On the heels of my How I became a (Christian) feminist post comes my soap-box speech about the insipid, culturally “acceptable” ways in which women (and frankly, men as well) continue to be harmed. The 3 photos that follow appeared in Sports Illustrated, Discover, and Elle Decor respectively and were highlighted in the Summer 2009 issue of Ms. Magazine. Much activity, advocacy, and anger has resulted, thankfully, but that does not mitigate the reality that the campaigns were created and published in the first place. These 3 Things Make Me Mad because there were enough people in enough places who did not think to be offended, didn’t speak up, didn’t do anything. And I have two daughters who read magazines, who watch TV, who are on the Internet hours upon hours. They see this stuff! It seeps into their beautiful brains and impacts how they feels about their beautiful bodies, their beautiful hearts. And truthfully, it seeps into mine, as well. It undermines my self-talk, my self-confidence, my self-work to be strong, independent, vocal, and un-objectified. Even if I express my anger and rage against all that exists within our society to allow such things, I can feel the part of me that doubts my impact, questions my anger as “inappropriate” or “un-helpful,” and is tempted to shrug my shoulders and turn the page. All the while, feeling just a little smaller, a little quieter, a little more dependent, a little less me. I want to scream!!! (This is the third day in a row I’ve blogged with this statement in my post. Hmmm.)
So, these are the 3 Things That Make Me Mad (today).
The slogan? “We’re about to reveal something you’ll really drool over.”
Slogan? “Some Things Are Just More Attractive Than Others.”
An ad for Bisazza Mosaic.
Ms. Magazine says, “A number of companies have removed offensive ads in response to your feedback. Keep writing and calling the offending advertisers at their contact information above. (Email me – ronna@ronnadetrick.com – if you want those addresses.)
What would the world be like if no ads like these would even remotely be considered? It would be a world far different than the one in which we currently find ourselves. It would be a world that valued humanity, that affirmed dignity (thanks, Nancy), that understood individual worth. It would be a world that resembles what Christians refer to as “the kingdom.” But here’s the thing: my theology understands “the kingdom” as here and now – not someday. We are called to create a world of grace, redemption, beauty, and love now…not just hope it exists in some otherworld. The latter choice is cheap and way too easy. It’s not easy to be caught in-between; in the space between what is and what we continue to hope for. And it is where we live: in-between. And it is living here that invites either despair or faith.
I cannot be indifferent – to these ads or to the choice between despair and faith. I am mad. I still choose faith.
The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference. (Elie Wiesel)
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Just had to let you know that yours truly–yes, that’s me–was the one who sent in the Bisazza Mosaic picture from Elle Decor to Ms. Magazine. My jaw dropped when I saw it, and I knew it had to go on their wall of shame. I’m glad you’re helping spread the word about how outrageous it is to glamorize violence toward women in this way.
And you, my friend, are amazing. Not letting something that offensive just be one more thing to be angry about, but actually responding. Doing something. Advocating. Wearing purple. Saying “no.” Thank YOU.
Thank you for the indifference quote by Weisel.
Care´s last blog ..Women Unbound Possible Lists