Author Archives: Caroline Heldman

Dear Kelsey Weaver and Gianna Anile,

Posted on March 16, 2013

It takes courage to stand with a friend when some of the slut-shaming and victim-blaming filth thrown at her will land on you. It takes bravery to public admit that even imperfect girls can be raped. It takes a certain brand of loyalty to stand with your best friend when you know she’s been wronged, even if it means you’ll lose male attention and other friends, and face ridicule at school. Continue reading →

Posted in Rape/ Sexual Assault, Sexism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

My TED Talk on the Lie that Sexy = Empowering

Posted on January 21, 2013
Posted in Feminism, Media/Media Criticism, Sexism, Sexuality | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Celebrating Kwanzaa

It’s two days before Christmas, and many friends and family members are pulling their hair out with last-minute shopping as they brave the malls to scavenge bargain remains. Sound familiar? Many Americans put themselves in debt with holiday shopping, and 45% of Americans would … Continue reading →

Aside | Posted on December 24, 2012 | Tagged , , , ,

Football Star Lawrence Taylor Gets Off Again

Posted on November 27, 2012

Never mind that Cristina Fierro was 16 years old. Never mind that she had been beaten by her trafficker, with fresh marks on her face, and was in a state of panic. Football Hall of Famer, Lawrence Taylor paid $300 to … Continue reading →

Posted in Human trafficking, Media/Media Criticism, Sex trafficking | Tagged , , ,

Rape and Other “Gifts from God”

Posted on October 24, 2012

During a debate this past Tuesday, Indiana Republican senate nominee, Richard Mourdock, made the case against the rape exception for abortions: “I’ve struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realize that life is that gift from God, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Congress, Rape/ Sexual Assault, Sexism | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Science of Lady Parts and the GOP

Posted on October 23, 2012

Last Thursday, Republican Representative and Tea Party favorite, Joe Walsh (R-Ill), told reporters that when it comes to abortion, “there’s no such exception as life of the mother” because of ”advances in science and technology.” This astounding claim was news to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Elections, Rape/ Sexual Assault, Sexism, Sexuality, The Presidency | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

2012 Election Sexism Watch #10: “Much More Ladylike”

Posted on September 29, 2012

In case you missed it, Missouri senatorial candidate Todd Akin has again raised the ire of those who care about gender justice by stating that his opponent, Senator Claire McCaskill, was “much more ladylike” when she ran in 2006. He went on to … Continue reading →

Posted in Congress, Elections, Female Candidates | Tagged , , , ,

President Obama on Modern Day Slavery

Posted on September 26, 2012

On Tuesday, President Obama gave a speech on human trafficking at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) conference that no doubt elevated the priority of this policy in a way that only a presidential speech can. He gave an impassioned plea to end the scourge … Continue reading →

Posted in Congress, Human trafficking, Sex trafficking, The Presidency | Tagged , , , , ,

Mitt Romney and the 47% Meme

Posted on September 18, 2012

This meme is wildly dishonest since people pay a host of other federal, state, and local taxes. It’s about as honest as saying a person doesn’t eat vegetables because she only eats carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, and cabbage, but not broccoli. Continue reading →

Posted in Elections, The Presidency | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Explaining Sexism 101 to Ali Velshi

Posted on September 3, 2012

I don’t want to be writing this post. I was hoping this Labor Day would truly be free of labor, but I woke up to another dismissive Tweet from CNN Senior Business Correspondent Ali Velshi that compels comment. I’ve always enjoyed … Continue reading →

Posted in Media/Media Criticism, Sexism | Tagged , , , , ,