Why #shirtstorm was right

On sexist T-Shirts

TRIGGER WARNING

If you are triggered by social injustice, don't read on.

When thinking about #shirtstorm, where a man was demanded to apologize for wearing an incredbily sexist shirt, you have to wonder why woman and girls all over the world are rightfully upset. So - why are they upset? And how can depictions of woman be upsetting to woman anyways?

#shirtgate. Notice the horrifed expression on the face of the poor woman, as oppression is taking place. Rumor says, she was tiggered by this interview.

I had a lot of conversation in my university with women in my gender-debating circle with it, and, as always, when we talk about highly emotional charged issues, tears were shed. Some woman were triggered, too, but I'll just have these Quotes doing the talk:

Diana F. 23 years old:

 " When I saw that picture, as well as the appalled expression on face the face of the female interviewer, I was like, wait. This remembers me of a thing, that once happened. You know, that one guy? At the bar? Who won't leave you alone after you, like, said, already "no thx"? The cometguy is the same kind of guy, and he's just as sexist. That's why I think STEM-education is sexist as well and that's the reason why I won't enter this field of education anytime soon."

Carola M. 19 years old:

 "I am a victim of the porno-industry. I started to work there because I wasn't interesting in college and higher education and wanted to have a quick buck. I am a victim of heavy drug abuse and general other feminist issues as well, but, I have to say, patriarchy made me do these things. Now, I'm a reborn feminist, and I find it incredibly hard to start my career in the STEM-field now, because his shirt is just unheard of, and this blatant sexism repels me."

Laura B, 27 years old:

"I studied engineering for 3 and a half years now and I don't feel welcome anymore because of this shirt. And I don't like it when men wear what they want whilst not thinking about what I would like to see. I have this problem kind of everywhere, what is a sure sign of patriarchy. This isn't worth it anymore, I'll better quit my STEM-field degree, it's just too much, this shirt broke the metaphorical camel's back." 

Needless to say, all those girls were triggered as well and angry and sad. But how can we fight those injustices? How can we end woman's suffering altogether?

Microphones - the hidden horror

Microphones

TRIGGER WARNING

If your feelings get crused rather easily by maybe-offending posts, you shouldn't read this. It's really not offending, but who knows.

typical sexist microphone

There are many hidden instances of partriachal oppression in our society. And let me tell you, those are the most terrifying of them all. Last week, I was at a conference about banning penis-shaped vegetables, as my eyes widened in dread. I couldn't even fathom the irony that was taking place at this particular moment. 

There she was, one of our speakers (better don't give away the name, bc harassment), speaking into a microphone. I may have to capitalize it to really give away what I mean. A microphone!

Now, please don't think I'm crazy. I know I'm kinda emotional right now, and I hope I can get this post clear to you without  having to repeat myself too often. I was emotional back then, too. Breaking into sweats, nervously skidding around in my chair, when the observation hit me. It's hard to write down, too.

Diary 1, the croissant

Diary of a victim of rape culture 
Vol. 1 - the croissant


A Case study of internalized misogyny

TRIGGER WARNING

If you are sensible towards certain long and pointy objects, or hollow, round objects, or a combination of both, please consider not reading on

Today, I witnessed internalized mysogyny and possibly rape. It happened right before my eyes, and I couldn't stop it. I just could sit there, helpless, and didn't dare to say a word. Needless to say, I was enraged, and tried to hold my composure. It was hard, I have tell you this. But I made it. I didn't want to get into trouble, bc at my workplace, it is kinda tough to speak out for feminist ideas.

Is it sexist?

As I first called a meeting for a feminist proposal, I was being laughed at. What, I ask you, is so wrong to prohibit phallic shaped vegetables at an open office? You can get triggered by that! We have a lot of patriarchy going on here. But, alas, I'll tell you this story another time. The thing I want to talk about today is internalized misogyny.

I have a co-worker, Melany. She's a "pretty girl", and everyone around here likes her. Yea, She has taken the easy way. Her "feminine traits" get her a go around the office, She's "pretty", shaves her armpits and legs and is generally a "nice person". Doing a little bit of makeup every morning, and even going through the trouble of having long, "beautiful" hair. I asked her once why she is going through the trouble of making herself "pretty", I was in utter disbelief of her answer. She said she wanted to feel pretty and "like a woman".

Are Bananas sexist?

Bananas - the hidden harassment

TRIGGER WARNING

If you are terrified by phallic-shaped object which might you remember something you don't want to remember, like, for example, a big penis, don't read on.

Every woman has had this experience. You know, after a long and stressful day, like going to a mall, or getting some books, you like, as a woman, to sit down, and have a meal. In my youth, I always enjoyed something healthy, as a banana or a cucumber. Hell, even some carrots were in my lunchbox back in the day!

But, as you may have noticed on the left-hand picture, the patriarchy has made simple things like eating sexualized. Well, you may just see a woman eating happily a banana, Many will also see the horrified gaze on her face, as she is trembling in fear. Yes, at this very moment she is oppressed and is trying to surpress her feelings through "a smiling face" because "girls should always smile", right?

The overly sexualized context of this picture is a defamation of this very girl's basic human rights. Her dignity is undermined through the cultural context of what's commonly known as a blowjob.