The (Gender) Politics of Pee...

Via Canadian Pacific @ Flickr. Gentle readers, this morning we’re going to set aside our delicate sensibilities* for a serious conversation. It’s time to discuss the practical and sociological problems of urinating while female. Practically speaking, we don’t have a user-friendly spout...

The stuff they use on the shoes is actua...

Anette Sagen should not be grounded by sexism (or anything else). Unlike our own s.o.a.l.g., I’ve never been much of a sports fan, in no small part because of all the sexist crap that swirled around my earliest experiences.  As the only girl in the neighborhood, my childhood playmates were, by...

Commenter Seminar: Beauty Culture Rules...

N SRIO, ladies. Via katviola @ Flickr. From our recent “What Would You Guest Post About?” thread, came this gem from JennyK/Benevolent Dictatrix: I’ve been thinking lately that I would like to write a Cross-Referenced Compendium of Patriarchal Beauty Standards for Women. From pedicured...

Female Olympians Are Wimps!...

We’re a few days into the Winter Olympics, which, although I barely keep one-tenth of an eyeball on them, have reminded me that being a world-class athlete is no protection against sex discrimination.  If you’re a chick, anyway. The games were marred even before the opening ceremonies on...

Harpy Seminar: On (Not) Wearing Underwea...

HOLY SHIZZNIT! Via Christopher Ware @ Flickr. A few weeks ago, PhDork, Pilgrim Soul and I met fellow fem-blogger Amanda Marcotte for some drinks and a mountain of fries at a local bar. Amanda happened to walk in right as Tha Dork and I were chatting gaily about how, as kids, we received conflicting messages...

You Have to Eat to Live...

No. You don't. Via atomicjeep @ Flickr Dear Corporate Food-Like-Substance Manufacturing Overlords, I’ve been seeing this commercial of yours a lot lately–it seems to be in heavy rotation on TLC and Bravo (Lady Channels, for ladies!)–and I feel the need to write and ask if you realized...

Work: Ur Doin it Rong...

Via Antony Pranata @ Flickr. Women make up nearly half the U.S. workforce now. And yet, in the past week, I’ve encountered three instances of men instructing women on how to fit in, succeed, and avoid distracting menfolk at the office. The New York State Bar Association will hold its Annual Meeting...

Our Labia Look Just Fine, Thanks: Part I...

As if it’s not enough that women can get our labia mauled beautified by plastic surgeons, we apparently need to dye them as well. Behold My New Pink Button, a ” Cosmetic Dye especially for the woman’s genital area, to help restore that healthy vibrant Rosy color. [sic]” Click...

Plus ça change…...

I’ve been working on a project about women writers to amuse myself, and came across the following, quoted in an old Harper’s Magazine “reading” section: Novel-writing has of late years devolved so largely upon women, that it is quite rare to meet with a well-matured and carefully...

How to be an Assweasel 101...

Twice in the past 48 hours I have had the displeasure of reading pathetic, poorly-written attempts at humor in college newspapers. The target of the writers’ screeds, of course, is women. It’s amazing how many people think misogyny is fresh and new and “edgy.” The new shame...

Helpful Terms, Unhelpful Tips?...

We got a nifty link from reader Hill Rat yesterday (thanks, brah) that’s right in my wheelhouse:  its about a research project focusing on gender bias, particularly as it relates to the academy. First, check out this Gender Bias Bingo Card.  Not funny, like the original Anti-Feminist Bingo Card,...

Why Do People Hate Betty?...

No, not this Betty. But speaking of her... Via cliff1066 @ Flickr.Now that we’ve decided to Talk About Mad Men here on Harpyness, I want to discuss Betty Draper a bit. Namely, how so many people seem to hate Betty more than any other character on the show. Most everyone will admit that...