Weekly Feminist Reader

Frank Rich debunks the “angry white women” stereotype about Clinton supporters. Plus, the Center for American Progress has a rundown of McCain’s anti-woman positions.
Jessica was on a panel in the UK about misogyny online.
New blog to add to your election-year reading: Michelle Obama Watch.
A women’s clinic in Allentown, PA holds a Pledge-a-Protester fundraiser.
McCain cancels a fundraiser after it’s revealed the event’s host compared rape to the weather: “As long as it’s inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it.”
Newsweek writes about young women who embrace the “nerd” label. Broadsheet points out, though, that “the Nerd Girls video makes it seem like sexual appeal is a necessary component to being part of their group.”
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on how Americans talk about blackness. (And Shark-Fu on a related note.)
Rabia Siddique’s war against the sexism and racism she experienced in the British Army.
Ovulation caught on tape. Reader Julie writes, “I gotta say, even though many people will ‘ew’ over the graphic images, it’s pretty amazing to be able to see something that happens to so many of us every month.”
“Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)” was a major hit in the UK. It was also dedicated to The Gossip’s Beth Ditto.
The New York Times has a major article on “equally shared parenting.”

Native women work to preserve their root-digging tradition — and their religion. (via Racialicious)
Research shows sexist jokes and stereotypes can lead to “toleration of hostile feelings and discrimination against women.”
A cartoon commentary on the roles for women in Hollywood.
Filmmakers are at work on a documentary about international abortion providers Women on Waves.
One young woman describes her efforts to overcome financial barriers and graduate from community college.
On Maureen Dowd’s use of gender to mock Democrats.
Another high-ranking woman on Wall Street has lost her job.
A Harrisburg, PA church sponsors “Marry Your Baby Daddy Day.” Not kidding.
Women vets have a harder time getting good medical care.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick’s 18-year-old daughter came out. “I wouldn’t wish that any kid has to deal with a fundamentally private matter in a public way, but that’s part of the job,” Patrick told reporters. “We are proud of her, we love her and we support her.”
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed a bill banning a late-term abortion procedure that lacks a health exception.
Check out the Muslimahs Speak Up Carnival.
Are laws designed to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers really working?
Obama voiced support for gay marriage and abortion rights in a meeting with Protestant pastors.
A woman is fired for shaving her head.
South Dakota anti-choicers held a kickoff event for a campaign pushing for a revived abortion ban bill.
New series of short videos: Your Manhood, starring The Patriarchy.