A school secretary in Quebec was recently outed as a porn star … and could potentially lose her job over the brouhaha. In a classic case of a woman being criticized for her, uh, extracurricular activities, the porn world’s “Samantha Ardente” is currently on unpaid suspension from work.
There are certain fields where employees are held to a higher standard, and education is unquestionably one of them. However, this story goes a little bit deeper, with shades of what amounts to …
When AIDS became the new epidemic of death that most of us would die from (at least according to my sex ed class), the porn industry took quite a bit of heat. And then AIDS was no big deal. And then Magic Johnson was cured of it. And then it wasn’t such a big deal. And then it was kind of a big deal. And then it was a really big deal in financially destitute countries. And then …
Well, you get what I’m saying. One thing that has never really faltered, though, is the impression that AIDS will lead to terrible repercussions for …
So Spike has complied a list of their interpretation of the seven cutest feminists, and I’m not sure whether to be offended or amused. I mean, this is of course the channel best known for all manner of wrestling (which, like NASCAR, is somehow considered a sport … kind of) and CSI reruns.
That said, though, I do find their choices kind of interesting. And funny. And a little bit insulting.
Anyway, from Spike, “The Top Seven Cutest Feminists”:
#7: Jennifer Baumgardner
Like most bi-sexual writers from Fargo, North Dakota, Jennifer Baumgardner has had a storied literary career focused on political equity, feminist rights, and a long-term sexual relationship with a founding member of The Indigo Girls.
Yup, the author of works such as Young Women, Feminism and the Future and Look Both Ways: Bisexual Politics should definitely be known for bedding an Indigo Girl. And being cute. That’s huge.
#6: Kat Banyard
Author of The Equality Illusion and director of UK Feminista, Banyard has spent the majority of her professional life furthering the feminist cause and ensuring that women throughout England enjoy the same rights as their mildly effeminate male counterparts. (Which, judging by their national soccer team, includes the procurement of disease-free prostitutes and struggling to stay competitive in World Cup matches with Germany.)
Ouch, Spike, just … ouch.
#5: Kirsten Gillibrand (although Spike misidentifies her as “Kristen” Gillibrand)
The former Asian studies major and current New York senator is a self-described feminist who has worked tirelessly to occasionally fight for women’s rights in various political forums. During an interview with Womensrights.change.org, the former sorority girl turned tobacco defender claimed that “we’ve reached a point where women really can get elected at the highest levels of government all over the country” and “I have no doubt that we will see more women in elected office in the coming years.” (She also listed “bad breath” and “male flight attendants” as her turn-offs later in the article.)
Pornography is usually a touchy subject that comes with a lot of questions, especially when looking at it through a feminist perspective. You can’t talk about pornography without asking, is it demeaning to women? Or is it empowering to women?
I am still not sure where I stand in this debate. I think that one must look at the intentions an individual has, as with all professions, when they make the decision to enter the porn industry. However I am also of the belief that everyone, regardless of gender, should be able to choose their own path. If that path is porn, then so be it … as long as it’s something you genuinely want to do, and not something someone is forcing you to do or something that feels compromising but will pay well.
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