Dolls: It Matters If You’re Black or White

The Los Rebeldes Dolls (Rebel Dolls)

By Whitney, Contributor (Originally published August 2009) As a college student, I had spent most of my college career wrestling with the concept of how I have white privilege. Through my studies, I tried to learn about and deconstruct our society's power structure and my place in it. Recently, in a Northern California … [Read more...]

Culture: Latina Beauties

Zoe Saldana has Dominican & Puerto Rican roots; Alexis Bledel is Mexican-Argentine-American.

By Helen Rodriguez of Latinitas For years, Latinas have worked hard to break beauty barriers in the U.S. Now that we have managed to forge our own identity in American society, a part of me is thrilled with what Latinas have achieved and the role models that are now available for many young girls. On the other hand, I can't help … [Read more...]

Using Cosmetic Surgery Stop Bullying?

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A few weeks ago, ABCNews.com reported an article "When Is Cosmetic Surgery the Answer to Bullyling?" (Um, never?) We particularly liked this smart response by blogger Shark-Fu of Angry Black Bitch, who allowed us to reprint this with her permission. When I was a wee bitch I was bullied mercilessly for all things related to my … [Read more...]

If You’re Fat, Your Paycheck Might Not Be

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By Ashley-Michelle Papon When it comes to cultural and social inequalities between men and women, the wage gap is one of the most widely accepted yet paradoxically ignored aspects of the gendered disparity. For over 30 years, equal pay has been the law of the land, though numerous independent studies have established that … [Read more...]

A Place for Me: Art, Porn, Feminism, and Race

Image by Favianna Rodriguez

By Favianna Rodriguez Originally posted on Favianna.com; cross-posted with permission. I'm always excited when my art world merges with my personal world. As a visual artist, that personal world is one where I'm constantly imagining the sort of artwork I want to create. What kinds of images do I want to draw? What questions … [Read more...]

The False Mirror: On Diversity, Bizarre Barbies, and Body Image Activism

Photo by Ilene Seganove, ‘The Dissatisfactions Of Ilene Segalove’

By Sayantani DasGupta There’s a character on television’s The Vampire Diaries who is called “Vampire Barbie.” Which I think is kind of ironic. Because on the one hand, vampires aren’t supposed to see themselves in mirrors – and yet, that’s what the cultural icon of Barbie is all about. A certain kind of … [Read more...]

The “Mi Pobre Hijo” Syndrome

Image via Latina Fatale

By Latina Fatale As feminists we often hear about patriarchy, sexism, and how women have been oppressed by men. We talk less about how women also perpetuate patriarchy by reinforcing sexism and stereotypical notions about gender roles. Even women who have managed to raise strong, independent daughters may be guilty of having … [Read more...]

Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”: Racist or Revolutionary?

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I’m always on the hunt for pop and hip-hop songs that celebrate our different cultures, genders, abilities and races. That's why one of my all time favorite songs is Earth, Wind and Fire's "Shining Star". How could you not smile with lyrics like these?: You're a shining star, no matter who you are Shining bright to see what … [Read more...]

Deconstructing Kanye’s “Monster”

BirthofNation

By Pia Guerrero, Founder and Co-Editor Last week we posted a petition calling to stop the official release of Kanye West’s “Monster” video for its eroticized depictions of death and extreme violence against women.  Since then news of the video and our petition to MTV and Universal Music has gained momentum causing … [Read more...]

The Hijab: Can it Promote a Healthy Self Image?

Photo provided by www.SheilaSmartPhotography.com.au

By Sharon Haywood Several years ago while traveling through Malaysia, I had the opportunity to visit a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, the country's capital. Despite my modest dress (a long flowing skirt and a loose-fitting blouse that covered my arms), the mosque required that I wear an abaya, a cloak that covered my head, face, and … [Read more...]