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By Camille C. • 13 years ago

Halloween store’s “Anna Rexia” costume

Editors’ note: This product, which was originally created by Dreamgirl, is no longer carried at Halloweenstore.com as of October 2013.

Plenty of people take Halloween as an opportunity to dress in more revealing outfits (/costumes) than they would, say, to the office; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! But it’s irritating that most of the costumes specifically for women, available at Halloween and party stores, catalogs, and the internet, are almost always revealing and often have the words “sexy” or “slutty” in the title. This upsets me because the costumes were designed by groups of horny Western men who ship their sexy ideas overseas for sweatshop workers to carry them out.

What makes matters worse is that the costumes are often based on stereotypes and are sometimes appropriative of certain cultures (like a Native American or Geisha costume).

Today, I saw the worst one yet: Halloweenstore.com’s “Anna Rexia” costume.

The picture on the website shows a young, thin, Caucasian woman with large breasts sporting a short, skintight black dress with the outline of a skeleton on it. She is wearing a red, circular button that reads “Anna Rexia”. The ribbon tie belt around her waist has the markings of a tape measure.

This outfit offends me not only as a feminist, but as a member of the eating disorder community. I find it absolutely appalling. Products like this completely delegitimize EDs as diseases, and encourage people to see them as something to scoff at. I don’t see this site, ...
By Camille C. • 13 years ago

Halloween store’s “Anna Rexia” costume

Plenty of people take Halloween as an opportunity to dress in more revealing outfits (/costumes) than they would, say, to the office; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! But it’s irritating that most of the costumes specifically for women, available at Halloween and party stores, catalogs, and the internet, are almost always revealing and often have the words “sexy” or “slutty” in the title. This upsets me because the costumes were designed by groups of horny Western men who ship their sexy ideas overseas for sweatshop workers to carry them out.

What makes matters worse is that the costumes are often based on stereotypes and are sometimes appropriative of certain cultures (like a Native American or Geisha costume).

Today, I saw the ...

Plenty of people take Halloween as an opportunity to dress in more revealing outfits (/costumes) than they would, say, to the office; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! But it’s irritating that most of the costumes specifically ...
By Camille C. • 13 years ago

Queen Latifah: “U.N.I.T.Y.”

[Trigger warning: short domestic violence scene at 1:51]

This song is awesome! I used it in a presentation I did on feminist music in the 90s a couple years ago.

[Trigger warning: short domestic violence scene at 1:51]

This song is awesome! I used it in a presentation I did on feminist music in the 90s a couple years ago.
By Camille C. • 13 years ago

Things to Remember: Tips for Activism and Organizing

Here’s a list of things I like to keep in mind (and keep reminding myself of) when I am organizing. I hope that my fellow activists and organizers (especially the stressed out ones) will find these tips useful as well. When people disagree with you, don’t take it personally, even if they are targeting you in a personal way (AKA, Don’t let the assholes get you down). When it gets to be too much, take a break. When you feel like taking a break, take a break. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Having a team makes the organizing experience more powerful and less stressful! Don’t bite off more than you can chew. This is really hard for some people, including ...
Here’s a list of things I like to keep in mind (and keep reminding myself of) when I am organizing. I hope that my fellow activists and organizers (especially the stressed out ones) will find these tips ...
By Camille C. • 13 years ago

Queen Latifah: “U.N.I.T.Y.”

[Trigger warning: short domestic violence scene at 1:51]

This song is awesome! I used it in a presentation I did on feminist music in the 90s a couple years ago.

[Trigger warning: short domestic violence scene at 1:51]

This song is awesome! I used it in a presentation I did on feminist music in the 90s a couple years ago.
By Camille C. • 13 years ago

Who taught this six year old to be homophobic?

Probably no one. Kids are sponges.

I’m babysitting the two daughters (ages 6 and 10) of a single mom. We had a nice afternoon at the park, followed by a popsicle snack and viewing of that animated owl movie. But later in the evening, the girls wanted to watch another movie. They wouldn’t tell me what it was; “It’s a surprise! Wait till we put it in!” It turned out to be Dodgeball, which, they proudly pointed out to me, is rated PG-13. I doubtfully asked if they were allowed to watch it, and they assured me that they watch it with their mom “all the time”. Their mother seems like one of ...

Probably no one. Kids are sponges.

I’m babysitting the two daughters (ages 6 and 10) of a single mom. We had a nice afternoon at the park, followed by a popsicle snack and viewing of that ...