Feminist Book Review: Blood, Bones, and Butter

With the ever-impending doom of graduation getting closer and closer, I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about my future. In particular, I’ve been thinking about my career. For years, I thought I would pursue a job in academia. But somewhere between my high school job at Dunkin Donuts and my current job in a catering kitchen, I fell in love with cooking. I fell in love with food, the preparing of it, the presentation of it. There are few things I love more than spending a long day at the prep table, chopping fresh vegetables and putting a cheese platter together. The kitchen is the one place I feel at home.

But, as many of you may know, the kitchen doesn’t exactly have a female-friendly reputation. Through a quick Google search, you can find countless articles discussing how women are not welcome in the kitchen. Which is why I was so relieved to read Gabrielle Hamilton’s memoir Blood, Bones, and Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef. Not only did Hamilton thrive in the kitchen, she also firmly believes that it isn’t about men vs. women. The way she experienced it, the kitchen is one of the few jobs where your hard work and skill matter more than who you know or where you went to school.

Feminist Midterm

We’ve made it!  We’re just about to the midpoint in the semester.  If you’re anything like me, then this is the “drop off point” for everything non-school related.  The weekly lunches with friends slow down and the study sessions pick up.  This is also about the time when I really start wishing life had one of those easy buttons (did I just date myself with that one?).  One question that comes to mind with all of this haywire is: how do we keep up with feminism?

Before you go all, “Oh no, not another one of those posts…” on me, hold the phone.  By “keep up with,” I don’t necessarily mean we’re not doing our jobs as feminists or that we really need to step it up now because it’s a crucial time kind of thing (now I sound like a politician).  What I mean by this is: don’t be thwarted from reading this post because you think I’m going to get all preachy….that’s not my point.

My point is, with all of these other things going on, how do we even remember feminism?  Sure it’s easy to keep up with news when the semester first starts (and by that I mean spend hours online Facebook-ing, Gmail-ing, playing Internet games, and occasionally checking the news).  But now that it’s crunch time, is it still possible to maintain our “feminist lifestyles”?

Several people I know have said to me that keeping up with feminism over the summer is like keeping the Titanic afloat…it just doesn’t happen.  I feel the same and I totally sense it coming.  My daily Jezebel-ing starts to slow down and I start working more.  It’s like I see the iceberg coming and I say, “Eh, hold that thought.  I’ll see you next year.”  My feelings about feminism remain unchanged but I find myself without the time, inclination or even interest to keep up with the times.

This is really an exaggerated account of my (lack of) summer fem fun.  Debate, classes and other things keep my interest in feminism high, but my time for other research in the field low.  I just can’t help but wonder: can we take a summer break from feminism?

For me, feminism has had so many different implications on my life.  I am immersed in it through my extracurricular activities; my thesis is in the field, etc.  So, feminism sort of toes the line between a hobby and an academic endeavor (with a little bit of social movement, too).  I don’t know about you but for me, this is kind of a sticky wicket.  There comes a point in the semester (or several) where I get tired/bored/irritated/angry/lackadaisical/blah with my work.

I guess it makes sense.  I put so much into my work (intellectually, emotionally, etc.) that sometimes it just seems like…work.  At a certain point, it’s hard to take a step back and look at my progress holistically and everything I’m doing seems meaningless and contrived.  Maybe it’s because I’m stir crazy because I want to go out into the world and “be the change” (what is with me and politics today…).  I don’t know but shit gets boring….

The same happens with feminism.  Because feminism plays more than just a let’s-hang-out-on-the-weekend role, I get kind of bored.  Maybe I am the only one and if that’s the case, feel free to start picketing outside my classes and call me whatever heinous names I deserve but this is how I feel.  Feminism is kind of like the job you’ll always have but never get paid for.  It takes a lot of work and at times, it’s hard to see definitive progress (at least, externally).  So, to go back to my question: Just like with any other job (I hope), it’s ok to take a vacation once in a while.  I think the important thing is after we pack our backs and go wherever (Europe please…), we have to remember to pick up right where we left off.

Before I stop rambling (I know, I know), I’ll make one caveat.  Even though I think the job analogy is (for the most part) fitting for feminism, I think it’s important to note that unlike other jobs (unless you’re a philosopher or secret agent???), feminism goes with you wherever you go.  So, even if I go to Europe, my tiny, little feminist brain will never cease to notice not-so-feminist/feminist things.  But, if I go to Europe, this does mean that it’s ok to put down the thesis for a bit and just check out the (insert favorite Euro-thing of your choice).

Feminist Roots: Know your friendly, on-campus feminist!

She’s just so gosh darn friendly!!

I first met Adora through the JMU policy debate team and initially thought she was pretty cool, however, when we became debate partners, I realized I’d been wrong. She wasn’t cool. She was awesome. You see, Adora was one of the first people I was ever able to have a real, critical discussion of feminism with. I was still starry-eyed over my recently discovered feminist literature and community. When we met,she was still feeling somewhat unsure of where exactly she stood on the whole “Feminism thing”. Throughout that year of debate that we shared, Adora taught me a lot about debate, but more about how I was identifying as a feminist and representing feminism to others. She also taught me that it’s okay to be  critical of feminism, that critique and questioning are critical aspects of a healthy movement and person. You’re most likely to see her strolling around campus in a brightly colored outfit wearing a friendly but “i-have-so-much-work-yikes!” look in her eyes. So without further adieu, let’s find out how she views feminism and being a feminist….

Sick and Tired [TW: Racism, Rape, Homophobia]

Maybe it’s because I’ve been beyond stressed out lately. Maybe it’s because I haven’t slept much in the last week. Maybe it’s because I’m struggling to juggle a full-time job, a full course load, and still maintain some kind of social life.

Whatever the reason is, I am sick and tired of being a feminist. I’m tired of constantly defending myself, of trying to explain things. Like all of this:

I am tired of female politicians getting asked silly, vapid questions. As if who your favorite designer is has ANY impact on your ability to lead.

I know that feel, Hil.

I am tired of having to walk down the quad after class and listen to a group of fraternity brothers refer to people as “fags,” as if being LGBTQ is an insult.

I am tired of hearing my male friends complain about being “friendzoned.” I am tired of the idea that just because you are nice to a girl and give her a shoulder to lean on, she should automatically fall in love with you and/or enter into a sexual relationship with you.

Clearly your logic is perfect.

I’m sick and tired of listening to male politicians trying to make decisions about MY body. I’m tired of people like Paul Ryan, the VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE of the Republican Party, trying to argue that RAPE is a form of conception.

I’m tired of not being able to have a conversation about poverty in America without someone bringing up “welfare queens.” Just like Melissa Harris-Perry, I am sick of hearing that poor people are lazy, that they don’t work hard, that single mothers struggling to make ends meet just want to suck on the government tit.

I’m tired of telling people that I write and edit for a feminist blog and getting looks of disdain and dismissal. I’m tired of people assuming anything about me or my sexuality because I’m a feminist. I’m tired of being told that I make a big deal out of “stupid” things. I’m tired of being told to learn to take a joke. I’m tired of my very righteous anger being dismissed as the rantings of a silly young person who will calm down once she’s out of school.

Feminist Roots: Dr. Jessica Davidson

Here at ShoutOut!, we’re always thinking of new and exciting ways that we can discuss feminism in the blogosphere. As with any website, we realize how important it is to keep things fresh and exciting. So this year, we’ve decided to scrap our old features, Mythbustin’ Monday and The Bitchin’ Table, and start a new one, Feminist Roots.

Every Monday, we’ll be discussing the feminist beginnings and beliefs of ourselves, faculty members, or members of the Harrisonburg community. Not only will this be a great way to share our stories, but it will also be a way for our readers to make connections to fellow feminists, find out about exciting classes, and meet some of the amazing professors we have in the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. So, without further ado, I’m so pleased to introduce you to the Chair of our program, Dr. Jessica Davidson!

I was lucky enough to meet Dr. Davidson, or Jessie, as I call her outside the classroom, my very first semester at JMU in Fall 2008. She was the instructor of my Intro to Women’s Studies course, AND a history professor at JMU (in case you hadn’t figured out from my blogger name, I’m a history major). Her course had a MAJOR impact on my feminism, and introduced me to great books like Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. I stayed in touch with Dr. Davidson throughout my first years at JMU, and my junior year she asked me to intern with her to assist with all of the planning for Women’s History Month 2011. That same year I took her FANTASTIC course titled Women and Fascism, and started babysitting her amazing boys. I guess what I’m getting at is that Dr. Davidson has been my biggest mentor in life, especially in college. But more on that later.

Quick Hit: Ellen Mayock and Dominica Radulescu

Hi Everyone!

Along similar lines as the Dominion Lecture series is the upcoming Bad Girls Re-Shape/Shake the Academy.  Mayock and Radulescu have both co-edited  Feminist Activism in the Academy essays.  It is a part of the JMU Visiting Scholars Program.  Event info is below!

 

Wednesday, September 12, 6:00 p.m.

Miller Hall 1101

Quick Hit: Dominion Lecture Next Week!!!

Next Monday, September 3rd, the Madison Caucus for Gender Equality will be hosting the Dominion Lecture featuring Joan Williams!

Joan Williams, Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, presents “Successful Career Tips from Savvy Career Women: The Four Patterns of Gender Bias” describing the patterns of bias documented by social science and sharing strategies successful women have used to navigate the unique challenges professional women often face.

A new semester, a new perspective

Hello readers! Everyone here at ShoutOut is thrilled about the start of the school year, and we can’t wait to start blogging again! As your new editors, eszenyme and I are looking forward to all of the great writing for our new and returning bloggers.

But before we get around to business as usual, eszenyme and I wanted to tell you about our personal goals for the semester. They can be summed up in one word: accessibility. Eszenyme and I share a common view that feminism should be accessible and do-able for everyone. And we’d like that to extend to ShoutOut. We are hoping to ensure that this blog is understandable, readable, and accessible to everyone-from our parents, to community members, and feminists alike. Our readers need to know that feminism can be learned and practiced by everyone, not just those with a college education or privileged background.

Working Women and Feminism: Betty Friedan

Image Courtesy of the National Women's History Museum

That’s right readers, for my first installment of Working Women and Feminism, I’m talking about the (in)famous Betty Friedan.

*SCREEEEEEEEECH*

But wait…Betty Friedan? The author of The Feminine Mystique? Who so blatantly ignored the problems of low-income women and women of color, and even referred to lesbians as “the lavender menace?” Yes. Believe it or not, Betty Friedan was a huge part of the labor feminist movement prior to writing The Feminine Mystique. So it’s only fitting that I should begin my series by explaining the complex history behind the woman considered to be the mother of Second Wave feminism.

African ‘Her’story: Overcoming obstacles

My majors have done a lot for me. As a political science and justice studies double major, I may not have job security immediately after college as opposed to my business major counterparts, but I can guarantee you that I will get a job I love…eventually. But even if I don’t, I’m satisfied knowing that for the past four years, I’ve been happy. I’ve been studying things I love—unlike by business major counterparts.

All business majors strive to look like him.

Justice Studies in particular has given me the ability to engage in great conversations, analyze amazing stories and cherish awesome opportunities. This past week, for example, I was able to have lunch with Nate Fields, someone who was exonerated from death row.  His memories and stories were unbelievable. Closer to the beginning of this semester, I had lunch with the head of the Southern Poverty Law Center—a center that researches hate groups and works to minimize their effects.

This week, I’m especially excited about my upcoming lunch date. I get to have a dinner conversation with Elavie Ndura, a Burundian Hutu genocide survivor and peace scholar. As a victim of exploitation and violence in the 20^th century, Dr. Ndura’s life has been filled with challenges.

I initially heard her on a radio interview on With Good Reason, a Virginia Foundation for Humanities program on National Public Radio. I caught the very end of her interview as I was driving to work and I heard her say something truly inspiring. To paraphrase, she said that doors aren’t always going to be open for you; sometimes you have to push them.

To hear someone say something so encouraging and uplifting after having gone through a lifetime of struggle is remarkable.

As president of the Justice Studies Student Organization, I knew she would be an awesome speaker. I looked her up to get more information and found out that she currently teaches peace education at George Mason University. In particular, she stresses the importance of positive dialogue and the critical nature of acceptance of cultural diversities. I emailed her to see if she would be interested in speaking to our organization and anyone else we could get to hear her story.

She agreed to come speak. She is doing so this Wednesday (November 16) at 7:00 p.m. in Transitions.