Self-objectification: Women’s bodies and the media

MS Magazine is an American feminist magazine that focuses on women’s rights and the feminist movement.   

The current issue ‘What’s the measure of a woman?’ looks at body image and this article ‘Out of body image’ by Caroline Heldman looks the issue of ‘Self-objectification’—seeing ourselves through others’ eyes, which has the effect of impairing women’s body image, mental health, motor skills and even their sex lives. 

Thank you to Andrea for this link

- Cat

Blogging as a feminist issue

Feministing has a link to the latest Scholar and Feminist Online, which is focusing on feminism and blogging this issue. See also the corresponding blog, which features a particularly interesting discussion on the issue of trolling in feminist online spaces.

Are blogs the consciousness-raising groups of the 21st century? Do you contribute to a feminist online community? What are your thoughts?

The new blog is here; the new website is pending!

You may have noticed that our website is down at the moment; we’re in the process of transferring to a new host (and a new URL – http://www.wsrc.org.au) and building a whole new site from scratch, so please bear with us while we spend the next week or two figuring out how to use Dreamweaver and cobbling something together for display.

In the meantime, here are some things to read:

Feminism 101 (link courtesy of The F Word’s blog). It is, as Jess points out, a bit US-centric, but it’s still a work in progress and could become a great resource. Constructive comments and suggestions are welcomed; just click on the comments link at the bottom of any post.

The next Carnival of Feminists is due out on the 21st, so now is a good time to catch up on the archives!

Larvatus Prodeo’s Feminism category – an Australian blog, regularly updated. Recent entries cover Santo Santoro’s anti-feminist spending habits and women and WorkChoices.

Feministing, an excellent US-based blog (not always work-safe).

A recent Guardian article on new measures in the UK to prosecute against domestic violence, which includes the disturbing statement that “[f]or [British] women under 44, [domestic violence] is the most common cause of death – above both cancer and road accidents.” (See also The Guardian’s Special Report on Gender Issues.)

Don’t forget that the WSRC is now open from 10.00am every weekday (until 5.00pm most days; 6.00pm on Thursdays), and that you can contact us any time on 08 8267 3633 (you can leave a message if we’re not there or are on another call) or at womenslibrarysa@wsrc.net.au.

- Danielle