Clarifications and That Damn Dworkin Quote

Amy said the following in the Comments of this post:

"I'm a radical leaning feminist. I, so far, haven't done much in the way of activism - am, I guess, technically still a baby feminist, but I do have plans. This post was a real kick up the arse to me, to actually stop mulling things over in my mind, and actually get off my arse and do things. I can't say that I was thrilled by the anti radfem tone, but I can see why you would be angry, and hey... I'm not saying you should sugarcoat it or anything like that ... What I'm saying is, like I mentioned right there, I'm a rad-leaning feminist...but I don't feel like I should be painted with the same brush you dubbed other feminists. I'm not perfect - as a person (who is) or a feminist (no such thing as the perfect feminist). I don't get involved in any blog wars between different perspectives of feminism, as far as I'm aware.

But yeah. That story about that woman, it just, well, it really got me. I mean, that's what feminism is about. I mean, I know I'm guilty of talking about leg shaving and make-up - and I do have my reasons for doing so - and haven't really discussed DV (lack of knowledge mainly and failure to articulate such a subject like it deserves to be articulated). I don't believe the FBH, make up etc blogging makes me a bad feminist...but, honestly, I feel heartily ashamed that I haven't discussed, blogged about DV. That's what makes me a not so good feminist (if there's not the 'perfect' feminist, there can't be a 'bad' feminist). At the end of the day, thanks for this post - it really gave me a kick up the arse (I need 'em sometimes), and has already had an impact on me."

To which I replied: " Amy: you know, your comment was a kick in my arse. I forget at times, that there are plenty of radical/feminists, blogging or otherwise, who absolutely do not deserve to be on the receiving end of that angry spew of hatred. I'm sorry about that, Amy.

And, gracious, you are NOT a 'bad feminist' for 'the FBH, make up etc blogging.' In fact, that's what started my whole rejection of radical feminism to begin with: this notion of real/radical feminist v. fake/"fun" feminism a year or so back. (Frankly, if I never see that damn, snobby "I'm a radical feminist, not the fun kind" Dworkin quote again, it would be a good thing. A post on that, perhaps.)

For the longest time with these blog wars, I tried to be neutral, held back my acid anger side. There have been just too many "last straws" lately. I'm angrier than I've ever been with some of these fools claiming to be feminists. But like Sassy said[in comments], regarding these 'feminists' who make me so angry: 'I think it's important to keep in mind that they are the minority in the movement... it just so happens that they are a very vocal minority.'

I rather tossed that out the window yesterday with all that angry posting. And I really shouldn't. Before Walrus hits me over the head with a pair of iron testicles and says 'Dammit, Kim -- don't apologize for yourself -- GROW SOME OF THESE!' let me say I am not retracting my words towards this select, vocal, hateful group. Also, to my credit, I did say in these comments 'Bear in mind, real, sane, non-hiding being the Internet radical feminist do NOT fall into this category [of my spewing hatred.]' Which to clarify, nothing wrong with BLOGGING, per say. By 'hiding behind the Internet,' I mean those folks who either post and/or blog largely Anonymously (with respect to certain privacy precautions we all should take) who suddenly turn Big Asshole because of the protection of the Internet.

Anyhow, thanks right back at ya for the kick in arse, Amy. I needed a reminder that to lumping folks into one category is stupid, even IF if the name of 'venting' as I did here."

Also, as my own ass was getting a little too sanctimonious for it's own good, I also said at Belle's place under This post: "... back in my rad fem blogging days, I believed strongly blogging/the Internet was indeed an exciting, relatively new tool for activism, feminism, etc. I still feel that way [to a degree] ... I love a good, funny, rambling blog or mulling, thoughtful, informative post or what have you ... I love writing. I can understand the enjoyment of spending hours on a post. But when some of these posts work only to further give feminists a bad name (slut-hating zealots, for example), then maybe it's time to step away from the blog and start getting your fingernails dirty, you know. Or something."

On that Dworkin quote, which is again: "I'm a radical feminist, not the fun kind."

I see this damn quote over and over at radical blogs, often proudly posted in blog headers.

I believe this quote should be permanently retired.

Think about this, those of you who are genuine about your feminism: it's not a statement I feel should be bandied around if you are truly concerned with issues that surround all women. This statement is separatist. It divides women/feminists like no other quote I know. It creates an Us and Them among feminists -- which, until fairly recent words and behaviors of some bloggers, I would have thought no feminist would desire.
For all my anger, I will never, ever believe this dividing and choosing sides does jack-shit for feminism. I get tired of pussyfootin' around certain bloggers and lately, a few need to be called out on their philosophies and behavior, hence, angry rants from yours truly. But even still: if any of these women with whom I have beefs were genuine about burying hatchets and forming truces, I'd be the first one at the Truce Table, all smiles and "I'm ready to listen."

To label a feminist as "the fun kind" is just so damn insulting. I guess a "fun feminist" is one who does any of the following:

-- wears makeup, shaves, wears heels or follows any other trends of stereotypical "femininity"
-- does not clearly oppose sex work such as pornography, stripping, prostitution, etc.
-- does not have a few extra pounds of Fuck Your Thin Ideal on her
-- is married
-- has "bred"
-- is heterosexual
-- is transsexual
-- does not agree verbatim with the Scum Manifesto
-- is Christian (is Buddhist okay? Muslim? Agnostic? Or does one have to be pagan or atheist to be a "serious" feminist?)

I'm sure I'm leaving something out.

Any time I see a feminist site bandying around this quote proudly in its header, their "feminist creds" goes flying out the ass-window for me.

Or forget "feminism" all together: their I Would Like to Hang Out With This Person Factor is greatly reduced.

I have no problem with the first part of the quote, "I'm a radical feminist." If that's your bag, great. Own it, go ahead and be proud of it. But the latter part, "not the fun kind" is just a big red flag that you

1. have clear disdain for those Other Feminists/women
2. are interested in separating "good" women like you from "bad" women like me.

I'm sorry, gals, but that just ain't feminist.
You can fill your bandwagon with Dworkin-quoting feminists from here to kingdom come, but it ain't never going to be feminist.
Wake up, ey?

Additionally, Andrea Dworkin, in my opinion, had some great ideas and some not-so-great ideas. In any case, perhaps she earned the right to make such a statement, popular figure of public scrutiny and attack as she was. If Ms. Dworkin were here to observe these blogwars between feminists, perhaps she'd have a thing or two to say about it herself. (And maybe not -- her call for the execution of Suzie Bright alone clearly demonstrated her feelings towards certain women.)

But at least she got plenty of shit and *took it. I can respect her for being true to herself, if nothing else. But Dworkin's possible earned stripes aside, I still hate this quote and still feel it is profoundly against the interests of feminism.

What say you?

*I understand the "radical" in "radical feminism" refers to the first definition listed in the dictionary: "of or going to the root or origin; fundamental." The second definition of radical is: " thoroughgoing or extreme, esp. as regards change from accepted or traditional forms."

While the word "extreme" can have negative, fanatical connotations, the rest of that definition kicks ass. Who wouldn't, among us self-identified underdog, ranting types, want to be associated with fighting for "change from accepted or traditional forms?" Indeed, how many us have been doing this, is a sense, virtually since birth?

If you're going to own the word "radical," for God's sake, act like a radical. I hear "radical" in the second definition and I think: strong, tough; something I perhaps would want to claim for myself. Ideally, for me, a radical would also be strong of mind and in search of allies -- not for reasons to divide the potential troops.

I don't think of soft, lazy in mind and body, coddled and spoon fed activism in the word radical.

I also don't hear "victim" in this word. Most of all, I don't hear "Oh my goodness, someone spoke ill of my movement! I'll not have it!" in this strong, kick-ass word.

It was that part of "radical" that made me proud to call myself a radical feminist back in the day.

It is that part of me that still respects radical feminism done right.

Which isn't to say one can't act radical in heels and eyeliner either.

On Volunteers

A pseudo-anonymous Commenter by the name of Arrogantworm in THIS post brought up the idea of creating a volunteer base to provide rides to low-income folks as bus schedules do not always meet transportation needs. Because it's a decent suggestion and because I think it's great that folks are at least talking about the needs of low- income folks, I reply to Aworm here.
Also, there is a great need for public education on issues surrounding homelessness.
Therefore, I milk this space for all it's worth. BONUS: it's free!

I'm on a few Super Secret Committees (to protect my full identity, can't name them) and this notion of getting folks to volunteer to provide rides to low-income folks has been suggested at these meetings.

A coordinated volunteer base of drivers could work -- but not in an unplanned, ER case. Certainly not for getting to work: relying on volunteers here is way too risky. And forming these volunteer bases/recruiting volunteers is honestly, MORE WORK for us already overworked and underpaid social workers -- only so many hours in a day.

Recruiting, coordinating and managing volunteers is often a full-time job (right, Walrus?) My contract is set at 32-hours per week and I am not ashamed to say some weeks I take a few liberties with those hours. Last week, for example, I had a day so intense due to the particular needs and actions of three households, I nearly ran out of my office, driving straight home to the haven of my home and cats. Some deep breathing, comforting self-talk, AnnaZu therapy and an *orgasm followed by a nap took care of the stress. Let me tell you, all of that was as necessary to my continuing to do my job well as sleep or food or any "training." I felt no guilt about knocking off a bit early that day and indeed would say the same to my supervisor, if asked.

Plus, have I mentioned I'm WAY underpaid and that I am indeed no saint? My mortgage just went up by $500 per month, my insurance payment has doubled, gas costs are up, etc. etc. etc. fucking etc. My paycheck has increased by 45 CENTS in the last two and a half years, from an already meager hourly wage. Nice, sure, if I could let all that roll off my back, nicer still if this job was merely Mad Money to supplement my husband income -- but it ain't.

(No ill reflection on The MoonMan meant. He works his ass off and hasn't had a vacation in something like 4 or 5 years.)

But during a week where I am working the full 32, my job is always first and foremost to be there for my clients. Even if I had the time to take on the job of managing/recruiting volunteers, what good am I if I'm perpetually in meetings or on the phone with other agencies or folks in the community? Which is not to say folks who do this sort of work aren't 100% necessary. Just, that ain't the job description in my contract or more importantly, the job description I have given myself.

Back to the suggestion. The volunteer ride base might work with the DV population as most folks have sympathy for this group (natch, they would not be permitted to go to the secret location of the shelter, but then there are meeting places, so I could work. As long as the woman doesn't have too much to carry back to the shelter from the meeting place.)

I don't know how well it would work with my other group, the plain old homeless/non-DV group because society has Ideas about The Homeless.

For example, my prior employers tried to talk me out of accepting my current position, because "Those People are dirty and have scabies and lice, etc." Society also have notions about Welfare Mothers who Live in the Projects. You know "All those women too lazy to work, popping out brats to get more money.

Right. $700-800/month to support you and your four kids is easy street, right?
Look out Donald Trump!

Everyone wants to help the poor (working) mother, who is properly grateful and trying to get ahead. What about the women who swear constantly, or have sudden attacks of crying, or panic attacks -- or who just aren't Trying Hard Enough or not Grateful Enough?

What about the women who were/could be still, on the sly, prostitutes!
What about the woman who needs transportation to the methadone clinic!

Oh.
We didn't expect this.

Forget completely finding those to provide rides to the mentally ill (but non-violent), sometimes substance-abusing MALE.
He's too scary!
He might rape you -- or steal your car!

But still: I think the ride volunteer notion could work to a degree, say maybe for scheduled medical appointments -- IF the general population were more educated in issues of homelessness. IF we could find these volunteers and IF there was a person who had time to run the show.

The only time I have contact with volunteers is during the December holidays. Another local agency has a data base of folks who provide gifts, etc. to low-income families every year. I am often the contact person for "my" families and receive calls from volunteers regarding sizes, directions to client's house, etc. These calls reveal much about our society. One person upon learning the very Latino sounding name of "his" family automatically assumed they could not speak English (they could.) Another woman sounded very annoyed that when she dropped off gifts to a single mother because "she had a boy there, not sure if it was her boyfriend or not" and "[the single mom] didn't even introduce me to him."

As if this single mom is required to open her life to virtual strangers merely because this woman is giving her something.

Some clients are not "properly grateful." One of "my" moms was born with many strikes against her. This woman has had little choice but to live off disability and the generosity of strangers and grants, etc. from the state/agencies etc. most of her life. Believe me when I say she indeed has little choice about this, as confidentially and respect for my client prevents me giving detail.
She's "rough around the edges" to put it lightly. She is so used to needing to ask agencies, etc. for help, she can often come across as demanding, certainly ungrateful.

Cripes -- if anyone has a right to this sort of "ungrateful" behavior it is this woman.

Yet, the type of volunteer who needs a proper degree of thankfulness from the folks s/he helps would get disgruntled with this woman rapidly. Could be I'm selling her way short, probably am. She has a sweet, funny side and often does say "Thank you."

Anyway, the idea isn't out of the question, but it's problematic to say the least. I'm not knocking you, Aworm, as I appreciate any/all suggestion and appreciate anyone who even gives more than a passing second of thought to the obstacles low-income folks have to deal with every day.

But honestly, ask yourselves: how many of you want to sign up to give rides to low-income/homeless/formerly-homeless folks?
Like so much else, we often assume "Someone else will do it."

Honestly?
If I didn't work with this population, it's unlikely I ever would volunteer myself.

*Three natural stress-relievers and I believe endorphin releasers are: crying, laughing, and orgasm, as my doc told me. Exercise also. That orgasm was DOCTOR ORDERED, I tell you. No heathen, I!

My PayPal Account Is ...

EDIT TWO: Because I can, I post my response to comments here:

Blech. I'm tired, under slept, overfed and sluggish of both body and intellect this morn. Off the top of my sloggy head:

I got no problems with advertisements on blogs, nor when I think about it, a "tip jar."
Fuck.
It WOULD be nice to get/give a few bucks when a blogger cranks out a really good post.

Really, it's none of my business who asks for money and who chooses to give money on blogs.
To each their own.

But hey:
I have well over $2K in debt, not including my mortgage. (It's considerably higher than that, but I'm embarrassed to name how much.) It causes me lots and lots of stress, this debt. I would like it gone.
AnnaZu get spayed on July 9th -- will cost me over $400.
My hours are also getting cut on July 1.
(Don't forget I am underpaid at work.)
We've promised The Pea an overnight trip to Boston for her birthday on June 30 -- more money.
Sometimes I write a pretty good post.
Often, I insert Funny into my posts.
I give you lots of kitten pictures.
I have a bunch of doc visits over the next 2 months, at a $25 co-pay.
We need an air conditioner and AnnaZu have long, hot fur!
I have zero dollars in my personal savings.
We haven't visited my husband's family/The Pea's other grandmother 1000 miles away in 8 years.
My mortgage just increased by $500 bucks.
I want a horse.
I need new running shoes.
Someone Pimped my Ride and I need $$ to depimp it -- I can't fit The Pea in the backseat anymore due to the size of those bass-boomin' woofers (or is it tweeters?)
Two words: gas prices.
I can't afford my therapist anymore, at $45 bucks a session. I don't feel I need therapy at the moment, but what if I do?
I am out of reading material and my library is open only at weird-ass hours.
Our kitchen and living room SERIOUSLY need to be overhauled. I HAVE DIRTY SUNFLOWER WALLPAPER IN MY KITCHEN, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. And no built-in shelving for our TV, books, PlayStation and model horses. It causes me great pains.
Also:
I would like to quit my job and do one of the following:
1. Go back to school for a Masters/PhD in Social Work or Psych because wow, wouldn't it be the cat's ass to be a therapist who specialized in eating disorders because so many therapists who claim to have a clue have only a clue? I'm an excellent student, by the way, and very smart!
2. Obtain my certification in Therapeutic Riding -although it's a huge gamble that once I obtain this I will be able to find a position.
3. Work for fun and exercise at a stable with enough Magical Money coming in from somewhere to supplement my meagre groom income and pay for insurance.

I deserve every bit of the above.
I have a PayPal account, set up and ready to go.
If ya'll help me out, I promise to provide regular blog updates on What I Am Doing With Your Money.
Except, wait: I said I'd never accept cash.
Hmmm.
You may send the money to The Walrus who will, as good friends do, force the money into my shaking, grateful hands as we unite in sisterhood under the moon. (The Walrus needs some new art supplies, a new sun porch and a lifetime supply of butter!)

The point being, well hell: we all need money.
What defines a "good cause" from a frivolous cause?
A worthy blogger from a not-so-worthy blogger?
And how do you know any of the above is true?
(I promise you The Walrus' butter need is crucial! I've seen her in a Walrus Rage when butterless!)
How do you know I am who I say I am?
How do you know I would use the money for any of the above?
I might take your money and buy Purple Ass Dye, for all you know.

(All the above is true, except the Pimp Mobile (and I suppose, my desire for a purple ass).
I did, however, burn a cigarette hole in the back seat and it looks very bad.)

PS. On the blogger with The Cancer with the son who was asking for help: no problems have I in this case at all. I know of this blogger and also of the stupid controversy that arose and think
1. Sending money to this person was a good thing
2. The Controversy was utter crap.

Edit Two off.
I have to say it although I may get some shit for this one.

Do you know what I hate?
When bloggers appeal to their readers for money, complete with ready-to-go PayPal accounts.

There could be exceptions, say in the case when their is NO DOUBT -- and I mean ZERO DOUBT -- that the blogger is absolutely who they say they are and NO DOUBT that the circumstances that have led them to ask for money are 100% true. It would help also, if the money was needed for something truly important.

Jeezum crow.
Do you know how many times I've needed cash?
Do you know how many times I could have casually dropped the email addy of my PayPal account, after filling "my readers" in on the financial woes of my life???

Better yet, I could have recruited a commenter -- or created the identity of a Caring Commenter myself, who said "Kim would never ask for this, but to those of you who care, I have set up a PayPal account for her at bleedingheartsucker@hotmail.com."

Let me tell you, if any reader ever offered me a dime, I would not take it.
Not out of pride, but because to me, it just ain't right.

I do not fully trust a blogging or commenting soul in the blogosphere that I have not personally met face to face.
And neither should you.

/rant

EDIT: It has been brought to my attention that there is a blogger who is currently asking readers to contribute to her PayPal account at this very moment.
Would you believe me if I said I wrote this post before I knew about this post?

Me either.

But then, I'm The Tally Ho, an Unwoman, a TeeHeeFunFeminist, so what do I know?

Just Because

yeez!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Happy Paris is Free Day!

Paris will be released today.
She will save the world.
Please drink responsibly.

Labels: Celebs, Paris, Pop Culture

Hollywood's Wasting Epidemic Continues

Jaslene Gonzalez, America's Next Top Model winner Cycle 8

Photo is from TheSkinnyWebsite. There is talk in the comments that the above photo of Ms. J was photo shopped. I doubt it. Even so, there's no question the girl is thin: The yellow dress picture is also posted on gossip site Dlisted. What I find most interesting in these posts, per usual, are the comments. Of course, God only knows who these people commenting are. They could be 10-year olds, for all I know.

Paradoxical Bunny, at Dlisted, says: "The person who aspires to this body type is caught in a vortex of raging, obsessive, self-hatred, and is playing a starvation game that cannot be won - because, short of kickin it in a casket, there is no "thin enough", right? ... If only anos could know how loudly it screams to the rest of us how insecure and self-loathing they really are, and how precisely the opposite of appealing, attractive, successful and sexual that whole persona really is. Sad? yes. But personally I find it ignorant. IMHO, of course."
("Anos?") When a person with an ED gets as skinny as Jaslene, s/he is far beyond caring about if the general population finds bones attractive. In fact, often s/he will dress to hide this thinness exactly so ass backward, armchair psychs like Bunny Freud won't feel a need to comment on her/his appearance. Folks with EDs know very well, thank you, about "insecurity" and especially "self loathing." "If only Anos could know," my ass. If only people with EDs could not know. IMHO, of course.
Conky (Dlisted) says: "Give that poor girl a sammich."
Miss Priss (Dlisted): "Damn bitch, eat an eggroll or three!
Aimz (Dlisted): "Someone give her a steak or something!"
iHeartHaters (Dlisted): "She needs some Tiger's Milk bars and a Protein shake."
Zeenie (Dlisted): "Tyra needs to take this ho to dinner."
Rebetta (Skinny): "I feel like sending her some money for a meal."
Kelly (Skinny):"I just want to give her an apple or something."
Here we go again with the "Eat a hamburger already!" thing. As overused and as unclever as "LOL! I think I just peed myself a little" or "Ew! I threw up in my mouth a little." (I hate the cutesy "sammich" used by adults. Where does this come from? I never said "sammich" as a child, ever. ) I don't know why these types of comments annoy me so. I guess it feels a bit like saying "Why doesn't she just leave?" to a woman in a DV situation or "Why don't they just get a job?" to a homeless person.
Like it's that easy, that neatly solved.

Rose Petal (Dlisted): "Why the hell would they let an anorexic, ugly girl win? Tyra is always saying how we should love ourselves and embrace our bodies, but obviously this chick does not, or she wouldn't have an eating disorder."

Rebetta (Skinny): "I vow to never watch that show or support Tyra Banks again. I have never seen a bigger hypocrite. After she gained weight and was made fun of by the tabloids, she tried to act all self righteous. She was all about the 'younger women that look up to her,' and how her being called fat might make them feel insecure about themselves. I think she has a big say in who gets the winning title, and this is very disappointing."

J (Skinny): "LOL, honestly, what tyra has done is shameful. first, defending plus size girls on her television talkshow, talking about how proud she is to be thicker, to embrace all sizes. THEN, adding plus size girls to ANTM and booting them off almost immediately–while allowing the obviously anorexic one to win. i wonder what tyra will have to say for herself when this girl ends up inpatient!! she made a HUGE mistake, here. she has a lot of repairing to do if she plans to continue promoting a healthy body/image. I BET the next ANTM winner WILL be plus size. i just bet."
There's some truth to this line of thinking, isn't there? What is up with all of that, Tyra?
iHeartHaters (Dlisted): "Who gives a fuck, let the bitch starve to death. That's what I say to anyone who is idiotic & ill enough to deny themselves food. Ditto for the fatties who can't keep away from the donuts. There are more serious issues in this world. Eating disorders are very selfish. I do not deny it's an illness, but it's extremely self-centered. Get therapy, quit thinking about your [GD] food intake and go volunteer at a shelter. There are others who need far greater help. Ok, rant is over."
Okay, Heartie, what you've just said is basically "I do not deny bipolar disorder, diabetes, etc. is an illness but it's extremely-self centered." (???) It's okay, though: even though you appear a dickhead, Heartie, what with "let the bitch starve to death" and "fatties" and "idiotic" and whatnot, you are clearly Mother Teresa in disguise with your volunteer shelter work and concern for those who need "greater help."

Josie (Skinny): "So we should all accept women who are 'curvy,' but as soon as a girl is too thin for your personal liking, 'Eww! Gross! No one should hire someone like that, she must be anorexic!' If you preach size-acceptance, practice it. I saw this season, and in my opinion she’s naturally thin. She’s young and I know many women in their early twenty’s and late teens who are still what you guys would call 'skeletal.' "
There is something to this last one as well.

In order to escape scrutiny, it appears a woman must be exactly "just right."
Except, of course, there's no such thing.
"Just right" is too fat for some, too thin for others.

Too bad we can't all just mind our own bodies.

I continue to be fascinated by the contradiction found in the argument that too-thin celebrities contribute to eating disorders and body hatred in women but that, regardless, over 60% of Americans are overweight. It doesn't make sense. If the media's love affair with skinny women is so damaging, why are so many of us overweight? (That said, Yo-yo dieting, diet fads, bulimia, very low calorie diets and other unhealthy methods of weight loss do mess up effective metabolism. An argument could be presented that the media emphasis on thin, as well as the weight-loss industry, directly effects obesity levels in this way.)
Here's something else: maybe some good has come out of the media's love affair with too thin women. Maybe extremely thin women like Jaslene and Nicole Richie have finally brought us to our senses?

I read all of the comments in the two Jaslene threads. They were, by far, of the "She's way to thin/disgusting" opinion. There's no way all of these folks are "Just jealous!" Because, with the exception of that damn Twiggy, never before have models and actresses been so thin.

Perhaps this extreme thin could be the beginning of the end of the too thin ideal?

Labels: Celebs, Eating Disorders, Weight

Monday, June 25, 2007

Deer

Labels: Misc

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Hating Children

I'm late on this, but just stumbled across this post by Faith: WeHateChildren.

Well done, Faith. Because over-the-top child haters upset me so greatly and because any further discussion might make me say something I'll regret, I'll just leave it at that.

Other News You Really Care About: I am working on a bastard of a post which is giving me problems. Saved as Draft until and if I can rein it in.

Labels: Blog Props, Child

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Just Because

Should I feel guilty about purchasing a pedigreed cat when pet overpopulation is such an issue?If you are purchasing from a reputable breeder the answer is a resounding NO.
Without responsible breeders many of the beautiful breeds you see in magazines, TV, and at cat shows would be extinct. Yes, extinct. It is estimated that pedigreed cats account for only 8% of the cat population. Responsible and reputable breeders are bettering their chosen breed by breeding only the best of their breed. They are doing their part to end overpopulation by selling their kittens on non breeding agreements that require spaying/neutering of their pet kittens or practicing early spay/neutering.

Reputable breeders carefully screen their adopters to help to ensure their cats will live a long happy life in a forever home and don't wind up in a shelter. When you purchase a pedigreed cat from a reputable breeder you are supporting the breed you love and helping to ensure the breed is here and healthy for a long time to come. Now that's something to feel good about!!
Only buy a PEDIGREED kitten from a responsible and ethical breeder! Do NOT buy from a breeder that is only breeding cats to make money, or a commercial large type "cattery" or a pet store!

AnnaZu get spayed on July 9th. I had to sign a breeding contract. There will be no kittens for AnnaZu. I don't mind that part -- cats in heat (shudder) and God knows I could never part with any of their kittens, so I'd never want to breed them.

But I am dreading, dreading, dreading the 9th.
Little Girl, gone in November, Doud gone in March.

I know, it's a routine operation but you never know. I've had very bad luck in vet hospitals lately. Everything dies.

If anything happens to them, I don't think I could bear it.

Hollywood's Wasting Epidemic Continues

Jaslene Gonzalez, America's Next Top Model winner Cycle 8

Photo is from TheSkinnyWebsite. There is talk in the comments that the above photo of Ms. J was photo shopped. I doubt it. Even so, there's no question the girl is thin: The yellow dress picture is also posted on gossip site Dlisted. What I find most interesting in these posts, per usual, are the comments. Of course, God only knows who these people commenting are. They could be 10-year olds, for all I know.

Paradoxical Bunny, at Dlisted, says: "The person who aspires to this body type is caught in a vortex of raging, obsessive, self-hatred, and is playing a starvation game that cannot be won - because, short of kickin it in a casket, there is no "thin enough", right? ... If only anos could know how loudly it screams to the rest of us how insecure and self-loathing they really are, and how precisely the opposite of appealing, attractive, successful and sexual that whole persona really is. Sad? yes. But personally I find it ignorant. IMHO, of course."
("Anos?") When a person with an ED gets as skinny as Jaslene, s/he is far beyond caring about if the general population finds bones attractive. In fact, often s/he will dress to hide this thinness exactly so ass backward, armchair psychs like Bunny Freud won't feel a need to comment on her/his appearance. Folks with EDs know very well, thank you, about "insecurity" and especially "self loathing." "If only Anos could know," my ass. If only people with EDs could not know. IMHO, of course.
Conky (Dlisted) says: "Give that poor girl a sammich."
Miss Priss (Dlisted): "Damn bitch, eat an eggroll or three!
Aimz (Dlisted): "Someone give her a steak or something!"
iHeartHaters (Dlisted): "She needs some Tiger's Milk bars and a Protein shake."
Zeenie (Dlisted): "Tyra needs to take this ho to dinner."
Rebetta (Skinny): "I feel like sending her some money for a meal."
Kelly (Skinny):"I just want to give her an apple or something."
Here we go again with the "Eat a hamburger already!" thing. As overused and as unclever as "LOL! I think I just peed myself a little" or "Ew! I threw up in my mouth a little." (I hate the cutesy "sammich" used by adults. Where does this come from? I never said "sammich" as a child, ever. ) I don't know why these types of comments annoy me so. I guess it feels a bit like saying "Why doesn't she just leave?" to a woman in a DV situation or "Why don't they just get a job?" to a homeless person.
Like it's that easy, that neatly solved.

Rose Petal (Dlisted): "Why the hell would they let an anorexic, ugly girl win? Tyra is always saying how we should love ourselves and embrace our bodies, but obviously this chick does not, or she wouldn't have an eating disorder."

Rebetta (Skinny): "I vow to never watch that show or support Tyra Banks again. I have never seen a bigger hypocrite. After she gained weight and was made fun of by the tabloids, she tried to act all self righteous. She was all about the 'younger women that look up to her,' and how her being called fat might make them feel insecure about themselves. I think she has a big say in who gets the winning title, and this is very disappointing."

J (Skinny): "LOL, honestly, what tyra has done is shameful. first, defending plus size girls on her television talkshow, talking about how proud she is to be thicker, to embrace all sizes. THEN, adding plus size girls to ANTM and booting them off almost immediately–while allowing the obviously anorexic one to win. i wonder what tyra will have to say for herself when this girl ends up inpatient!! she made a HUGE mistake, here. she has a lot of repairing to do if she plans to continue promoting a healthy body/image. I BET the next ANTM winner WILL be plus size. i just bet."
There's some truth to this line of thinking, isn't there? What is up with all of that, Tyra?
iHeartHaters (Dlisted): "Who gives a fuck, let the bitch starve to death. That's what I say to anyone who is idiotic & ill enough to deny themselves food. Ditto for the fatties who can't keep away from the donuts. There are more serious issues in this world. Eating disorders are very selfish. I do not deny it's an illness, but it's extremely self-centered. Get therapy, quit thinking about your [GD] food intake and go volunteer at a shelter. There are others who need far greater help. Ok, rant is over."
Okay, Heartie, what you've just said is basically "I do not deny bipolar disorder, diabetes, etc. is an illness but it's extremely-self centered." (???) It's okay, though: even though you appear a dickhead, Heartie, what with "let the bitch starve to death" and "fatties" and "idiotic" and whatnot, you are clearly Mother Teresa in disguise with your volunteer shelter work and concern for those who need "greater help."

Josie (Skinny): "So we should all accept women who are 'curvy,' but as soon as a girl is too thin for your personal liking, 'Eww! Gross! No one should hire someone like that, she must be anorexic!' If you preach size-acceptance, practice it. I saw this season, and in my opinion she’s naturally thin. She’s young and I know many women in their early twenty’s and late teens who are still what you guys would call 'skeletal.' "
There is something to this last one as well.

In order to escape scrutiny, it appears a woman must be exactly "just right."
Except, of course, there's no such thing.
"Just right" is too fat for some, too thin for others.

Too bad we can't all just mind our own bodies.

I continue to be fascinated by the contradiction found in the argument that too-thin celebrities contribute to eating disorders and body hatred in women but that, regardless, over 60% of Americans are overweight. It doesn't make sense. If the media's love affair with skinny women is so damaging, why are so many of us overweight? (That said, Yo-yo dieting, diet fads, bulimia, very low calorie diets and other unhealthy methods of weight loss do mess up effective metabolism. An argument could be presented that the media emphasis on thin, as well as the weight-loss industry, directly effects obesity levels in this way.)
Here's something else: maybe some good has come out of the media's love affair with too thin women. Maybe extremely thin women like Jaslene and Nicole Richie have finally brought us to our senses?

I read all of the comments in the two Jaslene threads. They were, by far, of the "She's way to thin/disgusting" opinion. There's no way all of these folks are "Just jealous!" Because, with the exception of that damn Twiggy, never before have models and actresses been so thin.

Perhaps this extreme thin could be the beginning of the end of the too thin ideal?