Iowa Student Zach Wahls: Why I’m Defending My Two Moms

As discussed in the audio lecture, after IA college student Zach Wahls testified about being raised by lesbian mothers before the IA judiciary about a proposed new law, the video of his testimony went viral.  Here is his response to this event and a discussion of his upbringing.

Sex, lies and media: New wave of activists challenge notions of beauty

Click here for an interesting article about activists challenging unhealthy norms of physical appearance for women and men through documentaries and social media. From the article:

Here’s the fantasy: A half-naked woman lies across a couch, lips pouty and cleavage prominent as her sultry gaze implores you to buy this bottle of perfume.

The reality: Women make up 51% of the United States yet only 17% of seats in the House of Representatives. They’re 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs and 7% of directors in the top 250 grossing films.

 What’s the connection? We live in a sexualized society where the gap between fantasy and reality is vast and harmful.

‘Fatshion’ bloggers find beauty in all sizes

Click here to read how bloggers are redefining beauty and clothing style to move beyond a thin ideal to promote acceptance of a variety of sizes.  From the article:

And it’s worth it to Dee to keep putting herself out there in such a public way, no matter the challenges. While it’s empowering to look beautiful on the outside, “Life is too short to be hung up on appearance,” she says.

“At the end of the day, its just your outer shell — there’s a whole personality underneath that’s just waiting to shine. And even if you don’t realize how beautiful you are, someone else is out there who thinks you are the most beautiful person in the world.”

See What He Does With Passed-Out Girl

This is a GREAT example of how students can effect change through social media.  Check out this news report including a video that went viral about the role of drinking and informed consent (even though the words “informed consent” aren’t included,this is essentially what the video addresses).