Jon Gosselin: A Sexist, Immature Man, and Lackluster Father

By Brianna Savoca

After watching the Today Show's preview of the TLC "Kate: Her Story" special, I am blown away by Jon Gosselin's open sexism and stereotypical ideals.

The Today Show showed clips of a press conference held by Jon and celebrity Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. Rabbi Boteach, just as sexist as Jon, blames Jon's behavior on being cooped up inside of the home with Kate and the kids.

It's not the man's place to be in the house changing diapers for two years, where the wife is expected to be, says Jon.

Jon must be such a big, strong man he cannot even handle changing diapers? Sorry Jon, you did not get to get out of the house and work an nine-to-five job. You got PAID to stay home and spend precious moments with your children on camera. Man or woman, most parents would love a gig like that.

Jon prefers partying out on the town in Ed Hardy t-shirts like he's a college student these days.

Put simply, Kate cared, Jon didn't. Kate picks up the pieces, emotionally breaking down in interviews. Yet many critics blame Kate as the bossy "bitch" who ruined the marriage. Kate had to boss Jon around because the man doesn't have a backbone.

Grow up Jon. Be a man. Quit blaming women for your immaturity and lack of respect for a hard-working, dedicated woman and mother. Just because the woman is the head of the family doesn't mean the family needs to end.

Think You've Got All the MANswers?

Spike TV Show Perpetuates Sexism & the Objectification of Women

By Brianna Savoca

Presented in a scientific format, with supposedly credible research backing up the findings, the Spike Network TV show "MANswers" reveals the truth to life's, and therefore men's, most important questions.

Slightly intrigued and curious about what subject matter men care most about, I watched the show.

To my dismay, but not surprisingly, I saw women in lingerie and padded bras with oversized breasts pushed up to their chins, rolling around in a bed together. Visual imagery known to intrigue men and get their eyes glued to the set. Spike probably could not have put these women into more objectified positions if they tried, but the sexism gets even better.

Then the announcer asked, "Are women with fake boobs hornier than women with real boobs?"

After performing background research, "MANswers" figured out this answer. Click HERE for the video. And every man wants to know the answer to this one, according to the show.

**SPOILER ALERT**

The MANswer is: Women with fake boobs are hornier.

Why? According to "MANswers" research, surveys revealed women with fake boobs have sex more often post-surgery than women without fake boobs.

"MANswers" closed this highly informative piece with this conclusion: Get your woman a boob job. Then you can have more sex and enjoy her bigger, fake boobs.

Nice message. Looks like you've got all the answers, "MANswers."

At least Spike TV is the perfect example of sexism, misogyny, and patriarchy in America.

Rape is a "So-Called Crime" In a Male-Dominated Culture

Roman Polanski- A Rapist Getting Off the Hook?

By Brianna Savoca

On "The View," Whoopi Goldberg says movie director Roman Polanski's guilty rape plea is "not a rape-rape." Studio executive Harvey Weinstein says Polanski's rape case is a "so-called crime."

If you have not heard the story, Roman Polanski pleaded guilty to having sex with a 13-year-old girl in 32 years ago in Los Angeles. Before he was sentenced, Polanski fled to France.

According to many public figures and celebrities, Polanski should be handed a get out of jail free card. Reality check- Rape is NOT monopoly.

Rape is a serious crime against women. Polanski's punishment should not be shrugged off after 30 years, while he roamed freely around Europe. What kind of message are we sending- It is okay for a 44-year-old man to have sex with a 13-year-old girl?

He was a mature adult, over three times her age. He needs to be held responsible for his actions, regardless of his credits as a director or the tragedies in his past (many have sympathy for his murdered wife.) It is extremely unfortunate his wife was murdered, but he RAPED a 13-year-old.

However, American culture praises hyper-masculinity, and the justice system riddled with sexism, seems to carelessly undermine the seriousness and gravity of rape. Rape is a crime of power and domination, and it should not be taken lightly as there are victims who suffer harsh repercussions post-rape.

Hopefully Polanski enjoyed his 32-year-long European holiday. Did he remember to send postcards to his poor 13-year-old rape victim?

He probably forgot about her, just as the rest of the public figures supporting Polanski seem to have forgotten her too.

THE POWER OF PRETTY

Who has more power- the UGLY DUCKLING or the SWAN?

By Brianna Savoca

DAY ONE- THE UGLY DUCKLING

Getting ready for the day was very easy. I washed my face, put on my glasses, and got dressed in under 10 minutes.

I wore my hair natural, in loose waves, put on a plain black shirt, flip-flops, and grey shorts, and I left the house without a speck of make-up on my face.

My first stop of the day was Baker Center for coffee. A woman cut me in line, probably because I was dressed very inconspicuously. One of my classmates even walked past me without saying hello. I rarely wear my glasses, so I wondered if he did not recognize me.

The girl at the coffee counter was friendly in comparison to a group of sorority girls outside. I asked them about their fundraising

event, and one seemed annoyed and irritated with me for asking.

It was a very hot day out, and sweat caused my glasses to keep slipping down my nose. Personally, I felt dorky and self-conscious, so I opted to switch my glasses for sunglasses when I took my dog for a walk.

The dog brought me a little bit more attention, especially since she is a tiny maltese puppy. Two girls stopped to pet her, and a couple guys

asked about her breed.

Later on that night when I took the dog out, there was a tall, attractive man outside with a maltese too. When I asked about his dog, he immediately mentioned it belonged to his girlfriend’s family. Since he rapidly informed me he was attached, I had to wonder, did he not want an ugly duckling flirting with him?

DAY TWO- THE SWAN

It took about an hour longer to get ready today. Styling my hair and make-up took a lot of time and products. It’s expensive to be “pretty.”

I went back to Baker Center for coffee, meeting my boyfriend along the way. He immediately complimented me on my appearance, as I rarely wear dresses and heels to walk around campus.

The girl at the coffee counter politely took my order, and another guy complimented my dress, made my drink, and made small talk while I waited. Being overtly friendly, he told me to have a great day. With the extra attention and confidence boost, I couldn’t help but think today would be better than yesterday.

Drinking my frappucino on a couch on the first floor, I caught the guy across from me staring. To be honest, I definitely felt pretty. I never usually dress up unless it is a special occasion, so it was sort of empowering feeling attractive.

Men held the door open for me as I walked around town. Women complimented me on my dress and shoes. I noticed tables of men checking me out when I walked past. People definitely stared at me more.

When I got back to my apartment I took the dog out, and a group of men were loading an SUV in the parking lot next to the patch of grass where she goes. They all watched me, and as the car was pulling away, the guy in the passenger seat stuck his head out of the window and yelled, “You’re looking very hot!”

At this point, the attention got borderline obnoxious, so I stayed inside the rest of the night.

LOOKING BACK on my experience, there are positives and negatives for both days.

Obviously, an attention-hungry woman should wear high heels, a dress, and glamorous make-up. On the other hand, I cannot say you will be taken very seriously.

If a person wants to blend in with the crowd, it takes little effort. Being average takes little time or thought.

However, I lacked confidence. I noticed the way I carried myself was different. Since no one seemed to notice me, I was not my usual friendly self.

My ugly duckling day was simple and ordinary, and a little bit boring. In order to live an eventful life, isn’t it nice to get noticed on occasion?

I received plenty of looks on my swan day, but it took a lot of time and effort in preparation. Plus, it is extremely expensive to keep up on your appearance, considering the costs of massive amounts of make-up, hair products, clothing, jewelry, purses, shoes, etc.

Still, there was a sense of empowerment which came along with looking good. I felt strong and confident. It was certainly an ego-booster. But did I feel more like a person or an object?

WHO HAS MORE POWER?

Definitely the swan.

Let’s face it- we live in a looks-based culture where appearance matters. Parents teach their children good grooming habits. Men and women perform daily beauty rituals to look healthy and attractive. People spend billions on beauty products and cosmetic surgeries every year.

From a young age, children judge their peers based upon looks. The kid with wild, frizzy hair and glasses sits alone at recess because other kids think he looks “weird.” However, beauty queens and homecoming kings are often the most attractive and popular students in school.

People habitually choose their friends, dates, and significant other often with a heavy emphasis on appearance.

People who are deemed PRETTY and ATTRACTIVE by society will have more POWER.

IT'S THE POLITICS OF PRETTY.

Any social interaction where looks, attractiveness, and beauty play a role in decision making are examples of the politics of pretty.

People who are deemed pretty and attractive by society will have more power. This power will help them accumulate more resources over their lifetime. Based upon political science theory, pretty is a tool used to gain wealth, privelege, and higher social status.

Although it is a metaphor, the world is full of swans and ugly ducklings who interact with each other throughout their lives. These social interactions create a power structure which governs the way people treat one another. Oftentimes, the swans receive better treatment.

It might not be fair, but there are certainly benefits to being “pretty.” While people who emphasize appearance are often scorned and called superficial, there is no denying the power of pretty.