Today is Memorial Day in the States. For me, that means BBQ and hanging out with friends and family time. It might mean a few military-themed films. I tend to steer clear of the flag-waving and such. The reason why has a great deal to do with my experiences during the months after 9/11. I find enthusiastic displays of nationalism disturbing, much as I find extreme conservatism disturbing. Frankly, I don't believe in war unless it is absolutely necessary. I absolutely don't believe the wars of the past few decades were necessary. I certainly don't believe in calling war-mongers heros and thanking them for my freedom because none of the recent wars have been about my liberty. They've been about petty revenge, the availability of oil, power, and profit. Nothing good has come of them. On the other hand, I do feel those who actually serve in the military are brave souls who risk their lives--whatever the reason, and that they do deserve a great deal of credit. I just wish their sacrifice was more sparingly and wisely employed by those in power who risk nothing--certainly not their own children--otherwise, they'd think twice.

The rest of this post will be feminist links.

The Atlantic published an article explaining the results of a study about the objectification of women in Study: The Objectification of Women Is a Real, Measurable Phenomenon. Personally, I've noticed an increase in this kind of advertising over the past fifteen or twenty years. This seems to happen more frequently whenever the economy is in the toilet. (That's my own observation, by the way, not the article's.) I wonder if it has to do with an unconscious urge to shove women and minorities out of shared power areas (like the job market) and thus, make what little resources there are more available to straight white males? It's something to think about. 

Next, a nine year old Brazilian girl's abortion results in the Catholic Church excommunicating the girl's family. The girl was raped by her step-father and was pregnant with twins. Nine year old girls are not ready to have children--not just mentally but physically. Her life was in danger. Still, apparently the Catholic Church believes the unborn have more of a right to life than the child whose life was destroyed. Seriously, I fail to understand this logic. When they say the unborn are more innocent than the mother are they implying the little girl is at fault somehow? (And Fr. Lowery wonders why I think the Catholic Church hates women?)

A Bust Magazine article asks the question: Do Women's Issues Matter in the 2012 Election? Apparently, conservatives claim they don't. (Duh.) Again, I see this kind of thinking as a trend during hard economic times. There are reasons behind it, otherwise the pattern wouldn't exist. I don't feel it's necessarily a malicious plot, but a knee-jerk reaction to instability.

On the lighter side, my friend (and children's author) Colleen Venable writes a humorous post about fighting back against street harassment. She made me laugh when I needed it most.

Greg Rucka talks about why he writes strong female characters in comics on IO9. I'm not sure that everyone agrees that he's successful. However, at least he makes the effort.

Here is Soraya Chemaly's inspirational piece titled A Message to Girls About Religious Men Who Fear You written for the Huffington Post.

Lastly, Cassandra Claire discusses Rape Myths, Rape Culture, and the Damage Done.

I hope your weekend has been both safe and fun.