Due to the consolidation of food distributors, when we think we’re making socially and environmentally responsible food choices, we are often just still just lining the pockets of the big 30. See chart below, click to enlarge:
Found at lawgeek.
Archive: 2008
While we’re on the topic of the current presidential campaign…
I’ve noticed something interesting about the images and phrases used to criticize Clinton and Obama. Why does the majority of anti-Clinton rhetoric use sexist images and language? And how prevelant is the (expected?) matching racism in the anti-Obama rhetoric and images? Why, instead, does Obama’s national allegiance and patriotism come into question? I think this would make for a great class discussion on intersectionality, an what prejudices are perceived to be “socially acceptable.”
Some possible questions for discussion:
- Is it more socially acceptable to be overtly sexist than overtly racist? Why?
- Why might it seem to be more okay to question someone’s patriotism/nationalism than to be overtly racist? What is the difference?
- What is really racist that doesn’t immediately appear racist?
And the images– again these come from Facebook groups with tens of thousands of members. See also previous images of Hillary Clinton here and here.
“Fly, my pretties, fly! Bring me the presidency”:
And now for Obama…
And here are some attacking Barack Obama’s nationality and patriotism:
And the infamous image (more info from snopes.com):
Text:
With Tactel you can make a statement for all to see. The incredible range of tactel fabrics create imaginative, distinctive fashions. All with a luxurious soft touch and feel. Look for Tactel in today’s leading designer collections.
We don’t get it. Is there even something to get? Discuss.
The fact that botox can be marketed with the phrase “freedom of expression” testifies to fact that there is no need for advertising to include any truth whatsoever.
Text:
Don’t hold back! Express it all! Express yourself by asking your
doctor about BOTOX Cosmetic. Millions of women already have.
This is called the Bitchcruiser:
You can find a lot more pictures of it here and there’s one for sale on ebay (thanks to Laura L., who found it on feministing.com, via).
NEW: Audrey D.E. sent in this image of a pole-dancer alarm clock from a catalog:
The text:
Your guy will really “rise and shine” to this entertaining alarm clock. A pole dancer twirls around the pole to music and flashing lights. What a way to wake up!
Thanks, Audrey!
This is a cover of Vogue featuring LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen. Notice the postures: LeBron as the hulking, angry black man, and Gisele as arm candy. Apparently this issue has a whole section on “the World’s Top Models and Star Athletes.” Hmmm, I wonder what the gender breakdown is?
Notice also the way in which the image reproduces the famous King Kong imagery:
Here is a link to an MSNBC segment on the cover.
Thanks to Carmela Z. for sending this image along!
NEW (Jan ’10)! Ruth D’R. and a reader-who-wishes-to-remain-anonymous sent us this (highly photoshopped) photo of Kanye West and Lady Gaga, one of the images in her “Fame Monster” CD liner notes. Some argue that it, too, reproduces the racialized King Kong imagery in which a black man (threatens to) ravage a white woman:
Some may think that this is a reach. But I think her nudity, plus the symbols of primitivity (the plants, the erupting volcano, and even the khakis) clearly invoke animalism.
Sarah says she walks by this image (found here) on her way to the subway and it “unnerves” her:
I concur.
Would it be going too far to suggest that the goblet of wine simultaneously stands in for an ejaculating penis and a weapon drawing blood? And, if that isn’t going to far, then aren’t we all seriously disturbed right now?
Thanks for the suggestion Sarah!
While we’re on the topic of the current presidential campaign…
I’ve noticed something interesting about the images and phrases used to criticize Clinton and Obama. Why does the majority of anti-Clinton rhetoric use sexist images and language? And how prevelant is the (expected?) matching racism in the anti-Obama rhetoric and images? Why, instead, does Obama’s national allegiance and patriotism come into question? I think this would make for a great class discussion on intersectionality, an what prejudices are perceived to be “socially acceptable.”
Some possible questions for discussion:
- Is it more socially acceptable to be overtly sexist than overtly racist? Why?
- Why might it seem to be more okay to question someone’s patriotism/nationalism than to be overtly racist? What is the difference?
- What is really racist that doesn’t immediately appear racist?
And the images– again these come from Facebook groups with tens of thousands of members. See also previous images of Hillary Clinton here and here.
“Fly, my pretties, fly! Bring me the presidency”:
And now for Obama…
And here are some attacking Barack Obama’s nationality and patriotism:
And the infamous image (more info from snopes.com):
Text:
With Tactel you can make a statement for all to see. The incredible range of tactel fabrics create imaginative, distinctive fashions. All with a luxurious soft touch and feel. Look for Tactel in today’s leading designer collections.
We don’t get it. Is there even something to get? Discuss.
The fact that botox can be marketed with the phrase “freedom of expression” testifies to fact that there is no need for advertising to include any truth whatsoever.
Text:
Don’t hold back! Express it all! Express yourself by asking your
doctor about BOTOX Cosmetic. Millions of women already have.
This is called the Bitchcruiser:
You can find a lot more pictures of it here and there’s one for sale on ebay (thanks to Laura L., who found it on feministing.com, via).
NEW: Audrey D.E. sent in this image of a pole-dancer alarm clock from a catalog:
The text:
Your guy will really “rise and shine” to this entertaining alarm clock. A pole dancer twirls around the pole to music and flashing lights. What a way to wake up!
Thanks, Audrey!
This is a cover of Vogue featuring LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen. Notice the postures: LeBron as the hulking, angry black man, and Gisele as arm candy. Apparently this issue has a whole section on “the World’s Top Models and Star Athletes.” Hmmm, I wonder what the gender breakdown is?
Notice also the way in which the image reproduces the famous King Kong imagery:
Here is a link to an MSNBC segment on the cover.
Thanks to Carmela Z. for sending this image along!
NEW (Jan ’10)! Ruth D’R. and a reader-who-wishes-to-remain-anonymous sent us this (highly photoshopped) photo of Kanye West and Lady Gaga, one of the images in her “Fame Monster” CD liner notes. Some argue that it, too, reproduces the racialized King Kong imagery in which a black man (threatens to) ravage a white woman:
Some may think that this is a reach. But I think her nudity, plus the symbols of primitivity (the plants, the erupting volcano, and even the khakis) clearly invoke animalism.
Sarah says she walks by this image (found here) on her way to the subway and it “unnerves” her:
I concur.
Would it be going too far to suggest that the goblet of wine simultaneously stands in for an ejaculating penis and a weapon drawing blood? And, if that isn’t going to far, then aren’t we all seriously disturbed right now?
Thanks for the suggestion Sarah!