And today's links (trigger warning: some of them are pretty heavy duty)--
Blogger on The Mary Sue wades in on the Fake Geek Girl debate with The Psychology of the Fake Geek-Girl: Why We're Threatened by Falsified Fandom. The essay went up before Christmas, but you might have missed it.) The thing I like most about this article is that it covers the aspects of sexism that most don't consider openly: the cumilative effects of sexism on the psychology of women. "–some psychologists argue that when the threats are ambiguous or subtle (like microaggressions), they can be more damaging because there is no certainty and the assault is denied or ignored." She also covers the participation of women in reinforcing invalidation. Add to this the fact that the author is a psychologist and... wow. Great stuff.

This is an amazing article on the topics of Modesty, Body Policing and Rape Culture: Connecting the Dots. (I read it before watching that West Wing episode I went on about yesterday. You know, to put things in perspective a bit.) Oddly, even the discussion in the comments is pretty great.

This one has been talked about a great deal on the internet, but I'll include it just in case: India Teen Commits Suicide After Police Pressure Her to Drop Gang Rape Case and Marry Attacker. There aren't words. There just aren't. However, USians have nothing to feel superior about. Thirty-one states in the US Allow Rapists Custody and/or Visitation Rights. Yeah. That.

In related news, Say Goodbye to the Violence Against Women Act. And here's another article on the same. (The second article links to more in-depth information on what was lost as well as explaining why the Republicans didn't sign it.)

A post on Strong Female Characters. (I liked it because it covers real-life heros and not the fictional variety. A lot of inspiration there.)

IO9 asks Why Can't Any Recent Sherlock Holmes Adaptation Get Irene Adler Right?"What's more impressive is Doyle showing that unconventional habits, self-determination, and a history of impressive romantic conquests — Doyle makes a point of mentioning that Irene Adler enchants just about every man in sight — are just that. They do not imply low character, criminal tendencies, or inferior intellect. They aren't the tools of a gold digger or an opportunistic seductress who's waiting to unleash her apparently lethal sexuality on the hero. A clever, unconventional, take-charge, and seductive woman is, unreservedly, a good thing." And that's one of the reasons why I stuck with Doyle for so very long.

These two links are especially tough. (I couldn't bring myself to play the videos in question.) This case has (justifiably so) torn up the internet Anonymous Leaks Horrifying Video of Steubenville High Schoolers Joking About Raping a Teenager ‘Deader than Trayvon Martin.’ There is also the following article. I have mixed feelings about the hackers' efforts. On one hand, it is vigilantism pure and simple. On the other, with the father of one of the attackers influencing the investigation as well as one of the football coaches--worse than nothing was being done to resolve the problem. So, I'm conflicted.

Now to end with more upbeat stuff: First Day of 113th Congress Brings More Women to Capital. Also? Speaking of real world heros Pakistan School Girl Malala Yousafzai Discharged from Hospital. Thanks to my friend, Ian, for that one.) Lastly, have a female body-builder in a MAC (makeup) ad.