I hope everyone is having a good week. Advent started last Sunday, so our family has been lighting our candle and reading the Scripture each night. Our tree is up and we have lights everywhere (inside, at least—we have no outside electricity). What holiday traditions are you enjoying?
Here’s the stuff this week. I know it’s the holidays and all, so my apologies for all the rage-inducing links. I guess a lot of people aren’t in the holiday spirit.
1. A boatload of modesty culture
It didn’t exactly start with this piece by Emily Maynard, since The Official Church Rules for Modesty™ have been around since forever. But her article highlights the worst parts of it. I would tell you to skip the comments, but you might need to read them to have a good idea what rape apology looks like.
For a good response to Emily’s original post, read this one by Luke Harms. Emily herself has a great follow-up here, and Danielle over at From Two to One has written a wonderful, gracious response as well.
2. Because we all need more of Mark Driscoll
Ah, yes. Pastor Mark, sinking to new lows of classism, sexism, and self-righteousness. I’m happy for him that he hasn’t ever smoked pot or, apparently, taken public transportation. You know, two highlights of immaturity. ‘Cause Pastor Mark is never immature about anything (*ahem*sex*cough,cough*). Good gravy. You know, he used to make me kinda mad. Now I just laugh whenever I see something he’s written.
3. WTH, New York Post?
The Post is also sinking to new lows. I’m only putting this on here because I feel the need to help some of my readers understand exactly what bias looks like and why this is a shameful piece of—no other word for it—shit.
First of all, this is clearly written for a cis gawker audience, as evidenced by the obsession with whether or not she’s had surgery and the unnecessary descriptions of her body. Second, the writer makes it clear that she doesn’t think the victim is a “real” woman, particularly when emphasizing which body parts are artificially enhanced and by quoting her “measurements.” Third, there is far more information about the victim than the perpetrator. Finally, there is undue attention paid to this woman’s profession and whether or not she is still in business, as though being a sex worker makes her somehow less likely to be honest about whether or not her ex-boyfriend choked her so hard her contact popped out. Yuck. If you must report on a court case, stick to the actual events of the case, please.
And there you have it. Have a great weekend, everyone, and come on back Monday for some more Fifty Shades “fun.”
