Smashing patriarchy daily.

I’d like to discuss the disturbing cultural phenomenon known as He’s Just Not That Into You, a best-selling book which has sadly been adapted into a movie (currently #2 at the box office). The book opens with condescending, gender-based assertions such as “Men find it very satisfying to get what they want… If we want you, we will find you.” The authors go on to essentially excuse the behavior of men in relationships, placing all of the blame on the confused and frustrated women who need to pay more attention to how men function.

Possibly the most frightening section is when the authors try to convince women that men should be the pursuers, because “men like the chase.” In other words, women should sit back and wait for men to find them. I find this idea extremely offensive, not to mention backwards. Personally, I find it very off-putting when men approach me. I’m not a timid gazelle ready to be preyed upon. As a confident, independent, and self-assured woman, I take much pleasure in the pursuit of men. The desire to pursue is certainly not an inherent, biologically male trait. Further, the book/movie makes the gross assumption that all women are looking for romance and marriage material. Really? Because I’m pretty sure I have a vagina and those things still make me want to vomit.

Overall, HJNTIY makes women seem like desperate, pathetic, idiots who would be much happier if they would just be more passive and let men do the work. Conversely, it presents men as being simple-minded, knowing exactly what they want, and never sending mixed messages. I know plenty of men who play games, and plenty of women who cut the bullshit and are upfront, myself being one of them. I mean, how many creeps have approached me at a bar or a club and not been able to take a fucking hint? I’m just not that into you, moron. Anyone who buys into this sensationalist fluff has obviously been brainwashed by traditional gender stereotypes.

On a much more positive note, I found this video on a small matriarchal culture to be very interesting: http://current.com/items/89611656/women_rule_our_tribe.htm

If you haven’t heard, House of Commons caught fire last Saturday. A glue gun had been left plugged in for too long and the 3rd floor went up like that. Luckily everyone got out safely, including all of the house pets. However, many of the housemates lost some or all of their belongings, not to mention our community has been forced to disperse for a while. The firefighters estimated that $225,000 in damages had occurred and that it will be several months before we can move back in. Currently I’m sleeping on my friend Joseph’s floor, but I’m hoping to get a place with some of the HOC-ers somewhere in West Campus. Such a sad event :’(