or: the weather, men and capitalism

Beauty is social control. Hair, being one of the most malleable features at a women’s disposal, is symbolic of this effect. Hair is personal. Hair is public. Hair is political. Most of all, hair – or more specifically, the way in which American women choose to style their hair – is a display of meaning. It is one of the more visible and changeable declarations of gender. It assists the public from differentiating between genders and it offers a sliding scale of both femininity and masculinity. This defining scale is often used to allocate respect, gain social status and inevitably, detract worth. Yet, this display of meaning is constantly evolving along with the political movements, social movements and eras in which they occupy.
Hair, similar to the rest of the choices we make in our appearances, does not exist in a social vacuum. The way in which we style our hair denotes social status and meaning. It is a reflection of not only who we are in society, but of what society demands us to be.

Plus, it's really hot outside.

Diamond is forever

In line with her lifestyle as an edgy, broke youngster living in New York this summer, my besty Emily Diamond is currently interning for Vice Magazine. Her latest article explores her favorite things: photography, cute boys and America.

Enjoy!

the white man's struggle

I've been following Sotomayor's hearings and the outright display of white anxiety over "reverse racism" is astounding. The idea that people (especially women) of color are the oppressors is so absurd it infuriates me. When was the last time a white male suffered from any form of institutionalized prejudice? Now, as women and people of color begin to fill coveted positions of power (Executive and Judicial branches, anyone?), white men like Pat Buchanan are shitting themselves all over the news. I imagine these historical power shifts are as terrifying to some as they are exciting for others. At least their desire to maintain hegemony is on display, so hopefully it will be taken note of and challenged.

To be fair, it is frustrating that all the Supreme Court positions keep going to Latinas. Wait....



Last time I checked, loyalty to the law and fairness were not mutually exclusive from being tough. But ohh she's a woman! That means she must be a bitch!
It's probable that Sotomayor has grappled with this condescension before and clearly, she knows how to address it with extreme calm. It would be so difficult not to point out his bullshit. I find her patience very admirable.
Did anyone really expect this to proceed in any other fashion? I suppose we ought to annotate this as concisely as possible, talk openly about the powers at play and not be scared of hurting the white man's ego.

In the meantime, LOL.


cartoon via Feministing.