Category: things i read this week

Good afternoon, darlings. I read some things this week. Would you like to see them? As always, please do drop things in the comments which might interest me.

New insights into gendered brain wiring, or a perfect case study in neurosexism? (Cordelia Fine)- Cordelia Fine smacks down the latest “male and female brains are different” nonsense, and it’s magnificent.

Mandela will never, ever be your minstrel. (Musa Okwonga)- Bloody hell, just read this.

Three Myths about Mandela Worth Busting (Tony Karon)- …and this.

My Mandela Tweets (BlackAmazon)- …and also this.

cis women are cisgender even if gender essences aren’t real (radtransfem)- A really good conversation starter.

A few words on privilege… (Paul Bernal)- A rich white cis guy writes about privilege, and says something that isn’t awful. Really.

The Discomfort Zone (Tressie McMillan Cottom)- An excellent takedown of the “white people learning about structural racism is as bad as racism itself” narratives, framed around a recent US case.

When is it appropriate to gender things? (Milena Popova)- A PSA about gendering objects.

[untitled] (How are you I’m fine thanks)- Heartfelt cartoon about body image.

Student protests are changing tack – and facing heavy police repression (Aaron Bastani)- Aaron describes the current state of the student movement and the frightening state of policing.

The University is dead… and cop free zones! (copsoffcampus)- The case for making university campuses police-free areas.

‘Dear Vice-Chancellor’ – a porter’s resignation letter (libcom)- A porter at Sussex Uni resigns over outsourcing, with the most glorious resignation letter.

And finally, want to know how to be a feminist? These stock pictures should help.

This week, a lot of the stuff I read was about the Vampire Castle. In the interest of sour-faced identitarian piety and following my priest’s desire to excommunicate and condemn, I put all that in another post. Meanwhile, here’s some other stuff.

Dumbing down feminism for the working class is tedious and offensive (Dawn Foster)- Dawn knocks it out of the park here, and says some very important things.

Monosexism: Battling the Biases of Biphobia (Erin Tatum)- A really good primer.

Intersectionality for 7 year olds (Disabled Feminism)- A really sweet story about how a woman explained intersectional feminism to her seven year old.

Your Ability to Can Even: A Defense of Internet Linguistics (Tia Baheri)- Cool piece about how we talk on the internet and I rlly enjoyed it so

Being transgender and transitioning doesn’t make me brave or courageous (Entirely Amelia)- Important piece on courage narratives.

Maybe it’s more important than you think (fearlessknits)- A personal post about the importance of queer sexuality.

Public bodies (sometimes it’s just a cigar)- An examination of how women are still seen as property.

And finally, have some ridiculous street posters.

Morning all. I am a hungover mess of glitter and kisses, but I have some things to show you. Show me nice things that you found interesting if you like.

An observation about rape culture and our racial histories (Flavia Dzodan)- Flavia writes about the inherent whiteness in the construction of rape culture.

‘Official protest’ is no protest at all (Aaron Bastani)- Aaron examines current directions in policing process and what it means.

Long way ahead for intersex rights (Rambling Thoughts Of A Physicist)- A useful piece on the struggle for intersex rights and what allies can do.

No Fat, No Femme: The Politics of Grindr (Nick Artrip)- A look at some oppressions visible within Grindr.

A Day In the Life of an Empowered Female Heroine (Mallory Ortberg)- What would it be like existing as one of those one-dimensional Strong Female Characters?

Being trans* taught me more than feminism did about patriarchy (Peggy Colebank)- On the horrible and patriarchal way feminism treats trans women.

The Radical Politics of #selfies (The Feminist Griote)- On the representation of Black women.

Rebecca, Celebrity and Selfies. (sometimes, it’s just a cigar)- How women don’t love ourselves enough.

Bouncing Back: The Street Kings (and Queens) of New Orleans (Puja Patel)- A really awesome history of twerking, and its cultural significance in New Orleans. Read this.

I’m sorry, did my existence hurt your feminism? (kshandbaptiste)- On how white feminism can be harmful.

Feeling Depleted? (feminist killjoys)- Another excellent post about burnout and affective labour.

B-grade politics and reaction (Angela Mitropoulos)- A very thorough analysis of the Vampire Castle nonsense.

Daughters of Darkness: Lesbian vampires (Bonnie Zimmerman)- Another very useful essay which might contribute to critique of the Vampire Castles stuff.

And finally have some intellectual jokes.

 

Well, it looks like Lily Allen is dominating my links. I do wish feminism would sort its shit out so there wasn’t as much that needed critiquing. As it stands, I’ve divided the links. But ho hum. Anyway. Here’s some links. Drop me more if you’re that way inclined.

Must-read critiques of that fucking Lily Allen video

I included these critiques because they all add something different, presenting a pretty thorough picture of why it pisses off women of colour so much. I recommend you read them all.

Culturally Clueless: Race, Feminism & Lily Allen’s Hard Out Here Video  (Alex McPherson)

A Quick Comment on ‘Hard Out Here’ (Black Feminists)

Lily Allen’s Racist New Music Video, “Hard Out Here” (#BlackinAsia)

Silly Allen (Sam Ambreen)

Misogyny, Racism and Dick Pics: Why We Need to Aim Higher with our Intellectual Icons (Raised On A Diet Of Broken Biscuits)

Other stuff

[untitled] (Brooke Magnanti)- Brooke analyses the level of transmisogyny that the media consider to be acceptable.

Insidious: Sinister Heteronormativity in the Dark Skies of Paranormal Activity (Laura Buttrick)- Laura looks at horror films and the heteronormative tropes that are perpetuated in them.

Wrecking Ball Feminism. (The Book Lantern)- Four feminists discuss Miley.

Transgender women in women’s restrooms: A purely imagined harm (Zinnia Jones)- Zinnia hits back against some horrid transphobic bullshit going on across the pond.

TDoR For, By, and About Trans Women Of Color Now (fakecisgirl)- A very important opener to a conversation that needs having.

Remember Storm? We check in on the baby being raised gender-neutral– A really heartwarming piece on a very sweet family who are letting their youngest child choose their gender identity.

And finally, got a hangover? Which of these cats are you? Also, might as well link to this noble project, of every single Buffy episode ranked in order of quality. I think it goes a bit easy on Season 6, but I can’t be arsed to make my own.

I had no internet over the weekend so I just watched The Wire in my pyjamas and didn’t read or write much, but here are some things I did get around to looking at.

Why Blackadder Goes Forth could have been a lot funnier (Steven)- An examination of passive resistance strategies used by soldiers in the First World War.

Consent Thoughts from Lecture (Kitty Stryker)- Interesting thoughts on BDSM, consent and accountability.

An open letter to my favourite humour website in the world (jaythenerdkid)- Jay gives Cracked some helpful advice.

Programmes about ‘scroungers’ are always on TV, what’s going on?! (halfagiraffe)- A worrying trend.

Yay! Permission from a white cis dude not to identify as a feminist! (Flavia Dzodan)- Everything that needs to be said about Joss Whedon and his bullshit.

And finally, mind is a bit blown.

I read things. I found these things interesting. Maybe you will, too? Leave me things to read that you found interesting, too.

Dig Deep: Beyond Lean In (bell hooks)- bell hooks analyses “Lean In” feminism, and concludes it’s a crock of shit and explains what needs to happen. It’s amazing.

An intersectional feminist approximation to aesthetics around Zwarte Piet (Flavia Dzodan)- I didn’t know much about Zwarte Piet, so this is an enlightening post looking at colonialism and how it looks.

I believe the word you are looking for is “rape” (Knox O)- On eliding the problem at Yarls Wood detention centre.

On Rihanna (Yellow Faced)- An exploration of the intersections of racism and misogyny surrounding Rihanna.

The word comrade and why I don’t want to be called it. (itisiwhowillit)- A useful examination of what’s a bit awful about that word.

So Let’s Talk About The Fucking Asterisk (Natalie Reed)- Natalie explains her personal beef with the asterisk in “trans*”

Sex workers need support – but not from the ‘hands off my whore’ brigade (Selma James)- Some advice for sex worker solidarity.

Why I don’t “debate” (Flavia Dzodan)- Flavia again, this time with a must-read critique of “debate” as constructed by the privileged.

Ten things male feminists need to stop saying (jaythenerdkid)- PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STOP SAYING ALL OF THOSE THINGS

And finally, I’m indirectly in Private Eye, OMG. You can guess which room I spent a lot of my day in 🙂

I read things, and would like to read more things. So here’s some things I found interesting, please stick more in the comments.

Another Sex/Gender Controversy (Skepchick)- An excellent takedown of the received wisdoms about “biological sex” often espoused by bigots and ignorant people. Bookmark it so you can fling it at people when they’re spouting that shite.

Gender Is More Than Performance (Julia Serano)- Tackling the other side of a nest of nonsense.

A Rough Draft on Rape Culture in Anarchist Subcultures (Doom! Doom! Doom!)- A fairly old piece but oh my sweet fuck this is great. Names the problem so eloquently. Note that it predates so many of the recent flare-ups.

Why I won’t call myself a “slut” (Lutze B.)- A perspective on “slut-shaming” and white feminism.

Glorification of Celebrity Dicks – Stop It. (Full Commujism)- Gloriously sweary takedown of Russell Brand.

I don’t stand with Russell Brand, and neither should you (Natasha Lenard)- Less sweary, if that’s your cup of tea.

Another attack on the most vulnerable- my mission to find a school for my son (bottomfacedotcom)- A heartbreaking account of disablism in the education system.

“Witch Hunts”, “Pitchforks” and Privilege’s Fear of the Mob (Infantile Disorder)- Why is it that the powerful fear the mob. Good analysis here.

Outcasts Among Outcasts: Injection Drug-Using Sex Workers in the Sex Workers’ Rights Movement (Suzyhooker)- Interviews with a marginalised set of voices. Eye-opening.

Outing, platforms, harassment and privilege (Jem)- A must read on outing and power and how it affects trans women and sex workers.

And finally, fellow internet feminists will probably relate to a lot of this.

 

 

I have eyes and I use them to read things.

Breast cancer isn’t sexy, and telling women to “set their tatas free” isn’t going to cure it. (That Pesky Feminist)- Shit that shouldn’t need to be said, said beautifully.

Can conversations about women in pop move beyond a binary of agency or exploitation? (Reni Eddo-Lodge)- Reni talks about Miley and Rihanna, and examines race.

Kanye West Knows You Think He Sounded Nuts on Kimmel (Cord Jefferson)- Excellent piece on race, racism and gaslighting.

Friends (bethanysays)- Bethany chats friendship and jealousy and poly and stuff, and it’s very heartwarming.

There’s no such thing as clean food (Marianne)- Really useful article about food and some of the bullshit that surrounds how we talk about it.

White House Down and a Black man worth dying for (Flavia Dzodan)- Flavia names a trope, and an aversion of it.

Comment: Undercover police can have sex with their targets – but you’re not allowed to know about it (Jane Fae)- Explanation and analysis of where we are with cops deceiving activists into sex.

Safety advice and victim blaming – an open letter to my local police force (sian and crooked rib)- Sian says some shit that shouldn’t need to be said, then busts more myths in a follow-up piece.

And finally. In the market for a new phone? Torn between an iPhone 5s and a £1.99 Peppa Pig phone? Make sure you read this head-to-head product comparison before you decide.

 

Wotcher. I’m still doing that thing where I read the things.

‘There is only one thing on this earth more powerful than evil – and that’s us,’: Everything I know about radical politics I learned from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Decca Muldowney)- Why yes, I am considering a full rewatch of Buffy. Thanks for asking.

Why I Don’t Just Go to the Cops (Rebecca Watson)- Rebecca says some shit that shouldn’t need saying about abuse, harassment and the police.

Who’s Afraid Of The Big, Bad Trans* Woman? On Horror and Transfemininity (Mey)- Interesting analysis of a trope in the horror genre.

More than just orgasms (Molly’s Daily Kiss)- Molly explores orgasms and sex.

The Shame of Our Prisons: New Evidence (David Kaiser & Louise Stannow)- Analysis of risk factors for prison rape. A horrible read, but worth learning about.

On being emotionally open on the internet. (Emma Quite Frankly)- Emma talks about the problematic concept of “emotional sluttiness”.

Stabby and Fakey – popular constructions of ‘mental patients’ and diagnostic privilege (zedkat)- An articulation of the different categories of mental illness in popular construction, and the shit that comes with them.

I’m sorry, I’m going to have to kill you. I’m mental you see. (littlespy)- littlespy reacts to the horrible Sun headline.

Women abusers are part of the picture (D H Kelly)- A useful article on women who abuse and how sexism makes it easier for this to happen.

Me & Mr Jones: why (One Nation) Labour isn’t working (Justin LS)- A pretty thorough analysis of what’s wrong with Labour.

Activist burnout part II: Gender (Alice B. Reckless)- Alice continues her brilliant series on fighting the same battles over and over, this time focusing on gender.

And finally, physics is pretty.

Happy Sunday, you lot. Here’s some things I read this week that I found interesting, and perhaps you will too.

Activist Burnout I: An Anatomy (Alice B. Reckless)- Stunningly good piece on how activism intersects with mental health and it’s horrible and fucking hell go and read it, because I reckon a lot of us are feeling this way.

On Gloria Steinem’s Apology (Toni D’Orsay)- Very important analysis of Gloria Steinem’s apology for transphobia, putting it into context.

Migrants tragic death toll in Lampedusa, Italy: only 6 out of 100+ women survived (Flavia Dzodan)- Flavia reminds us why immigration is–and must be–a feminist issue.

Why capitalism hates consensual sex work (sometimes, it’s just a cigar)- Some interesting ideas in this short piece.

Why is the media debate about Syria dominated by men? (Rach Shabi)- Names a problem within the media pretty effectively.

Speaking for those who already have a voice: why the Twitter Elite cannot speak for minorities. (Finger-steepling and Sharks)- How do we solve a problem like the Twitter Media Clique?

The eclipse and re-emergence of the antipsychiatry movement (sometimes explode)- A brief history of the anti-psychiatry movement and how it shaped modern psychiatry.

No More “Allies” (Mia McKenzie)- On the identity of “ally” and how that’s really not good enough.

And finally, have 50 intellectual jokes, and let me tell another one. Two helium atoms walk into a bar. As one goes to pay, she says “ah, fuck, I think I lost an electron”. The other asks, “Are you sure?” “Yes, I’m positive.” So then the second helium atom goes up to pay, and the barmaid says “For you, madam, no charge”.