Monthly Archives: July 2011
Women & War
Today I had the great pleasure of attending a panel discussion centered around the topics presented in this book, Women and War: Power and Protection in the 21st Century.
As the book’s title might suggest, the panel discussion focused on the gendered aspects of war. One note: War is inherently gendered. If you take anything away from this blog it should be that everything is gendered. Why? Because gender, and the way we interact with gender, is part of the function that informs our personal identity. What defines our beliefs, our behaviors, and, most importantly, our value set is often rooted in gender. Gender is everything, baby.
Back to what I was saying. Read the rest of this entry
Sex Education: A Human Right?
Have you seen this film?
If not, you should and it’s on Netflix for your viewing pleasure. If you have seen the film, what did you think? Read the rest of this entry
Peace of Privilege
Yesterday I was devouring the Sunday NYTimes when something occurred to me. Among all the many articles describing the progress, path and motivations for the recent Arab Spring movement there was one common thread; the mission of each protest was simple … Demand dignity! Wrapped within this call for dignity is clearly a desire for equality.
I believe it is human instinct to yearn for respect, acknowledgement, empathy, and opportunity. Read the rest of this entry
Nothing In Life Is Free … but, Should It Be?
In a recent report the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reclassified birth control and other critical health services as a preventive measures. This ‘preventive’ classification includes STI screenings, HIV/AIDS testing, osteoporosis screenings, all FDA approved forms of contraception, and many other vital health care services.
What does this mean? It means that, as preventive, these services have a much higher chance of being covered, at no cost to the patient, by insurance programs under new health care legislation.
In case you might think this is too good to be true, check out the actual report. The IOM states, ”The preventive health care services and screenings specified in the legislation will be fully covered without requiring a patient copayment”(Summary, page 1).
How does this affect you and me? Read the rest of this entry
Where Does All the Money Go?
Give a man a dollar, and he goes out for a drink (or something like that). Give a woman a dollar, and she buys her family food, her children education, or secures suitable shelter.
Today I was reminded of this time- and aid-tested truth. Today I was also reminded of the questions that follow …
Why? Why do men spend money on themselves when women typically do not? Why, when your wife and children are starving and your home is in shambles, would you spend money on things – alcohol, cigarettes, prostitutes, and so forth – that offer only transitory pleasure for yourself alone? Read the rest of this entry
