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Misogyny; Women We Love or Hate

Women in Film

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

There are many wondrous women. Females are loved and lovely. The face of the "fairer sex" is photographed, fondled, treasured, and cherished. The being that brings life to us all is beloved and beautiful. I am a woman. As such, the idea of misogyny infuriates me.

I Am An Anorexic, Bulimic, A Person! ©

Once you label me, you negate me.
~ Soren Kierkegaard [Danish Philosopher]

An article in the New York Times grabbed my attention instantly.  It appeared in the health section.  The title, One Spoonful at a Time.  This writing was heartfelt. Author, Harriet Brown tells a gripping tale.  It took me to memories of my own struggle with anorexia and bulimia and how these affected my family.  In this exposé, the dilemma of how to treat the condition was thoroughly discussed.  I wish to share my response to this situation and story.  My personal experience of this is vast.  I hope my thoughts, realizations, and rejoinders on this topic will be helpful to those grappling with similar issues.  I trust that the effects of anorexia and bulimia are trials and tribulations for all those afflicted by these.

The subject of weight alone is a sensitive probing.  An individual need not starve, binge, or purge in wrestling with weight.  On the same day another New York Times essay loomed large entitled "Big People on Campus."  This commentary contemplated the plight of being "fat."  I was once that too.  Many may muse in this moment, all anorexics believe they are chubby, and while that may or may not be true, I actually was at times in my life.  My weight rarely was stable; nor was I when reflecting upon it.  However, my weight was never the issue; it was a distraction, a symptom of what was within. 

Co-Czar Cheney Claims American People Pose Threat To War Effort ©

The war in Iraq is not the problem; the American people are. Administrative policies are not to blame for the crisis in this war-torn nation. Our only dilemma is public opinion. These are the claims of Vice President Dick Cheney. Co-Czar Cheney stated his judgment strongly during his Sunday, September 10, 2006 interview on “Meet the Press” with Tim Russert.

This morning Cheney in a single hour continually reiterated his position. He posed, as he initially had on June 22, 2006, “The American people do not have the stomach for this fight.”

Income Inequity. The Real Reason the Rich Get Richer. ©

Income inequity has been in the news of late; disparity is increasing. Jared Bernstein, of the Economic Policy Institute, wrote of this in, “The Catch-Up Economy.” Paul Krugman, a writer-economist for the New York Times shared his views in “Left Behind Economics.” Economics Professor J. Bradford DeLong comments on the subject. However, it seems to me that the views of these learned economists are limited. While assessing the statistics, I think experts miss the substance, what lies behind simple “economic” causes and effects.

Cheney, “The Stomach for this Fight.”Oh Really? Reality is Perception. © [Third In A Series]

This is the third in a Be-Think series. I offer the quotes, and you decide. Is this reality or perception?

Today, Thursday, June 22, 2006, Cable News Network aired an interview with Vice President Richard B. Cheney. CNN's Chief National Correspondent, John King and the vitriolic Dick Cheney sat together and spoke of the Iraq war. They discussed the Senate Democrats proposal to withdraw the troops.

Mr. Cheney stated a pullout would be a huge mistake. An action such as this would signal the United States was not willing to stand its ground in the war on terror. He suggested America would look weak and meek. It is not the position a superpower should adopt. Cheney objects to what some call a cut-and-run policy. He believes, measures such as these would “embolden terrorists and leave the United States and its allies vulnerable to new attacks.”

All that is good and well. However, these words have been expressed before. They were as background noise for me. Then I heard it.

I Can’t Get No Satisfaction From Stuff, Or Can I? ©

Interestingly, the topic of ownership has been a frequent conversation in my life, recently. I moved and am working to create a home. We all live in dwellings, a house, a condominium, an apartment, a box, or even [the safety of] the streets. However, few feel their house is a home. I admittedly love a tame, gracious, and refined life. I live in my surroundings. I relate to each entity within my environment and because of this, the ambiance within the framework of my abode is important to me. Some see my work to secure serenity as a waste of time and money. I see it as survival; I am creating a world in which I can thrive.

BLAIR WOKE UP POST 9/11. THE WORLD WENT BACK TO SLEEP. ©

OH REALLY? REALITY IS PERCEPTION. © [THE SERIES CONTINUES]
I offer the quotes, and you decide. Is this reality or perception?

Stagnation is not possible for this series; stimulation is everywhere. The British and American governments offer much material. In this the era of “metamorphosis,” meanings are malleable, dictums are delicately posed. War is wonderful; it is a means for “spreading democracy,” freedom, and liberty. Forgive me, I digress.

I share this recent release; decide for yourself, and please, share your thoughts. Do these words present the truth or a shrewd discernment?

The stage is set. On Tuesday July 26, 2005, Prime Minister Tony Blair holds a press briefing. The healthy and glowing Blair appears. He is well prepared, looking the part. He always is and does. Please read this Daily Times report, Secret of Tony Blair’s healthy glow revealed and discover why this is. On this day, as on all others Mr. Blair plays a strong and solid leader; questions come, and rapidly, he retorts.

When BBC's James Landale requested a definitive answer, is there "any contributory factor" between Iraq and the London bombings, the British leader offered this . . .

"Whatever excuse these people use, I don't think we should give one inch to them. September 11 for me was a wake-up call; a lot of the world woke up for a short time, then turned over and went back to sleep again,” however, Blair continues.

"It's an obscenity to say it is concern for Iraq [that] drives these people to terrorism," he goes on. "We shouldn't allow them a vestige of an excuse."

Please express your thoughts. Do you believe Blair is attentive and aware? Did you awake, only for a moment after 9/11, and are you now asleep again? Is it ludicrous to think terrorist bombings are an outgrowth of the Bush/Blair/American/British invasion? Is this concept an excuse? Hmmm?

My thought . . . speaking of excuses, this pretext serves as one. Accuse the other of wrongdoing, present them as the enemy, as “evil,” and you can validate your own aggressions!

RUMSFELD REJECTS CALLS TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO. OH REALLY? REALITY IS PERCEPTION. © [SECOND IN A SERIES]

This is a second in a series. I offer the quotes, and you decide. Is this reality or perception?

RUMSFELD REJECTS CALLS TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO
On Tuesday, June 14, 2005, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and Representative Duncan Hunter, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke to the press. The two were addressing the issue of Guantanamo Bay Prison. In recent days, many have insisted this camp must be closed.

Representative Hunter [Republican, California] raised a plate of food. He asked reporters to assess the quality of these provisions for themselves. Hunter stated this serving is characteristic of the food detainees at Guantanamo receive. The entrée of lemon-baked fish and oven-fried chicken with rice was beautiful. Fruit and vegetables were also included.

Duncan offered these delicacies as evidence. Life for the interned is delightful; prisoners are being well cared for. Circumstances are good. Chairman Hunter declared, these items were "purchased for them [the prisoners] by American taxpayers.” He added claims of mistreatment are in error.

Representative Hunter continued, "They've [detainees have] never eaten better. They've never been treated better. We don't beat them. We don't touch them.” The latter portion of this statement contradicts numerous first-hand reports.

Rumsfeld inserted, "the military spends more per meal for detainees to meet their religious dietary requirements than it spends per rations for U.S. troops."

Please share your thoughts.

My own comment, “How wonderful we Americans are.” Oh, really?

OH REALLY? REALITY IS PERCEPTION. © [FIRST IN A SERIES]

This is a first in a series. I offer the quotes, and you decide. Is this reality or perception?

MAY 31, 2005. PRESIDENT BUSH: MEMORIAL DAY SPEECH
“At our National Cemetery, we're reminded why America has always been a reluctant warrior.”

My apologies, I cannot resist a moment of commentary. I ask, “Did we not choose to attack?” Oh yes, I recall; it was vengeance in the name of justice.

“Because of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, two terror regimes are gone forever, freedom is on the march, and America is more secure.”

Please share your thoughts. Mine are racing.

Another shares his memorial thoughts; he writes a beautiful tribute to a fallen soldier. Paradox presents homage to a person and to a principle. Please visit This is Our Country