Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Good, the Bad, and the Curious (Links for the Week)

Things I read that made me happy, sad, and thoughtful. How about you?

The Good

A Lego version of the Olympics? Why not?


(Also, note that these Olympic athletes are the original Lego pieces, and not the slimmed down "minifigs.")

The Bad

The Boy Scouts maintains their anti-gay stance even as decorated Eagle Scouts return their badges in protest. (In related news, Offbeat Mama has a great thread with tons of suggestions in the comments for socially-inclusive Boy Scouts alternatives.)

The Curious

I've been writing a lot about the myth of the American Dream lately (see my series on it here). Sociological Images has an interesting post on just how many Americans believe that hard work leads to success, and then they compare it to other countries. 

Peggy Orenstein takes a look at how the Disney princesses are getting sexy makeovers, especially with the unveiling of Cinderella 2012. 


Black Girl's Guide to Weight Loss provides some pretty convincing video evidence for why pole dancing should be considered a sport

Jessica Valenti has a great post in the Nation that tackles the complicated nature of self-esteem. Valenti explains that "what makes us feel better about ourselves is not always what's best for us or others in the long run. Life shouldn't be a feel-good campaign." 

Sociological Images has an interesting post about how the pictures on their LinkedIn thumbnail suggestions appear to undermine the very point their posts are making about objectification of women. I had a similar experience with a Pinterest board. What's it mean for how we talk about inequality online?

That's what I've been reading. How about you?

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