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[icecreamvortex-blog]

Body Positivity

In thinking about body positivity, I agree that one should appreciate the body they’ve been given. Though there are many idealistic superficial notions of beauty, one should never feel obligated to conform to them in order to gain social gratification. I feel as though many people psychologically devalue themselves because they feel as though they lack certain physical qualities. From my experience, good looks are often compensation for those with poor moral character. Beauty then must be more than a pretty face and a good body. To be beautiful is to captivate and mesmerize, both of which are possible even in obscenity. On the flip side, I do not believe body positivity should be an excuse to condone obesity or unhealthy living. In appreciating the body one is given, I believe one should take care of it. Just as one tends to their home, one should tend to the vessel of their very being. 

[queer-all-year]

[icecreamvortex-blog]

These pictures all show women not conforming to gender binaries. All around the globe, there are imagined perceived differences between men and women. This is turn creates gendered performatives in which people conform to and become their assigned gender. I feel as though on Instagram in particular, people really pay attention to gender portrayal. Men always aim to appear masculine and the women try to appear dainty or feminine. I’ve noticed people who step outside these boundaries often face social repercussion. Despite this, it is still something to aspire to in an effort to create gender neutrality.

[icecreamvortex-blog]

Selfies

It was interesting discussing selfies; something almost everyone has some experience with. From my personal experience, I learned that seflies have been becoming more popular lately. We have things like selfie-sticks to further perpetuate a lust for exposure. Experiences are transient while photos last forever. Especially on social media platforms. I know a lot of people who use selfies to showcase their lives in ways that aren’t publicly noted. Seflies are specific hand-picked selections, almost like paint to canvas, that exuberate or highlight certain moments in peoples’ life. They are potentially sources of personal information and influence public perceptions .

[icecreamvortex-blog]

In thinking about racial binaries, I found this video to be both humorous and informative. The couples in the video dated outside of their race and discussed some of the stereotypes and social notions they have encountered. From what I’ve gathered, race mixing is becoming more prevalent in society and some stereotypes are based on fact. However, the couples demonstrated that these preconceived notions still exist and society still perpetuates them. I do feel as though we are making progress.   - OJ

[profeminist]

As seen on the Gender Neutral Parenting Facebook page

[icecreamvortex-blog]

With the passing of Halloween, I got to witness a bunch of costumes I’ve seen already. You can always bet your money on someone wearing a cat outfit or an angel costume. I’m noticing a lack of ghosts, but  an increase in people wearing police uniforms which is interesting considering the many recent events of brutality. For this blog I won’t critique politics, instead, I am more focused on how these costumes sexualize and objectify women. We all know it was cold this Halloween weekend but yet women and men alike insisted on wearing as little as possible. All the fireball in the world won’t make one immune to the cold. What I’m eager to know is what makes someone endure such conditions. Is it the public attention? Is it the thrill of showing off? One could say it’s for the sake of the Halloween spirit but wouldn’t it be preferable to be warm and enjoy Halloween? Sexiness over warmness doesn’t sound like a fair trade in my book.

-OJ

[charlottewinslow]

[icecreamvortex-blog]

In visual social media platforms such a Instagram, it is not uncommon to see women sporting waist trainers. These devices are worn tightly around the waist in an effort to enhance a person’s hour glass figure. It has been known to restrict breathing and blood flow yet it is very popular among the youth. The last time I heard of one of these things being used was in the Victorian Era. Knowing the negatives of such a contraption, why are they still being used? I believe it has a lot to do with the standards of beauty in society. Only until recently, women in modeling magazines were shown only to be thin. In addition to thin waists, plump breasts and round glutes are seen as sexy and beautiful. This leads women in particular to try these unhealthy methods to make themselves artificially beautiful. - OJ

[icecreamvortex-blog]

Fandoms

Fandoms allow groups of people with common interests come together to form mini communities. Fandoms come in many different shapes and sizes and there certainly is a fandom for anybody. In this ever-expanding world, fandoms allow for a sense of closeness within their shared commonalities. In regards to feminism, fandoms can create groups or clubs which can spread the word on things like gender neutrality and patriarchy. With the increase in popularity, these once called fandoms will become social norms which will lead to a more positive future.

-OJ

[beingblog]

[icecreamvortex-blog]

To me this video really exemplifies the goal of cyber-feminism. A common social stigma is the idea that girls do things to a lesser degree than men. For example, throwing like a girl or running like a girl. The video demonstrates that through time, we learn and become socialized to accept these ideas. But the younger female generation who are still unshapen by society don’t perform in this manner. Like much of cyber-feminism, this video will encourage one to question and reframe their gendered way of thinking, ideally in a more gender neutral fashion.

-OJ

[seethestarsablaze]

[icecreamvortex-blog]

After doing some thinking about the concept of ‘safe space’ I found this really powerful photo. Recently, a lot of controversy has come about in regards to bathrooms and who can use them. The majority of the world is structured around gender binaries and disregards transgendered people and people who identify differently. A lot of closed minded people believe allowing transgendered people to use any bathroom will lead to adultery and rape, despite the unlikeliness. I personally believe people should learn to be more open minded and see past these irrational preconceived notions. In the aim of making a safer space, I believe this is essential. - OJ

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[ithelpstodream]

[icecreamvortex-blog]

This, to me is a clear example of cyberfeminism. Through the use of media, anyone has the power to spread a powerful message. The level of interconnectivity allows us to spread information like wildfire. In the context of feminism, a picture like the one above can cause controversy but can also foster change. Because of this, the internet is the perfect medium to not only find information but to create conversation. I find that so many people lack concise reason and rationale in their beliefs. Perhaps because they are inherited without question or because they are perceived as the norm. Nonetheless, when people are questioned on their beliefs, they have no choice but to think and reevaluate themselves. If used correctly, the media can be a great way of shifting perspectives into a more gender neutral path. 

-OJ