Sexist Pig Competes on Top Chef!

Mike Isabella.  Current Executive Chef at Zaytinya restaurant in DC has revealed to the world that he is a backward, sexist pig on the season premiere of Top Chef: Las Vegas (season 6).

Here’s the story:
The first quickfire challenge this season was a relay race using typical Las Vegas ingredients: clams, lobster, prawns, and ribs. (For you non-watchers of Top Chef, a quickfire challenge is the first challenge in each episode. It’s usually done in under 30 minutes and with impossibly ridiculous ingredients.) Mike was in charge of shucking the clams for his team, and was extremely confident and motivated to win (read: cocky and arrogant). He worked very quickly but became extremely distressed when he found that Jennifer Carroll, self-proclaimed “Bitch of the Kitchen”– of the blue team, was going just as quickly as he was. And then, the sexist pig reared its head: “There’s no way, no offense– but a girl shouldn’t be at the same level as I am.”

Transformers 2, File Under: “No Sh*t Sherlock”

Here is my most basic conundrum regarding T2: Rise of the Fallen. Much has been made about the racism in this installment of Transformers, and yet next to nothing has been said about the sexism in this film. Why?

A reading of Men Speak Out

Last night I attended a reading of Men Speak Out: Views on Gender, Sex and Power by Shira Tarrant at Bluestockings, a feminist bookstore on the Lower East Side in Manhattan. I’ve been wanting to read this book ever since I heard about it and had also wanted to visit Bluestockings for quite a while but thought the lure of so many awesome books would cause this unemployed gal’s head to burst with overstimulation (it almost did). It was quite an impressive turnout for a independent bookstore reading, the audience comprised of both men and women, young and old, (however leaning towards the young white women demographic), and Shira and four of her male contributors were met with enthusiastic applause all evening.

don’t just sit there…do something!

so every week i post links to stories that have piqued my interest, and more often than not the stories that draw my attention the most are ones that make me upset or angry. i spend a lot of time frustrated at the current state of the world and the way in which society treat women. this week i shall not be negative nancy, and neither should you! it is easy to become overwhelmed, throw your hands up and say “there’s nothing i can do!” oh but you can! this week i’ve compiled just a few of the many ways you can become an active feminist. although it may seem silly, writing letters and signing petitions does make a difference! take 5 minutes out of your day and check out some of these websites. do your part in fighting for gender equality throughout the world. don’t just talk. DO.