Posts by Maddie McClouskey
5 Gender-Neutral Alternatives to ‘Boyfriend’ and ‘Girlfriend’
There are gender-neutral words that can better describe the nature of one’s relationship than “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.” So here are some other ideas to choose from.
Read MoreHow to Develop Critical Political Consciousness in Children
Kids are selfish. And I’m not just saying that because I’m a jaded New York City nanny. Children, out of self-preservation instinct, only care about what benefits them. So how do we make politics matter to children? Make the lesson benefit them. Whether you’re a parent/guardian, cool family member, teacher, or caregiver like me, here are some ideas to cultivate politically-minded kids.
Read MoreFeminism: It’s Common Sense!
I’m not saying that it makes sense for everyone to center all conversations around the patriarchy and drop everything to get a Master’s in Gender Studies. That would probably leave you friendless and broke. As selfish as it sounds, it can be helpful to ask “What’s in it for me?” And human issues are all interconnected, so making someone else’s life easier can help you, indirectly or otherwise.
Read MoreHow to Deal with Who People Don’t Realize They’re Being Offensive
Some people may not be discriminatory at heart, but old habits die hard. Unfortunately, offensive language and implications are cultural habits most people acquire without realizing it. Some of these scenarios are what I like to call Accidental ‘-isms.’ But you have the power to shape your conversations. So here are some of my ideas for confronting your next Accidental ‘-ism.’
Read MoreGetting Someone Drunk to Have Sex = Slipping Them a Drug to Have Sex
From adolescents to professional musicians, it seems as though the public at large has received a serious miseducation in discerning a true ‘yes’ from an implicit ‘no.’ So let me break it down for you. There is a connection between getting someone drunk to have sex and slipping someone drugs to have sex. Either way, consent is not possible. Either way, it is attempted rape.
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