Search results for: white male privilege sexual violence
Does Feminism Require Vegetarianism or Veganism?
Some say that being a feminist morally requires being vegetarian or vegan. As a feminist vegetarian who doesn’t apply her choice to others, Celia Edell shares what this question means to her.
Read More5 Things to Consider After a Recent Sexual Assault
(Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault) There’s no right or wrong way to respond to a sexual assault. But sometimes it’s hard to know what to do next. So here are some things to keep in mind. They’ll help you remember that you know what’s best for yourself, so you get to make your own choices. Read on and treat yourself with the same kindness you would give to others – you deserve nothing less.
Read MoreWhy We Need To Stop Conflating Sexual Objectification with Sexual Empowerment
A common pop-culture misconception is confusing sexual objectification with sexual empowerment. Yes, it can feel good to be sexually desirable. But that’s not what sexual objectification does. The façades of empowerment and liberation that the media puts forth can be difficult territory to navigate. So let’s explore the key differences between the two.
Read More13 Myths And Misconceptions About Trans Women
Almost all of these myths stem from the assumption that trans women are really men, and considering us through a male frame of reference. So if there is one myth to debunk from which all others would perish, it’s the notion that our gender is not legitimate. We are women. But if you need further explanation, let me break it down for you with these 13 myths.
Read MoreWhy Grammar Snobbery Has No Place in the Movement
There’s a difference between appreciating language and being a snob. And the last place that we need grammar snobbery is in social justice movements. And not just because getting hung up on subject-predicate agreement is distracting to the job at hand, but also because purporting one form of English as elite is inherently oppressive. So let’s talk about why.
Read MoreLabels: Empowering, Harmful, or Both?
Labels can be both useful and harmful — it depends on where and how we use those labels. Some people, however, advocate that we put labels to rest. They seem to think we’re perpetuating victimization and divisiveness. But here’s the thing: Labels don’t cause inequality. People do. This attitude just stands in the way of accountability and anti-oppression work.
Read More7 Irritating Comments Women Cyclists Are Tired of Getting
#2: “Smile!” REALLY? From drivers to pedestrians to other bikers, these comments women cyclists get show the problem with gender norm assumptions.
Read MoreWhat the Myth of ‘Oversensitive Students’ Gets Wrong About Trigger Warnings
“There are no simple fixes here.” If you’re against trigger warnings in colleges, you need to read this teacher’s rejection of the myth of “oversensitive students.”
Read More4 Reasons Why We’ve Got to Stop Using ‘Ethnic’ to Describe People of Color
“I’m not anything, I’m just white!” Are you being racist if you only use “ethnic” for people of color? The reason we use this word like this will make your head spin.
Read More6 Things You Might Not Think Are Harassment, But Definitely Are
Many people have no idea what does and does not constitute harassment. Here’s the thing: in our society, men are taught to feel sexually entitled to women. So many men who approach women in public spaces feel they “should” respond positively to their overtures – and then get upset at them when they don’t. Here’s some concrete examples of how this shows up.
Read More5 Actions White Educators Can Take to Help Make Schools Anti-Racist
How can white teachers help make classrooms more racially just? These ideas will help you move away from guilt and defensiveness and into action.
Read More5 Alarming Ways That Climate Change Is Racist
Do you know about the impact of environmental racism? Climate change is affecting vulnerable communities, and it’s time to do something about it.
Read More4 Common Lies You Should Stop Believing About Black Single Mothers Right Now
“The Black community’s problem is all those unwed mothers raising kids without father figures!” Everyone from Ben Carson to the media spreads these stereotypes – and here’s why they’re wrong.
Read More4 Hints Your Approaches to Empowering Black Communities Are Actually Harmful
“#3: Your approach creates a hierarchy among black people.” Do you know how to spot if you’re using respectability politics? These signs suggest you may do more harm than good.
Read MoreThe Pitfalls of Becoming a Complacent Ally (And What to Do If You’ve Made a Mistake)
We’ve all been there – just when you think you’ve become a good ally, somebody tells you that you’ve done or said something problematic. Here’s the good news: nobody’s perfect, so you’re not alone. Perfection is not what’s important, and being an ally doesn’t mean you can do no wrong. Read about what is important, and learn what to do if you make a mistake.
Read More6 Examples of How You Can Benefit From Citizen Privilege
“#2: You won’t be denied housing on the basis of being an immigrant.” US citizens often have a hard time understanding this form of privilege. Here’s why we really need to start getting it.
Read More5 Questions Feminists Are Tired of Being Asked (And Some Alternative Approaches to Asking Them)
Spread the word if you’re as tired of these as we are! What other questions are you fed up with?
Read More10 Personal Rights That I, As a Black, Non-Binary, Queer Person, Refuse to Compromise On
As a black, non-binary person, this author spends a lot of time reasserting their right to exist as they are. Here are some rights that are not up for debate – and that every ally and black, non-binary person should know.
Read More3 Reasons You Might Be Afraid To Speak Up For Muslims – And How To Do It Anyway
Have you come across Islamophobic comments like the ones this author’s family friend made? These are the reasons you might be hesitating to challenge them, and the strategies that can help.
Read MoreWhy Apologies Are Powerful Tools for Combating Rape Culture
“The mainstream idea of ‘justice’ after rape in our society is ridiculously limited.” Here’s how apologies could help expand our idea of justice for survivors.
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