak out against rudeness perhaps, or make a point of introducing myself to everyone, multiple times.
http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com.au/
Is this the invisibility of an aging woman?
Or have I just encountered some rude people this week?
I do seem to be visible at the baking aisle of the supermarket. People consult me. 'Yes I have used that brand of flour. Yes it is fine for making white sauce.' Matronly.
I'm not exactly shy, and I do often wear bright colours. If I was more retiring, or not so determined, or not feeling well, I'd be quite hurt.
And while I need to dress for function (I really can't see myself getting around like the women featured in Advanced Style) it would be nice to not be invisible. Time to speak out against rudeness perhaps, or make a point of introducing myself to everyone, multiple times.
http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com.au/
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Women Literary Events
The Sydney Writers festival is coming up - they've just released their schedule of events. I always scan looking for feminist and women's (perhaps even mothering - hardly likely) events.
I'm finding their picture a little confusing. I know their theme is private vs public, but the picture of a woman with her eyes and mouth blanked like in the photos of people who are naked and abused is confronting. Maybe not in the way they intended. I'm not comfortable with it. I guess they were going for 'edgey'. I'm calling it 'distasteful'.
Anyway, here's what they're offering this year.
The Feminist Supremacy? With Kathy Lette, Tara Moss, Emily McGuire, Catherine Deveny and Julia Baird.
http://www.swf.org.au/component/option,com_events/Itemid,124/agid,3114/task,view_detail/
Girl Trouble, about chic lit, with Toni Jordan, Kathy Lette and Gretel Killeen.
http://www.swf.org.au/component/option,com_events/Itemid,124/agid,3083/task,view_detail/
Women on Top, workshop with Toni Jordan
http://www.swf.org.au/component/option,com_events/Itemid,124/agid,2928/task,view_detail/
With My Body, Nikky Gemmell
http://www.swf.org.au/component/option,com_events/Itemid,124/agid,3089/task,view_detail/
Now, I'm not saying I'm going to all these. Or any. I'm a bit ennuied with literary talks and writers' festivals. I realised years ago that they are marketplaces for selling books, not ideas. They are places for people with disposable time and income to gather tales for their dinner parties. They don't actually change anything. (Silly me...)
Also, The Hoopla is holding a literary lunch to support the Stella Prize, a new award for women's writing.
http://thestellaprize.com.au/
See Monia Dux on why we need to support women's writing here:
http://thehoopla.com.au/hoopla-stella-lunch/?cpg=2
I pretty much only read women's writing these days.
But of course, I'm hoping that anyone interested in these events will be attending the Mama Wordsmiths event on Mothers Day at the Tap Gallery, which is the final event of the Mamapalooza Sydney festival, and which I'm hosting.
I'm finding their picture a little confusing. I know their theme is private vs public, but the picture of a woman with her eyes and mouth blanked like in the photos of people who are naked and abused is confronting. Maybe not in the way they intended. I'm not comfortable with it. I guess they were going for 'edgey'. I'm calling it 'distasteful'.
Anyway, here's what they're offering this year.
The Feminist Supremacy? With Kathy Lette, Tara Moss, Emily McGuire, Catherine Deveny and Julia Baird.
http://www.swf.org.au/component/option,com_events/Itemid,124/agid,3114/task,view_detail/
Girl Trouble, about chic lit, with Toni Jordan, Kathy Lette and Gretel Killeen.
http://www.swf.org.au/component/option,com_events/Itemid,124/agid,3083/task,view_detail/Women on Top, workshop with Toni Jordan
http://www.swf.org.au/component/option,com_events/Itemid,124/agid,2928/task,view_detail/
Subject and Self: Muslim Women Writers Talk, with Randa Abdel-Fattah, Nasrin Mahoutchi-Hosaini, Eugenia Flynn, Samah Hadid
http://www.swf.org.au/component/option,com_events/Itemid,124/agid,3058/task,view_detail/
http://www.swf.org.au/component/option,com_events/Itemid,124/agid,3058/task,view_detail/
With My Body, Nikky Gemmell
http://www.swf.org.au/component/option,com_events/Itemid,124/agid,3089/task,view_detail/
Now, I'm not saying I'm going to all these. Or any. I'm a bit ennuied with literary talks and writers' festivals. I realised years ago that they are marketplaces for selling books, not ideas. They are places for people with disposable time and income to gather tales for their dinner parties. They don't actually change anything. (Silly me...)
Also, The Hoopla is holding a literary lunch to support the Stella Prize, a new award for women's writing.
http://thestellaprize.com.au/
See Monia Dux on why we need to support women's writing here:
http://thehoopla.com.au/hoopla-stella-lunch/?cpg=2
I pretty much only read women's writing these days.
But of course, I'm hoping that anyone interested in these events will be attending the Mama Wordsmiths event on Mothers Day at the Tap Gallery, which is the final event of the Mamapalooza Sydney festival, and which I'm hosting.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Marriage Equality
A few more days until the submissions to the Senate Inquiry close.
Click here to sign the GetUp! petition.
http://www.getup.org.au/senate-inquiry
Or click here to make a submission to the Inquiry.
http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/help-make-marriage-equality-happen-send-a-submission-to-the-marriage-equality-inquiries/
Here's hoping we can achieve equal rights under the law.
Click here to sign the GetUp! petition.
http://www.getup.org.au/
Or click here to make a submission to the Inquiry.
http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/help-make-marriage-equality-happen-send-a-submission-to-the-marriage-equality-inquiries/
Here's hoping we can achieve equal rights under the law.
The death of Adrienne Rich
Here is a link to the NYT obituary for Adrienne Rich, feminist poet and activist.
Adrienne Rich, Feminist Poet and Author, Dies at 82
www.nytimes.com
Adrienne Rich’s Of Woman Born, published in 1976, was the first book to examine motherhood as socially constructed under a patriarchy. She gave us the language with which to theorise motherhood.
And a note from Andrea O'Reilly, head of the Motherhood Initiative for Research and Community Involvement, based at York University, Toronto, wrote:
A sad day indeed for feminist mother scholars around the world; we lost our Adrienne Rich. I recd the news minutes before I had to teach my Intro to WMST class..so have not even had the time to process this loss or attempt to put my love and grief into words. I can only say now--and i hope i may be more articulate later-- that it was Rich who saved so many of us --in theory and practice-- from patriarchal motherhood and made possible empowered mothering. Thank you Adrienne for being the original Mother Outlaw and enabling us to be and do the same. You are deeply loved and will be missed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)