UPEI Women's Studies Society

Good Luck! Thanks for a GREAT Year!

2009-04-05T22:16:00.002-03:00

Hi All,

I just wanted to wish all students good luck on papers and exams coming up in the next two weeks, and good luck to all profs who have to deal with us stressed out students!!!

We have had a GREAT year, and I'd like to thank everyone who helped make the UPEI Women's Studies society such a great success! Our Babes Beyond Borders film series was hugely successful, and will hopefully return in the fall.

Hopefully some of you will continue to post interesting things on this blog over the summer - feel free to share cool things that happen to you or articles that you come across! If you have lost the password and sign-in information, contact me, Kerrilynn, Marianne, or Ann!

Reminder that the deadline for WS conference abstracts was this past friday april 3rd, however we will accept a couple more that trickle in. Email abstracts to upei_wst_society@hotmail.com

Thanks again everyone, have a fantastic summer!

Erica

Gendered Spaces Blog

2009-03-14T20:19:00.002-03:00

Hey All!

I've created a blog for my WS 211 class, and I'd love it if you could check it out, make some comments, become a "follower", etc!! Feedback would be great too as it's a work in progress for my final assignment!! Thanks!

http://problematizinggenderedspaces.blogspot.com

Erica

Keep Hanging Tough!

2009-03-01T10:17:00.001-04:00

Happy Sunday again!

Check out this video to keep you motivated on a long day.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

More, more, too much?

2009-03-01T09:41:00.002-04:00

Hello Blog Readers, happy Sunday,

Here is an update on the woman who was banned from X Box Live for identifying as a lesbian. I think it is interesting how they use say "for gamertags or profiles we do not allow expression of any type of orientation, be that hetero or other". That heterosexuality is always biting people in the butt. The article is concluded by saying that "Microsoft's position on this issue has been consistent — whether you are actually gay or if the word gay is in your name.". WTF? What about if you are straight and identify as it? And, whether you are actually gay... heaven forbid someone actually be something.

Stephen Toulouse handles the policy for XBox Live service and here is what he had to say about the issue. I think it is funny how they are changing the word banned to suspended in the articles. And how they try to stop all forms of sexual and racial harrassment. Do they try to stop harrassment against women that doesn't involved sex or race?

Here is another comment about the article.

This isn't the first time that someone has been suspended on XBox for stating their sexuality in their name. Here is an aricle about thegayergamer and how he was suspended. Make sure to read the comments attached to see what people say about these types of articles. It is mind
blowing.

Probably the last post on 'gay gaming' minus the updates on Theresa. This man's last name was Gaywood and was suspended.

Well I am happy that Microsoft is finally looking into a way to represent gender and sexuality in gaming. Microsoft is currently looking at "a way to safely express relationship preference" without it getting misused.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

BBB - Mona Lisa Smile

2009-02-27T20:58:00.001-04:00

Hi All, After an unintentional hiatus, the Babes Beyond Borders Film series is back in action!! This Friday March 6th at 3pm we will be showing Mona Lisa Smile, starring Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, and Maggie Gyllenhall.

This film tells the tale of a young university professor who discovers that nearly all of her female students are only in university to find a husband - and when they do, they drop out. She struggles to convince her students that they should be able to pursue careers and lives of their own, not simply define themselves by what their husbands do.

Come out on Friday to see how the rest of the film unfolds - it's a good one!!! Some great discussion will follow afterwards for sure, therefore we shall reconvene at the wave immediately after the film, around 5 pm!!! Hope to see you all there!

ps - There will be a meeting at 1:30 to discuss the upcoming Women's Studies conference that UPEI will be hosting in October - please make every effort to attend because some very important things need to be discussed!!

Lesbian Profiles

2009-02-26T08:09:00.004-04:00

On an Xbox Live console you are able to create a gamers profile. When you create the profile you are allowed to put anything you like but as soon as you start playing 'live' with other people they have the option of complaining about your profile.

This is a short write up about one woman who identified as lesbian on Xbox Live and was ban from the service after her Xbox Live peers complained about her profile.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Nude Moments in Gaming: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2009-02-26T08:05:00.003-04:00

I don't think that I am going to apologize for posting links for article related to gaming anymore.

Here is another link to an article that discusses naked women in video games. The article looks at about ten different games. Most of the women in them are topless, don't get too excited because there are little fish covering their nipples. Little fish?

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Exciting Updates!!

2009-02-25T02:47:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a fantastic reading week and are now sufficiently rested and ready to go for the rest of the semester! For those of you who are not in school or are on sabbatical (Ann and Fiona), I hope you're all reading and doing things the rest of us wish we could be doing right now!!

I just wanted to let you all know about some exciting updates that the WS Society has to announce!

First off, we are planning the first (?) ever UPEI Women's Studies Conference, set for October 23-24, 2009. Posters for the call for paper submissions have been designed by the lovely Kerrilynn, and have been printed and sent off to the various universities and colleges in Atlantic Canada, as well as Concordia and McGill Universities (in Montreal). More information will follow, but if you require some info before I post more updates, please contact me, Ann, Kerrilynn, or Marianne!!

Secondly, after a bit of an unintentional hiatus, the Babes Beyond Borders film series will continue with its second movie of the semester - Mona Lisa Smile! We are still in the process of determining which friday works the best for everyone - March 6th or 13th - and we'd like your feedback! Please post a comment on this blog post, or send us an email at upei_wst_society@hotmail.com. I'll have that information up for you all asap!!!

Anyway, that's all for now - just wanted to give you guys a bit of a teaser update before the official info hits the airwaves!! Bye for now,

Erica

Pregnancy in Video Games

2009-02-09T16:48:00.001-04:00

Here is another interesting read about pregnancy in video games

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Update!

2009-02-09T16:44:00.002-04:00

Do you remember the link I posted a while ago about the woman who wanted a divorce because her husband was cheating on her online? Here is an update on the story. If you can watch the whole video, it is really interesting.

http://kotaku.com/5141854/cheating-second-life-husband-the-movie

The full documentary can be found here:

http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/2008-2009/strangers_in_paradise/video.html

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Milk

2009-02-09T00:07:00.003-04:00

I highly recommend this film!

It's based on a true (very amazing) story about a gay rights activist named Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) and the progress he made in San Francisco and around the world.

It's in theatres now! :)

I could use one of whatever it is

2009-01-26T22:01:00.003-04:00

My mom sent me this picture in an email. I just thought that I would share it with the world.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Derogatory words don't make my day.

2009-01-25T19:20:00.004-04:00

This is my last picture from my trip to Florida. I took the picture while in Disneyland. There was a ride called Tom Sawyer's Island and you had to get to it by a boat that looked like a raft. On top of the raft read the sign in the picture. I could not believe it! That Disney Land, out of all places in the world, would have such a derogatory word especially on a sign for a kids ride.

Here's to world peace,
Kerrilynn

Pro-Kerrilynn : A parody on the Catholic Vote Video

2009-01-24T13:46:00.003-04:00

I had great fun doing this.

Peace,

Kerrilynn

Babes Beyond Borders Returns!

2009-01-24T13:27:00.006-04:00

Hello All!

I am happy to announce that the Babes Beyond Borders film series has been ressurected!!

The UPEI Women's Studies Society is proud to present:

CALENDAR GIRLS!!!!!!!

When: Friday December 30, 2009

Where: Blanchard Hall Residence - Apartment 222

Time: 3-5 pm

There will be a WSS Meeting before hand, so please try to be there around 1:00. We have lots to discuss regarding fundraisers, possible conference, and of course, upcoming BBB films!! For more info, see the Facebook Event page under the UPEI Women's Studies 08-09 group, or contact me at 626-4620. Hope to see you all there!

*PLEASE NOTE* Location Change - We will now be having our meeting and watching the film in Blanchard Hall Residence in Kerrilynn's apartment. Blanchard Hall is the residence that parallels Bellvedere Ave., beside Subway. For more directions, and for someone to come downstairs to let you in, call 626-4620 OR 626-4585. See you friday!

Erica

What to choose, what to choose?

2009-01-22T10:56:00.001-04:00

This is kind of going around in my world like a hot cake.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Why I like Daytona Beach

2009-01-14T18:55:00.003-04:00

My Winter vacation in Florida this year was most enjoyable for me and my camera. The talk of gendered bathrooms is one that comes up at least once during a Women's Studies class at UPEI. Students and Profs can sit there for hours and rant about the number of ways that our campus has gendered bathrooms, the way that these bathrooms regulate gender, and the consequences in doing so. The main problem that I find with all the bathrooms on campus is not so much that they are gendered, but that they show a little figure of either a 'male' or a 'female' on the door. This figure has multiple looks in many different settings. Sometimes one will see the traditional boxy looking figure, in Jungle Jim's they have Jane or Jim on the door, at fancier resturants they may have a lady in a big poofy hat and a man in a tuxedo, and so on. These pictures to me are not very inclusive and make me feel as if one must look like the image - look female - in order to go into the bathroom. The pictures are exclusive in that they do not include all people who may not necessarily look feminine but identify as female.
What I liked so much about this bathroom on Daytona Beach is that it did not contain a little figure, it strictly said the word women. I felt like it was inclusive to everyone who identified as woman and did not exclude by putting up a boxy little figure.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

The Virginity Post

2009-01-14T18:46:00.004-04:00

There are so many things to say about a video like this. First, kudos's to my biggest blog supporter in the world for giving me the link, thanks.

So when you want to make a little extra money these days the best way to go about doing it is to auction off your virginity - this is especially enticing if you are a Women's Studies Major. Don't fear feminists of tomorrow, because there are plenty of hairy men out there who would give you millions to take your V-card.

Check out the video,

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Peace,
Kerrilynn

First WSS Meeting of 2009!

2009-01-09T12:24:00.002-04:00

First Women's Studies Society meeting of 2009!!

Come out and be a part of the discussions and brainstorming for the events, activities, and fundraisers that the UPEI WSS will be presenting this semester! Things discussed will include the return of the Babes Beyond Borders film series, a fundraiser for Anderson House, a possible coffee shop, wine/cheese event at Ann's place, and more!!!

When: Friday January 16th - 1:00 pm
Where: Dawson Lounge - Main 420

Bring your friends and your ideas - see you friday!

Erica

626-4620

2009-01-09T08:12:00.002-04:00

Came across this website today.

Looks like a good film, doesn't it!?

Martha

Stereotypical Soap

2009-01-07T11:47:00.006-04:00

I took a trip down to Daytona Beach Florida for Christmas Break this year. While there I went to a huge flea market and in it was a soap stand. I was doing all that I could not to take pictures of all the soap packages there. Here are just a few

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Gender Gaming

2009-01-06T11:37:00.002-04:00

I am sometimes glad that my partner is a gamer who reads gamer blogs. He forwarded me these links, you should check them out:

The first one talks about the rise in bisexual gamers:

http://kotaku.com/5116637/study-shows-mmo+playing-women-overwhelmingly-bisexual

The second one talks about womens role in gaming:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7796482.stm

Peace,

Kerrilynn

Retail Ranting

2008-12-19T20:58:00.002-04:00

(I know this is maybe not considered a huge or serious issue on the Women's Studies front, but every now and then, I feel there are people that need to be reminded.)
To Retail Managers Everywhere,
Learn your employees names, please. I know it is a large store, but everyone who works there is forced to wear name tags. I don't really like to wear the name tag, it gives people we are waiting on the idea that they can call us by name even if they have no idea who we are, or anything about us. It creates an odd sense of power for the customer, I think to be able to call us by name when we don't know theirs. So I'm not sure who is to benefit from us having our names plastered to our chests- I know what my name is, I sure don't need reminding. Maybe it is for the employer...

I don't think it should be a huge deal for you to learn our names. If you don't know someone's name, feel free to glance down, around the left breastal region, there should be a name tag. Remember, we know our own names, the labels can only benefit you. If there isn't one, it's clearly okay to ask. Read the name and when you acknowledge us, call us by name. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, call us "hon", "sweetie", "dear", or perhaps most of all, "girl". By this "us", I mean women employees, who are usually cashiers under the age of 30.

We are employees, not your grandchildren. My Grampie was the only one I ever liked calling me "sweetie", because from him it was him being kind and a grampie. From an employer, it sounds condescending and demeaning to be called such things. With "hon" and "dear", the names I've found to be most commonly thrown around by managers in retail, it is not cool for you to call us that. I am not your significant other. I did not tell you it was okay to call me that, ever. In fact, I'm pretty sure every time you call me such names, I look away and cringe. Calling me by name should not create the same sense of power that it does with customers, but calling me "hon" does. Is this what you mean to do? By calling us by name every once in awhile, and NOT "hon", "sweetie" or "dear", it shows respect for us as people and as employees.

Do not, for no particular reason at all say "you go, girl" while you are passing employees. That is just creepy and weird. If we had, for example, saved a small child from disaster, still, you should never say "you go girl". It would still be creepy and weird. That one is not my experience, but one of a fellow employee, even so, I feel I can say that it is not okay to label me by a gender, don't call me the label you have given me.

Marianne

human/non-human

2008-12-10T08:55:00.002-04:00

Here is an interesting little video that I watched this morning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6r4KT8-VX0

It is not the best example but it totally makes me think of the question what defines human and what are you if you're not human..

Here are some of the lyrics from the song,

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we human?
Or are we dancer?

Will your system be alright
When you dream of home tonight?
There is no message we're receiving
Let me know is your heart still beating

To the Killers, you can either be human or a dancer I guess. What I find interesting is that they include a couple of lines that signify what they think human means as well as non-human/dancer.

Something to think about.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Last Women's Studies Society Get-Together of 2008!

2008-12-06T13:04:00.000-04:00

This is kind of interesting

2008-12-03T10:20:00.002-04:00

As you will find out, I was hesistant to post this on here ...

"The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crïeche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her, 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc., I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you'd better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards, honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein"

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Earlier today...

2008-11-23T14:27:00.002-04:00

...there was a dispute between the young couple that lives above my apartment. I couldn’t hear exactly what was being said but I heard them running around, several things being thrown or knocked to the floor and the girlfriend screaming her head off. There was a lot of commotion and it just didn’t sound like a “normal” fight. I opened the door from our apartment to listen closer and could hear the girl wailing as though she had been hurt. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this couple fight and today it sounded physical. I felt that the best thing I could do was call the police.

I called the general complaints line and the woman who answered the phone was helpful. I told her what I knew and said that I was worried something really bad was going on up there and that someone should come and check it out. She said she would send a car over immediately.

It came about twenty minutes later and two police officers went to the couple’s door. Their door is very close to mine so I could hear from my couch most of what was being said.

The girlfriend answered the door crying and they asked her, “How’s everything going up there?” She said, “Not good. We’re having a pretty big fight.” One of the police officers said, “Who is up there with you?” She replied, “My boyfriend.” The police officer then asked, “Would you like us to come up and check everything out?” She replied meekly, “No that’s okay.” The other police officers said, “Oh we had a noise complaint from your neighbours about a fight.”

I couldn’t hear what she said in reply but they asked if they could talk to the guy. He came down the stairs a few minutes later and casually said, “Hello.” They repeated most of the same questions, and then said something like, if you guys are fighting, try to keep it down so as not to disturb your neighbours and then left.

I am so aggravated at how this situation was handled. First of all, I wasn’t making a noise complaint. I didn’t call so that they couple would “keep it down,” I called because it sounded as though the girl was being hurt and because she was screaming her head off and crying loudly.

And second of all, is that all that can be done in this situation? I don’t know much about what they can legally do but I felt their questions weren’t exactly the right ones; that other questions would have made her tell what had really happened. But the police didn’t press her and took her answers as they were. The whole question period lasted only a few minutes.

Now I don’t know for sure what was happening up there but between hearing things crashing down and her screaming frantically, I would guess that it was a violent fight; one that should have been looked into more seriously. Isn’t it true that a woman who is being abused is unlikely to admit that she is?

I consider this a very serious matter and the fact that it could be so easily “taken care of” really upsets me. In response to the police officer’s questions, I half-expected the boyfriend to say, “Ok, next time I beat her up, I’ll keep it down so that I don‘t disturb my neighbours.”

I believe that there should be certain questions that police officers should ask to encourage a victim to tell what is really happening to them. Or perhaps a social worker could be present to question the victim. I’m not settled with the fact that the girlfriend today said that everything was okay and the policeman took that as truth.

Can’t something else be done?

Martha

Do you have a cyber identity?

2008-11-19T11:05:00.008-04:00

So, after Monday's 412 class I have been continuously thinking about whether something on the Internet has the same degree of effectiveness as something that happens in 'real' life, or face to face does.
It is interesting to see the ways that people present themselves online. People have the freedom to be any character and identity that they choose and they can behave in ways that they would not in real life.
I have a really interesting like to an article. The article tells the story of a couple who met on the Internet, were then married, on the Internet and in real life, and were then divorced after finding a partner cheating on them electronically. Wow, check it out and make sure to look at the accompanying link for further info on the subject.

http://kotaku.com/5088488/second-life-marriage-ends-the-way-many-real-ones-do

Peace,
Kerrilynn

ps. I am going to create a second life account myself and keep everyone posted on the things that happen.

another movie suggestion...

2008-11-12T16:06:00.000-04:00

Today I watched Real Women Have Curves and suggest that everyone check it out!

The main character Ana (played by America Ferrara also in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies and my personal favorite Ugly Betty) is going through a lot of changes in her life and is constantly being held back by her traditional and sometimes overbearing mother.

Instead of it being a "journey-type" movie where the main character discovers her beauty, Ana already knows she is beautiful so the journey she takes is one to subtly teach others this same self-love.

The movie addresses many female issues surrounding body image and the fact that though they are all women(and are constantly clumped into that category), each issue is still quite different from the other. Ana reassures herself that no matter what others say, it is her own voice that is the most important. A great message.

Although I enjoyed the movie, I did have a bit of an issue with the title. For such powerful and interesting content, the title is weak. It is strong in saying that real women are beautiful despite not having what the media portrays as the perfect body shape, but it is also weak because it fails to include all women. The title says nothing about women who don't have curves and are still challenged by those media images for one reason or another. Yes, the title rejects the media's selectiveness but it also finds itself just as exclusive. Are curveless women to be left out of both groups because they don't have the perfect body or the body of a real woman?

I suggest the title be changed to, All Women have Issues with Body-Image and That's Okay!
Rolls off the tongue nicely, doesn't it? :)

What do you guys think of the title? Inclusive, exclusive or neither?

Martha

Hilarious Comic from my Aunt

2008-11-11T19:40:00.005-04:00

Not really sure what this has to do with WS...but it's Women centric, and really funny, so I wanted to post it anyway!!! Enjoy :)

Erica

Film #3 - A Long Kiss Goodnight

2008-11-11T12:04:00.004-04:00

Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to let you know about our upcoming event this Friday, November 14th!!! We will be showing Film #3 of our Babes Beyond Borders Film Series.

Presenting: A Long Kiss Goodnight

Date: Friday November 14th, 2008
Time: 4-6 pm
Place: Dawson Lounge, Main 420
Bring: Yourself, your friends, snacks to share

Note - The Women's Studies Society will be having a brief meeting before the film (starting around 3pm), so please come if you would like to contribute/help out at our upcoming events!
Thanks, See you Friday!

Erica

Pictures of the Day

2008-11-08T20:54:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures from our Rockey Horror afternoon.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Friday's Rant posted on a Saturday

2008-11-08T20:08:00.007-04:00

This may not completely pertain to what I normally rant about on the blog...

The 'J' word, yes, J-Walking (I am still unsure of the correct definition). It is something that everyone on the planet has done at some point during their life. I was really 'ranted-off' by the article in the cadre that discusses the new fence put in place to end j-walking. I think that the money invested in the fence could have been used in many different ways to keep students safe. Anyway, here is my take on it (please not I just scuffled up some stairs and I am out of breathe):

and here is another students take...

Peace,
Kerrilynn

What's new at the DO

2008-11-08T19:50:00.008-04:00

I attended a meeting at the Diversity Office on Friday regarding an amazing photo contest that will soon be under way. My job is to tell three other people to submit photos of diversity on campus, but I decided to not only tell three people about the contest, but to post it on the blog in hopes of getting some more participants.

The title of the contest is 'What does diversity mean to you?', and you can find out more information about it on the DO's website: http://upei.ca/studentservices/diversity-office/

Peace,
Kerrilynn

First ever 'field research'

2008-11-08T19:30:00.005-04:00

I decided to do my first ever 'field research' for my rave this week, so I went about asking people 'what is feminism?'

Just to include, both students gave me permission to publish these video's on the blog.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Movie Suggestion

2008-11-07T14:00:00.001-04:00

Hey everybody!

Thought I'd make a quick post to recommend a film I watched last night called Finn's Girl.

Finn, the main character, is definitely a "babe beyond borders" as she is the head doctor of an abortion clinic. Throughout the movie she receives several threats and a few near death-experiences because of her profession. The movie accurately portrays the challenges surrounding abortion and has a nice twist at the end of it.

I won't tell too much about the plot but I definitely recommend checking out this film! Click on the links if you'd like more information about it!

Oh and PS It's Canadian!!

Martha

thinking about definitions and identities

2008-11-05T17:56:00.003-04:00

So in the past week (less than actually - 4 days), i've had a number of different conversations with various students who've articulated some version of the following about different crosslisted courses they've taken: 'well it was a good course and all, but it's not a Women's Studies course' or 'it was a good X discipline course about women, but it wasn't a Women's Studies course' or 'i know it's a course about gender and sexuality and all, but it's not a Women's Studies course.' (Of course, i also hear the opposite p.o.v. too -- that 'such and such a course is a great WS course' :)). And i'm fascinated by this - especially since so many have also said at various times that it's hard to explain to people what Women's Studies is... So I'm interested... and wondering if we can have a discussion about this here in posts and comments? (or over beer at the Wave... both good :))

What makes something for you all 'a Women's Studies course?' What does it do that fills some criteria for you all?

Random half-formed thoughts as welcome as well-conceptualized and brilliant responses :)

Ann

Pictures of the Day

2008-11-05T12:49:00.002-04:00

I came across these pictures in an email and just had to post them. I think they are so cute.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Delay

2008-11-05T10:15:00.001-04:00

I know I haven't been posting my vlogs for two weeks now but do not worry this week might be filled with fun. I have been having some computer problems so my videos are not uploading correctly. Sorry ladies.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

This Week...

2008-10-28T12:58:00.004-03:00

Hello All :)

Thank you for the wonderful posts that continue to appear on our lovely little blog - it has become such a great source of sharing and communication - loving it!!!

Coming up this friday are two pretty important events for the Women's Studies Society, so I wanted to post a reminder :)

Friday October 31st, 2008

1) UPEI WST Society Montly Meeting - 1:30pm
Dawson Lounge, Main 420

2) Babes Beyond Borders Film Series - Film #2 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Dawson Lounge, Main 420 - 4-6pm
Popcorn and juice provided - please invite all your friends and bring snacks to
share if you so desire :)

Hope to see everyone out on friday - The meeting will be a really great opportunity to brainstorm and plan for some events for the rest of the semester/year, so it'd be great to have a large turnout so that we can have everyone's input. And of course, following our fantastic meeting will be our second film in the BBB series - so stick around afterwards!!!

See you all on friday!

Erica

so what is feminism anyway?

2008-10-26T22:35:00.003-03:00

All right... I'm jumping in here (since I miss Kerrilynn's video rants and raves :( ) with some random thoughts gleaned over the past few weeks...

I've been thinking alot about the various bits and pieces of conversation i've either overheard or had with many WS students over the past few weeks about 'what is feminism/who is feminist'... and, as per my usual follow up questions, about what's at stake - and for whom - in those questions. This seems especially relevant and in the air these days, as even Sarah Palin has taken to using the term to describe herself - in addition to several other people, including (according to feministing.com) "Oregon NOW Vice President Linda Klinge and former Ms. magazine editor Elaine Lafferty" (wow...) supporting her and using the term to describe her. And while i certainly don't subscribe to the 'feminist checklist' school of thinking (and even if i did, i'm not sure that my checklist would be the widely adopted one :)), i - like everyone else i imagine - have my 'ok that's going too far' moments... and i have many of those about her! But i add in there too people like Laura Doyle (of The Surrendered Wife fame/infamy a few years ago), or groups like 'feminists for life' -- as example of where the term is mobilized in ways i can't get on board with.. even if i also believe in 'there are many feminisms' and 'feminism is always contextual' (historically and culturally specific, etc), and 'big tent feminism' approaches...

So i find myself wondering about how to talk about those borders to 'feminism' - for myself... for others... and how to argue against particular versions/renditions without falling back on essentialist ideas about the definitions/identity of 'feminism'... without falling back on hauling out a checklist of some sort....

But.... i also think that the fact that this term can get used for beliefs and positions that seem so problematic (backasswards even - to me at least) speaks volumes about not just the tensions around the term itself -- but about the social tensions [that was for you Kerrilynn :)] both generated in and by and around some feminist ideas and changes - and by the failures to address those. I may not agree with Laura Doyle's use of the term, but i think that she points to some very 'real' issues about hetero relationships that remain everpresent - and more than nagging in many people's/women's lives.... I may not agree with Sarah Palin's politics around reproductive rights or making women pay for rape kits (and a whole bunch of other issues!), but i think she points to the ways in which 'the public and the private' (to haul those terms out again) remain stubbornly gendered/raced/classed etc in ways that too often have remained unaddressed and even disavowed by much 'liberal' feminism....

so no conclusions here :)... but i find myself thinking that at least those popular mobilizations of the term allow us to talk about what is being (necessarily?) excluded in the stories 'we' (self-identified feminist types) tell about 'what is feminism/who is feminist'.... and surely that's a good thing??

Ann

Mothers

2008-10-22T00:04:00.003-03:00

Last night's "Who's your Mama?" coffee house was an amazing event, and inspired a lot of internal thought for me about women who have influenced my life...particularly my mother. I found it very fitting then, that today in my Psychology of Women class, we talked about Mothers and Mothering. I guess I never really took very much time to realise how important my mother - and many other influential women in my life - really was until I moved 4000 km's away from home.

Last night's coffee house, and today's psych of women class, gave me two excellent opportunities to reflect on women who have inspired me. Though I never give her enough credit, my mom is one of the most amazing people I know - and I am truly blessed to have her in my life. The sacrifices she has made for me and my sister are endless, and she has made them with a smile on her face, followed by a big hug.

To whoever reads this post, I encourage you to take a few minutes (or longer) to really think about the women who influence your life. I want you to think about why they are special, and how they have helped you to become the person you are today. Maybe make a phone call or send an email after you've thought about this - because it's important to let these people know just how important they are to you.

I propose a virtual blog toast to my mom, and to all moms and women out there who continue to inspire us daily.

Cheers!

Erica

fANNtastic

2008-10-21T18:00:00.003-03:00

Last night's who's your mama? coffee house was amazing. Here is Ann's opening.

enjoy,

Kerrilynn

Oooopp's..

2008-10-19T19:18:00.002-03:00

I want to publicly correct myself. I owe a big apology to Maria Durling for calling her by the wrong name in my video. Sorry Maria, you're still a phenomenal woman who helped to set up an awesome display in the library in honor of Women's History Month.

You can count on me for spelling mistakes and unclear sentences.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Communities of Women

2008-10-18T11:22:00.003-03:00

Last year I wrote a paper about communities of women and I want to share a piece of the paper with you before I get to my real point.

"Communities of women is not a new concept, rather, it is one that has been around for a long time and can be found to be represented in many different forms. Not all communities are the same but most consist of women, or people who identify as women, and most communities work to challenge ideas and raise questions about the societies they live in."

I consider myself very privileged to have the friends that I do and to know that we are all completely comfortable expressing and talking about who we are. Last night I had the chance to go out with some of my friends after the film series and we pretty much just shot the shit so to say. We talk about things, and pick them apart when deemed necessary, and I really do think that we 'work to challenge ideas and raise questions about the societies they live in.'

The reason why I am talking about this now is because I think it is important for all women to have this type of community. It does not necessarily have to be with other women, but just a support system where you can vent and be yourself.

Women's History Month is a very good to time embrace a community and become involved. Talk with others about how important your community is to you. Raise questions, solve problems, just open your mind to new ideas.

If you don't have this type of community I recommend that you make one, or hell, you can join mine. But seriously, enjoy who you are and what you do and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Thelma & Louise Feedback

2008-10-18T11:14:00.004-03:00

It is first thing in the morning for me so I give a lot of and's and um's.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Rethinking Media's Portrayl of Cosmetic Surgery

2008-10-17T12:19:00.002-03:00

Dear Nip/Tuck,

I am still devoted to watching the show but please make it a little more viewer friendly.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

My Monumental Woman

2008-10-17T12:12:00.003-03:00

Yah to Women's History Month, October 2008! Tell us about some of the amazing women who have inspired you in your life.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Taking Care of Some Business

2008-10-17T10:07:00.002-03:00

Updates! Updates! Updates!

2008-10-14T00:26:00.003-03:00

Hello Everyone!

First off, I wanted to say how EXCITING it is to see how many people are getting involved with the blog - BIG thank you to Kerrilynn for her excellent video posts and Friday rants! Thank you to all who have contributed so far as well!

The UPEI Women's Studies Society will be hosting its FIRST EVENT this friday, October 17th - The first film in a series titled "Babes Beyond Borders"!!!! We will be showing THELMA & LOUISE at 4pm in the Dawson Lounge (Main 420) - all are welcome - bring your friends and your snacks, and enjoy the film!

Thanks to all who showed up for the "Wear Black for the Arts" on friday afternoon in the Quad - it was great to see everyone out there doing what they love to do - ART!!!! Hopefully some of the bigshots in Ottawa will listen for a change!

The UPEI WST Society monthly meeting will be held on Friday, October 31st @ 1:30 p.m. in the Dawson Lounge - everyone welcome!! The meeting will be followed with a screening of our 2nd film in our "Babes Beyond Borders" series from 4-6, film TBA.

That's all for now, thanks again for making this blog such a success! If you are interested in posting and have yet to recieve the login info, please contact upei_wst_society@hotmail.com

Hope everyone had a fantastic thanksgiving!

Erica

You can't call me Martha

2008-10-10T20:23:00.004-03:00

I make the best facial expressions.

Peace,
Kerrilynn

Feminism/Feminist

2008-10-10T19:39:00.004-03:00

Would you call yourself a feminist?

Peace,
Kerrilynn

cool youtube clips

2008-10-08T20:52:00.005-03:00

check out this great project from the Antigone Foundation

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=oT1VxL_wpT8

and

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Bf8io8okw&feature=related

gives lots of ideas for possible projects!

She is good at beating around the bush

2008-10-04T13:45:00.003-03:00

First check out this quick video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-STiYgxxtRo

I don't know much about the Sarah Palin buzz that seems to be circulating around conversations these days, but I do know from watching the video a little but about her:

1. She believes women have every opportunity that men have. This is obviously only pertaining to her home and native land Alaska because there are many women in this world who are still subject to being considered lesser then men.

2. She is glad that she grew up in a family where gender was not an issue and she was permitted, as a female, to hunt, fish, and chop wood like men. Hmmm... there is much to say about this one.. including attributing gender to activities and tasks.

3. She believes that women should be in control of their own body, but is against the choice to use to morning after pill or to get an abortion. That is a little confusing.

4. She is accepting of all relationship forms. Her best friend just happens to be gay but don't worry she does not look at this person as her gay friend, rather, a good friend. Way to leave out an individuals sense of individuality Ms. Palin. Did you ever think that maybe that person wants to be identified as gay?

Can any one else think of some more things she is good at?

Peace,
Kerrilynn

First Feminist Rant

2008-10-04T13:15:00.003-03:00

Sometimes it is good to vent, other times, it is good to tell the truth.

I never really understood the degree to which I developed a hate towards certain video games until I had the joy of stumbling across this one. What happened to the good games?

Peace,

Kerrilynn

As Ann would say, tres cool!

2008-10-04T13:10:00.004-03:00

This is my first time, cut me some slack. It is a little fuzzy.

Peace,

Kerrilynn

Welcome to the UPEI WST Society Blog!

2008-09-30T00:03:00.002-03:00

Hello All :)

Welcome to the UPEI Women's Studies Society Blog!

The purpose of this blog is to extend the UPEI Women's Studies Society community - to share awesome articles, ideas, thoughts, ANYTHING at all that you find fascinating, important, or just downright fantastic. Sharing ideas, exploring "taboo" areas, and expanding on concepts from class = the purpose of this blog.

If you wish to post something awesome/interesting/important, please email:

upei_wst_society@hotmail.com to recieve access information.

Hope you enjoy!

Erica

UPEI Women's Studies Society

Good Luck! Thanks for a GREAT Year!

Gendered Spaces Blog

Keep Hanging Tough!

More, more, too much?

BBB - Mona Lisa Smile

Lesbian Profiles

Nude Moments in Gaming: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Exciting Updates!!

More Video Gaming Fun!

Pregnancy in Video Games

Update!

Milk

I could use one of whatever it is

Derogatory words don't make my day.

Pro-Kerrilynn : A parody on the Catholic Vote Video

Babes Beyond Borders Returns!

What to choose, what to choose?

Why I like Daytona Beach

The Virginity Post

First WSS Meeting of 2009!

Stereotypical Soap

Gender Gaming

Retail Ranting

human/non-human

Last Women's Studies Society Get-Together of 2008!

This is kind of interesting

Earlier today...

Do you have a cyber identity?

another movie suggestion...

Hilarious Comic from my Aunt

Film #3 - A Long Kiss Goodnight

Pictures of the Day

Friday's Rant posted on a Saturday

What's new at the DO

First ever 'field research'

Movie Suggestion

thinking about definitions and identities

Pictures of the Day

Delay

This Week...

so what is feminism anyway?

Mothers

fANNtastic

Oooopp's..

Communities of Women

Thelma & Louise Feedback

Rethinking Media's Portrayl of Cosmetic Surgery

My Monumental Woman

Taking Care of Some Business

Updates! Updates! Updates!

You can't call me Martha

Feminism/Feminist

cool youtube clips

She is good at beating around the bush

First Feminist Rant

As Ann would say, tres cool!

Welcome to the UPEI WST Society Blog!