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redefiningbodyimage: katieanne: (via obeast book update |) Okay. This woman is seriously blowing my fucking mind right now. Check her artist’s statement and get into what she’s doing because it is brilliant. - Haley From her statement: My most visible role in the project is performing as the North American Obeast, a fictitious genus of endangered mammals.  I embody three species of male and female obeasts, which superficially resemble each other in the way that zebras, mice, crows, and other fauna do. This animalistic indistinction to the careless eye reflects and satirizes the socially perceived ‘all-the-sameness’ of fat people. This kind of dehumanizing, reductive thinking is brought to light in the MOCS project through exaggeration of the largely unexamined cultural perceptions and anxieties about fat. The obeast performs fat as our culture represents it: simple-minded, undisciplined, endangered yet threatening. By enacting the stigma and dehumanization of obesity literally, the everyday stigmatization of (and anxiety about) obese people becomes darkly humorous, rather than merely pitiable. . The narrative’s absurdity mirrors the real-life absurdity of ideological thinking, and creates an opportunity to consider a more nuanced perspective of ascribed and asserted identity formation. By borrowing the trappings of legitimizing scholarly fields (e.g. archaeology, history, biology, museology) to teach viewers about the fictional North American Obeast, the project asks viewers to think critically about how facts and cultural identities are made, and by whom. In this way, the work plays upon not only the stigma and cultivated anxiety surrounding the so-called “obesity epidemic,” but also the conventions of information dispersion in American culture.

redefiningbodyimage:

katieanne:

(via obeast book update |)

Okay. This woman is seriously blowing my fucking mind right now. Check her artist’s statement and get into what she’s doing because it is brilliant. - Haley

From her statement:

My most visible role in the project is performing as the North American Obeast, a fictitious genus of endangered mammals.  I embody three species of male and female obeasts, which superficially resemble each other in the way that zebras, mice, crows, and other fauna do. This animalistic indistinction to the careless eye reflects and satirizes the socially perceived ‘all-the-sameness’ of fat people. This kind of dehumanizing, reductive thinking is brought to light in the MOCS project through exaggeration of the largely unexamined cultural perceptions and anxieties about fat. The obeast performs fat as our culture represents it: simple-minded, undisciplined, endangered yet threatening. By enacting the stigma and dehumanization of obesity literally, the everyday stigmatization of (and anxiety about) obese people becomes darkly humorous, rather than merely pitiable.
.
The narrative’s absurdity mirrors the real-life absurdity of ideological thinking, and creates an opportunity to consider a more nuanced perspective of ascribed and asserted identity formation. By borrowing the trappings of legitimizing scholarly fields (e.g. archaeology, history, biology, museology) to teach viewers about the fictional North American Obeast, the project asks viewers to think critically about how facts and cultural identities are made, and by whom. In this way, the work plays upon not only the stigma and cultivated anxiety surrounding the so-called “obesity epidemic,” but also the conventions of information dispersion in American culture.

Rima Deer: I NEED HELP. TRYING TO EARN EXTRA MONEY THROUGH DRAWING FOR OTHERS.»

queensassyofthefatties:

Okay, recently my sister has been unable to care fully for her children. We’ve had a lot of stressful tug of war shit with her on how she doesn’t think of them and how she just can’t seem to provide something stable (I would go into gruesome detail about just how unfit she has become but that’s just a lot to get into right now, so just trust me when I say she cannot provide for them).

Because of her, my mom and I have taken over her children. They have moved into our two bedroom apartment and we can’t rely on my sister for any help. For example, she was supposed to be here early Monday morning to watch her daughter while I had my small 4 hour shift at work and to take her son to school. That was our plan. We would take them on but she still needed to fulfill some parental responsibilities where we were unable to. 

She never showed up.

And we had no idea where she was or if she was okay for three days. Only after my mom drove 30 minutes out of town to the efficiency she has been holed up in did we finally learn she wasn’t in danger. She just didn’t have any money to pay her phone bill or for gas (though, get this, she gladly borrows her neighbors phone on previous occasions to ask us for money but won’t when she seemingly disappears off the face of the earth for 72 hours)

I had to miss work and call in and they ended up having someone else take over the rest of my shifts all week. My sister’s inability to be a responsible and fit ADULT and MOTHER nearly cost me my job.

Since we can’t rely on her, and Logan’s and Emily’s well being is so fragile right now we are trying to do this on our own. My mom works a full time, 7am-5pm job. My hours are very unpredictable. I don’t have set hours at work. I work what they give me - morning shifts, mid-day shifts, closing shifts, whatever.. And lately I’ve been working 8 days straight.

But now I have to cut my hours by half temporarily to watch my niece during the day. We can’t afford day care but we are looking into assistance but that isn’t right now - there is a process and that process is hard when you aren’t the parent/guardian of the child needing something like CAPS. On top of this my mom just got a new car to get rid of our trashed up 20+ year old lemon volvo. She took on a big car payment to save her the anxiety of losing her only form of transportation because it was just unreliable and practically falling apart..

Needless to say, taking on two other mouths to feed with a car payment and needing me to cut any money I’ve been able to help with by half is a strain.

My etsy shop has only gotten a few orders and I’ve saved the money but it’s just not consistent enough. So, I’m making this long post to say, I need money. I won’t ask for donations, but rather draw caricatures of anyone willing to spare $5 my way.

If you want to know what I’d be drawing for $5 it will look something like this -

image

image

I’m always willing to do a little more for people who are willing to spend more.

I’ll do a fullbody caricature of you, even if it’s fantasy-esque or what-not like this for $10

image

If you care to look at anymore of my drawings you can go here. If you want me to draw something for you but you want something different, I’m still always open to talking stuff out and giving you a ‘quote’/price. C:

Please be aware I need reference pictures for this and you can pay me by clicking the donate button at the top left of my blog through paypal. BUT FIRST MESSAGE ME IF YOU’RE INTERESTED AND WHAT YOU’RE INTERESTED IN HAVING ME DRAW.

Thank you everyone, even for just reading this and I just want to make it known that I’m not asking for donations. I like to give back to people. I like to earn what is being given to me. But this is my situation. I also don’t expect people to just commission me or expect anyone’s money. Even if they can afford $5-$10 dollars.

P.S. Please signal boost this even if you’re not able to afford. I understand that. But a reblog would be infinitely appreciated. <3

Thanks again. <3

Steubenville’s Jane Doe asked people to do something…

afrogeekgoddess:

(tw: rape, abuse, images of assault at 4th link)

createourownlight:

I’ve never asked anyone to reblog anything before, and I probably won’t again. But I am now - because this matters.

The Steubenville rape victim, when offered money for her legal expenses or counselling, asked that people donated to a shelter for abused women and children in her county,  Madden House, instead.

Her attorney spoke in a local news article on why the family wanted this, and said they hope very much that “the attention … can help other people that have been victimized by this type of crime,” Fitzsimmons said, “and give them some strength and some assurance that people are there to help them when that happens.”

You can donate as little as $2 via your Paypal account to Madden House. (You can also navigate their website from that link, to be sure it’s a charity you can also believe in.) When I donated back in January, they had a message up that said, “Every single cent says, ‘We believe you, and we care.’” They had to remove it almost at once. I’m sure you can deduce the reasons why, in a case where even her status as “victim” was challenged before the trial.

Madden House and the Family Violence Project helps anyone, men included, but they have a strong focus on families, and on low-income women, especially those from the African-American population.

The best way to show you support Jane Doe is to make a donation, however small and leave a Paypal note when you do saying “In the name of Jane Doe, Steubenville.” They are telling her how many people donate in her name so it’s a direct way of letting her know. Even if all you can afford is a dollar, a thousand Tumblr users donating that is a thousand dollars for abuse victims. And it’s also a thousand people telling her directly that they, unlike the likes of CNN and her erstwhile “friends”, care about her, support her, and believe in her. It’s what she has actually asked people to do. In a case where she has been so effectively silenced and sidelined, I think acknowledging she’s been heard is particularly important.

I think it says so much about this girl and her parents, that when met with offers of serious money they immediately asked that it went to a charity that helps other victims of violence instead. They are extraordinary people in my opinion, and that’s why she had the strength to come forward. Images of two other girls, naked and face down on that basement carpet, were found on a phone. The boy insisted he’d never seen them before, and had no idea who they were of. Jane Doe may well not have been speaking up only for herself. She has very possibly saved others with her courage. She deserves so much more respect than the mainstream media have given her.

If you can’t donate, I really do understand. I’ve been broke before too. But please, do reblog. Get the message out. There is a genuine, positive way to support the victim, in the way she has asked for, and this is it.

Sorry it’s so long. There are so many scams online that I wanted to provide ample links, so there can be no doubt this is legit. Please, if you can, donate/reblog. Show Jane Doe what you think of her.

(via shakethecobwebs)

Upworthy is hiring a Womanist fellow!»

Our mission is to use irresistible social media to draw attention to the things that really matter. In our first year, we’ve inspired millions to watch great videos about standing up to bullies, getting young girls excited about engineering, holding big banks accountable, and dozens of other important topics.

Media outlets like The New York Times, AllThingsD, and Business Insider have called us one of the fastest-growing media sites in history — we attracted more than 10 million unique visitors last month alone. But to make the kind of difference we want to make in the world, we need to go even further.

Details (compensation, hours, etc) available at the above link. Please share widely! This is a great opportunity :)

We’re hiring, like, a lot of people.

khaleesi:

upworthyinsider:

We’re expanding our editorial team in a number of directions at once, and we’re looking for multi-talented, politically-attuned, self-driven social media natives to help us figure out some new things here.

That’s where you come in. Do any of these positions sound like they’re for you or a superstar you know? If you’re interested, please click the link(s) of your choice and complete the online application(s) required. We can’t wait to hear from you!

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US (It’s only fair. We asked to know a little about you.)

Our mission is to use irresistible social media to draw attention to the things that really matter. In our first year, we’ve inspired millions to watch great videos about standing up to bullies, getting young girls excited about engineering, holding big banks accountable, and dozens of other important topics.

Media outlets like The New York Times, AllThingsD, and Business Insider have called us one of the fastest-growing media sites in history — we attracted more than 10 million unique visitors last month alone. But to make the kind of difference we want to make in the world, we need to go even further.

We need you!

Anyone want a job?

Signal boostin’.

fattyforever: lapocketrocket: esperanzaj: applecharlotte: Tumblr, I need your help! I am a fashion design student in my final year looking for 6 PLUS SIZE MODELS to wear my final collection at the end of the university year around May/June time. No previous experience is needed, just need to be between sizes UK16-UK24, and have confidence and commitment. I need women who are near London/Southampton, or prepared to travel to these places, and are available for fittings. You will also be expected to do a photoshoot for my portfolio (of which I will give you a copy of the photographs), and to be able to walk the catwalk with confidence. Some expenses will be made for your involvement. If you are interested, or know someone who would be ideal, either contact me through Tumblr or email me on: Apple_Charlotte@hotmail.co.uk Your help will be much appreciated! If I can not find models I will not be able to show my collection, and I will be devastated. :( I also can’t start properly making my collection until I know what sizes will be modelling, so it’s all a bit of a dilemma at the moment! Hey guys, check this out if you’re in the UK and between size UK16-24. It’s a great opportunity to help someone out with an awesome project &amp; I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful experience, too.  I’m doing this! Come join me! Signal boost! I&#8217;m sure I&#8217;ve got some followers in the area. Go forth!

fattyforever:

lapocketrocket:

esperanzaj:

applecharlotte:

Tumblr, I need your help!

I am a fashion design student in my final year looking for 6 PLUS SIZE MODELS to wear my final collection at the end of the university year around May/June time.

No previous experience is needed, just need to be between sizes UK16-UK24, and have confidence and commitment. I need women who are near London/Southampton, or prepared to travel to these places, and are available for fittings. You will also be expected to do a photoshoot for my portfolio (of which I will give you a copy of the photographs), and to be able to walk the catwalk with confidence.

Some expenses will be made for your involvement.

If you are interested, or know someone who would be ideal, either contact me through Tumblr or email me on:

Apple_Charlotte@hotmail.co.uk

Your help will be much appreciated! If I can not find models I will not be able to show my collection, and I will be devastated. :( I also can’t start properly making my collection until I know what sizes will be modelling, so it’s all a bit of a dilemma at the moment!

Hey guys, check this out if you’re in the UK and between size UK16-24. It’s a great opportunity to help someone out with an awesome project & I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful experience, too. 

I’m doing this! Come join me!

Signal boost!

I’m sure I’ve got some followers in the area. Go forth!

Seventeen Magazine is asking their teenage readers to use #AskJillian to talk to Jillian Michaels of The Biggest Loser for &#8220;health and fitness&#8221; advice. This is the same show, mind you, that purportedly abused and bullied at least one contestant to the point where she was triggered into an eating disorder, and the same magazine that signed the &#8220;Body Peace Treaty&#8221; and claimed it wants teen girls to have good body image. The hypocrisy is a teensy bit overwhelming.  Might I suggest we flood this hashtag with questions about body shaming and health?

Seventeen Magazine is asking their teenage readers to use #AskJillian to talk to Jillian Michaels of The Biggest Loser for “health and fitness” advice. This is the same show, mind you, that purportedly abused and bullied at least one contestant to the point where she was triggered into an eating disorder, and the same magazine that signed the “Body Peace Treaty” and claimed it wants teen girls to have good body image.

The hypocrisy is a teensy bit overwhelming. 

Might I suggest we flood this hashtag with questions about body shaming and health?

aesaerugo: “The problem is that date rape drugs are odorless, colorless, and tasteless once they’re in your drink.  We all know not to leave our drinks unattended, but the reality is it’s impossible to keep an eye on your drink all night.  So what’s the solution?  With the help of Dr. John MacDonald, a professor of chemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and with the help of Contract Researching Organizations, DrinkSavvy is developing material that will immediately change color to warn you if a drug is slipped into your drink.” There’s more information at the startup’s Indiegogo site. An NECN interview sheds a little extra light on the subject, and WPI has recognized the project’s potential with a prestigious award. So Tumblr. You’re notorious for attacking rape culture; just think how much this could do to fix that problem. At time of posting DrinkSavvy is at $2,500 of its $50,000 goal. Let’s signal boost it.

aesaerugo:

“The problem is that date rape drugs are odorless, colorless, and tasteless once they’re in your drink.  We all know not to leave our drinks unattended, but the reality is it’s impossible to keep an eye on your drink all night.  So what’s the solution?  With the help of Dr. John MacDonald, a professor of chemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and with the help of Contract Researching Organizations, DrinkSavvy is developing material that will immediately change color to warn you if a drug is slipped into your drink.”

There’s more information at the startup’s Indiegogo site. An NECN interview sheds a little extra light on the subject, and WPI has recognized the project’s potential with a prestigious award.

So Tumblr. You’re notorious for attacking rape culture; just think how much this could do to fix that problem. At time of posting DrinkSavvy is at $2,500 of its $50,000 goal. Let’s signal boost it.

(via fattyforever)

redefiningbodyimage: //// The Official RBI Fundraiser Kick-Off //// All funds collected will go directly into equipment and supplies needed to kick RBI-related projects off the ground. Let’s see what we can make happen. »» DONATE HERE BABES!!! «« [There is also a donate button on the right sidebar of the website.] —— So, my loves…I have some pretty big plans. I am in the process of designing a complete overhall of Redefining Body Image that will make getting around and interacting on this website MUCH easier. I am also in the beginning stages of planning a body-positive guerilla marketing campaign. Posters, stickers, buttons, installations, big things, small things, you name it - I’ve got an idea for it. I’ve got TOO many ideas and I don’t know where to start. But I DO know that I need a camera. I am very limited in what I can do with my project right now because I don’t have a suitable camera. There are so many beautiful bodies and people and experiences that I need to capture, both in still frame and motion, in order to help formulate my ideas and bring them to life.  While I am super grateful for my day job and the income that comes with it - the huge chunk of money syphoned out of my bank account each month going to student loans and other financial constrains because of life reasons have made it difficult for me to be able to drop money that I don’t have on a digital SLR. I am stable, but money is tight - And I really dislike that it’s come to this point, but in order for me to make bigger steps and really make an impact: I’d like to ask for your help in funding future Redefining Body Image endeavors. I am not sure where this will take me, but I do know that I can’t do it alone. Like everything else about this place, it is a fluid and ever-changing process - and you are all a part of it. So I do hope that, if you can afford to donate anything, you might consider throwing a couple bones my way. If not, maybe a wee signal boost? Thank you those who have helped support me thusfar and those who may support me in the future. I have no words to explain how nervousexcited I am to be making bigger steps, but I feel good vibes, and I know good things will happen. &lt;3 Haley

redefiningbodyimage:

//// The Official RBI Fundraiser Kick-Off ////

All funds collected will go directly into equipment and supplies needed to kick RBI-related projects off the ground. Let’s see what we can make happen.

»» DONATE HERE BABES!!! ««

[There is also a donate button on the right sidebar of the website.]

——

So, my loves…I have some pretty big plans.

I am in the process of designing a complete overhall of Redefining Body Image that will make getting around and interacting on this website MUCH easier.

I am also in the beginning stages of planning a body-positive guerilla marketing campaign. Posters, stickers, buttons, installations, big things, small things, you name it - I’ve got an idea for it. I’ve got TOO many ideas and I don’t know where to start.

But I DO know that I need a camera. I am very limited in what I can do with my project right now because I don’t have a suitable camera. There are so many beautiful bodies and people and experiences that I need to capture, both in still frame and motion, in order to help formulate my ideas and bring them to life. 

While I am super grateful for my day job and the income that comes with it - the huge chunk of money syphoned out of my bank account each month going to student loans and other financial constrains because of life reasons have made it difficult for me to be able to drop money that I don’t have on a digital SLR.

I am stable, but money is tight - And I really dislike that it’s come to this point, but in order for me to make bigger steps and really make an impact: I’d like to ask for your help in funding future Redefining Body Image endeavors.

I am not sure where this will take me, but I do know that I can’t do it alone. Like everything else about this place, it is a fluid and ever-changing process - and you are all a part of it. So I do hope that, if you can afford to donate anything, you might consider throwing a couple bones my way. If not, maybe a wee signal boost?

Thank you those who have helped support me thusfar and those who may support me in the future. I have no words to explain how nervousexcited I am to be making bigger steps, but I feel good vibes, and I know good things will happen.

<3 Haley