Topic: discrimination

Smith College Is Rejecting Transgendered Applicants Because It Doesn’t Recognize Them As Female

Smith College Is Rejecting Transgendered Applicants Because It Doesn't Recognize Them As Female

Of all the colleges in this great nation, Smith College in Northampton, MA has one of the most feminist, inclusive, and social justice-y reputations. In my mind, I have always pictured it as the sort of place where “gender” is understood as an oppressive societal construct, where you can take 100 classes on the aforementioned concept, and where women of all kinds frolic in Gaia’s magic garden of self-actualization. Which is why I was so surprised to find out that Smith College has been rejecting transwomen, i.e. male-to-female trans persons who identify as women, on the grounds that they are not “real” women. More »

‘We Already Found One Black Girl. We Don’t Need You Anymore.’

'We Already Found One Black Girl. We Don't Need You Anymore.'

As we have noted many times, the fashion industry is notably slow to change its ways. From stereotypical, historically racist earrings by major designers to its continuously excused use of blackface on white models, fashion to barely using black models in runway shows has somehow not gotten the memo that racial diversity exists and the racism is — to put it lightly — “so out.” Even Victoria’s Secret model Chanel Iman openly admits to dealing with racism in fashion. More »

Do Angry Young White Men Deserve ‘Empathy’ For Their Gradual Loss Of Privilege?

Do Angry Young White Men Deserve 'Empathy' For Their Gradual Loss Of Privilege?

In the wake of a tragedy like the recent Newtown massacre, it’s only natural to try to make sense of what has happened. As humans are social creatures, it’s also natural (and correct, I think), to attempt to look at it in a systemic way, especially considering these kinds of killings have dramatically increased over the past 30 years. Yesterday’s New York Times editorial by our old pal Christy Wampole attempts to do both of those things. Unfortunately, the conclusion she comes to is so off base as to make me question whether she’s just trolling us, or what. In short: she believes that we can (and should) stop young white men from lashing out and killing people by having more empathy for their loss of privilege in modern society. Say what? More »

What Is The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, And What Are Its Strengths And Weaknesses?

What Is The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, And What Are Its Strengths And Weaknesses?

So I’m not voting for Barack Obama. I’ll tell you more about that decision in a few days, after the election hysteria has died down and people are less likely to scream at me. That said, it’s not like he hasn’t done a single thing I agree with during his tenure as president. Hence, in the interest of being nice to my Democrat friends (with whom I share many ideals) on a day that’s important to them, I’m going to talk about one of them, and that’s the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. (Warning: I am also going to critique its shortcomings.) More »

Party Favors: Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems

Party Favors: Mo' Money, Mo' Problems

Feeling cheated on, but can’t figure out why? There’s a new kind of infidelity in town, and it’s financial. Guess that’s where that mysterious new plasma screen came from… – Reuters

All he needs is imagination and some AA batteries, and he can be anything you want him to be. – Huffington Post

Mile High Flights has been shut down, on the grounds that the in-flight sex posed a safety hazard. For the passengers, or for the pilots? – YourTango

Riding the slutwave with Katy Perry’s boobs. – The Frisky

Hotel owners claim they don’t discriminate against homosexual couples– they discriminate against ALL unmarried couples who try to stay at their hotel. – Jezebel More »