18 Million Cracks in the Glass Ceiling
Posted on June 8, 2008
Filed Under Democrats, Elections 2008, Events, New York, News, Politics, Women | 1 Comment
A little after noon on Saturday, a proud and powerful senator from New York, Hillary Clinton, officially conceded the democratic party nomination to Senator Barack Obama.
Thousands arrived at the National Building Museum in DC to hear her bid farewell as she ended her historic presidential campaign. Like Clinton, many were profoundly, visibly disappointed but ever-defiant. Many recognized the symbolic distance she had travelled. In her words:
As we gather here today, the 50th woman to leave this Earth is orbiting overhead. If we can blast 50 women into space, we will someday launch a woman into the White House.
Perhaps the American patriarchy isn’t ready. But her campaign has undoubtedly blazed a trail upon which other women might build more substantial byways. She has certainly found her voice and we hope to hear its echo in years to come:
Although we weren’t able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it’s got about 18 million cracks in it. And the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time.
Clinton is asking her supporters to back Obama. Will or should we/they play ball?
Slate’s Fraywatch cites one woman’s insight:
Obama is not the candidate they are looking for. In fact he is their recurring nightmare; Obama represents the guy who was promoted over them because he was smooth, cool, etc. not because he did the hard work, paid his dues, and yes, waited his turn.
A lot of women had to live through that and, rightly or wrongly, they actually empathize with Clinton and feel what she is going through. These women did the work for their daughters, they don’t need Obama to do it for them.
Another responder writes:
The media was so focused on the idea that Hillary Clinton acted as if the nomination was hers by right, that they failed to see the arrogance and obnoxiousness of her opponent’s campaign. That elitism (for lack of a better word) was not lost on the rest of us. In the 40 years I have followed American politics, never have I seen a candidate (and her supporters) treated with such disrespect by the media.
What’s a woman to do? As Clinton said, there’s a lot at stake and we’ve come a long, long way. Is it time to just hold your nose and get the Republicans out? Or is there a higher principle at stake here?
The Women: Hollywood and film
Posted on June 7, 2008
Filed Under Arts/Culture, Entertainment, Film/Video, Gay/Lesbian, Women | Comments Off on The Women: Hollywood and film
Riding on the box office success of Sex and the City, and the strong female turn out for Hillary Clinton’s historic campaign, Hollywood execs have finally figured out the we are a powerful and lucrative demographic. Already lined up are scores of films catering to the fairer sex.
Coming this fall is a remake of the 1939 classic, The Women, directed by Diane English and starring Jada Pinkett Smith as (oh my god) a lesbian.
The original film was based on Clare Booth Luce’s play of the same name. The film’s entire cast of more than 130 roles was female.
Set in the glamorous New York Apartments of high society, it presented an acidic and catty commentary on the pampered lives and power struggles of the various rich, bored wives and other women encountered. Throughout the film, not a single male is seen, although, definitely talked about and a central theme in their relationships.
In the 2008 version, the story centers on a group of gossipy, high-society women who spend their days at the beauty salon, and haunting fashion shows. The sweet, happily-wedded Mary Haines (Meg Ryan) finds her marriage in trouble when shop girl Crystal Allen, (Eva Mendes) gets her hooks into Mary’s man.
Naturally, this situation becomes the hot talk amongst Mary’s catty friends, especially the scandalmonger Sylvia Fowler, (Annette Benning).Mary and Sylvia’s relationship is tested to the breaking point while their tight-knit circle of friends, including mega-mommy Edie Cohen (Debra Messing) and author Alex Fisher (Jada Pinkett-Smith), all start to question their own friendships and romantic relationships as well.
While I welcome more roles for women in film and more jobs behind the scenes, isn’t it time we stopped perpetuating the same old stereotypes? The gossip, the “I can’t live without a man” syndrome, the competition?
We need more films about strong, independent women living their lives. True stories about the struggles we go through in this white patriarchal society. Hey, it could be a comedy. Or how about a full on Hollywood lesbian story FOR women, not men. Screened not at an independent film festival or back room video store, but at your local theatre. Wow, what an idea?
This year, the Oscar winner in the documentary short film category was a film called Freeheld.
A touching story about Lt. Laurel Hester, a detective from Ocean County New Jersey who struggles to transfer her pension to her domestic partner, Stacie Andree after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
“Freeheld” captures a quieter, personal story: that of the deep love between Laurel and Stacie as they face the reality of losing each other.Unfortunately, and not surprisingly, I never did see a theatrical release of this film. However, it will be out on DVD in August 2008. Please watch it!
Absolut True Colors
Posted on June 7, 2008
Filed Under Advertising, Food/Drink, Gay/Lesbian, Novelty | Comments Off on Absolut True Colors
Premiering at the Parisian boutique colette, Absolut Rainbow!
The latest limited edition vodka bottle in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the rainbow flag. The rainbow flag has been a symbol of the GLBT community for 30 years and was first popularized as a symbol of GLBT pride by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The colors of the rainbow have become symbolic of both the unity and diversity of our community.
Absolut Colours will be introduced to in June, with the launch of a limited edition gift pack inspired by the rainbow flag. The classic shape of the Absolut bottle is enlivened with six brightly coloured bands, and complementing the special edition the initiative will also feature a limited edition cocktail book – the Absolut Colours Cocktail Collection. The book is a stylish, lavishly-illustrated cocktail guide, featuring drinks based on the six colors of the rainbow flag, and with a foreword by Gilbert Baker. Funds raised from sales of the cocktail book will be donated to support of LGBT communities and organizations.
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