 
SearchFemiStatsWomen to men
153.6 million
The number of females in the United States as of Oct. 1, 2007. The number of males is 149.4 million.
Source: US Census Bureau
Earnings, women to men
$32,649
The median annual earnings of women 16 or older who worked year-round, full time, in 2006. Women earned 77 cents for every $1 earned by men.
Source: American Community Survey, US Census Bureau
Education, women to men
32%
Percent of women 25 to 29 who had attained a bachelor's degree or higher in 2006, which exceeded that of men in this age range (25 percent).
Source: American Community Survey
Political representation, women to men 111th Congress
17
Number of women out of 100 U.S. Senators.
74
Number of women out of 435 U.S. Representatives.
Source: American Community Survey
Rapes or sexual assault against women, 2007
248,300
Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice
The majority of US citizens are women; Women are more highly educated in the U.S; Women are paid less--by almost 25 percent--than men. Women are given miniscule representation in government even as they are the majority of the population. A staggering national assault occurs daily against women’s bodies.
More FemiStats Links
Must Reads!
The Penny Test--don't adapt to sexismThursday, July 2, 2009 at 2:17 am — admin
 Last week, FemiSex received this letter:
It is really hard to read this letter without some measure of despair. You’ve come a long way baby—not. Is that all we’ve got to say to young women? It is one thing to rail against sexism, and another to try to help young women not succumb to it. This letter knocked me off my loop a bit. I tried to think what I might say to my niece, currently ten, if she were 16 and presenting this question. It feels a bit like the helpless parent or friend in the hospital waiting room—knowing injury has occurred but unsure how to heal and protect. It is the 21st century and modern times have arrived. Yet they have not. Respect is routinely denied to girls and women. Boys and men, by the easy virtue of their sex, are routinely deemed superior beings in Subtle ways x one million, in Obvious ways x one thousand. The 21st century has arrive and YET and our media stars are out there calling Hillary Clinton a “whore” and a “bitch’ and Palin a “slut” and “a fuckable blowup doll.” Hmmm, how surprising is it that kids soak in the culture they live amongst? And what cool thing can we tell them to fight back? Last weekend, I went with my guy to see "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3," directed by Tony Scott. (This weekend will be my pick, The Stoning of Soraya M.) As I sat in opening credits I, and the audience, were treated to opening “music” by black rapper Jay-Z that repeated over and over: Now, for those who went to a campaign rally for black politician Barack Obama, this Jay-Z song was the headline “music” he often played. Recordings of black rapper Jay-Z playing the lyrics: I got 99 problems but a bitch ain’t one, shook the foundation of the gymnasiums across America. Young girls screamed in delight as Obama took the stage to this song. Now… think: By the time a teenager has reached the age of say, 14, how many times have they heard the word bitch? Slut? Whore? If they view any primetime TV it is surely so high a number than counting no longer counts. Every man’s daughter has incorporated some version of slut into her psyche. Every woman’s daughter now knows females will be singled out for derision by those in authority or privilege. Newspapers, comedians, journalists, media pundits, TV producers, record labels all give currency to demeaning language assigned to women. Racism is out, but sexism is in—WAY in. More than ever it is blooming. The powers that be have sanctioned sexism. David Letterman delighted in his audience’s whooping laughter as he referred to women as sluts. He uses the word whore almost nightly. A San Francisco audience whopped to Rhodes calling Hillary a whore. Tony Scott is not an idiot. If Hillary won the presidency after a long battle with Obama, if Hillary had taken to her victory stage to the tune of : I got 99 problems and a nigger ain’t one, and Scott used those lyrics, just take a moment and think about the blacks who had supported the first viable black candidate sitting in that dark movie theater. Would their rage be unfounded ? What sort of person, other than one with SERIOUS misogyny would play such a song that has such a raw history? There is NO reason for this song in that movie. The movie is about theft and murder by male thugs and has nary a female character of note. A black male is the hero, despite his unsettling way of getting to be one. It is like placing a penny on the back of your hand: you will notice it at first, but as time wears on it becomes harder and harder to feel the weight of the penny. Try it! Soon it will seem as though it has become a part of your hand. Try it. I am typing with that penny as I speak. This is a simple trick of nature: adaption. I no longer even feel the penny; I must look down to be sure it is still there. It is. So what advice do I have for Elizabeth? With all your heart and soul, don’t adapt. Keep a lookout for that vicious penny of sexism. Alert your friends to the penny. Because if you look down and realize that penny rests on the back of your hand but you can no longer feel it… then you have adapted to a world in which females are worth far less then males, and that world is inside you, and you are less than you used to be. And you will pass this devaluation on to your daughters and they theirs. That is what those who use misogyny count on--female complicity. Just say no to female psychological mutilation. Now, readers, please take it from here. Any good tips on how Elizabeth might best handle this or similar situations? Perhaps how you've dealt with this at work, or at play. I know she would love to hear your thoughts! |
|
Comments
Gosh, a collection of good
Gosh, a collection of good comments. Poor Elizabeth, I bet her head is spinning. I was really pleased that the writers on this site reminded us that the s word itself must go by the wayside.
I am 26 with a son who is 18 months old. I can promise you that we will raise him to believe that no woman is the s word. We will tell him that is a word used to undermine all women. (My husband is beyond on board with this, or I'd never have married him!)
I also tried that penny thing. It really is true, once the temp of the penny becomes the same as your skin I could not feel it any longer. I will think of that when I catch myself thinking oh that b!!ch at work. Will put a penny in a cup, maybe, smile.
I'm gonna vote for the humor way to handle this. Have some fun. Or better yet, take a date who is down with the anti-sexist crap and let the other girls see how smitten he is with his fully clad kitten! Easier said than done, I know, but how cool would that be.
Well as a former art school
Well as a former art school grad I can never underestimate the power of humor. And mocking. Make fun of the whole premise of the party. Call it "Disney". Use sarcasm to make fun of the whole premise. Ask if the guys are going to dress up like creepy johns or pathetic date rape frat boys. Paint a picture of the whole party as being super lame. And then throw in some serious discussion. Even if you don't convince others it will get them talking and thinking. And you cannot underestimate the power of that.
I learned this during the election. I never let up about the sexism toward Hillary and Sarah and although I only changed a few opinions - many, many more decided NOT to talk this trash, in person or on their blogs, because of my unhappiness. So I am happy that I was able to limit if not stop sexism during this time in my own little world!
So what I'm saying - if you speak up it WILL have some effect.
@lorac "The research
@lorac
"The research suggested that the best way to enlighten others is to speak up when you are around them, because as their peer, your words will have some credence. If they don't get it right away, you've at least planted a seed."
well said, Lorac!!!!!!
@ Femisex:
"Refusing to use the word and being clear that you will not call others this word, no matter how they dress is the key here!"
a ditto well said!!!!
Female respect begins with other females respecting one another.
Elizabeth- here is an
Elizabeth- here is an older(much) guy's perspective. Do not go to parties where there is liquor( I am not a tea totaler-scotch and soda is great- but I am 55 yrs old), it may not be you- but some girl somewhere will have a problem because of booze at a party- you are not adults as much as you think yu are grown up- you are not...Booze can make you do things you do not want to do. Nextly you are NOT a slut, you are a daughter of the living god- act like it.If you want to promote yourself as a slut, -then dress like one- wearing slutty clothes says you are one- if you are not a slut, but rather have self respect ,dress like someone who respects herself-If you are asked why you did not attend, tell your friends you thought the party was for sluts and you are not one.
Bruce you do need to partake
Bruce you do need to partake of the penny test! you have adapted to sexism.
No S word. Zero tolerance to the S word. please read my message on this below. no woman is a slut! can we all get on board with that, NOW please.
Lots of great thoughts here,
Lots of great thoughts here, and what is great is there is real concern for Elizabeth. That is a great take away in and of its self. Even if thoughts differ, the well-wishes are very real. NICE! How great for teens to know, women from their 20s on up support them! But let's get this clear: If Elizabeth shows up at the party topless, FemiSex won't be calling her a slut. I'm not even sure what that means, apart from a way to hurt women.
And I also want to remind that the word slut is a word we need to delete from our vocabularies.
Exactly who is a slut? How does one dress? Remember Slut is the enemy, not the short skirt. because....
This is that very slippery slope. Remember, Letterman finds that a stewardess is a slut or Palin in her tailored Ann Taylor look is a slut.
The adapted penny of sexism is malignant. I don't want anyone to say that because a girl wears fishnets and knee high leather boots with a skirt that she is a slut. (I really like this look in winter, btw, and I have some rockn' knee-high boots with 3 in heels. ) And girls that have sex are not sluts either. I hate the WORD, not the girl. That has to be paramount here.
So by going to a party with a tee shirt that says: "I am not a slut".. well..., that just perpetuates the word! Refusing to use the word and being clear that you will not call others this word, no matter how they dress is the key here!
I want the word gone, so that women won't soak in the : "she is but i'm not a slut," or ...just as bad, start to think of themselves as "less than" and thus not worth so much. 2nd class sluts. NO!
I don't want Palin or Hillary to be sluts. I don't want the girls who are gullible and dress scantily at the party to be sluts. I don't want the girl with 20 sexual partners at the age of 15 to be a slut. Because in the end, let's face it that girl is a girl in pain, not a slut, for land's sake.
re going to the party:
Different personality types are going to want to deal with this in different ways. Extroverts will want to confront sexism, introverts will not.
I think this is a really tough question. Elizabeth has hit a nerve with me. I remember finding my body, wanting to show it off a bit. This is part of human biology. A process that is inescapable. But that is also what patriarchy counts on, cashes in on. Boys and girls are biological creatures who will discover their sexual sides. Yet we punish women for this and reward men. Sluts be the girls. Palin, a married women with kids and strong family is a slut b/c she ...wait why is that again...oh no reason other than she happens to be attractive at 45, WHAT a sin! Hillary is a fucking whore, b/c why....oh yes, becasue she went toe to toe with a man. In the end, they are both sluts declared b/c they wanted male domain. That slippery slope!
Slut and whore be gone!
I still have not decided what to do re the party and will give that more think.
Elizabeth, I think you're
Elizabeth, I think you're already on the right track - you're going to be the heroine in this story. The research I've read says that people are more likely to change if they are encouraged by peers, rather than by TV or people who are older or younger than they are. The research suggested that the best way to enlighten others is to speak up when you are around them, because as their peer, your words will have some credence. If they don't get it right away, you've at least planted a seed. And if you can win over one friend, who will then work as a team with you, that would be even better. Then whenever you're hanging out with your friends, and someone says something sexist, the two of you chime in by voicing your opinions - every time. This will take away their freedom to be sexist without repercussions, and it will also start to seep into their brains. So, as I said, I think you're already on the right path - just show up, and speak up!
Elizabeth, if I were 16, I
Elizabeth, if I were 16, I would want to hang out with you. You are one perceptive young woman. You know Wrong when you see it and you have self-respect.
If I were you I would go to the party, methinks. Mainly because you want to make a point without becoming the target yourself. If you don't show up, you make no point. I taught your age group and I know how that rolls. May I suggest you and your friends attend the party dressed well, classy, and not "slutty". When asked about it by other girls at the party, just say something like, "It's a self-respect thing. Just some food for thought.". When asked by the boys, say something like, "I thought about this and I have too much respect for Me to pretend to be a "ho"-- and I expect the same respect from you. Is that ok?. Now Let's party!".
Whatever you decide to do, Elizabeth, I know you will set an example that needs to be set. You're no Follower. And for that, you should be applauded, girl.
One of two things Elzabeth
One of two things Elzabeth can do either go to the party but wear a T shirt that says "I AM NOT A slut" and then when the girls ask WTF? Say I am not a slut so why should I dress like one? Why do you want to dress like a slut? Are you?
Or she can not attend and when the girls ask why? She can say I am not a slut so I did not want to go to a party and have to pretend to be something I am not.I am into being Elizabeth, someone special..
I think that's good, to say
I think that's good, to say you're not a slut, but I would also add "and it's not COOL being a slut".
ps. nice blogher ads!
ps. nice blogher ads! congrats Femisex!
Elizabeth-- I live in New
Elizabeth--
I live in New York and every year a guy has this party at his apartment. Wife beater party, the guys are asked to wear muscle white tee shirts and the women as well. What happens every time is the bridge and tunnel girls come wearing the tee shirts and the professional women dress normally. Just go to the party dressed normally. Have a good time, and ignore the buttheads. Life is full of sexism. Just look at any billboards of Calvin Underwear. I like the penny test, don't ever adapt to sexism and don'd succumb to it. But I say, don't let it stand in the way of a good party.
And remember the more girls who are exposed to anti-sexist blogs and websites the better. Facebook stuff you like from websites and blogs. Let this great shit go viral! I heard about this website from a facebook page. I work in marketing and am 24.
Elizabeth, you know what they
Elizabeth, you know what they call a person who makes decisions for herself, follows her own mind and does her own thing no matter what anybody thinks? A leader. Leaders don't wait for followers, they go their own way, and it's not until they look over their shoulder that they notice the crowd behind them. Do what you think is best, hold your head up, and don't ask anyone else's permission, or answer anybody's criticism. Next think you know, the crowd will be knocking on your door, and you still won't have to worry about what they think. And, even if they try to tell you what a great time you missed, just keep in mind, you missed their idea of a great time, not yours. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine.
The liberal theme in the
The liberal theme in the first wave of feminism taught women that they can, and should, be sexually liberated. And that they can, and should, look kindly at abortion as a means of birth control, thus making it easier to be sexually liberated. Over the last few decades this has translated into women being defined almost exclusively as sexual playthings, hence the parties as described above and the increase in violence against women.
The reason the majority of girls/women go along (whether it's a slut party or a political party) is, it's easier than standing firm on priciple. Ironic, women constantly claim to be looking to make a difference, yet the fear of taking a different road keeps that from happening.
ok so a bit o history. 1st
ok so a bit o history. 1st wave was about sufferage not sex.
got us the vote, very very good!
2nd wave got us the very important right to control our bodies to have a life fully realized in the way we wished or did not wish to realize our lives. very very good!
3rd wave -- that was a pushback to FemiNazi crap of puffy faced misogynists. needed but, in the end, not effective.
Please don't use this post to try to set women's rights backwards! If you don't wish to have an abortion, no one here will ask that of you. And in return : we demand that you not demand we procreate for your pleasure. If you want a life with out abortion rights i suggest a transer to Yemen. FemiSex demands freedom and human rights for all women.
Your saying: "Looking kindly on abortion as a means of birth control" well... that is as demeaning as the text message of "surfer hoes."
Plenty of women who read this site have had abortions due to unplanned pregancy. Please don't insult them here. They can go to the sufer hoe party for that!
re the repulsive thought that you spew: that abortion has lead to increased violence against women is stone aged at best. "yes, that rape victim had it coming boy of boy, what a slut." are you kidding me? do you think that crap is supportive to women?
This site supports women who support women. Get on board and see how good that feels. If not Rush and Bill are your better bet!
"It is not easy to have an
"It is not easy to have an opinion that differs from everyone, especially in high school."
Elizabeth, skip the party. The first response here was good – find a friend or 2 and do something worthwhile.
You'll find out later that the "odd kids out" and those that actually developed their interests in high school end up being the really cool and interesting people later (just look at Adam Lambert!). Seriously. I re-met one of the nerdiest, smallest boys years later at a high school reunion, now a man and woohoo! Was he cute! and fun. and interesting.
And the women? It was those girls that stood out as individuals that were interesting as grown women. The others – the party girls, the "popular clique" girls – were right where I last saw them: In their high school neighborhoods with pretty boring lives. I – the last to be kissed, the last to lose her virginity (or so it seemed), the one who hardly drank or "smoked pot" (as we called it back then), the one who holed up in the basement doing art, did sports and read tons of factual books – left the country, learned several languages and did lots of things the others never dreamed of.
Be yourself and treat your body and brain cells well. Don't worry about what others think. You'll be great. Nurture your interests and your common sense will pay off in the end.
Skip the party. Invite the
Skip the party. Invite the other two girls who thought that a "slutty surfer with booze" party was no a great idea to do something with you. Have a great time. The next day talk about what a great time you had. Next time there is a similar party, make different plans and invite some of the girls who didn't have such great time at the surfer girl hoes party to join the three of you. Keep doing it until there aren't enough "hoes" for the barrel riding Joes to party with. Some where along the way, the good guys, the ones you want to keep around, will join you. You may 30 years old before that happens, but it will be worth it. You can't put a price tag on self respect.
DEFINITELY---GO TO THE
DEFINITELY---GO TO THE PARTY,
Let her know WE ALL HAD TO PICK our LINES of where we
crossed----and she will have to TOE hers, and deal with
the repercussions.
I know I was a very SAD, lonely teenager, for these reasons.
Find a Friend who stands the same ground and bring them with
you-----You NEVER LET ANYONE bring you DOWN, Not for ANY
price, not fame, not money,not popularity
BEING HAPPY with WHO you are, and confident in that, is what
will bring you happiness. THE REST WILL COME.
ALSO: BE PATIENT< it takes time for people to recognize true
leadership and friendship, when they are so IMMATURE.
Good Luck and GOD BLESS< we understand your pain and turmoil
OH SO WELL !!!
@ Elizabeth It is not easy to
@ Elizabeth
It is not easy to have an opinion that differs from everyone, especially in
high school.
spot on. I am in second year of college. Duke. Things do get better, I think. Smart is good, yet, girls must hang back and let the boys lead in social matters. Hook ups are all in and girls pretend to like this. They don't really and I don't think the guys do either, but that is what is expected. No strings. I say go to that party but have some fun. Parody the boobs. Get a massive old lady bra. Wear it over your shirt and stuff it full of toliet paper. Write on it: TWO AND COUNTING. Have some fun with this at an elevated level!
I really like the long-term
I really like the long-term advice. In the near term, Elizabeth is looking to for a way to show she has self-rrespect without alienating the dittoheads. Tough job. Maybe ridicule, not the mean to another girl ridicule, but ridicule of dissing women. I am not sure how to pull that off exactly. Perhaps, with understatement. That is, go to the party dressed looking great, but just normal. Jeans and regular shirt, for example. I try to find a friend to do the same. Have a great time! Ignore the theme, just talk and have fun without addressing the theme. If anyone asks, shrug and say, superslutty? R U Kidding me?
Post new comment