Wise Words of the Week

"Woman must not accept; she must challenge. She must not be awed by that which has been built up around her; she must reverence that woman in her which struggles for expression." (Margaret Sanger, women's health and reproductive rights activist)

Uber-Smart Song From Lily Allen

I realize that Lily Allen's "The Fear" is not a new song. But, that doesn't make it any less worthy of a listen. She co-wrote this scathing little gem and hits all the right notes. Unfortunately, it's a pretty dead-on commentary on a growing segment of women (and men) in society. Download it for a musical tutorial on how not to act:

I want to be rich and I want lots of money

I don't care about clever, I don't care about funny

I want loads of clothes and f*ckloads of diamonds

I heard people die while they are trying to find them

And I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless

'Cause everyone knows that's how you get famous

I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror

I'm on the right track, yeah I'm on to a winner

[Chorus]

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore

I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore

When do you think it will all become clear?

'Cause I'm being taken over by the fear

Life's about film stars and less about mothers

It's all about fast cars and cussing each other

But it doesn't matter 'cause I'm packing plastic

And that's what makes my life so f*cking fantastic

And I am a weapon of massive consumption

And it's not my fault, it's how I'm programmed to function

I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror

I'm on the right track, yeah we're on to a winner

[Repeat chorus]

Forget about guns and forget ammunition

'Cause I'm killing them all on my own little mission

Now I'm not a saint, but I'm not a sinner

Now everything's cool as long as I'm getting thinner

[Repeat chorus]

"Chicks Pick Best In Blog"

ForbesWoman reveals list of the 20 best marketing and social media blogs by women. Go, girls.

The Most Effective Feminists Might Just Be Men

Katrin Bennhold writes in a New York Times article that men are the key to feminism's future because "other guys are more likely to listen to them." This statement seems pretty intuitive, but she expands on the power of that simple truth using examples of corporate policy changes in Europe. She also notes, interestingly, that Iceland is leading the way in closing the gender gap according to the World Economic Forum. America could definitely take some lessons.

Get Out of That Cancer, I Mean, Tanning Bed!

Skin cancer is on the rise, especially among young women. Experts believe there is a link between the proliferation of tanning salons and the fact that young women make up over 70% of tanning bed users. Melanoma is a very serious and yet often preventable cancer. Get the facts and start loving your own beautiful skin! (Or if you must bronze your bod, at least get it from a tube.)

Nice Job, Ladies! Our Work Here Is Done...Right??

Communication professor Susan J. Douglas makes a compelling argument that the realities of the status of American women have been fully obscured by contemporary media messages. Her book Enlightened Sexism: The Seductive Message That Feminism's Work Is Done, critiques popular culture (especially TV) and its ability to create "fantasies of power" in the minds of women. Douglas believes we've entered an age of enlightned sexism that encourages women to focus only on their appearance, competing with women, pleasing men, and shopping, because the hard work of achieving equality has been done. Read the full review from WeNews.

Wise Words of the Week

"We have a responsibility in our time, as others have had in theirs, not to be prisoners of history, but to shape history." (Madeleine K. Albright, first female Secretary of State)

Is Pelosi the Most Powerful Woman in US History?

Chris McGreal poses this question in an article from The Guardian. McGreal details the shift in perception of Nancy Pelosi from "political gift" to the Republicans to possibly the best Speaker for a century. Interesting read...

Celebrate Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month and the Library of Congress, among several other national institutions, have joined together to pay tribute to the female side of our country's heritage. The theme for this year is "Writing Women Back Into History," and considering the current Texas textbook uproar, it's a good thing someone has our interests at heart in that regard.

The dedicated website is rich in information, images, audio, and video. Take a look. You might just feel a little inspired!

Wise Words of the Week

"We've chosen the path to equality; don't let them turn us around." (Geraldine Ferraro, first female vice presidential candidate)

Wise Words of the Week

"There will never be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect lawmakers." (Susan B. Anthony)

In Remembrance of Award-Winning Poet Lucille Clifton

Lucille Clifton addressed the difficult subjects of injustice, sexism, and racism in very beautiful ways. See the article and listen to Clifton read selected poems here.

Gender Equality Just An Illusion?

Jessica Valenti, author and founder of Feministing.com, contributes this thought-provoking article to The Washington Post.

Wise Words of the Week

"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." (Harriet Beecher Stowe)

Oscars Take Note

A proposal for film's biggest night that might actually work! Bob Mondello's idea to "unsex the Oscars."