WWomen’omen’ss CenterCenter NewsletterNewsletter March 2007 the House of Representatives of 435. Can movement and can help us develop a In This Issue 50 percent of the population produce less road map for where we must travel. As a than 10 percent of the nation's political movement, we should access what Women’s Herstory Month Events - leaders? As you will see in the article, strategieshave been successful in allow- pg 2 “Woman President in U.S.: Will it ever ing women to have access to our high happen?,” we are far behind other coun- profile leadership positions and ensure Women’s Center Events - tries in this respect. that the strategies are truly inclusive. Are ps 3 we reaching out to women of color the The face of leadership is also predomi- same way that we are reaching out to Special Meetings - pg 3 nately white. Where are people of color in white women? What programs and elected office? Also, where are the strategies need to be implemented to Hot Topics - pgs 3-8 women of color? The media refers to the eradicate racism as well as sexism? The Changing Face of Leadership competition for the Democratic nomina- What about women from the lower eco- Feminism in Pop Culture tion for President historic because we have nomic classes? How are we addressing a black man and a white woman compet- issues of poor healthcare and little to no Musings - pgs 9-10 ing for the nomination, but women of access to childcare? What about raising color are still not represented. Carol the minimum wage to a truly humane Activism Corner - pg 10 Mosely Braun did not receive the same level? The women's movement will be a type of attention that either Hillary Clinton successful movement when we can inte- or Barack Obama are summoning. Once grate the issues of all women into our again, the voices of women of color are work. As long as one of us are Director’s Note marginalized, even in "historic" circum- oppressed, all of us are oppressed. stances. The Changing Face of Leadership? I look forward to the coming election by Mandy Restivo It is still to be determined how our new season (even thought it is two years female leaders will be represented in the away!), and hope that we can hold all of This edition of the Women's Center media. I can tell you all of the phases of our elected officials accountable when it newsletter asks the question: Is the face of Hillary Clinton's hair over the last decade: come to issues of justice and equity no leadership in the United States changing? short, long, brown, blonde; and I know matter their sex, gender, race, color, We may be quick to sound a rejoicing that Condaleeza Rice is a size six. I can- creed, or political party. We must not yes! We have a female Speaker of the not say the same for high profile male wait for elections to make change. House, a female President of Harvard and leaders. Do any of us know what size a female candidate running for the shirt President Bush wears? Or how tall Happy Reading, Democratic presidential ticket…these are President Clinton is? Female leaders will victories in the fight for women's equality, never receive the same respect as their but we must not be too quick to celebrate. male counterparts as long as the attention Mandy Restivo focuses on their fashion savvy instead of The face of leadership is changing, some- their political savvy. As citizens, we must what. Women in high profile leadership hold our media sources accountable for the positions change the nation's concept of a way they portray females by sending let- leader, redefining it from always mascu- ters to the editor. Public awareness is one line to occasionally feminine. Such cul- of the best ways to combat this problem. tural shifts take time…and the face of We should demand more from our media leadership will truly change when women sources. represent more than just token numbers in our country's most revered leadership Despite the pitfalls, and the work yet to be positions. For all of the rejoicing about done, I am proud to have such strong com- new female leaders, there are only 16 petent women representing me. It speaks female Senators of 100, and 71 females in volumes about the success of the feminist 1 Women’s Herstory Month Events Margaret Cho Stand-Up Comedy Night: I'm The One That I Want Wednesday, March 28th 9pm, J.Lee's The film combines elements of storytelling and stand-up. The Feminist Film Series primary focus of the material is Screenings and discussions on Cho's ascension into stardom Monday, March 5th - The Color Purple and her struggles with weight, Monday, March 19th - Iron Jawed Angels drug addiction and sexual promiscuity. Monday, March 26th - North Country Cho also addresses racism, homophobia All at 6pm in the Laurel Hall Movie Theater and other challenges. Closing Tea Keynote Lecture “Deadly Persuasion” Thursday, March 29th and book signing: Dr. Jean Kilbourne 1pm, Friends Hall (SC 219) Tuesday, March 6th Artist's Talk by Jackie Skrzynski 1pm, Alumni Lounges Jackie Skrzynski makes drawings and paintings about the feral Dr. Jean Kilbourne is internationally recognized for her nature of domestic life. She creates unexpected juxtapositions of pioneering work on the image of women in advertising. animals, humans, flora and fauna from what she encounters in her She will discuss the toxic, insidious effects of advertising daily routine. Like creatures from mythology, these figures in our culture. She is well known for her award-winning become totems of strength for the modern family. Skrzynski's lectures as well as writing Can't Buy My Love. work describes her interest in the tension between two psycholog- ical places, one of control and one of instinct. Please RSVP to the “Do Women Have a History?” Women's Center at X7468 Wednesday, March 7th 1pm, The Women's Center Reproductive Rights Conference trip Presented by Ellen Ross and Karen O' Brien Friday, March 30th- Sunday, April 1st Lecture and discussion led by two members of the Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts Women's Studies faculty on the role of women in history. Last year, over 1,000 activists attended this national conference to learn, network, and strategize for reproductive rights and social Worldly Women: International Students Sharing justice. We would like to invite students to join us at this confer- Experiences ence. Over the weekend, participants will learn about and share Wednesday, March 7th organizing experiences and strategies, broaden their understand- 5pm, The Women's Center ing of reproductive rights, and make connections with other relat- Join us for an informal conversation about the experiences ed movements and issues. For more information, come to the of female international students at Ramapo College. Women's Center. Coffee, tea, and desserts will be served. Mamorial March 1st- April 10th, George T. Potter Library In Conversation With…Tabu; A special art exhibition addressing breast cancer survivors. actor/Indian film personality Thursday, March 8th 5pm, SC 136 These events brought to you by: Among other topics, this leading actor for the Indian film The Women's Center industry will discuss the politics of gender in cinema both The Women and Gender Studies Faculty in the context of Bollywood and international cinema. Student Activities Platinum Series Feminists United Book discussion: Can't Buy My Love Omega Phi Chi Led by Mary Cicitta, Acting Ebony Women for Social Change Director of Publications, The International Student Organization Ramapo College of New Jersey Ramapo College Art Galleries Tuesday, March 20th 1pm, The Women's Center As Jean Kilbourne points out in this fascinating book, the For disability related accommodations, please call x7468 at least dreamlike promises of advertising always leave us hungry 48 hours in advance of program. for more. Come share your thoughts on this revolutionary work. 2 Women’s Center Events Feminists United Every Thursday Beyond Beats and Rhymes film 1 pm Women’s Center (C 220) screening Feminists United is a club dedicated to Thursday, March 29th raising awareness about various issues 7pm, J.Lee's such as reproductive justice, minimum The Changing Face of Film screening and discussion wage, economic justice, womens’ rights, Leadership Beyond Beats and Rhymes is a ground- racism, sexism, and many more. We breaking documentary by director want to make a change, but we need Hillary Clinton Byron Hurt. The film focuses on issues your help! Come join our fight for of masculinity, sexism, and homopho- peace! Woman president in U.S.: bia in hip-hop culture and the larger Will it ever happen? American society. Feminists United Myspace: By Barbara Palmer Cosponsored by the Women’s Center 02-18-2007 and the Diversity Action Committee http://www.myspace.com/ feministsunitedatramapo On Sunday, Jan. 21, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., formally announced Feminists United group on Facebook: she was running for the presidency. That decision officially ended speculation http://ramapo.facebook.com/group.php?g that began in 1992, when presidential id=2246655035 candidate Bill Clinton remarked, “Buy one, get one free.” Female Friendly Funk There have been countless analyses of Thursday, February 22 her candidacy. Will being a woman help 8pm, J.Lee’s her or hurt her? Will she be able to bal- Female Friendly Funk is a monthly ance toughness with tenderness? Will coffeehouse organized to empower female voters vote for her? What about women through the influence of music. her vote on the Iraq War? What's up Ramapo student musicians will per- Ramapo Pride with her hair? form anti-racist, non-misogynistic Every Monday songs.