annogus
From frustrated to verklempt, it’s been quite a week. I never really crossed over into crying territory, but my eyes were definitely more moist and leaky than usual. Let’s move from worst to best, shall we?
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Feminspire posted this roundup of recent legislative developments regarding women’s reproductive health. You know that dream where you are trying to escape, but every possible out is blocked? Brick walls, doors that don’t go anywhere, and definitely no voice to scream with. That’s how this made me feel. I could feel my chest getting tighter with each item, and frustrated tears forming in my eyes.
This is the kind of legislative action that originally opened my eyes to the disfunction of the pro-life movement. This is not about the sanctity of life anymore, folks. An excellent essay was written on this at Common Dreams last year: Pro-Life or Just Pro-Sperm? And of course, Libby Anne’s personal journey: How I Lost Faith in the Pro-Life Movement.
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Roger Ebert died yesterday. It wasn’t incredibly unexpected, but I was surprised by my personal reaction. (tears. again.) Salon re-posted his essay I Do Not Fear Death, and it’s really beautiful. I have a huge amount of admiration for people who understand the interconnectedness of all things, and I think Ebert was one of those people. He also understood the incredible power of stories and film to influence peoples’ lives. His writings on these things resonate with me and give me hope.
And, of course, his final written words, “So on this day of reflection I say again, thank you for going on this journey with me. I’ll see you at the movies.”
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Kid President took a trip to the White House to meet President Obama. It’s a cute video overall, but the moment that got me is at 1:10. This man showing this little boy a program from Dr. King’s March on Washington in the Oval Office. There they are. There are the tears.
(however, really, dude? Really.)
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And finally, my most triumphant tears of the week. I was sent a teaser track from The Campanellis new album Camp Optimist. They are some of my dearest friends, this is their first album, and it’s so damn good. Life is so much easier when your friends are talented. You don’t have to pretend to be a fan, and sit through painful shows at shitty bars. And I’ve gotta say, it’s especially fun when they play power pop.
Again, I really did not predict that I would actually get worked up over this. How silly. But as each piece came in, and I heard Jon and then Paul and Dan and Keith and Joel, doing what they love and doing it well, it just got to me. Enjoy.
I always forget how good Living With Ghosts is. In high school I listened to Patty as a sage, and now she’s a kindred spirit.
IRL Things:
This has been my lunch spot for the past two days. Sure, it’s a little sparse, but that blue sky is just raging.
I took Wednesday off this week just because. It turned out to be one of the first truly beautiful days so far. I took a walk downtown, renewed my license and library card, bought a stack of records at Vertigo, and enjoyed some tasty sushi.
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From the Interwebs:
That Just Means He Likes You
It’s generally accepted as common knowledge that when kids are violent with each other, “That just means he likes you.” (I’ve heard it said for girls as well, though much less often.) So where is the line? When does it stop being cute? Or does that just morph into the hunter/prey romance narrative we’re taught?
How did society become so oblivious to the fact that we were conditioning our daughters to endure abusive treatment, much less view it as romantic overtures?
Justice Alito’s Quote of the Day
In the SCOTUS deliberations on marriage equality this week, Justice Alito expressed concern that same-sex marriage was just too new and that society should move ahead on it’s own time through elected representatives.
“[W]hen the Supreme Court struck down the bans against interracial marriage in 1968 through Virginia vs. Loving, SEVENTY-TWO PERCENT of Americans were against interracial marriage. As a matter of fact, approval of interracial marriage in the US didn’t cross the positive threshold until — sweet God – 1991.”
The reason we don’t leave it for the people is because rights of marginalized people shouldn’t be dependent on whether privileged people choose decency over the maintenance of undeserved privilege.
The Objectification of Jon Hamm
A really interesting thing has been happening to Jon Hamm recently. He’s being treated like an actress. And it’s weirding him out. As it should. Hamm is an outspoken advocate for women, so perhaps this random role-reversal can shed some light on the ridiculous and reductive things the media does to female celebrities.
Pope Washes Women’s Feet in Break with Church Law
My views on the papacy and worldwide church structure aside, this act is very powerful. And the fact that there is actual backlash against something so incredibly and obviously Christlike is simultaneously horrifying and telling.
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And finally, a pretty thing for you. One of my favorite collage artists: Joe Webb. His work is nostalgic and romantic and a little disconcerting. Go look at them all.
EDITED!
Less than 20 minutes after I post this, two delightful articles come to my attention. I’ve gotta share them with you.
10 Breathtaking Isolated Vocals
Sometimes, with all the actual music stripped away, you understand why the vocals have been buried by bells, whistles and effects but equally there are moments when what remains is fresh, fascinating and a breathtaking world away from what we thought we knew. Here are ten naked vocals to illustrate the special alchemy each singer brings to the party.
The History of Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally’s Awesome Marriage
Sometimes there are celebrities who give off the vibe of being really awesome people. It might just be good PR, but this couple rocks it.
My lil’ tumbles is four years old! Here are some snapshots of the past four Springtimes.
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2009
In the height of film-school craziness, Steve convinces me to sign up for this tumblr thing that everyone is using. My first post is this photo of Dan and Jeff from our 16mm II shoot Lost in the Park.
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2010
Starting new job at GVSU. Getting re-acquainted with these crazy kids. Rediscovering this recording of my three year old self conversing with my family and having a frank discussion about relationships in The Little Mermaid. Enjoying Springtime on the West Side.
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2011
Starting to dip my toes into feminist ranting. Lots of karaoke and bowling. Briefly housing an adorable cat wanderer. Sadly can’t keep him.
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2012
Crazy heat-wave in March. Porch-sitting at the new place. Settling in and decorating.
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2013
It’s 33 degrees outside with a chance of flurries. Clinging to the hope of warmth arriving soon. The forecast for April 3rd is 50 degrees. Come to mama, baby.
IRL Things:
I (thoughtfully) spent my tax return on some fun things this week. Some spring wardrobe additions, a new camera lens (Sigma 50mm f/1.4), and a Casio keyboard.
I am an absolute music novice, but I’ve been thinking a lot about music creation lately (more on this later). So I’m starting from the beginning. So far I know about Forks and Chopsticks and how to play “You Are My Sunshine”. It’s gonna be a bit of a process.
Meanwhile, in other concepts completely foreign to me… I start a 401k next month. What up, adulthood?
Ok. Onto the things I dig.
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Currently Reading:
What We Talk About When We Talk About God
Rob Bell’s newest book. I’m really enjoying it. Honestly, the only other book of his I’ve finished is Sex God. All the others I read while attending Mars Hill during his time as teaching pastor. It was just kind of repetitive, “Yep. I get it. You said this last week.” It’s nice to read fresh content that he’s written free of pastoral constraints.
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
I just picked this one up yesterday after watching a fantastic livestream discussion organized by Crunk Feminist Collective. The book is about reconciling theological and sexual ethics, specifically in the lives of black women.
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There has been a lot of writing the past couple week around Steubenville, rape culture, etc. Here are a couple of my favorites.
5 Ways We Can Teach Men Not To Rape
Zerlina Maxwell went on Sean Hannity to debate the effectiveness of guns in rape-prevention. (Don’t even get me started.) She was then bombarded online with racially and sexually charged death threats and general vitriol. Regardless, she wrote this piece on Ebony. I would try to pull a quote, but it’s all great. Go read it in full.
A Letter to My Sons About Stopping Rape
I love the way this is written. Been struck lately by how important it is to teach kids about bodily autonomy and respect from birth.
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Cabin-Time x Wilderness
Here’s a pretty thing for you. Cabin-Time is a roaming creative residency where some beautiful things are created. My friend Carson created this gorgeous video during their last session.
Tongue Tied - Tina and the Total Babes
Been trying to force Spring into being by listening to as much upbeat rock’n’roll as possible. Cheap Trick, The Detroit Cobras, The Ramones, etc. This particular hook has been in my head all week. One of those crank-it-and-dance jams.
And finally, Jean Claude VanDamme smelling some chocolate. Happy Friday!
It’s International Women’s Day! And also Friday. Here are some bad-ass ladies rocking the mic to kick your weekend off right.
1. Run the World - Beyonce
2. Bad Girls - M.I.A.
3. Rebel Girl - Bikini Kill
4. Love is All Around - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
5. Crown on the Ground - Sleigh Bells
6. None of Your Business - Salt-n-Pepa
7. Laisse Tomber les Filles - April March
8. 3 Small Words - Josie and the Pussycats
9. Heartbreaker - Pat Benatar
10. Glycerine Queen - Suzi Quatro
11. If Looks Could Kill - Heart
12. Hard Headed Woman - Wanda Jackson
13. If I Could Turn Back Time - Cher
14. Girls Like Me - Bonnie Hayes with The Wild Combo
15. The Warrior - Scandal
16. Just a Girl - No Doubt
17. Independent Woman - Destiny’s Child
[playlist photo from Switchblade Sisters.]
Amanda Marcotte at Slate responds to The Guardian’s Ellie Mae O’Hagan.
I want to mash these two articles together with a big ol’ “WE NEED EVERYTHING!” scrawled across the top. They’re both right. Even though they’re arguing.
I understand O’Hagan’s concerns. She sees humor and sexiness as distractions from the larger picture, but Marcotte argues that they can be incredibly subversive and effective. Personally, I fall into Marcotte’s line of thinking, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need varying voices, or challenges to shift our perspective.
For me, anger is the fuel, a desire for change. But it’s not an effective universal method. Especially on an every day personal level. This sarcasm and brevity is a huge part of what drew me into the movement in the first place.
Marcotte argues,
“In my experience, if you really want to piss people off, be sexy and funny while you’re being angry.”
I could not survive being a part of any sort of activism without humor. I already get burned out on a regular basis. I hit that point where I can’t take it anymore. I’m too frustrated, too sad, too small. I step back, I paint my toenails, I watch a little Parks a Rec, and my faith in humanity is restored.
It’s equal parts a survival mechanism and a cultural subversion. As Marcotte says,
“Humor, fun, and yes, sexiness are ways to make yourself feel valued and happy in a sexist society that frequently tells women they deserve neither.”
Again, these things are difficult to unpack, especially sexuality. The line between empowerment and exploitation is always a debate. But ultimately, it’s about choice and balance. It always is. Freedom to be sexy, or not. Funny, or not. Without being told it’s what you’re supposed to be. We gotta keep working to create space for all.
“You shall love whether you like it or not. Emotions, they come and go like clouds. Love is not only a feeling; you shall love. To love is to run the risk of failure, the risk of betrayal. You fear your love has died; perhaps it is waiting to be transformed into something higher. Awaken the divine presence which sleeps in each man, each woman. Know each other in that love that never changes.” - To The Wonder (2013)
I can tell from that left-middle frame alone that this film is going to destroy me.
My love for Malick’s films is increasing by the day. I’m glad he’s releasing them more frequently. (And also a little concerned. He releases six films in 40 years, and now he’s got three in post-production. What is going on?)
His films aren’t for everyone. To some they feel heavy handed or emotionally manipulative, and I get that, but they’re just amazing pieces of poetry to me.
Roger Ebert wrote the following about Tree of Life, and it’s become one of my favorite quotes.
“Many films diminish us. They cheapen us, masturbate our senses, hammer us with shabby thrills, diminish the value of life. Some few films evoke the wonderment of life’s experience, and those I consider a form of prayer. Not prayer “to” anyone or anything, but prayer “about” everyone and everything. I believe prayer that makes requests is pointless. What will be, will be. But I value the kind of prayer when you stand at the edge of the sea, or beneath a tree, or smell a flower, or love someone, or do a good thing. Those prayers validate existence and snatch it away from meaningless routine.”
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In other Malicky things, I watched Badlands this weekend for the first time. Holy Moonrise Kingdom, Batman. Homage much? It’s almost too exact for me to even call it an ode. Check it out.
“In 1921, early suffragettes often donned a bathing suit and ate pizza in large groups to annoy men…it was a custom at the time”
PIZZA AND BATHING SUITS
-naomi
This is a thing I love to death.
Take me to Suffragette City, please.
Kicking Saturday’s ass today. Awoke at a single-digit hour. Breakfasted. Yoga’d. And now healthy lunch and Badlands.
