As a domestic violence survivor, I’m torn about One Billion Rising. Founded by playwright and activist Eve Ensler, it’s a global campaign for people to come together and dance, to “call for an end to violence” against women. I appreciate media and events raising gender violence awareness. But there are fundamental societal problems One Billion Rising simply doesn’t address that it should. Continue reading
Counting down from 12 to 1, here are the 12 most-read posts of 2012 at The Opinioness of the World! Continue reading
Originally published at Fem2pt0. I used to volunteer at a domestic violence hotline. I spoke with women scared for their lives and for the lives of their children. They were hurt, angry and confused. Continue reading
Originally published at Fem2pt0. About 10 years ago, I moved in with my boyfriend at the time. Should have been exciting, right? No. While things between us were good at first, he quickly turned abusive. Arguments rapidly escalated as he punched me in the stomach, kicked me and tried to choke me. I knew I … Continue reading
When I worked at Harvard, I had phenomenal benefits, including paid sick leave. Outstanding. Stupendous. But when I stopped and thought about it, I realized it was the only job I ever held that did offer paid sick time. Having worked in retail and for small banks, sure I could take time off if I … Continue reading
Originally published at Fem2pt0. Fashion magazines often utilize sexualized images of violence to objectify, exploit and subjugate women. In the recent disgusting spread “Victim of Beauty,” Bulgarian fashion magazine 12 replicated domestic abuse survivors’ wounds. In Vogue Italia’s horrific BP oil-themed spread and Gucci’s appalling dead women in the desert, we witness the media’s continual … Continue reading
I have to admit, I’m pretty much addicted to Bravo. I especially adore the adorbs Andy Cohen and his nightly talk show Watch What Happens Live. While the show is great for a silly laugh, I was disturbed by something that happened last week. Last Tuesday, Cohen asked guest Loretta Devine about Chris Brown since … Continue reading
You might have been pissed Rihanna reunited with Chris Brown professionally (I know I was) or that rumors about their romantic reunion continue to swirl. But Rihanna’s not apologizing for getting back in touch (and staying in touch) with her ex-boyfriend and domestic violence abuser. She’s going to do what she pleases. In May’s issue … Continue reading
Cross-posted at Fem2pt0. Well, folks…PETA is at it again. No strangers to utilizing sexism and misogyny, they’ll do whatever it takes to garner attention for animal rights. With their latest ad campaign, they prove that nothing is too taboo to manipulate. Their latest offensive ad, “Boyfriend Went Vegan and Knocked the Bottom out of Me,” … Continue reading
Even if you don’t watch trashy reality TV, you probably know socialite Taylor Armstrong, from Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH), survived domestic violence. Within the past couple weeks, RHOBH aired episodes involving an intervention with Taylor about her abusive marriage. I cringe at the thought of people knowing I watch the Real Housewives. … Continue reading
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