Connect The Dots

Today's writing prompt is relating an uninteresting news story to how it connects to my life. I thought this would be fun. All the news today came across as uninteresting. But instead I'm going with a story some might find interesting. America loves its 'sexist, male-abuser stories.' And so do I- so I can tie it into my own melodramatic life. The story is about a NFL player that is accused of physically abusing his girlfriend. Before you yawn and think “another one.” Lets explore it further. This 6ft4 guy that weighs close to 300lbs hurt his now ex-lover at 3am. You know booze were involved. But that's a lazy excuse. What is up with this western culture that lets the patriarch do this to our women? This happens all the time and sadly you have to be grateful when it makes headlines so feminist like me can bring it to a head. And there will be awareness. The root cause is misogyny (hatred of women). It's painful to explore it any further than that. Especially, knowing that all my family members will be tuning in today on football Sunday.

I'm guilty too of liking such a violent and sexist sport. But it allowed me to feel closer to my male relatives and 'males in general.' Professional football brings my family together, it's a festive time. But behind the scenes it appears there's more to the sport than meets the eye. “It’s no wonder then why an organization with no female coaches, players, announcers, owners, or referees, would fail to treat women with the respect they deserve.” Feminism and the NFL are not compatible. And that my friends is how this news story relates to my life. Because my family (male relatives) are not compatible with my life. They are like the NFL (sexist, misogynistic) And I'm a lesbian womyn, which is less than in their eyes. But I challenge the patriarchy.

The NFL and it's abusers are but a symptom of a real society that oppresses women and it's called: 'capitalism.' It's fine if you don't see it, but just know gender is 'socially-programmed.' It's all related too. That's how the story relates to my male relatives. They oppress my girlfriend and I. And they end up feeling like the victims when you set up boundaries. My dad didn't like my ex-gf and he doesn't like me present girlfriend. Because he does not respect women or like strong women. He hated my mom too--because she was financially dependent on him. Goddess forbid, she had their children and her whole anatomy changed. Women can go to work if they please after childbirth or stay home. It's their decision. The husband can stay home too with the kids. It's equal you see.

That's where my family and the NFL fail. They see women as objects-- not as equals. And it's a cold-harsh truth. But setting it free and writing about it helps heal me. It also merges pain and creativity. With that said don't be afraid to let your lady parts shine. Even if it's painful like writing about the NFL relating to your family issues- like mine.