Feminist Monday

Good morning and Happy Monday. Ready to get your blood moving via rage? Okay. Here's today's video. 

Literary/Entertainment: Let's talk about SF Conventions and panels. Again. First, have some links: Mark Oshiro's Report re: ConQuest, Expect More from Your Regional ConCom by K.Tempest Bradford, Zen Cho's comments,  and finally, Rachel Caine's post. You know what? I get that programming is a tough job. Volunteer-run cons need to be relevant to current events and the needs of the community. Those needs are changing. But this is what comes of half-assing it. I've worked behind the scenes at cons. I get it. It's a lot of work, but it's time remember that programming is the meat of the convention. It's the reason why people pay for memberships. It should not be slapped together by one overloaded person who doesn't have time (or possibly the inclination) to do the actual job. It needs to be done by more than one person, possibly a committee with a leader. It is time to admit that it's too much for one person to do. And I'm with Tempest, you damned well can vet the moderator when it comes to important topics. And you should. I'll add that I'm already that mouthy person. I've already intervened when the sole person of [insert marginalized identity] has been assigned/volunteered to moderate the panel. (Give me a break. How hard it is to understand that they are the ones who should be speaking the most? FFS, they should NOT be questioning persons not of that identity nor listening to what they have to say.) I admit I used to hesitate, but I plan on being unapologetic about it from now on. I will reorganize a panel on the fly. It can be done. And btw what is the deal with not being able to keep your clothes on in public? What the ever fuck is wrong with people? Ellen Oh talks about diversity in literature and says very wise things. I'm listening to her on this. She's also got my support. Next, The Tragedy of James Bond explains in detail my feelings on Bond and why I just can't continue on with the films after Daniel Craig leaves. And In Conversation with Bell Hooks and Emma Watson, Women Modernist Artists Painted More Than Just Vagina Flowers. Carlie St. George examines the Sexy Douchecanoe trope. You know what? She's right. Yes, I get it that criticism from outside a genre can be unfair, but in this case? NO. She's right. Own that shit. The Subversive Women Who Self-Publish Novels Amid Jihadist War​. C.J. Cherry is Named SFWA Damon Knight Grand Master. 10 Funny Ladies You Need to be Watching Right Now. Personal Essay: "Penguins, Robins, and Science Fiction." Guest blog by Toni Weisskopf.

General: Complete the History Books: Women in Stem, The Crisis Facing America's Working Daughters,  Two Kids, An IUD, and then an Abortion. Gender Neutral/Queer Titles, Would You Go to Mars? Meet the Four Astronauts (who happen to be women) who Can't Wait to Get There--how about that? Glamour Magazine actually wrote an article I'd pay money to read! When Algorithms Discriminate. Women are Seen as Better Coders--but Only if Their Gender isn't Known. 
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Trigger Warning: How We Failed to Protect Kesha, Kesha--Sues Dr. Luke