Weekly Feminist Reader

A robot model walked the runway in a fashion show in Japan. Apparently the standards for women’s bodies are now so unrealistic that mere humans cannot meet them.
A full 87% of employer-based insurance policies cover abortion.
Veronica reviews a book on the history of the earliest female astronauts.
Why class matters in the Gates arrest.
In response to an article on women commandos protesting in Iran, Faith questions the need to make every story relate back to U.S. politics and policy.
Sarah at the Bitch Blog asks, “How Could $3 Million for Postpartum Research Hurt Women?”
What’s the best way to respond to rape jokes?
Author Justine Larbalestier writes about how, despite the fact that the protagonist of her book is described as “black with nappy hair which she wears natural and short,” the publisher insisted on putting a white woman on the cover.
This year at Comic Con, EA encouraged attendees to grope its “booth babes” — promising attendees dinner with the “babes” if they took and published a photo of themselves sexually harassing the women. The F Word has more, as does PharaohKatt on the community blog.
This is just so sad and infuriating: An 8-year-old Liberian girl was shunned by her family after being raped by four older boys (who are also Liberian refugees) who lured her into a shed by promising her gum. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said of the girls’ family, “They should help that child who has been traumatized.” And of the boys, “They have to pay the penalty, but we also want to make sure that they are counseled … that they will have an opportunity to change and become useful citizens, not only in the United States but when they return home.” Renee has more.
The 2010 Olympics in Vancouver will have a house for LGBT athletes: “an inclusive hangout and social space for gay and nongay athletes.”
A Hungarian company is holding a beauty pageant specifically for women who have had plastic surgery.
Jessica Hopper chats about The Girls Guide to Rocking.
On marketing Asian women to appeal to antifeminist men.
Daisy ruminates on Jewish masculinity.
Harassed on the street? Tweet the offending catcall to @catcalled.
How the world sees America differently in the Obama era. But, as Jesse Taylor points out, it should by no means be understood as a post-racial ear.
The fight to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell goes grassroots.
Tracey at Unapologetically Female notes a gendered-product trend from her childhood: Gameboy, Talkman, Walkman, Discman… (via)
Support Tami’s Run for Congo Women!
What have you been reading/writing this week? Leave your links in comments!