holy stereotypes, batman!

I stumbled upon this Web site Sociological Images: Seeing is Believing. Very interesting stuff. The first post is a take on what our favorite celebs would look like if they were Midwesterners. Can you name them?






In my mind, these are not funny because they are supposed to be "Midwesterners." They're funny because they look like our fave celebs with the bodies of our own family members. You could just as easily say they are stars as "white trash" or "Southern rednecks." Why do we resort to stereotypes? Would it be just as funny if it was titled "When Celebs HIt Middle Age and Let Themselves Go"?

And why am I in such a preachy mood?

The credit for the original post went to Jeremy Enke, who gave the Photoshop credits to PlanetHiltron. All the sites look like they are worth a visit... with an open mind.

By the way, that's Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, Ashlee Simpson and Pamela Anderson up there.

save bitch!

So, if you know me, you also may know the story of a job interview I had a few years ago in which I tried and failed in my effort to refrain from saying the word "bitch." Yep. I said it in a job interview. With the director of communication and the vice president of public affairs. I didn't get the job. 

But the VP remembered me, and when I saw him about nine months later at a conference, I re-introduced myself to him, and he said, "Oh yes, you're the one who talked about Bitch Magazine. You didn't want to say it, but we made you." Three months later, I was on his team.

I like to think that Bitch Magazine helped me make a lasting impression. During the interview, I mentioned a story on NPR and an NBC news story from earlier that morning. He said that it sounded like I kept up with the news, and he asked if I subscribed to any magazines. 

My inner feminist let out a crooked smile.

"I listen to a lot of music, so I have subscriptions to some music magazines, as well as some feminist literature." 

"What kind of feminist literature? A magazine?"

"Yes."

"What's it called?"

"Um, it's called 'Bitch.'"

It was like my grandma when she was trying to make my young mom's high school boyfriend squirm in front of her. Knowing full well the ultimate answer and enjoying it immensely, she asked him, "Where are you going?"

"We're going to a dance."

"What's the name of the dance?"

"Um," he said, backing away from my German grandma and nearly tripping over the glass coffeetable. "It's called Get Naked."

I like what subscribing to a feminist magazine says about me. I explained that it's a thought-provoking magazine that illustrates the feminist response to popular culture. Diversity is important to my company, and I believe my opinions and values are appreciated. I'm just glad that the mag isn't called something like "Vivacious Vaginas." I can't lie. I would have had to say it.

All that to say that Bitch Magazine is amazing. It's a great publication, and it's a nonprofit. The staff sent out a plea for help recently, and they were overwhelmed with the results. They raised $46,000 in about a week, maybe less. That ensures another issue, and possibly some stability in the future, too. I know it's a lot to ask especially when people are losing money right and left, but if you can support the Bitch cause, please do. At the least, you can subscribe to the mag. You won't be disappointed. 

For a taste of Bitch, check out their Web site. It will make you want to shout Vivacious Vaginas Unite!!