Required for 2/8: Hear it from Aya

Last week we read Aya de Leon's "If Women Ran Hip Hop." We discussed it as a "dream" with some "essentialist" elements.
Watch her perform this piece.

How do we experience this piece differently when we watch her perform it than when we read it? Pay particular attention to the introduction she gives to the piece. What's her overall point?

What's your favorite feminist song?

Here are some of feminist author and blogger Jessica Valenti's favorite feminist songs:
http://www.feministing.com/archives/012247.html

Are you familiar with any of them? What do you think of them? What's your favorite feminist song?

Nikki D: women have a history in Hip Hop

Nikki D speaks up for herself and other women in Hip Hop's history. You'll also find a link to her video "Daddy's Little Girl," which is very good.

Required for 2/1: The V Generation

Read this short interview with Eve Ensler.

What do you think about Eve Ensler's answers to the interview questions? Just from having read the interview, what can you say about the kind of person Ensler is? What do you think about her idea of using dance to help women deal with rape?

You don't have to answer all of those questions, or any of them really, but you do have to provide a meaningful reaction to the linked interview.

Thank You Thursdays: Lady Gaga

Thank You Thursdays: Lady Gaga This link contains more controversy over whether Gaga can be considered feminist.

Kathryn Bigelow

She's simply a great filmmaker.

Standard for writing still male-set

Publisher's weekly omitted women from their top 10 book list, demonstrating that the traditional preference among critics for male creative writing continues to plague the media. Fortunately, other sources recognize women's creative writing.

Comment required for 1/25

Is Lady Gaga a feminist? Read this. In what way is Lady Gaga a feminist? Is it really possible for a pop singer to be successful and be a feminist?

Speech Debelle

Watch this video and read the lyrics below the video. Have you heard of Debelle? What is this song about? Is rap a good form for her lyrics?

Awards season

What do you think about Courtney's suggestions for a more woman-friendly Academy Awards?

Women who direct films

Does having a vagina make you a female director? Read this article about Hurt Locker director Kathryn Bigelow and weigh in.