tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82005006559515365042024-03-13T17:52:40.653-04:00NOW-NYUSarah B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759922676307319231noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-73829759416380467042013-03-01T10:04:00.001-05:002013-03-01T10:04:21.270-05:00Spring Semester!We're SO excited for this semester! During the Spring we have our big events including movie screenings, fun discussions and networking events, and Take Back the Night! Come join us.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01594069748320939633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-48307764223246998742012-09-21T11:26:00.000-04:002012-09-21T11:28:53.860-04:00New Officers 2012-2013Here are our fantastic New Officers for the 2012-2013 School Year!<br />
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President: Emily Mattsson<br />
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Vice President: Millie Dwyer<br />
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Secretary: Sally J. Kim <br />
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We have other officer positions available including: Treasurer, PR, and Webmaster.<br />
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Please e-mail me at eem314@nyu.edu if you're interested in a position!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01594069748320939633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-1196431773197495732012-09-21T11:16:00.005-04:002012-09-21T11:16:53.473-04:00First Meeting of 2012We had our first meeting on Wednesday. It went great! We also were able to access this blog for the first time in over a year, so get ready for some excellent new posts about all of our future activities.<br />
We usually meet on Wednesday nights in Kimmel, but we also have major events on other times/days. Stay tuned for more updates!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01594069748320939633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-64613535671706158152011-04-13T13:02:00.001-04:002011-04-13T13:03:44.342-04:00TAKE BACK THE NIGHT RESCHEDULED!Take Back the Night has been rescheduled to<strong> APRIL 27TH</strong>, another Wednesday, due to weather concerns.Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-91828989919384506662011-04-07T01:19:00.004-04:002011-04-07T01:22:40.411-04:00Take Back the Night Spring 2011<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEDhx0nNTDo/TZ1J3mi--ZI/AAAAAAAAADI/SosJ56rLTGU/s1600/tbtn.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592707531852937618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEDhx0nNTDo/TZ1J3mi--ZI/AAAAAAAAADI/SosJ56rLTGU/s320/tbtn.png" /></a> <br /><div><strong>TAKE BACK THE NIGHT. TAKE BACK YOUR VOICE.</strong> RSVP on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=203723109654888">Facebook page</a>. Our facebook page and list-serv will be the first places you'll see the official location for our event as well as any other important updates.</div><br /><div></div>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-31379771470716356092011-02-25T14:28:00.005-05:002011-02-25T14:34:03.134-05:00Rally for Women's Health<strong>MEET US AT KIMMEL LOBBY BY 12:15 PM TOMORROW TO ATTEND RALLY FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH!</strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189460984407552"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577711427680851506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkNfeLb7YgI/TWgC_dKN1jI/AAAAAAAAACs/96X_mMoiz_w/s320/28479_1399734145943_1009967502_1226796_7963358_n.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a><br /><div></div>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-22636832564541479972011-02-24T13:15:00.004-05:002011-02-24T13:21:56.694-05:00Rally for Women's Health, Take Back the Night and MoreHey NOW members!<br /><br />A lot of you attended our last meeting which announced a whole stack of events and opportunities (as well as pizza). But for those who missed it or want a recap on what's going on, here's a timeline for the major upcoming events NOW will be having!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Feb. 26th (This Saturday) 1-3 PM at Foley Square - Rally for Women's Health sponsored by Planned Parenthood!</span> NOW members who are interested in meeting up a bit beforehand and going there together as a group, please e-mail me at <b>sa1523@nyu.edu</b>. For more information on this rally and access the RSVP link, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=189460984407552">click here. </a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Feminist Portrait Project</span> - We will be taking pictures of our NOW members in honor of Feminist Coming Out Day, a day to celebrate our inner feminism. These pictures will be posted on the website, <a href="http://feministcomingoutday.com/submit">http://feministcomingoutday.com/submit.</a> If you're interested in getting your picture taken with the logo "This Is What a Feminist Looks Like," e-mail me or attend the rally.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March 2nd and March 23rd- Take Back the Night mini-meetings.</span> We will be discussing our fundraising event, Take Back the Night, a night celebrating survivors of sexual assault and violence which will take place on <b>April 13th</b>. This event will be co-sponsored by H.O.P.E. and will feature survivor/singer Mary Josephine. <span style="font-weight:bold;">If you have organizations you’re connected with, or feel would be interested in co-sponsoring this event, please see the template for the contact letter attached to the e-mail sent to the list-serv when contacting these organizations.</span> Also let us know when you’ve contacted an organization on our behalf so we can keep track of who is contacting whom.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March 30th - Rage to Page Workshop with Sabrina Chap, author of Live Through This: On Creativity and Self-Destruction. </span>Discover ways in which self-destructive habits can be transformed into creative outlets in this enlightening workshop. For more information on her book, <a href="http://sabrinachap.com/LTT">visit her website.</a><br /><br />Other deadlines:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7th Annual Young Feminist Leadership Conference in Washington D.C March 12-14th </span>– Join four hundred other feminist students in an amazing weekend of activist training! The deadline to register is fast approaching so <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=119291988133544">register now</a>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">NOW Foundation is asking you to submit videos on your experience on body image in honor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week!</span> Submit your personalized video <a href="http://loveyourbody.nowfoundation.org/letstalk/">here</a>.<br /><br />Best,<br />Shahida Arabi<br />President, NOW-NYUShahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-67750916999634154212011-01-25T11:58:00.003-05:002011-01-25T12:20:12.048-05:00Review of Fall 2010Spring Semester started this week and NOW-NYU is preparing many new and exciting events!<br /><br />First, a review of what happened in fall semester:<br /><ul><li>NOW-NYU cosponsored an event with NOW-NYC to have Gail Dines discuss Porn in the media and the major effects of it in our lives.</li><li>Watched "Born into Brothels" a brilliant movie about children who were born in Calcutta's Red Light District and how they had the opportunity to learn about Photography and some were able to leave the area due to their excellent skills.<br /></li><li>"Love Your Body Day!" was celebrated with a Sex Toy Workshop provided by the NYU Health Center.<br /></li></ul>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01594069748320939633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-17436994463239521042010-07-07T09:28:00.004-04:002010-08-04T09:45:23.355-04:00New Officers for 2010-2011 School YearThanks again for an amazing year, girls! Congratulations to our new officers.<br /><br />Co-President - Nikita Shah - nks249@nyu.edu<br />Co-President - Shahida Arabi - sa1523@nyu.edu<br />Treasurer - Katie Somerville - kbs285@nyu.edu<br />Webmaster/Secretary - Emily Mattsson - eem314@nyu.edu<br /><br />NOW-NYU is happy to go into another school year to celebrate, advocate and promote empowering feminism through events that raise awareness, initiatives that provide direct aid, and discussions that challenge contemporary media and evaluate crucial social justice issues for women.Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-85744966356004903582010-03-04T23:45:00.004-05:002010-03-05T00:15:16.528-05:00MOTHERS OR WHORES RecapHey gals,<br /><br />Yesterday we had our aptly-named by yours truly <strong>"Mothers or Whores: Women in the Media" presentation, one of the kick-off events of Women's Herstory Month.</strong> Here are some thoughts/notes that were raised from the commercials which we viewed. You can find the links below:<br /><br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/dodge?bid=4255778&adid=222071399&pid=45688931&KWNM=dodge%20commercial%20&KWID=93833699&channel=PS">DODGE COMMERCIAL </a>- <strong>Man's Last Stand</strong></li></ul><ol><li>Man as the "underdog" in contrast to woman as the victim in society image</li><li>Lack of reciprocity in relationship -- why is it a "duty" to do things for a wife, or listen to a wife? Why does all responsibility fall on the man? Who says?</li><li>All this for a CAR? Not even a "masculinized" one, either. What's the deal? </li><li>Who says guys want only cars anyway?</li><li>What about women - labor, childbirth, periods? Oh, that stuff's easy in comparison.</li></ol><ul><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40-Oskte2uQ">Megan Fox Motorola Commercial</a></li></ul><ol><li>Woman as an object in the male gaze</li><li>Women as dangerous, sexual and alluring creatures </li><li>Gay man - or bisexual - looking at Megan Fox as a sexual object? Denies their sexual reality</li><li>Men come off looking as idiots, easily distracted by feminine charms</li><li>Phone was not being sold, but Megan Fox sure was -- she even had a model to replace her thumbs, which were sexualized</li></ol><ul><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuexzKkMIDc&feature=pyv">DOVE - Comfortable In Your Own Skin Commercial</a> </li></ul><ol><li>Stereotypes about men - Challenged or Reinforced? Satire or Serious?</li><li>Heteronormative expectations for marriage</li><li>Physical strength - climbing the rope in gym, opening the jar for women, going out in the dark without being afraid</li><li>Performative nature of Masculinity - a failure to perform masculine duties</li><li>Dove --> a way to be yourself when you're not under the burden of gender expectations? or a way to be gendered and still feel secure?</li></ol><ul><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgZ-8hNY0go">Bud Lite Book Club Commercial</a></li></ul><ol><li>Female and Male spaces </li><li>Male invasion and domination of female space, handing out the beers, hitting on the women</li><li>Double-edged sword: sexualizing the women in an academic space, while also making the guy look like an idiot who only cares about "the game" or beer, very typical</li><li>Racial Hypersexualization of the "Latina" woman who strikes up a conversation with this dumb man. What's up with that?</li><li>Females = boring, nagging people who ruin men's fun</li><li>Beer = social lubricant to hit on women that are not your wife. </li></ol><ul><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmdaB21E2tY">GoDaddy Danica Patrick Commercial</a></li></ul><ol><li>Should be about her as a powerful female in a male-dominated sport, right?</li><li>Not.</li><li>Two women, homoerotic scene. Lesbianism in the male erotic gaze</li><li>Encourages the "I can be sexy too" mentality in young women</li><li>GoDaddy - even the domain is suspicious</li></ol><ul><li><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></li></ul><p>A gendered reality is perpetuated in the media and is unfair for both genders and reinforces stereotypes that discourage healthy relationships and communication and instead begins a war of the sexes, in which women are sexually powerful, sexual objects, or simultaneously both, while men are the "slaves" of women, while at the same time able to control and dominate through their performance of masculinity.</p><p><strong>A reminder that our TAKE BACK THE NIGHT PLANNING meeting is open to all clubs and will be held next week 7 pm Wednesday, Kimmel 909. We hope to see you all there as this is a very important event!</strong></p><p></p><p>Shahida</p>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-27750733487409013232010-02-25T17:45:00.004-05:002010-02-25T17:59:45.245-05:00NOW Meeting Recap: 02/14/2010Hey ladies,<br /><br />This Wednesday's meeting, we made posters for our Educational Campaign about Rape, the definition of rape and shocking statistics surrounding rape. We also discussed the upcoming panel discussion we're hosting as part of Women's Herstory Month.<br /><br />Next Wednesday we'll be hosting an exciting event called:<br /><br /><strong>Mothers or Whores: a Discussion about Media Portrayals of Women.</strong> From the controversial Tim Tebow Super Bowl ad endorsed by an anti-abortion group to rap videos, we will be discussing how women are seen as either demeaning sexual objects or in the context of maternity. Is there a middle ground, and if so, what is it? If there isn't, how can we create it? What constitutes a "healthy" and positive media portrayal of a woman in contemporary society? Bring your thoughts on Wednesday, room 909 at 7 pm usual for this important event!<br /><br />The week after the panel discussion all clubs on campus are invited to join us in a discussion about the upcoming event: <strong>Take Back the Night in April</strong>. So as to not get anyone confused, there is also a separate TBTN on campus which is not related to NOW-NYU. Our event is separate. NOW-NYU's <strong>Take Back the Night planning discussion</strong> will be taking place March 3rd, 2010.<br /><br /><strong>Relay for Life</strong> - The NOW-NYU Relay for Life team is now up. PLEASE JOIN AND DONATE TO HELP THE STRUGGLE AGAINST CANCER!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://main.acsevents.org/goto/NOW-NYU">main.acsevents.org/goto/NOW-NYU</a> JOIN NOW!<br /><br />See you next week!<br />-ShahidaShahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-129506187312463112010-02-01T21:53:00.005-05:002010-02-01T22:14:12.127-05:00First NOW meeting of the semester RECAPHey ladies,<br /><br />We had our first NOW meeting of the Spring Semester last Wednesday. Here are the events/activites we've brainstormed for the rest of the semester:<br /><br /><ul><li><strong>RELAY FOR LIFE</strong> - April 24th, 2010 - Join NOW and the American Cancer Society for a walk that promotes awareness and campaigning against one of the leading causes of death in America. </li><li><strong>WOMEN'S HERSTORY MONTH</strong> is coming up and NOW-NYU is planning to have a sex-toy workshop in honor of it! More info coming up.</li><li><strong>VAGINA MONOLOGUES </strong>might be hosting their show during March instead of February. More info on whether or not NOW can participate in the show TBA.</li><li><strong>YOUNG FEMINIST LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE - MARCH 20-22nd in WASHINGTON D.C. </strong>Some amazing workshops for our feminist leaders - men and women both welcome! The deadline is Feb 1st before the price ($15 not including hotel expenses) raises, so hurry and sign up today!</li><li><strong>TAKE BACK THE NIGHT in April (full date TBA)</strong> - NOW has decided to do the speech part of this celebration of sexual abuse survivors INDOORS, followed with a MARCH (perhaps by candlelight) OUTDOORS. This prevents any obstacles we may face with obtaining sound permits. <strong>NOW is also seeking any people who wish (or can reccommend) a keynote speaker to talk about sexual abuse, as well as people who are survivors of it. If interested, please e-mail the officers to either participate or recommend someone who would be a good keynote speaker.</strong> We will be reaching out to many other clubs on campus to make this an inclusive event! SO, DON'T FORGET TO PROMOTE THIS TO THE OTHER CLUBS YOU'RE IN!</li><li><strong>MARCH IS WOMEN'S SAFETY MONTH</strong> - Self-defense lessons anyone? NOW may be having them in honor of protecting women's safety. More info TBA.</li><li><strong>SEXUAL EDUCATION CAMPAIGN</strong> - NOW has pledged to dedicate some of its time to making some slamming flyers and posters about contraceptives and other reproductive issues regarding women. We will also raise awareness of rape and our definition of rape through such flyers. </li><li><strong>FEMALE BODYBUILDING</strong> - a special interest topic for this semester. Will definitely plan some fun things regarding this! Main question: is female bodybuilding an empowering act for women or another form of objectification disguised as empowerment?</li></ul><p>See you all next week and bring some friends!</p><p>--Shahida</p>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-9751789482008215202009-12-09T23:06:00.001-05:002009-12-09T23:08:05.328-05:00RAGE TO PAGE WORKSHOPSABRINA CHAP'S RAGE TO PAGE workshop!! <br /> "The art of self-destruction"<br />What: Workshop<br />Start Time: Thursday, December 10 at 7:00pm<br />End Time: Thursday, December 10 at 9:30pm<br />Where: Gallatin Lounge (Rm # 522)<br />To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=194452658455&mid=1886d77G3c32e18eG132de78G7">http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=194452658455&mid=1886d77G3c32e18eG132de78G7</a>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-80461889196928858472009-12-05T20:39:00.005-05:002009-12-05T20:55:10.749-05:00Dec 2, 2009 Meeting RecapHey lovelies,<br /><br />This meeting we discussed our upcoming movie night/last meeting as well as the Stupak-Pitts amendment to the health care plan. We also discussed some coming events for next semester, such as Women's Herstory Month, Take Back the Night (a night to celebrate survivors of domestic/sexual abuse), and Sabrina Chap's Icarus Workshop.<br /><br /><strong>MOVIE NIGHT next Wednesday, Kimmel 909 at 7 PM</strong>- We will be watching "TRANSAMERICA" an electrifying and revolutionary independent film starring Felicity Huffman as a transgendered female. As feminists, we should open our minds and embrace that there are all sorts of women in the world, even those that defy the biological norms.<br /><br /><strong>THIS WILL BE A POTLUCK MOVIE NIGHT</strong> - Meaning? Feel free to buy/bring/bake anything you wish and share with the rest. We'll all be bringing something - whether it's a bag of chips, soda or homemade cupcakes, let's get creative and share the love =)<br /><br />After the movie, those who wish to go with us can join us for a fun night at BBQ! Don't miss it.<br /><br /><strong>STUPAK-PITTS AMENDMENT: </strong>Does the public health option mean sacrificing our right to choose? The Stupak amendment makes it seem so. Unlike the Hyde amendment which denies federal coverage for abortion, the Stupak amendment BANS private insurance companies from covering the cost of abortion, which means low and middle class women will have to pay out of their own pockets for a crucial aspect of their health. This affects both women who cover the cost of abortion by partial AND full subsidies. If the amendment does become law, this means future challenges could be posed to birth control/reproductive health care coverage. FIND MORE ABOUT THIS AT: <a href="http://www.now.org/issues/health/stupak_facts.html">http://www.now.org/issues/health/stupak_facts.html</a><br /><br />See you next week,<br />--ShahidaShahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-13674230760784590062009-11-17T14:52:00.001-05:002009-11-17T14:54:45.322-05:00Very Young Girls Reminder: TOMORROW!<div class="UIStoryAttachment" ft="{"type":"attach"}"><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Media UIStoryAttachment_MediaSingle" ft="{"type":"media"}"><div class="UIMediaItem"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176860473299&ref=mf" onclick="'ft("><div class="UIMediaItem_Wrapper" style=""><img src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/object2/776/57/s176860473299_5004.jpg" alt="" /></div></a></div></div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Title"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176860473299&ref=mf" onclick="'ft(">Very Young Girls Movie Screening - RSVP via Facebook<br /></a></div><div class="UIStoryAttachment_Table"><div><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Location:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value">Kimmel 909</span></div><div><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Label">Time:</span><span class="UIStoryAttachment_Value">7:00PM Wednesday, November 18th</span><br /><table><tbody><tr><td><p><span><p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>"National Organization for Women at NYU invites you to join us for a screening of Very Young Girls, <span style="font-weight: bold;">an expose of human trafficking that follows thirteen and fourteen year old American girls as they are seduced, abused, and sold on New York’s streets by pimps, and treated as adult criminals by police. </span>The film follows the barely-adolescent girls in real time, using vérité and intimate interviews with them as they are first lured on to the streets and the dire events which follow. The film also uses startling footage shot by the brazen pimps themselves giving a rare glimpse into how the cycle of street life begins for many women. The film identifies hope for these girls in the organization <span style="font-weight: bold;">GEMS (Girls Education and Mentoring Services), a recovery center founded and run by Rachel Lloyd, herself a survivor of sexual exploitation</span>. Although this event is free, donation will be accepted and greatly appreciated. <span style="font-weight: bold;">All donations go directly to the GEMS and the Girls Are Not For Sale campaign! Snacks will be provided! Learn more at </span><a href="http://www.gems-girls.org/girlsarenotforsale.html#Synopsis">http://www.gems-girls.org/girlsarenotforsale.html#Synopsis </a></p></td></tr></tbody></table> </p></span> </p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr><td><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-65097502603921571932009-11-11T22:08:00.006-05:002009-11-12T18:14:27.076-05:00November 11th, 2009 Meeting Recap<span xmlns=""><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Hi ladies,<br /></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Today we discussed negative and positive media portrayals of women by bringing in images and video clips that revealed/reinforced sexualizing images as well as empowering ones. If you were not able to attend the meeting, or wish to reevaluate them, you can download the pictures <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9V3L7XEY">here</a>. Just enter the verification code shown. Some of the discussion points raised were:<br /></span></p><ul><li><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >In sexualizing images, how can we distinguish between a woman who is taking control of her sexuality versus a woman who is being rendered a sexual object?<br /></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Has categorization/objectification of women also been applied to men by powerful female artists? If so, what effect does this have in both reinforcing inequality and also being a reflective tool in "turning the tables" in society?<br /></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >How has the idea of "real" beauty emerged in popular culture in campaigns like the Dove campaign or in the efforts of plus-size models? Do these efforts have any setbacks? (Dove campaign and airbrushing).<br /></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Does rap/hip hop culture degrade women, or does it just reveal the lifestyle of musical artists realistically? (Example: Snoop Dog and the women surrounding him. Are they trophies, or are they the facts of such a lifestyle?)<br /></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >How has the terminology of rap culture been translated to empower rather than to degrade women? Have women successfully taken "bitch" back or should these terms be avoided altogether?<br /></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >How does this terminology affect the way women perceive each other and themselves? Are we still "feminist" if we enjoy the music this culture yields?<br /></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Are women who surround the powerful rappers in music videos empowering themselves, or are they mere objects on a screen?<br /></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Sex trafficking portrayal of the "JOURNEY" art exhibit held on campus.<br /></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>REMINDER:</strong> Next week we will probably be doing the "Very Young Girls" fundraising event. Room and other details TBA.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Please join us next week again & remember there is no meeting on the day before Thanksgiving.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Thanks again for an insightful discussion :)<br /></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >--Shahida<br /></span></span></p></span>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-22275824952626451742009-10-29T13:20:00.006-04:002009-10-29T13:53:20.388-04:00NOW-NYU Love Your Body Day Recap!Hi ladies,<br /><br />We had an AWESOME time mindfully meditating, sharing personal struggles with body image, pledging and handing out <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >300 condoms</span> near the West 4th Station!!! Issues explored in body struggles were: weight, height, skin color, unhealthy diets and self-harm. If you couldn't participate, make sure you pledge to do something to benefit your body this year. It could be as small as getting more exercise, drinking more water, or something even more valuable like abolishing self-destructive eating habits. A simple pledge everyone should make: look in the mirror everyday and tell yourself you're beautiful.<br /><br />As for meditation, there are plenty of resources online, including NYU's own Student Health Center website on Mindfulness Resources located <a href="http://www.nyu.edu/shc/counseling/mindfulness.html">here</a>. This website includes weekly relaxation classes, meditation mp3s and advice for mindfulness. Even if you don't have time to do an hour-long meditation every day, just taking ten minutes to focus on your breath and body daily literally changes the way your brain reacts to stress. Mindful meditation relieves stress levels over time so you're not constantly overflowing your cup of stress over fight-or-flight responses to obstacles. Remember - mindful meditation is NOT about emptying the mind - quite the contrary. It is about taking the focus back to the present moment by noticing bodily sensations and/or breath. The best thing about mindfulness is that it helps you ENJOY life as it happens, and not dwell on the past or worry about the future.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >IMPORTANT REMINDER:</span> THIS <span style="font-size:130%;">SATURDAY from 8 AM-12 PM</span> is your last chance to participate in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">PRO-CHOICE MOVEMENT</span> at <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dr. Emily's Health Clinic for Women in the South Bronx.</span></span> More info on location and times can be found <a href="http://feministcampus.blogspot.com/2009/09/clinic-defense-in-nyc.html">here. </a>There are already signs and chants ready for you when you get there :) Julie and other NOW members will be attending, so e-mail them for any other details. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Take the 6 train to 149th St and the clinic is right there!</span><br /><br />Happy Love Your Body Day -- REMEMBER TO LOVE IT THE RIGHT WAY by being safe and mindful :)<br /><br />--ShahidaShahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-20029394220566423072009-10-27T19:19:00.005-04:002009-10-27T19:42:07.156-04:00Love Your Body Day TOMORROW!Hi ladies,<br /><br />Just a reminder that we will be having our <strong>LOVE YOUR BODY DAY</strong> celebration tomorrow. A change in plans has also occurred - we will not be doing self-defense lessons. Instead, we will start out the meeting <strong>with a ten minute meditation and discussion of how we pledge to love our bodies this year, followed with condom distribution to the public</strong>! Meditation helps unite body and mind, lowers stress and helps us become mindful in daily activities. Even if you are a beginner, we will use a meditation guide that can be used by anyone - beginners and experts alike. As you know, engaging in safe sex practices is also another one of the main components of loving our bodies, so we will be spreading the love right after our pledges. :)<br /><br />Healthy snacks will be served. As usual, Wednesday, 7 PM, Kimmel 909...don't be late and feel free to bring a guest.<br /><br />:)<br /><br />--ShahidaShahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-62046760141740642682009-10-15T19:04:00.011-04:002009-10-18T12:30:27.033-04:00Icarus Presentation - October 14th, 2009 MeetingHey ladies,<br /><br />We had our Icarus Presentation by the awesome Sabrina Chapadijev, who discussed the struggles of authors and artists from her book, <u>Live Through This: On Creativity and Self-Destruction</u> and how these struggles embodied the link between self-destruction and creativity. From provacative performance artists like Annie Sprinkle to insightful playwrghts like Carolyn Gage, Sabrina explored how self-destruction should not be labelled black-and-white "bad" - instead, it should be seen as a mechanism of coping. However, she also reiterates that <strong>the same amount of energy used in self-destruction can be converted to creative energy.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Important themes/discussion points:</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><strong>Isolation - </strong>There is solitude in self-destruction, like cutting. But there is also a positive isolation like writing in your room, what Sabrina calls "rage through the page." Putting your pen to the page can be cathartic and less harmful than choosing to hurt yourself.</li><li><strong>Political Consciousness - </strong>Tired of how the media is selling papers by the tragedies happening to women all over the world? So is <a href="http://www.hotheadpaisan.com/">HotHead Paisan</a>. Express your rage at all the injustice against women, and you may just become a homicidal lesbian terrorist, too. </li><li><strong>Shame - </strong>We are often taught to feel ashamed about our bodies or who we are. Those who don't fit the superskinny model stereotype, those who are born as men who want to be women, those who defy gender stereotypes are discriminated and criticized on a daily basis, constantly preventing them from pursuing what they want to do. Shame creates self-destruction, and self-destruction creates shame. </li><li><strong>Myth of the Suicidal Female Poet</strong> - What do you do when all your feminist heroes all kill themselves? Sabrina discussed how there is a "gang mentality" in self-destruction, in which different self-destructive groups (the alchoholics, the smokers, the cutters) form cliques that cultivate the character of the tragic artist -- as Sabrina put it, "We want to show people that, 'Yeah, I hurt that much.'" </li><li><strong>Power and Control - </strong>Yet with that self-destruction comes a sense of power. As Sabrina said, men and women in general react differently to stress: "Guys say 'fuck you,' women say, 'fuck me!'" Males express themselves aggressively, straightforwardly, while females are forced to keep it all within. The pain that women feel thus comes out in self-destructive behaviors such as cutting, which provides a map that provides a physical manifestation of how much they hurt, and also establishes a control they feel they cannot achieve otherwise in life. They feel control over their bodies, they are now the only ones who can hurt themselves.</li><li><strong>Choice - </strong>We have a choice. To feel power through self-destruction or through creativity. To kill ourselves or to invent ourselves. To medicate genius or to abolish it completely. The choice, of course, is much more nuanced and complicated than these dichotomies suggest. Do we keep our madness? Do we use it? Each person must make that choice on their own, while being aware that they can replace their self-destruction with their own creation.</li><li><strong>Formation - </strong>What is formation?<strong> Using our emotional pain as nourishment for our creativity. </strong>Formation is the stage in which previous invalidation and pain becomes a pathway to salvation, reflection and modes of expression. As Sabrina puts it, "It's harnessing your rage, realizing it's yours, and finding a way to annunciate it is what saves you." So save yourself. Start today. Instead of cutting, write. Instead of drinking, draw. Instead of dying, live through this.</li></ul><br />For more on Sabrina and her book, as well as the authors/artists involved, please visit the websites below:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sabrinachap.com/LTT">http://www.sabrinachap.com/LTT</a> - Official website for Sabrina's book.<br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/livethroughthis2008">http://www.myspace.com/livethroughthis2008</a> - Sabrina's personal blog.<br /><br />You can also e-mail Sabrina with questions or comments at <a href="mailto:livethroughthis2008@yahoo.com">livethroughthis2008@yahoo.com</a>.<br /><br />THERE WILL BE A <strong>RAGE-TO-PAGE WORKSHOP</strong> FRIDAY MAY 2ND! This is an actual workshop which will be interactive. "Nobody wants to talk about it in a real way- why women actually cut, starve or drug themselves, what it feels like, and why it is so socially acceptable to self-destruct. Based on the essays of her newest collection, "Live Through This: The Art of Self-Destruction", Editor/Playwright Sabrina Chapadjiev will be leading a workshop on the themes that surround self-destruction: shame, power, and control, as well as ways to channel self-destructive behaviors into creative ones." More information <a href="http://blogs.nyu.edu/blogs/awr237/campusicarus/">here</a>.<br /><br />*<strong>Breast Cancer Walk</strong> was cancelled.<br /><br />See you next week and thanks to those who attended this special event!<br /><br />--ShahidaShahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-82181562358201084522009-10-14T13:41:00.003-04:002009-10-14T13:42:59.963-04:00Reminder: Icarus Workshop Today!<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span class="UIIntentionalStory_Names" ft="{"type":"name"}"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;" class="UIStory_Message"><div id="id_4ad60c66991784fe4dfde" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">A reminder that today is our Icarus Workshop, a special event with Sabrina Chapadjiev, author of <u>Live Through This: On Creativity and Self Destruction</u> 7 PM Kimmel 909! Sabrina will be leading a discussion and workshop on how we can channel negative e<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">motional energy into positive creative outlets. A great mental health experience for everyone who wishes to come. SNACKS WILL BE SERVED. Bring a guest!<br /></span></div></span></h3>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-65085949848907802812009-10-07T23:22:00.012-04:002009-10-11T14:05:23.595-04:00October 7th Meeting RECAP<p>Hey feministas,<br /><br />Today we had our awesome second installment of Feminist Music Day and went over upcoming events!<br /><br />What we have coming up:<br /><br /><strong>Icarus Workshop next Wednesday, 7 pm, Kimmel 909 </strong>- There's a summary of this event and more events on <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8200500655951536504&postID=8580706394881766314">this post</a>. However, just to recap for those who don't know, this workshop will be with Sabrina Chapdjiev, author of <u>Live Through This: On Creativity and Self-Destruction</u>, which will explore creative alternatives to emotional and physical self-abuse. As women, we should prioritize our mental health, not always easy to maintain in a society that pressures or degrades us. The workshop will begin with a presentation by Sabrina and follow with a more interactive discussion on how to channel our negative emotional energy into positive, creative outlets. This is for ALL women, despite your history or lack thereof of self-initiated abuse. We have all gone through struggles that have triggered emotionally harmful thoughts. Why not learn how to enhance your mental health and transform your experience? We encourage you to BRING A GUEST to this very special event. Snacks will be served!<br /><br /><strong>Breast Cancer Walk next Sunday at 9 AM</strong> -- We have already raised over <strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS</span></strong> in donations for Breast Cancer!!! Come join us in a memorable walk to celebrate women with breast cancer, or people with cancer in general. We will be meeting in front of Kimmel at 9 AM, then we will take the 6 train to 77th St. If you prefer to meet us at the Walk site from your location, please contact Sarah at <a href="mailto:seb420@nyu.edu">seb420@nyu.edu</a> for more information on how you can do so. You can DONATE by clicking <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY10Eastern?px=8135663&pg=personal&fr_id=19789">here</a> and you can join our NOW-NYU team for the Walk <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/tacs/site/TRR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY10Eastern/2026917409?pg=ptype&fr_id=19789">here</a>.<br /><br /><strong>GEMS training last Saturday was CANCELLED.</strong> We are still awaiting a response from GEMS with regards to whether we can do monthly volunteering without a training session. As the next training session will be held in December, we are trying to figure out whether we can do anything for GEMS without attending training. More information will be coming from Julie through the list-serv. If you have not joined the list-serv NOW-NYU, please do so as soon as possible! The list-serv is an IMMEDIATE way to get your info on all things NOW =) Pun intended.<br /><br />Some fabulous NOW members attended <strong>The Pro-Life Counter-Protest</strong> last Saturday and you can too, this coming Saturday! Just take the 6 train to 149th St. to protest for your right to choice. For more info, contact Julie at <a href="mailto:jpk297@nyu.edu">jpk297@nyu.edu</a>.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://equalityacrossamerica.org/about">The National Equality March </a>is this week in Washington D.C.! Join the struggle for freedom, including LGBT equality this October 10th-11th. </strong>Paradigm Shift is an organization that will be providing buses to this monumental event for only $30 - NOW members who are interested can discuss about sharing this experience together by seizing this opportunity. For some other great deals on bus rides there, contact Sarah or Julie.<br /><br />Some supplementary events you feminists might want to attend:<br /><br /><br /><strong>The CUNY Grad Center's Feminist Pedagogy Conference on November 6th from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM</strong> will explore feminist approaches to learning and classroom strategies. This will create a dialogue between feminist scholars, students and activists. For more info about this conference and location, go to the website: <a href="http://web.gc.cuny.edu/womenstudies/wgp/index.html">http://web.gc.cuny.edu/womenstudies/wgp/index.html</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>New York Rally to Protest Roman Polanski's Petition, October 10th, 6pm</strong> - Are you outraged at what's happened with Roman Polanski's case? Do you think the petition for his release is a mockery of women's rights and an endorsement of rape? NOW is also encouraging all women and men to join nationwide rallies outside of movie theaters THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10th. The New York Rally will be taking place outside The Film Society of Lincoln Center 70 Lincoln Center Plaza New York, NY and will be happening during the NY Film Fest. It will start at 6pm (not 7pm) in front of the box office of Alice Tully Hall 65th & Amsterdam, New York, NY. If you won't be in the city this weekend, find a participating rally near you on the NOW website: <a href="http://www.now.org/lists/now-action-list/msg00403.html">http://www.now.org/lists/now-action-list/msg00403.html</a>. You can also organize your own rally if your city is not listed! More info on the website.<br /><br /><strong>Teaching Sex, Deconstructing Bodies, next Monday from 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm.</strong> <strong>located at 41-51 East 11th St, room 709</strong> - A presentation on alternative sex education, focusing on feminist sex shops that produce sex-related items in US and Sweden. Also a discussion of how feminist, queer and anti-racist perspectives alter/challenge the way we view traditional categorization of the sexes. For more info, click <a href="http://events.nyu.edu/?cmd=showevent&ncmd=listday&cal=cal12&id=210402&ncals=&cat=&sib=1&sort=e,m,t&ws=1&cf=list&set=1&swe=1&sa=1&de=1&tf=0&sb=0&stz=Default&d=10&m=04&y=2007">here</a>.<br /><br /><strong>NYU Amnesty International Candlelight Vigil, 7 pm-9 PM at Washington Square Park</strong> - Honor the rape victims of Africa who are used as a tool in warfare by literally illuminating their plight. RSVP/more info on the Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1817491096&ref=mf#/event.php?eid=155699302992&ref=mf">page</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Love Your Body Day, October 28th at regular meeting day and time</strong> - Celebrate the beauty of your body by doing something physically or mentally healthy! We are still looking for new ideas for this day, but are currently leaning towards Self-Defense lessons.<br /><br />And last but not least, the <strong>Feminist Songs</strong> we listened to:<br /><br /><strong>Well, Well, Well by Le Tigre </strong>- what's more feminist than a woman taking her sexual power back? The days when women were the passive sexual receivers of a man's pleasure are OVER, ladies. With this rocking song you'll be wanting to show and tell, too...whatever that means.<br /><br /><strong>Double Dare Ya by Bikini Kill </strong>- a kickass feminist song which encourages you to be whatever type of woman you want to be.<br /><br /><strong>The Day Bella Abzug Died by Sarah Dougher</strong> - a historically conscious feminist song that celebrates the legacy of Bella Abzug, the first Jewish congresswoman in the United States congress, and one of the first to defend gay rights.<br /><br /><strong>Stupid Girls by Pink</strong> - a controversial song which can be considered feminist or anti-feminist, depending on your point of view. Feminist in its social critique of the demeaning way the media portrays women, and anti-feminist in its personal vendetta to stereotype certain women/exclude feminine women from the idea of "Feminism." We definitely have to consider that feminism should not degrade or pigeonhole women, or perpetuate stereotypes. So is this really feminist? Up to you to decide. Whether this song makes you empowered or angry, it's definitely one that has to be heard in order to challenge your idea of what feminism really is.<br /><br /><br />Again, thanks ladies for another great meeting. Next week, we will be having the Icarus Workshop (if you just skimmed through this post, go back right to the top), at the same meeting time and place. BRING A GUEST!<br /><br />See you next week,<br />--Shahida<br /></p>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-41834572027060691942009-10-02T21:18:00.003-04:002009-10-03T13:00:03.559-04:00Feminist Discussion Question #1<div>Welcome to our first feminist discussion forum post! Please leave a comment to respond, feel free to respond anonymously, and engage with each other on the following challenge using your thoughts, experiences and knowledge: </div>
<br /><div> </div>
<br /><div><strong>Should women engaged in forced sex work be legally or morally penalized? Should they be treated differently from women who enage in voluntary sex work?</strong></div>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-54647169200471319272009-09-30T22:35:00.013-04:002012-02-06T16:50:29.587-05:00September 30th Meeting RecapHey feminists,<br /><br />We had a fun Feminist Music evening. First, we went over the agenda and upcoming events. If you still haven't yet, make sure to go to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8200500655951536504&postID=8580706394881766314">THIS POST </a>in order to see what's coming up. Some new additional information/reminders are:<br /><br /><br /><ul><li><strong>GEMS Training this Saturday, 1 pm at Bowery Poetry Center, located at 308 Bowery</strong>, HAS BEEN CANCELLED. MORE INFORMATION TO COME. </li><li><strong>40 Days of Life Campaign</strong> - A pro-life campaign held from September 23rd-November 1st, which can be intimidating to women seeking abortions, and challenges the idea of "choice" in a woman's reproductive decision. For more information on how to participate and/or promote a counter-stance to this movement, e-mail or talk to Julie Kilger, president of NOW, at <a href="mailto:jpk297@nyu.edu">jpk297@nyu.edu</a>. </li><li><strong>Breast Cancer Walk on October 18th - </strong>Join us for a walk that celebrate the women who face this tremendous obstacle, as well as the people in your life who have had cancer. Click <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY10Eastern/1753941998?sid=16393&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=19789">here</a> to sign up for the Breast Cancer Walk -- all you have to do is search for team NOW-NYU in capitals, and you should see our team next to the name of our Vice President, Sarah Betz. Sarah has sent e-mails about this event before so check your mailbox if you're on the listserv. </li><li><strong>Icarus Workshop October 14th, 7 pm Kimmel 909</strong> - Workshop with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?%5Fencoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-type=ss&index=books&field-author=Sabrina%20Chapadjiev">Sabrina Chapadjiev</a>, author of Live Through This: On Creativity and Self-Destruction, will discuss how women can avoid self-destructive behaviors by channelling their frustrations into creative outlets. Remember to attend this special event!</li><li><strong>Love your Body Day, October 28th, room 909 at regular meeting time - </strong>Celebrate your body on this day by doing something physically and mentally healthy. We will be discussing the theme of this day next week. Possibilities so far are: self-defense or yoga. Feel free to share any new ideas come next meeting. We will also be inviting our fellow sisters from Delta Fi Epsilon for this special event, so be prepared to meet some new fantastic ladies :)</li></ul><p></p>Then, we went through some of the songs you gals sent us which represent what feminism means to you, and discussed their importance to the meaning and implementation of feminism. Below are a summary of the songs we discussed so far and the comments we had regarding them for your downloading pleasure:<br /><br /><strong>Flirt by Pussycat Dolls</strong> - comments on how women should be able to sexually express themselves without the fear of their actions being misintrepreted, putting them at risk for sexual harassment. simply, women should be able to "flirt" freely without being treated like objects<br /><strong>I'm Just a Girl by No Doubt - </strong>the frustrations of being a girl, "living in captivity" and always living in fear of being harassed. with this song, Gwen Stefani makes clear that though she is "just" a girl, every girl can make a huge impact by simply speaking out like she has.<br /><strong>Fat-Bottomed Girls by Queen - </strong>a celebration of beauty of all sizes, or an objectification of fat-bottomed ladies? still up for debate and your interpretation. if you choose to go with the former, though, you'll find this a really fun song to listen to -- and will definitely motivate you to embrace that bottom!<br /><strong>I am Woman by Helen Reddy -</strong> ever wonder where the phrase, "I am Woman, Hear me Roar" came from? source - this classic song from the 70's brings us back to the good old days when feminism was still a burgeoning "embryo," as the singer herself says. the message? women can do anything - they are strong and invincible. the perfect mood-enhancer for any woman :)<br /><strong>Fighter by Christina Aguilera</strong> - who doesn't like a woman who makes her negative experiences an incentive for growth? a great motivating song which belongs on every feminist's playlist!<br /><strong>Superwoman by Alicia Keyes - </strong>an amazing song that celebrates the different women out there -- from the career superwoman to the single mother trying to meet ends -- all are superwomen in their own right. reveals that women are capable of fulfilling so many different roles, and despite their obstacles, are able to maintain strength.<br /><br />Next week we will continue with feminist songs and you will be provided lyrics for purposes of further analysis. Again, IF YOU HAVE ANY FEMINIST SONGS YOU WANT TO BE ADDED FOR NEXT WEEK, e-mail <a href="mailto:sa1523@nyu.edu">sa1523@nyu.edu</a> with the title, "Feminist Music NOW."<br /><br />See you next week ladies,<br />--ShahidaShahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-74494357668188733312009-09-29T14:34:00.004-04:002009-09-29T14:40:33.830-04:00Feminist Music Day TOMORROW!Hey lovelies,<br /><br />Tomorrow we will be holding the first part of a special event called <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Feminist Music Day."</span> We will be spending the first half of the meeting listening to feminist songs, some of which you NOW members have personally sent to us, and discussing the way they have influenced young feminists like us to think about the power of women and the obstacles they face in everyday life. The second half of the meeting will be logistics, possibly open discussion or more talk about the events coming up.<br /><br />If you have a last-minute mp3 to send to us for this special event, please send it to sa1523@nyu.edu by tonight, with the subject, <span style="font-weight: bold;">"NOW Feminist Music."</span> Thanks!<br /><br />Food<span style="font-style: italic;"> will</span> be served! As always, the meeting is in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kimmel room 909, 7 PM, Wednesday.</span><br /><br />See you there :)<br />--ShahidaShahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200500655951536504.post-24677270101641711402009-09-23T21:49:00.006-04:002009-09-23T22:31:34.301-04:00September 23rd Meeting RecapHey lovely ladies and gentlemen,<br /><br />This evening we talked more in-depth about the types of activities we'd like to engage in for this semester and also had an open discussion that discussed concerns about sexual double standards, sexual harassment, and reproductive health decisions. The questions/issues we explored and raised were: Should immigrant women be mandated to take the Gardasil vaccine, or is it a personal choice? What are the risks of egg donation, and why aren't women being informed when they donate? How does sexual education or lack thereof in public schools affect the mentality of men and women, and to what extent does it limit their choices? How does segregation between men and women in different countries reinforce that women are responsible for the sexual behavior of men? and Should women who are coerced into domestic trafficking be legally tried?<br /><br />As a group, we also approved the following activities for the next few weeks:<br /><br /><ul><li><strong>Feminist Music Day</strong> - September 30th and October 7th, Kimmel 909, 7 PM. We will be using the first half of these two meeting days exclusively for listening to awesome feminist music. Please send one or two MP3s of your favorite songs to me, at <a href="mailto:sa1523@nyu.edu">sa1523@nyu.edu</a> , with the subject title, "NOW Feminist Music" and it will be added to our playlist for these two evenings. We will be enjoying the music, and discussing the themes. All sorts of music are welcomed, whether explicitly feminist or subtly empowering. REMEMBER TO COME TO THIS WONDERFUL EVENT - YOU MAY GET A FREE CD OF THE ENTIRE PLAYLIST IF YOU DO :)</li><li><strong>Open Discussion Forum</strong> - Thanks to the idea of a fellow NOW member, we will be having a weekly open discussion on the NOW-NYU website on topics that regard women's rights and the complexities of gender inequality. I will be posting the topic/question on the website and you are free to respond in a comment. No google account is required - you can also post anonymously if you wish. Feel free to send possible questions to Sarah Betz, Vice President of NOW at: <a href="mailto:seb420@nyu.edu.">seb420@nyu.edu.</a></li><li>Important upcoming activities are: <strong>the Icarus Workshop, Breast Cancer Walk, counter-protest to the 40 Days of Life Campaign and the GEMS monthly volunteering and training</strong>. For more information on all of these or if you just need to jog your memory, see <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8200500655951536504&postID=8580706394881766314">this </a>post. </li></ul><p>Thanks to everyone who attended today's meeting and made the discussion so engaging. We look forward to seeing you next week on Feminist Music Day, same time, same place. To a great idea of another one of our wonderful NOW ladies, we might also be having a <strong>Bring a Guy to NOW</strong> day...more information to come. But either way, feel free to BRING GUYS whenever you want, as we do need both men and women to share their perspectives. FEMINISM IS NOT JUST ABOUT WOMEN - IT IS ABOUT MEN TOO! So let's hear your voices, gents! For those who could not attend this meeting, no worries - you can join NOW anytime. Even if you can't always make the meetings, you can also engage with us on the topics we'll be posting. :)</p><p>See you all next week, </p><p>--Shahida</p><p><strong></strong></p>Shahida Arabihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14320111617815627525noreply@blogger.com0