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Hey everyone,

Miss America is on TLC right now, and I'm watching it out of curiousity and because I want something that won't distract me too much from GRE studying.

So, I don't know how I feel about this whole thing. Obviously we have some horrible things. We're creating an unrealistic physical expectation of women, along with the 'superwoman' expectation (must be a lawyer, ballerina, and beauty queen!). We've got a ridiculous amount of objectification, and seriously, don't forget how unrealistic their appearances are. To use some GRE words, the specious facade of attainment of perfection is a nefarious form of chicanry. I mean seriously, double-sided tape, butt glue for bathing suits, and hairspray all over your face in order to be pulchritudinous?

....anyway, on the other hand, these girls are encouraged to work hard for excellence in academics and talents, which I think is good. Also, the organization gives like 4.5 million in scholorships to women (cool), and encourages so much community service. I'm sure all these girls do a lot of great things for the world and inspire a lot of people.

But I can't ignore this objectification....bathing suit competition is airing right now (can you hear my eyes rolling?) complete with some rap music talking about bodies or something.

We've got some pretty bad things with some good things thrown in. What do you all think about this?

What could we do to combat this culturally prevelant idea that to be a good role model and do good in the world, you also have to work your ass off to look like Barbie?

Do you feel like wanting to look physically appealing affects you?
I mean, I like to look cute, and even sexy sometimes. For those of you who are facebook friends with me I'm sure you saw me dressed up as Lady Gaga: fishnets, leotard, and black eyeshadow. I've never really questioned the things I do with my appearance...but I feel like my penchant for MAC makeup, black flowy tops and Calvin Klein jeans can sometimes attract people to me who have different values in life than me, for sure. Does that mean I shouldn't play dress-up? I don't know.

Back to the studying....

EDIT: Miss Virginia won, so I'm sure you'll be hearing more about this than you usually would

Welcome back to a new semester of FIFE!

If you're here you've probably figured this out, but you may have noticed we have a new blog address. To explain, basically, UVa doesn't want us to use their name without being an official UVa sponsored organization. We're an independent CIO (like most UVa orgs) so we can do our own thing, but for that reason we can't use the University's name. Simple as that. Pass along the new address to your friends!

Here's to the start of another great semester of feminism at UVa!

To start it off right:

Apply to be on the executive board for Take Back The Night 2010!

Come to FIFE's first meeting of the semester: Tuesday, Jan. 26th 7:30 Newcomb Commonwealth Room!

Come with FIFE to Pro-Choice Lobby day on Feb. 11th in Richmond!

Help us publicize for FIFE every week!

Write for the Spring semester's 'zine!

So much more!