New Blog Location

Due to overlapping themes, I have decided that this blog and my other blog should combine. To read about my views on women's rights, writing, Star Wars and other issues, visit The Galatic Drift.

Thank you for your support and readership!

It's the person who holds the talent, not the substance.

When I heard that Amy Winehouse had died, I said I wasn’t surprised. Comments on dozens of articles regarding her death echoed my reaction. Her problems with drugs and alcohol were no secret to us. She wasn’t the first public figure to die young and, unfortunately, won’t be the last. The cause of death is still a mystery, but most believe drugs had something to do with her demise. 

When we lose someone due to a cause like drugs or alcohol abuse, it causes us to stop and think. Many of us know a person suffering from some type of addiction or dependence on alcohol or drugs. Our society tells children not to experiment with drugs, but then expresses that it’s okay or acceptable for celebrities. When a musician has a drug or alcohol problem, many shrug it off as a fact of their job. By continuously pushing this view, children receive the wrong message. Drugs and alcohol do not need to go hand-in-hand with music. How many more artists will we lose before this lesson is learned? With alcohol, it can be just as problematic, if abused. 

It’s the person who holds the talent, not the crack pipe or bottle. 

Amy Winehouse had an amazing voice, one that the world will miss. It’s a tragedy that some were more aware of her mistakes than successes. May she rest in peace.

Extremists: Making Feminists a Negative Group

Extremists. The word leaves a foul taste in the mouth. Extremists turned the word “feminist” into a dirty word. Shaming a woman about her belief for equal rights is unacceptable. Grouping all feminists into one group is not just generalizing, but a slap in the face. Every feminist doesn’t hate men or desires a women-only society. 

I believe that women can fight fires or die for their country if they want. I do not, however, believe that tests or requirements should change. Changing the requirements for a job defeats the purpose of allowing men and women to do the same jobs. I’m not denying that there are some activities women are more capable of than men and vice versa. It’s a scientific fact that men usually build more muscle than women do. It doesn’t mean that only men should take jobs involving heavy lifting.

Each woman is different, so why would anyone think that feminists are all the same? Just because I disagree with abortion doesn’t mean that I don’t feel strongly about my right to an equal wage. We have a choice in what we believe, just as we can choose what we want to read. Reading a book with a severely flawed female lead doesn’t mean a woman “fails at feminism.”

An example of this case is the witch Rachel Morgan in Kim Harrison’s Hollow series. She is a bounty hunter/runner. She makes mistakes constantly. She’s a little sex-crazy. She falls into the “woe-is-me” attitude at times, but that doesn’t make her a bad female lead. 

Sometimes someone with a plethora of flaws feels more realistic. Harrison created a cast of characters that are believable because they are flawed. Ivy, for example, is a powerful undead vampire suffering from years of living in a type of hell. She impatient, overprotective and dangerous yet turns into a caring, loving friend. Harrison shows both the glamorous side the public see of being a vampire and the dark side of vampirism. She’s an interesting character because she isn’t perfect. Another example is Hermione Granger who faces insecurities and strives for perfection. She has problems admitting she is wrong. 

Just as each book character is a different, each feminist is different. Our person beliefs and experiences define how we fight for equal rights. Some of us participate in legal protest. Others write columns and blogs.

Unfortunately, extremists ruin our reputation. Say you are a feminist and suddenly people think you are out to get all men. Feminism is not a hatred of men. Extremists forced that notion upon the public.

Not Intending to be a Factual Statement Means it is a Lie

Recently, Arizona senator John Kyl said that 90 percent of the services Planned Parenthood perform are abortion-related. When informed that the actual number is 3 percent, his office came back with the statement that the 90 percent remark was “not intended to be a factual statement.”

Right, so he admits it was a lie. 

This is a great example of why it’s vital for Americans to research what politicians claim and say. It’s far too easy to take whatever a friend posts on Facebook, or what one leader says at face value. Just because a person in the public light, one whom many American trust, says something does not make it true. 

When it comes time to vote, we need to know exactly what every politician’s position is on each issue. Just because one supports an increase in educational funds doesn’t mean that their stance on health care is agreeable, for example. 

It is our right as Americans to criticize our government. However, when votes blindly elect leaders into office, some of their fault falls on the shoulders of the ignorant. 

By saying that 90 percent of Planned Parenthood’s services were related to abortion, Kyl attempted to mislead Americans. Unfortunately, some will excuse or ignore his error due to their views on Planned Parenthood. Regardless of how you feel about the organization, Kyl deserves the criticism many thrust upon him for such a ridiculous statement. 

And yes, that was intended to be a factual statement.

Random Words Don't Stop Cancer

Apple. Black. On top. 

Have you seen these messages on your Facebook feed over the past year? Probably. 

All of these phrases relate to some sort of meme that is supposed to spread breast cancer awareness. We all know about breast cancer. The current meme, the fruit one, doesn’t provide any relevant or helpful information about breast cancer. If our inboxes are going to be flooded with spam, the least people could do is give us some facts. The message reads:

 We are playing a game. Someone proposed that we WOMEN do something special on Facebook to help with Breast Cancer Awareness. It’s easy and I’d like you to join us to help it spread. Last year it was about writing the color of the bra that you were wearing  in your FB status and it left men wondering for days why the women had random colors as their status. This year it has to do with your relationship status. You will state where you are, by posting one of the codes below. Remember, don’t reply to this message. Just type your one word response in your status box on your profile. Then cut and paste this whole message into a new message and send it along to your female friends:

Blueberry: I’m single
Pineapple: It’s complicated
Raspberry: I’m a touch and go woman
Apple: Engaged
Cherry: In a relationship
Banana: I’m married
Avocado: I’m the “other one”
Strawberry: Can’t find the right one
Lemon: Wish I was single
Grape: Wants to get married.

The bra game reached TV. Let’s get this one to do the same and show everyone how powerful women are

Say a random word does not spread awareness. Making men “wonder” doesn’t do a bit of good. It does not lead to a cure. If I post the word “brown” in my status saying that I wear a brown bra, cancer cells do not quake in their boots. Researches don’t make breakthroughs. The pain of chemo patients doesn’t lessen.

If you want to help, donate money. Donate your time. Post a status message listing scientifically proven methods to prevent breast cancer and risk factors. This helps stop the disease and spreads awareness. Telling everyone you prefer to be on top during sex does not.

Treating those as you want to be treated is not a hard concept

The house next door attracts the worst neighbors. The worst were the drug dealers who would stand outside screaming at each other. The cops came by at least once a week. The first weekend they lived there, the cops showed up three times. Needless to say, we were thrilled when they were gone. Whether they were arrested, kicked out or moved, I don’t care. All that matters is that they are gone.

Now we have an odd family. Their son frequently comes to the door asking unusual questions, favors and whatnot. They also do not know how to be a considerate neighbor.

Last night, around 11:30, I could hear them outside screaming at each other. One person was crying. Why anyone would take a fight outside in four inches of snow and 19 degree weather is beyond me. Around six this morning, they were outside yelling again. The morning shout fests are nothing new.

I find myself thinking of an episode of “King of the Hill” I saw a few weeks ago. A bad neighbor comes to town, and through a series of events, is forced to move out. In the world of television, a bad neighbor moves away or is evicted fairly easily. If only that were possible. Instead, we are forced to ignore them or move. 

During the week, certain hours of quiet are expected. Between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m., be courteous. Standing outside screaming annoys everyone, but wake us up and it makes us dislike you even more.  

Remember that next time you come by and ask for a plunger. 

Yes, women love Star Wars too

Guess what? Women are science fiction fans!

Shocker, right? By now, most of you know about Katie, the girl who was made fun of for liking Star Wars. In her honor, fans everywhere are encouraged to wear a Star Wars shirt on Dec. 10 in support. 

When most people think of science fiction fans, the typical fan boy imagine appears in their head. According to an article by CNN, women make up about half of the science fiction audience. The growing popular of the retail website Her Universe backs this up. Her Universe sells Star Wars gear for women. During the beginning of December, Her Universe sold out of some items and sizes. The success of this site should show that women are a dominant force in this market. 

Girls shouldn’t feel like they have to hide their love for science fiction. A girl should be able to walk into the toy department at any store, pick up an action figure and buy it without ridicule. Women should be able to walk into a comic book store and pick up the latest issue of Spiderman or other comic book. 

Some men seem amazed if they find a woman who enjoys science fiction. A Star Wars themed MMORPG game, “The Old Republic,” has drawn in thousands of Star Wars fans. On one particular fan site my husband and I visit, several of the male members are shocked that I’m a Star Wars fan. The internet is littered with stories like this.

I’m wearing my Han Solo shirt today. What are you wearing?