Thoughts on the “Modern Woman”

Blistered, red, strapped-marked-feet—all reminders of my latest adventure; a walk through my parents hilly mostly paved neighborhood with their one-year old dog, in five-inch high heels.

Recently in a magazine aimed at young women I read an article on becoming a “modern woman”, it suggested that my ability to walk my dog in heels is linked to my ability to juggle the many activities attributed to being a woman of the twenty-first century, i.e. the ability to cook, clean, arrange a family’s schedule, have a successful career, thriving relationship, all while maintaining a fit physique and some element of sanity. The article suggested that a woman’s proficiency at multitasking, commanding any situation and lets not forget walking in high heels increase both her personal happiness and attractiveness in the game of finding a partner. I can tell you from my latest experience that I feel neither happy nor sexy when my dog snarls and nearly topples my while passing a group of attractive joggers.

Now, let me be clear I don’t put much stock in articles saying what I should or should not value in life, my high-heeled trek was more about proving I could do something that was supposed to be difficult—I’ll admit to being overly competitive at moments. However, this drive to succeed and prove my fortitude caused me to question what femininity means to my generation and myself.

You see I think that in many ways young woman are not set up for success by mainstream society. This is not to say there aren’t plenty of successful young woman, but rather the yardstick we, and society, measure ourselves by is unrealistic. For all my anti-establishment ways and ideals at some deep-down level I want to prove I can do it all, I can walk my dog, answer emails, cook dinner and look fabulous all at the same time. But there is no way I feel like cooking or cleaning after my walk because my feet hurt, I am sweaty, hot and cranky. Yes I did complete my ambitious walk, but the other items I am supposed to attend to as a modern young woman must now be sidelined because I have to search the cupboard for a band-aid to address the blister on my pinky toe.

The issue does not lie in having a long to-do list or audacious goals, the issue lies in holding ourselves to an unrealistic standard or a one-size fits all image of what it means to be a woman. To find true joy in myself and my accomplishments I must claim my unique femininity; I am not June Clever or Claire Huxtable, I am not perfect, I will never be able to accomplish all the things I want to do in a day, and I certainly cannot live up to a standard espoused by magazines and historic conventions of womanhood. I refuse to let my femininity be determined by eons old male-created boundaries—isn’t that what being a modern woman is all about?

Establishing one’s own path, valuing everyone’s unique contribution to society regardless of identity expression, and living in a way that esteems others while working toward personal goals whatever those may be. I want those things to be the marks of my femininity, if I happen to be wearing heels while accomplishing them, well then great; but if I happen to be wearing flats or sneakers I have still accomplished the things that bring me joy. Modern womanhood and femininity means something different to each of us, and that my friends is beautiful.

CSU/UADY Leadership Exchange – Reflections of Leadership

I just had the opportunity to read Regan Brown’s reflections from the Fall 2011 trip to Merida, Mexico. Want to get involved and take a trip to Mexico next fall? check out what Regan has to say about her experience and go here for your application.

“This fall I had the opportunity to participate in the CSU/UADY Leadership Exchange Program. We traveled to Merida, Mexico and had my favorite experience so far as a student at CSU. This trip focuses on what it means to be a student leader at a university, both in Mexico and the United States. While we were touring their different campuses around the city we engaged in conversations about Mexico’s education system, resources, service, and leadership practices in comparison to those in the United States. We then got to participate in one of their service opportunities that connect students to the surrounding Mayan villages of the city and the different needs that these communities are facing. This trip is intentional of every activity and conversation that takes place. I have gained a new perspective on service, leadership and education because of the incredible students I got to meet in Mexico. This spring we will be hosting the students here at CSU so they will be able to witness what it means to be a student leader on CSU’s campus and continue the conversations we started this fall.”

Campus Step Back: day 2′s issue – NAFTA and U.S. Hazardous Waste in Mexico

Admittedly, this was a hard topic to really sink my teeth into. I think this is mostly because there is a large lack of personal connection, and I haven’t really thought about this before. Right here I am more aware of my privilege. I do know that a lot of the luxuries I enjoy are directly detrimental to other’s basic human rights, but I usually think of sweat shops and the like. This issue has a lot to do with big business, politics, and international trade, effectively adding to my confusion and inability to identify exactly how this issue fits into my life. Nonetheless, it’s shocking (though not surprising) how easily businesses from the U.S. value profit and business fluidity over environmental and human well-being, which are really the same thing.

For me, I find most of my frustration comes from a feeling of helplessness. How can I really make change with big businesses from the U.S. that operate in Mexico? I guess the most I can do is pass along information and hope others do the same. I got my information from a 2002 article in the Global Policy Forum. Certainly this is a rather outdated source, and it is certainly not written objectively despite the credibility of the author and site. However, this gives a great summation of the issue in rather plain language. I’ve copied some particularly telling statements from the article linked to above to give an idea of what this is all about. So please, check it out, let us know what you think, and spread the word.

“Under the 1983 La Paz Agreement on US-Mexico Environmental Co-operation, and under Mexico’s 1988 General Law for Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection, wastes generated in[...]foreign-owned firms must be returned for disposal in the country where the raw materials originated, typically the US. But in actual practice, less than three percent of firms bound by the La Paz Agreement actually returned their wastes to the US before the mid- 1990s” 

“According to Mexican government estimates, only about 12 percent of the hazardous waste generated in Mexico is properly managed[...]Recent figures indicate that around 25-30 percent of maquiladoras now return their toxic waste to the US,[...]but this is still far below what is necessary to ensure proper management of hazardous wastes generated in Mexico.” 

End of the Semester Motivation – Another Reason to Get Involved!

Well, another semester is almost in the books, and I am feeling pretty stressed! With papers piling up and tests looming closer and closer with each passing day I have to say that I’ve begun to question why I am putting myself through all this…torture. So with motivation flagging, I find that recalling what’s meant a lot to me during this school year as a whole gives me the energy to sprint down the homestretch, and co-curricular involvement has provided the most inspiring memories I have to fall back on.

During my first year at CSU I got involved right away. Starting with Cans Around I was able to see what a group of dedicated people can do, we raised an amazing amount of money and food for the Larimer County Food Bank. Knowing that I played a small part in making a pretty sizable difference in Fort Collins feels pretty good.
I also participated in Campus Step Up. Getting the opportunity to talk to others about identity dynamics, and how I can be an ally for people identifying within subordinated identity groups totally changed my perception. I think the most poignant moment that made me reevaluate my views came during an identity circles activity. People with subordinated identities were given the chance to communicate what they needed from allies and talk about the myths and prejudices surrounding their specific identities. The most memorable example came from a person identifying as a woman, she said something to the effect of, “sexual violence against women isn’t a woman’s issue, it is a men’s issue. You need to work with your brothers to end it.” While I know victim blaming and misappropriation of guilt are horrible, I hadn’t thought about sexual assault in this light before, which raises my biggest take away from this event. The point of dominant identities and why they are so powerful lies in the fact that their members don’t have to be conscious of their difference. The privileges and power that come with dominant identities are considered normal and right, whereas the attributes associated with subordinated identities are considered against the norm and to a certain extent wrong. So by simply being more aware of the power and privilege I enjoy–power and privilege I haven’t necessarily earned–I can use it to the benefit of those in subjugated groups.

Probably the most memorable and impactful event I have participated in since I got to CSU would be the 2011 Alternative Spring Break to Tucson, Arizona. I could write a book about this experience. I experienced firsthand a small part of what immigrants have to conquer while crossing the Sonoran desert. I was well fed, had plenty of water, slept in sleeping bags with multiple pads on the ground, and had good clothing and equipment but was still exhausted after every day and barely got any sleep at night. I can’t imagine having to cross with limited supplies and marginal-at-best equipment. There are no walls along this section of the border, all that separates Mexico and the United States in places is a hip high, rusted barbed wire fence. Clearly our intention is not to keep people from crossing at places like this, but to use the harshness of the terrain as a deterrent, and if enough people die the hope is that people will stop crossing. This has not been the case in the past 20 years as people continue to cross. As I said, I could continue about this experience for a while, and I’ll post more about it in the future.

So with all this to remember, I have a hard time getting discouraged. All I can think of is what I can get involved with next semester, and how I can continue to use the knowledge I’ve gained to make this world a better place.

Why You Need to Go On an Alt Break: Volume 6 – Seattle, WA

I must say I am pretty excited about this year’s trip to Seattle. The agencies Chantal and her two other co-leaders are working with sound amazing, and I could probably write about them at length, but I’ll let her tell you what’s up:

“This year, three fantastic women will lead a group of students to magical Seattle, WA to work with 3 amazing agencies. We will split our time between the Somali Refugee Coalition, the original Dream Project and the Post-Prison Education Program. All three focus on helping those who are about to fall through the cracks of society, or who already have. It will be a great way to help at risk youth who need positive role models in their lives.  We will do plenty of sight-seeing, coffee drinking and all-around bonding as well! Come have the week of your life, in Seattle, with us!”

Why You Need to Go On an Alt Break: Volume 5 – Moab, UT

Whew, there have been a lot of awesome trips highlighted thus far, but just you wait, there is much more to come. Our 5th post in this series serves as “case in point!” If you thought you’d totally settled on a trip for this spring, sorry to make your decision a little harder. Here’s what Katie, one of Moab’s two co-leaders has to say about their trip:

“Hey all you nature-lovers!!! Who wants to go save the environment over spring break?! Come to Moab, Utah with other students for a camping trip over spring break! We will help remove invasive species around the area and go on some sweet hikes in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks! The views will undoubtedly blow your mind. Don’t hesitate any longer….apply to go to Moab over your spring break today!!”

You can check out more about Moab and the agency you could be working with here. And remember, Alt Break apps are due THIS WEDNESDAY! Get yours here!

Why You Need to Go On an Alt Break: Volume 4 – Eustis, FL

Well, our 4th installment of this series is a pretty great one. 2011-2012 marks the first year SLiCE is sponsoring an all Greek ASB! The trip is in Eustis, FL and…well…I’ll just let Caiti, one of the trip’s co-leaders, tell you more:

“This year is the first year that there is a Greek specific trip. This trip is going to Eustis, Florida to work at Camp Boggy Creek, a camp for terminally ill kids. Beau and I are both Greek, and are extremely excited to lead the first all Greek trip. We are hoping that this trip will strengthen the Greek community. This trip will be a week of fun in the Florida sun. There will be hard work, but plenty of time to have fun as well.”

And here is a bit about Camp Boggy Creek from their site:

“Camp Boggy Creek is specifically designed for children with chronic or life threatening illnesses and allows them to safely enjoy the activities of a ‘traditional’ camp. Between early morning swims and evening campfires, children whose lives have been a series of medical procedures and hospital stays are transformed into just ‘kids.’ They have a chance to be with others coping with the same illness or condition and realize that they are not alone.”

Why You Need to Go On an Alt Break This Year: Volume 2 – Catalina, CA

Well, I must say that this latest installment of the 2011-2012 Alt Break highlight series is the best yet. Adrienne, the Student Coordinator for the Alt Break program and co-leader for this year’s Catalina, CA trip graces us with her passion and awesomeness in the paragraphs below. I’ll let her speak for herself: 

“Alternative Breaks remains the highlight of my CSU experience so far.  Since I began my involvement as a freshman, I have gained valuable perspective on multiple social issues and met some of my closest friends through the program.

As a freshman, I traveled to Independence, CA to do environmental restoration at Manzanar, one of the Japanese Internment camps instated during WWII.  We learned the in-depth history of the site and heard inspiring stories of the courageous families unfairly interned at Manzanar.  Last year, as a sophomore, I was a Co-Site Leader for the animal welfare trip to Kanab, UT to work at the Best Friend’s animal sanctuary.  We did facility restoration, trail maintenance, and socialized with all types of animals who had been abused, abandoned, or just in need of a home and loving companion.  This year, as a junior, I am the co-Site Leader for Catalina, CA where we will work on the removal of invasive species on the island and I am also the Student Coordinator for Alt. Break program.

All of the trips I was and am involved with have been very different.  The history of the Japanese internment camps might not matter to everyone, but it matters to someone so it does matter.  Not everyone cares about animal welfare but it matters.  Not everyone cares about environmental issues but they matter. This is how I approach every new year with Alt. Breaks and this is why I think it’s easy for this experience to be so impactful; We hope participants go on trips focusing on something they are passionate about or want to learn more about, but no matter what trip they go on, it matters.

The Alt. Break slogan is, ‘Let the world change you so you can change the world.’  Not only did I find a sense of purpose as a young adult but I learned the impact of direct service in the social issues I care most about.  I think of Alternative Breaks as a way to “bridge the gap”;  We bridge the gap between feeling unproductive over Spring Break and doing something fulfilling and with intention, we bridge the gap between communities that, in some ways, seem polarized, and we bridge the gap between simply caring about an issue and actively doing something about it.

Alt. Breaks are service-learning trips across the United States and around the world that immerse CSU students in issues including homelessness, animal welfare, environmental restoration, Native American reservations, at risk youth, immigration, ecotourism and sustainability, refugees, and women’s issues.  Because our trips focus on a range of social issues pertaining to many majors and personal interests, the program attracts a diverse group of participants.

 

I encourage CSU student from all backgrounds who want to bridge the gap to their next defining experience at CSU to apply for an Alternative Break!”

Ditto Adrienne, ditto!

A Random Post I Found: “Queer Kids Talking to Queer Kids”

Here at the SLiCE office we take social justice and advocacy pretty seriously, so when I came across this post I had to let y’all know about it. Apparently there’s a blog here on WordPress called Raising Queer Kids. Once there I got to read some succinct, heart-felt prose about the coming out process…from an elementary school student. My favorite part is:

“I might not be the most perfect and you might not think I am stating the truth, but you should come out.

Here’s the way I do it:

I say: ‘do you believe in gay rights?’ If they say yes, then it’s a step, and you say, ‘I’m gay’ or ‘I’m lesbian.’

If they say no, then you just drop the subject because you don’t want to tell haters.

I think that it’s important to let everybody know. But I’ve learned from experience that not everyone is open-minded enough to see that we’re still people.”

I only wish I could have such an authoritative voice. You can find the entire post here http://wp.me/p1SRUR-5O