Where are the fat females in cartoons?

The other night I was watching TV when I saw an ad for a new adult cartoon show called The Cleveland Show. Normally I wouldn’t pay much attention to this type of thing, but something caught my attention and I couldn’t stop thinking about it: The male characters in this show are really fat, and the female characters are slim to average. It got me thinking about other adult cartoon shows like The Simpsons, King of the Hill and Family Guy, and I realized that in all these shows there are some seriously fat male characters, and little-to-no fat female characters.

To prove my point, I came up with this nifty little list.

The Simpsons
Fat male characters: Homer, Bart, Chief Wiggum, Dr. Hibbert, Nelson, Comic Shop Guy and Barney.
Fat female characters: Patty and Selma


Family Guy
Fat male characters: Peter Griffin and Chris Griffin
Fat female characters: none

King of the Hill
Fat male characters: Hank Hill, Bobby Hill and Bill Dautrieve
Fat female characters: none

The Cleveland Show
Fat male characters: Cleveland and Cleveland Jr.
Fat female characters: none

So, a quick tally shows that on these four shows there are 14 fat male characters and two fat female characters. Why the discrepancy?

We all know there are serious double standards in our society when it comes to fat.
We fear female fat and forgive male fat. Fat men can easily get married, find a good job, and generally be successful in life, but the same isn’t true for fat women.

It seems that the cartoon world is simply portraying how we think about fatness in the real world: essentially, that it doesn’t really matter if a man is fat, and fat women are… well… invisible. And when they do exist, as in the case with Patty and Selma, they are single, lonely, childless and unsuccessful.

Highlights (and Lowlights) 2009! Your Thoughts!

What were the most notable feminist events/headlines of 2009? Next week's show is a look back at the year's highlights (and lowlights). Your input is crucial! Tell us about which matters stood out for you or women in general... locally, nationally and globally.

We want you to a.) leave a comment below, b.) post your thoughts on the Yeah, What She Said Facebook Page or c.) send an e-mail to yeahwhatshesaid@gmail.com.

Be sure to tune in this coming Monday, 8:30pm MST on CJSW 90.9 FM in Calgary or www.cjsw.com elsewhere for the Yeah, What She Said Retrospective Edition: 2009!

Shouts-out to contributors will be in full effect:)

2010 in a castle

looking forward to my flight home tomorrow...home as in toronto. weird to say i've lived longer in toronto than in my old hometown saskatoon.

this year me and my loves will be celebrating 2010 in a castle!!! yes a castle folks! Toronto's one and only Casa Loma....built by a man back in the day who wanted to impress his wife... now he can impress us all this year and hopefully help us find some love of our own. Can't wait for this night to come! Still unsure of what I want to wear... I will probably find something in my own closet because this holiday season has given my wallet a beating. Here's one of style.com's top 2009 dresses worn here by Mary Kate Olsen. I love it, especially her hair.

what's everyone else's new years plans? and outfits? any new years resolutions out there besides trying to burn off all those calories from mashed potatoes and stuffing? i haven't given much thought to my resolution...

Fashion & Feminism: Will They Be Friends?

This article on feminism and fashion is a bit old but very relevant for me these days. It briefly discusses Fresh Lipstick: Redressing Fashion and Feminism, a book by University of Illinois professor Linda M. Scott. A woman's interest in the way she looks and the possibility that this interest can be used to question her integrity as a feminist is a fascinating investigation, I find. I've been musing over this subject a lot and I want to know what other women's thoughts are. In a previous post observing riot grrl Tobi Vail's thoughts on the matter, I alluded to my personal battles with fashion and feminism wondering, at points, if the battle was fictitious; forged within myself in order to convince my inner monologue that I was indeed only a real feminist if I neglected the oppressive culture purportedly established by the fashion industry.
However, I still don't really think I've talked that much about it with other women, nor have I heard many firsthand opinions on the matter being voiced by my fellow feminists. I adore dressing up. I have time and time again come to realizations on how what we wear speaks wild volumes about our identities... sexually, intellectually, and influencially. I can't help but see "fashion" as a mysterious and very beautiful artform - a documentation of human history as with body modification, paintings and photographs. Are these not things that feminists have the freedom to enjoy and acknowledge unforgivingly? Where do we stand in this whole thing?

fashion week

now that i have so much time on my hands with relaxing at my parents house i am just pooping out posts hahaha...
here are some pictures from earlier this fall during the LG Toronto Fashion Week.
here's some from the men's GOTSTYLE show...



got a vip pass during the show and was able to hit up the free bar...and hit on models. it was glorious until i found out he was not interested...and 18. HAHAHA

here

pink champagne

at home for the holidays. wanting to scratch out my eyeballs with boredom. there's only so many nights to drink with vodka and get carried away with high school friends. looking forward to partying in a castle for new years...casa loma 2010!
here's a cute outfit i bought from urbanoutfitters its a onesie...! happy holidays.

The Abortion Monologues

In these dramatic monologues, twenty-three women reveal the details of their lives, families and relationships as they tell the stories of their abortions. Sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, but always thought provoking, The Abortion Monologues exist in stark contrast to the real world in which women seldom publicly discuss this choice.

Date: Thursday, February 4, 2010
Time: 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Location: The Leacock Theatre, Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW)

Tickets at Mount Royal Conservatory Box Office
403.440.7770
General $25
Students $15

For more information visit abortionmonologues.com

Monday's Show - Baby Fever

Join us on Monday night for our show on Baby Fever, which is an overwhelming feeling or desire to have children that many women experience. If your womb has ever ached upon holding a baby or playing with young children, then you know all about Baby Fever. Most women get it at some point in their lives - usually the feelings grow stronger as a women ages from her early twenties to mid thirties. However, women can experience Baby Fever at any time: some women know from a very young age that they want to be mothers, and others don't realize it until they're in their 40's - or later. Of course, it is also completely natural for some women to never experience this feeling or have a desire to procreate.

We'll be discussing some of the reasons why most women experience Baby Fever, the big decision that many women struggle with (to have children or not?), and one of the most challenging questions for feminists: can women really have it all (a partner, a fabulous career and children)?

Tune in on Monday December 14 from 8:30 to 9:00 pm (MST) on CJSW 90.9 fm. You can also listen to our program online at www.cjsw.com.

Disney's first Black Princess - with curly hair!

The Princess and the Frog - a new movie opening December 11 - features Disney's first Black princess! And what makes this even more interesting is that Tiana the princess has a fairly natural Black 'do: curls and a coif!

This is big news. If you've been following us at Yeah What She Said for a while, you'll know that Black women's hair is a hot topic right now. First Mattell made new Black Barbies, some featuring more "natural" hair styles. Then Chris Rock released Good Hair - a documentary that explores Black women's hair and the reasons why they relax it, straighten it, buy weaves and generally spend tons of money and time on their hair. Then we did a show on Black women's hair a few weeks ago... and now this, a Black princess with curly hair!

This weekend little Black girls all over North America will watch The Princess and the Frog. They may be too young to understand the cultural implications of it all, but the importance is not lost on their Moms. One mom says, "I'm probably more excited about this than my daughter… she doesn't realize the history of it." Another writes: "…It would be a mistake to overlook the significance of [Princess Tiana's] coif."

If anyone sees the movie, let us know what you think of it.

Lilith Fair Announces Artists

Remember... Lilith Fair is BACK, and coming to Calgary this summer!

Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Colbie Caillat, Erykah Badu, Ke$ha, Tegan and Sara, Miranda Lambert and Metric are among the first artists announced to join Sarah McLachlan on the 2010 Lilith Fair tour.

Read the full press release from Lilith Fair.

Tonight's Show: Camera, Woman!

On tonight's program, Geea and I will be joined by Jessica Dollard and Michelle Kneale of Urban Curvz Theatre Society. We are thrilled to have our guests tell us all about the upcoming Urban Curvz presentation of Camera, Woman! starring the award-winning Denise Clark as Golden Era filmmaker Dorothy Arzner.

Be sure to watch for a plethora of forthcoming projects courtesy of Urban Curvz, a company dedicated to exploring the trials and tribulations of women with theatre as its medium. Really, what could be more inspiring?! A full run-down of upcoming events, community information and details regarding Camera, Woman! are available from the lovely Urban Curvz website.

Tune in to hear the interview live tonight at 8:30pm (MST) on CJSW 90.9 FM and if you are outside of the Calgary area, you can stream it live from CJSW.com.

Podcast will be back soon!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Feminists

Wondering what to get the feminist on your list for Christmas? Here are a few of my humble suggestions.

1. Female symbol necklace
I actually own this fabulous little necklace! I got it on Ebay for only $4.99 (US) plus shipping. Not too shabby at all! As a bonus, it's kinda "bling, bling!"



2. T-shirt: What Would Joan Jett Do?
Get it at the BUST Boobtique for $22.95 (US)




3. Tickets to an Urban Curvz play
Urban Curvz is an award-winning feminist theatre company whose work reflects the wit and intelligence of the women in Calgary. Take your feminist lady friend to any of their plays and I guarantee she'll love it!


4. Fair trade items
The best place in Calgary to find wonderful and unique Fair Trade items is Ten Thousand Villages. In particular, I really enjoy the Fair Trade jewelery. These hand-woven cuffs are made by women in Peru and cost $18.



5. All-natural soaps, skin care 'n stuff
Two all-natural companies that make fabulous soaps, creams, bath bombs and more are Lush and the Rocky Mountain Soap Co. Freshen up her stocking with some of these delights! This Avocado Facial Bar is $4.99.




6. Uterus earrings
These are so darn cute! I found them on Etsy for $6.50 (US).



7. Feminist book
Just go to the Women's Studies or Cultural Studies section of your favourite book store, and you're sure to find books that will delight feminists. The book that I've put on my Christmas list this year is: When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present by Gail Collins. $21.94 at Amazon.ca.



8. Classic Feminist Flick
No DVD collection is complete without one or two classic feminist flicks. Here are a few that come to mind:
Thelma and Louise - $13.32 at Amazon.ca
Carrie - $13.99 at Amazon.ca


9. Something hand made
If anyone appreciates home-made gifts, it's feminists. We love that stuff! So, knit us a toque or a pair of socks, bake us a pie or cookies, or make a cute pencil holder out of an old soup can.

The Montreal Massacre – 20 Year Anniversary

Sunday marks the 20 year anniversary of the Montreal Massacre – the worst school shooting in Canadian history. On December 6, 1989, an armed man entered an engineering classroom at the École Polytechnique, separated the 50 men from the nine women, and ordered the men to leave. He then opened fire on the women, killing six and wounding three. Before opening fire, he told the women he was “fighting feminism” and accused the women of being “a bunch of feminists” because they were entering the field of engineering – a traditionally male occupation.

When he came out of that classroom, he continued through hallways and other rooms, opening fire on more innocent people. In the end, fourteen women were killed (twelve engineering students, one nursing student and one university employee), and fourteen others were injured, including four men. The killing spree ended with the gunman shooting himself in the head, twenty minutes after his “war on feminism” began.

This weekend, we remember the 14 women who were senselessly murdered simply because of their gender, and we reflect on the issue of violence against women in our society.

Please join us in remembering these fourteen women.
Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault and Annie Turcotte.

Podcasts Temporarily on Hiatus

Some of you may have noticed that our weekly feminist podcasts haven’t been appearing in your iTunes lately. We apologize for this.

The lack of new podcasts has been a result of CJSW’s move to our new studio location. As you can imagine, moving all the equipment at a radio station is quite an undertaking, and it’s taking longer than expected for our production rooms and equipment to be set up. So, until this is all ready, it is very difficult to prepare our podcasts.

Fear not our feminist friends… the podcasts will return! We hope they’ll be up and running again right after Christmas.