Two links, a rant, and a plug.

Here are two great articles debunking some of the myths and accusations being hurled around in the wake of the Chris Brown/Rihanna incident (the first gives a brief summary, if you haven't heard about this awful story).

Five Mistakes We Make When We Talk About Rihanna (Newsweek)

What It Doesn't Mean (Yes Means Yes Blog)

I'm going to come right out and say that it infuriates and upsets me when I hear ignorant comments and jokes about domestic violence - on this very campus. We're supposed to be this bastion of social justice, and yet the day after the story came out in the news I actually heard a friend say, "Chris Brown is my hero because he smacked up Rihanna." I wish I could walk around and hear people talking about about how incidents like this are indications of a global social illness that is tied up in questions of gender, race, and power - not petty gossip and jokes that only perpetuate the problem.



In happier news, I'd like to shamelessly promote the Gender & Sexuality Studies DUG. It's pretty new and we're excited to get some awesome events off the ground...more about that later! For now, the official blurb (note that you do not have to be a concentrator to get involved):

"The Gender & Sexuality Studies Departmental Undergraduate Group is a space for students to meet and talk with other students interested in the topics of gender and sexuality. The DUG is not limited to current concentrators; any students interested in these topics are welcome to attend and voice their opinions. The DUG will have an informal meeting schedule (about once a month) and will sponsor various events throughout the year, including in conjunction with other departments. E-mail GNSSDUG@gmail.com for more information."