Sunday, August 25, 2024

The Conservative Feminist Perspective: A Balancing Act of Values

In today’s socio-political landscape, navigating between conservatism and feminism presents unique challenges, particularly for those holding pro-life views. While mainstream feminism often aligns itself with progressive ideologies, conservative feminists reject the notion that the empowerment of women is inextricably tied to liberal policies. This ideological divergence becomes especially clear when critiquing politicos whose recent comments inadvertently suggest that the true beneficiaries of abortion are not women, but men. For conservative feminists, this stance highlights the hypocrisy of a movement that claims to champion women’s rights while overlooking the economic and societal exploitation that legalized abortion enables.


The disconnect between image and substance within the Democratic Party is another point of critique. Figures like Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey often gain more attention for their appearance or celebrity status than for the content of their political rhetoric. The fixation on aesthetics over policy creates a superficial allure that distracts from the underlying problems plaguing the party. Whether I'm questioning Harris’s competence with satirical jabs about her water bottle contents or noting that Oprah’s purple outfit was the most memorable aspect of her appearance, these critiques reflect frustration with how style frequently eclipses substance in contemporary politics.


For those like myself who reject both the Democratic platform and Trumpism, the middle ground is a lonely yet principled stance. The Clintons serve as emblematic of why many conservative feminists have distanced themselves from both major parties. Their brand of politics, perceived as self-serving and morally bankrupt, epitomizes the corruption that conservative feminists aim to avoid. Yet, the reluctance to embrace Trumpism reflects a rejection of populism and a desire for a conservative movement grounded in intellectual consistency, ethical principles, and policy over personality.


Ben Shapiro’s commentary resonates strongly in these circles because of his ability to articulate conservative values with precision and clarity. His discussions often highlight the contradictions within the liberal feminist agenda, especially when it comes to issues like free speech, gender ideology, and religious freedom. Engaging with his content allows for a reaffirmation of a conservative worldview that sees feminism as compatible with traditional values, provided that it remains rooted in truth and moral clarity rather than the shifting sands of political trends.


In a polarized environment, the conservative feminist perspective carves out a space where both women’s dignity and conservative principles coexist. By refusing to be pigeonholed into either mainstream feminism or partisan populism, conservative feminists champion a vision of womanhood that prioritizes integrity, moral responsibility, and a commitment to the defense of life and liberty for all.

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Angry Rant on What We Do to Creators

 How tacky can people be? Apparently, pretty tacky.

It's no secret that things are tough all over, financially speaking.

But to go to Etsy or Ravelry or wherever and *encourage* people to not pay for patterns, *and* to do it b/c the crochet designer is *nice enough* to post tutorials about her work on YouTube (which I happen to know isn't easy just doing a video where you blithely talk into a phone cam, let alone put in the work to create actual tutorials) is what I would call the height of entitlement!

No artist owes you free stuff or free work hours (craft items can take *many* hours to complete, let alone create the design for and work out instructions for, etc.) which art creators have to put in in order to make what we buy from them. Those that are nice enough to add value to what they sell by making teaching videos or blog posts should most definitely be supported if one can.

And it should go without saying that *encouraging* others not to buy requires a special kind of nasty that seems to only be found among the very privileged. As a former retail worker, guess who I saw most often stealing and attempting to steal (expensive, non-essential stuff?)

It wasn't angry bands of teenagers of color, looting at a BLM riot. It was polished, comfortable looking white ladies (probably the kind that go to Harris/Walts rallies) whose cars and clothing betrayed the fact that their monthly salaries were likely more than I'd make in a year. The kind of "customers" I have grown to revile. 

Karens.

This type of entitlement and larcenous attitude toward creative workers isn't limited to fiber artists. Since I've been on the internet for almost 30 years now, I've seen all kinds of artists, writers, and creators get taken advantage of in a myriad of ways.

If you are a creative, be vigilant and don't let people mess you over!

And those of us who are patrons of the arts, do let's be gracious, and mindful of the blood, sweat, and tears artists put into their work!