DISQUS

I've been back and forth on the PETA thing, but a lot of their ads are pretty tasteless. Generally, I see nothing problematic with comparing the slaughter of animals to murder - because, ultimately, that's what it is - but this ad is totally unacceptable. Comparing it to the murder of Tim McLean shows a complete lack of respect towards his family and how they might feel about this ad. I certainly understand what they were trying to get across, as does everyone here, I think, but using a specific case like the murder of Tim is extremely reprehensible, IMO.

Looks great, Holly!

Just a suggestion for another resource: The Miss G___ Project. It's an effort trying to get Women's and Gender Studies courses into the Ontario High School Curriculum. Not only is it am amazing project, but the people behind it are fantastic, too!

Awesome! That's the first time I've sat down and watched something by Target Women, and it's great! I can't wait for more in the future. Thanks, Holly!

Huh. I'm not sure if he handled that well or extremely bad. I'm leaning towards extremely bad, because if he had had a less supportive audience, it could have gone pretty terribly. The applause for his call to move on was kind of disappointing, but props to the man who asked the question!

Thank you so much for sharing that, Holly. I'm really sorry to hear about what you've gone through and can only hope that you never experience anything that hurtful again.

As for your short film, congratulations. I watched the trailer when you posted it and will try to make the time to sit down and watch it tomorrow, as I'm heading to bed now. That's a pretty big deal, though, I think, and you should be proud of yourself.

Ah, yeah, I remember reading about this. In a way I'm glad, because it shows just how out of control these people are, but it's also dangerous, too, because there are people who will believe these messages, and we both understand how harmful these messages can be.

I look forward to a follow-up post if you decide to write one after you intend the rally (assuming nothing else comes up). Maybe it's just me overreacting, but be careful, too. From what I know about the anti-choicers in America, I'd be scared to get on their bad side.

I'm conflicted with some of PETA's methods, as well, but I'm also sceptical to believe everything I hear about them, due to the rampant speciecism in most cultures. I can't say I would advocate for complete dismissal of all of their actions, though, just because some are unfavourable.

Huh. I never knew people claimed McCain was a moderate, but I guess this shouldn't surprise me. That's what I get for living in Canada, I guess?

Anyway, good post. I wasn't aware about the congress thing, either. Makes me very curious...

This is really infuriating. Attitudes about women need to change before this will stop. Women do not belong to men; men are not entitled to women. What's going on in a man's head when he shoots a woman for something like this is incomprehensible to me.

Take your time, Holly! You have a great blog, so I'm sure you won't be losing any readers. You definitely won't be losing me, anyway!

Well, Congratulations, Holly! That would be exciting!

I can't add much new... That short piece is great. I'd definitely like to see it once it's available.

I don't have anything new to add regarding the sentence: I think it's appalling that a 14-year-old boy would be given sentenced to prison for that duration for what he did.

One thing that I have to point out is the comment on parenting, though. While I agree that this action could very well have been a result of a lack of good parenting, I feel that when people immediately blame the parents, it's unfair. While parenting certainly plays a role in the development of children, there are also other factors to be taken into consideration. For example, if Nunez was indeed troubled, perhaps there was a lack of services in the area to help his guardians deal with his issues. Or, perhaps his family lives in poverty and, as a result, simply don't have the time to care adequately for him as they try to bring in enough income. Again, I don't want to discount the fact that parental roles do play a role, but I feel they're not the only factor.

Anyway, on a complete tangent, I love how the site looks! Keep up the good work.

Well, I wasn't here before, but I like it so far! I'll definitely be coming back. Congrats!

Great post, Holly. This purity ball stuff will never cease to creep me out. I'm definitely going to look into integrity balls now, too, as this s the first time I've come across them.

blogberry mom,

First, can you tell me why, exactly, that "virginity is divine"? Given that the couple is using protection (and assuming they are heterosexual), two things happen to the woman when she has sex for the first time: One, a membrane, the hymen, breaks; and two, she gains an experience. Now, I'm a male, but I don't think any of those are actually doing any harm.

It's interesting how you said virginity "should only be given to your husband", too. What about the man? Hell, what about queer couples? Are they exempt from this "virginity is divine", stuff?

Also, virginity is a HUGE issue. That's why you have things like abstinence-only education and purity balls. And what is this "real meaning of 'virgin'"? Conventional wisdom tells me the meaning of a virgin is a person who has never had sex. What is this "real" meaning I'm failing to grasp?

Finally, why is premarital sex such a big deal? I will probably never support the patriarchal institution of marriage, so does that make me a bad person when I have sex? Tell me what's more sad: women having the option to do as they wish, or forcing traditional gender roles down their throats.