Opinioness of the World

The Opinioness is a feminist vegan blogger, freelance writer and activist. She founded "The Opinioness of the World" in 2010, a blog on gender equality and living cruelty-free. The Opinioness is also a Bitch Flicks Contributor where she reviews film and television series from a feminist lens. Her work has also been published in or appeared at Arts & Opinion, Fem2pt0, Italianieuropei, Open Letters Monthly and A Safe World for Women. She earned her B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology from UMass Amherst and a Graduate Certificate in Women and Politics and Public Policy from UMass Boston. The Opinioness lives in Boston but dreams of moving to NYC.

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By Opinioness of the World • 11 years ago

Bitch Flicks Call for Writers: Series on LGBTQI Representations in Film and TV

Most media only portrays a heteronormative world–often erasing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, genderqueer and pansexual characters and relationships. In honor of Pride Month, Bitch Flicks, a feminist film and media site, is hosting a week-long series on LGBTQI characters and themes in film and TV.

Feministing’s Maya was kind enough to give a shout-out to our call for writers. So you want to contribute a film/TV review or commentary?? Here are a few basic guidelines for guest writers on our site:

–We like most of our pieces to be 1,000 – 2,000 words, preferably with some images and links.
–We accept both original pieces and cross-posts.
–Please send your piece in the text of an email, including links to all images, no later than Friday, June 22nd.
–Include a 2-3 sentence bio for placement at the end of your piece.

The deadline to submit is this Friday, June 22nd. Email us at btchflcks@gmail.com if you’d like to contribute a review.  We look forward to reading your submissions!
By Opinioness of the World • 11 years ago

Stop Asking, Where Are the Young Feminists? Because They’re Right Here!

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

Last Thursday, I watched Kathy, Kathy Griffin’s new weekly late night talk show on Bravo. The outspoken comedian, who supports abortion and LGBTQ rights, talked about how she attended the Feminist Majority Foundation and Ms. Anniversary Gala in which she honored her icon Gloria Steinem. While Griffin spoke, the print at the bottom of the screen read: “The New Feminists? Where are they?” She then questioned, why don’t young women know who Steinem is? (Really, do people not know??) Then Griffin said:

“I feel like the feminist movement is gone.”

Sigh. I love you Kathy. I do. Although I wish you’d stop your fat-shaming of celebs. But what the hell? Where are ...

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

Last Thursday, I watched Kathy, Kathy Griffin’s new weekly late night talk show on Bravo. The outspoken comedian, who supports abortion and LGBTQ rights, talked about how she ...
By Opinioness of the World • 12 years ago

Abortion Depictions in Pop Culture: Why Bitch Flicks’ Reproduction & Abortion Week Matters

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

Abortion is healthcare — a routine, normal and legal medical procedure. 1 in 3 women will get an abortion in her lifetime. Yet we rarely witness film and TV characters obtaining an abortion or even talking about abortion.

It’s “Reproduction and Abortion Week” at Bitch Flicks (my virtual home away from home!). All week-long, the feminist film and media site is featuring posts and reviews analyzing and critiquing the portrayal of abortion and reproduction in film and TV. As Bitch Flicks wrote:

“For some time at Bitch Flicks we’ve wanted to focus specifically on how reproductive issues and abortion are represented in movies and television shows. A ...

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

Abortion is healthcare — a routine, normal and legal medical procedure. 1 in 3 women will get an abortion in her lifetime. Yet we rarely witness film ...
By Opinioness of the World • 12 years ago

Actor Loretta Devine’s Appalling Defense of Chris Brown’s Domestic Abuse of Rihanna

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

I have to admit, I’m pretty much addicted to Bravo. I especially adore the adorbs Andy Cohen and his nightly talk show Watch What Happens Live. While the show provides silly comic relief, I was disturbed by something that happened last week.

Last Tuesday, host Cohen asked guest Loretta Devine about Chris Brown since they starred together in the movie This Christmas. Considering the rumors swirling around a Rihanna/Chris Brown reconciliation, Cohen asked Devine if she thought Brown deserved a second chance with Rihanna. She replied:

“I don’t think they ever split up…So there.”

While Devine’s speculation shocked Cohen, I found it horrifying but not surprising. Many people don’t leave ...

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

I have to admit, I’m pretty much addicted to Bravo. I especially adore the adorbs Andy Cohen and his nightly talk show Watch What Happens Live. ...
By Opinioness of the World • 12 years ago

5 Domestic Violence Myths I Learned Still Exist From Watching ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

Even if you don’t watch trashy reality TV, you probably know socialite Taylor Armstrong, from Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH), survived domestic violence. Within the past couple weeks, RHOBH aired episodes involving an intervention with Taylor about her abusive marriage.

I cringe at the thought of people knowing I watch the Real Housewives. But sadly, I do. Call it feminist research. Or a guilty pleasure. Feminist media critic Jenn Pozner, in her groundbreaking book Reality Bites Back, argues the detriments of reality TV for its horrifically negative portrayal of women. Many of us might brush it off as a harmless indulgence. ...

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

Even if you don’t watch trashy reality TV, you probably know socialite Taylor Armstrong, from Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH), survived domestic violence. Within the past ...
By Opinioness of the World • 12 years ago

Why Feminist Reviews of Animated Children’s Films at ‘Bitch Flicks’ Matter

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

Media affects how we view gender roles and identity. Children learn gender performance through movies, books, and TV. So all this week, and last week too, my fave feminist film blog Bitch Flicks is featuring posts analyzing gender and female characters in animated children’s films.

Inspired by her niece’s birthday party, Bitch Flicks co-founder Steph Rogers wrote about gender roles in toys and media. Quoting Sherrie A. Inness, editor of Action Chicks: New Images of Tough Women in Popular Culture:

“The traditional gender roles that children are usually immersed in when young remain lurking in their psyches as they mature. Although a boy might not ...

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

Media affects how we view gender roles and identity. Children learn gender performance through movies, books, and TV. So all this week, and last week too, ...
By Opinioness of the World • 12 years ago

Curvy Women Are Real Too: How I Came to Embrace My Look and Eventually Love My Body

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

During my childhood, my mother and grandmother constantly dieted. Both women continuously struggled to either lose or maintain their “ideal” weight. Having a thin build, I never thought much about my own weight. I biked around my neighborhood every day and ate lots of fruits and vegetables. I was happy with my body. But just because I liked my physique, didn’t mean I liked my appearance.

I got teased, getting called “Casper” for my alabaster complexion as I could never tan. In junior high, acne blemished my skin. My hair was my nemesis; long, thick and unruly. I used chemicals, irons and products to burn and shellac it into submission. I spent ...

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

During my childhood, my mother and grandmother constantly dieted. Both women continuously struggled to either lose or maintain their “ideal” weight. Having a thin build, I never thought ...
By Opinioness of the World • 12 years ago

Groundbreaking PBS Documentary Series ‘Women, War and Peace’ Explores Women’s Role in Conflict

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

As crystallized in the coverage of the North African revolutions, journalists, media pundits and the public often forget women’s participation in conflict and security. When people discuss war, they often don’t take women or gender into account. Women become the forgotten collateral. Yet they consistently play a pivotal role. Women govern and lead their communities, serve in the military, become refugees, survive rape and assault, mourn lost loved ones, negotiate peace and protest for change.

Starting October 11th, PBS will air the groundbreaking 5-part series Women, War and Peace that asks the question: “What if we looked at war as though women ...

Originally published at The Opinioness of the World.

As crystallized in the coverage of the North African revolutions, journalists, media pundits and the public often forget women’s participation in conflict and security. ...

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