Apparently, underneath Justin Bieber's helmet hair resides an independent, thinking mind. I was once 16, and I had an opinion too. I was independent-minded enough to choose to keep my baby since I was pregnant at that age. Yup, within this person (me) lies a (former?) teenage statistic. Booyah.
It's being reported that "The Biebs" (or however the fuck you spell that) revealed some of himself to all of his pre/teenage fans in an inverview with Rolling Stone. He even got the cover. Curiously, his helmet hair was absent from his cover shot...instead being replaced with a messy, spiky jumble...which I'm assuming is supposed to give cred to his new, more mature, bad boy thang. He has to appeal to the girlies, yo.
Well Bieber fever-ites, your idol believes homosexuality is a choice and that abortion is wrong, even in cases of rape.
We can argue whether homosexuality is a choice till the fabulous, rainbow cows come home. In the end, it doesn't matter if you believe a person chooses or doesn't choose their sexual orientation...if they choose to love someone of the same sex or they're born that way (shout out to Lady GaGa). All that (really) matters is that you support equality for ALL.
But when the message that you send to females is that aborting a fetus as a result of rape (or incest, or molestation) is wrong...you are entering very dangerous territory.
I belieb, excuse me, believe Justin Bieber's sentiments were that while it's "really sad" that a woman would become pregnant after a rape, he beliebs "everything happens for a reason".
Yes, Justin. It's "really sad".
It's sad that your focus, in your very young, inexperienced mind, is on that of an unborn fetus rather than the female that is raped. It's sad that girls everywhere will get the message that rape and its' resulting consequences are things that "happen for a reason". It's sad that girls worldwide worship the ground you walk upon and that you have made this COLOSSAL mistake.
Oh, but good thing Bieber. While you argued against abortion and implied that rape "happens for a reason"...you didn't denounce teen sex. Cause, according to you, you "should just wait for the person you're in love with". Werd, Justin. Werd. Teenagers fall in love every 60 seconds. And I should know. I have a 14 1/2 year old son that reminds me of that fact every time I look at him.
I'm glad my kid doesn't have Bieber fever. I'd hate to have to pry a Bieber CD from his hands against his will. In fact, every time he tells me he doesn't like Justin Bieber, I'm going to high-five him and say, "That's my boy! The one with GREAT taste in music!"
****I should add a disclaimer to this blog. It may sound like I'm angry at Justin Bieber. I'm really not. He's 16. His limited world view and young age have shaped his opinions. But, the kid has followers. Young kids who are hearing his messages and absorbing them like they're gospel. And as a parent, I take great issue with the messages that our children are hearing and those that shape their persons. Whether his opinions are based on age and lack of experience or not, THIS particular message is a dangerous one. Peace out.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Valentine's Day Really IS About The Right To Marry...
Have you ever read about the history of Valentine's Day? Who is Saint Valentine?
Saint Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome. Rome's ruler, Emperor Claudius II, decided that single men made better soldiers than married men (so the men didn't have anyone to worry about back at home and could instead devote all of their energies to "the cause"). Therefore, Claudius outlawed all marriages. Saint Valentine felt this was unjust and chose to continue to marry couples that loved each other...in secret. When Saint Valentine's actions were discovered, he was sentenced to death for defying the law of the land.
Some tales go further, and they state that Saint Valentine sent the first Valentine himself. While he was imprisoned for disobeying the Emperor, he fell in love with the jailor's daughter. Before his death, he sent her a letter professing his undying love, and he signed it "Your Valentine." He was a martyr...a martyr in love...
St. Valentine's Day began over the fight for the right to marry. A fight we're still fighting today.
Happy Valentine's Day y'all. Tomorrow, I'll celebrate with my future wife...as we're in the middle of our own journey and the fight for our right to marry...
Saint Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome. Rome's ruler, Emperor Claudius II, decided that single men made better soldiers than married men (so the men didn't have anyone to worry about back at home and could instead devote all of their energies to "the cause"). Therefore, Claudius outlawed all marriages. Saint Valentine felt this was unjust and chose to continue to marry couples that loved each other...in secret. When Saint Valentine's actions were discovered, he was sentenced to death for defying the law of the land.
Some tales go further, and they state that Saint Valentine sent the first Valentine himself. While he was imprisoned for disobeying the Emperor, he fell in love with the jailor's daughter. Before his death, he sent her a letter professing his undying love, and he signed it "Your Valentine." He was a martyr...a martyr in love...
St. Valentine's Day began over the fight for the right to marry. A fight we're still fighting today.
Happy Valentine's Day y'all. Tomorrow, I'll celebrate with my future wife...as we're in the middle of our own journey and the fight for our right to marry...
Sunday, February 6, 2011
I Want To Be A Mrs. Too!
This week, I read THIS article about a same-sex couple from South Dakota.
Here's the gist of the article: Amy and Ashley live in South Dakota. However, South Dakota doesn't permit same-sex marriages. So, Amy and Ashley got married in Iowa. Amy took Ashley's last name after their marriage. Amy changed her name with social security, and even changed her name with her credit card companies. However, when it came time to change her name with the state of South Dakota, she encountered a problem. Amy presented her LEGAL marriage certificate, issued by the state of Iowa, at the DMV in her hometown. They refused to acknowledge the marriage between Amy and Ashley because South Dakota does not recognize same-sex marriage. Therefore, they wouldn't permit Amy to change her name on her driver's license and denied her a new license.
Here's the thing. If Amy and Ashley had been a heterosexual couple, the marriage certificate would have been enough for the name change with the state...with NO OTHER requirements. Instead, if Amy would like to change her name on her driver's license, she must petition the courts and pay to have her name legally changed by the state of South Dakota...a cost that can be quite high, and one that comes absolutely free to heterosexual couples.
UncleR and I are in the same situation. We will be married in June and our state does not recognize same-sex unions. I have made the very personal decision to take her name. I will be Mrs. UncleR. Once we return home, I will have to petition the courts to legally change my name...knowing that had we been a heterosexual couple, that this would be granted without the necessity of the legal system, and would be absolutely free. Instead, I will dole out the approximately $500 to change my name.
We've had many discussions about this name change. We had another one this morning. And here's where we are...
We are choosing to legally marry, although our union will not be recognized by the state we live in. Not all same-sex couples are lucky enough to have this opportunity. Marriage is a right almost exclusively given to heterosexuals. Not only will my name change be a symbol to us that we have made this commitment, but it will be a symbol to others.
We are, in essence, saying (to others/the moral majority)..."Hey, we're doing this too. We have a right to love each other and have our union legally recognized...just like you!"
To us, we're saying..."We are united...in love, in life, and in name."
I've decided I want to be a Mrs. too. But, in the back of my mind, I think about the fact that I shouldn't have to jump through hoops to be a Mrs. I'm not asking for special consideration or for special rights. I'm just asking for equality.
Signed,
The future Mrs. UncleR
Here's the gist of the article: Amy and Ashley live in South Dakota. However, South Dakota doesn't permit same-sex marriages. So, Amy and Ashley got married in Iowa. Amy took Ashley's last name after their marriage. Amy changed her name with social security, and even changed her name with her credit card companies. However, when it came time to change her name with the state of South Dakota, she encountered a problem. Amy presented her LEGAL marriage certificate, issued by the state of Iowa, at the DMV in her hometown. They refused to acknowledge the marriage between Amy and Ashley because South Dakota does not recognize same-sex marriage. Therefore, they wouldn't permit Amy to change her name on her driver's license and denied her a new license.
Here's the thing. If Amy and Ashley had been a heterosexual couple, the marriage certificate would have been enough for the name change with the state...with NO OTHER requirements. Instead, if Amy would like to change her name on her driver's license, she must petition the courts and pay to have her name legally changed by the state of South Dakota...a cost that can be quite high, and one that comes absolutely free to heterosexual couples.
UncleR and I are in the same situation. We will be married in June and our state does not recognize same-sex unions. I have made the very personal decision to take her name. I will be Mrs. UncleR. Once we return home, I will have to petition the courts to legally change my name...knowing that had we been a heterosexual couple, that this would be granted without the necessity of the legal system, and would be absolutely free. Instead, I will dole out the approximately $500 to change my name.
We've had many discussions about this name change. We had another one this morning. And here's where we are...
We are choosing to legally marry, although our union will not be recognized by the state we live in. Not all same-sex couples are lucky enough to have this opportunity. Marriage is a right almost exclusively given to heterosexuals. Not only will my name change be a symbol to us that we have made this commitment, but it will be a symbol to others.
We are, in essence, saying (to others/the moral majority)..."Hey, we're doing this too. We have a right to love each other and have our union legally recognized...just like you!"
To us, we're saying..."We are united...in love, in life, and in name."
I've decided I want to be a Mrs. too. But, in the back of my mind, I think about the fact that I shouldn't have to jump through hoops to be a Mrs. I'm not asking for special consideration or for special rights. I'm just asking for equality.
Signed,
The future Mrs. UncleR
Saturday, February 5, 2011
And The Winner Is...
Tonight was our lasagna bake-off. UncleR and I went head to head.
I waltzed around this morning puffing my chest out and muttering things in her direction, like: "I'm takin' you doooowwwwn". And..."You'll be sorry you ever took my challenge!"
Oh, and as I cleaned the kitchen tonight, I may or may not have licked the bottom of the pan that the lemony goodness was made in. You'll never know. I left no evidence.
I waltzed around this morning puffing my chest out and muttering things in her direction, like: "I'm takin' you doooowwwwn". And..."You'll be sorry you ever took my challenge!"
UncleR's lemon chicken lasagna.
Jen's Italian-style lasagna.
Mine was clearly prettier. Clearly. Baked to perfection and bubbling away.
And then came the taste test.
Here's what I remember...I put a bite of UncleR's lemony goodness into my mouth and my eyes rolled back in my head in ecstasy. I had the uncontrollable urge to slap my mama, her lasagna was so good. Phrases such as: "You dirty girl!" and "Daaaaamn baby. This shit is delicious!" came tumbling out of my mouth in my food-induced climax.
I hurriedly finished my lasagna and saved hers for last on my plate. I told her it was because I was saving the best for last. And I meant it.
When it was time, I handed in my vote. I couldn't vote for myself.
UncleR handed in her vote. She voted for herself.
J came out of Big C's room where they had been eating together. I asked him which lasagna he liked the best. He replied: "My mom's". His answer was sweet, but I knew he had to be lying and must have been voting for me due to some sense of loyalty. I told him he needed to be honest. Told him he could vote for UncleR's if that was his fav. But, he insisted, that sweet, sweet, boy o' mine...that he liked mine the best.
I only had hope for a tie. And Big C's vote was up next. He agreed with UncleR and I.
And so, by a vote of 3-1, UncleR takes this year's lasagna throwdown. And you deserve it baby. Just remember who makes your pizza and baby back ribs.
Oh, and as I cleaned the kitchen tonight, I may or may not have licked the bottom of the pan that the lemony goodness was made in. You'll never know. I left no evidence.
Friday, February 4, 2011
A Freshly Fallen Snow...
Today is our 6-month anniversary...as a family. Six months ago today, J and I moved here.
Frankly, I was expecting it to be more difficult. I was expecting that I would have huge adjustments to sharing both my life and home with a partner. I was expecting that I would have some difficulty with sharing parenting duties...as parenting has been a solo sport for 14 years. Instead, this has been an incredibly easy transition. Less of a transition, really...and more of "just the way it's supposed to be". It's been smooth, easy and comfortable.
I was expecting a huge amount of difficulty with J. After all, J has spent his entire life being sheltered from my adult business. I raised him by myself, without the assistance of a partner or co-parent, and purposefully chose to steer him away from those that I dated or shared my time with. So, when this change in our lives occurred, and we moved from the only home he had ever known and into a familial environment where I would be sharing OUR lives with someone and I would be asking a person to enter our lives as a partner/co-parent...I expected, I don't know...something.
I won't say there's been nothing. There have been moments where J has struggled to get his feet underneath him. Making new friends, forming a family...all in an entirely new environment...hasn't always been a flawless exercise. But, it's still been much easier than I thought.
Soooo, happy 6-month anniversary to the Jen/UncleR family.
This week has been a strange one, though. A weather system moved through our part of the country. (a strange occurrence for this area) Due to the ice and snow, I've been off of work since Monday. And J has been home from school for 3 of the last 4 days with us.
This morning, we awoke to this:
A beautiful, freshly fallen snow.
Outside, the world has stopped. We've been "forced" to spend this time as a family. It's quiet outside and warm and comfy inside.
Rather than work woes, this week has been spent doing other things. We've been enjoying each other's company. We've been enjoying good food. And we've been enjoying some wedding planning.
While the world is quiet, I have been busy inside the house with my family...loving every second of this life.
Frankly, I was expecting it to be more difficult. I was expecting that I would have huge adjustments to sharing both my life and home with a partner. I was expecting that I would have some difficulty with sharing parenting duties...as parenting has been a solo sport for 14 years. Instead, this has been an incredibly easy transition. Less of a transition, really...and more of "just the way it's supposed to be". It's been smooth, easy and comfortable.
I was expecting a huge amount of difficulty with J. After all, J has spent his entire life being sheltered from my adult business. I raised him by myself, without the assistance of a partner or co-parent, and purposefully chose to steer him away from those that I dated or shared my time with. So, when this change in our lives occurred, and we moved from the only home he had ever known and into a familial environment where I would be sharing OUR lives with someone and I would be asking a person to enter our lives as a partner/co-parent...I expected, I don't know...something.
I won't say there's been nothing. There have been moments where J has struggled to get his feet underneath him. Making new friends, forming a family...all in an entirely new environment...hasn't always been a flawless exercise. But, it's still been much easier than I thought.
Soooo, happy 6-month anniversary to the Jen/UncleR family.
This week has been a strange one, though. A weather system moved through our part of the country. (a strange occurrence for this area) Due to the ice and snow, I've been off of work since Monday. And J has been home from school for 3 of the last 4 days with us.
This morning, we awoke to this:
A beautiful, freshly fallen snow.
Outside, the world has stopped. We've been "forced" to spend this time as a family. It's quiet outside and warm and comfy inside.
Rather than work woes, this week has been spent doing other things. We've been enjoying each other's company. We've been enjoying good food. And we've been enjoying some wedding planning.
While the world is quiet, I have been busy inside the house with my family...loving every second of this life.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Why Iowa?
Today, the Iowa House voted 63-37 to approve Joint Resolution 6. Joint Resolution 6 calls for a constitutional amendment to recognize only marriages between a man and woman. Joint Resolution 6 would prevent both same-sex unions and civil partnerships in the state.
Iowa is one of the few states in our nation where same-sex couples can marry legally.
Joint Resolution 6 will remove the equal rights that have been afforded to same-sex couples in Iowa since April of 2009.
The following video contains a speech by 19-year-old Zach Wahls. Zach and his two moms live in Iowa. Zach spoke for equality...and for his family. I just thought I'd share.
Iowa is one of the few states in our nation where same-sex couples can marry legally.
Joint Resolution 6 will remove the equal rights that have been afforded to same-sex couples in Iowa since April of 2009.
The following video contains a speech by 19-year-old Zach Wahls. Zach and his two moms live in Iowa. Zach spoke for equality...and for his family. I just thought I'd share.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)