Why we should've been boycotting the Oscars all along.

As many of you may know, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Spike Lee have both announced that they are going to Boycott the Oscars because of their lack of Diversity.

While I still find Jada Pinkett-Smith's decision somewhat suspect (not because I dislike her, but because the timing seems a little... convenient?), she does bring up a lot of valid points.

The problem with the Oscars though, is that they have ALWAYS favoured the White Majority. If you look at a list of Women who have won an Academy Award for Best Actress on Wikipedia, there is one Person of Colour (POC).

Halle Berry is the ONLY WOC (woman of colour) to have won for Best Actress. Ever. Now, she isn't the only one to have been nominated, but I find it interesting that she is the only one to have ever WON. Seriously, the Oscars have been handing out awards since 1929.

So, because my interest was piqued, I went researching and here are my results (if you care to read them).

Since the first Oscar was given to Emil Jannings in May 1929 here are the number of People of Colour who have won for Best Actor or Best Actress.

In 1956, Yul Brynner became the first Asian to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for the musical "The King and I."

In 1982, Ben Kingsley became the first person of South Asian Descent to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for "Gandhi."

In 1950, Jose Ferrer became the first Latino/Hispanic to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for "Cyrano de Bergerac."

In 1963, Sidney Poitier became the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for "Lilies of the Field."

In 2001, Denzel Washington became the second African American to win an Oscar for Best Actor. He won for "Training Day."

In 2004, Jamie Foxx won for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the movie "Ray."

In 2006, Forest Whitaker won for his portrayal of Idi Amin in the movie "The Last King of Scotland."

And, in 2001, Halle Berry became the first African American woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress. She won for "Monster's Ball."

So... You may have noticed that only ONE woman of Colour is on that list... Yeah. That's a problem. You may have also noticed that there are ZERO Indigenous peoples (i.e. Native Americans). Here is a nifty little break down of what we just read.

• 1 Latino

• 5 African-Americans

• 2 Asians

• 10 African-Americans (Though Lupita Nyong'o is actually a Mexican-born Kenyan woman)

• 7 Latinos/Hispanics

• 2 Asians

• 0 Indigenous peoples (AGAIN).

To name a few:
Seriously. So don't come at me with the whole "well there just weren't qualified POCs to play the parts" because it's simply NOT true. White people get the parts, even if the part calls for a POC. And there are several POCs who can pull in a crowd! Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Will Smith, Halle Berry, etc.
It's not that hard guys. They just don't really care about being diverse.
Hence the reasons we should've been boycotting them all along, instead of just this time.

8. 8 People of Colour have won for Best Actor or Best Actress since the start of it all in 1929.

EIGHT.

Now, if you will, please follow me to Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. This time in Chronological order!

In 1939, Hattie McDaniels became the FIRST African American to win an Oscar. She won for her role as Mammy in "Gone with the Wind."

In 1952, Anthony Quinn became the first Latino/Hispanic to win an Oscar. He won for his role as Eufemio Zapata in "Viva Zapata!"

In 1956, Anthony Quinn won again for his role as Paul Gauguin in "Lust for Life."

In 1957, Miyoshi Umeki became the first Asian woman to win an Oscar. She won for her role as Katsumi in "Sayonara."

In 1961, Rita Moreno became the first Latina/Hispanic woman to win an Oscar. She won for her role as Anita in "West Side Story."

In 1982, Louis Gossett Jr became the first African American man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He won for his role as Sgt. Emil Foley in "An Officer and a Gentleman."

In 1984, Haing S. Ngor became the first Asian man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He won for his role as Dith Pran in "The Killing Fields."

In 1989, Denzel Washington won for his role as Pvt. Tripp in "Glory."

In 1990, Whoopi Goldberg won for her role as Oda Mae Brown in "Ghost."

In 1991, Mercedes Ruehl won for her role as Anne in "The Fisher King."

In 1996, Cuba Gooding Jr won for his role as Rod Tidwell in "Jerry Maguire."

In 2000, Benecio del Toro won for his role as Javier Rodriguez in "Traffic."

In 2004, Morgan Freeman won for his role as Eddie 'Scrap-Iron' Dupris in "Million Dollar Baby."

In 2006, Jennifer Hudson won for her role as Effie White in "Dreamgirls."

In 2007, Javier Bardem won for his role as Anton Chigurh in "No Country for Old Men."

In 2008, Penélope Cruz won for her role as Maria Elena in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

In 2009, Mo'Nique won for her role as Mary Lee Johnston in "Precious."

In 2011, Octavia Spencer won for her role as Minny Jackson in "The Help."

In 2013, Lupita Nyong'o won for her role as Patsey in "12 Years a Slave."

If you are thinking that 19 people of colour in this category is fine, even though that's 19 out of the past 87 years, you're a jerk.

Break down:

As a comparison: 67 White People have won Oscars for Best Supporting Actor/Actress versus the 19 People of Colour. 67 to 19.

Even better comparison: 79 White People have won Oscars for Best Actor/Actress versus 8 People of Colour.

And don't even get me started on how Hollywood has fucked over the LGBTQIA community while claiming to love them. That's a rant for another day (I'm looking at you "Danish Girl").

Here's what this boils down to, if you really want my opinion (of course you do, that's why you're reading this!):

If you look at the list of Best Supporting Actors/Actresses, the majority of those roles revolve around long held stereotypes against those minorities. That's what Hollywood gives Actors/Actresses of Colour. Stereotypes.

More often than not, you find an Actor/Actress of colour forced into a role that is stereotypical to their particular race. Or you find White actors/actresses who are playing a POC.

Mickey Rooney
Marlon Brando
Robert Downey Jr
Angelina Jolie

A Conversation about Books

I love reading.

Books are my happy place. Always have been. I don't remember a time that being in a book store didn't make me ridiculously giddy.

Except today.

Today being in Barnes and Noble made me angry. It made me angry for a few reasons.

1. The "Men's Interest" section (which I've spoken about before) still has the same set up.
Fishing, hunting, having rock hard abs, half naked women, guns, fast cars. There were no Men of Colour on any of those magazines. Not a single one. This also goes back to the sad societal fact that Men are regarded as cavemen. They are incapable of feeling anything except for raging lust and the desire to kill things. We, as a society, have decided that this is what the definition of Masculinity IS. There is no room for people who are different. Especially if they are of a different ethnicity. Because we like to WHITE WASH everything.

2. The "American History" section.
In this section of the store I counted only 3 or 4 books that were dedicated to People of Colour. And none of them were dedicated to peoples from the Asian continent. One book was on escaped Slave narratives (which ARE important to American History, but ONE is NOT enough!), one book was written by Condoleeza Rice, one was about Rosa Parks and one about a Military Officer's wife during a Crow Indian uprising. I only count that one because it does involve Native peoples. As a book ABOUT Native Peoples... That's debatable. That's it. And the American History shelves were rather large. They could've held a whole shelf dedicated to Civil Rights, Emancipation, Native People's history, etc. Did they? Nope. Not at all.

3. The "Civil War" section.
In this section there were literally NO books on Peoples of Colour. None. And I saw ONE book on Women. That was it. I do believe the Civil War was an integral part of History, but there were more than WHITE MEN involved in that period of Time.

4. The "World History" section.
Basically it was all European history with a smidgen of African history thrown in for good measure. There was a small amount of Middle Eastern history, but almost exclusively in how it correlated to America. Last I checked that was NOT the extent of the World...

5. The Store in General.
I wandered around the store and found very few books that pertained to People of Colour or were written by People of Colour except in the Classics sections... This bothers me. Not just because its all White Washed all the time, but because Authors of Colour write books ALL THE TIME. Not just way back when.

So, I think from now on I'll shop at Second-hand stores or online where I can find variety that isn't completely white washed and only about Men.

#FreeBree

In case you haven't heard, this was a thing...



Bree Newsome, an activist, took matters into her own hands and did a beautiful, brave and AMAZING thing by taking down one of the BIGGEST symbols of racism in America. She's right, we shouldn't have to wait for some White Lawmaker to take it down. We shouldn't have to wait to take down a symbol of tyranny.

#FreeBree #FreeJames #KeepItDown

Not sure who drew this but I'd pay to have it on my wall. Today we witnessed history. #FreeBree pic.twitter.com/oDm8tw4DbO

— Bipartisan Report (@Bipartisanism) June 27, 2015

Non-POC ask often how they can be an ally. James Tyson, who stood at the base of the flag pole as @BreeNewsome climbed. THAT'S an ally.

— April (@ReignOfApril) June 27, 2015

"She needed a superhero so she became one." #FreeBree pic.twitter.com/ifh4FChDot

— Rahiel Tesfamariam (@RahielT) June 27, 2015

Woman vs Female

Am I the only woman who hates being referred to as "female?"


I mean, I know that I am, in point of fact, a female. But every time someone refers to me like that I feel like I'm being put down and that I'm reduced to body parts...

Seriously. I'm a human being.

Not just a "female."

Please stop referring to me as such.

And, we could get brave here guys... I have a NAME! Hard to believe, I know, but you could (when in doubt) just call me by my NAME.

Like human beings do. I don't go around saying "that male did this..." or "that male did that..."

Nope. I say "Donnie licked my deodorant" and "Chris ordered pizza."

I just humanized them! Woah!

Quick Rant.

Quick Rant.
1. Stop trying to demean someone else's experience by saying "Not all police men," "not all men," "not all white people," etc... YES not ALL police officers, men or white people behave a certain way. That is true! However, if you are using it against someone who has experienced something terrible at the hands of *insert person type here* then you are being just as BAD. I'm so tired of seeing people saying "if this officer had been black he would've gotten away with it..." or "would the media have reported about this if a woman had done it?" That's BS and it completely demeans the experiences of people.

2. YES bad things happen to EVERYONE. That is true! Its NOT a contest! No one has had it as bad as you think you have. We're humans. We're never going to fully understand each other because how we experience things is unique to US as INDIVIDUALS. That being said, don't come in and say that a guy who has been molested doesn't understand being raped because he is a guy. That's simply not true. And its not a contest. Stop making it a contest! If we would all just SUPPORT EACH OTHER through the bull instead of trying to make ourselves out to be the bigger victim we'd a bit better off.
3. People just need to stop doing bad things to each other! Seriously. How hard is it to be kind to someone? Just because you don't understand something, doesn't mean You have the right to judge!! DON'T JUDGE. We're all just trying to make it in this world. And its a crappy one. So, instead of making it harder on someone else, why don't you mind your own business and just love? Its not you. Just let it go.
End Rant.

Sexual Objectification and other weirdness

(This was a Twitter rant I went on. You can find me on Twitter: @wicked_roses)

How is it so easy to sexually objectify someone? I have a hard time believing my hubby has a dick until I see it. Even then, its a body...

We all have one... So why is MY body more sexual than his? Just because I have boobs? Dude, he has them too. They're just flatter...

I'm over here going "Oh wow... This person is trying to be sexually appealing. I didn't know they did the sex."

Maybe that's because I grew up in such a restrictive environment (Christian Nazi step-father), or because I was introduced early on?

I find it odd. I don't see people as sexual objects. Shockingly, I see people as (wait for it...) PEOPLE! Holy fuck!

Even people I'm attracted to... Its weird. I don't think of sex until I'm turned on I guess.

Even then, I don't think of objects. I think of flesh meeting flesh. Person with person... We're people sexing. That's a thing, right?

Do objects have sex when I'm not looking?

Am I missing out on some hot lamp on desk action?

Because really, I see someone and I can be like "Oh hey, he's gorgeous" or "oh hey, she's gorgeous."
Not "oh hey, I want to have sex with that object over there."

Though, admittedly, I might still think "damn, she has a lovely body" or "damn, he has a lovely body." Still seeing a person.

Not just a breathing sex doll. Or a walking dildo.

I guess this stream of consciousness is brought on by watching this video:


And thinking, "Oh yeah, she's an adult trying to be sexy." I'm still thinking of her as a young woman who might not be into that yet.

I suppose I'm not exempt from looking at the "naughty bits" (only naughty as defined by society mind you). But I'm still seeing a person...

Its not like I just see walking boobs. Or walking pecs...

I love boobs. I love penises. I just love bodies. All kinds of bodies. I like lots of people. I'd rather have sex with people than objects.

I'm just so confused on this sexual objectification shit. I've been objectified before, but I don't understand it. Why? Why do people do it?

How can you blithely turn a person into a thing only existent for your sexual gratification?

Governor Pence and the Road to Discrimination

Hey guys!

Long time, no blog. I've been doing a lot of stuff recently. And by a lot of stuff I mean I've been stressing out and being absolutely lit pissed over things out of my control.

And one of those things is this whole RFRA (Religious Freedom Restoration Act) going on in Indiana.

Confession time:
I live in Indiana.

Its a terrible law. Its a terrible thing. There is no actual FREEDOM in this law. None. The writing is so ambiguous that you can pretty much claim Religious freedom to do anything. Technically the laws can't touch you.

Its already being used to defend against child abuse and spousal abuse charges in other states... Just fyi.

And no matter what Governor Dip-Shit (I mean, Pence) says, this was designed to enable Government Approved Discrimination. You know why?

He said that the LGBTQIA community being classified as a protected class of citizen wasn't even ON his priority list. Why? Because he is a bigot.

On Saturday I went (along with at least 3,000 other Hoosiers) to Indianapolis to protest and rally against the signing of this into Law. It was signed into law on Thursday last week.

This is reality, kiddos. This is happening. Its 2015 and the Civil Rights Movement has pretty much been trashed by a law signed IN PRIVATE (because he knew the outrage and then has the AUDACITY to say he didn't know this would negatively impact the state!) by a Bigot.

Welcome to Fucking Indiana.

I live here and I am wanting to #BoycottIndiana.

So, here's what I want you to do:
If you live in Indiana, please use your right to VOTE! This is how these things happen guys. People don't use their VOICES and they get drowned out.

Your vote DOES matter!
It DOES make a difference!
And if you aren't voting, shitty things like this happen. We didn't have enough people who voted (especially in my area) and this asshat got elected. Along with several other people in his party who specifically wrote this bill so that they could push their ANTI-GAY agenda on the state.

Not only that, but please only visit businesses that serve EVERYONE! This is another way to fight back. Don't purchase, endorse or help out businesses that refuse service based on "religious belief."

I am so ashamed to be living in a state that has legalized Bigotry. Seriously, this is fucking pathetic guys.

America was built on Religious FREEDOM for ALL. Not just a few. EVERYONE is supposed to be fucking free under that banner.

We are all created EQUAL.

And if you have to boost your ego/religious beliefs by being shitty and denying equality to someone else, then you are failing at religion.

If there is a God, I hope he isn't anything like the people that fucking follow him.

Not Enough Love for All

Dear Aerie,
Today I was visiting one of your stores and there was a mirror that said "The Girl in this Mirror has NOT been retouched. The real you is sexy. #aerieREAL"

I have two problems with this.
1. By using "girl" you are completely ignoring those of us who are WOMEN, both Cis and Trans. We're not all children that look in that mirror. And, personally, I would hope you aren't marketing such items at little girls.

2. If we are ALL sexy, then why don't  you offer lingerie in bigger sizes for women like me? I'm not saying you should encourage obesity, that isn't it at all. But the best way to build a woman's self-esteem is to NOT exclude her.

Sincerely,
Sarai

Ebola.

I will never forget when a customer tried to tell me that the person who died from Ebola here in the US was from Africa. That he was an African. And I wanted to tell him that not every Black person he sees is from Africa. Just like how not every Korean, Japanese, Chinese or Thai person is from Asia. Just like not every white person is from England.

Maybe, if we taught critical thinking, proper grammar, how to back up what you say with facts and not just have a baseless opinion, etc... Maybe, the world wouldn't be such a mess.

And, no, I don't care that he was a man from Africa. That is completely beside the point. We always say people come from "Somewhere Else," ESPECIALLY if they aren't WHITE. Its the notion that just because someone has dark skin that automatically makes them from "Somewhere Else." That if someone has different characteristics they must be from "Somewhere Else."

I wore Hijab for several months and I was asked all the time "Where are you from?" and was met with "No, I mean, where were you from originally?"

The notion that differences mean "Somewhere Else."

YOU can't be from here, because YOU are different.

And that bothers me.

Counting days...

In 10 days I'm turning 26. This seems, both, improbable and absolutely real. I've never been bothered by getting older. In fact, I rather relish the idea of being 30. Though, that will be a few more years.

I suppose that it feels improbable only because I feel like I've been older than I am for the majority of my existence. It seems odd to me to be growing older.

Children that I used to baby-sit, that I used to change their diapers, are getting their driver's licenses and learner's permits. They're graduating high school and getting ready for college. And I'm sitting here marveling at the passing of time.

As a child, I never thought time could go fast. Its adorable how very wrong I was.

In many ways I feel like an old woman of 73 or 75, blowing out the candles of my life in slow breathy gulps. I am absolutely exhausted with this life. A few more candles and it will all be done. Right?

I am absolutely humbled by the passing of time. The parts of me that are not the old woman, are young children chasing the butterflies of dream and fantasy. And yet, there is a part that is the age I am now, anxious for a life filled with... Something.

Its very confusing, existing in this body sometimes.

I am 6 parts old woman, 3 parts young girl and 1 part myself. Naivete and wisdom, trembling on the prospect of all the candles flickering out.

I feel like a loose end. Not sure how I am to tie myself up.

So, I guess I'll raise a glass of champagne, toast myself to another 26 years on this crumbling carcass of an earth and drink 'til the bubbles erase all the random puzzle pieces tumbling about in my Dali landscape of a brain.

10 reasons I asked if there was another way out of Barnes & Noble

Today, while I was at Barnes and Noble with my friend Kid, I met an author. His name is "Cousin Vinny." At least, that's what he chooses to go by. He was trying very hard to get me to buy his $27 book (paperback, mind you).

He apparently used to be a Soap Opera star, now turned Christian ("I have some spirituality in me") author. He spent 20 minutes raving about how wonderful his book ("The Devil's Glove") was (read: He was raving about how wonderful HE was). He told me that this book would "change your life" and is the best book for "preventing suicide."

He bragged about how he had "NEVER had a bad review" and then proceeded to hand me all of his reviews (in small time Christian newspapers and local papers), they were laminated mind you. Not only were they laminated, but he had apparently memorized each one. He handed me a review and proceeded to recite the whole article, verbatim.

He told me that there was literally no other book with that plot anywhere (spoiler: Its about baseball and Satan). When I mentioned that it was somewhat similar to "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis, he swiftly denied it. "Those are two demons fighting over a human. This is ANGELS and demons fighting over a human. God and Satan battling for his soul." (I'm paraphrasing only a little there, this is how the guy talked)

He told me that the writing was the best I'd ever seen and that this would be my favorite book, ever. I sampled the writing while I was standing there... Let's just say it was nothing to write home about. He wrote like he spoke. Not very well.

I am saddened to say that a Pastor reviewed it as being a blend of "Paradise Lost, the Bible and Field of Dreams." Which is very disheartening for Milton and the Bible. To be compared to this is, well, its not a nice compliment in my opinion.

He emphasized that he was a "messenger" (the God part was implied) and when I asked why he didn't go by his real name (Louis Anthony Agnello Jr) he said it was his publisher's idea. It would be easier to "remember."

I told him that "Cousin Vinny" reminded me of Joe Pesci.
He said "Exactly!"
I said "I don't like Joe Pesci."
Taken aback, he said "You don't?"
I said "No. Joe Pesci does not endear me to your book."
To which he laughed, half-quoting me in disbelief.

Also, this guy has no concept of the term "personal space." (His breath isn't so great either) He kept touching me, as if I were an old friend, not a complete STRANGER. I'm not public property, get your paws off.

After I escaped him (it took about 20 minutes, mind you) I literally asked an employee if there was another way out of the store besides the front door because I didn't want to walk past him again. The employee was seriously taken aback and informed me that there was not. But also said that if I warn the front desk that I'm going make a run for it they won't think I'm stealing.

So now, I have a mission. Somewhat. I'm going to read this book, if only to write a terrible review of it. It seems only fitting that I do so, seeing as how I've reviewed the author. You're welcome, "Cousin Vinny," for the "first" bad review you've received.

The following is an open letter to "Cousin Vinny" recounting the experience.

Dear Louis Anthony "Cousin Vinny" Agnello (or "10 reasons I asked if there was another way out of Barnes & Noble"),

1. I am not public property able to be touched because I'm in your space. Just because we are inhabiting the same area does not make me less than human or give you the right to just touch when you feel like it. Did I give you permission?

2. Bragging about your Stripping days in the same breath as you're bragging about how wonderful your book is does not make me want to read it. Especially when you keep saying you are a "messenger" (the "from God" being implied by your "I have some spirituality in me" comments).

3. You don't even KNOW ME, so how can you "guarantee" that YOUR book is going to be my "favorite book?"

4. You're trying really hard to get me to buy your book, but I feel like you're really just trying to explain to me why your penis is the biggest the world has ever seen. And I'm sorry, but I'm just not buying it.

5. Memorizing your laminated accolades doesn't make you seem cool, it makes you seem pathetic.

6. I am half tempted to read your book simply to give it a bad review. Seriously, you tell me how the writing is "the best" and that your story is "the most original" (fun fact: You're not original) and that the copies you are trying to hock are going to be "collector's items" because you are leaving that particular publisher, but I read a sample while I listened to you ramble and your writing style is similar to a 13 year old's. Seriously, I've seen better writing styles in Children's books. You write like you talk. Not very well.

7. You're visiting small towns in the Bible belt, of course this book is going to "sell like hot cakes."

8. Don't talk to me like I'm an idiot. You play like you're the "Devil" just for a scenario, but you're in my face telling me I'm worthless. The difference, as I told you, is that I KNOW I'm NOT worthless. My worth is more than reading your book though. Seriously, how could you possibly think that would make me want to read it? Pretending that you are the Devil and that this book is going to save me from Suicide and save my soul... Dude, you don't even know my Soul!

9. "The Devil's Glove" is a terrible name. It sounds worse than cliched. And trust me, I've read some pretty cliched books. (Usually in the genre you are in)

10. "Are you big readers?" Nope. I walked into Barnes & Noble because I like the scenery. Never read a book in my life.

I could go on and on, really. This was the worst meeting with an author I've ever had. And I didn't want to meet you in the first place! Thanks for telling me all about your schedule though, because I now know to avoid B&N until Friday when you leave for St. Louis.

Sincerely,
Sarai.

Post Script: Don't laugh at me because I said "Joe Pesci does not endear me to your book." I was being quite serious. Going by his character name really doesn't make you more likable.

The Bechdel Test and Manhood.

I always find it so encouraging when Men stand up for the fight against Patriarchy and Rape Culture. It isn't that we need male saviours, it is that we need friends who are willing to back us up in any situation.

I also love that he talked about one of my favorite movies "The Wizard of Oz." (Which passes the Bechdel Test, fyi.)

It is SO empowering to know that you are not standing alone, but that you are standing with other people who know and understand and WANT to help.

I love this.

An End to Poverty

Recently my husband sent me an imgur about how Switzerland was considering a minimum income program.


The point of the minimum income program would be to provide every citizen of Switzerland with $33,600 annually as a way to eliminate the poverty line. Pretty simple right? Sound good? The picture sparked some commentary (which I was also linked to) which, in turn, brought my attention to a program in Canada from the 70's called "Mincome." The project was based in Manitoba and provided families below the poverty line with a minimum, guaranteed, income every month.

I posted the picture (and commentary) to my Facebook page as a way to share with my like-minded friends. Obviously, I have some friends who are not so like-minded. The following is commentary made by my friend (LG) and myself.

LG: The problem with this is we have tried this in various forms, and people tend not to appreciate what they get for free: hence the vandalism, wasting of food and resources etc. I do believe in some forms of public assistance, but people in general need to feel they're contributing something to society, however little. Look around at the epidemic of children in this country who have no input from their fathers, financially nor emotionally. Herein lies much of the cause.

Myself: I would have to politely disagree. The problem isn't that children have no input from their fathers (mine has been non-existent in my life for almost 13 years and I feel no need, nor desire, to vandalize) or even that people feel the need to vandalize and take advantage. The problem is people not being able to LIVE.

If the government had caused the acceleration of minimum wage to coincide with the rise in average cost for goods and production we might see less of a problem. However, because the cost of services, food, medicine, etc, has risen dramatically while the amount of money flowing into the average working man's pocket has stayed at a pitiful (dare I say, negligible) amount, we are left in a flux.

I see nothing wrong with the Government (by the people and FOR the people) taking care of its People. The fact that the Government would rather spend literally Trillions on Military and on a war that was supposed to only last a "couple of months" (I am quoting Vice President Dick Cheney there) instead of providing affordable health care, food, better Education (we're ranked so abysmally on the World Wide scores that it is rather disgusting) and affordable birth control (so that there were less Children starving and without homes/families) is an absolute travesty.

The other problem is that we have a lack of proper education to show just how truly ignorant we've been of how the rest of the world works.

Places like Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands, etc. have been putting time and effort into their People so that Sweden is shutting down an astonishing amount of their prisons because there aren't any criminals to fill them. Canada has higher prices, but better health care. So much so that Americans sometimes go to Canada to receive the health care they need! Denmark is the HAPPIEST country in the WORLD. In the WORLD! South Korea and Finland out rank us in Math, Science and English. 

The cause of our problem(s), is this: Our Government has become one that would rather waste tax dollars regulating women's bodies than protecting citizens from guns (I am pro-gun and pro-regulation), become one that believes that a Corporation can have Religious Rights (last I checked, Corporations aren't people) and We The People are the ones suffering. They are still getting the money they need to waste. They are still getting fed. They are still getting to make all the decisions for people that they don't even know and don't care to know.

That is the cause of our problem(s). The government has been completely warped from what it was intended to be.


Want more info on Project Mincome?

• http://public.econ.duke.edu/~erw/197/forget-cea%20%282%29.pdf
• http://www.dominionpaper.ca/articles/4100
• http://archive.irpp.org/po/archive/jan01/hum.pdf

Misandry and Misogny.

This article was very interesting. My biggest issue with the Men's Right Movement isn't even that they want equality. I want equality! We're human beings; gay, straight, white, black, man or woman. We're HUMAN. We ALL deserve to have rights.

My issue with the Men's Rights Movement is that they do nothing for their cause by attacking and abusing people who disagree with them. Militant Feminism is no better. The truth of the matter is this:
Feminism isn't evil. Being a Men's Right Activist isn't evil. What's evil is trying to pin the sins of a wicked world on one another. What's evil is trying to destroy other people on your way to "equality."

And, sadly, Misandry does exist. There are men who ARE being discriminated against. You know why? Because other men have this warped view of "manhood." Being a man doesn't mean that you have to be interested in sports, working out or guns. Being a man isn't about being some distorted version of "manly."
We have this warped view that if you are a Man you can't be interested in fashion or cooking or dancing because those things are viewed as being too "feminine." When we stop viewing "feminine" as being a BAD thing then what do we have? We have a man who enjoys his life.

We have this view that for a man to express any type of emotion is wrong. It makes him a "sissy" or any other derogatory term. Again, because it makes him "feminine."

The number of men that are abused and sexually assaulted by women is ridiculously under-reported because it is somehow shameful that a MAN LET himself be abused or be raped. No. That's wrong. Its just another facet of victim shaming. Men can be abused or raped just like a woman can. A man can be depressed or love fashion just like a woman can.

In a perfect world, we would work TOGETHER to end the inequality between the genders. We wouldn't be fighting AGAINST each other.

To do this, however, we have to admit that there are faults on both sides and that, because we are human this is always going to happen. Just because there are faults doesn't mean that we have to ATTACK each other.

http://time.com/2949435/what-i-learned-as-a-woman-at-a-mens-rights-conference/

A Wish Upon a North Star

"[T]here was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other."

Today marks the 1st day of my favorite month (besides September of course). Black History Month!

The above quote is from Harriet Tubman, one of the most amazing women to live during that time. She is credited with having helped over 300 slaves to escape to Canada and the Northern states. She worked tirelessly, despite physical ailments and the danger of the job.

I would like to honor this woman today, for all the sacrifices she made and the beautiful life she led.

Random Tweets

These are random tweets from my Twitter (@wicked_roses). I hope you enjoy my zaniness.

April 2011
"I finally got a Twitter. Is it normal to feel like I just sold my soul to the Devil? Because that is totally what it feels like right now."

 "A vampire's kiss to resurrect her, a wicked kiss to seduce her. Lost in the tapestry of love and lust, a dagger soaked in blood."

"I want Starbucks. And not to have to go to work... just sayin'."

"Dreamt that I was listening to music by the Beatles with Ringo Starr. I think that is going on my bucket list."

"I am going to be lost in a Korean music kick... Don't send the search dogs, I'll be fine!"

"The Vampire watermelon pushed against the poor girl, kissing all the way up her neck until it had reached the apex of her anatomy."

"The line "Esc-a-pay. That's funny, it's spelled just like the word 'escape'." is not funny in Spanish."

"Dreamt about Russell Brand texting me about a story I wrote. Weird."

"Yay Easter dinner means Cheese Pizza and cookies when you are on your own! ^^ I don't like Ham anyway. Happy Zombie Jesus Day!"

"Piglet doesn't get any love. Just sayin'."

"Actually got my fucking Starbucks today. Damn them and there high prices. Cocoa Cappuccino is good!"

May 2011
"Oh. My. God. Gackt is not only a God, but he is most definitely THE SEX. *just died*"

"'Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.' - Mark Twain"

"Jeez louise! "Friday" by Rebecca Black is a shitty song... She sounds like a monotone pekingese trapped in an electro basket. Eek."

"'I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy.'"

"All ends are beginnings. Welcome to your beginning graduates of 2011. So proud of you."

"Fenris, why must you give me so much trouble?! I know you have the whole brooding hot elf thing going, but you are making this love harder!"

"Why does the first part of 'Judas' always make me think of Vampires? I don't understand!"

"I seem to have misplaced my name, can I borrow yours?"

"So the world didn't end yesterday. Can't say I'm surprised. Who else saw that not happening?"

"Fenris, why can't I get you to love me?"

June 2011
"Groucho Marx is a god."

"Had a dream about young Michael Jackson, Archie Bunker and a wonderful play. Unfortunately Archie Bunker ruined everything. Stupid Man."

July 2011
"I TOTALLY JUST GOT A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!! XD"

August 2011
"Drunks breaking into your vehicle at 12 something at night is NOT fun. I repeat NOT FUN!"

September 2011
"Guess who got married? This girl right here!! So happy to finally be married to my wonderful Husband!"

November 2011
"Is it bad that I feel like a rock star in my new white jeans?"

"I wish I was a red-head again. I felt so pretty."

"The dog peed on my brand new white jeans. Other than that had a lot of fun. Happy Turkey Day to everyone!! I hope you have fun."

December 2011
"The Dutch speak 4 languages and smoke marijuana. - @eddieizzard makes me giggle. Every time."

"It is amazing what a shower does for your mood, your outlook on life and, not least, your personal hygiene. I feel much better. I'm hungry."

"I want to be better than I am. I want to be brilliant. I want to be perfect. But perfect never really comes does it?"

"@zachbraff That's almost like cheating really. I mean, who is going to purposefully go for frankincense? Gold sells better, just sayin'."

"It should be illegal to have to work at 3:00am the day after Christmas. Just sayin'."

January 2012
"Great start to the New Year: Migraine headache, crashing the van, breaking my favorite cup. What next? Alligators in top hats?"

"I am out of cheerios. This is a crisis of astronomic proportions. :("

"Milk duds, with their self-deprecating name and remarkably mild flavor, are the most apologetic of the boxed candies."

"Thinking about flying a kite at night with a glow stick attached."

"Randian Philosophy states that Man is heroic, with his own happiness as his moral purpose and reason his only absolute."

March 2012
"#iusedtothink but then I remembered that I'm a woman and I belong in the kitchen."

"Want to blog, eat some yogurt... Do something worth tweeting about?"

April 2012
"Going to go see Titanic in 3D!!"

September 2012
"Tweet. Tweet tweet tweet, tweet tweet."

December 2012
"My hijab brings all the boys to the yard..."

February 2013
"The whole while playing the game of truth and falsehood, waiting on this tightrope, only to stumble and drown because of my heart."

"Maybe its me, but could we consider the possibility that it could be you?"

"I'm not saying that I want to be mean, I just want to be the kind of girl Matchbox 20 sings about."

March 2013
"@WilliamShatner how many Chuck Norrises could Chuck Norris chuck if Chuck Norris could Chuck Norrises?"

April 2013
"The stars made us and we are composed of the dust of stars."
July 2013
"Well, at least I can recognize 사랑 when I see it."

August 2013
"I am here; in a physical, metaphysical, astronomical, way. Distribute me into particles and watch me explode."

November 2013
"All I want for Christmas is a slow-dance with Morgan Freeman. #christmaswishlist"

December 2013
"Hell, I make it up as I go anyway."

"What does it take to be the other half of a soul?"

"The ocean always spoke to her in ways no human voice could. It spoke to the parts of her that descended from mermaids and myth."

"Your songs are left unfinished, your coffee left un-drunk."

The In's and Out's of Success

I've had several friends tell me that my being in a relationship/being married is an "accomplishment."

Here are a couple reasons I have a problem with that statement.
1. Being in a relationship is NOT all there is in life. It should probably be noted that the majority of people who say this to me are single. Its not that big of an accomplishment to get married unless you have never been able to be married before (i.e. Gay marriage, interracial marriage, etc.), in that case its a big freakin' deal. But the fact that any Tom, Dick and Harry can get married does not inspire my belief in your statement.

2. When you say that my marriage is an "accomplishment" it almost cheapens it. Its like I got an achievement on my X-Box or something, its not a real thing. Its just something that looks good on a resume. Especially since anyone can do it. Any idiot can get married (except people who love the same gender, as previously stated). And most of those idiots end up getting divorces too.

3. Marriage is hard work. It is a continuing process. An accomplishment implies that it was finished. Marriage is never really finished (unless you die or get divorced). It keeps going. You have to keep working at it. Hard. Did I mention that marriage is hard work? You know why? Because you have to give 100% on both sides for it to work. It's not that 50/50 bullshit you read about. No. When you get married you commit your whole person to another person. You don't just give them sections of you. You are committing to give them your everything.

4. When I think of accomplishments I think of things like: Going to college, getting a degree, getting a job in your field, following your dreams, seeing places you've never seen (and no, I don't mean the men's restroom in Arby's. Everyone's seen that), etc.

Maybe its just me, but I'm not entirely sure about this love affair we have with getting married. I mean, the tax break is good, but that's about the only thing that changes. I will grant that the sex is better too... But other than that, not a whole lot changes when you get married.

In Defense of Short Hair

The following is in response to an article I came across thanks to a friend on Facebook.
http://totalfratmove.com/why-girls-should-not-cut-their-hair-short/

~

To the frat boy who seems to think that short hair automatically makes a woman ugly,

In case you haven't looked in the mirror recently, you aren't such a peach yourself.

I promised myself that I wouldn't stoop to your level, because that would be insulting to ME. And my mother used to say "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." However, my mother also taught me to stand up for what I believe is right. So, instead of letting you continue, I'm going to stop you right there and I won't let you finish.

Boys (I wouldn't call you a man, because real MEN don't act the sexist pig) like to claim that sexism doesn't exist. And, if it does, it is most definitely MISANDRY, because Feminists are all man-hating bull dykes who make it impossible for a perfectly nice man to live with his simple pleasures. Feminists come in and ruin a perfectly good party or a perfectly good lay or a perfectly good "dumb blonde" joke because they're ugly and can't get a man.

The funny thing is that the term "feminist" is not limited to women of a homosexual nature. In fact, there are a lot of MEN (there's that word again and, no, it doesn't mean what YOU think it means) and women of varying sexual orientation, skin color and beauty make up the word. You think you can set limits, but in reality, it has to do with a collective conscience. All of us, who are living in the 21st century, realize that NONE of us are EQUAL until ALL of us are EQUAL. Meaning, that women should be able to *gasp* cut their hair, shave or not shave, dress how they want, etc. All things that men have been able to do.

And yes, Misandry does exist! It exists because BOYS believe that MEN can't express any feminine traits without being "gay," "pussy-whipped" or "weak." Misandry exists because BOYS don't know how to be MEN and they live like petulant assholes for the rest of their lives.

So, welcome to the 21st Century. Believe it or not Women can do any of the following:

* Vote
* Have Sex with WHOMEVER THEY PLEASE
* Dress how they want
* CUT THEIR HAIR
* Drive
* Have as many children as they want
* Go where they want
* Read
* Write
* Not shave their legs, privates or under-arms
* Own their own property
* Get a divorce from an asshole who thinks cutting their hair makes them ugly

Sincerely,
The Girl whose Husband helped her cut her hair short, because she wanted it that way, and who is still beautiful despite your stupidity.

We Tell Boys.

We tell Boys...

You have to be strong.

You have to be sensitive.
But not TOO sensitive.

You have to be smart.

You have to be stylish.
But not TOO stylish.

You have to be sexually vigorous.

Because if you are TOO sensitive or TOO stylish you'll be labeled "gay," harassed, embarrassed, abused by your fellows who are too afraid of their own sexual insecurity to deal with you.

Because if you ARE NOT strong, smart or sexually vigorous you are somehow less than a man. You aren't a real "man" if you can't bench press or fuck all night.

We tell them to always take charge, even if they aren't more qualified than a girl.
We clap them on the back when they prove their "masculinity," be it sex or sports or something equally "macho."
We blame their clothes, "pink" is a girl's color and nice clothes can't be too nice or you are homosexual.
We blame their behaviour, but we don't stop it. We don't teach them that rape is wrong because its a matter of asserting dominance, asserting power. They have to be powerful, or they aren't a Man.

We snatch the moon from them and tell them they are fit only for football games, cars and sexual virility.
We tell them they to "sow their wild oats."
We tell them they have to be "macho," with a large penis and stamina to rival a stallion.
We tell them they have to be the barbarian, the head of the house, the stud, the bread-winner.

You can't be good at dancing or writing or sewing or crafting. You are strong, a manly man, the protector.

But there is no one to protect YOU. If you are abused, you are weak. If you are raped, it didn't happen. You are man, you can't be abused or raped. Only women can be taken advantage of.

You're pathetic.
You're weak.
You're spineless.
You're a bitch.
You're a limp dick.
You're a fag.
You're a woman.
You're stupid.
You're worthless.
You're ugly.
You're tiny.
You're useless.

We tell our sons this. And then we wonder why they commit suicide. Why they are emotionally disconnected from themselves. We wonder why they are strung out on drugs and alcohol, riddled with sexually transmitted diseases. We wonder why they don't strive for anything outside of this.

How can they fly when WE clip their wings at birth?

We Tell Girls.

We tell Girls...

You have to be sexual.
But not TOO sexual.

You have to be sexually appealing.
But not TOO sexually appealing.

You have to be sexually inviting.
But not TOO sexually inviting.

You have to be sexually enticing.
But not TOO sexually enticing.

Because if you are TOO sexually enticing, TOO sexually appealing, TOO sexually inviting or TOO sexual then you deserve to be raped, called a slut or a whore, harassed and embarrassed.

Because if you ARE NOT sexually enticing, sexually appealing, sexually inviting or sexual then you deserve to be called a prude or ugly, harassed, embarrassed and molested.

We tell them to always tell the truth and then we call them liars.
We accuse them, the wronged party, of being the aggressor.
We blame their clothes, that we tell them to wear or they aren't pretty or they are too uptight.
We blame their behaviour, that we've told them is the way to behave or they are too prudish.
We blame everything and everyone but the ones who deserve the blame because of what we tell little girls.

We snatch the moon from them and tell them they are fit only for pink dresses and white weddings.
We tell them they have to be virgins, but they have to be sluts too.
We tell them they have to be skinny, but they can't be TOO thin.
We tell them they have to be the maid, the cook, the servant, the mother, the wife, the whore. They have to fit in the stereotype allotted to them.

You can't be good at math or driving or science or fighting. You are weak, a vessel to be filled by your husband, your father, your brother, your male protectors. You can't defend yourself.

But if you don't fight back, then you wanted it to happen. You brought it on yourself. You DESERVED it, didn't you?

You don't know what is best for You. Or your body. Or your children. Keep those tits out, unless you are using them to feed your babies, because that's obscene.

You're disgusting.
You're filthy.
You're vain.
You're a bitch.
You're a whore.
You're a slut.
You're lying.
You're stupid.
You're worthless.
You're ugly.
You're fat.
You're useless.

We tell our daughters this. And then we wonder why they cut themselves. Why they are bulimic, anorexic, compulsive eaters. We wonder why they are pregnant at sixteen and married at seventeen. We wonder why they don't strive for anything outside of this.

How can they fly when WE clip their wings at birth?