Our multi-part feature on periods continues with a review of Thinx panties. You’ve heard the news. You’ve seen the ads. You’ve considered recommendations from your sister/cousin/best friend/neighbor/favorite actress. But are they worth the hype (and the $30+ price tag)? Thinx was kind enough to send over a few pairs for the Dinner Party crew to … Continue reading Period Party, Volume Two: A Review of Thinx Panties
Period Party, Volume One: Diva Cup Disaster
Today, we’re starting a multi-part feature here on Dinner Party to talk about a quintessentially female experience: your period. First up, we have an essay by Marci Weber, which was originally written in 2014 for a live performance and subsequently adapted for publication on this site. I’m a huge fan of tampons. The commercials are … Continue reading Period Party, Volume One: Diva Cup Disaster
The Return of the Riot Grrrls
On September 22, the pioneering riot grrrl band, Bikini Kill, reissued their original demo, Revolution Girl Style Now! The album is available through their eponymous label on vinyl, CD, digital download, and for full '90s nostalgia—cassette tape. Drummer Tobi Vail largely credits the demo with the band’s success. She told The Olympian in a recent interview, “The band … Continue reading The Return of the Riot Grrrls
An Open Letter to Anti-Feminists, on What Feminism Means
Today, I saw a curious article making its rounds on many, MANY of my Facebook friends’ walls called “I Am A Mother Of Two Children And I Cannot (And Will Not) Support Feminism.” I tried to read it with an open mind, but it really bothered me that the article seemed to demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of … Continue reading An Open Letter to Anti-Feminists, on What Feminism Means
Whose Bass Is It Anyway? (Or, The Problem with Pop’s Empowerment Anthems)
This article was originally written as a producer piece for Things Not Seen. This summer, a wave of up-beat, supposedly empowering pop songs came out. A similar outpouring of self-esteem boosting anthems happened in 2011, with Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way,” Katy Perry’s “Fireworks,” and Pink’s “Perfect.” The music industry has apparently discovered that inspiring … Continue reading Whose Bass Is It Anyway? (Or, The Problem with Pop’s Empowerment Anthems)
On Sweet Valley High, Chris Brown, and Being a Bad Feminist with Roxane Gay
I came to realize that I might be a “bad feminist” around the same time Beyoncé’s surprise album dropped. I loved the album. I mean, I liked Beyoncé a lot before the 13th of December 2013, but the album led me towards a whole new realm of fangirldom. As always, the tuneage was excellent, but what got me … Continue reading On Sweet Valley High, Chris Brown, and Being a Bad Feminist with Roxane Gay
Ladies We Love: Roxane Gay
I owe a lot to Roxane Gay. Her thoughtful pieces on current events and pop culture allow me to think more clearly about my own feelings on these topics in the news. I can't tell you how many times her Salon.com articles have saved me from being an inarticulate rage monster on social media, spewing … Continue reading Ladies We Love: Roxane Gay
On the Corner of Faith and Feminism: An Inclusive Alternative to Femen’s Goals
Originally, this piece appeared as an essay for a Women’s and Gender Studies class. The content has been modified slightly to better fit an online format for a broader audience. Janet Soskice opens Feminism and Theology with the observation that “it is no secret that some feminists regard the term ‘feminist theology’ as an oxymoron.” Soskice acknowledges … Continue reading On the Corner of Faith and Feminism: An Inclusive Alternative to Femen’s Goals
Speaking Truth to Power: Thanking Anita Hill
It's an unfortunate fact that as a woman, I'm entirely too familiar with being sexually harassed. Every day, I fear unwelcome advances as I walk to work, lingering and inappropriate grazes as I squeeze into a subway car, even catcalls as I open the door to my own home. But as a young woman who … Continue reading Speaking Truth to Power: Thanking Anita Hill
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