The Blue Herrin

An interesting article by Frank Jacobs looking at the use of imaginary maps and the show Game of Thrones as well as Martin’s integration of Tolkien’s cartography.

By creating spatial difference, geography becomes an engine for conflict. If that sounds both simplistic and dire, it’s unfortunately not without example in our reality. Complex conflicts — from the U.S. Civil War to the Cold War — have at times been reduced to “North vs. South” or “East vs. West” (but never Northeast vs. Southwest — only the cardinal directions generate lethal animosity).

Because even you’re worth it.

Products from the line include True Teen Eyeshadow, which comes in a Cool Girl Blue, Popular Girl Pink, and Skinny Girl Silver. Also successful is the No Tears Mascara in Bounce Back Black.

L’Oréal’s efforts to end bullying go beyond the product line itself; half of the product’s proceeds will go toward major charity events for young girls who have been bullied. At these events, bullied girls will be given full makeovers and learn to avoid talking about weird stuff like books in front of normal people.

 - From Reductress, a fake women’s news magazine

A Norwegian ad for education (absolutely not feasible but completely lovely). 

Shengnu = leftover or victorious (successful) woman

For years, single Chinese women in their mid- to late-20s have endured being called “shengnu,” or “leftover women,” by relatives, by the state-run media and by society. The message is : Marry, ideally by 25, or you’re on the shelf.

Some are starting to push back.

How do we, as a society, delimitate the act of crying? In what ways do traditional roles of masculinity and femininity change this demarcation? And how does this affect our interactions with public spaces?

Ross and Mirowsky (1984) found that men who hold traditional views about gender roles are less likely to cry (this data is self reported). They also note that as education and income increase, men are also less likely to cry even though they are also likely to hold less traditional views about gender roles…

Femininity has greater flexibility in expressing emotions, but even within this gender, crying is still not encouraged as a public display.

And a nice video to follow this up by Tony Porter - A Call to Men; a great discussion of gender roles and child upbringing.

Reversing gender roles in advertisement - a neat short from students from the University of Saskatchewan.