After reading this story, I got scared. I’m not a lesbian, but I care, because this is exactly the sort of things, we internet dwellers should be worried about. As content creators and consumers, we can’t allow de-democratization of the web. It will be the end of free speech on the web.
“It’s Democratic- the Majority of Diggers Don’t Care for this Content”
I’ve spoken with a few people on the subject, for the past couple of days, and this objection came up every time. I disagree. These stories never reached much over 20 Diggs, it would only take as many buries to make them disappear. The option to report a story also makes it quite easy to make it go away. To strengthen my point, that there is an alternative Digg, just type the term “gay rights” in the Digg search box, and look through an endless list of pro-gay stories, ( too bad more than 95% haven’t risen above 2 Diggs).
“Well if it Wasn’t Porn, Why Did the Digg Staff Block it?”
That’s a great question! What the hell is the Digg team doing, blocking none-offensive material? And why would it ban its own users, if they were on the up-and-up? Stories by Gay Parents, a sub-blog at Parents.com, surly couldn't be porn, right?
So I come to a worrying conclusion: There are a few homophobic Diggers out there, burying stories and reporting gay Diggers, and Digg is either irresponsibly banning without checking the facts, or actively supporting homophobia. Either way, they are not dealing with this issue as I would, personally, see fit, of a social network.
It Scares The Shit Out of Me
And that’s why I care. Because if it’s gays, now, who’s to say blacks aren’t next? Asians? Hispanics? Jews? Women? And maybe it won’t be just Digg? Maybe all the other social networks? Maybe the whole of the web?
Am I over reacting? You tell me. Is there a difference between banning lesbians with lesbian-interest stories, or banning Jews with Jewish-interest stories? Diggers have told me of hateful, disturbing comments. A Short search could lead you to this seemingly innocent example.
Ban Digg!
Many of the gay community have opted to ban Digg, in protest. And my initial reaction was quite similar. But after turning it over in my mind, knowing I’m writing this article, an interesting idea popped into my head:
Don’t ban Digg!
Think of a workers strike: What would be more effective? If the strikers sat home and waited to be begged by their company to come back to work. Or if the strikers gathered around their company buildings, chanting and singing, till their throats are hoarse and they can’t sing any more?
I took the liberty of compiling a 100 Digg articles, which are of gay interest. I want every one reading this article, to follow these links and Digg every one of these stories. These are quality gay-targeted content- no porn, no spam. Some are fun, some are sad, some are political. I want to see gay stories take the front page of Digg! Maybe that’ll get the Digg team to acknowledge the situation, which has been inflaming gays and straights alike.
Don’t ban Digg- give it another voice! I’m sure not every Digg user is a homophobic. I know for a fact, there are plenty of us out there, who love to read this content, or at least want to know that the content is not being censored.
Lesbiatopia
Queen of the Surf Pirates
Queen of the Surf Pirates' Letter to Digg
The Lesbian Lifstyle
Girl in Short Shorts
Bastard Logic
The following may make you laugh. It may make you cry. Hopefully, it will make you rethink your behavior, in your relationship.
#1 Becoming hypersensitive
Think of your closest friends. You tease each other, you taunt, you say nasty things. But between the two of you, you know what it means, wherein the humor lays and exactly what you’re referring to.
When in a long standing romantic relationship, something strange happens. Your unassuming, innocent partner may tease you, about something, that they always have. It could be something your friends tease you about, ever since you’ve met, in the sandbox. But today, something flipped! All of a sudden, it’s offensive. Your friends may still tease you about it. Hell,your mother teases you about it! But if your poor spouse even peeps about it- heads will be rolling.
What is it that made you a hypersensitive beast, ready to lash out and go for the jugular, every time your spouse does exactly what your closest friends do? For myself, the only answer I found is that there’s a double standard- this is suppose to be the one person who truly loves me, why is he teasing me about my weaknesses?
What’s your excuse?
#2 Becoming a manipulative 3 year-old
We all know this one. The two of you are sitting on the couch, after a long hard-day’s work, watching a movie, and all of a sudden, you get a craving for some Oreos. The thing is, you really don’t want to get up. So you pucker your lips and with the most adorable voice, you can muster, you ask: “Beby, could you pleezh get me a coockiewoockie?..” And as if that isn’t enough, once your spouse is up and running, you add: “And a glash of milk...”
#3 Becoming dependent
I’m not talking about the extremes (which happen every day), like women depending on their men for financial security, or high-school girls who give up all their friends, so they can hang out with a boy, who hates them. I’m talking about the little every-day things.
Here’s my own personal sin:
I hate cooking. Out of all the chores, in the house (or in the world, for that matter), cooking sucks the most. So, in my special house-hold, the man cooks and I do the dishes. Seems OK, right?
Wrong! For the past 3 years (anniversary in a week! :D ) I’ve cooked 3 times!! I have actually forgotten how to do it! I’m so bad at it, that when hubby has a night-shift, I eat out!
That’s how dependent I am, on him, to cook for me. True, it’s reversible- it’s definitely not the end of the world, but it also signifies a pattern, which menifests itself in other aspects of my life.
#4 Becoming a control freak
When I was in my teens, my best friend was one of three daughters, to a very happy couple. I always wondered about the father, surrounded by 4 women.
One afternoon I ate lunch with these four women, as I usually did, at that time in my life. I found myself outnumbered, in a debate, where the majority was claiming that men should be disciplined- They’re not perfect, out of the box, but they will be, when you’re through with them!
I was dumbfounded by these claims and, frankly, it all seemed like too much work, to me. I mean, it’s his mother’s job to discipline him. I get him in good condition, right out of the box. You see? I had good intensions. I made a vow, never to penetrate my spouse’s personal space, like that.
Well, nobody’s perfect. My spouse sings loudly, when I’m trying to work. He claps in closed, echoe spaces and everything he says is offensive to me. Hence, he must change.
It took me two and a half years to realize I’m breaking my own vow, and to stop trying to change him.If any of you, reading this, is guilty of trying to educate and discipline your partner: Stop!
#5 Becoming a bitch
I know what you’re thinking: “Wasn’t I already a bitch at section #4?”
Nah… You were just controlling. Now, you get to be a bitch!
This is more common in young women, but it stays for a pretty long haul. I can’t even begin to count, how many couples I’ve encountered, that the women thinks she’s in control, because she puts down her spouse. This is seriously damaging to the relationship. Just like you wouldn’t tease your best friend, in public, about her weaknesses, you shouldn’t do it to your spouse. Disrespect will kill off your relationship.
I know you see yourself in at least 4 out of 5 scenarios. I’ve been there and in some cases, I’m still there. Women, as girls, pick up, these nasty habits, from their mother’s. Stop the chain. Learn to be a better partner, before you get married and pass it on to your daughter.
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I’ve never been able to keep a job. Instead, I just had many odd ones, that required me to sell some products I don't give a shit about: Sorbet (I hate fruit based ice cream, give this girl chocolate!), flowers (Probably the most overpriced product out there), health insurance (don't even get me started). I was fired or left these jobs very quickly, concluding that I can't sell.
About a week after quitting the health insurance gig, I had casual girl-talk with one of my friends. I found myself, at one point, vigorously sponsoring a certain brand of tampons. Interestingly enough, the next week, while having coffee with my friend, she mentioned she bought a pack of the tampons, I had recommended. We spent the next 10 minutes sharing our mutual experiences.
"Maybe I should look for a job as a spokesperson for this company." I joked with myself. But then I thought I'd better just review the conversation I had with my friend, and many others like it:
There is another factor. And that is trust. My friend trusts me, she knows I'm looking out for her best interest. This is the type of relationship you should strive to have with your customers. If you offer a solution to a problem, the benefits of your product will be immediately recognized. And if you offer a free sample, they won't have to take your word for it- they could see it for themselves.
Strive to enrich people's lives and people will see a positive agenda. A positive agenda sells much better than a nasty one. Think of all the big corporations that are going "green", lately. Think of all the corporations trying to contribute to their local community. I'd like to make one point clear: Big Corporations don't necessarily care. They are polishing their image. But in my experience having a true giving agenda will help base your business on trust and entice you to go the distance for your customer, which, in return will not only get the money rolling in, but you will have the most reliable advertising available to a consumer: Word of mouth.
Now, rethink this statement: "I can't sell". If you are doing something genuinely good for other people- Your product will enrich a person's life and make it somehow better. Is it really that bad they part with a little cash for it?
]]>Yes, I know- Rich Woman is soooo last year. Well books are timeless, and though Kim Kiyosaki's Rich Woman is hardly timeless, it's issues are.
]]>Yes, I know- Rich Woman is soooo last year. Well books are timeless, and though Kim Kiyosaki's Rich Woman is hardly timeless, it's issues are.
I've been thinking about my pension plan, ever since I worked for an insurance company (as a telemarketer for a month and a half, made two sells and went on my merry way). Today's companies are definitely not beyond selling to their own employees. So they made it very clear to all of us, why we should “invest” in health insurance. I didn't end up investing in health insurance, but the idea of thinking about my future, today, really stuck with me.
I got acquainted with Robert Kiyosaki through my X, who was reading "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", at the time. I read big chunks of the book, was impressed by the simplicity and completely forgot about it. A few years later, the book appeared on my brother's desk, re-sparking my interest. Apparently he was returning it to a friend and couldn't lend it to me. So off I went, to the net, to find out all I can. That's when I met Robert's wife, Kim.
Kim Kiyosaki is an impressive woman. She went with her husband through the toughest times, when they were sleeping in their car. And together they reached the point of retirement, in just five years. Robert went on to tell his story and teach his ways in “Poor Dad, Rich Dad”. Kim, eventually, would be the face and driving force of “Rich Woman”, “Rich Dad”'s sub-company.
For me, Rich woman was a calling. As I always look for products that speak to me directly (yes give me the pink laptop over the gray ole' PC, any day!), Rich Woman spoke to me like Rich Dad just couldn't. If ever there was a product for women that actually has their best interest at heart- Rich Woman is it.
When I finally got my hands on a copy. I was so exited, I finished it in one read. It's a flowing book, with simple English. Kiyosaki is definitely not boasting her writing abilities and nor should she. This is a self help book. And by god, it helped my self!
The story is told in the first person. Kiyosaki tells the story of her reunion with five college friends. When meeting them, after 20 years, there is a lot of catching up to do. When Kiyosaki's friends hear her remarkable story, interest starts revolving around how she got to where she is today.
Kiyosaki knows how to teach. The story is forgettable and the characters are walking stereotypes, but that's the point. You will find yourself within one of these women. You wouldn't remember the plot, but you'll remember the point. The whole story is built to encourage you to start investing and take control of your financial affairs. It's the best pep talk I ever had. After I finished reading, I got on line and went to the Rich Woman web site. From there I went to all the Rich Woman links (some are better than others) and started educating myself about investing.
Kiyosaki has accomplished, with me, what she intended for her book- I took action. I'm still working on the details of my investment plan, but thanks to Rich Woman, I actually started. I recommend this book to every woman alive. Take responsibility for your future and insure it's a happy one.
]]>The older I get, the more I understand, the lack of female role-models, in my life, when it comes to money. It's great that you can learn about money from dad, but it's very disturbing, to me- as woman- the general apathy, of all the women in my life, towards money issues.
]]>The older I get, the more I understand, the lack of female role-models, in my life, when it comes to money. It's great that you can learn about money from dad, but it's very disturbing, to me- as woman- the general apathy, of all the women in my life, towards money issues.
A few weeks ago my dad called. Being the complete non-techy, he wanted to know, how to order from Amazon. (Respect! My daddy's calling me for advise!?!) Now, I've been hunkering for a copy of Kim Kiyosaki's book, “Rich Woman”, for quite a while. It's impossible to get it in English, down here, in rural Israel, so I asked dad to grab me a copy, while he's at it.
Fast forward to two weeks later, mom calls, telling me my book has arrived, and for some strange reason, they got two copies of it. She wanted to know, what do do with the second copy.
“Read it.” I stated plainly.
Mom laughed, “sure...”.
“Well, at least read the back cover?” I suggested desperately.
While the rest of the conversation went somewhere else, in my head, I was thinking: “What do you mean “sure..”?! What?! This doesn't apply to you?!” Now, I know that my parents are probably not getting an ugly divorce any time soon. And mom is very much protected by the love of her children. But what mom doesn't really grasp, is one of Kiyosaki's most startling statistics:
”Of the elderly living in poverty 3 out of 4 are women- and 80% of them were not poor when their husbands were alive. ”
Since dad is the breadwinner of the family, I can only hope that he's already made plans for mom, in the case that something unexpected may happen. On mom's behalf, I can say, that she is completely involved in the financial state of the house-hold, but she also relies on dad's superior incomes. When I think about my mom's salary, and try to imagine what it would have been like, to be raised on that meager sum, I find it hard to believe it would have been possible.
The real problem is no woman, in my life- not my family, not my friends, not my student peers- understand the importance of long term financial security. Women are bored by money! They don't want to know about it, they don't want to think about it. The just assume they'll be fine!
How can anyone assume they'll be fine, when pension plans are dwindling and life expectancy is only rising? I know that there are many things that you'd rather do with your spare time. But for your own sake, sister, educate yourself in finance!
For this reason, I want to share with you the list of sites, I read. Read one article a day. Just one! Get acquainted with what's going on, out there. It's a good start:
The Wall Street Journal
Business Week
Yahoo! Finance
Woman's Wall Street
Woman Entrepreneur
Investopedia
She Said- Money Sense
Israel has very remote separation of religion and state. As a citizen of Israel, I find women's issues very troubling, in regards to the religious community. Jewdism has a long history of covering up their women, but the majority of Israel has long forgotten religion's strict, by the book, implementation.
]]>Israel has very remote separation of religion and state. As a citizen of Israel, I find women's issues very troubling, in regards to the religious community. Jewdism has a long history of covering up their women, but the majority of Israel has long forgotten religion's strict, by the book, implementation.
However, the more religious minority keeps up these old traditions of overzealous separation of sexes. As if a man and women need protection from the natural instincts of lust. These warped opinions make it so I, a secular woman, cannot be seated next to a religious man, on the bus. This man would rather stand up, the whole hour and a half commute, than sit next to me, for fear of lust!
The latest news, as I have read in Israel's Ha'Aretz, tells of a strange, Jewish women's cult that has popped up in rural Israel. This cult is led by a Rabanit (=A female Rabi. In Hebrew the term means a wife of a Rabi, and doesn't indicate the woman is a Rabi or schooler, herself), Bruria Keren, and abides by an extremely strict dress code of chastity, reminiscent of Muslim women. A religious woman must dress chastely, with shirt sleeves covering her elbows and a skirt down to her ankles. An extremely religious woman may sport a wig over her real hair, as her hair is “an instrument of seduction”. Keren's women must cover their faces completely, with a shawl.
“The whole of a woman is genitalia. It is forbidden for a man, other than your husband to see you.”
Says one of Keren's earnest students and assistant.
These women are actually rebels, in their own society, as they are acting in defiance of their husbands. They are also much like a regular women's club, as they laugh together and exchange sowing tips and family woes. Ironically, they find they can escape their stifling lifestyle, by taking on this extreme dress-code, which challenges their husbands wishes.
Dr. Elisheva Baumgarten of Gender Studies of Bar-Ilan University says that this rebellion is not new to religious women, but usually they had no support of the Rabis, so it never amounted to much. In this case, though, Baumgarten fears, this may backfire on the religious women's population as a whole. If men except this change in their wives, the Rabis support is soon to follow and that may just obligate the rest of religious women.
As a citizen of a country that doesn't separate religion from state, I fear the infiltration of these distorted ideas into my safe secular bubble. I'll go further by saying, I'd rather Israel be a nudist colony, before I'd wear a shawl over my face.
On another note: When Keren's disciple says: “The whole of a woman is genitalia.” I must ask the question of how powerful she finds her sexuality to be. Not even Sharon Stone, at the hight of her career (“Basic Instinct”), would have dared make that claim! ;)
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