A couple days ago, I went to a Take Back the Night rally on campus. For those of you who don't know what those are, they're rallies against rape and other forms of sexual violence. They're stereotypically attended by butch lesbians and bra-burning feminists, but I knew that was only a stereotype. I know quite a few feminists (including myself), and none of them are stereotypical. Still, though, I was a little worried that people might think I was female, because that happens to me sometimes in places with a lot of lesbians around.
When I got there, there were a lot more guys than I'd expected. The different speakers kept mentioning how proud they were to see men there, so that made me smile. This guy was walking around, handing out ribbon stickers. He handed me one, looked at me for a second, took it back, and handed me another. I thought it was a little weird, but I didn't think twice about it.
A couple hours later I was at McDonald's with some friends, and this one guy asked why a girl and I had the same color ribbon, but one of our male friends had a different one. He replied that they were giving different ribbons to guys than to girls, and commented on how sexist he thought that was.
So then I realized that the guy gave me a boy ribbon, looked at me for a couple seconds longer, then took the boy ribbon from me and handed me a girl one. I was annoyed at first, but the more I think about it, the funnier it gets. I was literally handed my masculinity, and then had it taken away. It sortof cracks me up.
I guess I'm posting this because a) I'm frustrated by the fact that apparently I don't always pass as well as I think, but b) I don't get as upset about it anymore. I'm able to laugh at it instead.
It is kind of a funny story... were the colors not the obvious blue and pink? because next time I would take HIS ribbon back if I were you :P.
My friend actually asked me if I beat the guy up. Haha...for about ten seconds when I realized it, I felt like it. But no, it wasn't obvious at all. The ribbons for the girls were a sortof...teal and purple swirly thing, and the guy ribbons were white. I agree with my friend...I don't think they needed different colors.
QuoteI was a little worried that people might think I was female, because that happens to me sometimes in places with a lot of lesbians around.
This used to happen to me alot of the time. GRRR!
QuoteSo then I realized that the guy gave me a boy ribbon, looked at me for a couple seconds longer, then took the boy ribbon from me and handed me a girl one.
If I had clicked in that instant I would have corrected him straight down.
I can understand why you thought it was funny.
QuoteI guess I'm posting this because a) I'm frustrated by the fact that apparently I don't always pass as well as I think.
Just wait till you get on T buddy! ;) Its always good to have confidence.
Jay
God knows why they needed different coloured ribbons in the first place. You had the right attitude, take it with humour and don't let it get to you. :)
QuoteGod knows why they needed different coloured ribbons in the first place.
Especially if people don't understand why they have different colours..
Jay
Why? Sorry Jay, I really don't get it? ???
Quotethis one guy asked why a girl and I had the same color ribbon, but one of our male friends had a different one.
The guys didn't know they had different colour ones just because they are male. And the same for female.. if I am correct? Or just ignore me.
Sorry I understood what I said in my head.. not what was actually written. :-X
Jay
Hehe! Now I'm really confused!
Definitely need another coffee and cigarette to work that out! ;D
(stuck at home waiting for the plumber)
My male friend knew they had the ribbons separated by gender, but the guy who asked didn't attend the rally. I think most people didn't realize it, though, even if they did go to the rally. And we certainly had no idea what the difference in colors was supposed to symbolize. They didn't talk about it at all.
And yeah, had I known that he was taking away my guy ribbon and giving me a girl one...he would have heard something about it, and quick. Hah..
I would have demanded both ribbons in the name of their equal opportunities policy! ;D
Quote from: imaz on April 23, 2009, 03:41:46 AM
Hehe! Now I'm really confused!
My bad.. I am not very good at expressing myself.. I think Michael caught my drift. :P
QuoteDefinitely need another coffee and cigarette to work that out! ;D
Please share. ;)
Jay
I'd love to but it would be bad for your health!
My breakfast has consisted of Black Coffee, Lambert & Butler Menthols and Milka "Alpine Milk Chocolate Caramel"... >:-)
Quote from: imaz on April 23, 2009, 04:32:57 AM
I'd love to but it would be bad for your health!
Isn't everything these days?
QuoteMy breakfast has consisted of Black Coffee, Lambert & Butler Menthols and Milka "Alpine Milk Chocolate Caramel"... >:-)
Mine was a 4 roll ups (not one after another I must say) and a can of Relentless (high caffenine energy drink!) So not perticually any better just missing the chocolate! :P
Jay
Hehe! Easily remedied ;D
BTW, love the gender stereotyping with you smoking roll-ups and me menthols!!! ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Jay on April 23, 2009, 04:36:42 AM
Isn't everything these days?
Mine was a 4 roll ups (not one after another I must say) and a can of Relentless (high caffenine energy drink!) So not perticually any better just missing the chocolate! :P
Jay
dude we had exactly the same breakfast xD
Heya GR - Just wanted to say, I love your new avatar. Makes you look very Mod. ;D
Quote from: Jamie-o on April 23, 2009, 06:51:11 AM
Heya GR - Just wanted to say, I love your new avatar. Makes you look very Mod. ;D
Yayy thankyou! It's me at an anime con, dressed as a vampire. I was trying to make a creepy, sortof skeevy face, and I halfway succeeded, and halfway took a picture I actually think looks good. If you look close, you might be able to see one of my fangs.
Quote from: Jeatyn on April 23, 2009, 06:24:59 AM
dude we had exactly the same breakfast xD
Awesome! ;D
QuoteIf you look close, you might be able to see one of my fangs.
I sure do see it! :) I like the pic too. Lovin' the hair and the red tye!
Jay
which anime con?
Quote from: Josh on April 27, 2009, 09:39:47 PM
which anime con?
MTAC, or Middle Tennessee Anime Convention. It's a relatively small one in Nashville, but it's still awesome.
I didn't know there was a con in Nashville! Our group always goes to SugoiCon (Fort Smith, KY...basically Cincinatti) or OhayoCon (Columbus, OH).