Happy International Women's Day!
Hello! I thought it might be nice to make a thread to honor and discuss International Women's Day. Since our industry is heavily female & our clientele not always the best when it comes to feminism and gender equality, I'm sure there are a wide array of topics and issues that touch many of us in different ways. I, for one, have trouble sometimes reconciling what I believe with how I let some customers talk to me. It's up to every individual who cams (or works in any industry for that matter) to dictate how they will treated and what they consider respectful and acceptable behavior, but I can't be the only one that feels like I fall into a gray area sometimes. On the other hand, I feel like owning my sexuality and using it however I want, to get what I want, is the ultimate female freedom.
Even though many of us enjoy vast freedoms, it's easy to forget & overlook the millions of women who still live under oppressive regimes. I think it's important to talk about these issues on days like today, and every other day.
In my personal life and in my camming life, thank you to all of the amazing women who helped me get to where I am today! :)
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Happy IWD! What a great idea for a thread. It touches on a few things I've been mulling recently.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pinkpink
I, for one, have trouble sometimes reconciling what I believe with how I let some customers talk to me. It's up to every individual who cams (or works in any industry for that matter) to dictate how they will treated and what they consider respectful and acceptable behavior, but I can't be the only one that feels like I fall into a gray area sometimes.
This contradiction has felt pretty stark recently. I notice it particularly because I've not worked in any customer-facing job before, except pro-domming. Women who have experience of, say, shop work could tell comparable stories of swallowing rudeness and contempt in order to make a sale. With our labour being sexual, the ways in which the men express disrespect can be particularly shocking. Obviously, I ban the complete arseholes, sometimes quite arbitrarily, but there are gray areas where I will sometimes let things slide.
Many in-person sex workers I know have extremely strict requirements for session enquiries they'll even grace with an answer. Many demand decent spelling and grammar as a matter of course, and evidence that the letter hadn't been typed one-handed - not to mention a respectful attitude. In just the past week I've joked with friends that the rejects who won't get the time of day from sex workers in the physical setting eventually all wind up in my cam room. But if I banned dudes on the basis of *mild* offensiveness, as opposed to being blatant misogynists, I'd have 3 regs left.
[QUOTE=pinkpink] On the other hand, I feel like owning my sexuality and using it however I want, to get what I want, is the ultimate female freedom. [QUOTE]
It's certainly a good start. Having sexual labour available as an option when I needed it is a great safety net, even given its annoyances and instability of income.
Slothie xx
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
pinkpink
I, for one, have trouble sometimes reconciling what I believe with how I let some customers talk to me. It's up to every individual who cams (or works in any industry for that matter) to dictate how they will treated and what they consider respectful and acceptable behavior, but I can't be the only one that feels like I fall into a gray area sometimes.
I'm pretty new and I'm having a bit of trouble with this so far. I figure it'll get better with more practice, but it's always been my gut reaction to shut down guys who aren't treating me with respect, so I keep having to hold back and telling myself, 'wait for a minute, see if it'll be a sale first'. Its not like those types of guys are inclined to learn, especially from some 'slut' on the internet, so if they're being misogynists I've just been banning them. It's not worth wasting my breath on their lame asses.
I wish every woman could have the ability to choose what sort of customers she has to work with at her job. I'm lucky in that regard, I know.
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
What a beautiful and empowering thread, pinkpink!
I just want to say that I hope women everywhere have the courage to feel good about themselves. It doesn't matter if you are hairy, thick, skinny or fat. It doesn't matter if you have a vagina or a penis between your legs, you have whatever it takes to love and accept yourself exactly as you are and where you are. YOU define you and just fucking own it, rock it!
I'll say it again, I LOVE being a beautiful woman WITH a penis!
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps6076aae3.gif
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Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Thanks For starting this thread pinkpink! Happy IWD!
This is always a subject near and dear to me...I NEVER tolerate disrespect--from men OR women.
Just last week I had a girl I've been doing Domme Sessions with, tell me to get on my knees and bow down to this old disgusting client and call him 'Master" ( he wasn't even there to see me!)
F..k no! I just walked out. she said "How can you disrespect my client like that?" I said--"How can You and he disrespect ME like that?" I have NO master.
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Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
let's not forget that all women may be created equal but we aren't all paid equally, and aren't afforded the same privileges and avenues of opportunity as a monolithic group even within 'democratic' nations.
in terms of Int'l Women's Day celebrations I'm down, but I feel the need to point out that in terms of the financial hierarchy in North America white women earn more that everyone except white men. For sure white women encounter gender issues as well, but let's be real here, being a white (or a white-looking as in my case) female isn't exactly a hardship in and of itself. Beyond economic advantages white women also don't have to worry about their/our children being over-policed and criminalized. We benefit disproportionately from 'equal opportunity' programs
for that reason, like Pink, my celebration of women goes beyond my lived experience, to honor those who face far greater hurdles than some of us would ever encounter - within our own nations as well as beyond.
to the OP, I'm speaking to North Amer issues specifically to highlight that gender/race equality is an issue even in so-called democracies. no intent whatsoever to detract from your OP, simply to agree whole-heartedly and build upon it.
It's crazy, most of my fun/hang-out friends are guys but in terms of really meaningful relationships every single one (with two exceptions-my best platonic friend and my husband) are all women. my life is far richer because of the women in my life.
as a gender we're pretty awesome. I share your hope that instead of celebrating a day each year with platitudes that we can find a way to gather a momentum, to focus on leveling some of the unacceptable inequities between sisters, no matter nation of residence or social intersection.
.
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
I didnt know women had a day all to themselves, thats pretty cool :)
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Euellgigi
I didnt know women had a day all to themselves, thats pretty cool :)
Men also have a day all to themselves, so don't feel left out, you've had it since the 90s: International Men's Day is on November 19th.
(19 November is also "World Toilet Day" apparently)
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
To gender equality!
To all women who fought for equality, who fight for it today and who will fight for it in the future until we fucking have it!
I come from one of those countries in Scandinavia that is often said to have one of the most equal societies on earth, and if this is the best on the planet I feel so bad for the rest of you.
In many countries it is of course very bad, horrible, it's a constant struggle for women and I feel so lucky to not have to live under those conditions, but I don't think that should make us pleased with what we have accomplished in the slightly more equal countries - because it's still far from perfect.
It's like once you open your eyes you can't unsee it, you can't NOT see it no matter how hard you try, you see it every day: in the paper, on the news, among your friends and family, in your own life - proof that we do not yet have equal opportunities, we are not yet considered equal, we have not reached our goal. Yet.
I hope one day we will.
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Likethis
Men also have a day all to themselves, so don't feel left out, you've had it since the 90s: International Men's Day is on November 19th.
(19 November is also "World Toilet Day" apparently)
LOL I was going to say, they get the other 364 days of the year but this is good too.
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
loveshooks
let's not forget that all women may be created equal but we aren't all paid equally, and aren't afforded the same privileges and avenues of opportunity as a monolithic group even within 'democratic' nations.
in terms of Int'l Women's Day celebrations I'm down, but I feel the need to point out that in terms of the financial hierarchy in North America white women earn more that everyone except white men. For sure white women encounter gender issues as well, but let's be real here, being a white (or a white-looking as in my case) female isn't exactly a hardship in and of itself. Beyond economic advantages white women also don't have to worry about their/our children being over-policed and criminalized. We benefit disproportionately from 'equal opportunity' programs
for that reason, like Pink, my celebration of women goes beyond my lived experience, to honor those who face far greater hurdles than some of us would ever encounter - within our own nations as well as beyond.
to the OP, I'm speaking to North Amer issues specifically to highlight that gender/race equality is an issue even in so-called democracies. no intent whatsoever to detract from your OP, simply to agree whole-heartedly and build upon it.
It's crazy, most of my fun/hang-out friends are guys but in terms of really meaningful relationships every single one (with two exceptions-my best platonic friend and my husband) are all women. my life is far richer because of the women in my life.
as a gender we're pretty awesome. I share your hope that instead of celebrating a day each year with platitudes that we can find a way to gather a momentum, to focus on leveling some of the unacceptable inequities between sisters, no matter nation of residence or social intersection.
.
Thank you so much Love for taking the time to write out this thoughtful reply. You mentioned so many things I wanted to say but didn't elaborate on. Thank you!
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Women gave birth to all of humanity. They are the nurturers and caretakers of this world. And yet, still to this day, females get so little respect in comparison to males. The world is changing and evolving, and women are speaking up more and more, and reclaiming their power. Women of all races and backgrounds have had to fight against insidious oppression most of their lives. And it's so normal and widespread that it seems okay and acceptable. People become neutralized and desensitized to a patriarchal world. But things are changing. Compassion and intelligence is on the rise it seems. And with things like gay marriage and weed being legalized more and more, the world seems to be improving in terms of liberties and equality. :) Anyway, cheers to all the women on this planet! :cheers:
Also, have to post this: http://imgur.com/gallery/hjGHtZz
Malala Yousafzai is my fucking hero!!! :heartbeat
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Women do have it rough and it starts from childhood where they are pushed into stereotypical gender roles. I wanted to be a firefighter as a child but was told that wasn't a proper role for a girl. Luckily it's changed but we aren't that far removed from a time where women had to wear skirts and take home ex. There are still people who believe in gender roles and that's the problem. I mean when you have women even here who makes comments like 'I want a man to support me' tells me as a society we aren't as evolved as we should be. When the White House pays women less, you know it's a problem. I have been paid less and when I complained I was fired. Then there is the problem where if a couple marries more often than not the woman does majority of household chores. It a couple has a child it is expected she'll take care of the child, even if she makes more or both will help. Women are increasing in the workforce and hopefully in my lifetime we will have a woman president but there is still a lot of work and changing attitudes.
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ScarletKitten
Women gave birth to all of humanity. They are the nurturers and caretakers of this world. And yet, still to this day, females get so little respect in comparison to males. The world is changing and evolving, and women are speaking up more and more, and reclaiming their power. Women of all races and backgrounds have had to fight against insidious oppression most of their lives. And it's so normal and widespread that it seems okay and acceptable. People become neutralized and desensitized to a patriarchal world. But things are changing. Compassion and intelligence is on the rise it seems. And with things like gay marriage and weed being legalized more and more, the world seems to be improving in terms of liberties and equality. :) Anyway, cheers to all the women on this planet! :cheers:
Also, have to post this:
Malala Yousafzai is my fucking hero!!! :heartbeat
Malala is a positive role model and much better than the idiots who get attention in the USA.
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
loveshooks
let's not forget that all women may be created equal but we aren't all paid equally, and aren't afforded the same privileges and avenues of opportunity as a monolithic group even within 'democratic' nations.
in terms of Int'l Women's Day celebrations I'm down, but I feel the need to point out that in terms of the financial hierarchy in North America white women earn more that everyone except white men. For sure white women encounter gender issues as well, but let's be real here, being a white (or a white-looking as in my case) female isn't exactly a hardship in and of itself. Beyond economic advantages white women also don't have to worry about their/our children being over-policed and criminalized. We benefit disproportionately from 'equal opportunity' programs
for that reason, like Pink, my celebration of women goes beyond my lived experience, to honor those who face far greater hurdles than some of us would ever encounter - within our own nations as well as beyond.
to the OP, I'm speaking to North Amer issues specifically to highlight that gender/race equality is an issue even in so-called democracies. no intent whatsoever to detract from your OP, simply to agree whole-heartedly and build upon it.
It's crazy, most of my fun/hang-out friends are guys but in terms of really meaningful relationships every single one (with two exceptions-my best platonic friend and my husband) are all women. my life is far richer because of the women in my life.
as a gender we're pretty awesome. I share your hope that instead of celebrating a day each year with platitudes that we can find a way to gather a momentum, to focus on leveling some of the unacceptable inequities between sisters, no matter nation of residence or social intersection.
.
LOL! Anyway....it's always nice to see that even in a cool and positive thread we have to have someone beating the victim drums louder and claiming suffering all for themselves. Awesome. It's great to know how enlightened you are what "North American" "white women" go though and what it's like to be one.
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
^^Huh? I hope I'm reading your response wrong, Hoola. Can't tell if that is sarcasm or not..... :/
Let's try to keep this thread civil. As women we need to support each other, not get upset over semantics and personal opinions. I would hate to see this thread get locked. :(
Re: Happy International Women's Day!
I think she meant that the comments about white women didnt fit. I have to agree because this whole idea that white women don't suffer is ridiculous. I have suffered from discrimination from being a woman but also for being a white woman. There is this mistaken belief that white women are only working until they have a baby but black women have to work because the father isn't around. Not true of course. I've even known white men who have suffered discrimination. I'm not denying in general it's easier for white women but it's no picnic being a woman no matter the race in corporate America. I know at my former job it's far better to be a black man than a woman of any race.