Age-Appropriate Sex Ed: A Comparison

Remember this advertisement during the presidential campaign in 2008? John McCain attacked Barack Obama's stance on age-appropriate sex education for all children, including Kindergartners.



Basically, Barack Obama supports age-appropriate sex-ed. In Kindergarten, that's teaching young children "good touch/bad touch" and ways that kids can protect themselves from pedophiles, like not talking to strangers, not going into a car of anyone they don't know, and telling a trusted adult if they've been touched inappropriately. It turned out that the bill wasn't even passed during Obama's time in the Illinois State Senate, and he wasn't even a co-sponsor, so it blew over and Barack Obama won the election.

Let's fast forward to 2011. Kind of a lot has changed in less than 3 years, but there haven't been such radical changes taking place from where conservatives have kittens over someone somewhere suggesting that 5-year-olds know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching to where talking to those same kids about abortion is a-OK. But apparently it has, in this second wind of hippie free love, I guess.

Congressman Steve King (R-IA) admitted that he talks to children of all grade levels, including Kindergartners, about abortion. He said:

I often go into a high school auditorium or meet with people at even the K-through-12 level in their entirety, and I will tell them: “You will be asked to answer one of the most profound moral questions of our age and that is where do you stand on the abortion issue. And you need to only ask and answer two questions. The first question is do you believe that human life is sacred in all of its forms. Is the person sitting to your left and to your right and everyone in this room, is their life sacred?” And they’ll nod their heads.

Yes, which would mean they're pro-choice. Anti-choicers certainly don't see the life of the pregnant woman as sacred, since they see her death in childbirth or suicide as no great loss to humanity. Needless to say, that's not age-appropriate. It's also a stupid argument to make, and it's why I hate it when men and self-righteous teens are asked about this very profound moral question. Men in particular can have a really nice philosophical debate about abortion, because they don't experience abortion in the slightest, and they never will. Men might like to think that they experience it in the same way that women do, but that's because they're really stupid assholes who believe their superior man-brains and powerful imaginations can make them feel that way. The point is, the only person who can answer that question honestly is the woman experiencing the pregnancy and making the decision herself. It's really easy to say "I believe all life is sacred," or even, "Abortion is a morally acceptable decision all the time," and all of that philosophy flies out the window once she sees a plus sign on the pregnancy test. Oops. So to even pose that question to students who are too young to experience pregnancy or make a moral judgment is totally age-inappropriate and a bit brain-washy.

Has It Been Three and a Half Months Already?

Finally, my apprenticeship teaching experience is over and I can finally blog again. Hooray! It was a serious doozy. The kids were cute, but they drove me crazy (as kids tend to do), and several of the teachers with whom I interacted were truly unpleasant. At times, they were downright hateful.

One of the teachers, who was actually an effective teacher and classroom manager, was a classhole, a word I just made up which means "classist asshole." Every time she came into the classroom for a team meeting or for lunch, she would ask who sat in a seat. If the child lived in the trailer park, she'd go, "Ew" and move to the seat of a student she deemed acceptable. On another occasion, she came into the classroom (thankfully while the children were out of the room in one of their special classes) and made fun of the size of the head of one of my students. Less than a week before that, I ripped a third grader a new one for making fun of the same girl because of her looks. I can't even tell you what that third grader looks like, because he was hanging his head in shame the entire time I scolded him. Needless to say, I don't think he'll be making fun of any kids any time soon, at least not in the hallway next to the faculty bathroom. I just think it's amazing how a grown woman with children who is an experienced teacher could be so cruel. I wish I were in a position where I could tell her the same thing I told that third grader.

The worst part of both of these people making fun of this girl is that I'm pretty sure this girl is developmentally delayed. I wouldn't expect a third grader to know some of the physical and emotional signs of an uncategorized developmental delay, but a teacher should. This poor girl reminded me a lot of the mothers at my job whose children were taken away from them, because they will never be developmentally capable of taking care of kids. They are women who are mentally around the age of 10 and were either taken advantage of by jerky men or had kids with guys who were just as developmentally delayed or mentally ill. I have a strong feeling that her delays will become more apparent as she gets older. Of course, teachers shouldn't make fun of kids anyway, whether it's in front of the kid or behind the kid's back. But to talk like that about a kid who is most likely developmentally delayed, that's just plain wrong. I suppose she could be called an ablebitch, a word I just made up which means "ableist bitch." I usually object to that word, but not this time.

Anywho, now that I'm done with student teaching, I should be updating much more frequently. There were a couple of things that I missed that I would like to post about over the next couple days or so. I'm happy to get back into blogging after this long hiatus. Whoo-hoo!

10 Things Anti-Choice Protesters Can Do to Help a Child Live a Happy Life

I just finished watching (and re-watching some of) the HBO documentary 12th and Delaware. It's about an intersection in Florida where there is an abortion clinic and a crisis pregnancy center (CPC). Unfortunately, most of the documentary follows CPC workers and anti-choice protesters. I guess that's where all the juiciness is. But I saw the anti-choice protesters in a different way. Don't get me wrong. I did not see past their ignorance and downright hatred for women. It was abundant. But what got me the angriest was that they were wasting some of their redeeming qualities, like tenacity, dedication, and passion, on harassing and hurting women. They spend their days, and make their living, harassing, lying to, and insulting the intelligence of women and teen girls. The "counselor" of the CPC and an anti-choice protester in the film admitted that their tactics may be harmful and/or illegal (e.g., stalking doctors and locking pregnant women in a room for 6 hours to convince them not to have an abortion), but it was worth it, because they thought they were helping.

Imagine if they engaged in activities that helped children, instead of denigrating women?

So I had the idea to do some convincing myself. I don't know if I will convince anybody to change their routine, but I'll just get it out there. I would like anybody who spends their days protesting outside of abortion clinics and other women's health centers to take one hour, just ONE HOUR, out of their protesting schedule to help real sentient children live fulfilling lives. Here are some ideas.

1. Spend an hour reading to one or more children at the local library or hospital. In an hour, you can read a couple of really good picture books, and it's a great excuse to talk in funny character voices.

2. Join an organization like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and spend an hour with a child playing an awesome board game like Chutes and Ladders. There's no chute for the girl who had an abortion, but I'm sure pro-lifers can still appreciate the lessons learned.

3. Volunteer at the library or an after-school program, and spend an hour helping children with their homework.

4. Get together with neighborhood parents and organize a carpool to transport children to and from school. It helps kids and the environment!

5. Spend an hour at the local recreation center and teach music, dancing, art, baking, or first aid to children.

6. I highly doubt that most anti-choicers would do this, but I'll give it a shot. Spend an hour a day being a crisis intervention counselor for The Trevor Project, a hotline for suicidal LGBTQ youth. Help save the life of a transgender, genderqueer, gay, bisexual, or questioning kid in need.

7. Spend a half hour standing outside of the grocery store and collect money for UNICEF, the March of Dimes, or Abandoned Babies and Children. Spend the other half hour buying groceries to donate to the local food bank, since millions of kids go hungry every day in the United States.

8. Spend an hour at a group home for foster children, teen moms, runaways, or juvenile offenders and talk or play with them.

9. Volunteer at the local park and motivate children to exercise and eat healthy.

10. Spend an extra hour a day enjoying the company of your own children, grandchildren, and the other adorable little kids in your lives. They might be jealous that you're giving so much attention to other women's embryos.

This isn't about changing the views of anti-choicers. I'm not even telling them to stop protesting outside of clinics (although I wish they would, since they're doing more harm than good [that was a rhyme]). All I'm saying is that the above 10 things (and many others) are at least as rewarding as protesting outside of a clinic, and way more effective at helping children live happy lives. So take an hour each day and help children in need who can at least smile in appreciation. Some might even say thank you!

P.S. Although I say "volunteer" throughout the post, you can get a paying job to do some of those things. But you'd have to do it for more than an hour, of course.

The Last Person in the World Who Should Be Telling You When It's OK to Get Preggers, Tells You When It's OK to Get Preggers (& Doesn't Get It Right)

That might have just been the longest title in AFF history! Anywho, Bristol Palin, who is a spokeswoman for a keep-your-legs-closed organization called the Candie's Foundation has a new public service announcement for all you slutty little girls out there: Don't fuck, unless you're rich like moi.

What if I didn't come from a famous family? What if I didn't have all their support? What if I didn't have all these opportunities?

Um, you'll be alone with your bundle of joy, wearing a white t-shirt and boyfriend jeans, standing in front of a couch in your tiny studio apartment?

Omigod, I was totally right!

The problem with this ad is that it is totally classist. Bristol Palin is essentially saying that it's okay that she was sexually active, got pregnant, and became a parent because she comes from a rich and famous family with lots of connections. But because you don't have these things, you should do what the Candie's Foundation says and keep your legs closed. I'm actually surprised that this organization even has Bristol Palin as a spokesperson. Nothing says "be skeptical of the media's portrayal of teen pregnancy and parenting" like getting $100,000 for posing on magazine covers and $300,000 for selling your baby pictures to the tabloids.

See What Strict Gender Roles Does to Children?

Yes, sir, you are a horrible father. Oh, I kid.

Take Action Monday

Happy Presidents' Day! Many schools have off on Presidents' Day, which is a total wasted opportunity for kids to learn about presidents and other government whatnot. Oh, well.

Tell Toyota to stop lobbying against car safety.

Support early childhood education.

Demand an explanation from Anthem Blue Cross of increasing their health insurance premiums by over 30%.

Encourage international ambassadors to ratify the child soldiers treaty.

Reverse death sentences for Iranian activists.

Stop Uganda's kill the gays bill.

Take Action Monday on Tuesday

I was sick yesterday, so I didn't get the chance to post any petitions. This may be the first time I've had two colds in a year since I was a little kid.

Demand that CBS pull an anti-choice Super Bowl ad.

Don't let Citizens United v. FEC happen again. The Supreme Court will hear a case that may allow billionaires to donate an unlimited amount of money to campaigns.

Support common-sense healthcare reform for women and families.

Make sure health insurance is made affordable to older Americans.

Demand quality early childhood education in your state.

Tell President Obama to close Guantanamo Bay prison.

End world hunger.

Help free a Tibetan filmmaker.

Demand an exit strategy in Afghanistan.

Help stop Uganda's anti-gay bill.

Take Action Monday

Support legislation to enact legislation that trains childcare workers.

Keep Texas from erasing Hispanics in textbooks.

Support real healthcare reform.

Protect the Caribou from extinction.

Send a message of support to Iranian activists.

Support early education.

Stop the Stupak Amendment from making it into healthcare reform.

Take Action Finally

Practicum teaching, school projects, work, oh my. I've been a busy, busy bee. And I've been getting a lot of comments on the old blog, but they've been from the same Anonymous Russian, so I can't read them . . . .

Today is International Transgender Day of Remembrance. Attend an event, e-mail your representatives, write a newspaper editorial. Make sure they're not forgotten.

Stop the Stupak Amendment from entering the Senate health reform bill. And send a coat hanger to the so-called "pro-choice" Democrats who voted for the amendment in the House. Virtual coat hangers, of course. Real ones wouldn't get past security.

Block attempts by the Chamber of Commerce to block healthcare reform.

Support early childhood education.

Tell the CEO of Goldman Sachs to help the workers of Stella D'Oro (or just do it for the cookies).

Urge President Obama to make fighting HIV in women and children a priority.

Somewhere, A Woman is Walking Around Screaming, "WHERE'S MY BABY?!?!"

Who says Republicans aren't classy? During Saturday's healthcare debate, Representative John Shadegg (R-AZ) exploited a child for political purposes by putting words in the mouths of a 7-month-old baby and her mother. Poor kid. Just move that mic away from the nasty man.

Take Action Monday on Wednesday

I've been a real sucky blogger for at least the last week or so. My schedule has changed and I need to get used to the new routine. I have at least one thing I want to post about body image during the weekend, so you can at least look forward to that.

Urge your Representatives to reject any anti-choice amendments to health care reform.

Support legislation that provides nutritious meals for America's children.

Demand stronger car emissions standards from the EPA.

Tell Republicans to stop lying about health care reform.

Support a public health insurance option.

Tell the CDC that circumcision is not the answer to preventing STDs.

Take Action Monday

Since Tom Felton started following me on Twitter a few days ago, I have about 15 new followers. I'd like to think the recent influx of followers is because of the feminism, but I won't kid myself.

Urge President Obama to sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Child. The United States and Somalia are the only two countries who haven't signed it.

Tell Congress to close the Part D "doughnut hole" that limits prescription drug coverage for seniors.

Help restore fair wages and government oversight for guest farm workers.

Send pictures of your little ones to Senator Kyl, and let him know that maternity care is important for all.

Protect our drinking water supply from pollution.

Thank Speaker Pelosi for standing up for a public health insurance option.

Support the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009.

Urge your Senators to pass legislation to protect our national parks.

Ask your Senators to co-sponsor the JUSTICE Act.

Support the Roadless Area Conservation Rule

Thank Michelle Obama for standing up for women and children in her recent health care reform speech.

Take Action Monday

Congratulate Justice Sotomayor for her confirmation.

Send your feedback to the EPA regarding biofuels.

Get antibiotics out of our meat.

Stop opponents of health care reform distorting the truth.

Urge CNN to set the record straight on the Employee Free Choice Act.

Help stop toxic wastewater dumping in our streams.

Ensure that children are covered in healthcare reform.

Important Question

Could that baby be any more uncomfortable?

Take Action Monday

Guarantee every child gets healthcare services.

Help free Euna Lee and Laura Ling.

Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.

Support the Water for the World Act.

Help pass comprehensive immigration reform this year.

Stand up for Florida farm workers.

Demand paid sick days.

Show your support for a public healthcare option.

End cruelty to animals used in military testing.

Take Action Monday

Tell Tom Daschle that you support a public healthcare option.

Demand that members of the House and Senate immigration subcommittees renounce anti-immigrant extremist groups.

Ask Congress to provide healthy food to the nation's hungry children.

Support the Iranian protestors.

Ask your Representative to co-sponsor the State Secrets Protection Act.

Tell your Representative to vote for the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Demand that President Obama announce his plan for peace in Sudan.

Tell President Obama and Attorney General Holder to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act.

Call out Jim Cramer and Erin Burnett on their inaccurate reporting of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Take Action Monday

Tell Congress to pass the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009.

Protect the U.S. from dirty coal.

Support the Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act.

Protect the Florida Panther from extinction.

Restore conservation funding for our national parks.

Encourage President Obama to continue to support healthcare for uninsured children.

Call for the release of all prisoners of conscience in Myanmar.

Urge Congress to pass the Gulf Coast Civic Recovery Act.

Take Action Monday on Wednesday

I forgot to post on Monday, so here are the links today. Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day and remembered the people who sacrifice their health and lives to help Americans and others. And even though some military presence and actions hurt more than they help, that's more the fault of selfish policy makers than the soldiers themselves.

Pledge to overturn Proposition 8 in California.

Get your FREE "I support gay marriage" sticker from Credo.

Demand that Republican leaders decry Rush Limbaugh's racism.

Urge President Obama to help all children gain a quality basic education.

Support the Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act of 2009.

Hold KBR/Halliburton accountable.

Support an independent Truth Commission to investigate any torture at Guantanmo Bay.

Take Action Monday on Tuesday

I was too sleepy yesterday after work to post the TAM, so here it is today!

Support comprehensive healthcare coverage for all Americans, especially children.

Tell President Obama to repeal "Don't ask, don't tell."

Demand Governor Rendell speak out against Luis Ramirez's death.

Support the Youth PROMISE Act.

Urge President Obama to act to save lives in Sri Lanka.

Help empower Afghan women.

Mini Rant: Dora is a Cartoon. She Doesn't Have to be Practical

I'm still Dora, damn it!

Is it me, or is there a lot of needless pearl-clutching over the new look for Dora the Explorer? What surprises me most are the comments about Dora's outfit. Veronica at Viva la Feminista says, "Yes, they are cute, but they are not adventurous shoes." Alex Alvarez of Gunabee predicts, "Her Limited Too tunic is totally going to get caught on a fence mid-environmental rally." Both commentators make some good points about Dora's revamping, so why mention the clothes? She looks like the average 11 or 12 year old of today.

But she's also a cartoon. Why does she have to be practical? Maybe we should ask Boots, her talking blue monkey friend, what's sensible for a 12-year-old to wear while she's going on adventures in the Amazon. The whole show is a fantasy. That's the point! She's a cartoon. Are people seriously going to worry about girls learning that they can go exploring with ribbons on their tunics on a show that could be teaching our kids (keep in mind, our really dumb kids) that befriending wild animals is totally safe? Give me a break, people.