Blog posts by Catherine Redfern: 2006
New Articles
By Catherine Redfern | 16 December 2006, 17:32
Dreaming of a Pink Christmas As Christmas approaches, the children’s toy industry goes into overdrive. Rosalyn Ball looks at how girls and boys toys are still unbelievably segregated along strict gender lines. Gifts for Her It’s not only children’s gifts…
Feminists comment on Ipswich
By Catherine Redfern | 16 December 2006, 17:27
Mind the Gap have collected a summary of feminist bloggers’ comment on the Ipswich murders. One of the best is by Literary Hoax, echoing what a lot of other people are thinking about this whole horrible thing and asking why…
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Reclaim The Night Ipswich - update
By Catherine Redfern | 16 December 2006, 11:50
The organisers have circulated the following additional message (please email The F Word if there are any further updates and we will keep you posted): “We’ve had an amazing response the last couple of days from all over the country,…
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Rape Convictions petition
By Catherine Redfern | 14 December 2006, 21:43
Petition to ask the Prime Minister to Support victims of rape and sexual violence by ensuring more rapists are convicted. The petition reads: ‘We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Support victims of rape and sexual violence by ensuring…
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**IPSWICH RECLAIM THE NIGHT - 29TH DECEMBER**
By Catherine Redfern | 14 December 2006, 21:30
We have received the following message - please forward widely and urgently. Message begins: Friends, After the bodies of 5 sex workers were found murdered within 10 days of each other and the police advising women to stay at home…
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The New Breastfeeding Taboo.
By Catherine Redfern | 12 December 2006, 19:38
The New Breastfeeding Taboo Removing the stigma around breastfeeding has rightly been a worthwhile feminist cause. However, as Cathryn Dagger explains, a dogmatic inflexible view on this issue can lead to a “holier than thou” attitude in which women…
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Fairy Tales are Grimm
By Catherine Redfern | 11 December 2006, 17:53
Fairy Tales are Grimm Ugly sisters? Evil step-mothers? Prince charming and happy ever after? Dina Jose argues that traditional fairy tales can cause more harm than good, and suggests we need to tell children fun, inspiring stories instead that teach…
November comments published
By Catherine Redfern | 11 December 2006, 11:57
Feedback, comments and discussions about past articles and reviews received during November have now been published….
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Demo against rape
By Catherine Redfern | 11 December 2006, 10:25
There is a report on a protest / demonstration against rape in Manchester City Centre up on the Feminism Up North blog. See part 1 and part 2 for photos and information. The group is also responsible for organising a…
Two book reviews
By Catherine Redfern | 10 December 2006, 11:16
Trickster’s Choice / Trickster’s Queen - Tamora Pierce Cazz Blase introduces Tamora Pierce’s latest fantasy series for young adults, which feature strong heroines and touch on issues of colonialism and race. Like Mother, Like Daughter? Clare Burgess reviews this collection…
October comments published
By Catherine Redfern | 28 November 2006, 23:34
Comments received during October have been published. There were loads!…
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c.1000 women Reclaim the Night in central London
By Catherine Redfern | 26 November 2006, 16:52
This year’s Reclaim the Night march was a huge success, attracting an estimated 1000 women to central London to protest against sexual violence. It’s a massive achievement in itself that the march has grown so fast since the first…
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Comments August & September
By Catherine Redfern | 19 November 2006, 18:47
Readers’ comments from August and September have been published….
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27th Carnival of Feminists
By Catherine Redfern | 19 November 2006, 13:08
The 27th Carnival of Feminists is up now. Still as brilliant as ever - still a genius idea - still proving feminism is alive and kicking. Yay!…
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Fiver received with thanks!
By Catherine Redfern | 19 November 2006, 12:59
A very belated thanks to Natasha of Feminish, who a few months ago sent me a fiver for The F Word in order to prove the point about putting your money where your mouth is when it comes to supporting…
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Regender
By Catherine Redfern | 19 November 2006, 12:30
For a laugh, I just ran www.thefword.org.uk though regender.com, a website translation programme that automatically identifies all gendered words in any webpage and swaps them round. So, “men” become “women” and vice-versa. It’s a trip into a freaky parallel universe…
Review of 'Backlash' Event, London
By Catherine Redfern | 18 November 2006, 15:38
‘Backlash: The Hidden War on Women in the UK’ - 1st Nov 2006, London Glencora Bailey reports on a thought-provoking film and speaker event organised by the Women’s Resource Centre, in November in London….
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New Articles & Review
By Catherine Redfern | 17 November 2006, 17:34
The Food of Love? When a man insists on paying for all your meals, what’s the real motive? Claire McGowan examines why she fights for the right to pay her own way. War of Words “Feminism”; “Slut”; “Bitch”: all powerful…
PRO-CHOICE WEEK OF ACTION: 23 \x96 29 October 2006
By Catherine Redfern | 10 October 2006, 23:21
The following info was received from Abortion Rights. —— PRO-CHOICE WEEK OF ACTION: 23 \x96 29 October 2006 It\x92s time the pro-choice majority was heard! Abortion Rights is launching a national \x91pro-choice week of action\x92 to raise awareness and encourage…
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Why Not Feminism?
By Catherine Redfern | 10 October 2006, 23:05
Why Not Feminism? Emma Cosh suggests some reasons why young women shy away from feminism, despite supporting and believing in equality. Feminism today, she argues, involves not just changing the law, but changing the very way we think and…
Uncovering The Internet Art Revolution
By Catherine Redfern | 2 October 2006, 22:59
Uncovering The Internet Art Revolution It’s free, fantastic, and you don’t even have to leave your own home! Whilst some campaigners focus on getting more female artists into mainstream galleries and museums, Sarah Parry encourages us to open up…
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Declaration of Independence
By Catherine Redfern | 1 October 2006, 18:28
Declaration of Independence You’re female, successful, single, and prefer your life that way. So why are you still seen as an object of pity? Abby O’Reilly argues that women are still put under immense pressure by friends, family, and…
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Kerrang Magazine
By Catherine Redfern | 26 September 2006, 18:45
Paper Dolls: Searching for Women within Kerrang Magazine Collette explains how Kerrang magazine lets down female rock fans. Analysing a recent issue, she looks at how rarely female artists are seriously covered, and finds that even when women are included…
Women's health special
By Catherine Redfern | 20 September 2006, 22:37
The 23rd Carnival of Feminists is up with a special looking at women’s health issues. Plenty of incredible feminist writing to keep you occupied for several days. In a similar vein, I received information about an interesting sounding new site,…
New Article & Review
By Catherine Redfern | 19 September 2006, 21:49
Women Are Not In Fashion This season’s must-have fashion choices include the pre-pubescent child or the porn star; both one-dimensional images of female passivity and compliance. Where is the space for real, complex women in our culture and in fashion?…
Interesting stuff round up
By Catherine Redfern | 19 September 2006, 21:20
Some interesting stuff I’ve been looking at lately…. “Lad mags would be moved to the top shelf if they featured men in similar poses” claim the creators of http://ladsmags.blogspot.com/, who set out to prove their point in a rather hilarious…
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Ladyfest Newcastle - 22-24 Sept
By Catherine Redfern | 11 September 2006, 22:13
If you’ve never attended a Ladyfest, you’re really missing out on modern feminist culture today; the events are always fun, vibrant, creative, passionate, and inspiring. So if you’re in the North East, you’re in for a real treat because Ladyfest…
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New Reviews
By Catherine Redfern | 13 August 2006, 21:14
Subtext Magazine Subtext is a new British feminist magazine coming out of the feminist blogging community. Catherine Redfern gives the low-down on its style and substance. X-Men: The Last Stand Shelley Rees argues that the final film in the X-Men…
July's comments published
By Catherine Redfern | 13 August 2006, 11:28
Comments on articles and reviews received during July have now been published. We are now up to date with the comments. Hooray!…
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June comments published
By Catherine Redfern | 6 August 2006, 00:28
Comments received during June have been published (wipes brow). The links I previously posted needed amending, so here’s the correct links: June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006…
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May's comments published
By Catherine Redfern | 5 August 2006, 22:12
Comments received during May have now been published….
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More comments published
By Catherine Redfern | 5 August 2006, 16:48
Comments received in April have now been published….
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Comments published
By Catherine Redfern | 2 August 2006, 22:47
Comments on F word articles and reviews received during March have now been published, and they are as interesting, thought-provoking and infuriating as usual. Check ‘em out. (I know, I know. I’m ridiculously way behind on publishing your comments but…
Couple more new articles
By Catherine Redfern | 24 July 2006, 22:40
World Cup WAGs Sarah Louisa Phythian-Adams argues that the irrational focus on the “Wives and Girlfriends” of footballers during the World Cup demonstrates a wider dismissal of women’s sporting prowess and of women’s role in society in general. Sexual…
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New articles / reviews
By Catherine Redfern | 24 July 2006, 17:54
I published these a couple of weeks ago but haven’t had chance to post about them here: Don’t cha wish pop was more empowering? As more and more female music artists such as Beyonc\xE9 and The Pussycat Dolls declare themselves…
Break the silence on abortion
By Catherine Redfern | 2 July 2006, 19:21
“Speak out” event in support of abortion rights. Join Abortion Rights, the national pro-choice campaign, at a ‘Speak Out’ on 6 July 2006. Who: All pro-choice supporters welcome (places limited - RSVP to info@abortionrights.org.uk) When: Thursday, 6 July 7 -…
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Double standards
By Catherine Redfern | 1 July 2006, 14:34
Was listening to the Today programme yesterday and there were a couple of people (possibly MPs, I can’t remember) arguing that junk food ads should be banned until after the watershed, so as to avoid contributing to the damage to…
Blogging
By Catherine Redfern | 1 July 2006, 14:17
Whilst it was amazingly flattering to be described as a “leading British feminist” in the Guardian’s article on women blogging, it does feel a little bit ridiculous really. And as well deserved as the praise was for all the contributors…
Ladyfest Cardiff 29 June \x96 2 July 2006
By Catherine Redfern | 5 June 2006, 22:29
Check out the Ladyfest Cardiff website for details of the upcoming festival. Whilst we’re at it, happy birthday to Mind the Gap, the inspirational Cardiff based feminist group, who are two years old as they explain on their fantastic blog….
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New reviews
By Catherine Redfern | 5 June 2006, 22:13
Strangeland Alexandra Kokoli reviews Tracey Emin’s Strangeland, which contains autobiographical writings touching on rape, abortion and marginalization. The Politics of the Tampon Case Jess McCabe talks to creators and manufacturers about the politics of the tampon case and whether the…
New Features and Reviews
By Catherine Redfern | 29 May 2006, 18:58
Features Real Female Heroines As FHM publishes its ‘100 sexiest women’ list, Maxine Frances goes for an antidote and pays tribute to her own female idols, whilst pondering the effect female heroines can have in inspiring young women and…
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Ladyfest Newcastle - competition
By Catherine Redfern | 29 May 2006, 16:20
Ladyfest Newcastle, the music and arts festival taking place in September, is looking for imaginative, creative designs to use on official festival t shirts. Anyone can enter, regardless of age or gender, and the winners will receive free festival tickets…
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Andrea Dworkin Conference
By Catherine Redfern | 7 May 2006, 13:31
Recordings from the Andrea Dworkin Conference held at The Centre for the Study of Social Justice on Friday, 7 April 2006 have been placed online in .mp3 format. Blogger V from another radical feminist has organised for the recordings to…
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Ladyfest Newcastle 2006
By Catherine Redfern | 1 May 2006, 17:59
Please fee free to publicise / pass on the following notice: ——- LADYFEST NEWCASTLE 2006 Ladyfest Newcastle will be 2 whole days and nights of incredible music, art, photography, spoken word poetry, performance art and workshops - all taking place…
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Catharine MacKinnon
By Catherine Redfern | 12 April 2006, 10:33
Stuart Jeffries interviews Catharine MacKinnon in the Guardian today, about her new book, Are Women Human? It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking interview. On rape: “The assumption is that women can be unequal to men economically, socially, culturally, politically, and in…
New Articles
By Catherine Redfern | 8 April 2006, 16:38
Keeping It Real Leonie Brooke examines how attitudes to menstruation still limit women’s choices and prevent us from discovering the different options available. She discusses how simply talking about the issues can break down taboos and lead to more freedom…
New Articles
By Catherine Redfern | 4 April 2006, 22:43
Two new articles have been published on the site, with more to come over the next few weeks, including many more comments from readers. Reasons to be Cheerful It’s usually considered that when feminism engages with state institutions, it loses…
Raunch 0, Blog 1
By Catherine Redfern | 28 March 2006, 22:58
Feminists who were enraged by Kate Taylor’s recent Guardian comment piece defending “raunch culture” (which referenced Rachel Bell’s article on this site, and which fellow F Word blogger Holly commented on earlier), might like to pop over to Laurelin in…
New London Feminist Culture Magazine
By Catherine Redfern | 28 March 2006, 22:30
Vagina Magazine is a London based “feminist culture magazine” which intends to publish it’s first issue in June, and is looking for contributors and interested people to help out. “The vast majority of popular culture is all a bit shite,…
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'Protest Now' Group Formed
By Catherine Redfern | 28 March 2006, 22:22
Blogger and F Word contributor Laura has set up a Yahoo Group, “designed to bring together women who wish to organise protests and direct action to make our voices heard and speak out against society’s acceptance of rape and male…
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Comments on articles
By Catherine Redfern | 28 March 2006, 22:04
F Word readers may be vaguely interested to know that I have just uploaded comments received on articles during January 2006 (gradually working my way through the backlog…!). To read them, click on the comments link at the top of…
We Are Five Years Old!
By Catherine Redfern | 4 March 2006, 15:01
Yep, it was five years ago that The F Word first went online, can you believe it? It’s been lots of fun and I hope that the site has been able to contribute in some way to feminism in the…
Abortion Stories
By Catherine Redfern | 28 February 2006, 22:27
A chance to help influence the abortion debate for the better, from Abortion Rights: “Marie Claire magazine is running a big feature on women\x92s experience of abortion and need women to contribute. The story is a re-run of a feature…
Pink: The new Sheila Jeffreys?
By Catherine Redfern | 6 February 2006, 23:11
Pink’s new song, “Stupid Girls”, takes on the celebrity, porn-influenced current culture of pop and some of the women who perpetuate it, branding them “stupid” and encouraging girls to aspire to more. “What happened to the dreams of a girl…
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Sexism influences country's population
By Catherine Redfern | 9 January 2006, 22:32
The BBC reports that sexism has caused the loss of “10m female births in India” in the past 20 years. “Researchers in India and Canada for the Lancet journal said prenatal selection and selective abortion was causing the loss of…
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Ladyfest Cardiff 2006
By Catherine Redfern | 5 January 2006, 22:06
Planning is now going ahead for Ladyfest Cardiff in 2006, and the ladies are hoping to hear from volunteers to help organise it and people willing to perform. If Mind the Gap is anything to go by, Cardiff is the…
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