Tag: France

Feminist Fridays: Can Women Ever Really Win?

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Today the French High Court ruled that the ‘burkini ban’ as it has been dubbed is illegal. After images of a woman being forced to undress on a beach in France made headlines around the world, it lead me to think about whether a woman can ever really win in terms of what they wear. So, when seeing this image I don’t think anyone else has quite summed it up in better way. It’s apparent that women from all backgrounds and walks of life a judged and/ or deemed unsuitable by someone.

Women are told that they should cover up, have respect for themselves, because they need to have pride, but not too much. You need to look attractive for work, but not too attractive because otherwise you won’t be taken seriously. If you don’t put on make-up or style your hair you’re lazy and don’t want to make an effort. And hair on your body? Do you have no pride? As for breasts, don’t even think about feeding your child in public, get to the toilet it’s too vulgar, but if you want to show them online or in a magazine you’re more than welcome. As long as you’re thin enough that is. You want to cover up? Why would you want to do that are you fridged? Of course you are with a skirt length like that. Covering your face and your hair for a religion? You must be oppressed, stand up to them. You want to cover up on a beach? We can’t allow that, it’s illegal here.

There are so many contradictions and expectations upon women, of course there are also issues for men in terms of what is expected of them, that I’m not denying. The Burkini ban, however, shows the extent of the ridiculousness that we have found ourselves in. The swimming costume was not offensive and didn’t do any harm, instead it allowed a woman to feel comfortable while enjoying time with her family. Feminism, after all, is about women having the right to choose what they do with their bodies. It’s not different to someone wearing a swimming cap and wetsuit. There is so many more problems that police and law makers should be focusing on, instead of alienating women simply for what they chose to wear.

 

A HUGE thank you to @LaSauvageJaune for letting me use this image.

 

I Stand With Paris.

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peace paris

Last night people went out to do normal things, they went out for meals, went to a concert and I think that’s the worst thing about that. I’ve seen pictures of people my age coming out of the concert hall and that just hit me this is something I do monthly, these people were probably excited to see a band and never thought something like this would happen.

Paris is a city that I spent a good deal of my childhood holidays in, my Mum would take me there on a coach regularly, we’d go to Disneyland and then the next day go into the centre of Paris. I’ve seen the Eiffel tower, the streets and although I haven’t been in years the prospect of visiting excited me. I planned to take Ali at the end of this year, either this month or next but didn’t have the money to do it. I still can’t believe I watched last night as this unfolded in a place that brought me so much joy as a child.

The people of France are waking up this morning in shock and horror, not sure how to process what happened last night. I am grateful to hear from friends in the city that they are all safe, but I know others will have to cope with the loss of people they love. What I also know is that the people of Paris are strong, they will help each other get through this. They will stand up to these spineless terrorists, they will not let anyone beat them.

We all need to remember that we  cannot blame a religion for this, it is not the fault of religion. It is the fault of some disgusting and twisted minds who wanted an excuse, this is the fault of terrorism. I will not stand for my friends in the religion of Islam hated and being attacked for something they didn’t do and stand against, like the rest of us.

I stand with Paris and my heart goes out to you, the city of lights will not stay dark ❤

Where in the World, 10 places to visit

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Today’s post is inspired by the fact that I now know of a few people who have accepted to study abroad for a year! The most exciting and heartbreaking so far is Eleanor who is going to New Zealand! Yes that’s right one of my best friends is heading to the other side of the world. As well as that  few more of my friends are waiting to hear back from other parts of the world. Of course I’m doing that stupid overly proud best friend thing because it is freaking awesome!  I had to write because HELLO, NEW ZEALAND. I have put in my request for a Koala bear as a present.

Why aren’t I heading across the globe to study? I thought about it but there are lots of reasons,the band being a big one. The main reason however, is down to me being a total wuss, so I’m going to stick to rainy old England.  But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to travel! So here’s a list of 10 places I want to travel to.

Rome 

Because who doesn’t remember the Lizzie Mcguire movie? (‘Sing to me Paulo’)  Who doesn’t love Italian accents and who the hell doesn’t like Ice Cream. I’m a massive fan of Italy, the food, the people (including one of my best friends) and it’s just an incredible place, not to mention all the history!

New York 

‘There’s nothing you can’t do’ ah New York. There are so many things I want to do and it just seems magical and busy and beautiful. Ali went with his Mum before we came to uni and I was beyond jealous. I never used to be bothered but the older I get the more I need to go. After all it’s the only city where you can pretend you’re in Friends and How I Met Your Mother. The Empire State building, Time Square, the Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park, Ground Zero and the beautiful Statue of Liberty ahhhh get me on a plane now!

Amsterdam 

Yes I’m a fan of The Fault in Our Stars, no it’s not the only reason I want to go. I am desparate to do all of the geeky things in Amsterdam. I’m stupidly excited about the Van Gogh museum because I love his art. My heart belongs to the Anne Frank museum, I will cry a lot but I need to go. Hopefully this will be my 21st treat!

Australia and New Zealand 

These go together because I’d do them together. I will have one best friend in each country which is my first reason to visit. Then there are the beaches, the culture and of course in NZ,  HOBBITS! I want to see the other side of the world, because why not! It just looks interesting and warm and lovely.

Ireland 

Ah Ireland. I’ve been obsessed with going to Ireland since watching P.S I love you when it came out on DVD. It’s so pretty and green, plus the accent is to die for! I’m pretty sure as well that there is Irish on my Dad’s side so that would be nice.

Paris 
I need to go back to Paris and do the grown up side. I’ve done Disneyland 5 times, but that was about 15 years ago…. I want to explore and go up the Eiffel Tower and have pastry and find the writers cafe that I heard about. Ah Paris ❤

Prague 
I’m actually going here in 3 months. It wasn’t on my original list but the more I look up, the more excited I get. Prague looks absolutely beautiful, I can’t wait to see what I can find.

Berlin 

I want to see the hustle and bustle of Berlin. I have no idea why it just seems like a really cool place to see.

Bern 

On my Mum’s side I am Swiss Italian which is freaking awesome. Although I don’t think my family is from Bern, I’d like to visit and just be in the country that my ancestors came from. Switzerland is also supposed to be interesting and beautiful, I don’t know too much but I definitely want to go.

Los Angeles 

Total tourist freak out. Hollywood sign, the beach, maybe even a cheeky trip to Disney too….

Have any of you guys been to any of these places? Any tips for me? Let me know!