100. Mimi on International Women’s Day

HAPPY 100th Culture Chat Episode to me! Please listen to my podcast and read the blog – they are different. Is there a song or something for this? Either way, I am excited to be celebrating my 100th episode in conjunction with International Women’s Day What is feminism? An evil plot by females to take over the world? The use of dark magic to persecute all males who will not bend to the commands of the superior sex? Sounds absurd? Me as the Angel of Darkness with my Phantom Minion. It’s almost as absurd as my 40th birthday masquerade outfit… It baffles me when people raise an eyebrow when I say I’m a feminist. However, if I say I believe in gender equality, they often quickly agree in fear of seeming sexist. Why are people turned off by the word feminist? So women can vote, run for office, and have gained some major rights in the past century… I fail to see how this is enough. We still have so much to fight for in terms of equality. What is International Women’s Day? A day where all women talk about their period? (By the way kudos Period. End of Sentence for winning an Oscar!) A day where women around the globe start a revolution? None of the above. International Women’s Day was initially promoted by the Socialist Party of America and popularized by communist countries in the early 1900s. Oh my god! Socialism! No. I am not a socialist. My father escaped communism remember? Despite its origins, International Women’s Day simply celebrates women’s achievements throughout the world.  Its purpose is to promote women’s equality, encourage support for repressed women and promote appreciation toward women everywhere.  Many organizations, including the United Nations, use this day to also celebrate extraordinary achievements of ordinary women. #girlpower This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is “Balance for Better“. The goal is to encourage action to achieve gender equality worldwide. It’s sad that I personally know people who don’t believe in gender equality. Christine, Lucy, Alexia and I balancing for better! Sure, they say they do, but actions always speak louder than words. I love Mad Men as much as the next person, but not because it reminds me of a better era. I watched it because Don Draper is so damn cool, and it reminds me to be grateful they don’t allow smoking on planes anymore. Back to that supposedly better era… You know, the time when women stayed home and dared to dream...