Really wishing I could change the world this week…

On Monday I showed my class Killing Us Softly 3: Advertising’s Image of Women. By the end of it I was feeling pretty unglued. We talked about whether or not advertisements that objectify and dehumanize women contribute to a culture that is accepting of violence against women. I am a big believer in the power of media. My students weren’t as convinced. They didn’t seem nearly as disturbed by the images as I was. I wonder if it’s because I tend to shelter myself from that as much as possible.

On my way home from campus on Monday I saw a girl who couldn’t have been a day over 13 standing on the side of the road holding a sign asking for help for her family. I wanted to call the police. It was dark and cold out. It seemed dangerous. And it seemed wrong for parents to put their child out there like that. But I don’t think it’s criminal. So I did nothing. I still feel torn about it.

On the same drive home I heard a song by Florence + the Machine called “Kiss with a Fist.” Here are some lyrics:

i broke your jaw once before spilt your blood upon the floor
you broke my leg with your touch
sit back and watch the bed burn
well love sticks sweat drips
break the lock if it don’t fit
a kick in the teeth is good for some
a kiss with a fist is better than none
a-woah a kiss with a fist is better than none

Apparently, it’s not supposed to be about domestic violence. Coulda fooled me. I find it appalling. It sounds to me like it’s okay to lash out at a partner as long as it’s mutual.

Last night I sat in on a domestic violence support group. Hearing the women’s stories made my heart hurt. I just could never imagine treating another human being that way.

On top of all this I’m taking the Food Stamp Challenge this week in honor of Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week. Which means that I am eating on only $21 for the entire week. It is rough. I am really seeing how incredibly privileged I am when it comes to food. I really appreciate that we can afford to spend a little extra for hearty, whole-grain bread and pasta, brown rice, fresh fruits and vegetables, organic lean meats, and yogurt! Oh, yogurt, how I miss thee. The grits are getting old fast. Of course, we splurged and spent part of our allotment on Starbucks coffee. Probably should have gone with the cheap stuff. Then maybe I could have gotten something other than “Valu-Time” peanut butter and jelly. I feel like I’m eating sugar sandwiches. And the $.99 Marsh bread tastes like fluffy cardboard. It’s only Wednesday and I am soooo over this. But enough complaining. That’s not the point of the challenge. It’s for a week. And then I get to go back to my spoiled life. I really can’t complain. But really, nobody should have to eat this way. $21 is nothing.