Don't Judge Me...Empower Me

How many women have you heard say, "I don't like girls/I don't hang with girls; they're petty/jealous/haters/bitches (insert negative noun here)?" It's such a bad look for us females, and it's so common that many men have picked up on this sort of gender betrayal and self-hate. Why are women so quick to judge another so harshly? Why do many women only find comfort in dealing with men where we know we have the ultimate power? Why are we so distrustful of each other?

The incredible goddess sisters at WEEN (Women In Entertainment Empowerment Network) are hosting a one-day interactive seminar, "Don't Judge Me...Empower Me," this Saturday, September 18 at the Alaine L. Locke School in Harlem (21 West 111 Street between 5th and 6th Aves) at noon. Join WEEN Chair Valeisha Butterfield among industry goddesses such as radio hostess, Angela Yee and activist, Maria Davis. It's open to women and young ladies of all ages.

And it's on the recession pricing tip--free! You must have a ticket for entry, get them here. So no excuse to not surround yourself with powerful, positive women in entertainment, law, health and other realms.

WEEN is committed to supporting, promoting and defending the balanced, positive portrayal of women in entertainment and in society. Their network is made up of women and men throughout the entertainment and social service industries dedicated to improving the quality of life women and girls worldwide.

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Beyonce: Pop Music's Love Doctor?

I've recently had conversation with a few strong confidants about Beyonce's "Single Ladies," the undeniable catchiness of the song despite its stereotypical messages of marriage and gender roles. So here's a piece from the Black Scientist, and then a re-post of Sasha Frere-Jones's New Yorker piece breaking down Bey's catalog of relationship advice under the guise of women's empowerment.

On one hand, she could be saying the single women who want to get married shouldn't stick around with a dude who isn't trying to marry her. I can dig that. Why waste your time? On the other hand, it's a trap your his man marriage ultimatum anthem. I guess you just have to know what you want from a relationship and if you have to coerce or threaten a man to marry you, then it's time to do a little soul-searching and self-assessment.

To me, this song is this album's, "Get Me Bodied." You just gotta dance to it. I file it under the "ignorance is bliss" category but it stimulates discussion of marriage and gender role messages for young women via pop music. Here is the video for your viewing pleasure...enjoy.

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