Ms. Magazine’s blog is upset because child prostitutes in Bangladesh are being given cow steroids. Brothel owners use these steroids to fill out the young girls to make them appear older. Older prostitutes use them as a food substitute, in addition to taking them for their “beauty” effects. One prostitute said they make her more attractive, which leads to more clients, which helps her buy her freedom back from her brothel owner.

A group called ActionAid is working to get the steroids off the market and away from madams and prostitutes. An ActionAid worker from Bangladesh said “We are creating awareness amongst the sex workers about the drug’s side effects. We are also holding meeting with the quacks who are selling the drug. In addition, we are reaching the policy makers in drug administration and civil surgeons who can really keep … Read More »

I apologize for the use of an expletive in my title. I couldn’t find a non-vulgar way to convey the absolute absurdity of what I was writing about.

While reading Ms. Magazine’s take down of Toy Story 3, I saw a link to a story on female genital mutilation (FGM). Genital mutilation is disgusting and deplorable and atrocious, one of the cruelest things humans do to other humans. Ms. Magazine also detests genital mutilation, and this article discussed the recent statement issued by the American Academy of Pediatric’s Committee on Bioethics, which suggested that federal and state laws should be revised to allow ritual nicks, a sort of “compromise” on genital mutilation that some think may prevent families from taking their daughter overseas for the real deal. (I believe the AAP has since withdrawn this recommendation, because people pointed out that … Read More »

Apparently some feminists have their panties in a twist. It seems they found Toy Story 3 to be sexist.* To discuss the ridiculousness of their charge, I’m going to have to discuss the movie, so mild spoilers are ahead.

A major complaint is the lack of female characters. I can’t really argue with the fact that there aren’t as many female toys, but I didn’t even notice that until I read the article. Maybe, I’m brainwashed and not sensitive enough, but that seriously didn’t bother me. (And stuff bothers me. Ask Todd.) 

Another complaint is the way the female characters are portrayed. The article says Mrs. Potato Head is portrayed as talking too much. I think her mouth was taken away because she was being lippy, not just because she was talking. And lippy women are wonderful, no? 

The writer also says that Barbie is … Read More »