Strong Woman

Disney has finally come out with a black princess, about time. I must say I have mixed feels about it. I know that there is a lot of controversy surrounding this issue. I think that all children should have access to a variety of role models that are positive and diverse, and of course that they can relate to. If that means, this doll looks like me so be it but I guess my issue has to do with the “reality” or human likeness of any of these dolls. It is similar to the Barbie debate and how her body type is totally unrealistic. The same is true of the Disney Princesses; none of them are based in reality. It seems long overdue that Disney finally included a black princess but I think Disney’s attempt at diversity is weak at best. I know that they have very skilled, talented artist but all of the Princesses are essentially the same with different color hair, skin tone, and outfits. Even Jasmine who is suppose to be Arab looks like the other Princesses. The only real variations I see are in Pocahontas, and to a lesser extent Mulan.

But then I have to ask myself – Should they be based in reality? They are cartoons. I know I should be happy that Disney is making an attempt to create strong, independent female character and that we have come a long was from Sleeping Beauty but what can I say, I know they are capable of doing more, and I feel a duty as a woman to ask for more.

Signs of hate, right here in Denver

So, I am editing because I didn’t really write anything thoughtful about this email that I received. What I want to say really is WTF?!? But I am sure I can find a more eloquent way to express my feelings…

Okay even if you seriously thought Obama was not a natural born citizen, I am not sure what your sources are but I think people probably do believe this. How do you get from Kenyan immigrant to Jihad? Yes, I realize that there are Muslims in Kenya, but there are Muslims probably in every country in the world and in no way does being a Muslim make you a member of an extreme fundamental group. This ad is not only disrespectful and outrageous but extremely racist. Oh and by the way, didn’t Obama get shit for his ties with his former Christian pastor Rev. Wright? You can’t have it both ways. Just because you don’t like someone or don’t agree with someone you cannot make things up as you go along.

This birther movement is outrageous. Do people really thing there is some conspiracy to elect a non-citizen. Why would anyone do that? I think if there was some conspiracy to elect someone, for whatever reason, (anyone remember the 2000 election) they would at least find an American citizen.

And while I am on my rant about the ignorance and racism in American politics I would like to say that this is a lot like the parallels being drawn about Obama and Hitler. Seriously, does that even make sense? Its like the news throws out some hate inspired words (Nazi, Communism, Fascism, dictator, death panel) along with the President’s name and all of a sudden he is a Nazi.

And I would like to say, whatever you want to call it death panel or not I think that everyone should have a plan of what they would like to do if they were to become incapacitated. I am 26 and I know that I should have a living will and direction for my funeral and instructions about life support. I remember when the Terri Schiavo debacle was going on and thinking how awful it would be if my spouse had to go through this. It is not enough to tell your spouse I want to be kept alive or I don’t want to be kept alive, it should be in writing.

I once watched this documentary where a man had a series of unbelievable trials and after some 20-30 years he was finally exonerated for a crime he did not commit. But the trial was unbelievable, they let a member of the KKK testify years after the original trial, it was so bizarre and it breaks my heart to know that that happened to someone (many people) and that racism is still present in our society and things like this still occur. But the point I am making is that there was this one man who said you can’t argue with hate. It is completely irrational and you just can’t argue with it. And I agree. It is irrational, there is not support for it and I guess that is why it has been so eradicate.

Dear Friend,

What is our country coming to?

A few minutes ago we learned about an offensive, racist billboard right here in Colorado--attacking President Obama and comparing him to terrorists. The billboard was created by Wolf Automotive, at their location here in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Check out the photo to the right, then join the pledge to boycott.

http://www.ProgressNowColorado.org/WolfAuto

I called Wolf Automotive to ask them what their intent was in putting up that sign. The man I spoke with defended the sign, and indicated he has no intention of taking the sign down, and it was quickly apparent to me that he was a "birther."

The "tea party" movement and the "birthers" are becoming more and more outrageous. They're in the thrall of demagogues like Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Peter Boyles, Sarah Palin, and right-wing elected officials in Colorado like Senator Dave Schultheis--who sent out a statement last week comparing President Obama to the 9/11 terrorists who flew United Flight 93 into the ground.

We'll defend anyone's First Amendment right to speak his or her mind. However, the "marketplace of ideas" that the First Amendment protects only works when everyone speaks out. If hate like that spread by Dave Schultheis and the owners of Wolf Automotive are allowed to go without a response, then we allow the perception that these ideas have merit.

We have both the right and the obligation under the First Amendment to publicly reject ideas that we find abhorent and offensive.

Please help us respond to this latest attack from the Right by doing a couple of things. First, please click on the link below and pledge to boycott Wolf Automotive until they take down this billboard. Then, please spread the word by forwarding this email to at least 5 people you know and ask them to sign the boycott pledge as well.

http://www.ProgressNowColorado.org/WolfAuto

After you sign the pledge, we'll provide you the phone numbers for the Wolf Automotive Group--they have four dealerships located in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Please take a few minutes to call and ask them, respectfully, to take their sign down. We want to respond, but we want to resist being dragged into incivility by the hatred that we're confronting.

Thank you,
Bobby Clark

Prereqs.

The other day I watched Sarah Palin on Oprah and I was reminded of how I think that there should be some educational/experience requirements for politicians. Perhaps some mix of law/public policy/history/economics/international studies degree along with required community service, or maybe military service. I mean Palin is a dodo bird and is an extreme example of people who don’t know shit and should not run for, let alone hold public office but in all seriousness you need a license to do nails, cut hair, teach, perform surgery, practice law, be an architect, even people that work in fast food chains need a food handlers card – knowledge and test on a few basics, shouldn’t people who make laws be required to obtain a certain skill set, base knowledge, empathy, etc.

I don’t think I am asking too much.
As a side note, I must say I thought her hair looked great.

No, actually you're not helpful

I usually pride myself on being a pretty good employee- efficient, organized, skilled, whatever.

I just got an email from my boss that said, "This obviously isn't helpful." Honestly, I wouldn't send something that I thought was unhelpful. WTF! I hate shit like this in the workplace - simple misunderstanding, and not even mine. No need for the snarky emails.

Things I Don’t Get No. 2

Cell Phones – texting – tweeting. Who is everyone talking to? Why is it necessary to “chat” with someone on an almost constant basis? There have been so many occasions where I am having dinner, drinks, watching a movie and someone I am with or someone around me will just answer the phone, respond to a text, or whatever. I just don’t get it. I understand that there are occasions where it is necessary but for the most part it’s just constant noise.

And just as a side note, I cannot believe people text while driving! It seems like a no-brainer but people are driving while texting and killing themselves and others to the point that there is major legislation in the works, across the country to ban texting. Not that texting is the only distraction of drivers – for instance, my mom puts on her make-up while driving. She has done this since I was a kid. I think it is unbelievable and if I were a cop and spotted her doing it I would totally pull her over and ticket her. I am getting of topic but I am amazed at how frivolous drivers can be. Cars can be very dangerous and I don’t think a lot of people get that.
One other thing that really bothers me is seeing a group of friends hanging out and all of them are on their cell phones - chatting or texting. Why hang out with these people just to talk to other people - weird. I see this mostly with teenagers but not exclusively.