College Feminists Connect!

Blue Waffles: Perpetuating the 'Vagina of the Patriarchy' One Breakfast at a Time

Did you know waffle is slang for vagina? Interesting. I never would have thought of a vagina while eating waffles. It's quite nonsensical as slang terms go; which is fitting because the newest "STD" on the radar is equally nonsensical. Information about "blue waffle disease" has apparently been circulating around the internet since 2010 - but I just caught wind of it this weekend by reading an article from the Women's Health Foundation.

What, might you ask, is "blue waffle disease"? I thought the best definition was on UrbanDictionary.com, but essentially it is a (FAKE) STD which can only be passed from females to males, manifests mainly through blue bruises on the vulva, and is a result of bad vaginal hygiene. It is also worth noting that most people who believe this disease is real are pre-teens or teenagers who are seeking sexual health information from illegitimate internet websites like this one or this one.

When I originally read the article I was concerned about misinformation and the pitfalls of sex education in America. I wasn't overly concerned with the misogynistic or patriarchal implications of this fabricated disease. Misogyny and patriarchy were present (one day everyone will understand vaginas are not dirty) but the ever present "dirty vagina" idea was less a concern for me than the fact that kids across the country actually believe in this STD. That was until I started my own mini-research on blue waffle disease and realized the whole STD is apparently an excuse to put women in their place sexually while simultaneously getting them to emulate what I will call the "vagina of the patriarchy".

The vagina of the patriarchy is white, hairless, perfectly symmetrical, doesn't have any discharge, and exists for the purpose of heterosexual intercourse - but not too much heterosexual intercourse. Oh, and let's not forget about the tones of slut shaming and sexual violence present in the "information" about this disease. Here are some samples (and those typos are not my own):

"The disease is typically observed in prostitutes and whores who indulge in activities of Unsafe sex, who use of sex toys and prostitution are the main cause of disease."

"Blue waffle is a vaginal abnormality caused by severe beatings at the hand of the man-stick, excessive ferocious poundings can results in grotesque flap growth resembling a waffly versatile potato waffle but also taking on a bluey-green colour. Often covered in sweaty fur as a result of the skanky mess who owns the vagina being crap at personal hygene.. mingers."

Because whoever wrote the first quote is likely an ignorant moron let's assume they are talking about street prostitution - not one of the many other types of prostitution (i.e. call girls). See, women who practice street prostitution do not indulge in unsafe sex. Usually, they are forced either economically or physically to engage in prostitution. It is not a choice or a reflection of their character but a method of survival. Oh, and fun fact: female street prostitutes are disproportionately of "lower" socioeconomic statuses. But the men who visit them typically represent every socioeconomic status. Hmmm....street prostitutes wouldn't be "indulging" if there was no one to do it with. Perhaps the problem is not with the supplier but with the demand.

Now on to the second quote, which is slightly more disturbing and problematic because of it's blatant promotion of violence against women. Apparently "severe beatings at the hand of the man-stick" and "excessive ferocious poundings" is code for sex. In reality, if your vagina is getting "beat by a man-stick" it's probably sexual assault. But in this quote, instead of offering the sexual assault survivor aid, they continue on to blame them for being a whore and allowing all those men to give them blue waffle disease. Funny how the men are inflicting the pain and disease here but the woman is getting blamed.

One purpose of these examples is to define female sexuality in negative terms: good women do not have multiple sex partners, they do not use sex toys, and they do not have hair on their vulva. The other purpose is to frighten women into behaving according to these narrow patriarchal standards. The second quote blatantly describes sexual violence and effectively blames women for its repercussions.

So, what I originally thought was just a bad case of some idiot making up a disease and misinforming a bunch of teenagers actually turns out to be a huge hurdle in regards to sexual violence and positive female sexuality. You know what a thirteen year old girl will think if she comes across this "information"? Hint: it's not going to be a complex analysis of patriarchal definitions of sexuality and incidences of sexual violence.

So spread the word - let's defeat "blue waffle disease" in all it's patriarchal glory. -Jen Kaltveit, Hamline University

Let's Talk About Being Pro-Choice

The legislative session of 2011 was fraught with ridiculous attacks on reproductive rights. Limiting access to abortion is a hot issue right now - and abstinence only education is (and likely will be for the foreseeable future) a problem in regards to how people are educated about sex.

When you feel so strongly about an issue it can be difficult to see clearly when people constantly attack it. Reproductive rights are such an intense topic for everyone because they are so personal. I cannot imagine someone telling me I can't have access to birth control or adequate information about sex. And those who are not so liberal as I can't imagine talking about such a holy and personal topic as sexuality in the public realm. Personal, right? This issue goes right to the core of almost everyone's personal behavior and identities. It makes sense for people to be so passionate.

But with passion comes problems. Problems like not looking at an issue from all sides. Problems like not considering several opinions and understanding (though not necessarily agreeing) with opposing viewpoints. Some people struggle to  maintain a logical standpoint and argument to back up that standpoint. And here's the thing - lately I see my pro-choice comrades falling into that "passion trap". We're under attack - and it doesn't just feel like our ideas are being attacked - it feels like our bodies and our reproductive freedom is being attacked. It's quite the unpleasant situation. I understand why people feel the need to protect reproductive rights more than ever before - it's scary to think some of the bills being proposed could become law (remember the Personhood Amendment?) but that is no excuse to become narrow minded, even if it is on the pro-choice side of things.

It started in the blogs I read, then it showed up in my classes, and now it's appearing in pop-culture analysis. It's an intense attitude of disdain for women who exercise their right to choose. The women who are scorned (whether real or characters in a book, TV show, or movie) either become pregnant and decide to have the baby or decide to opt for a birth control method like Natural Family Planning. And they are scorned implicity or explicity for not having an abortion or not using birth control. See, I was under the impression pro-choice was about having access to the choice. Being able to have an abortion safely and using birth control or not having an abortion and using (for lack of a better word) "natural" methods of birth control. As pro-choicers we CANNOT scorn those women who do not make the choices we would have made. Pro-choice should not end at access to birth control and safe abortion. It needs to include resources for women and men who choose to remain pregnant or practice Natural Family Planning.

It is narrow minded, and frankly, detrimental to the fight for reproductive rights to scorn women and men who do not use birth control or abortion. What everyone does with their body is their business. We need to recognize that the pro-choice movement could fall into a narrow minded, birth control filled black hole. We need to stand strong and form bonds with those who believe in personal freedom - but perhaps don't make the same choices in regards to their person as you would. We need to be the real embodiment of pro-choice. -Jen Kaltveit, Hamline University

"I'm too PRITTY to do math!"

Over the weekend we received an email that had a rather disturbing attachment of a "Happy Belated Birthday" card being sold at Target (pictured below). The front of the card read "I'm too PRITTY to do math!" with a portrayal of a blonde cartoon-like female holding what appears to be a math test that received a grade of an F. Flipping open the card one reads, "...Or remember your birthday!" "Happy Belated Birthday" 

Now I cant help but ask... what message does this send out oh behalf of females, especially young female students, and what was Target thinking allowing this card to be sold in their stores? As a female I cant help but feel degraded and disrespected. 

It is hard enough to teach young women that beauty isnt everything. Why would we want to encourage the idea that they have to play dumb in order to be popular. The card not only degrades women and their self worth but it makes us look stupid and forgetful  

One blogger posted this regarding the "I'm too pretty to do math" magnets that were being sold though Forever 21... "So the message to girls is that, first, math is something to be avoided if possible; only girls who aren’t pretty enough to get out of it would bother to take it seriously. And, second, being attractive should get you out of doing things you might find difficult or unpleasant.

There do not appear to be “I’m too handsome to do math” or, say, “I’m too pretty to do English literature” versions, because the magnet relies on two notions that preclude those options: that girls, specifically, either can’t or don’t want to master difficult academic subjects, and that math is inherently, and almost uniquely, difficult to learn — a cultural trope my friends who teach math often find exasperating, as it means they have to battle years of socialization that teaches students to be intimidated and convinced they’re likely to fail before they even start." After a fair amount of enraged individuals, Forever 21 pulled the magnets from the store and apologized to customers. 

A concerned parent wrote in her blog back when J.C. Penny sold a sweatshirt with a similar message 'I'm too pretty to do homework so my brother has to do it for me', "It is disrespectful to their predominantly female customers and perpetulating stereotype that’s already running rampant. There’s absolutely no justification for equating one’s appearance with one’s ability — not even a “joke.” With enough complaints J.C. Penny pulled the sweatshirt and apologized. 

Help advocate against this type of gender stereotyping in the marketplace and call or email target with your comments and concerns regarding this card and its removal from the shelves.

Email your inquiry

or call Target: 1-800-440-0680 

 

Action: Marriage Equality

On Tuesday, Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota’s (PPMNS) Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage that will go before Minnesota voters next year. 

As you know, in May of this year the Minnesota House voted to place a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on the 2012 ballot, even though Minnesota law already bans same-sex marriage. If voters approve the ballot measure, discriminatory language against same-sex couples will be enshrined into Minnesota’s Constitution.

Planned Parenthood works everyday to ensure the health and well-being of all Minnesotan families because we know that strong families are fundamental to strong communities. But, communities can only flourish when their members are treated equally with fairness and respect.  We believe that people should be free to make life’s most profound choices about health care, childbearing and relationships – and that all people, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, have fundamental human rights that must be respected and responsibilities that must be exercised.

If you agree, consider writing a letter-to-the-editor (LTE) for your University or College paper saying so!  Together we can spread the word that the majority of Minnesotans don’t approve of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and the legal recognition of same-sex couples. 

LTEs are a quick and easy way to make your voice heard in your community.  Want to write and LTE but not sure where to start?  Write Sam at scarolus@ppmns.org and she would be happy to send you sample letters and talking points. 

Together we can make a difference!

Action: Break-Up to Make-Up Drive

Drop Dead Gorgeous Org is looking for volunteers to help with their annual Break-Up to Make-Up Drive. Drop Dead Gorgeous Org's mission is to instill leadership skills and self-confidence in young girls on a domestic and international level. The idea is to unite all girls even if they are not close in location to inspire the next generation of girls. Drop Dead Gorgeous creates projects that tackle issues that all at-risk young girls face in underprivileged communities here and developing countries abroad. Issues such as self-esteem, education, teen pregnancy, dating abuse, gender equality and women's health. Below are examples of the alarming statistics that the current generation of young girls are facing.

In November, they are focusing on: violence against women. Domestically, they will continue their annual “Break-Up to Make-Up” Drive which collects packaged un-used cosmetics to be donated to a women’s shelter for women and girls that have escaped from abusive relationships. Internationally, they have honed their focus to helping girls in Tanzania, Africa that are constantly faced with opposition which threatens their chance of getting a proper education. 

The "Break-Up to Make-Up" Drive was started in 2010. Last year, Fort Hamilton High School, Madison Boys & Girls Club, and Bloomingdales Cosmetic Department were the biggest contributors and the items were donated to Safe Horizon. This year, the drive is expanding greatly and needs volunteers. Drop Dead Gorgeous Org asks that volunteers set up donation boxes in their school, workplace, community center, etc. If you intend to set-up a donation box you will be sent: posters, donation cards, a decorated box, stickers, etc. This year, the donated items are going to Women In Need Shelter in NYC. If you would just like to make a donation that too would be greatly appreciated. All contributors to the drive's success will be featured on the organization website and entered in the raffle for an awesome prize! To get involved contact Andrea Rivers or call 646-623-0608.

Feminist Boot Camp

Soapbox recently announced that they have combined their Feminist Winter Term and Feminist Summer Camp programs under one name: Feminist Boot Camp. Feminist Boot Camp is an intensive week-long program designed for university students and anyone interested in meeting with progressive leaders and national feminist organizations. This program emphasizes career development and will include opportunities to network with people in the forefront of feminist activism.

Want to attend? Sign up now for Feminist Boot Camp Winter 2012. The dates are January 4-11, 2012 in New York City. Many students have received both college credit and financial support from their university for this experience. Soapbox offers ideas on how to get funding for the week at Feminist Boot Camp.

American Association of University Women Campus Action Projects

This year’s CAP grant program focuses on the issues raised by AAUW’s upcoming research report, Crossing the Line: Sexual Harassment in Schools.The report includes nationally representative data about the sexual harassment that occurs in grades seven through 12. To put research into practice, teams of student leaders and campus faculty nationwide may apply for up to $5,000 to design and implement programs using recommendations from the report, found in the request for proposals. Project goals may include raising awareness about sexual harassment or improving schools’ prevention methods and responsiveness to sexual harassment. Applications must be submitted by October 21. Applicants will be contacted by December 2. AAUW college/university partner members receive preference.

 

An Awesome Opportunity: Go, Girls Go!

The Women’s Center over at St. Cloud State University has been busy all summer. We’ve been brainstorming and planning for the coming semesters and we have quite a few fun, interesting, and cool things in store for SCSU campus and surrounding communities.

Aside from our (top secret) planning, we’ve been asked by a local Boys and Girls Club to organize an afternoon for a group of young girls (ages K-4). The young girls are a part a group called, Go, Girls Go!; a young girl’s summer empowerment group focusing on creating positive body image/self esteem, cultivating and inspiring personal growth and independence. Needless to say, this group of young girls is definitely creating their destiny in feminism, and that couldn’t make me or the ladies at Women’s Center any happier.

Obviously, the Women’s Center agreed to take on this opportunity with a resounding, “YES!”, but at the same time we were all puzzled and curious as to how we were going to keep 15 girl’s attention for over an hour. I mean, come on, since when are college students used to working/collaborating with children when it’s not required for class? Never, that’s when, but we were all eager to find the perfect activity and create conversation surrounding positive body image and self esteem, which was the theme we decided to go with.

When brainstorming, I couldn’t help but think about my little nieces (ages 10, 9, 7, and 5) and what types of activities they would be receptive to – and then I thought of a conversation that was had a few months ago involving said body image topic.

Babysitting these girls is always such a treat.  They're always teaching me new things and never fail to keep me informed on "what's cool" now-a-days (because apparently, I'm old and totally out of the loop).

Sign the Declaration of Equality

On October 22, more than 100 women from all 50 states, including the Minnesota Women's Consortium's Associate Director Erin Parrish, signed the Declaration of Equality. Join Vision 2020's National and Visionary Delegates and sign your name to the Declaration by clicking on the photo to the right.

Vision 2020 is a national project focused on advancing gender equality by energizing the dialogue about women and leadership. Its first public event was held Oct. 21-22, 2010, when a congress of national delegates, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, gathered at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to launch an action agenda to move America toward equality by 2020, the centennial celebration of the 19th Amendment. Click here for more information about Vision 2020.

Feminist Coming Out Day

During the 2009-2010 school year, Lena Chin (Harvard College '10) and Abby Sun (Harvard College '13) piloted a campus-wide Feminist Coming Out Day at Harvard University. This year they are expanding the event to campuses throughout the United States. Inspired by National Coming Out Day and her experience planning the Rethinking Virginity Conference, Chen planned this event to encourage campus members to publicly declare their commitment to feminism. Participants wore clothing and buttons that said "This is What a Feminist Looks Like" and posed for a display of photos of students, professors, and others showing their commitment to feminism. According to Sun, the public declaration is important because “Feminism is a lifelong pursuit of justice, and a lot of it has to do with spreading awareness. One of the goals of this exhibit is to make feminism a label people are proud of.”

Feminist Coming Out Day 2011 will be held on March 8. Over the next couple of months Chen and Sun will be organizing grassroots support among feminist and LGBTQIA organizations in the United States. A central website will help students collaborate with each other to plan and publicize events on their campuses.

For more information or to get involved visit the website.