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In last weekend’s NY Times Sunday Magazine, the paper published a profile of artist Paul McCarthy in connection with his new show WS (which stands for “White Snow”). The epic performance piece, which opens June 19 at Manhattan’s Park Avenue Armory, will consist of “a massive, fantastical forest with towering trees, two off-scale houses, equipment and props from classic film-sets, and layers of film and sound.” During the piece, McCarthy—as Walt Disney—will participate in an orgy with Snow White and the seven dwarfs.

All that is well and good, but what alarmed me about the piece is why Times writer Randy Kennedy compared McCarthy’s portrayal of Disney to Hitler in the article’s second paragraph:

The transformation was startling not only because McCarthy, 67, had succeeded in making himself look quite a bit like Walt Disney, but also because his version of Walt smacked — obviously but also hilariously — of Hitler.

It’s hard to believe that the editors at the NY Times are naive about the implications of comparing any individual to Hitler, much less an important historical figure who is commonly—and falsely—portrayed as an anti-Semite in popular culture. It’s irresponsible at best, malicious at worst.

Kennedy says in his piece that McCarthy’s Walt “obviously” channels Hitler, but in the Times photo of McCarthy, the association is far from obvious. So how did Kennedy come up with such a far-fetched observation?

Perhaps the answer lies with one of the people interviewed for tge piece: curator and former New York City Public Art Fund director Tom Eccles, who is helping organize McCarthy’s show. In an interview with another media outlet, Eccles also described McCarthy’s Walt to Hitler, calling the show a “gory, horrifying tale of Paul McCarthy as Disney, as Hitler, in love with Snow White.”

What I’d like to know is whether McCarthy himself endorses this comparison of Walt Disney to Hitler or is this something concocted by his handlers? McCarthy’s commentaries on contemporary media and pop mythology tend to be layered and thought-provoking, and I’d be surprised if he was personally promoting such simplistic, banal allusions. Whatever McCarthy’s views, it’s clear that a lot of people want to encourage this revisionist portrait of Walt Disney as monster, including, sadly, the NY Times.

Quiz #80
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"Perhaps ... I am the face of one of your fears. Because I am a woman, because I am Black, because I am a lesbian, because I am myself -- a Black woman warrior poet doing my work -- come to ask you, are you doing yours?" This is how [ ] introduces herself in a paper entitled "The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action.~Audre Lorde
February 18, 1934- 1992."


Name the collection of essays this is taken from and name the writer.

A group of women have taken on the task of hosting a challenge that examines and celebrates women in literature and non-fiction. There are 3 levels of participation. The challenge will run one year including memes and other fun activities. For details visit Women Unbound. The first meme asked participants to address the following questions:

1. What does feminism mean to you? Does it have to do with the work sphere? The social sphere? How you dress? How you act?
2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why or why not? Just answered that above

Do you mean to say that you don’t believe in working in the interest of women? That’s what feminism is: It’s working to assure that women are not limited in their options and opportunities by virtue of their gender.~Faye Wattleton

I am a feminist. I am committed to speaking out against all forms of oppression. I believe the personal is political. I believe writing is political and a form of activism. I believe in a woman’s right to decide what is done with and to her body, her right to equal opportunity in employment and representation. I speak out for the liberation, protection and empowerment of all women especially those who are marginalized and disenfranchised. I argue that all people deserve access to health, safety, food, shelter, education and the opportunity to pursue the means necessary to support them without regard to gender or station.

3. What do you consider the biggest obstacle women face in the world today?

Is there ever a single obstacle when discussing a complex issue? Major obstacles include but are not limited to:

1) Restriction or non-access to education, employment, mobility.
2) Threats of physical harm, lack of safety and protection
3) Restricted or non-existent legal rights/protections and legal representation.
4) Second class status
5) The psychological onslaught of misogynistic and sexist behaviors and attitudes that compromise a woman’s ability to become a fully self-actualized human being.

Has that obstacle changed over time, or does it basically remain the same?

The question is very broad and therefore difficult to answer with a single response. It depends on what obstacle we're talking about, what time period and what culture. There are too many places and too many obstacles facing women worldwide. There is more wrong than right.

We were also asked to share our reading lists. I haven't finished my list but I do want to share a list of recommended titles as others have done.

Fiction

In The Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez (historical fiction) This is a fictional account of the Mirable sisters who lost their lives rebelling against an oppressive regime. Told in alternate narrations from each sister. This is what hooked me on historical fiction and its power to teach.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (speculative fiction). I can't think of any other writer who challenges a reader like Butler does. All of her work is a critique and examination of accepted social mores and behaviors. All of her women leads and all of her books I've read have women leads are complex, flawed and often problematic. They refuse to conform to convention.

No Laughter Here by Rita Williams Garica (YA) Young girl suffers the cultural practice of FGM.

Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins (YA). A fantastic look at culture, gender and family.

A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott (YA) an impressive blend of historical and speculative fiction. An accessible, noteworthy examination of race, racism, history and terrorism.

Non-fiction

The Skin Between Us by Kim Regusa (memoir) Moving, well-written work about 3 women of 3 different generations, cultures and race.

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. One woman's criticism of Islam, multiculturalism and her campaign to bring attention to a myriad of issues including female circumcision.

The Other Side of Paradise by Stacy Ann Chin (memoir) A young artist describes her difficult years and triumph. Chin is a writer, activist, lesbian poet.

Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauziya Kassindja One woman's detailed account of seeking asylum in America to escape the horrific practice of FGM.

The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde. (essays) One of the most important and respected intellectual among her peers. She was brilliant, an iconic figure. You don't have a full picture of feminism without reading the Lorde.

Sex for One: The Joy of Self-Loving by Betty Dodson (sexuality) I think this should be required reading in Women Studies.

My Secret Garden by Nancy Friday (sexuality) A classic. For the progressive woman and for the woman who wants to explore who she is.

Why do we have to wait until we're young adults before we discover women studies? Wouldn't help if we educated our young girls about their bodies, body image and biology before they go off to college?

Body Drama Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers by Nancy Amanda Redd Give me a 'V' for vulva. Say it like you're proud.

33 Things Every Girl Should Know: Stories, Songs, Poems and Smart Talk edited by Tonya Bolden (self-esteem)

Things I have To Tell You: Poems and Writings by Teenage Girls edited by Betsy Franco and Nina Nickles (body image/identity/self-esteem)

Plays

Flying West by Pearl Cleage. I think plays are Cleage's strength. This volumes contains plays that center on strong women if different places and different time periods. Strong emphasis on migration and place. Solid work.

For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Was Enuf by Ntozake Shange I don't a woman or girl who has read or seen a production of the seminal work that was not moved by it. Another work that should be required for any serious women's studies program.

Poetry

Like The Singing Coming Off The Drums by Sonia Sanchez. A true poet/activist. Sanchez embodies what it means to tap the feminine energy and power.

The Selected Poems of Nikki Giovanni: 1968-1995 by Nikki Giovanni Ms. Giovanni is old-school, the real deal poet/activist. She's been penning about social, political and feminist issues her entire writing career.

Quiz #74
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"They left such a great legacy. I had big shoes to fill. All they wanted to do was to be patriots for this country. They were told no, that they were stupid, that they didn't have the cognitive development to fly planes. They didn't listen. They just did what they wanted to do."~Kimberly Anyadike

[She] is thought to be the youngest African American female pilot to complete the journey, which took 13 days. She arrived home in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 11.

Thanks Rebecca.

Quiz #73
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If I can create the minimum of my plans and desires, there shall be no regrets. ~ Bessie Coleman

It's been awhile since we've looked at women history.

Discouraged by the rejection of her applications in the U.S., she learned French and studied overseas. Thanks, Elizabeth.

*I used Prominent Women of the 20th Century, UXL, 1996.

Blogger: Monica Roberts

Blog Origination date: January 1, 2006

Focus: politics, history, current events, culture, discussing transgender issues from an Afrocentric perspective

Regular features: Shut Up Fool! Awards, Saturday Sellout

Pub schedule. How frequently do you update your blog? Daily I do 2-4 posts per day or as current events or my creative mood warrants.

Post of note, something in particular you want readers to check out:
I Didn’t Stop Being Black When I Transitioned

Why Black Transgender Issues Are Black Community Issues

Evolving Into Black Womanhood

50 words or less how would you describe your blog:
The TransGriot header says it best: News, opinions, commentary, history and a little creative writing from an African-American transwoman about the world around her.

What do you hope readers will gain, find or enjoy because they’ve visited your blog?

That transwomen are women who had to overcome much, including being born in mismatched bodies and societal prejudice to attain that recognition.

Black transwomen have especially gotten a bum rap over the years in terms of our images. It's especially hurtful coming from our fellow African descended people.

I want my readers to take away from TransGriot that we are thoughtful, intelligent people who are part of the mosaic of human life. We have things to say and talents to contribute to this community and society to make it better.

We have a history, we are proud African descended people who are deserving of and demanding our seat at the American family table.

Thanks, Monica.

Blog name: Feminist Review

Blogger: We are a collective of over 200 writers and 10 editors

Blog Origination date: November 2006

Focus: We publish reviews written from anti-oppression standpoints.

Regular features: reviews of books, music, film, products; interviews with authors, musicians, and other cultural activists

Pub schedule: We publish three new reviews daily.

How frequently do you update your blog? Daily

Post of note: People really loved this interview with make/shift.

Something in particular you want readers to check out:
Our most controversial review to date is: "Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman's Guide To Why Feminism Matters."

50 words or less how would you describe your blog:
Feminist Review believes that all opinions - positive and critical - are valuable and seeks to give voice to communities that remain on the margins. We recognize that there are many feminisms and provide a space where those differences can be represented and explored.

What do you hope readers will gain, find or enjoy because they’ve visited your blog?
We hope they will be exposed to media and products that they wouldn't otherwise have heard about. We hope they engage with the reviews to offer their own perspectives.

*** experience the world... from a feminist perspective! ***

Special thanks to Ama for sharing Feminist Review with us.

Quiz #67
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Dramatist, playwright, poet, lecturer and editor.
Born September 9, 1934

During the early 1960s she was an integrationist, supporting the philosophy of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). But after considering the ideas of Black Muslim leader Malcolm X, who believed blacks would never be truly accepted by whites in the United States, she focused more on her black heritage from a separatist point of view. ~from Poets.org

Thanks, rhapsody!

Who is she?

Quiz #58
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"A completely absorbing account of how a girl born into denial and contempt can grow up resilient, sane, and full of purpose,” said out author and activist Dorothy Allison, “She also shows me a culture I knew far too little about — the everyday life of young people in Jamaica and the threat of violence looming over anyone who might be too independent or queer or outrageous. How wonderful that this outrageous, talented, determined woman has given us her story."

Who is this poet, author, activist? What is the title of her memoir? Provide a link.

Beah Richards
July 12, 1920-September 14, 2000
Vicksburg, Mississippi
actor, playwright, poet, activist

There are a lot of movies out there that I would hate to be paid to do, some real demeaning, real woman-denigrating stuff. It is up to women to change their roles. They are going to have to write the stuff and do it. And they will.

Film Career
Bio
A Black Woman Speaks

Wilma Rudolph
June 23, 1940- November 12, 1994
St. Bethlehem, Tennessee
Olympic Star, sports manager and educator

Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.


Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull, David Diaz
Wilma Rudolph

Quiz #44
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Born June 7, 1954
Little Falls, Minnesota

My Father used to give me a nickel for every story I wrote, and my mother wove strips of construction paper together and stapled them into book covers. So at an early age I felt myself to be a published author earning substantial royalties.

She's won numerous awards including the Nation Book Critics Circle Award, the Virginia McCormick Sully Prize and the Sue Kaufman Prize.
Who is she?

Quiz #42
Answer the quiz and your name will be entered in a monthly drawing. Post your reply to the comment box. Post or send us your email addy to be eligible to win. Cool prizes, check out our Prize Bucket. Who is she?

June 13, 1937-
Washington, D.C

attended public schools; B.A., Antioch College of Antioch University, Yellow Springs, Ohio, 1960; M.A., Yale University, New Haven, Conn., 1963; LL.B., Yale University Law School, New Haven, Conn., 1964; lawyer, private practice; law clerk to Federal District Court Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, 3rd Circuit, 1964-1965; chair, United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1977-1981; senior fellow, Urban Institute, 1981-1982; professor, Georgetown University Law Center, 1982-1990.