When I was first introduced to the desirable Christian Grey, I admittedly was taken with the character’s ‘smoky gray eyes’ and ‘rich boy’ mystique but by the end of chapter one, I was already irritated with my protagonist’s self-deprecating diatribe and constant reference to her battling subconscious or rather, her ‘inner goddess.’ By chapter two,…
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It seems about time that a column was dedicated entirely to pointing out the sexist undertones (and overtones) in our nation’s media. Whether in newspapers, on television, on the radio, in music, film, literature, art, whatever; misogyny runs rife. It’s there and someone needs to point their middle finger up at it in a far-fetched…
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Once the novelty of university wears off – the parties (if you went to them), the incredible classes you couldn’t take in high school (if you went to those), and the first taste of freedom– you start to realise your days as a student are numbered. When those good feelings disappear, replaced by the sudden…
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Discrimination against women based on appearance is rife in our universities. This harassment is allowed to grow unchecked online, and the combination of the two denies women a space to feel safe and comfortable in their bodies. A saga has unfolded online through late July and early August that shows the extent of sexism in…
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Pussy Riot Punished by God We’ve previously covered some of the protests and the subsequent imprisonment of Russian feminist punk rock band, Pussy Riot. It now seems likely that Pussy Riot may be the undoing of Putin, or will at least be a memorable aspect of his rule. They currently face up to seven years’…
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It seems everyone’s going vegetarian or vegan these days – your best friend, your mother, your mother’s chickens… (Don’t ask.) I used to think that vegetarians/vegans were all animal lovers, but lately I’ve learned it can also be a dietary choice. It can even make your eggs taste better, if you happen to be a…
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I was recently asked to speak in a podcast about the book Fifty Shades of Grey and, more generally, porn for women. The specific podcast can be found here: http://www.psycho-babble.net/archives/356 The main things to keep in mind about the book and the brouhaha surrounding it: 1. Take the sexual activity and ‘BDSM contracts’ out of…
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The year is 1991: combat boots stomp along the sidewalk, the smell of freshly-Xeroxed punk zines permeates the air, and Kathleen Hanna rules supreme. You may be Le Tigre’s biggest fan; you may have Hanna’s face plastered all over your wall and may be able to recite the words to ‘Suck My Left One’ backwards….
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MRS HIGGINS: But you mustn’t. I’m serious, Henry. You offend all my friends: they stop coming whenever they meet you. HIGGINS: Nonsense! I know I have no small talk; but people don’t mind. MRS HIGGINS: Oh! Don’t they? Small talk indeed! What about your large talk? Really, dear, you mustn’t stay. – ‘Pygmalion’ Act III…
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With Pitbull taking girls back to his Hotel Room, and Katy Perry frolicking about with milkshake breasts that spray whipped cream, it’s not surprising that Generation Y has been labelled ‘promiscuous’ or that virgins are classified as a dying breed. Gen Y, however, isn’t losing its innocence as fast as society seems to believe… The…
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Hanging out on Facebook the other night, I came across a new community page that nine of my friends (and 40,000 other people) had recently Liked – the ‘Box Gap’ community page. ‘What’s a box gap?’ I asked my boyfriend’s housemates. One laughed. ‘Don’t worry, you probably have one,’ he said. Well, it turns out…
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Where do we draw the line when it comes to social media? In the past few years, I don’t think I’ve ever come across a person under the age of 30 who doesn’t have at least one social media account. Tales of these bizarre creatures seem to circulate amongst my friends in hushed voices: ‘…and…
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Name: Sam van Zweden Age: 25 Occupation: Writer, student, book seller How would you describe yourself and your life? I’m an honest person, and I am by turns shy and outgoing, both in extremes. My life is, above everything else, creative and moving. I always prioritise making and consuming creative things (usually wordy creative things),…
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My best friend is in love with an American. Not one of those convenient ones with an Australian working holiday visa or permanent residency; one of the difficult ones that threatens to take her far away from me. Miranda met Steve while he was living in Australia. Naturally, she met him just before he left…
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