Recently, there has been a lot of talk about Emma Watson's UN speech as Women Goodwill Ambassador. There's been varied responses and it's got me thinking about celebrities and the issue of feminism as a whole. Celebrities such as Beyonce have been criticised for using feminism as a trend and some people believe that the likes of Emma Watson should be pushing more radical ideas.
My initial thought is that surely any exposure from celebrities for an important cause like feminism is good! Having a role model like Emma Watson not being afraid to speak out as a feminist is really great, it shows young women who may look up to her that it is okay to be against sexism and to point out problems in society. Celebrities talking about feminism means that people who may otherwise not be interested in it, will listen to it and perhaps learn something from them. It is a good thing for the cause and much better than the female celebrities who are refusing to use the dreaded 'f word.'
But, should celebrities be talking about more radical issues? It has been said that Emma Watson offered nothing new in her speech. She reiterated what many feminists have been saying for years - feminism is not about man hating, it is about equality, issues with the word 'bossy'. Shouldn't Watson be using her position to say something new? Well maybe yes but at least she's saying something!
What about this whole HeForShe campaign? In Watson's speech, she addressed the issue of men being judged by stereotypes of masculinity, not valued for their parental role and such. She points out that it is in men's interests that we gain equality too. This is an important point to make. But this campaign is described as “a solidarity movement for gender equality that brings together one half of humanity in support of the other of humanity, for the entirety of humanity.” So essentially it seeks to get men in on the women's rights movement. I have a bit of a problem with this to be honest. I'm all for men supporting feminism and gender equality. However, having this whole campaign surrounding the issue seems odd considering other more important things that need addressing.
Watson could have taken the time to talk of the severe injustices faced by women outside the western world. One reason many women refuse to identify with feminism is because they believe that we already have equality. It would have been more impressive for this UN ambassador to address these issues to get people on board with feminism. Equal pay, for example, is a really important thing but in comparison with sexual exploitation and child brides, it's just not as vital to be addressed.
I'm rambling, sorry. I think Emma Watson's speech was pretty fantastic. I think celebrities advocating feminism is really good for the cause, it promotes it and teaches young women more about it and makes them want to learn more. I just wish they'd say something different, that they would not be so afraid to speak about some bigger issues.
Thursday 25 September 2014
Tuesday 23 September 2014
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
I recently visited the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. I visit zoos and similar places a lot, I love animals. But this place was really special. Situated in Gweek in the Cornish countryside, this beautiful setting sees a sanctuary which seeks to rescue and rehabilitate seals. Any sick or hurt seal pups found on the Cornish coasts get treated here.
I learnt a lot there, about dangers to seals and how important it is that places like this exist. Seals are lovely creatures and beautiful to watch but they face many dangers. These can include being abandoned as pups or getting caught in sea waste. Pieces of plastic floating in the sea pose a real threat to seals, remember that. If you live near the coast and ever see a seal pup that you are concerned about then contact the RSPCA or local animal rescue for advice and hopefully they will be able to help.
The work at the seal sanctuary is vital - they treat the injured, feed them, socialise them and seek to put them back into the sea where possible. If you are ever in Cornwall then do visit, they are also home to penguins, sea lions, otters and more. To find out more about their work, click here.
Here are some photos I took at the sanctuary a couple of days ago:
I learnt a lot there, about dangers to seals and how important it is that places like this exist. Seals are lovely creatures and beautiful to watch but they face many dangers. These can include being abandoned as pups or getting caught in sea waste. Pieces of plastic floating in the sea pose a real threat to seals, remember that. If you live near the coast and ever see a seal pup that you are concerned about then contact the RSPCA or local animal rescue for advice and hopefully they will be able to help.
The work at the seal sanctuary is vital - they treat the injured, feed them, socialise them and seek to put them back into the sea where possible. If you are ever in Cornwall then do visit, they are also home to penguins, sea lions, otters and more. To find out more about their work, click here.
Here are some photos I took at the sanctuary a couple of days ago:
This seal recently had eye surgery and needs to be kept out of water to avoid infection.
Despite contraception efforts, two cheeky seals made this little pup who is currently being kept in the hospital to ween him onto fish.
Book review: Gone Girl
"Our kind of love can go into remission but it's always waiting to return. Like the world's sweetest cancer."
I've recently read 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn after lots of recommendations! It was the first book I've read in a long time that I just could not put down, it was absolutely brilliant and I urge you to read it.
It's a story of love, hate, revenge, lies and is full of twists. The characters of Amy and Nick as narrators are so brilliantly written. They are complex and interesting. You fall in love and out with the characters throughout the story. It is a really powerful plot. On the morning of their fifth anniversary, Amy goes missing and Nick quickly becomes the prime suspect but all is not as it first seems. As the police investigation and Nick's investigation unravel the readers learns more about their marriage and them as individuals. Flynn writes fantastically and really draws you in to the story.
The central relationship is confusing and messy. But, Flynn also takes time to reflect on the upbringing of the main characters and how their parents influenced their lives in such a big way. There is fantastic commentary on how society views women and the husband/wife dynamic as well as the media portrayal of the law and high profile murder cases.
Flynn manages to make you question a lot of things in this dark tale, primarily how well one person can really know another. The book is fast paced and never seems to slow down, the twist literally made me gasp out loud.
This book is addictive, gripping and an absolute must read!
I've recently read 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn after lots of recommendations! It was the first book I've read in a long time that I just could not put down, it was absolutely brilliant and I urge you to read it.
It's a story of love, hate, revenge, lies and is full of twists. The characters of Amy and Nick as narrators are so brilliantly written. They are complex and interesting. You fall in love and out with the characters throughout the story. It is a really powerful plot. On the morning of their fifth anniversary, Amy goes missing and Nick quickly becomes the prime suspect but all is not as it first seems. As the police investigation and Nick's investigation unravel the readers learns more about their marriage and them as individuals. Flynn writes fantastically and really draws you in to the story.
The central relationship is confusing and messy. But, Flynn also takes time to reflect on the upbringing of the main characters and how their parents influenced their lives in such a big way. There is fantastic commentary on how society views women and the husband/wife dynamic as well as the media portrayal of the law and high profile murder cases.
Flynn manages to make you question a lot of things in this dark tale, primarily how well one person can really know another. The book is fast paced and never seems to slow down, the twist literally made me gasp out loud.
This book is addictive, gripping and an absolute must read!
Tuesday 16 September 2014
Mental Health and unemployment
Last week I finished my internship and for the first time in my life I have no idea what is coming next. I had school then sixth form then uni then internship and now - nothing is certain. I've been applying for jobs and have a couple of interviews lined up but it's all got me thinking about my mental health.
As far as I'm concerned, the reason my mental health was under control (well enough for me to complete my work) during education was because I was kept busy. However, I could always guarantee that when half term would come around and I finished any work I had, my mental health would rapidly decline. So as you can probably guess, my mental health has rapidly got worse over the past week because all I've had to do is look for jobs.
Now yes, that does take a lot of time and thinking. But it's something I can do whenever I feel like it, I have no obligation to do it at set times of day, I have nobody to answer to. This type of 'work' is not enough to keep my mind busy enough to keep sane! The only thing that is enough of a distraction is work that I must do to earn money or make progress in some big way.
In short, unemployment = worsening mental health issues because of no distractions, feeling you are not good enough for any jobs etc.
So to cope, I often work crazy hard to keep my depression/ED/anxiety at bay. Yet I have recently come to realise that although this does work for me and means that I am productive and seem like I am functioning well, I am not coping. I am not dealing with any of my mental health issues, I am just avoiding them and doing all I can to keep them in a place where they will not interfere too much. I feel a lot of people do this. Use x or y as a distraction and continue with their lives not feeling the intensity of their problems until they stop.
Unfortunately, this means I do not like to take breaks even though everyone needs them. Breaks are just another way for my head to think too much. I do know that I need to work on this because sooner or later, I am going to have to stop relying on distractions and start fixing things... but I guess, I'll have to wait until I get to the top of the waiting list.
Anyone have any experience/advice with this?
As far as I'm concerned, the reason my mental health was under control (well enough for me to complete my work) during education was because I was kept busy. However, I could always guarantee that when half term would come around and I finished any work I had, my mental health would rapidly decline. So as you can probably guess, my mental health has rapidly got worse over the past week because all I've had to do is look for jobs.
Now yes, that does take a lot of time and thinking. But it's something I can do whenever I feel like it, I have no obligation to do it at set times of day, I have nobody to answer to. This type of 'work' is not enough to keep my mind busy enough to keep sane! The only thing that is enough of a distraction is work that I must do to earn money or make progress in some big way.
In short, unemployment = worsening mental health issues because of no distractions, feeling you are not good enough for any jobs etc.
So to cope, I often work crazy hard to keep my depression/ED/anxiety at bay. Yet I have recently come to realise that although this does work for me and means that I am productive and seem like I am functioning well, I am not coping. I am not dealing with any of my mental health issues, I am just avoiding them and doing all I can to keep them in a place where they will not interfere too much. I feel a lot of people do this. Use x or y as a distraction and continue with their lives not feeling the intensity of their problems until they stop.
Unfortunately, this means I do not like to take breaks even though everyone needs them. Breaks are just another way for my head to think too much. I do know that I need to work on this because sooner or later, I am going to have to stop relying on distractions and start fixing things... but I guess, I'll have to wait until I get to the top of the waiting list.
Anyone have any experience/advice with this?
Sunday 7 September 2014
Life as a graduate...
So you've graduated from university. You have spent the past 3/4 years working hard in libraries and partying like crazy. You have read more books and written more essays than you ever thought possible. It's been great. But what next?
If you're lucky enough to know exactly what you want to do with your life then you'll probably have a masters lined up to do or something like that. Maybe you don't know what to do so you do a PGCE, go into teaching because it's safe and stable.
However, if you're like me and a hell of a lot of other graduates then your path won't be so clear. You probably have a degree that doesn't lend itself directly to much but gave you lots of "transferable skills." When you're in school, you get the impression that people graduate and get high paid jobs and all is wonderful. Well, it's not quite that easy. Really we should've been warned about all this!
Getting a job is really difficult. It doesn't matter if you have a degree, every job has multiple applicants and many will have more experience than you. Yes, a degree sets you apart but it does not guarantee employment. Once you graduate, you will spend many weeks/months applying for jobs, perfecting interview techniques and doing things to build your CV.
You might start ambitious, applying for jobs you really want. But then after a few months it becomes more difficult and there you are, a university graduate, working in a bar or as a shop assistant. It pays the bills but you could have got this job with no degree. Wasn't it all a waste of time?
No, of course not. For many people, university is the best time of their lives. You meet people, you learn so much about the world and yourself. It might cost a tonne of money but it is an incredible experience. I hear you though, you wanted a high paid exciting job out of this as well.
My advice? Don't give up. Even if your first job as a graduate is not ideal, you have still worked hard for your degree. Keep looking and applying for your preferred job, something will come along. Working in that bar might lead to something better. Be patient. Be realistic. Do things in your spare time to build your skills that might help in the next interview, do volunteering. The thing with getting a job that you hate is that at least it tells you what you don't want to do, even if you're still uncertain about what you want.
Being a graduate is valuable for the experiences it provides that you cannot get elsewhere but just be aware that job hunting can be hell. It can make you want to give up and cry and curse the years of university you wasted when you could've been getting experience. You will get there though, it might be a long and painful process but unfortunately, we need to work to get by in this society so don't give up.
If you're lucky enough to know exactly what you want to do with your life then you'll probably have a masters lined up to do or something like that. Maybe you don't know what to do so you do a PGCE, go into teaching because it's safe and stable.
However, if you're like me and a hell of a lot of other graduates then your path won't be so clear. You probably have a degree that doesn't lend itself directly to much but gave you lots of "transferable skills." When you're in school, you get the impression that people graduate and get high paid jobs and all is wonderful. Well, it's not quite that easy. Really we should've been warned about all this!
Getting a job is really difficult. It doesn't matter if you have a degree, every job has multiple applicants and many will have more experience than you. Yes, a degree sets you apart but it does not guarantee employment. Once you graduate, you will spend many weeks/months applying for jobs, perfecting interview techniques and doing things to build your CV.
You might start ambitious, applying for jobs you really want. But then after a few months it becomes more difficult and there you are, a university graduate, working in a bar or as a shop assistant. It pays the bills but you could have got this job with no degree. Wasn't it all a waste of time?
No, of course not. For many people, university is the best time of their lives. You meet people, you learn so much about the world and yourself. It might cost a tonne of money but it is an incredible experience. I hear you though, you wanted a high paid exciting job out of this as well.
My advice? Don't give up. Even if your first job as a graduate is not ideal, you have still worked hard for your degree. Keep looking and applying for your preferred job, something will come along. Working in that bar might lead to something better. Be patient. Be realistic. Do things in your spare time to build your skills that might help in the next interview, do volunteering. The thing with getting a job that you hate is that at least it tells you what you don't want to do, even if you're still uncertain about what you want.
Being a graduate is valuable for the experiences it provides that you cannot get elsewhere but just be aware that job hunting can be hell. It can make you want to give up and cry and curse the years of university you wasted when you could've been getting experience. You will get there though, it might be a long and painful process but unfortunately, we need to work to get by in this society so don't give up.
Monday 1 September 2014
Leaked nude photos - victim blaming, privacy...
You've probably heard about the celebrity nude photos that have been leaked online. Essentially some idiot thought it would be a great idea to access and post private naked photos of some well known female celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence and Rihanna.
A lot of people have been talking about how women shouldn't take nude photos if they do not want them seen. Shut up. These women have been victims of a huge violation of privacy, they are not in the wrong. They did not take these photos for the world to see, they should not be blamed for this. The only people in the wrong are those who leaked them and those who are looking at them. Women can do whatever they want with their bodies, it does not entitle you to do what you want with them!
People are allowed privacy. There was no consent allowing this photos to be shared. These photos were stolen and that is obviously wrong. Imagine if it were you, if naked photos of you were seen by the world. How would you feel? Being a celebrity does not mean these women should expect things like this to happen. It happens to lots of women and it needs to stop.
Sharing these photos with others and viewing them means you are participating in this horrible violation of privacy. Do not take part in this no matter how curious you might be.
Remember:
A lot of people have been talking about how women shouldn't take nude photos if they do not want them seen. Shut up. These women have been victims of a huge violation of privacy, they are not in the wrong. They did not take these photos for the world to see, they should not be blamed for this. The only people in the wrong are those who leaked them and those who are looking at them. Women can do whatever they want with their bodies, it does not entitle you to do what you want with them!
People are allowed privacy. There was no consent allowing this photos to be shared. These photos were stolen and that is obviously wrong. Imagine if it were you, if naked photos of you were seen by the world. How would you feel? Being a celebrity does not mean these women should expect things like this to happen. It happens to lots of women and it needs to stop.
Sharing these photos with others and viewing them means you are participating in this horrible violation of privacy. Do not take part in this no matter how curious you might be.
Remember:
- You cannot blame the person in the photos. They have a right to do what they want with their body.
- You are not entitled to see these private images.
- This is a violation of privacy in a huge way.
Katie Hopkins Fat Shaming
The woman who seems to have no emotional understanding of other people is back. Katie Hopkins has become well known for her constant offensive remarks about various issues. The latest is one which I cannot ignore. So what has she done?
Well, she's put on weight purely to show people how 'easy' it is to lose it. She's be known to make comments about things like this before, she is clearly disgusted by fat people. Hopkins is set to make a tv show about her simple path back to her formerly slim body for 2015.
"My project was to prove that all the excuses for being fat are nonsense — and it is proving that."
As someone who is in recovery from an eating disorder, I feel like I am in a good position to say that losing weight is not easy. When she has to do it, I hope she realises what a struggle can be. But then again, she'll probably be able to afford a dietician and a trainer to help her through. Most of us do not get that luxury. Most people have to try and lose weight alone.
Being fat is not just about eating too much. There can be severe emotional issues behind someone's weight gain. There can also be health problems and disorders which cause someone to gain weight. Hopkins has repeatedly said how miserable putting on this weight has made her, she fails to understand how people can be fat and happy.
I have news for you Katie Hopkins - just because everyone is not your idea of a perfect weight does not mean that they should be unhappy. It does not mean that they even want to lose weight. It's possible to be overweight and healthy. Weight is no indication of health or happiness or success.
Being overweight does not mean you are lazy. Losing weight is really difficult for some people and easier for others. Do you know why? Because all our bodies are different. They work in different ways, we have different metabolisms and need different vitamins. There is no one solid way that works for people wanting to lose weight. So all this 'experiment' is going to show is that it is easy for Katie Hopkins to lose weight, no more than that.
Besides, I do not care if this woman (who is making money from being controversial) thinks that fat people must want to lose weight. Being happy with who you are is much more important than being thin just because society tells you it is more attractive.
Well, she's put on weight purely to show people how 'easy' it is to lose it. She's be known to make comments about things like this before, she is clearly disgusted by fat people. Hopkins is set to make a tv show about her simple path back to her formerly slim body for 2015.
"My project was to prove that all the excuses for being fat are nonsense — and it is proving that."
As someone who is in recovery from an eating disorder, I feel like I am in a good position to say that losing weight is not easy. When she has to do it, I hope she realises what a struggle can be. But then again, she'll probably be able to afford a dietician and a trainer to help her through. Most of us do not get that luxury. Most people have to try and lose weight alone.
Being fat is not just about eating too much. There can be severe emotional issues behind someone's weight gain. There can also be health problems and disorders which cause someone to gain weight. Hopkins has repeatedly said how miserable putting on this weight has made her, she fails to understand how people can be fat and happy.
I have news for you Katie Hopkins - just because everyone is not your idea of a perfect weight does not mean that they should be unhappy. It does not mean that they even want to lose weight. It's possible to be overweight and healthy. Weight is no indication of health or happiness or success.
Being overweight does not mean you are lazy. Losing weight is really difficult for some people and easier for others. Do you know why? Because all our bodies are different. They work in different ways, we have different metabolisms and need different vitamins. There is no one solid way that works for people wanting to lose weight. So all this 'experiment' is going to show is that it is easy for Katie Hopkins to lose weight, no more than that.
Besides, I do not care if this woman (who is making money from being controversial) thinks that fat people must want to lose weight. Being happy with who you are is much more important than being thin just because society tells you it is more attractive.
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