Patriarchy - n., 1 a form of social organization in which the father is head of the family, descent being traced through the male line 2 rule or domination by men
If you were ever uncertain whether we lived in a patriarchal society then read this article from CNN.com. I believe this woman also appeared on an episode of Tyra Banks.
ALSO, as we’re (or I am at least) celebrating the 36 anniversary of freedom of choice, read this uber-popular WordPress blog. How to Stump an Anti-Abortionist with One Question. I find great issue with the term “anti-abortionist” because I don’t believe anyone is really for its alleged antithesis, pro-abortion, but more often are in favor of the right to choose. Nonetheless, it’s quite a provocative and enlightening read, no matter what side of the issue you stand.
Categories: Sexuality
Tagged: abortion, CNN, patriarchy, virginity
Paul Cézanne’s “Orgy," 1880.
Bristol Palin, Jamie Lynn Spears…as of recent times I have heard that teenage pregnancy seems to be on the rise again. Due to pure laziness, I have not checked out the actual statistics for myself, however I can certainly say that judging from the US pop culture phenom, Hollywood has turned into a regular Babies ‘R Us.
I don’t believe that any people in developed nations really like the idea of teenage pregnancy too much and this surge in babies having babieshas made pregnancy a political issue once again (not like it ever really went away). This always takes me back to my sex ed class and how limited it really was. Yes, we learned what penises and vaginas were but the tension in the room was SERIOUS and I think that is often the case when you teach abstinence only sex ed when a sizable percentage of your population has already engaged in some form of sex. I have always been a big advocate for comprehensive sex ed program in our school systems, but even more importantly in our social and political scenes. Sex is dark and nasty to us, and you are too if you desire to have it it and if you’re even thinking about “playing for the other team” you better watch it. NOT COOL.
Indulge me and read this article from Times Online about the Dutch sex ed program. It covers everything from porn, the emotional aspect of sex and homosexuality and many of the quotes come directly from the mouths of children. Granted, I was quite shocked at some of the specific examples, however this really could be attributed to my conditioning as a member of US culture EVEN though I disagree with our current system. Will it ever change? Here’s that link (and notice that it’s included on the women’s section of the site as if to imply that men don’t care about the topic…curious).
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article5208865.ece
Categories: Culture & Race
Tagged: abortion, Bristol Palin, children, education, family, porn, pregnancy, sex, Sexuality, teen
