How to speak up?

So very often, when I read or watch the news, I just find myself in a state of open mouthed incredulity.

It is not so much the news itself which startles me, I know the human race inhabit evil and that we are really good at being selfish. The way some people  gang up and join the cruelty happening around us is strikingly ominous. It is so beyond belief that people lack that kind of compassion, to allow the kind of suffering we see many must endure in different ways... it makes me wonder if they do so out of pure relief it is not happening to themselves.

 Projects turn into a question of personal, political or religious prestige and cruelty is condemned, in words, but not acted upon... and if it is acted upon it is because there are financial issues involved.

I get so buffled and disappointed when I see how we react to what is wrong, bad and unjust.  I don’t know why, it is not as if I myself really do anything, but.....  let’s take an example. Only today I received 2 sms, telling me to support the case by sending in forward, and 3 links on facebook, wanting me to support the case by sharing the link.

It is all good, and very worthy causes, but.... my protest and disgust and support does not really show anywhere, does it? Where do these shared messages end up? They are locked in silence in phones and computers and end up as a random number somewhere, but to no annoyance to those responsible, sharing the messages, without knowing how they can make an impact or a change, turn out to become a breeze of good consience washing over my own ego.

We have numerous really great organisations which work for a better world, I only hope they keep up their work the old fashion way and do not fall into the neutralizing trap of sms and facebook. We really need their voices, and we need to hear it loud and clear, and people need to speak out loud.

A famous Norwegian author said that «You cannot permit it! You dare not, at all.
Accepting that outrage on all else may fall!»

Arnulf Øverland:  Du Må Ikke Sove,  Translated by Lars-Toralf Storstrand: Dare Not To Sleep!

http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2005/06/30/436130.html

One of the cases which upset me and that I found so incredibly repulsive last night. I can not even imagine how alone, scared and resigned she must have felt. http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/09/world/asia/afghanistan-public-execution/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Bodily Moneymachine

I am not an activist, I hardly ever raise my voice to argue, I never participate in demonstrations, but I just feel I need to get something off my chest.

Here in Norway we have this outrageously beautiful artist called Tone Damli Aaberge. Since she came second on the show Idol, she has really established herself as a singer/artist to be reckoned with.

However, lately there has come across quite a bit of criticism towards her , as she has released musicvideos of a rather sensual nature.

Now, the use of body to escalate sales of a product is nothing new. In fact; it is an undisputed fact that sex sells.

 I am not going to be a prude or anything, but I do have to say that it is hard to listen to her, and her fiancè, as they try to prove the criticism wrong.

The arguments they stated was that: “I think it is a great way to bring focus to my music. In fact I would like to see more artists undress! I just think it is an expression of envy to my success!”  He, as he pulled up his t-shirt, stated that “If I do this, noone will react to it. Besides: The ones critisising the videos are women, it is women only who have a problem with her videos!”

So, she feels she needs to display her body in order to draw attention to her music? In my world what really is the case is that she produces her own backgroundmusic to her appearance. I am not so sure they would be quite as confident if they could hear what teenagers say about her... and I mean her, not her music, which is hardly ever commented upon.

Of course only women object: I work with men and among teenage boys. I dress down every day at work trying to avoid being measured and commented upon. If I get a compliment it is not because I have done a good job, but because something in my appearance has changed. And by the short time it takes, from I enter untill I get the comment, I know that is the first thing they do as I arrive.

Women must do better and achieve more to get the same credit men get. We often have jobs far more challenging, but get paid less. We face prejudices every day, which men and other women  unconsiously (I hope) expose us to. And it is hard to come to terms with a lot of it, as a lot of it is personal. People think that it is socially accepted to comment on a person’s body.

I simply hate comments like: oh, you have lost weight, that cut really makes your waist look slim, your legs look like a mile long in those boots... how dare they!

The comments the couple made on the criticism of the musicvideo just adds to the general approval of judging women, and their achievements, based on appearance. I wish they had stepped out of their own comfortzone, listened to people outside their own circle, it would be like a realitycheck on what is going on.

If she wants to make money on her music, and finds semi-nudity does the trick: by all means. Do so! Heaven knows many others do. But be honest about it. Say that is the case, just tell the world: Yes, I sell more music undressed than I do when dressed, I don’t care as long as I make money, so that is just great!

I think that if you use your skills and stay true to your personality to create the best version of yourself, then you will turn into a great person and you will achieve great results.

I believe that people pick up immediately when you are not confident in your appearance or attitude. When you are not honest about what you do, well you just don’t win in the long run.
 

It is not the right thing to do, for everybody, to support women's fight to be taken seriously out there. Still, there is no reason to stigmatize those who do by making fun or ascribe them petty motivations... like envy.