BroadcastHER
Why LegallyBlonde is a Feminist Film.
By: Danielle Rodriguez
Like everybody recently I re-watched Legally Blonde due to Netflix adding it to the site (finally!) but as I was watching I realized this isn’t like every other 2000’s movie but a feminist movie. After re-watching this movie, I noticed that, strangely, Legally Blonde was actually my first introduction to feminist cinema.When I was seven, I was ecstatic to see Reese Witherspoon becoming a powerful lawyer, and now I understand why. Unsurprisingly, I still think Elle Woods is a major girl boss that definitely influenced the person I am today.Yes, Elle Woods originally agrees to attend Harvard in order to reclaim her ex-boyfriend, which isn't a particularly feminist storyline, but she eventually discovers a love for law and abandons her desire to reclaim her ex (Thank God!) , which does suit the feminist narrative. Elle faces challenges that most women face while trying to be taken serious in a situation where women can hold power. Nobody thought that Elle should be taken serious because of how she was a “girly-girl” and fit the stereotype of a “dumb blonde” which is far from true in Elle’s case she literally was able to get into Harvard law only for the sole reason of getting her ex-boyfriend back if that isn’t determination then I don’t know what is. But in the end, she ends up proving them all wrong by studying hard and working her way to the top which is such a feel-good moment to watch her go from self-doubt to self-confidence.Not to mention,
Elle and Emmett's romance is such a great subplot that does not detract from Elle's main objective in the film. It’s literally so perfect that we don’t even know if they get together until the end also Emmet is the perfect supporting character for Elle, he doesn’t want her to change he wants her to succeed by being herself.Elle also repays the favor by assisting Emmett and his employer in a big court case. I'm happy it held a subplot otherwise it could've been another cheesy romantic comedy where the glamorous professional woman finds all she wants is to fall in love with a mansplaining prince charming and I’m glad that it didn’t and showed us how Elle can be the perfect main character. This movie was way ahead of it’s time especially since it came out in 2001 due to the fact feminism wasn’t the coolest during the time, not like how it is now. The 2000’s was the time for romantic comedies such as The Notebook and The Wedding Planner not for feminist films especially during the early 2000’s it was literally like the dark ages American’s didn’t care about how there weren’t many roles given to powerful leading women in mainstream film but somehow Legally Blonde was ranked #22 in the US Top Grossing Films of 2001 and I think it was because we were excited to finally see a female in a role that overcame such an obstacle while still being her true self and not changing herself for prince charming.
How the media negatively depicts women’s bodies
By: Danielle Rodriguez
The Beauty standards for women is extremely high we are expected to have tiny waits and flat stomachs everywhere you look they are promoting the next ideal body type no matter where you turn and the media doesn’t help. Scrolling via Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and several other social networking platforms, we see these models with flat stomachs and slim waists that are pictured the majority of the time, but we don't see that, we see this unattainable image that we look at as a "ideal" body, which is unfair to us because most of our body shapes and builds would not be able to accommodate that and be safe. But it doesn’t stop their magazine’s and tabloids make these headlines about celebrities bodies that are extremely toxic and negative and it’s so much worse when a the media is involved because once the comment is made then everybody points it out. For example the Khloe Kardashian situation with her unauthorized photo that was posted to her social media without her permission and she spoke about how her life in the spotlight and how the media affected her negatively she says, “In truth, the pressure, constant ridicule and judgment my entire life to be perfect and to meet other's standards of how I should look has been too much to bear." Khloe also opens up about her body image and how the comments she’s gotten about how she is “the fat sister” or how she is “the ugly sister” is just so disgusting because she is a human that has feelings and just because she’s in the spotlight doesn’t mean these horrible headlines and comments are ok. Growing up in the media as a woman has to be so hard because of how everyone constantly has an opinion on what you should look like. Which is so sad that the media has this huge impact on our body image because of how much time we spend obsessing over how the media want us to look. So what I’ve been doing to stop myself from being to obsessive over the way I look or if I find myself comparing myself to unrealistic body types then I will unfollow people that I’m comparing myself to just so I won’t and so that I can get into a better mindset. I also take social media breaks and delete the apps so I can focus on myself more and just truly decompose which I feel like everyone should do because of how much time we spend on internet.
The broadcastHER section aims to provide a feministic point of view on social and political issues. To be a feminist is not to think women are better, but rather an attempt to transcend from stereotypical gender roles. Intersectional Feminism accepts and fights for other social issues such as people of color and the LGBTQIA community. We must "lift as we climb", as explained by Angela Davis.
Katie Sowers:
The First Female Coach to Make it to the Superbowl
For the first time in history, there was the first female coach in the Superbowl. She isn’t just the first female coach she is also openly gay. Sowers has worked nearly her entire life to be in this moment in Miami at Super Bowl LIV. Katie Sowers is only the second female to earn a full-time job as a coach in the NFL. Her trailblazing efforts have not gone unnoticed on social media, where parents and other female trailblazers have shared their appreciation. She started to play football and spent eight years with the Women's Football Alliance (WFA) and one year, on the U.S. Women's National Football Team. After the loss she quoted Ellen “Be Kind” she reminded everyone that we are all human and to bring kindness to this loss not hate. She’s proven herself to be a valuable asset to the team, and everyone from the receivers to Kyle Shanahan to Richard Sherman has voiced such. To be able to be the first female coach to make it to the Superbowl is an amazing opportunity for Katie being a woman and being able to represent her sexuality openly is amazing. Katie also just wasn’t coaching she also had her own Microsoft commercial that talked about her story and how she worked for this opportunity to change the future. Katie is such an inspirational women that deserves to be recognized.
View the commercial here:
OPINION
Sex Education in Schools
By Alexis Bennett
In my opinion, schools are failing their students when it comes to the subject of sex education. As of right now, only twenty-four states require it to be a part of the curriculum. In addition to this, only eighteen of them require their sex educators to address contraceptives. Abstinence is highly stressed in 26 states, which is a huge problem. Leaving students in the dark about having safe sex does not help in any way. If anything, it increases the problems of teen pregnancy and the contraction of STD’s.
Many teenagers nowadays are sexually active, but not being as safe as they could be, or safe at all. This is most likely due to the fact that they are not properly educated. There are many myths around the topic of sex, which are definitely not true. Educating students on the importance of contraceptives and using the correct forms of protection. They also need to more informed on the wide variety of options that can be offered to them. However, this is not taught in most of America’s schools.
Each year, roughly 750,000 teen girls in the United States will get pregnant. This is the leading cause of teenage girls dropping out of high school. Additionally, 80 percent of teen moms do not stay with the father of their child, which makes their life much, much harder. This is extremely unfortunate because after becoming pregnant, many girls feel like their life is going to be ruined, which wastes so much potential. On top of that, 50 percent of teens who get pregnant opt to have an abortion. This is likely to make them have feelings of grief, regret, and extreme sadness.
However, unprotected sex does not only produce pregnancy. STD’s are a major problem in the United States, and the numbers among teenagers continue to rise. The age group 15-24 is where more than half of STD cases are found. It is estimated that 1 in 4 teenagers contract an STD each year. Additionally, in a recent study it was revealed that 2 in 5 teen girls with contract an STD that can cause infertility, or even death. Only 6 in 10 high school students report using condoms every time during sex, which is most likely the cause of the problem. Perhaps if students are educated more thoroughly during their time in grade school, they will be more careful about practicing safe sex.
There is little information regarding safe sex for people in the LGBTQ+ community provided as well. Many school curriculums leave it entirely out of the lesson plans. This is likely to cause more problems in terms of STD contraction, since most of the information that is relayed about heterosexual safety does not apply to homosexual safety. It is important that all people know how to have safe sex and to protect themselves.
Overall, sex education needs to become considered more important in order to keep everyone as healthy as possible. The rates of teen pregnancy and STD’s being spread are going to continue to rise if nothing is done to fix it. Where it begins is in school. If students are educated, then they will be able to use that knowledge when it really counts.
Possible Trouble for the LGBTQ+ Community
By Alexis Bennett
With pressing developments in all the different “rights” movements in the country, it seems as if there would be more rights granted to the respective groups, right? That is not exactly true, especially for parts of the LGBTQ+ community. There are many bills being proposed that may stop many opportunities for those who identify as anything other than the societal “ordinary”. As of now, there are over 200 bills that are qualified as “anti-LGBTQ”.
Most of the new bills being proposed have appeared following the same-sex legalization in 2016. They especially began to be proposed in November of 2019. The group that is being the most targeted by these bills is transgender adolescents. Additionally, of the bills that are centered around these kids, they mostly contain almost the exact same material – mostly related to participation in sports. One of the proposed new laws is called “HB 1572”. If this were to be passed, it would prevent transgender students from competing on teams with the gender they identify with.
Though many legislators are attempting to quickly push the new bills forward, people throughout the country are holding protests to show their opposition to the laws. There are not many laws that they are thinking will pass, in reference to the pending situation. However, it is still a terrifying thought for members of the LGBTQ+ community. If these rights were taken, life would not be as enjoyable. The country promises freedom for everyone, but with the proposal of new laws, it does not seem like ALL will be able to enjoy those freedoms. Passing the bills, in my opinion, is not likely to happen. However, it is still worrying.
Same-Sex Adoption Should Be Legalized Across the United States (OPINION)
By Alexis Bennett
Adoption can be one of the most rewarding and beautiful experiences for people. Not only for the child, but for the parents taking them home. This is especially true for those who may not be able to have children on their own, or that will have certain complications during labor. Additionally, the process of adoption can be a miracle for people such as same-sex couples who are looking to expand their family but have no way to do it on their own. A child is definitely a gift and a blessing. However, with the new laws being proposed in the Supreme Court that may restrict them, it is becoming increasingly difficult for same-sex couples to adopt and be able to feel the joy that a child can bring to them.
In the United States, there a large debate whether adoption agencies will be required to allow same-sex couples to adopt. In many states, it is already completely legalized and even encouraged. However, there are still multiple states that have it banned completely. The count of states that are currently not allowing same-sex couples to adopt is up to thirteen out of fifty. This means that This is causing uproar across the country, due to the fact that various rights of people in the LGBTQ+ community are being debated upon daily. Though there is definitely thought-out reasoning behind this ruling, it is not completely supported or proven.
The first argument against same-sex adoption is that the child in their home will have trouble when growing up. The main reason for this argument is only due to the potential cultural discrimination they may face. According to Adoption Choices of Nevada, “…despite the leaps the government has made, there is still room for more growth and a deeper sense of acceptance. Until that happens, though, discrimination continues to thrive. Thus, your child may be subject to bullying and ridicule at school.” However, this is not true in all cases. If the child in question were to be faced with discrimination, it would not be due to his/her parents’ gender, but to the way that society reacted to their family’s choices.
It was additionally mentioned that the child may be affected psychologically when living in this type of home. According to Adoption Choices of Nevada, “statistics show that teens raised by LGBT parents often have higher rates of depression, drug abuse and suicide than by straight parents…” However, this was only in certain cases and does not occur each time a LGBTQ+ couple adopts. Additionally, it has been proven that children in these homes actually have a better view on the world due to the fact that they are living in a more loving, stable home. According to Life Long Adoptions, “…same-sex relationships have been proven to be more stable than many heterosexual relationships, providing a better example of a healthy relationship for the child involved.” The children involved in same-sex adoption cases also tend to be more open-minded and less concerned about any differences in the people they meet.
Another argument that is made against this type of adoption is that having a child, especially as a gay couple, is very difficult. This is due to the fact that with only one gender, many believe that there will be problems concerning discipline and development of the child. However, studies that have looked into problems with children given to same-sex couples state that, “…because gay parents have likely had to face difficulties and discrimination in their lives, they are usually better able to appreciate when their child has his or her own problems.” The studies also show that, “…children with gay adoptive parents are more apt to think outside of the societal box.” Therefore, due to the evidence presented, children in LGBTQ+ homes have a better experience in their homes overall.
The largest supporting argument for same-sex couples to be allowed to adopt is that they are more motivated as parents, since they had to work so hard just to be able to have a child in their home. As stated before, gay couples tend to be more secure and stable in their relationships
than those in hetero-sexual relationships. According to Life Long Adoptions, “…many gay couples — certainly those offering themselves as adoptive parents — form relationships that are more stable than many heterosexual marriages, thus giving adopted children a secure emotional home…because they actively choose and had to work hard to be parents, gay parents can be more motivated, involved, and committed than some heterosexual parents.” There is no real proof that children placed in the care of gay couples have any real developmental problems, most of the time. The parents usually are much more open to any differences their child may have, therefore making their living experience better. According to Life Long Adoptions, “…children raised in same-sex households are proven to be more open minded about different lifestyles and relationships than children who are raised in traditional opposite-sex households.”
In conclusion, same-sex adoption should be legal across all states due to the benefits it could give the child placed in these homes. They should not be restricted or banned from doing it, based on all the evidence that is against them. Though some may not agree with this decision, it can be a great help for any same-sex parents that are longing to add a child to their family. Considering the fact that most children are happier, healthier, and more well-cared for in most homosexual households, rather than in most heterosexual ones, it is a wonderful idea for children to be placed in a gay couples’ care. There are many couples that are willing to adopt, as well as many children that need good homes. Therefore, same-sex adoption should be legal.
Works Cited
*, Name. “Same Sex Adoption: Weighing the Pros and Cons.” Adoption Choices of Nevada, 7 June 2019, www.adoptionchoicesofnevada.org/same-sex-adoption-weighing-the-pros-and-cons/.
Adoptions, Lifelong. “Home.” LifeLong Adoptions, www.lifelongadoptions.com/lgbt-adoption/lgbt-adoption-advantages.
How to Survive your Period: Tips and Tricks
By: Alexis Bennett
Being on your period is arguably the worst part of the month. From the cravings to the cramps, it can be pretty hard to manage when you first start out. Thankfully, there are so many things you can use to lessen your pain and make it an overall bearable experience. Whether your period is short and sweet or long and lousy, these tips are sure to help you out!
1. When it comes to cramps, a heating pad is your best friend, literally. Placing it on the area that is causing you pain will help tremendously. If you don’t have one, hot water in a bottle can offer the same benefits.
2. If you don’t like to take medicine, or don’t have any, doing some light exercise can help with blood flow and in turn, ease cramps.
3. Avoid junk food right before your period, if you can. It is said to make cramps worse than they already are.
4. Keeping spare pads/tampons in your bag can save your life and maybe even someone else’s.
5. Midol is a pain-reliever made specifically for periods; it works better than ibuprofen will. If you don’t have, ibuprofen can work wonders, too.
6. To avoid ruining your favorite undergarments, buy a few pairs that are plain and black specifically for that time of the month.
7. Wearing dark clothes is recommended, so if you happen to leak through your jeans it won’t be nearly as noticeable.
8. Wearing tight jeans can make cramps worse. To be more comfortable, try to wear leggings or even sweatpants. In the event that you have to wear jeans, try to avoid skinny jeans that are tight in the waist.
9. Sitting in a warm bath can also help relieve cramps and stress. If you don’t like to take baths, a warm shower will do the same thing.
OPINION
Why Teaching Students Abstinence Only is Wrong
By Danielle Rodriguez
Teaching students that abstinence is the only way to avoid the consequences of having intimate relations shouldn’t be taught. Students should instead be taught that having safe sex isn’t wrong because at this age we are experimenting, and we shouldn’t have to be scared to have intimate relations with who we want if we protect ourselves. Making us have to face the consequences makes us even more scared girls don’t want to get pregnant for doing something so natural. We are growing up and we make mistakes, it’s expected, but one life altering decision shouldn’t make or break our future. If we teach teens that protection is a better solution, then it is most likely that we would decrease the amount of teen pregnancy.
I asked what my friend thought about my opinion and she doesn’t agree with it. She thinks it would encourage young adults to be having sex. She thinks that since teens are involved then It would be a bad outcome if we did teach protection other than abstinence only. She also agrees with the point you shouldn’t be doing it at all if you have to hide it from your parents. I can understand her side of the argument because it does involve teenagers. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t inform kids where to get protection and how to get on birth control. If they are properly informed, they can get it from somewhere they can trust and it can be confidential if they choose for it to be. We need to inform teens that if they choose to have sex, using protection is safer than having unprotected sex. If we just inform them about where they can get all these services, then they will be able to make a safer decision.
For example, I didn’t even know we had a health center on campus, but we do. It is open to adults and students it offers a variety of services. It offers sport physicals, checkups (with parent permission), counseling, therapy, colon screens it is also open to the public these are some of the non-confidential services they offer to the public. If you choose you can get confidential services such as birth control (pill, injection, and Nexplanon available), STD testing, pregnancy test, condoms (Brown bag). All confidential services are available for normal services, but some normal services aren’t available for confidential services. All confidential services are free and non-confidential services are charged through parents’ insurance through the Student Based Health Center.
Catcalling Culture
By Danielle Rodriguez
"Hey shawty", "damn girl", "ay mamacita", "hey baby", "aaaaay", "mmm-hmmm", "why don’t you smile?". Chances are if you ever walked down a public street then chances are you’ve heard these calls hollered at you most of the time these calls are directed toward women, but men get them as well. Many young girls report that street harassment starts from the ages 11-12 which is astonishing especially since the men that are doing the catcalling are older men/ boys. Girls can’t walk home from school in peace cause these hollers make them feel uncomfortable and all together girls around the world don’t feel safe walking home alone. The issue of catcalling is sexual objectification of younger girls that needs to be addressed. However, if women brought this up, men would simply reply with “she was asking for it”. This is something which reflects on victim blaming. This normalizes and encourages male sexual violence which keeps women from speaking up.
Catcalling is something women don’t want to hear. It's extremely unappealing and they don’t appreciate it. They don’t want to hear you tell us to smile because, quite frankly, women don’t have facial features to please men. Women need to stand up against street harassment and fight for what they believe in. Women should be able to feel safe in public spaces, they shouldn’t have to worry if our outfit is to revealing. Street harassment can no longer be tolerated, so let’s whistle louder by sharing our experiences; catcalling is about intimidation, so let’s take that power back from harassers. Catcalling isn’t a compliment, it’s a barrier to gender equality, which together we can break.
Women's March
By: Danielle Rodriguez
Saturday, January 18th, many women gathered in different countries to march for our rights from New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles to Paris, Berlin, London, Prague, Sydney, Rome and even as close to home as Albuquerque which held its 4th annual march this Sunday January 19th. The march started the day after trump was sworn into office to remind him that “Women won’t back down” and decried Mr. Trump's stance on such issues as abortion, health care, diversity and climate change. All around the world woman marched for there rights, they marched for climate change and diversity, they marched for our future.
The Truth about Sadie Hawkins Day
By: Danielle Rodriguez
Sadie Hawkins day is supposed to make us woman feel empowered when we ask out a guy to the dance but what if I told you that the real meaning behind this “holiday” was demeaning toward woman. Al Capp made a fictional character named Sadie Hawkins she debuted in a cartoon by Al Capp’s on November 15, 1937 comic strip Li’l Abner, which was set in the fictional mountain village of Dogpatch, Kentucky. The way Al Capp described Sadie was as “the homeliest gal in all them hills,” she was the daughter of the town’s most wealthy and powerful man, but she was “ugly”, so nobody wanted to take her as a wife. Her Father Hezekiah was terrified that his “ancient” daughter wouldn’t find a husband and so that was the worst “humiliation” a woman can face in his eyes he didn’t want his daughter to be an “old maid” so he took matters into his own hands and declared it “Sadie Hawkins Day” and ordered a race of eligible bachelors with Sadie chasing after them and when a man was caught, he would be legally bound to marry her. If this doesn’t sound demeaning towards woman then I don’t know what does but during this time in history it shows the popularity of it instead of the prospective we now know that the foundation of this “holiday” was built on is totally sexist and outdated for my liking. So instead of making this about a fun dance we should acknowledge the true meaning behind this awful day and celebrate the freedom we have and liberate Sadie Hawkins we shouldn’t have to continue the awful tradition and what it stands for. If we teach young girls about Sadie’s story then we will better appreciate the times we live in today it will make us understand that now we have choices on what we want and we shouldn’t waste those chances cause woman in the past suffered for what we have now. If we teach young girls chasing after boys is right, then we would have
reversed what we fought for. Keeping today’s generation informed that Sadie Hawkins day is sexist and demeaning toward woman then the better chance we will have for the future.