This is a good article, but I think the problem with it is that it supports the “poverty as culture” myth. For example, he argues that children from poverty and “deep poverty” will be unable to really succeed in school, even if the schools are good. This goes head-to-head with the mission of public education reform, which argues that all children can learn despite their background or economic status. Tough argues that the break down of the family in poor communities has created “deep poverty,” which in my opinion is just another way to blame communities for their poverty. This argument is very problematic.
This article suggests that single women will play a role in determining the outcome of this election. Ladies—don’t forget to show up and vote.
NPR: Acid Attacks A Rising Menace for Colombian Women
An important report on violence against women in a form we often associate with the Middle East. I think this reminds us that not only is violence against women ubiquitous, but that it is not only radical Islam which participates in these horrible acts.
This is a really interesting group of short opinion pieces. Some make my blood boil—the ones which reinforce the patriarchy and gender norms. Some challenge the norms which I find refreshing. And some just reflect personal opinions or preferences, such as one woman’s desire to date “hunky,” “meat and potato”-type guys. There is room for a lot of different opinions and debate when it comes to discussions of masculinity/femininity. I wish I could spend a whole class period of a WGST class discussing this NYTimes piece.
Felicia Brown-Williams, Director of Planned Parenthood Southeast, on the Mississippi legislature’s attempt to eliminate abortion services in one of the poorest, unhealthiest states in the US
Article on the possible first openly gay person elected to the US Senate. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat, went to Smith College! A victory for her in the fall would be incredible.
Children from different economic backgrounds have different opportunities and the answer is championing marriage before children? This article started out well but then decimated into blaming individuals and the poor instead of the societal structures which reinforce hierarchies.
I couldn’t have said it any better. Mr. Dionne highlights the importance of having faith in national government, and not being afraid to say so.
