Slutwalk Minneapolis Seeks Cultural Change

October 24, 2011October 24, 20111 Comment

For more information on Slutwalk, go to http://www.slutwalkminneapolis.org/
You can also go to the Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SlutWalk-Minneapolis/183709888345601?ref=ts

from Minneapolis Slutwalk October 3, 2011 - photo by Diana Rajchel

In early October, over 700 women, men and children marched over Hennepin Avenue and Stone Arch Bridges to protest attitudes toward sexual violence in dominant culture. The march, labeled “Slutwalk,” was prompted by Toronto police officer Michael Sanguinetti’s statement that women should “avoid dressing like sluts” to avoid sexual assault. The first march took place in Toronto last April, with women dressed in their most provocative attire. Slutwalk has since become an international movement. Marches have happened in cities across the world, including Minneapolis, New York, Melbourne Australia, Delhi and London.

The choice of the word “slut” is controversial, with some feminists objecting to its use as a term people use to subjugate and shame women. A 2009 sociological study also suggests that using words with negative connotations in an attempt to reclaim them does not effectively destigmatize them and can actually reinforce the associated stigma. While aware of these objections, Slutwalk organizers have chosen to retain the term for its attention-getting power. Continue reading →

Developing Capitol Community – Editorial

March 17, 2011March 17, 2011

I have talked to several veterans of the Madison Protests over the last few weeks. Each person was vocal about the sensitive compassion of all the people involved. One of the most visible has been John. He has been involved in distributing food to protesters at the Capitol, almost since the first one arrived. How long have you been working here?

“I started serving food here the Thursday of the first week, so a little over three weeks.”

Community Free Food Booth

Where does all the food come from? We have been receiving donations, but the vast majority if the food comes when people bring in a bag or box of something. People donate money to stores who then call us up and see what is needed. This is all donations. We have been here everyday. Continue reading →

Madison Protests Interviews 2 – Pagan Perspectives

March 15, 20111 Comment

Elizabeth MoonRaven, Whitewater, Wi Pagan

Why are you here today?

I feel the energy here is part of the global revolution that is coming forth from all parts of the world. I wanted to be here to add my energy to that realm of energy because we are all related. I feel really great about this energy, it naturally flows (around the square) widdershins, see how the parade flows. This is the natural way to unwind all the bad things that have been happening. I am concerned about all of the American Freedoms becuause there is a bigger dark agenda underneath all of this. Part of what is going on under all of this is there is a land grab, wetlands and parks are being threatened. I have friends and family who are teachers. It affects them, it effects their bottom line. I am out here to support the farmers, and the tractors and to add my good energy to it.

Rally at State Capitol in Madison - March 12th

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Madison, WI Pagans Speak Out – Interviews

March 10, 2011March 14, 20111 Comment

Beket is a now retired, Dept. of Revenue worker. She made the choice to retire the first of the year, when the writing seemed on the wall with Governor Walker’s election. She has been a member of the Circle community for ages.

“I had been planning on retiring, but because I worked at the Dept of Revenue, I was hoping to work into the spring. A week after Walker’s election I had my annual physical, and my doctor, who worked at the Medical College of Wisconsin said, he thought Wisconsin was in for a rough ride. I turned in my resignation the next week.”

What about this vote concerns you?

“This will take our money out of our pockets twice. The amount that is taken out to pay our retirement and health insurance is in lieu of higher wages. By making us pay more, it is basically a wage reduction. By taking away union rights. He could change the amount of say, personal religious holidays available. A lot of people aren’t aware, but Lady Cybele, is a retired field ‘rep’ for AFSCME Council 24, and they got the personal holidays increased. She was on the bargaining team, and it was her intent to get that, so that Pagans could take their Pagan holidays off. ”

Capitol Gallery Scene photo: Nataraj - Eyedance

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Pagan Union Steward Reaction to Wi Senate Action

March 10, 2011March 10, 20113 Comments

At approximately 4pm yesterday, March 9^th, notice was given of an impending “special committee” hearing, by Republican Senators in Madison, of a bill to separate state worker collective bargaining rights from budget issues. A budget issue needs a 2/3 quorum where non fiscal issues only require a majority in the Wisconsin senate. The 19 Republicans met at 6pm, and by 6.45 the vote had been taken, eighteen to one, to approve the ‘plan’.

I called Dennis, a Madison Pagan and state employee, and AFT union steward, for his thoughts.

What is your reaction to tonight’s Republican action eliminating collective bargaining for State workers?

” The Republicans admitted tonight that was their goal. They clothed real intent in their budget repair bill, but it is pretty obvious what they were after from the beginning. I can’t say I am surprised. I am surprised it took them this long to do something. They were using the budget bill to provide themselves with cover, but it was pretty transparent. ”