We Need Feminism Because....

Lately, I've been antsy to start running again -- I stopped in June due to health issues and now that they are resolved, I am preparing to get back to it.  So it's not surprising that as I wander through the neighborhood that will be mine in November, I sometimes think about where I will run.

I haven't just been thinking about it -- I've also talked to my fiance, who lives there now, about running routes in his neighborhood.  The conversation went something like this:

"The running path down by the river -- is it safe?"
"I think your greatest danger is being hit by a bike." [Brief excursus about runners being hit by cyclists.] "I like running towards town better."
"Yeah, but I don't like running along main roads."
"There's a bridge over the highway so you won't get hit.  There are some roads back here too that might be good.  There's a big hill and lots of stairs that lead you to a park."
"That doesn't look like it'd be long enough.  I'll probably go by the path."
"I don't like it in the winter.  It's not very well lit."
[Moment of revelation for both of us: we are talking about different dangers.]
"Of course, I don't have the same concerns as a lady runner..."

I need feminism because my concerns when choosing a running path should not be dictated by my gender.  That conversation brought to mind this collection of students explaining why they need feminism.

Color Me Beautiful

I missed last week by a day -- oops.  Here's one of my favorite links in my "Blog Me" folder by way of apology.  It's part of  Dove's Real Beauty Campaign.  Imagine describing yourself to a sketch artist.  How accurate do you think the picture would be?  How much would it vary from a picture he would draw based on someone else's description?  That's what Dove did.

I love the idea, and I know the message hits a lot of young women in a place they need some comfort.  However, the rational, skeptical side of me wants to try it with men.  Do men see themselves differently than other people do?  We focus a lot of attention on women and body image.  I would love to see some evidence that (if) the gender-bias reflects a reality.

The Prophets of Oak Ridge

I'm going to give you lots of reading and little commentary today.  This is a piece by the Washington Post about a social justice group working for nuclear disarmament.  "A nun, a drifter, and a house painter," as the article characterizes them, broke into what was considered one of the most secure nuclear facilities in the US.  It's a long read, but let me tell you, well worth your while.

Day-Maker #82

Seeing a small girl at Trader Joe's getting her picture taken with a bouquet of flowers.  She had obviously been to the Post-Office early that day: she wore a Priority Mail sticker.

Visual Sociology

Via Unequally Yoked, here is a fun bit of sociology. (Yes, this came from my file of "cool, I should blog this" bookmarks... and about 5 months ago.)  The map shows where "Missed Connections" happen, broken down by state.  It also has some numbers about age differences and who is seeking whom.  Before you look below, can you guess which state has the highest percentage of women seeking women?  (And what that number might be?)

Updates and a Game Plan

I have had a variety of happenings to keep my life interesting and keep me away from the blog lately: wedding planning (yes, that's happening), moving back home, starting a new job (yay!), health issues (prayers please!), and generally other people in my life.  So I am coming up with a new plan of attack.  Here are the rules for the next stage of Beth's Blog:

1) One post a week.  It end up happening Sunday evening, but maybe not all the time.
2) No life updates.  I have a lot that is not internet-appropriate, especially considering my No Emotions rule.
3) I can't promise posts will be on new occurrences.  I have a folder of old but interesting links that I might work my way through on Sunday evenings.
4) Keep reading!  The posts will still be interesting!
5) Find me in real life if you want to know anything about me.  Electronic communications of any kind are kind of running away from me right now.