This morning as I exited my dorm I was confronted with the sight of a giant pile of garbage and a cubical construction entitled "The Wall of Oppression". I didn't have any time until just now to examine it closely, but it was plastered with random pictures and sayings that We* are apparently supposed to identify with. I barely paused to look closely at it, but there was a picture of "Big Brother is watching you" and somebody had cutely written, "But who is watching him?"
AAAAAAAAUUUUGGH!!!
So anyway, I immediately siezed the handy sharpie they had so nicely hung (ten bucks says it's gone tomorrow) and wrote, "I refuse to self-victimize. I blame myself for my problems, not The Man. The Man doesn't give a shit about me or anyone else. It's up to us to dig ourselves out of whatever pestilential hell-hole we were born into. There is no oppressor anywhere." i.e. I harped on what I always harp on. Of course, when I turn around, who is standing behind me but the most EXTREEEEEME feminist around, the one who is "transgendered" because apparently she wants to be part of the patriarchy or soemthing.
So much for lying low.
Not that my reputation was all that great anyway.
There is no oppression anywhere!
*We being white middle class college kids
Blaaaaaaaa!
when they question you further, tell them you refuse to be a communist dupe any further, possibly babbling on about lesbian nazi zionists and bhankers and whatnot. gets me out of the tight spots everytime.
Follow up:
I refuse to make any bones about my gender, my sexuality, or my station in life. I can't help what I was born with. Am I going to take advantage of as much as possible? Hell yes. Should I feel guilty because I was born into a family with more resources than others? Fuck no. Screw neoliberal guilt. Just because there's a System--and there's always a system where you have large amounts of humans--doesn't mean there is oppression. Sure, the best way to succeed is to work the System. So? Sorry, we really can't all just get along and do what we want to do and everything is easy and life is just peachy. Human relationships and human power structures don't work that way. As a reasonably attractive, intelligent middle class white female, I can work the system with relative ease. HOWEVER, if I chose not to, I'd be just as much a loser as any of those poor oppressed people (whoever the fuck they are) because I didn't work to get where I am and do what I want. To say that you're oppressed when you're going to Beloit College is utter hypocrisy. This college costs roughly $35,000 a year. No matter who is paying for it, somebody is. Either you were born with a silver spoon up your ass, or you got the government to help you out. Neither of these things is a sign of oppression; in fact, it's just the opposite.
"But what about the Gummint? What about the eroding of my rights and personal freedoms?" you say. I'll tell you what. As soon as you're AFRAID of your government, afraid to go outside, afraid to speak up, afraid to raise your head in case it gets caught in the crossfire, then you're living under an oppressive government. Communist China? Oppressive government. The fact that you can piss and moan about how oppressed you are should be a fucking huge wakeup call that you are not, in fact, oppressed. Hello?!
How does that quote go: "Intellectuals...Peacemongers...Liberals...IDIOTS!!!"
Something like that.
So shut the fuck up before I start oppressing you with my boot.
SOME PEOPLE JUST AREN'T HAPPY UNLESS THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT.
8)
Then god damn it, why can't they complain about the weather?
Quote from: Rabid Badger of GodThen god damn it, why can't they complain about the weather?
Maybe the big wind of the other day blew them away. Or maybe they just aren't paying attention, you can always complain about the weather.
Because the weather happens to everyone, so it doesn't make them feel special to complain about it.
ITA though. I mean, there's pointing out real oppression and trying to think of ways to deal with it, and then there's pointless bitching. Like the comment about peacemakers...ok. I sorta agree. While we do need to do something about the war machine and the deterioration of diplomacy around the world, yelling in the middle of the street's not gonna help. Nor is making elaborate banners and getting all your "anarchist" gear on to go a-marching. I'm not sure what DOES have to be done, I don't think there's any one solution, but the decisions that people make that affect neighborhoods and families around the world sure as hell AREN'T made by the people chanting in the streets.
Loved the follow-up, badger. Nice job.
It would indeed be amusing to start harassing the TG, askink hir why she wants to sell out to the patriarchy and leave her strong, earth-mother spirituality behind.
Quote from: Rabid Badger of GodFollow up:
I refuse to make any bones about my gender, my sexuality, or my station in life. I can't help what I was born with. Am I going to take advantage of as much as possible? Hell yes. Should I feel guilty because I was born into a family with more resources than others? Fuck no. Screw neoliberal guilt. Just because there's a System--and there's always a system where you have large amounts of humans--doesn't mean there is oppression. Sure, the best way to succeed is to work the System. So? Sorry, we really can't all just get along and do what we want to do and everything is easy and life is just peachy. Human relationships and human power structures don't work that way. As a reasonably attractive, intelligent middle class white female, I can work the system with relative ease. HOWEVER, if I chose not to, I'd be just as much a loser as any of those poor oppressed people (whoever the fuck they are) because I didn't work to get where I am and do what I want. To say that you're oppressed when you're going to Beloit College is utter hypocrisy. This college costs roughly $35,000 a year. No matter who is paying for it, somebody is. Either you were born with a silver spoon up your ass, or you got the government to help you out. Neither of these things is a sign of oppression; in fact, it's just the opposite.
"But what about the Gummint? What about the eroding of my rights and personal freedoms?" you say. I'll tell you what. As soon as you're AFRAID of your government, afraid to go outside, afraid to speak up, afraid to raise your head in case it gets caught in the crossfire, then you're living under an oppressive government. Communist China? Oppressive government. The fact that you can piss and moan about how oppressed you are should be a fucking huge wakeup call that you are not, in fact, oppressed. Hello?!
How does that quote go: "Intellectuals...Peacemongers...Liberals...IDIOTS!!!"
Something like that.
So shut the fuck up before I start oppressing you with my boot.
god dammit woman
you just stole my heart
or maybe they just turned up the heat in here
but
damn
wow
let me know if you need somebody to shine the boot
Why thank you. I'm rather proud of it, myself.
Synchronicity alert:
this (http://www.livejournal.com/community/gop_vs_dem/244553.html?#cutid1) just showed up on LJ.
Comments?
Quote from: eroticSynchronicity alert:
this (http://www.livejournal.com/community/gop_vs_dem/244553.html?#cutid1) just showed up on LJ.
Comments?
oddly enough, nomatter what job i am applying for, if a good looking young woman is applying for the same job, no matter her or myability to perform teh job tasks, she will get the job and i will not.
this is not unusual.
maybe it's reverse in jobs that require college education, but i doubt it.
in any case, teh list seems to focus on mass percetpitions, rather than citing case evidence or empirical data of any kind
Quote
1. My odds of being hired for a job, when competing against female applicants, are probably skewed in my favor. The more prestigious the job, the larger the odds are skewed.
2. I can be confident that my co-workers won't think I got my job because of my sex - even though that might be true.
3. If I am never promoted, it's not because of my sex.
I can tell you that the trend is not reversed for liquor vendors. Where I am from, the trend has been to give the liquor vendor jobs to 'hot chicks' because thats just the kind of image that liquor companies want people to associate with their product.
Now, I'm sure that there are a lot of jobs where the trend is not such, but it really depends.
Its the same with bartending, being an attractive young white woman is seen as an incentive to hiring.
Quote from: eighteen buddha strikeI can tell you that the trend is not reversed for liquor vendors. Where I am from, the trend has been to give the liquor vendor jobs to 'hot chicks' because thats just the kind of image that liquor companies want people to associate with their product.
This would be seen by most feminists as an extension of discrimination, i.e. women only getting jobs for teh sex and not for their awesome ability to drink a lot. Not saying that this is my opinion, just that it doesn't really disprove their point.
There are lots of jobs that women still have a hard time getting because of a perception of them being weaker or not as smart. This doesn't mean that it is impossible, and it also doesn't exclude them form having to work to get said jobs. I'm just saying that for every guy who gets turned down because he's not a sexy chick, there a girl who got turned down because she couldn't "handle" the job.
It goes both ways, and usually the people who bitch about women or men getting the job because they are X are the type of people in Badger's post. Not always, but usually.
Pretty much exactly the point that I wanted to make Hoshiko. When typcasting based on image is favored over actual qualifications for the job, it hurts everybody. In the case of liquor vendors, however, I might add that the tactic can sometimes actually work (being that as a whole, simple minded males are very receptive to the 'hot chicks' angle) however this does not phase out the importance of a quality product or even knowledgable representitives.
The last trade-show I actually made it to, it seemed as if the 'hot chicks' were working mostly for companies that sell mediocre vodkas. However, I will add that I thought the asian girl at the jagermeister stand was very attractive (but dignified.) Also a number of female representives at that show who obviously deserved their jobs. Its just that it seemed obvious that there were a few who got hired simply for their sex appeal.
Anyway, I have worked for people in the past that before even considering hiring a potential female applicant would ask the question 'is she hot'. The real problem is simply that people like this exist, and manage to find themselves in positions that afford them a little ( or in some cases ) a lot of authority.
Anyway, ignorance is out there, its just that it doesnt have a central organization.
Sorry, my bad. I need to go back and read for clarity. It's been a long day ;)
Quote from: eighteen buddha strike
Anyway, ignorance is out there, its just that it doesnt have a central organization.
What, you mean there is no vast male conspiracy trying to keep women down? You must be one of THEM. :shock:
Quote from: HoshikoSorry, my bad. I need to go back and read for clarity. It's been a long day ;)
Quote from: eighteen buddha strike
Anyway, ignorance is out there, its just that it doesnt have a central organization.
What, you mean there is no vast male conspiracy trying to keep women down? You must be one of THEM. :shock:
That depends on who is really a male conspirator and who is really conspiring with the women or who is conspiring to let the flu-ravaged birds get us all.
Okay, I'd just like to point out that discrimination, especially the unconscious type as described in that checklist, isn't the same thing as oppression.
What is your definition of oppression?
Oppression? Being actively persecuted by the government. For example, we can all vote, hold property, speak without fear of repurcussion, and are not preventing by law from doing anything merely because of race, class, gender, etc.
The closest thing we get to oppression round here is the constant attempts to legislate sexual practices. Those, however, tend not to stand up in the court of law or be enforced universally.
Quote from: Rabid Badger of GodOppression? Being actively persecuted by the government. For example, we can all vote,
Unless you are Black, and live in Florida.
Har, har. I did mean in the strictly legal sense. What people actually do is a bit different.
Quote from: eighteen buddha strikePretty much exactly the point that I wanted to make Hoshiko. When typcasting based on image is favored over actual qualifications for the job, it hurts everybody. In the case of liquor vendors, however, I might add that the tactic can sometimes actually work (being that as a whole, simple minded males are very receptive to the 'hot chicks' angle) however this does not phase out the importance of a quality product or even knowledgable representitives.
The last trade-show I actually made it to, it seemed as if the 'hot chicks' were working mostly for companies that sell mediocre vodkas. However, I will add that I thought the asian girl at the jagermeister stand was very attractive (but dignified.) Also a number of female representives at that show who obviously deserved their jobs. Its just that it seemed obvious that there were a few who got hired simply for their sex appeal.
Anyway, I have worked for people in the past that before even considering hiring a potential female applicant would ask the question 'is she hot'. The real problem is simply that people like this exist, and manage to find themselves in positions that afford them a little ( or in some cases ) a lot of authority.
Anyway, ignorance is out there, its just that it doesnt have a central organization.
Looking at it from both sides of the bar, an attractive woman attracts young men in, and convinces them to spend money. Now, it isn't difficult to train an intelligent person into a star member of the bar team, as long as they have a fairly outgoing personality, are at least semi intresting, and have some common sense. So, why would one hire an unattractive female, or a male, when they could boost profits with a nice pair of tits?
Who cares if it's fair, if it brings in more money? By definition, the looks make them a better bartender than a similarly skilled ugly person.
I'm not complaining one bit, well, I dont like it when idiots get by on their looks.. but I've seen a lot of bartenders of both sexes who are intelligent and happen to be very attractive, and on either side of the gender issue this is a bonus. I guess I just have a problem with stupid people, go figure.
As far as oppression goes, I have to disagree with the initial post here. Simply put, look at the ghettos of any major city of the united states. Sociologically speaking, the idea that anybody in this country can become rich as the result of hard work is just a myth. On average, once born into poverty it takes several generations of hard work to overcome. Its difficult for an inner city black youth to recieve a decent education, let alone rise above the poverty level. Sure, if they manage to make it through the hell that is inner city living, they can get a lot of govt. subsidies to go to college (you'll hear racists bitch about that one), but why is it that many dont even make it that far?
The increasing poverty levels in this country, over time. The erosion of the system of checks and balances in this country. The lowering of the standard of education for the common man. In general, just the erosion of a strong middle class to further seperate the rich minority from the poor majority. I really dont understand how a person could not recognize the signs of oppression here... maybe its been worse in other time/spaces in history... but to say that there is nothing going on behind the scenes, kind of ludicrious.
Anyway, its not a matter of bitching or passing the blame onto some sort of abstract entity. Its simply a matter of not being delusional, and being aware of the fact that well... there is an oppressor, but its not some white guy at a desk pushing a button, its an abstract entity (I dont know exactly how to communicate it, or the source of it, for I know it only by its symptoms and not its source)... and its not just anywhere, its everywhere.
(http://bbs.fuckedcompany.com/icons/mittens.gif)
there is something going on behind the scenes
but
its so sloppy that its beyond description
oppression deals with pressure
those who are oppressed have a lot of hate to shit but are not allowed to shit it
those who 'arent' oppressed shit their hate
but
at the same time they try to hold on to all their shit
and put pressure on themselves and everybody else in the process
the reason why the middle class is disappearing is because the balancing act between the two is impossible
you cant have people putting pressure on you
and
also people preventing you from releasing the pressure
the machine is breaking
dont doubt it
Quote from: LHX
those who are oppressed have a lot of hate to shit but are not allowed to shit it
those who 'arent' oppressed shit their hate
(http://img280.imageshack.us/img280/1082/indigo4ka.png) (http://imageshack.us)
yeah
we had that talk before
the meaning expands
because it is such a damn good term
Quote from: eighteen buddha strikeI'm not complaining one bit, well, I dont like it when idiots get by on their looks.. but I've seen a lot of bartenders of both sexes who are intelligent and happen to be very attractive, and on either side of the gender issue this is a bonus. I guess I just have a problem with stupid people, go figure.
As far as oppression goes, I have to disagree with the initial post here. Simply put, look at the ghettos of any major city of the united states. Sociologically speaking, the idea that anybody in this country can become rich as the result of hard work is just a myth. On average, once born into poverty it takes several generations of hard work to overcome. Its difficult for an inner city black youth to recieve a decent education, let alone rise above the poverty level. Sure, if they manage to make it through the hell that is inner city living, they can get a lot of govt. subsidies to go to college (you'll hear racists bitch about that one), but why is it that many dont even make it that far?
The increasing poverty levels in this country, over time. The erosion of the system of checks and balances in this country. The lowering of the standard of education for the common man. In general, just the erosion of a strong middle class to further seperate the rich minority from the poor majority. I really dont understand how a person could not recognize the signs of oppression here... maybe its been worse in other time/spaces in history... but to say that there is nothing going on behind the scenes, kind of ludicrious.
Anyway, its not a matter of bitching or passing the blame onto some sort of abstract entity. Its simply a matter of not being delusional, and being aware of the fact that well... there is an oppressor, but its not some white guy at a desk pushing a button, its an abstract entity (I dont know exactly how to communicate it, or the source of it, for I know it only by its symptoms and not its source)... and its not just anywhere, its everywhere.
I can't disagree with you there. I was indulging in a bit if hyperbole, mostly because I was irritated that a bunch of rich white kids were talking about how they're being oppressed. Hello?
Most definately.
I believe that our lack of boobs, at least in most males, IS a sign of oppression.
Quote from: Irreverend Death to Poultry, KSCI believe that our lack of boobs, at least in most males, IS a sign of oppression.
agree!
we dmenad equal representation! yeah!
Quote from: Rabid Badger of GodHar, har. I did mean in the strictly legal sense. What people actually do is a bit different.
RBG,
If the efforts of your labor are taken from you with no compensation, with the consent of the courts, and without your permission, would you call that oppression?
Huh?
Damn it, can't anyone tell that I'm talking out of my ass?
Quote from: Rabid Badger of GodHuh?
Damn it, can't anyone tell that I'm talking out of my ass?
MUST...NOT...MAKE...SUICIDAL...WISECRACK...
That's right, cause I got razorblades in the toes of me boots.
Quote from: Rabid Badger of GodOppression? Being actively persecuted by the government. For example, we can all vote, hold property, speak without fear of repurcussion, and are not preventing by law from doing anything merely because of race, class, gender, etc.
The closest thing we get to oppression round here is the constant attempts to legislate sexual practices. Those, however, tend not to stand up in the court of law or be enforced universally.
Then there is definitely oppression in places.
Quote from: Rabid Badger of GodThat's right, cause I got razorblades in the toes of me boots.
What? Are you Irish?
Quote from: Irreverend Death to Poultry, KSCI believe that our lack of boobs, at least in most males, IS a sign of oppression.
Who says all men don't have boobs. I have seen the man-boobs and I must say "barf."
Quote from: neongenesis816Quote from: Irreverend Death to Poultry, KSCI believe that our lack of boobs, at least in most males, IS a sign of oppression.
Who says all men don't have boobs. I have seen the man-boobs and I must say "barf."
I bolded the important part, for your clarification.
Quote from: eroticQuote from: neongenesis816Quote from: Irreverend Death to Poultry, KSCI believe that our lack of boobs, at least in most males, IS a sign of oppression.
Who says all men don't have boobs. I have seen the man-boobs and I must say "barf."
I bolded the important part, for your clarification.
Thank you for that. It is important to remain vigilant against stupidity.
Man boobs are known as gynecomastoids, btw.
some sources indicate man-boobs is from too much iodine in the diet
i will keep you posted if i hear anything more
(also dairy products)
Quote from: LHXsome sources indicate man-boobs is from too much iodine in the diet
i will keep you posted if i hear anything more
(also dairy products)
Iodine?
I never heard that one.
But steroids, definitely.
rafael palmeiro
I DON'T READ POSTS!!!!1
Quote from:  I DON'T READ POSTS!!!!1
WAYH?
I must or I will explode.
Quote from:  I must or I will explode.
Exploding....that could be pretty entertaining for all involved.
Except that you'd all be covered in feces with an extremely high hate content.
If I do yuo fuckers better tape it with a high speed camera.
(http://graphics.stanford.edu/~levoy/images/bullet-apple-s.jpg)
thats some fresh shit