Archive for randomness

Quickie: Oh How Things Have Changed

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So I might possibly-sort-of-maybe be thinking about redoing my resume. If you know me, you realize I’ve said this for, like, years. So today I put on my figurative hard hat and went digging through my old documents. It turns out my most recent resume was from May 2008—which is right around the time I was a budding atheist but not yet courageous enough to call a spade a spade.

The objective I chose to describe my goal is especially fun:

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position within Company Name that will further God’s Kingdom and Company’s ministry…

Yeah, I still work at this job. Must. Edit.

December 29, 2011  |  my past, personal, randomness  |  No Comments

A Quickie Coming Out

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Today’s reactions to me saying “I’m an atheist” to some members of my chorus:

“I’ve never met one before!”

“I’m Unitarian.”

“How can you… what??? *sharp, frustrated sigh of puzzlement* You know what, I won’t ask.”

You should try this. It’s a crap shoot!

December 11, 2011  |  personal, randomness, religion  |  8 Comments

Godless Girl’s 14 Tips for a Less Douchey Life

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douchebaggery

photo by Ken Fager

I’m sick of assholes. I’d be less colorful in my language, but I also don’t think being censored necessarily leads to a better life. Maybe I should add that to my list.

I’ve penned a few quick tips for how to stop being an idiot who makes life unpleasant for yourself and those around you. Most of this is specifically directed at the atheist/theist community. If it applies to you, you probably won’t think it does, but someone out there might be picturing your face or username right about now, so it pays to give a few of these a whirl just to say you tried. Heck, it might just help us become a better society, and wouldn’t that be just peachy?

01
Don’t be an asshole. Just in case specifics are too much for you, try this one as a catch-all.
02
Want someone to listen to your opinions? Start by listening to theirs.
03
Biting one-liners & zingers won’t change anyone’s views on gods or the supernatural. You need to get deeper.
04
When you’re being a dick on the net, the only people who are hearing you are those who already agree with you. Do better.
05
Don’t ever censor your ‘enemy.’ When we all have equal rights, the best argument should win.
06
If you can make arguments about religion without resorting to cliches, quotes, or insults, you’re one step in the right direction.
07
Yes, some beliefs are silly, but the people who believe them do so for serious reasons. Find out what those are, and you might discover the keys to reaching that person. You might also gain a friend.
08
He/she may be rude, ignorant, or just an enormous bag of dicks, but you don’t need to be one in return no matter how tempting it may be.
09
When you make a mistake, are caught in a fallacy, or otherwise fuck up, apologize and start over. It will go a long way to help communication and gain you some respect.
10
Assume the persons with whom you debate have something to teach you. Be open to it, and they may become open to learning something from you in return.
11
No small group or single person is representative of the whole. Making sweeping statements about others only degrades your position.
12
You never know who is watching or listening. A seemingly insignificant point, fact, or insight you offer might help someone else in a great way.
13
Stick to the facts. Scientific truths and reason are some of the most convincing tools for planting seeds of doubt in outsiders.
14
Be kind and gentle. You won’t regret it, and you’ll gain much.
I’d like to thank many of you who are my friends, confidants, and allies in this world. Without you, I’d be living a much douchier life. I might come off as a bit of a wanker sometimes, but just like many of you, I’m trying to be better. Thanks for helping!
November 26, 2011  |  god, randomness, relationships, religion, resources, skepticism and freethought, society  |  17 Comments

Vertical Smiles and Stereotypes

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Hello from vagina land!
Summer’s Eve is trying to make your vagina cool with a new “hip” branding campaign called “Hail to the V.” But is it funky and new or sexist and racist? They’ve got a video for “white,” “black,” and “hispanic” ladies. Yeah, thanks for boxing us all up into nice little packages, Summer’s Eve.

YouTube Preview Image

Wow. I just saw a pubic fro and a “sassy” black hand telling me about clubbing cleanliness. This is so appreciated.

Quick thoughts from my romp around their ads and site:

“If you treat a V right, she’ll return the favor…” Wink, wink, nudge, nudge! How sexual is that?! Ugh.

A vagina owner’s manual? Because … of course. It even teaches you to wipe front to back!

“Vertical smile.” No, really. They said it.

What do you think of this campaign? Does it “empower” women by helping them accept their vaginas? Or by selling a cleansing cloth and wash that are supposed to keep things fresh and “smelling nice” does it actually keep us from embracing the natural bits we were born with? Why are we considered “dirty”?And what about those racial and feminine stereotypes? What are women supposed to act like? Is this just insulting?

Edited to add: Oh my goodness, I just found Stephen Colbert’s take on the commercials. Priceless!

Edited to add (Nov 08, 2011): Apparently Summers Eve can’t take the heat (or the joke) and removed these ridiculous ads from their marketing strategy (and their youtube channel). Good riddance!

 

July 26, 2011  |  randomness, society, videos  |  5 Comments
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