Movie Review Haiku by Cherry Sparkle

Straw Dogs: 1971 (starring Dustin Hoffman)

tootsie dude kicks ass
english creeps meet savage fate
child-like bride whimpers

Why I like to use the F word

No not THAT “F” word! I’m talking about the word “feminist.”
There has been such a backlash on that word. Who took it away from us? I could site many examples, but I’ll stick with one. In a recent issue of Bust magazine, Susan Sarandon (who will now be forever excluded from the Celebrity Crush column) said she doesn’t like the word “feminist” and prefers “humanist”. For pity’s sake.

Let’s remember that we have feminists to thank for the right to vote, the abolition of child labor, birth control, accessible abortion services (not just for the super rich), women’s studies being actual course offerings in universities and countless other accomplishments. As Howard Zinn, the rad historian has said, if you don’t know your history it was like you were born yesterday and people can bullshit you. (I’m paraphrasing here)

I think that people are afraid of seeming “exclusionary”, “bra-burners” or “angry”. If they can make us shy away from the F word, they are cutting us off from our history (or “herstory” for the hard core) Feminists (both the first wave and second wave) were way too busy fighting for


things like birth control to be sitting around some campfire burning bras. Give me a freaking break.

I say “Fly the flag of Feminism! Wear the colors with pride.” Because my mother dragged herself thru medical school in the early 60’s maybe it’s a bit


easier for the women who have come behind her. Maybe as I slog it out in the world of technology and endure a certain amount of GOBN (good ol’ boy network)


bullshit, maybe I am making room for other women (and dykes for that matter) to come after me.

Support other women, encourage men to have their full humanity, stand for justice and use the F word. Liberally.

Celebrity Crush: Kathleen Hanna By Patsy Pain

What on earth can I say that hasn’t already been said? Kathleen is the incredibly talented, feminist, gorgeous Scorpio (brunette to boot) that has been the lead vocalist for Bikini Kill, has released at least one solo song under her own name (on K records), did a mind blowing DIY album as “Julie Ruin” and now is with Le Tigre, the NY based electronic feminist performance art political kick ass rad band.

When I was a sweet young thing back in 1994, I went to my one and only Bikini Kill show with my friend Ron, who was always up for an adventure. Not only was the show amazing, but from the stage, Kathleen asked who was in a band and called on people whose hands were raised. She had them give their name, the name of their band and what instrument they played. It was so great. After the show she hung around and I worked up the nerve to tell her that I really appreciated BK’s music. She was super gracious and chatting with the high school aged kids that were there in force.

Several months later as I was working at the cash register at a health food store, not only Kathleen but all of Bikini Kill came in to get vittles. She told me they were recording their next album (which turned out to be Reject All American) in a studio nearby. Kathleen purchased one banana and an Odwalla juice. She was wearing a fake leopard fur coat. She fucking rules. She came in the next day by herself and I saw her in line and opened my register so I could wait on her. As she left the store I grabbed my friend Rebecca and said “There goes the woman I’m going to marry and have a cat with!!!”

-Patsy