If the public option attached to the health reform bill passes, it could mean that women who receive health care through this public option will have less access to reproductive choice.

The Stupak-Pitts Amendment, which is currently attached to the health reform bill, denies women access to abortion coverage under the public option. The rationale behind this for those that support it is that women can buy insurance for abortion coverage only.

Considering the oppressive history that women of color have faced in regards to their reproductive capacities, this is cause for alarm. The amendment denies abortion coverage, but does not mention sterilization. I’m assuming sterilization will be allowed, and we are well aware of the possibility for abuse when this is the only method of contraception available to those who cannot afford private insurance.

Please reach out to your representatives with your concern so that, if the health reform bill passes, women on the public option will have a choice regarding their own reproductive health care.

Learn more here about the Stupak-Pitts Amendment: The Nation. The Nation.

Ways to contact your representatives: The Nation.

I can’t recall the last time I saw a film where every single word of dialogue belonged and really mattered, every actor was essential to the telling of the story, and the story was so absolutely riveting and driven by the “special effects” of life. Born to a mother who clearly was a tortured yet “entitled” being, Precious (an uncanny portrayal by first time actress Gabourey Sidibe) charts a very different course for her life. Pregnant for the second time with her father’s child, Precious is a 350 pound teenager living in the grit and wit of late 80s Harlem. The father, who remains the mother’s boyfriend, is cast without physical clarity although his sexual brutality and their results are graphically portrayed. Her first child, born with Down’s syndrome and referred to as “Mongrel “ is tended to by a grandmother too frightened to challenge her daughter and is trotted out only when the social worker comes to check on Precious’ mother and her job search status.

The theme of this story is not bound by class, race, ethnicity or gender, nor does it define who we are as a people. However, it does reflect an entrenched behavior/practice that’s become a rite of passage in far too many cultures. Based on Sapphire’s award-winning 1996 novel Push, the film “Precious” brings the lens of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, as well as the impact of poverty and self-serving ignorance into clear focus, specifically as it all too often plays out in the dynamics of black life and culture.

Although brutally victimized, Precious refuses to become a victim and navigates her way beyond victimhood with the support of an unrelenting teacher at an alternative school (Paula Patton); a tough as Kryptonite social worker (Mariah Carey); a witty and compassionate male nurse (Lenny Kravitz); and an ensemble of fellow students in her GED class who are absolutely hilarious and poignant in their own right. It was fabulous to see Carey intelligently play against type and beyond her booty call, seductress image. Like countless other teachers throughout the country, from classes I taught in Mississippi to Mills College, “Precious” has been a student. The directing and cinematography were setup in such a way that I felt as though I was a “roach” on the wall; walked next to Precious as she went looking for the alternative school; watched from the bus as a group of boys taunted her sexually then pushed the girth of her body into full frontal contact with the sidewalk in a facial smack down. There is nothing even remotely stereotypical about this film and I invite anybody who wants to challenge me on that to do so. In the entitled eyes of the mother, from literally cooking her meals to feeding her mother’s smoking and numbers habits, Precious is there to serve her every need and blatantly used to access public assistance so that her mother can spend her days “luxuriating” in her own fantasies driven by 80s TV shows and hitting the number.

The interweaving of Precious’ dreams and fantasies into the story, including one where her white math teacher decides to divorce his wife and marry her, reflects so realistically on the misconstrued mindset of many a teenage girl. One of the most gut-wrenching moments of the film comes when Precious looks into the mirror, while fixing her hair, and reflecting back is the image of a white girl primping her long flowing hair. Seeing that image played out that way was so jarring and disconcerting that I held my face in my hands.

While there were moments in the film I sobbed and others when I wanted to snatch harrowingly raw Mary Jones (Mo’nique) off the screen, everything about it was so absolutely compelling. There was no redemption for Ms. Jones and there wasn’t even a setup for that expectation. But Precious also has this uncanny capacity to question mandates of the welfare system and eventually her mother. With the resolve, tenacity and wisdom far beyond her chronological years, Precious “handles it” and in one of the most riveting and emotionally daunting scenes in the film, she uses none of the profanity laced tirades that her mother constantly inflicts upon her at every turn and beat down to stand tall in her power and honor her truth. In giving birth to her second child, there is an incredible blossoming and rebirth for Precious. At the same time, her life is further compounded by yet another life-threatening challenge. Though living in a cataclysmic social order, Precious pushes for life beyond madness.

Witnessing the compassion and tenderness with which she carries her children and the rebirth of Precious’s soul simply was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had in my life. The directorial hand on this film was brilliant, and Lee Daniels clearly understood the depth and breadth of the material with which he was working. While I would be thrilled to see this film recognized by the Academy at the Oscars, especially the performances by Sidibe and Mo’Nique, I would most like to see is this film viewed by social workers, public policy analysts, teachers, mental health workers, and abused and fat girls across America. Gird yourself for a truly raw and gut wrenching experience and go see it now. Then treat yourself to some affirming moment in life that cuts the taste of bitterness and brutality out of your mouth and off your spirit. In the end, Precious did!

Daphne Muse is a writer, social commentator and poet. She’s just completed her fifth book, a conversation with Nikki Giovanni reflecting on leadership, pedagogy and practice in a 21st Century Historically Black College.

Daphne Muse msmusewriter@gmail.com

Speculation has dominated the conversation about Muslim American women's lives, particularly regarding hijab, the practice of veiling. No other practice currently garners the amount of attention as hijab. What better time, then, for Muslim American women to contribute their own words in a time where the personal practice of hijab is under constant scrutiny?

The play Hijabi Monologues seeks to have Muslim American women set the record straight themselves on what hijab means to them. In the play, Muslim American women articulate their own life experiences, many of them unexpected in relation to popular non-Muslim representations, and reclaim the conversation.

I, for one, will be seeking this out as I think it will serve to challenge mainstream representations of Muslim American women, and bring the voices of those who practice hijab to the center of the discussion.

International Museum of Women Hosting Online Exhibition on Women and the Global Economy

“Economica!: Women and the Global Economy", I.M.O.W.’s most recent exhibit, is all taking place online with an interactive format.

Participants in the exhibit can also choose themes by which to view the exhibit, such as “Basic Rights”, “Microenterprise”, and “Grassroots Solutions” or view the exhibit in any order they please. There are podcasts to watch, interviews and articles to read, slideshows and audio, as well as a forum for those who visit the site to participate in the exhibit.

Topics range from food security, how women are thriving with a bit of help through loans, ways in which women are women are managing economic burdens and the financial crisis, and the ways that women around the globe are engaging with and redefining their roles in the economy.

Check it out:

IMOW Economica!. 

16-Year-Old* Girl Survives Gang Rape at Richmond High School

 On October 24, she attended the homecoming dance at the high school when, at about 9:30, she walked outside to meet her father who was picking her up from the school. While outside, she was invited by a friend and other young men, a few she was reportedly acquainted with, who were engaged in drinking alcohol to hang out at a secluded spot on campus.

The young woman allegedly accepted, and began to partake in the drinking. After she became intoxicated, she was robbed, beaten, and raped for over two hours by up to ten young men ranging in age from 15-21 years old. It has also been estimated that at least 20 people witnessed these crimes and did not contact law enforcement, and some are alleged to have taken part by snapping photos and cheering. Six of the young men have been arrested for the rape, but the seventh was not charged and let go.The girl was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but has since been released.

There are so many questions that I have about this crime. I am deeply saddened by the lack of protection afforded young women. The school did not have operational cameras on campus, nor did the school hire security for the night to contribute to the safety of the event. Why did they take this chance when school authorities, it seems, knew about the possible danger the dark courtyard posed? What kind of ideas about young women are being perpetuated in society that makes not only the young men directly involved, but the onlookers, feel that violence toward women is, not only acceptable, but a given? Why, exactly, aren’t the onlookers also to blame according to the law?

This young woman has a long path to travel for healing; thankfully, she has survived. But why must it take this kind of violence for us to confront the fact that something is wrong with the way that women are being viewed, and by extension, being acted upon versus being seen as beings with their own rights, especially to their own bodies? The fact is, a number of those young women at that dance that night could have found herself in this violent situation, and that is especially disturbing. When will it end, and what will we do to ensure it does?

*It was previously and inaccurately reported that the young woman was 15 years old. This is a correction.

SF Chronicle. 

Here are some of the news and culture items that caught our eye this week.

In spite of protests inside and outside of the country, the Afghan government has quietly passed a set of laws severely restricting Shia women’s actions and movements. Guardian. 

Veterans’ groups take complaints about lack of mental health care to court. SF Chronicle. 

“Universal” health care dependent on visa status. NAM.

Last month we were lucky enough to have author Minal Hajratwala join
us as part of our BrownBag Lunchtime series. Her book Leaving India: My Family's Journey from Five Villages to Five Continents, was a seven year project, where she connected with family around the world to hear and tell their unique stories. For the book, Minal takes these stories one step further, by connecting individual narratives with the political and economic histories that have also shaped the Indian Diaspora.

Here are some of the news and culture items that caught our eye this week.

Mass Termination at a Los Angles over Social Security discrepancies. NAM.

Judge Sotomayor takes judicial oath. NYT.

President Obama commits to addressing immigration reform in 2010. NYT.

Here are some audio commentaries from women at the Allied Media Conference who are invested and dedicated in media and gender justice.

Yvonne Tran,
Lead Organizer of California for Justice

Mission:Californians for Justice is a statewide grassroots organization working for racial justice by building the power of communities that have been pushed to the margins of the political process. We organize youth, immigrants, low-income people and communities of color in order to improve their social, economic and political conditions. www.caljustice.org




Rita Henley Jensen,
Editor in Chief of Women's eNews

Mission: "Women's eNews is the definitive source of substantive news--unavailable anywhere else--covering issues of particular concern to women and providing women's perspectives on public policy. It enhances women's ability to define their own lives and to participate fully in every sector of human endeavor." www.womensenews.org/

The Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OFWI) is a group of women working inside the country, and alongside solidarity chapters around the work to bring attention to and end violence against women in Iraq. Started during Saddam Hussein's rule, this group continues to do self-advocacy work in an attempt to make real and lasting change in the lives of Iraqi women.

Their current campaign urges all of us to sign a petition to reverse the death sentence on the surviving nine of a group of eleven women, jailed earlier this year as political prisoners in the Kadhimia prison in Baghdad.

You can join OFWI by signing the petition here, and find out more about their work at www.equalityiniraq.com.

In May WCRC was lucky enough to host two inspiring young women from Bhopal India as part of our BrownBag Lunchtime Series. Almost twenty-five years ago twenty-seven tons of lethal gas leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal, India. 8,000 people were killed and thousands more have been affected by the ongoing water contamination.

This year's Bhopal Survivors tour celebrates the continued resiliency and activism of the people of Bhopal, while also raising awareness for the tragedy and demanding that Union Carbide's parent company Dow Chemical finally take responsibility for the lasting impact of the leak.



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For more information about Bhopal visit www.bohpal.org, and read this update at the Dollars and Sense blog.
For more information about WCRC's BorwnBag series visit www.coloredgirls.org/brownabg

By Michelle Chen, reposted from RaceWire the ColorLines Blog

New federal data about adolescent sexual behavior stratify sharply, and not surprisingly, along racial lines. Perhaps more disturbing is that after years of progress, the reproductive health and justice movements appear to be losing ground.

The Centers for Disease Control reports:

pregnancy rates for female Hispanic and non-Hispanic black adolescents aged 15—19 years are much higher (132.8 and 128.0 per 1,000 population) than their non-Hispanic white peers (45.2 per 1,000 population). … black female adolescents aged 15—19 years were more likely to be living with AIDS (49.6 per 100,000 population) than Hispanic (12.2 per 100,000 population), American Indian/Alaska Native (2.6 per 100,000 population), non-Hispanic white (2.5 per 100,000 population) and Asian/Pacific Islander (1.3 per 100,000 population) adolescents. In 2006, among young persons aged 10—24 years, rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were highest among non-Hispanic blacks for all age groups.

Although the majority of negative outcomes have been declining for the past decade, the most recent data suggest that progress might be slowing, and certain negative sexual health outcomes are increasing.

An analysis by the Guttmacher Institute indicates that although condom use increased significantly between 1991 and 2003, since then, sexual activity has leveled off while contraceptive use has actually declined slightly. (Compared to whites, adolescent Black and Latina women report higher rates of using no contraception the last time they had sex.) According to the study, this stagnation “could be the result of faltering HIV prevention efforts among youth, or of more than a decade of abstinence-only-until-marriage sex education that does not mention contraception unless it is to disparage its use and effectiveness.”

read more of: Are culture wars killing reproductive health?

I had the profound opportunity to attend and present at the 11th annual Allied Media Conference at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.

At the conference I co-presented a workshop called White Spaces What? How to Talk About Media Policy From the Ground Up with Eloise S. Lee, Media Alliance; Renee Yang-Geesler, First Voice Media Action Program; and Laura Hadden, Center for Digital Storytelling. In the workshop we had that opportunity to share the work we do, and conduct interactive discussion about

• Popular education strategies to broaden the ways in which we talk about communication and media policies
• How media makers, advocates, organizations and activists can organize and engage in policies centered around media justice issues locally and nationally
• Discuss the processes involved in the creation of culturally relevant learning tools in order to engage communities to be a part of creating sustainability in the media
• Establishing and maintaining strong alliances with community partnerships in organizing around media justice issues.

It was a great opportunity to engage in conversation with organizations and media makers from all over the world such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, China, Africa and Canada. I learned soooo much as far as

• Creative, technological usage with Skype and your telephone
• Building and solidifying our own TEMPO curriculum to include stories communication and information policies
  
• Techniques and strategies in lobbying and speaking with policy makers
• What is participatory media? And what does that look like for underserved communities; communities of color; low income communities?
• Strategies and solutions for how individuals, organizations and businesses are including and increasing women representation in the media (radio, blogging, news etc)

AND MUCH MORE!

In all, I asked myself, how is WCRC anchoring the TEMPO Project to produce systematic, strategic change for women and girls of color? How does WCRC advocate for media justice?

Third World Women's Alliance, Bay Area Area Chapter, one of WCRC's predecessor organizations, kicked off its 1st annual reunion at Melanie Tervalon's East Oakland home, July 18, 2009. Some of us hadn't seen each other since our roof raising days in the 70s.

We traded pictures of children, now grown, many with beautiful babies of their own. True to our origins, we had three times as much food as needed. Thanks to Everett & Jones BBQ via Vicki, Renata's Cane River Gumbo Co., and Nancy.

We saluted TWWA sisters whom the Heavens have embraced, welcoming them to share our tears and laughter. Then we turned to single agenda item: tell where you're at on your journey.

As we fanned ourselves through the hot afternoon, we shared life passages as uppity women. Worries for children trying to make their way safely through today's crazy world. Transitioning within organizations we birthed and built. Retirement deductions and can't afford retirement instructions. Love and lust and relationships. Caretaking and coping. Grief and getting help. What floats our boat and what sinks it.

We punctuated our conversation with thigh slaps, shouts, tears, back rubs, jumping out our seats and laughing as rich and full as the lives of the sisters rockin' the room.

We made plans to meet next summer and invite alums from the New York chapter to join in. We're developing a listserv so we can keep in touch and support each other's projects. We're still on the lookout for members we've lost track of.

Many thanks to Melanie, Renata, Nancy, Vicki and Miriam, the Ad-Hoc Organizing Committee to Celebrate-Us!
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For more on TWWA's history, check out WCRC's Paving the Way: A Teaching Guide to the Third World Women's Alliance

Photos: TWWA/WCRC's Flickr

Here are some of the news and culture items that caught our eye this week.

Yet another Woman of Color, nominated by President Obama, is hit with superficial criticism, despite impeccable credentials. This time it's Regina Benjamin, Surgeon General nominee. Salon.

Myanmar ready to give verdict in Suu Kyi trial. CNN.

Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s arrest and its aftermath. NYT.

Former Iranian president Hashemi Rafsanjani criticizes the recent presidential election and advocates for the release of those imprisoned during the protests. Guardian.

536,000 people have been displaced in Eastern Congo, in just the past year, due to military and rebel fighting in the area. Guardian.

The federal minimum wage is increased in the U.S. NCRW.

Midwives in Afghanistan step in to fill a huge health care gap in their country. CNN.

In her memoir, Dreaming of Baghdad, Haifa Zangana revisits her memories of Iraq in the 1950’s, and in doing so weaves a complex and poignant image of her beloved country. The reader follows Zangana as she describes her life, jumping from fond childhood memories to her involvement with activists against Saddam Hussein’s government and on to her torture while detained in several jails. Written with both refreshing and simple language, Zangana does not seem to be storytelling, and instead brings the reader with her as she travels down memory lane; the wording manages to convey the sense that Zangana is as much an observer in her examination of her life as we are.

The book provides a rare and refreshing view of Iraq not merely as a country experienced in headlines, but as a homeland that she and many other activist Iraqis sought to preserve. Unlike another memoir of imprisonment such as Jacobo Timmerman’s Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number, where the most overarching part of the story is of Timmerman’s horrific torture in jail, Zangana uses a unique, often random and dreamlike structure to enable the reader to not only share her memories and experiences of torture in detainment, but also to convey images of a much-loved Iraq.

Underscoring the simple and dreamy quality of her words are the striking images and heaviness of her memories themselves. Zangana describes her experiences in a universally understood language—suffering, despair and fondness—so that the reader experiences the struggle with her.

While I did find that the random order of the story made for a confusing and hard to follow narrative, in the end, alongside her language, this presentation of her memories and dreams served to emphasize her experiences.

What makes this worth reading is the unique, ‘other’, point of view. In a time where our focus is often on Iraq and Afghanistan as conflict-riddled zones, it is more important than ever to remember the very human citizens of these countries.  

Dreaming of Baghdad will be release by The Feminist Press in September, check out their marvelous catalog of books at www.feministpress.org

Alese Torres is a WCRC summer intern, and a student at Dartmouth College
photo:feminist press

Arab American, still a missing option in the 2010 U.S. census form. New America Media

As the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell debate continues this is a timely global look at militaries that have opened their ranks. AP

The other side of Palestine, a look at life in the West Bank. AP

Mainstream women’s organizations slow to prioritize support for Sotomayor. AP

An important shift in U.S. policy will allow women leaving abuse to apply for asylum. NYT