feminist news round-up 6.11.15

Jessica Mauboy backed out of singing national anthem due to panic attack
Australian singer Jessica Mauboy has broken her silence on why she backed out of singing the national anthem at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday at the last minute. She revealed that she had panic attack moments before the performance as a result of an argument between her management and the Victoria Racing Club. The VRC claimed that her shoes had contravened the VRC’s strict sponsor policy with Myer.

new online campaign calls for equal media coverage for sportswomen
A new online campaign, #CoverTheAthlete, has been launched, criticising inappropriate interview questions based upon sportswomen’s physical appearance and sexist commentary. #CoverTheAthlete demands equal media coverage for sportswomen, and coverage that focuses upon her performance rather than her appearance.

study suggests that being aggressive raises testosterone levels in both men and women
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that the simple act of behaving aggressively can elevate levels of testosterone in both men and women. The experiment involved a group of actors performing as an unfair boss firing an employee, and then being given a saliva test to analyse their testosterone levels. Leading psychologist in the study Sari van Anders suggested that this may mean that adult men have more testosterone as they live in a culture that encourages aggression and competitiveness.

Aung San Suu Kyi vows to be ‘above the president’ if her party wins Myanmar election
Despite currently being banned from running for the presidency due to having ‘foreign-born offspring’, Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has promised that she will run the government if her party wins the election this weekend. In Myanmar, the army has ruled for decades, with Ms Suu Kyi having been a leader in the fight for democracy.

Disney hints that it will retire ‘Slave Leia’ merchandise
After decades of controversy, Disney is now considering phasing out all ‘Slave Leia’ merchandise from its Star Wars range. Since the release of Return of the Jedi in 1983, the metal bikini worn by Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) in the film has been criticised by feminists and fans of the Star Wars series alike as exploitative and objectifying. In particular, the company has drawn ire as the model was the only female figurine in the series of toys for a number of years.