The UMD Womens Resource Center

Roller Derby

2009-10-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

There are two things that I love in this world, my husband and kicking some major ass. I’m not a violent woman, but I do love me some roller derby. Unfortunately, I do not have the financial security to drive to southern Rhode Island every week to practice, but one day I would love to play. Until that day comes I’ll have to make do with going to bouts and checking out the new movie Whip It.
The first time I saw the trailer for this movie I was sitting in the dark of the theater waiting for 500 Days of Summer to start. The screen was flashing images of women hip checking and looking fabulous in their roller derby uniforms. My heart beat began to rise. When it was over I said, a bit too loud, “I can’t wait for that movie!”
Not only was it about women who kick ass, it also stars and is directed by women who kick ass. It is directed by Drew Barrymore everyone’s favorite Reese’s pieces loving, never been kissed angel. Despite having been acting since age 5, this is Drew’s directorial debut. Not only did she direct the movie she is in it as the lovely but dangerous “Smashley Simpson.” Drew has become Hollywood’s sweetheart and at the same time has helped to pave a road for woman to build a life within the film industry. Her production company Flower Films was founded in 1995 has produced several films, including: He’s Just Not That Into You, Never Been Kissed, Charlie’s Angels, 50 First Dates, and now Whip It!
With her new movie Drew tells the story of the Los Angles Derby Dolls. The team in the movie, The Hurl Scouts, is based on the real life team the Touch Cookies. Some of the characters in the movie are based on real team members. This movie not only stars woman that kick ass, but shares the true life story of women who kick ass.

~Retha Highley, Graduate Intern

The WRC is Fostering Sisterhood: Can You?

2009-09-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

Last year the WRC started a blog. This is another "virtual" way the WRC can bring up issues, educate the campus community about current events, and communicate. Our first blogger this semester, Retha Highley, a UMass Dartmouth Alum, is a graduate student in the Professional Writing Program. Retha is working at the WRC as a writing intern this semester.

Women are often bitches to one another. It's true. We can be each other’s worst enemy, breaking one another down, and feeling like we can’t trust each other. Instead of breaking one another down we really should be building one another up, celebrating our differences, and taking the “mean girl” image and kicking its ass!

I want to get rid of the “mean girl” image for several reasons:

· The movie is not that funny! (Sorry Tina, I love you, but thumbs down.)

· If you have enough time to make a Burn Book, you need to get a hobby.

· Not every girl is going to get into a fight, just because someone was mean to them.

Until Mean Girls came out I had never heard of a Burn Book. Over the summer I worked with some high school girls that actually had a Burn Book. Movies like this, while they make people laugh, it makes me cry because of the influence they are having on girls today.

The image of women that the media perpetuates also impacts the way women interact. Nearly every woman seen in the commercials today ranges from size 3 to 0. The average size of a woman today is a 14. The media portrays images that are unrealistic for a normal woman because she doesn’t have the money to pay a personal trainer or the time to work out three times a day. Screw modern Hollywood, look at the beautiful starlets of the 1950s. The legendry Marilyn Monroe was a size 12.

As a group of woman we need to stop looking at each other as enemies and start looking at each other as a sisterhood, a support group that is there for one another through the good times and the bad.

I have some homework for you today. Don’t worry you don’t need to write an essay or read anything. It is more of a challenge. Soon after reading this you’re going to head back into the world of human interaction, and I challenge you, whenever you get a chance, to do something positive for another women. Anything you can think of: saying something encouraging, helping someone with a project, or even telling another woman that she looks good in her outfit. It just has to be something that will put a smile, even for a minute on her face. So get out there and foster sisterhood.

Retha Highley

2009-05-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

The evening atmosphere in the Woodland Commons was one of respectful silence and attentiveness, as a powerful Adrienne Rich stood alone at the microphone, seated, while reading poetry to an eager audience. Her pioneering, literary history and foundation created a presence and atmosphere of inspired awe, and she carried with her, a profound strength, a quiet strength that is forged only through the diligent, persevering and sincere work of one who has challenged and broken social barriers and stereotypes.

On Thursday, 30 April 2009, the 2nd annual Women's Studies/Women's Resource Center fundraiser, Educating and Empowering through the Arts, featured legendary poet and feminist, Adrienne Rich, author of the groundbreaking article "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence," among many other distinguished, feminist literary works.

She is among the very first of a league of feminist and lesbian women, to challenge the institutions of both heterosexuality and motherhood, giving name and voice to these long-standing "roles" or experiential practices, and further, that alternative lifestyles did indeed, not only exist, but in fact, were also commonplace.

Though the years have visited her, as they will of us all, the constitution of her rich legacy resonated softly yet profoundly through the quiet, still room. Among an ambient setting of fresh tulips, white tablecloths, and a crowd finely-dressed to fit the occasion, the words of her poetry flowed easily and fluidly from between the now-aging lips of Adrienne Rich. Many of us sat back, relaxed after dinner was served, as we languidly listened to her narrate insightful and easy poetry. Listening to Adrienne in this atmosphere, was like sitting by a softly-lit fireside, crackling logs, while draped in a soft, cozy blanket.

There were no bands or loud music. There were no flashy lights and Hollywood fame, to mark her illustrious career, but nonetheless, everyone in the room knew this was a momentous occasion. We knew we were sharing in the experience of a lifetime. As far as we knew, never again would Adrienne Rich publicly present her poetry to another audience. After the poetry readings, as the line formed to obtain Adrienne's autograph in their personal copy of "Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution," I snuck into line, politely asking Adrienne if "I could please have my photo taken with her," to which she replied, "absolutely." I was elated! I'll post the picture on Facebook, I'm sure, but more than that, it will remain in my personal album, among my most valued life experiences.

As the readings came to a close, we collectively felt the legacy of feminist empowerment and social activism and change, move into another era, as Adrienne led us from her generation of feminists into this one. There is no greater honor for lesbians and feminists alike, than to be led into the next phase of feminism by such a respected and revered pioneer. Adrienne, you have forged new roads that previously did not exist in patriarchy, and you have spent your life lending credible authenticity to the lesbian and female experience. We are honored, and we thank you.

Simply Me
a.k.a. Dawna Cosme
Namaste'

The proceeds continue to fund the Women's Studies Endowment for scholarships and the work of the WRC.

For more Adrienne Rich, visit:

http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/49

Afghan Women's Rights, Restricted?

2009-04-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

As I was scoping through the feministcampus.org website I saw a headline dated for today reading “Afghan Woman's Rights may be Severely Restricted by New Law.” I sat and pondered, staring at the computer, wondering how this could be happening. Everyone had been fund raising and even event holding to prevent something like this from this happening. The law had been signed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai around last month, which would restrict several common rights that we have here, unless they had the permission of their husband. That means no going outside, no having jobs, no education, and no health care unless their husband said it was OK.
After I had read this I was appalled; I still am. I just do not understand how they can take away the simplistic “used everyday” rights and just hand them over to the men. I understand there is a whole culture difference but everyone is a human, everyone has feelings, needs, and ideas and should be able to express them freely and not have to have permission to do what they please. What makes the men so great that they get control of another’s rights? I wonder what it would be like if women were in favor over there instead of men… I wonder if men would be treated the same as they treat the women now…
As I read further I felt even more astonished, possibly a little disgusted. The law also mentions how women would have to give themselves up to their husband when the husband wanted it and if it for some reason the sex or the relationship did not work out, the men automatically got custody of the children. This is just unbelievable. So they basically just passed a law saying it is okay to rape your wife? I thought I was horrible until I read the last part of the paragraph.
The last part of the bill states that women would be excused from having to have sex with their husband only if they were sick or had a “reasonable excuse” and were allowed to leave the home without the permission of the husband, if it were an emergency. Oh, I see, so if they are sick they are allowed to refuse sex to the husband? What happens if he still has sex with her? Is it rape? Would the husband be punished? I doubt it, probably just a slap on the wrist. The woman will probably be told she’s playing sick. Also a reasonable excuse? Why don’t they just call it what it is; menstruation. I think the man just finds it bad so because they don’t want it it’s an excuse for the women.
Leaving the home only because of an emergency is the most hurtful to hear of. Everyone should have to capability of getting up and going where they want then they want without needing to be allowed to do so. I can’t even imagine what it is like to be living in this type of situation. I just hope some sort of change happens that allows the women to have more freedom and possibly men abide by their laws.

by stepfanie <( --)>

Ohhh..so you're a crazy feminist...

2009-03-25T11:36:00.001-07:00

Women's Studies major. Yes, I am a Women's Studies major. My father told me, "Oh, I'm glad I'm paying money for you to learn how to make the perfect brownie." My grandmother assumed I was a lesbian when I told her "I'm a feminist." My aunt asked me if I "hated men". To most of these I replied...I won't apologize for fighting for equal pay (fighting to enforce our constitution), for striving to make others realize how violence against women is around every corner and unless we use our voices, change won't happen...I won't apologize for wanting a better life for my children than I had. I won't apologize for simply wanting EQUALITY or for wanting to teach other young women that they don't have to be sex objects and that they can be president some day. I don't understand why being a feminist or studying the countless oppressions of women makes me a lesbian who will never get anywhere. Unfortunately, being a feminist comes with plenty of stereotypes. Being a Women's Studies major also comes with stereotypical baggage. However, that is always a great chance to USE YOUR VOICE! I advise those who think every feminist is a lesbian or a crazy man hater to take a walk over to Pine Dale Hall and come to the Women's Resource Center. You will find an assortment of books about feminists...straight, bisexual, transgendered, gay...the stories they tell are heart wrenching, moving, passionate, and motivating. Books about mothers and daughters, marriage, divorce, reaching out to men and other women. We have a collection of movies about domestic violence, women who have gone above and beyond, and plenty else. You will find a staff with open minds and big hearts. Being at the center makes me feel accepted, comfortable, and respected. COME ON DOWN :-)

Signed,

A Feminist.

Did you say pussy?!!!

2009-03-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

You mean pussy-cat, don't you? Well, actually no, I mean pussy. Pussy as in Snatch, Beaver, Twat, Slit, Crotch, Pantie Hamster, Cunt, Vertical Smile, Gash, Muff, Poonnani, Bucket of Eels, Canoe Full of Moose Meat, Quim, Meat Curtains, Tuna Taco, Chuff, Gutted Hedgehog, Fur Burger, Spaniard With His Throat Slit, Sausage Wallet, Lap Flounder, Hippo's Yawn, Man In The Canoe, Turkey Purse, Tuna Flap, Fu#$ Chute, Cum Dumpster, Va-Jay-Jay, Harry Twatter, Crack, Stink Box, Gutter Hole, Her Fortune, Hairy Clam, The Screaming Eagle, Spam Purse, Flange, Wizards Sleeve, Hairy Axe Wound, Sperm Arcade, The Moneymaker, Bearded Clam, Pink Taco, Gummy Clam, Beef curtain Pleasure, Oyster Ditch, Vertical Monkey Mouth, Whisker Biscuit. Okay, okay, you get the idea. I am talking about the most revered and the most feared, part of the female anatomy. The beloved cunt. You know, the vagina. I know, I know. Sooooo many names for one small thing. In the larger scheme of things—it is a small thing. Why on earth would something so small, in the larger scheme of things, be such a threat to man, to the point that he would have to 'nickname' it and attempt to reduce its significance and its value? I would think that if a man spent so much time there, you know, trying to possess it, making laws about it, fantasizing about it, thinking about it, obsessing about it, dreaming about it, fighting over it, betting on it, paying for it, cheating for it, raping for it, AND being born from it, that he would find some value in IT, and respect for IT. Talk about POWER OF THE PUSSY! Let's talk about it! Well that is exactly what the UMD Women's Center has just done, by featuring the play that became inaugurated in 1998, and running strong. "THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES.” Yes, the Vagina Monologues are a fantastic and much needed platform to demystify the infamous vagina, and empower females of all ages. Vagina is very openly discussed here; over 100 times actually. Strangely, the outstanding, pleasure-bud, the clitoris, aka, clit, is sadly overlooked.

Barbara Raab's, “The clit conspiracy,” discusses V-Day and interviews Rebecca Chalker, author of “The Clitoral Truth: The Secret World at Your Fingertips." Chalker “is a longtime women's health activist, medical writer and sexologist. Women's sexuality is not about the vagina, Chalker says. (So get over it, Eve.) Her book blows the lid off some of the biggest secrets being kept from women and their partners about women's sexual pleasure and how to achieve it. The clitoris, Chalker tells us (and shows us, with drawings by Bay Area illustrator Fish), is the one part of the female body whose sole purpose is pleasure. It is, she explains, so much more than that pea-size, exquisitely sensitive bundle of nerves we think it is."
Drawing on her earlier work with the Federation of Feminist Women's Health Centers and its groundbreaking 1981 book "A New View of a Woman's Body," Chalker shows that the clit really is a "system" of 18 distinct but interrelated parts. In the chapter "The Case of the Missing Clitoris," Chalker details just how it came to be that, after 2,500 years in which the clitoris and the penis were considered coequals, so much information and knowledge about the clit just happened to get lost. When asked, “Why don't you do "The Clitoris Monologues"? Chalker answers, “I just might.”

Largely use, largely ignored. The clitoris is the pleasure 'bud' of the beloved vagina, and the most largely ignored when referring the female anatomy. The clitoris is the bud above the urethra, (urine orifice) in between the labia minora (inner lips). The clit has more nerve endings on it than any other organ in the female or male body, including the head of the penis. Sorry boys.

V-Day's primary purpose? To stop violence against all women and girls, at home and abroad. It's no secret that women and girls in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), of central Africa, are being dragged from their homes in increasing numbers, raped in front of their families, including husbands and children, and dragged into jungles where their bodies are repeatedly violated and maimed by both men and foreign objects, only to be left for dead. IF they survive, and they make it back to their communities, they are completely ostracized, by friends and family alike. V-Day activist Eve Ensler reports, “...one survivor, Janet, who was raped so violently that the rapist pulled the leg out of her socket (she will be permanently handicapped), who, when I asked her if she was afraid to tell her story, said “I've always been courageous. Always will be courageous. If the military want to kill me for telling my story, I am ready to die.” Now that's power, AND courage! May we all have the courage to do what is necessary to insure the safety of others. Call this powerful, life-giving, love-satisfying, part of the female anatomy anything you want. It won't change what it is. Just STOP THE VIOLENCE against it. It is and will continue to be, the most talked about, the most revered, and most exploited human body part in history. Oops, did I say history...I meant Herstory. Relax, feminism does NOT cause death!

Namasté
Simply Me
a.k.a Dawna Cosme

For more information and Ensler's entire article, visit:
http://newsite.vday.org/
http://newsite.vday.org/node/1095

For Saab's entire “clit” article, visit:
http://archive.salon.com/sex/feature/2001/03/05/clitoris/print.html

For more vagina terminology, visit:
http://www.bedpan.ca/parts.php?which=3

"Disposable Men"

2009-02-26T10:01:00.000-08:00

My name is Brian Harkin, and I am the Supervisor of the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Program here at the UMD Women's Resource Center. MVP is very excited about an upcoming event, "Disposable Men", on this coming Tuesday, March 3, at 6:30 in the Woodland Commons.

"Disposable Men" is a performance piece incorporating a strong multimedia presentation, and deals with the "disposable" nature of African-American males in both society and the media. The piece was created by a New York City-based artist named James Scruggs. Using excerpts from television and movies. Mr. Scruggs paints a portrait of the way in which the blatant, "old-fashioned" racism characterizing the first half of the 20th century and the pre-civil rights era has transformed into systemic, symbolic racism today.

America sits at a crossroads in history. The past year has seen a number of firsts, including what some see as a sign of the future - an African-American male being elected to the most powerful position in this country, President of the United States. But at the same time, the old establishment still exists - racism, discrimination, and prejudice are intertwined with our culture. In order to ensure we stay on the path we have chosen, a path that will hopefully lead to the end of racism and racial-based conflict, we must come together as a group and decide how to pursue this most important of goals.

The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Program exists to educate students about ways they can prevent or diffuse potentially violent situations they encounter in their day-to-day lives. One of the most dangerous types of situation that can arise is one fueled by racial tension or racial stereotypes. As such, I would like to use this event as a way to channel people’s thoughts and feelings on the role race plays in our culture today. While the MVP program is effective at educating college students, the task of educating and reshaping the perceptions and thoughts of the world as a whole are well beyond our scope; in fact, some would say it is an impossible task. However, that does not mean we should not at least attempt to bring about positive change. Thus, the overarching theme for the discussion panel will be, “How can we work to change cultural perceptions of race beyond the college campus?”

I must warn you that some of the material contained in this performance will most certainly be seen as controversial or offensive. However, remember that it is included for a very specific purpose: to encourage the audience to honestly reflect on the topic of racial injustice, and to serve as a call to action for society as a whole.

If you have any questions about this event, please feel free to contact me at the Women's Resource Center at 910.4584. We are all looking forward to this event, and hope that you decide to join us!

~ Brian

Ain't I a Woman?

2009-02-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

"Hey Sherrie....I think I'm going to hang out with...ya know, my people tonight"
"Your people?"
"Yeah, other people...like me. Maybe you should hang out with your people!"
"My people?"
"Other Asian people!"
"Oh..."

That conversation took place my freshman year of college between myself and my Cape Verdean best friend. Now on my last semester junior year of college, I am still puzzled as to who "my people" are.

Yes I am Asian - Thai to be exact, I am also Puerto Rican...
I have no idea what that entails, but I do have a pretty good idea of society's perception of me.

So what everything came down to was the question of whether or not I was stereotyped by someone who I personally know has experienced racism?

Deep down I understand that this is about culture, and surrounding yourself comfortably around others who have similar beliefs, pride, tastes, ideas, etc. But why wasn't I allowed to join in? Because I wasn't the same race/ethnicity?

For years women have been excluding because of their sex, and even a combination of race and sex. But here I was being rejected because my ethnicity wasn't the right one. I wanted to learn, I wanted to take in her culture, learn about their experiences.

As for other Asian and Latina women - I've been rejected from those clubs on numerous occasians, or at least judged..."What do you mean you don't speak Spanish?" "How can you date a white boy?"

These comments make me fearful for the future of feminism. It took a long time for multicultural and black women to be recognized in feminism - constantly being separated they even have their own branches of theory. If we continue to point out that we women are different because...we women as a whole will forever be pushed down.

And we aren't ready to do that?
Well then you all need to make way for a new type of woman, because I know there are many women like myself who do not identify with their ethnicity but know what its like to be judged on both ends and I am certain they are tired of it.

WOMEN ON TOP

2009-02-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

When asked by Juli Parker, Director of the women’s center, “What Black History Month Means to Me.” Being the black lesbian feminist I am, I’m thinking, “History needs to be changed to Herstory.” Too often women have taken the back seat to men.

The Women’s Suffrage Movement gave women voice, visibility and inclusion, yet black and ethnic women still struggled to be recognized and heard. As a Cape Verdean, lesbian, feminist, writer, Black History Month is excluding. The fact that some of the most important historical figures of our nation and our times, have been either obliterated or marginalized, only to be deemed noteworthy 28 days out of 360, all due to skin pigmentation, is pathetic; due to sex, more pathetic.

We must take the current , sporadic calendar recognitions, and blend them into the larger whole–from the roots of curricula development to the actions of society; from academia to the political arena, carving an unchartered path that will benefit all humankind. Whether anyone disagrees or agrees, dislikes or likes it, or is completely indifferent to it, we are at a turning point in history where we are presented with the opportunity to create a more edifying and enriching human experience. The celebration of both black and ethnic accomplishments, in particular of women and lesbians, needs to be done on a regular basis.

If homosexuality is somewhat of an issue today, more so in certain parts of our good ol' US of A than others, then hatred and prejudice toward blacks, lesbians, and homosexuals was without a doubt, rampant. I can only imagine (thank the Goddess!) the hostility, judgment and prejudices that black, lesbian authors such as Audre Lorde, Angelina Weld, Grimké, Nella Larson, Alice Walker, Ann Allen Shockley, and there are others, had to confront on their paths to honor themselves. Already, I carry within me, honor and respect for these ground-breaking and courageous women, both my mentors and role-models, and use that honor and respect to propel me on my own writing path. They are the fire beneath my feet, as I take my rightful place, and proudly declare my ethnicity, my sex, and my sexuality. As a country, we have come a long way, but there is much more to be done. Open your minds. Open your hearts. Educate your children.

Now is NOT the time for slacking. It is easy to rest in the comfortability that these black lesbians created for the rest of us women in general, but in truth, to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labors, is dishonoring them. Their sacrifice, courage, faith and determination that paved the way for us black lesbians, so that we could have a voice among this patriarchal and religiously dogmatic country, is a gift to be recognized, acknowledged, appreciated and built upon. What they left us is a hell of a legacy. Sure, it may be hard to reach the echelons that they have, but because of their efforts, we have an easier go of it. Black Women. Women of Color. Lesbians. We have been put on the map. We have been noticed. We have a voice. Let us not forget how we acquired that visibility and that voice. That voice is an inheritance. It is a legacy, whether we black lesbians are ready to step up or not. The beauty of what these women have done for us, is that when we get ready, their voices are there, to guide us in the vision of inclusion and equality.

The Black, the Bold and the Beautiful. Faces that once appeared obscurely interwoven in the fabric of our history, getting little or no recognition for their significant contributions, are now taking front row. President Barack Obama is leading the nation...pay attention folks...is leading the nation. That's right, a black man is running the country and the show–the admission cost: an open mind, an open heart, and a willingness to move beyond old, worn-out philosophies that clearly no longer work, such as, the hate-driven discrimination toward lesbians and homosexuals, AND the idea that Woman is not a good candidate for presidency. OH YES, SHE IS! And yes, we can. And yes, we will. Make no error.

President Obama's candidacy is the beginning of much needed change in this country. We are now presented with the unique privilege of promoting inclusion for the most marginalized individuals. On the precipice of change and opportunity, it's time for us to create our own “Herstory.”

Namasté
Simply Me
a.k.a Dawna Cosme

Follow this link to read a beautiful poem by Black, Feminist, Lesbian author, Audrey Lorde
http://www.questia.com/read

Welcome to winter

2009-02-03T12:03:00.001-08:00

As an employee of the WRC, this is my week to post on our blog. It took me a while to figure out what I was going to say until I woke up this morning to the snow and rain. This is my first official winter living in Cedar Dell South and I find every bad weather day more irritating than the last (especially because yesterday it was 55 and sunny). I understand that we do live in the Northeast where the weather is unpredictable, but I don't think UMASS Dartmouth does.

First, do they not use salt for the long walkway leading to Cedar Dell? I'm sick and tired of having a death walk to class everyday. Last Thursday the path was so treacherous that someone I know fell and now is so lucky to have a knee brace strapped on her leg. The worst part is that when the ice melts, we get the luxury of wading through four inches of ice water with no way around it. I know that I am not the only Cedar Dell resident to fed up with our walkway conditions.

Secondly, Dartvan is extemely unreliable. When I step out of my door at quarter to my class time is it selfish for me to expect a Dartvan? I think not! Even when I am lucky enough to catch the Dartvan I frequently see other students running after it with the driver oblivious to their efforts. Also, even when I leave at twenty of I don't get to class in time. Dartvan, what's the deal? I think it is completely irresponsable of the university to leave us in the Dell without an adequate way to get to class.

Now, don't get me started with the new housing lottery. Thankfully the WRC is having a weekly Tea Time at Two, every Tuesday. I can come to the WRC at 2 in Pine Dale Hall and vent my frustrations to students like myself who also feel fed up with the conditions they have to live in everyday. We even have awesome teas that help with things like sickness, rest, happiness, and one is even to get you into "the mood". So, I hope you all come down (even though we understand it's a long walk) we can all vent together. There will even be guest speakers once a month.

Kayleigh

Blogging at the Center

2009-01-26T12:58:00.000-08:00

The WRC is blogging! Check us out! We want to tell you what we're thinking about women and gender these days and hear what you're thinking!

Different students will be blogging each week on current events in the nation, the world, and of course on campus. We look forward to seeing your comments and hope you'll visit us here and in person at Pine Dale Hall.

We are most recently thrilled with President Obama's reversal of the Global Gag Rule. See more about this in the next Torch, as well as the Senate's vote on the Leadbetter Fair Paycheck act. Things are looking up! Let's just hope we can say the same thing for the economy!

Dr. Juli Parker
Director