Is Anyone Still Out There?

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Hey Humdrummers. Just a quick note to explain the recent lack of posts.

Because of poor health, a new job and essentially a new life, I’ve had to take a blogging break. Once I get my shit sorted, I’ll be back – pulverising the patriarchy, ranting ’bout race, dissecting disability issues, moaning ’bout music…all society’s important alliterative issues.

In the meantime, why not check out my older posts? There’s the one with the most hits – A Response to Anita Sarkeesian: Mad Max is Definitely Feminist! And the one written by a masked contributor – A Day in the Life of a Student Mental Health Nurse. There’s also my most recent post – I Went to a Women’s Only, ‘Islamically Appropriate’ Party.

See you shortly.

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I Went to a Women’s Only, ‘Islamically Appropriate’ Water Party

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When I was little, Stoke-On-Trent’s Waterworld was the Best. Thing. Ever. As implied by its name, Waterworld is an 11 year-old’s dream. Rides, rapids and the UK’s first indoor rollercoaster? Tiny mind = blown.

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If the 11 year-old me had any foresight, I’d have been thrilled to know that in nine years , I’d be penning a Waterworld piece for my own blog. I’d have also been slightly confused, because this article isn’t The Definitive Ranking of Waterworld Rides. It’s my account of an after-hours, women only, Muslim-friendly water party.

I encountered said event via this piece of shoddy journalism. “UK Waterpark Bans Bikinis and Orders Visitors to Wear ‘Islamically Appropriate’ Clothes” the Daily Express headline screams.

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Wrong, on so many levels. On Waterworld’s site, there’s no mention of bikini banning, or the session affecting visitors during normal opening hours.  Was I surprised to see the Express (a notorious UKIP-backing tabloid ) sensationalising this event? No, but I was amazed by the ensuing shitstorm.

Torrents of complaints about “segregation” filled Facebook and Twitter.

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https://twitter.com/E_Piscator/status/609993212409839616

Additionally, the far-right English Defence League planned (and failed) to protest against the event, calling it “oppressive”.

Despite coming under intense fire, Waterworld’s defence was strong. Operators stated that they’ve previously held naturist, singles, and male-only nights, all of which have gone unopposed. Discrimination is a fickle mistress, isn’t it?

After a nine year hiatus, I travelled back to Waterworld to see if a) the complaints against “Sisters Only” night were justified b) as a newly “strong swimmer” I could finally take on the Space Bowl. You’ll be pleased to know that it was a successful night on both counts.

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Police surveillance in case of any trouble

“We feel we’ve been victimised for offering something that we feel there is a demand for”. A massive demand, Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry failed to mention. I pulled up to Waterworld alongside queues of cars, taxis, and pre-hired minibuses. Women and children spilled out of the vehicles, forming animated, disorderly lines outside of the building.

Once I finally got inside, I spotted a lone Muslim woman watching a little girl playing amongst the crowd. She told me that she’d come all the way from London for this rare event.  “I’ve got a little daughter who’s been desperate to do this. She’s always asking to go on holiday to Dubai and places like that, because you can do it there.” The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, had bought Waterworld tickets for her daughter’s Eid present. “We like to have fun like anyone else!” she declared cheerily.

“We” covered an astonishing range of women. Skin tones ranged from porcelain white to African black.  Some women queued with their heads uncovered, others wore burkas, hijabs and niqabs. Ages varied too: young children darted between throngs of teenagers and adults. It was a diverse group of women, yet every single one of them felt marginalised by mainstream UK water activities.

Rebecca, an attendee from Birmingham, offered her two cents. “It doesn’t have to be a faith thing. Some women are just not comfortable with their body being exposed to certain people, whether it’s for size or religious reasons.”

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Brilliantly named “Burkinis” for sale in the foyer

With Rebecca’s words in mind, I donned my one-piece and headed towards the water. There’s no denying, it was an odd sight. The windows were blacked out. All lifeguards and poolside restaurant staff were women. Mothers, daughters, grandmas and female friends splashed about in the absence of men. Initially, the whole experience felt off-kilter. It struck me that I’d never experienced a strictly “women’s only” public space before.

However, I soon realised that this “sister’s only” event was barely different to my previous Waterworld stints. There were the same amount of smiles and squeals. There were probably a few more stressy aunts on the Super Flume, but the point remains the same. These women enjoy their leisure time as much as the next person, yet feel prohibited from regular water activities. For two hours, Waterworld’s “sisters only” event provided a solution to that problem. Sulma, a local attendee, informed me that Waterworld had held nights like this before. “We do appreciate the fact that somebody’s organised something like this, for everybody”.

It’s hard to see how the event can be deemed “oppressive” and “segregating”, particularly by people who never got to ride the Space Bowl with a gang of diverse, liberated women. As someone that did, I can tell you that it kicked ass.  More importantly, it was proof that intersectional, women’s only spaces can be wonderful. Waterworld provided a comfortable space for those with spiritual/religious requirements, body image issues, past trauma and other oft-unnoticed issues.

Sulma articulated the “sisters only” ethos best. “It’s all faiths, all cultures, all religions…all women”.

What Minaj vs. Swift Taught Me: African-American Men Need Intersectional Activism Too!

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Unless you’ve rejected all forms of media this week, you’re probably aware of the Nicki Minaj vs. Taylor Swift ‘feud’. For those who need to catch up, here’s  Minaj vs. Swift explained through the Universal Language of Emoji:

Technically, it wasn’t a “feud”. It was a four-tweet exchange with little bitterness involved. It ended with an apology less than three days later. However, it was not the exchange itself that caused such drama. It was the scuffle’s social implications.

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Nicki Minaj accused the VMA’s Video of the Year award of celebrating women with slim bodies. Minaj frequently talks how white culture often appropriates black culture, makes it “popular” then snubs its originators. The appropriation of black culture has been been a hot media topic recently. Check out this Azealia Banks interview and Amandla Stenberg’s visual project.

So when Taylor Swift responded to Minaj’s comment like so, it was clear that she just didn’t get it.

“I’ve done nothing but love & support you. It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot..”

Swift failed to acknowledge intersectionality, the concept that almost everybody carries some form of privilege. Swift experience’s society’s ingrained sexism due to her gender. However, unlike Minaj, she doesn’t experience society’s ingrained sexism and racism.

Twitter, and more traditional media outlets, were quick to point this out:

The Minaj vs. Swift reaction has schooled hoards of people about intersectionality, which can only be a good thing. Despite this brilliant response, media (social and traditional) has overlooked an important issue. There’s been little published comment on how Swift silenced the plight of African-American men.

Unless you’ve rejected all forms of media forever, you’ll know that there have been several “high-profile cases of unarmed black men dying at the hands of the US police”. What’s Swift got to do about it? It’s all in her suggestion, “maybe one of the men took your slot…”

By implying that the male nominees stood a stronger chance than Minaj, a woman, did, Swift was dangerously simplistic. She creates two unrealistic, binary categories: dominant men and oppressed women. Intersectionality has taught us that this is an inaccurate portrayal of of wider society. It is also an incorrect breakdown of the VMA nominees. One of the men up for the award definitely doesn’t fit into the “dominant men” category. From his first mixtape to his critically acclaimed recent album, Kendrick Lamar has tirelessly rapped about his oppression as an African-American man. He spits about racial profiling, stereotyping and black-on-black crime. Lyrics like “you’re fuckin’ evil. I want you to recognize that I’m a proud monkey. You vandalize my perception but can’t take style from me…” have inspired countless thinkpieces, Twitter discussions, and academic studies of Lamar’s music.

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His VMA nominated video “Alright” visualises this struggle. Beautifully shot and edited, it features artistic shots of police brutality, black stereotypes and much more.  Alright confirms Lamar’s substantial lack of privilege. He may benefit from societies’s ingrained sexism, but as a black male he is more likely to be killed by the police than his white counterparts.

That doesn’t scream privilege to me. So why did intersectionality-aware Twitter commentators failed to point out Lamar’s lack of privilege to Swift? Swift’s dismissal of black women’s struggles caused an outrage, but her silencing of black men’s issues went largely unnoticed.

Both are examples of intersectionality. The deaths of black men have sparked as much Twitter debate as the cultural appropriation of black women.  Why the massive difference in reaction then? My suggestion is this:  the response to Swift’s comment was greatly informed by feminist intersectional theory. The term intersectionality was coined by Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989, and its textbook definition is

“The view that women experience oppression in varying configurations and in varying degrees of intensity. Cultural patterns of oppression are not only interrelated, but are bound together and influenced by the intersectional systems of society. Examples of this include race, gender, class, ability, and ethnicity.”

Naturally, intersectionality focuses on the plight of women. However, we have learnt that the prejudice faced by America’s black men is an intersectional issue too. Black men are profiled differently from black women, and many black men that are targeted by the US police are working-class.

It’s telling that Twitter hasn’t stepped up to influential pop. culture figure about this issue . Minaj vs. Swift has proven that Twitter’s intersectional feminism game is strong, but when it comes to discussing black men and their intersectional issues,  there’s a major case of Twitter tumbleweed. What I’ve learnt from Minaj vs. Swift is this: African-American men need intersectional activism too.

RECIPE: Rhubarb and Ginger Tea

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It’s rhubarb season, so I thought I’d post a rhubarb-themed recipe.

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In celebration of the brilliantly coloured vegetable/repressed fruit, try some Rhubarb and Ginger Tea. It’s slightly unusual, but I can vouch for its tastiness.

rhubarb and ginger tea

Ingredients (1 cup)

–  1 thick stalk of rhubarb

– 1 tbsp honey

– 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger

Method

1) Cut the rhubarb into tiny cubes.

2) Peel and cut the ginger into similar sized pieces

3) Place rhubarb, honey and ginger in a saucepan, pour in just enough water to cover the mixture

4) Boil on a low heat until the mixture is soft and mushy

5) Add 240ml of water to the saucepan, continue to boil for 5 minutes

6) Take sauce pan off the hob and slowly pour the liquid through a strainer/tightly-woven sieve

7) Pour into a cup, serve with biscuits and enjoy!

hot beverage

Glastonbury: A Feminist Festival?

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First published by the Huffington Post.

This year, Glastonbury had an 86% male line-up. To put this statistic in context, Download had 94%, Creamfields will have 97%, Latitude 81% and Wireless 80%.

Sadly, an 84% male line-up signifies a relatively progressive UK music festival. Glastonbury also hosted one of only three women topping the bill in the UK 2015 festival season. Even this is a tarnished accolade, Florence and the Machine were bumped up only to replace all-male rock band The Foo Fighters.

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I journeyed to Glastonbury 2015 with these unconvincing stats (and a hefty rucksack) on my back. A weary feminist in every sense, I didn’t expect any mind-blowing gender debate from Worthy Farm.

I spoke way too soon. After getting my hands on a programme, I immediately spotted a feminist discussion panel.  After a late Friday night, I hauled myself out of my tent. I skipped breakfast, chugged a coffee, and power walked to the Left Field tent, so pumped for Feminism Without Borders. It wasn’t Feminism Without Borders. I’d turned up on the wrong day. Luckily, the talk I’d gone to was similarly inspiring. Venceremos! The New Radical Movements had an impressive all-woman panel. Cat Boyd (Radical Independence Campaign), Pippa Goldfinger (Independents for Frome), Marina Prentoulis (Syriza), Sirio Canos (Podemos) explored the rise of grassroots political movements. I loved seeing these women eschew the sexism of mainstream politics, whilst shutting down lazy cries of ‘but they’re not interested!’

24 hours later, I was back at Left Field for Feminism Without Borders. The kick-ass panel consisted of Reni Eddo-Lodge (award winning journo), Shanice McBean (Black Dissidents), Sue Marsh (Disabilities Campaigner) and Zrinka Bralo (Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum).

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Feminism Without Borders Panel Discussion
Intersectional through and through,  the debate tackled Yarl’s Wood, racial discrimination, activism, gender fluidity, domestic violence and more. Feminism Without Borders was aptly named – it debated the best ways of including everyone in the movement. Inclusivity was key; the audience part-controlled. Half the time was dedicated to questions . Astute attendees of varying genders quizzed the panellists on pressing issues, such as single-issue feminism and the treatment of non-binary people.

It thoroughly enjoyed engaging in face-to-face feminist debate. I felt empowered, inspired, and determined to quit my armchair feminist lifestyle.

After a brain refresh at Left Field, I expected Shangri-La’s hedonistic ways to re-tarnish my mind. No such luck. This year, Glastonbury’s untamed mini-city hosted a “Shang Re-election”. Installations and arty posters yelled a massive fuck you to the Tories. Political musicians stormed the Hell Stage. Whilst winding my way through a hexagonal maze to find them, I spotted these:

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Protesters after my own heart, the women in the first picture assert ownership of three key stolen aspects of womanhood: sexuality, body image and political agency.

Alternatively, The winged vagina of the second picture irked me. Surely, by now we know that a vagina is not a symbol for womanhood? Still, this image speaks a thousand words. It tells of prevalent cissexism, but also (thankfully) a more empowering message. Gloria Steinem and Pamela Hughes’s power stance says it all: whatever the fight, an intersectional women’s movement is vital.

Alongside art and debate, Glastonbury’s women rocked via music. Punk professor Patti Smith empowered a  100,000-strong crowd (and the Dalai Lama) with her hit People Have The Power. Backed by an all male band, Indira Roman dedicated a salsa song to her female fans. “Don’t be afraid of saying no”, she advised us. Kate Tempest stormed the Park Stage with countercultural poetry. “Nothing you can buy will ever make you more whole/This whole fucking thing thrives on you feeling incomplete”. Previously the domain of pale males, rabble-rousing politics were owned by the Women of Worthy Farm. Saying that, “rabble-rousing” is a rather tame to describe my favourite Glastonbury feminists.

Pussy Riot pulled up in front of the Park Stage in a military truck, wrestled a ‘Russian soldier’ to the ground and bound him with tape.  They were then joined by Charlotte Church, who chatted to them on top of the truck. In their discussion, Tolokonnikova and Alyokhina stated 10 Pussy Riot principles, including “stay queer” and “think different, think feminist”.

I left Glastonbury with these rules and some much needed femspiration. The festival highlighted overlooked issues and the need for powerful activism. Feminism shone, despite very few women actually being booked. Glasto’s chief booker Emily Eavis insists that the line-up issue lies with the media, record companies, and radio.  “The question of why there are so few women needs to be asked further back than us”. Whether you agree with her or not, gender issues were inescapable at Glastonbury 2015. With such awareness of intersectional feminism, I predict a lot more women on next year’s line-up.

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If UK’s line-up problem doesn’t significantly improve, perhaps we should take lessons from Patti Smith, Indira Roman, Kate Tempest, Feminism Without Borders, Venceremos, and finally, Pussy Riot:

“Every change begins with a riot”

DIY: Sex and the City Photo Frame

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All Sex and the City buffs know that Carrie Bradshaw is the Queen of Questionable Statements.

 “I’m not even sure bisexuality exists. I think it’s just a layover on the way to Gay Town.”

Yes, really. Somehow, she also gave us some astute, heart-warming lessons about love, friendship and sex.

‘The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that’s just fabulous.’

Not bad, right? My best friend introduced me to that one. It was her 21st earlier this month, so I thought I’d return the favour and make her this:
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It took me half an hour max. to make’, and didn’t cost me too much. Treat yourself, or a SATC-loving pal, by making one at home.
Things  you need:
  1. A Medium-sized photo frame
  2. a tub of Multi-coloured glitter
  3. Scissors
  4. Glue
  5. 2 pieces of patterned wrapping paper
  6. Self-adhesive lettering (2 packs, you’ll need 2 E’s)
  7. A cut-out of Carrie’s face
  8. White/black card

sex and the city framecarrie bradshaw images

Customisation is key. Mix your own glitter for the perfect hue. Wrapping paper can be polka-dotted, floral, paisley – whatever takes your fancy. I chose a decorative frame, but a classic style works just as nicely. If you want to go all out, I recently spotted some snazzy heart-shaped frames online.

Method:

  1. Remove  the frame’s inner sheet and use it to cut wrapping paper #1 to size.
  2. Measure the height of your newly cut wrapping paper, and divide it by four.
  3. Cut wrapping paper #2 and the piece of card to this height.
  4. Then cut both to the total width of wrapping paper #1.
  5. Spread a light layer of glue onto the card, then dip it into a tub of glitter.
  6. Wait for it to dry. Shake off the excess glitter.
  7. Glue wrapping paper #2 and the glittery card onto wrapping paper #1 (in the format of  the above pic).
  8. In your jazziest writing, pen ‘and’ onto a small slip of paper.
  9. Stick this, the lettering and Carrie’s tiny face onto the sheet.
  10. When it’s dry and you’re happy, pop it into the photo frame.
  11. Done!

FRIDAY’S THEME: Jenny Hval

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This week’s song is from Apocalypse, Girl. Jenny Hval’s fifth  album dropped last week, and it’s interesting, to say the least. The Battle is Over captivated me the most. It’s a clever, much-needed retort to cries of “but women are so much better off now!”

“Statistics and newspapers tell me I am unhappy and dying/ That I need man and child to fulfill me/ That I’m more likely to get breast cancer/ And it’s biology/ It’s my own fault.” 

Strong contender for Wedaeli’s Feminist Lyric of the Year award.

RECIPE: Wagamama-Style Coconut and Seafood Broth

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I went to Wagamama, with my mama. It was my first time (I know, I know) and just like my hounding friends predicted, I was very impressed.

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Although I loved my meal, I spent a lot of time leaning over the table, picking at my mum’s order. She had chosen the coconut and seafood broth. It was refreshing, yet oddly filling; simple, but extremely tasty. I attempted to rehash this magical combo at home.

Behold:  a poor woman’s Wagamamas:

Ingredients (feeds 4):

– 1 can coconut milk

– 2 fillets cod, diced

– 3 spring onions

– 250g prawns

– 150g mangetout peas

– 25og egg noodles

– salt and pepper

– 2 cloves garlic, crushed

– 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated

– 1 red chilli, sliced thinly

– olive oil

– salt, pepper, mixed herbs, Chinese five spice

Method:

1. Cook noodles following the pack instructions

2. . Fry the garlic, ginger, chilies and peas with a splash of olive oil.

3. Add the coconut milk, 500ml water and a tablespoon of olive oil

4. Add the prawns and cod pieces

5. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a generous teaspoon of Chinese five spice, and another of mixed herbs

6. Cook on a low heat for 20 minutes

7. Divide the noodles between 4 bowls. Spoon over the broth, ensuring that the fish and veg are divided evenly.

Result:

coconut and seafood broth

My (American) Dream Road Trip

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Three years of studying American Literature has taught me several things. One being this: the ‘Great American Road Trip’ we fantasise about is pretty much mythology. Strip away the glamour and adventure that books, music and film have instilled, and you’re looking at long, straight road. That’s right – Route-44 ain’t nothing but a souped up M6.

Three years of studying American Lit. has also made me a sucker said mythology. After reading On the Road, I pictured myself sitting in Sal’s passenger seat , soaking up glorious Americana with a personal  Charlie Parker soundtrack. I’ve also pictured playing Dylan’s Highway 61 WHILST ON HIGHWAY 61 (#meta). The point is this: freedom as an open road may just be American fantasy, but that fantasy is beautiful in itself (#meta).

My ultimate travel goal is to explore that fantasy, and travel coast to coast. According to Google, Route 20 is  the best way to do this. It’s the longest road in America, so I’d get the maximum amount of Harley Davidson sightings , Dunkin’ Donut stops and ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ repeats. Here some major landmarks I’dlike to visit on the way:

–          Old North Church, Boston

Old North is Boston’s oldest church and most frequented historical site. Quite rightly so. The churches tower famously displayed the lanterns signalling the advance of British troops during the American Revolution.

–          The Harriet Tubman Home, Auburn

Known as ‘The Moses of Her People’, Harriet Tubman forged alliances between whites and blacks during a dark time for American Civil Rights. Fifty years before King’s ‘I had a dream’ speech, Tubman was an inspiring as an abolitionist and humanitarian. A crucial piece of history, Harriet Tubman’s former house is a must visit.

–          Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Dedicated to archiving some of the most influential producers, engineers and artists, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is right up my street. Seven levels high, the museum displays a vast range of exhibits, from gospel to bluegrass and Memphis to Liverpool.

–          Carhenge, Alliance

A replica of Stonehenge, except made of…cars. An apt stop for for my roadtrip, Carhenge consists od vintage automobiles painted grey. Why? In 1987 American Jim Reinders studied the structure of Stonehenge whilst in England, and decided to replicate it in memory of his father.

–          Mo’s Restaurants, Newport

This list wouldn’t be worth its salt without the mention of food. Described as ‘the stuff of legend in Newport’, Mohava Niemi’s restaurants are known for their exquisite clam chowder.  Primarily serving seafood, Mo’s would be the perfect pit stop.

Fancy embarking on a roadtrip like this? Take a look at AgeUK’s safety trips for long distance road trips. Plan ahead, set off rested, and have a brilliant time!

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