Telling the story of Sex Trafficking through art

You must all watch this video touring "The Journey" an installation art exhibit telling the story of sex trafficking. Coming to New York.

Also, here's the NPR story and interview from this morning

I LOVE Maureen Dowd

elle
LOVE LOVE LOVE!! Two columns in a row on women's issues. You must, must, MUST read.

Women invading the "Oval Man Cave"
More Nuns!

(OK, I admit to a bit of a thrill that I beat her on the nun thing...)

To wear or not to wear?

elle

Well, so here we are in a bit of a conundrum. If you're here at OSU you've probably heard about the undie run that's been all the buzz via Facebook, etc. If you're like me your first reaction was probably 'brrr! It's October and raining out there!'. However, we know that it will probably be quite the event (barring an unseasonable snowstorm or something), and so we're debating how we feminists feel about this.

On one hand nobody wants to be a stick in the mud or live up to the stereotype that feminists are a bunch of complainers that are just out to stop everyone else from having some good clean fun. We don't. My idea of fun runs much more to the lounging by a pool with a good book, but hey, whatever floats your boat.

On the other, there are a few things we are worried about. We want things to be good clean fun, which means nobody getting hurt. A few concerns might be:

1. staying safe--this includes not falling and skinning your knees (or whatever else isn't protected when you're dashing about in your knickers), but it's also about the realities of sexual assault. In our society a woman wearing just her underwear in public is still thought to be 'asking for it' (she's not) or deserving of whatever abuse--physical or verbal--is hurled her way (again, she's not!). I hate to sound like your mother, but...behave yourselves and be safe, don't drink to much, stay in a group. It sucks and we're trying really hard to change it, but for the moment...

2. The objectification--if you've attended or seen other such events it becomes obvious that there are a lot of men standing around watching the women run. Not quite the good clean fun we all want. Sure, we all like attention, but hey if he's not going to give you attention with your clothes on do you really want that attention anyway? Also, if you're going to take your clothes off, do it for you, not for the jeers and cheers from the peanut gallery.

3. Body image issues--we all do it. You walk into the party and scan it to see who looks good and who probably shouldn't have worn that top. Imagine the possibilities when they aren't wearing that top. Again, if you want to glory in your body I am all for it, but if you're there to make yourself feel better by making other people feel less about themselves leave that crap in Jr. High.

Anyway, if you don't want to run--or if you want to and then want to and then need somewhere to warm up--the Women's Center will be open Saturday night for our jammie party--hot chocolate, popcorn, surprises, come on by!!