Short Film: This is What Sexism Feels Like...To a Man.

Parts of this post is inspired and an adapted excerpt from a Facebook conversation.

Short Film:  This is What Sexism Feels Like...To a Man.

Slightly confusing in the beginning as I tried to follow -likely because my perspective is accustomed to a male-biased paradigm-...but the message is all too clear.
Please watch...starts to really come together around 4:06

A friend posted a very valuable comment questioning the target audience and the intended message:

That was really intense. I'm a bit confused by the message, though. The underlying message I got was that the world is a scary, violent, and powerless place for women. I think that message is problematic because it perpetuates us as victims to male domination, where the only way to empowerment is with the support (permission) of men. Now, that raises the question: Can women as a group be empowered without the help/support of men? Perhaps men are the target audience for this film. One thing that I think is lost during this, is that there is real sexual violence against men and boys, and I feel that this video portrays that terrible reality as something that could only exist in a parallel universe. I would have liked to see a step towards a solution rather than a french version of law and order svu. I don't think it was your male-bias that got in the way in the beginning. I had to consciously flip the gender script in my mind while watching the first few min. It was confusing at first. 

The following is an adaption of my response:

 You bring up some very good points... I feel that the target audience is not necessarily male, but rather for those who currently exist within a very real cultural demographic...one that does not discriminate by sex or even gender identification. As an example, I know quite a few lovely and wonderful people, many of whom are female, while being very aware and against sexual violence, believe to some degree, that the important topic of sexism is hyped-up and drama-ridden. In many ways, their personal experience and perspective of the world has not provided them with (adequate) context. 
For such an audience, I feel that the video is great. 
I agree with you about the somewhat ambiguous message. I’m not so sure if the video’s aim is to directly address the topics of Rape Culture, Misogyny or Misandry. One of the least intense but not less important topics portrayed was the bias of currently dominant patriarchal society. The climax in the middle of the film sort of stole away the spot light...however, in many ways, when it comes down to it, the subject of the scene is arguably the ultimate means of control exercised by the violent dominating antagonist, and with the topic being sexism, primarily men terrorizing women. As I mentioned in the post description, it was at this point that everything clicked into place in my mind’s attempt to “flip the gender script”.
Personally, I feel that the world is as scary as it is beautiful and courageous. Women, girls, boys and men are all targets by precedence; perpetrated by those who are of a predator mind-set, whether it be deeply ingrained or subjectively situational. I also feel that the topic of Sexist Culture is a viable platform to begin from in regards to the fight against sexual violence and sex/gender disparity.

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As we finished, I found that we both agreed on the profound importance of the subject matter and how a discussion with a larger group was a great formula to gain valuable perspective and further insight. 


Such interaction is so beautiful. 
I admit hestitation.  To put myself in an environment where the dialectic process stands to be overrun by aimless debate, provides no desire in any of its forms.  However, I feel that my personal management of such an event is worth the adventure of failing or succeeding.
To feel satisfied emotionally, socially and intellectually is a joy I seldom participate in these days...and has it all been for the sake of avoiding drama?
Well...




if so, I must have needed the time off.

Pages Matam -Pinata (NPS 2013)

Distribution of Wealth in the US of A

Alleged Assasination attempt on US soil... US and Allies vs. Iran -Tensions are Building up

During an interview with Amy Goodman on Democracy Now, some crucial and important points are made by Toby Jones, (Assistant Professor of History, Rutgers University in Washington State) regarding the alleged conspiracy by Iran to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the United States. ...on U.S. soil.

1. Though Iran has been known to carry out assassination plots within and outside of its own turf as well as alleged conspiracies linking it to terrorist organizations. However, such an attempt, successful or not, would only serve to escalate the situation.

2. Iran is surrounded militarily by many of its opponents and would be at a severe disadvantage in a combat situation. It is hard to believe what could be gained by taking such "provocative" actions that would ultimately just invite overt counter action by the U.S. and its allies to their front door.

3. Just how would this serve Iran's best interests? With the current information available, it just doesn't seem strategically ideal, sound or even remotely viable to make such a move. Foolish actually. Here's a government that is well aware of the shaky ground that has become of their very foundation and existence. Two years ago, they experienced their own so-called Green Uprising, which many agree served as a rued awakening. They have and continue to be in the business of staying in business. The Iranian government does not strike me as idiotic, perhaps arrogant, cavalier and fearful of the Iranian citizens, but idiotic just does not fit. To Assassinate on U.S. soil would only 'seal the deal' and provide its enemies with all the ammo they need to justify attack.


Americans want their warriors to return home, not enter into another theatre of combat.
The Iranian people only want a their own rightful place as citizens of the world.
I don't believe the current Iranian government, a mostly isolated government, would take such foolish actions that would put it in harms way...

So what's really happening?

Too much information is missing and it seems that unseen interests are being played out.

On the 8th day of the 8th month of the...

UsaCycling announced the official
one year countdown for the 2008 Beijing, China Olympics. Hopefully for american cycling their new efforts and methods for qualifying for spots on the U.S. mountain bike team pay off and most of the drama of previous years can be avoided.

BMX is new to the games. NBC has a cool promo video introducing the "new-comer" to the rest of us, perhaps a very good thing being that cycling is still for the most part obscure and unknown here in the U.S of A.

It seems that not everyone is too thrilled of the XXIX Olympiad host.

Apparently the government of
China is still considered violators of Human Rights such as the situation with Tibet and the overall populace. Even the games itself is said to be used as a vehicle to commit further violations.

In another context, the Chinese athletes allowed to participate in the games, being born this lifetime as athletes in a supposed repressive and abusive country, will have the opportunity to compete and perform at the highest level of the highest degree of recognition, on their own home turf.

Culturally, generally speaking, this concept is a great honor, and has side-effects that may well serve as catalysts themselves for positive change, this lifetime or the next.

What a gift to be born.
And what a gift to be born human.

So in this case, it transcends any deviant, hidden agendas of any government, and remains the
sole pursuit of excellence, and ultimately divine evolution.

Let governments be governments.
Let activists be activists.
And let the athletes be athletes.