(twenty) four seven

I'm going to finally use my Tumblr account on a regular basis. (mariettatorriente.tumblr.com)

Hannah Giorgis: That we feel entitled to images of a woman being abused speaks volumes not only about the man who battered her, but about us

No matter how much truth there might be to the utter ridiculousness of ones audience, or how much their embarrassing (to you) appearance helps alleviate some of that fear and anxiety you are slave to and reminded of each morning in your toothpaste crusted bathroom mirror, talking shit only lets off a few puffs of steam, except for that one puff. That puffed up chest does not deflate. It remains prominent, filling its role as your prop. Your faux confidence. A bit of extra stuffing so that the “I’m a man” costume you wear fits just right.

However, criticizing the audience or posting photos of them trying to prove that you’re funny; that you have a dry wit you’re convinced only someone (else) with a high IQ could appreciate…it only makes you look like an ingrate hater. It also most definitely guarantees that next time…you (again) will not be headlining. Not there amongst pudgy people. Not there amongst perhaps the one fan who could bring you to the toned, multi-toned hip people.

In the upcoming election for the Mayor of Los Angeles this Tuesday, May 21, Los Angeles voters face a choice between Councilman Eric Garcetti and City Controller Wendy Greuel. If Greuel wins, she would be the first woman mayor in Los Angeles history. As a result, several women’s political organizations (Emily’s List for example) and prominent female elected officials (Barbara Boxer and Nancy Pelosi) have strongly pushed women to vote for Greuel. 

I am an educated, pro-choice woman and I strongly believe in gender equality. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the above mentioned organization and politicians, but if you thought they would inspire me to vote for Greuel, think again.

If you’re surprised, don’t be! For me, my vote for Garcetti is a vote that lives up to my core principles and belief in true gender equality; where we make decisions as important as this without taking one’s gender into account.  

Eric Garcetti is energetic and passionate about LA with a broad and forward thinking vision for the City of Los Angeles. More importantly, he has a great track record as a City Councilman for Atwater Village, Hollywood, Echo Park, and Silver Lake (where I grew up, under the glow of the neon Western Exterminator sign). His track record gives me the confidence that he will back up his promises and follow through on his plan. When it comes to fighting traffic congestion, keeping the city fiscally solvent, and creating new jobs, Garcetti brings new and innovative ideas, as well as the passion and talent to actually implement them.

Wendy Greuel, on the other hand, offers little in the way of new ideas or solutions to many of the city’s problems. In numerous debates, she often refused to directly answer questions posed to her and instead spent time attacking her opponent. She has seemingly based her entire campaign on which big name Democratic Party politicians have endorsed her, endlessly attacking Garcetti on trivial issues, or the fact that she would be the first woman mayor in our city's history. Between her debate performances and her lackluster record as a City Councilwoman and City Controller, I find her to be completely unqualified the role of Mayor.

It boils down to this…how many times has a female candidate for political office far smarter, far more qualified, far more informed, and far more competent than her male opponents lost the election simply because she was a woman? Far too many times. This is gender discrimination that I abhor. But I believe that gender equality means combating all forms of discrimination against both genders, not just women. We don’t end gender discrimination against women by discriminating against men in reverse, that only furthers it.

This Tuesday, I invite all my friends (both men and women) who believe in gender equality to join me in voting for the best qualified candidate to be the next Mayor of Los Angeles...regardless of whether or not they pee standing up.