Jessie J's new video - A Tomboy's Revenge

Jessie J's new music video for her single "Who's Laughing Now" (from the album Who You Are) takes on the subject of bullying, much like other recent singles (P!NK's "Raise Your Glass"; Gaga's "Born This Way"; Taylor Swift's "Mean"; etc.).

But what Jessie J's video does differently is play with gender role stereotyping among young girls. Young Jessie J is portrayed as a tomboy who gets picked on by the pink-drenched feminine mean girls at school. From her clothing to her walk, the masculine aspects of Young Jessie's appearance and behavior are highlighted beautifully in the video. In the end, Young Jessie gets her revenge on the girls who bully her and the adults who are apathetic (the school teacher and lunch server, both played by the real Jessie J).

What should be noted, though, is that adult Jessie J is super feminine in appearance, even though her behavior is a mixed bag of masculine gestures, feminine dancing and fairly androgynous facial expressions.

Also, I love the depiction of the masculine, lesbionic janitor. From the smirk to the rainbow pin on the vest, there are plenty of clues there for those with any sort of gaydar.

Hats off to Jessie J for a great video and an interesting look at gender-based bullying in schools.

YouTube - Beyonce- Run the World (LIES)

The Filter Bubble: How the Web Gives Us What We Want, and That's Not a Good Thing | Brain Pickings

The Filter Bubble: How the Web Gives Us What We Want, and That's Not a Good Thing | Brain Pickings

NY Times Article Fail: Chaz Bono, Reluctant Role Model - NYTimes.com

Chaz Bono, Reluctant Role Model - NYTimes.com

Possibly the WORST trans piece the New York Times has published recently. Also, another example of how lived experience doesn't always translate to subject expertise.

Some awesome lines:

Article Author: "Could it be possible that the fact that Chaz is now a man is somehow Cher’s fault?...Did Cher’s almost drag-queenlike hyper-female persona somehow devour Chastity’s emerging femininity? Could Chaz’s transition have been motivated by gender-bent Oedipal revenge?"

Chaz: [Referring to trans people] "It’s a birth defect, like a cleft palate."

Chaz: "I never really understood women before, to be honest, but I had a tolerance for women that I don’t have now....There is something in testosterone that makes talking and gossiping really grating."

Chaz: "I’ve learned that the differences between men and women are so biological."

Chaz: "[After transition] I got way more gadget-oriented, I have to say. I don’t know why. Definitely since transitioning I’ve wanted to be up on the latest, coolest toy."

Rosie O'Donnell: "But all of us struggle with whatever it is: special-needs kids, gay people. We all have our speed bumps."

Article Author: "To finally usher a complete color wheel of sexuality into the mainstream, perhaps it takes a child of Cher."

I don't know if I'd call gender transition to a traditional male role a rainbow of color.

Also, way to push the misogynist transguy image.

It's not all about the Taj Mahal

Sathiyan has some amazing, close-to-the-bone photos of Tamil Nadu. No airbrushed Bollywood image of India can live up to this kind of raw beauty.









Tamilnadu. - a set on Flickr

National Writing Project Needs to Be Funded! #blog4nwp

Last summer I took a National Writing Project class as part of my graduate Teaching of Writing Certificate program.

It. Changed. Everything.

For those that don't know, the National Writing Project is a network of programs across the country that function as continuing education for practicing teachers, creating a space where teachers can explore and discover themselves as writers and navigate teaching philosophies together and individually.

The best teachers of writing are writers.
This is almost too obvious, but is a point that many people overlook. Teachers don't often get the chance to explore their own writings, away from the intense experiences of teaching in public and private schools. By discovering and developing themselves as writers, teachers are able to put themselves in their students' places, to feel the vulnerability and the rapture that comes with writing and sharing. This kind of experience changes the way that teachers teach writing, and allows teachers to empathize with their students and learn as a community.

The best teachers of teachers are teachers.
Pedagogy and theory are well and good, and as part of the academe, I'd had my share of these courses. But nothing compares with the raw, visceral experiences that teachers have to share about teaching. From teachers I met at the NWP class, I learned just how hard teaching can be, but I also learned that I have a passion for it. These teachers are my inspirations for walking through those school doors day after day and continuing to do the great things they do, most of which go largely unappreciated.

We need this program for teachers. The National Writing Project provides teachers a space to develop themselves as writers and to learn from each other as teachers. It's an important part of our education system that we cannot afford to lose.

Please support the campaign to restore funding to the National Writing Project.

Get funky in saree for bridal shoot! | Saree Dreams

Interesting punk/traditional fusion saree photo shoot: Get funky in saree for bridal shoot! | Saree Dreams