Do The Hunger Games Critics Hate Women?

Okay, so maybe saying they hate women is a strong statement, but the reactions made public by critics and fans seems to hate on the women in the film. Yesterday, I shared the backlash that came from fans as they shared their disappointment that Rue was played by Amandla Stenberg due to the fact that she was black. The feedback shared on Twitter revealed very hostile comments about Rue, even mentioning that her death wasn’t as sad because she is black.

Well, critics seem to have it out for the leading lady too, claiming that she was not skinny enough to play the emaciated 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen in the film. The New York Mag article,quotes reviews pointing out Jennifer Lawrence’s “lingering baby fat.” What? Of course the physiques of the men in the film don’t happen to be pointed out.

With such an anticipated film, it seems almost unbelievable to me that these are the critiques that viewers have to offer. I personally have not seen the film or read the books, but I definitely think the experience will now be a bit tainted.  It seems that whenever a strong woman is present, Lawrence does kick-ass in the film, there are always others trying to bring her down.

16 and Pregnant.. Again?

Tonight MTV will premiere the first episode of the fourth season of  16 and Pregnant. The reality show which first aired in 2009, follows 16 -year-old high schools girls who face the difficulties of teenage pregnancy. I must admit that I love reality television as much as the next person, but when does exposure turn into exploitation? The first season did provide a surprisingly honest look into what teenage pregnancy can be like– and it wasn’t pretty, but how did this documentary based series turn into an enterprise?

Since the first season, the network has developed the spin-off series Teen Mom, which attracted 2.1 million viewers the night of its premiere in 2009, and follows four of the original girls. Each episode provided a deeper peek into the train-wreck that had become their lives. From domestic abuse to divorce, the series has attracted a following that can’t help themselves, but tune in to these somewhat depressing situations that come off more like a soap opera than a reality show. According to a report by MSNBC.com Amber Portwood, arguably the most drama-filled mama, makes $280,000 a year from the network.

The drama hasn’t stopped after the seasons either. Tabloids have loved featuring the Mom’s on their covers, wallowing in their twisted and complicated lives. Jenelle Evans, has landed herself in jail for drug use, Amber Portwood has been caught sending nudie pics and Farrah Abraham had a boob job, just to name a few.

I am definitely not here to judge these women, but as MTV prepares to delve into the lives of a new set of teenage mothers, it really makes me question what their motive is. Yeah, they feature a little clip of the itsyoursexlife.org website at the end of the episodes, but are they really helping raise awareness about the issues of teen pregnancy? I cannot tell you how many times the issue of teen pregnancy was raised in one of my college classes and a girl would raise her hand and claim that 16 and pregnant was helping bring light to the problem, but I really can’t agree. MTV has been progressive in addressing issues that other networks haven’t, which can be seen in their recent special “It Gets Better,” that was created in order to lend support to gay and transgender teens. But, after the first season of 16 and Pregnant was it really necessary to keep the bandwagon going on this one or are we just preparing to exploit another set of young mothers?

Breastfeeding Riot!

Breastfeeding in public has always been a controversial topic. Although this a natural process, that has many benefits for the nursing child, many people seem to look down upon public breastfeeding. But as we all know you cannot tell a child when or where not to be hungry. Private areas for breastfeeding are not always provided to mothers, so they are expected to cover-up while tending to their child’s needs.

Well, in Sweden last week, Natashja Blomberg took to Twitter in order to start a Breastfeeding Riot. Tweeting that she refuses to be shamed by others that are disgusted by her public breastfeeding. Other women have also joined the riot, tweeting and posting pictures of them feeding their children. The Huffington Post covers more on the story here.

Hunger Games Disappoints Racists?

The Hunger Games was one of the most anticipated films of 2012 and raked in $155 million during this past weekends opening. Considering the film was based on the novel written by Suzanne Collins and features a strong female lead, Katniss Everdeen played by Jennifer Lawrence, this seems like a big accomplishment for females in film.

Unfortunately, the release has also created a backlash from fans who were shocked and disappointed by the casting of the character Rue, who is played by actress Amandla Stenberg. The very vocal disapproval of Rue was not due to her acting, but the fact that she is black. Yeah, the book mentions she is dark-skinned, but fans cannot believe she is black?

This article on Jezebel breaks down some more specific reactions on Twitter. Unbelievable.

St.Patty’s Green

So, I probably only wear green on one day out of the year and that day is always St.Patrick’s Day.  This holiday was created to honor the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, but for me it’s a celebration of all things fabulously green. If you are going out to celebrate, check out some of these ways to sport pieces without looking like a leprechaun.