dev_chieftain: (farron)
dev_chieftain ([personal profile] dev_chieftain) wrote2012-01-12 12:21 pm
Entry tags:

Call to Cookies

Everyone, hold on a second.

I need you to go buy Girl Scout cookies. I know, I know-- you were going to do it anyway. Those cookies are super delicious.

Is this about Taylor of CA, who claims to be a girl-scout and has problems with the GSUSA organization allowing transgendered children to partake in the organization's activities and club?

It is, a little. I disagree fundamentally with the idea of putting such stock in gender that it can cripple your ability to do something because you feel like to do so you must be male or female. I strongly advocate gender equality and gender blindness. The arguments put forth by this so-called girl scout (evidently part of an organization called "Honest Girl Scouts", designed to repress girls even more than they already are by denying them sex education, in the interest of "purity"-- how Victorian) include complaints that she feels 'unsafe' knowing that the GSUSA may allow transgendered individuals to join the group.

Why should women feel unsafe around men? That only further empowers men and de-powers women.

Why should a little girl be treated differently just because of her biological origin? If she chooses to be a girl, that is what she is.

I find arguments like this wildly offensive; I am a woman, and I am not threatened by the presence of men, transgendered men OR women, or women. Furthermore, the implication that there is an inherent sexual perversion associated with transgendering is draconian, and needs to stop.

Is it worth explaining why sex-shaming girls of any type is harmful to women? It seems to me like the reasons are obvious. Girls should be free to express themselves sexually and so should boys. The act of sex is not inherently dirty, and it is pursued for mutual pleasure between consenting adults. It should be conducted cautiously to ensure neither party is hurt, and it should be conducted safely to ensure that neither party is given unwanted complications, such as tearing/bleeding, sexually transmitted infections, or unplanned pregnancy. The means by which you accomplish this is entirely up to the participants. Condoms and abstinence are equally acceptable forms of preventing STI transfer, pain, or childbirth.

What really irritates me is the misguided notion that purity is separate from gender identity, or sexual exploration. A woman who enjoys sex is no less pure than a woman who has never had sex. Purity is determined by personality and conduct, not by sexual proclivities or gender.

So please, buy lots of Girl Scout cookies, because they are delicious. And maybe, possibly, also because you think transgendered kids probably get enough flak already, and don't deserve to be singled out and bullied.

[personal profile] keylord 2012-01-12 07:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Hear, hear!

[personal profile] keylord 2012-01-12 08:02 pm (UTC)(link)
I -do- love cookies!
armaina: time for a change (me pony)

[personal profile] armaina 2012-01-12 08:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh gosh, the season is starting too, and there's nothing more I love than Samoas, and there's just no other cookie like it *-*

I really hope this 'exposure' campaign backfires on the 'Honest' girl scouts, and GSUSA sales really increase.

They say money talks, so I do hope there are some blow-out sales to show just how much their progression is desired, and needed.
armaina: time for a change (me pony)

[personal profile] armaina 2012-01-12 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Well I'm always posting art collectives here (cross posts on LJ/DW)

Been kinda working on a large piece that I hope to have finished shading soon. Also Job Hunting, bleh.
armaina: time for a change (me pony)

[personal profile] armaina 2012-01-12 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
yeah D: Should arrange a get together I think?
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/01/vote-should-the-girl-scouts-allow-transgender-children-to-join--71343.html

Also on the subject at hand
The poll results make me happy, as do the fact that the site administrators are actually flagging inflammatory/hateful comments.
captainbubbles: Crappy MSPaint drawing of Bubbles in a dramatic pose. (Default)

[personal profile] captainbubbles 2012-01-12 10:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Well I do like those peanut-butter things. I may need to track down our local troop this year. How does one go about tracking down a girl-scout troop? Hmmm...
captainbubbles: Crappy MSPaint drawing of Bubbles in a dramatic pose. (Default)

[personal profile] captainbubbles 2012-01-12 10:16 pm (UTC)(link)
That doesn't happen here. :/ I know we HAVE a troop because we did a promotional with them a few years ago when I was at Dairy Queen, but I've no idea where to FIND them. Clearly, they aren't doing a very good job. :(
captainbubbles: Crappy MSPaint drawing of Bubbles in a dramatic pose. (Default)

[personal profile] captainbubbles 2012-01-12 10:19 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll ask around a bit at work. I'm sure I've got a customer or two who knows where they are.