Rising Conservative Feminists Aren’t Stupid

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Have you read my colleague Donna Trussell’s recent post titled The New Stepford Wife Party, Starring Sarah Palin (Also Gidget)? Donna is not the only writer who is skeptical of modern conservative feminists. With all due respect to Donna, I find them insulting and quite honestly, I’m offended.

First, let’s explain the references because maybe you don’t know what the Stepford Wives or Gidget are. The Stepford Wives is a 2004 remake of a 1975 movie by the same name based on a very popular novel. The original novel and movie had tremendous impact on American culture. The remake was a failure despite featuring Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick. Perhaps because it didn’t resonate with modern audiences. Gidget was a classic TV show in 1965 starring Sally Field who most people know today as either the matriach on the TV show Brothers and Sisters or her popular Boniva commercials to stop and prevent bone loss.

I am a political conservative and just because I don’t agree with you doesn’t mean I’m stupid or unenlightened. Don’t underestimate and don’t belittle us. I am fully aware that neither liberals nor conservatives have a monopoly on the truth.

Probability rather than certainty is the province of argument after all. I am against abortion on demand but I’ll listen and give you the benefit of the doubt. If you craft your argument on abortion well enough, you might get me to consider something I hadn’t previously considered. That’s a victory even if you haven’t persuaded me to change my position.

So you don’t get the power of Sarah Palin and you can’t fathom how people would rally around Christine O’Donnell. I’ll grant that they aren’t Ivy League educated women nor did they make millions of dollars before age 40 by inventing the cure for cancer while helping make sure no child in America went hungry. It would be nice if they had of course.

Karl Rove attacked O’Donnell shortly after her primary victory in an interview with Sean Hannity and questioned, “How come it took nearly two decades to pay her college bills so she could get her college degree?” This criticism doesn’t deter supporters because many people can relate to having a difficult time paying back student loans and to meeting the goals they set for themselves. After all the New York Times reported on September 13 that the latest data reveals the student loan default rate is up 7 percent.

I’ve got a few months before I reach 40, but I haven’t met those goals yet either. Should I just shut up then? I admire that these women go on despite their less than perfect resumes and are so passionate about serving their country that they are willing to subject themselves to such hateful media scrutiny.

They are powerful feminist politicians. Yes, I understand that the feminist adjective makes many liberals cringe.

 My colleague Luista Lopez Torregrosa’s wrote recently that “conservative women like Jeri Thompson and Sarah Palin and Christine O’Donnell…are now forging their own brand of feminism and speaking out like progressive feminists have been doing for so long.”

Feminism is not a political party distinction. Women’s roles in the workplace have greatly changed over the past 40 years. Particularly in today’s economy, many women are now the primary bread-winners in homes across America.

Today’s women have many choices. Some work full time outside of the home, many opt to be stay at home parents and still others do a combination of both. And some choose to go into politics. The fact that we have these choices is a credit to the women’s liberation movement. The reality that there is still such an inequality of pay between men and women is why feminism is more important than ever.

Rather than marginalize the free-thinking women who embrace conservative thought and disagree that abortion is fundamental to feminism, these modern conservative feminists embrace the ideal of promoting respect for women, equal opportunities and equal pay. And guess what? We’d love to vote for a woman who reflects this line of thinking.

These rising conservative American feminist politicians aren’t going away. Isn’t it time we took them seriously?

Today on Critical Thinking in the Real World

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On today’s show, we’re talking about personal safety, freedom of speech and commemorating 9/11.

While at first glance it may not seem the connection between those topics is obvious,  they are interrelated.  The First Amendment is an awesome freedom granted in the United States.  It is a privilege which shouldn’t be abused or taken lightly and it is extremely controversial.  Just because we can say something, doesn’t mean we should.  I believe free speech is its best antidote.  If you don’t like what someone else says, you are free to say so in public. 

First, Margaret McSweeeney will join us to discuss her book, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace and her mission to support a Safe House in Chicago.    Then we’ll discuss the all important and most controversial Freedom of Speech Americans are afforded and tasked with using wisely.  Finally, we’ll talk abou commemorating the anniversary of 9/11. 

Please join the discussion on the Facebook fan page, call 877-864-4869 and share your thoughts during the show, listen live from 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT at http://www.toginet.com or later via podcast.

Creating Empathy for Elderly is Smart Business

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With the baby boomers now rapidly joining AARP, there are 35 million adults over the age of 65 in the United States today and that number will increase to 70 million in the next 20 years. Clearly, elder care is big business. Quality of that care is a major concern, however. State of the art facilities are important, but caretakers are the ones who implement care and many need additional training to learn empathy and understanding for their patients.

It’s one thing to be sympathetic and quite another to be empathetic. When it comes to caring for the elderly, empathy is better than sympathy because it implies feeling with a person in a collaborative sense, rather than feeling sorry for a person in a more distant sense.

Organizations are rushing to train caretakers in the art of empathy and the best way to do that is to give them some experience with the feelings associated with being elderly.

Participants in the Xtreme Aging workshops at the Macklin Intergenerational Institute actually get that opportunity. Activities include those designed to create the confusion stroke victims experience and the physical limitations associated with aging. Participants perform routine tasks wearing gloves with a couple fingers taped together to simulate arthritis, coated eyeglasses to mimic visual impairment, cotton stuffed ears to copy the effects of hearing loss and kernels of corn in their shoes to imitate the pain felt as a result of the loss of fatty tissue.

Simulations are so very valuable because they help create empathy and in doing so also diminish ageism. It’s nearly impossible to really “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes,” but workshops like these sure come close to getting to experience another person’s reality.

Because nearly 20% of the total U.S. population is elderly, retailers and all their customer service personnel must learn to understand this very important and often ignored group. If not, retailers will alienate a very powerful consumer base.

One of the biggest mistakes customer service personnel make is treating older Americans with a lack of respect. A condescending tone and a complete lack of empathy are the chief complaints those 65 and older make when commenting on customer service failures.

The Pew Research Center Social & Demographic Trends conducted a survey on aging and found of those 65 and older, “fully 60% say they feel younger than their age, compared with 32% who say they feel exactly their age and just 3% who say they feel older than their age.”

While those 65 and older say they may not feel old, there are some common signs of aging most people experience. Understanding aging in addition to tailoring products and services for older consumers generates customer loyalty and therefore, increases sales.

What are the common physical changes that occur as part of the aging process? Sensory and cognitive changes are inevitable. Some discomfort or even pain in the joints, knees, hands and feet is often unavoidable. These things can make daily activities difficult, but there are many things retailers can do to make shopping easier for those 65 and older.

Today on Critical Thinking in the Real World

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Chicago and the state of IL have been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons this week.  First, Lester Holt’s Dateline Special America Now: Faces Against Violence about the senseless violence plaguing the city disturbed all who watched.  Then yesterday’s Blagojevich trial news begs the question: Are the politics in IL uniquely corrupt? If so, why?  Today on Critical Thinking in the Real World, I’ll address these topics and speak with Israel Vasquez who is hoping to represent IL’s 4th District in the U.S. Congress.  Vasquez will share his thoughts on how to improve things and discuss the challenges facing anyone interested in changing the status quo. 

Rebecca Kleefisch shares her plans to effect change in WI once she is elected as Lt. Governor.  Kleefisch was motivated to serve after her years of being a journalist covering corruption and violence.  She shares her inspiration and determination to serve on today’s show. 

Please join the discussion on the Facebook fan page, call 877-864-4869 and share your thoughts during the show, listen live from 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT at http://www.toginet.com or later via podcast.

Today on Critical Thinking in the Real World

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We’ll talk about two of my favorite topics-politics and education.  With the midterm elections rapidly approaching, I’ll speak to Israel Vasquez who is running for U.S. Congress. He’s hoping to represent the 4th district of IL.  Why is he running?  What’s it like to run a campaign today?  Israel will answer those questions and more.  Then since it’s almost back to school time, I’ll speak to Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis, author of Midlife Crisis Begins in Kindergarten.  She will tell us how to make this school year the best one for your children and for you.  Mariaemma will explain the Learning Success Model of Education and how focusing on the unique needs of each student leads to real progress in the classroom and success in life.

Please join the discussion on the Facebook fan page, call 877-864-4869 and share your thoughts during the show, listen live from 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT at http://www.toginet.com or later via podcast.  

One to Watch: U.S. House Seat for IL 2nd District

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Today on Critical Thinking in the Real World, I interviewed Rev. Isaac Hayes, candidate for U.S. Congress from the 2nd District of Illinois. Hayes is hoping to unseat Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Illinois) and it looks as if he is a man who can win this tough fight. 

The jury has yet to render a verdict in the Rod Blagojevich political corruption case, but Rep. Jackson has frequently been tied to the former Illinois governor and his alleged attempts to sell President Obama’s vacated Senate seat.  Prosecutors argue, “Jackson became aware of the effort to buy his appointment on Oct. 28, 2008 at a meeting in Chicago’s 312 restaurant.”  He denies this and has said, “I reject the pay to play politics and have no involvement whatsoever in any wrongdoing.” Jackson has never been charged with anything, but the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has listed Rep. Jackson as one of the 15 most corrupt members of Congress.  Will Jackson’s ties with Blagojevich negatively impact him at election time? 

This is a large anti-incumbent sentiment among frustrated Americans throughout the nation. Voters are tired of politics as usual and want true change.  As ethics scandals plague politicians, will voters take a risk and vote for someone new or hope for reform from career politicians? 

Rev. Isaac Hayes, in contrast to Jackson, has not had a privileged upbringing.  Hayes grew up in the Woodlawn community on the South Side of Chicago.  He put himself through college at Illinois State University.  He has spent much of his life working and engaging in community service. 

Rep. Jackson has held his office since 1995 and is the eldest son of famed Civil Rights activist and Rainbow PUSH Coalition President Rev. Jesse Jackson.  He was born in Greenville, South Carolina and spent his early years in the Jackson Park Highlands District of the South Shore community area on the South Side of Chicago.  Jackson went to the Le Mans Military Academy in Waterford, Wisconsin and then to the elite college prepatory St. Albans in Washington, DC for high school.  He graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.  He earned his Master of Arts Degree in Theology from the Chicago Theological Seminary, and then his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law.

Will the fact that Hayes is running as a republican help or handicap his chances?  The National Republican Congressional Committee has invited Hayes to join its young guns program and that is significant for this virtually unknown candidate.  Even with the Republican National Committee’s support, Hayes faces a tough challenge.  Jackson won the last election with more than 80 percent of the vote and both of Jackson’s predecessors left the office surrounded by ethical scandals. 

 Are Illinois voters willing to cross party lines for change?

America Needs a Makeover

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Our country needs a makeover.  From our political system, to the economy to our very selves, we need an overhaul.  We’ll talk about the upcoming elections, the Gulf Coast and personal physical improvements on tomorrow’s Critical Thinking in the Real World radio show. 

Americans are unhappy with our elected officials and the job government is doing.  According to the recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, public confidence in President Obama has hit a new low and approval of Congress is even worse. This has motivated Americans to act and political campaigns across the nation are fueled by a new enthusiasm and desire for considerable change. With the midterm elections less than four months away, now is the time to get involved.  We’ll talk about some of the candidates running for office and the latest strategies they are using to engage voters.

President Obama and his family will vacation on the Gulf Coast in August.  This trip will hopefully encourage tourism in a region hard hit by the BP Oil Spill and change perceptions that the beaches and resort areas have been devastated by this disaster.  The Gulf Coast businesses are the ones facing imminent disaster.  On their previous trips to the region, both the president and Mrs. Obama have made a point of encouraging people to visit Gulf Coast beaches that are open and oil-free to help boost an area economy battered by the sharp decline in tourism that followed the spill.  If you’d like to help by traveling to the Gulf Coast, we’ll speak to Sandy at Bayside Travel who will tell us about all the deals to be had.   

Have you ruled out cosmetic surgery because it’s too dangerous, invasive and expensive?  Gaile Coleman at Estetika Skin & Laser Specialists will tell us all about affordable non-surgical options including the latest in skincare, Thermage, Latisse, cosmetic dermatology, and facial & body rejuvenation. 

Listen to Critical Thinking in the Real World from 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT Wednesdays on http://www.toginet.com

Today on Critical Thinking in the Real World

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We’ll talk about the dangers of rushing to judgment without critically thinking.  From the BP Gulf Oil Spill to allegations of racism within the Tea Party and USDA, people rush to vilify without getting all the facts.  We can’t legislate critical thinking, but we can require it of ourselves and those we elect.

Please join the discussion on the Facebook fan page, call 877-864-4869 and share your thoughts during the show, listen live from 1:00 to 2:00 pm CT at http://www.toginet.com or later via podcast . 

Please join the discussion. We’ll talk about the dangers of rushing to judgment without critically thinking. From the BP Gulf Oil Spill to allegations of racism within the Tea Party and USDA, people rush to vilify without getting all the facts. We can’t legislate critical thinking, but we can require it of ourselves and those we elect.

It’s Back to School Time for Adults

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The 4th of July has just passed, yet most stores are now promoting Back to School sections. It might seem too early, but now is actually a great time for adults to consider a return to the classroom. In today’s economy, it’s important to refresh your skills, beef up your resume and possibly finish that degree you began many years ago. 

 TV, radio and billboard advertisements bombard us with options of returning to school.

Can these programs really work and fit into an already busy life? Are there means available to help pay for them? Yes, not only do these programs work, they are much more beneficial to the working adult than the traditional student.

Online programs are one option available to the working adult. These programs appeal to many because students are only required to meet in a physical classroom minimally if at all. This is quite attractive for those who frequently travel or would like to learn during odd hours. Don’t be misled, however. Online programs can often be much more demanding than traditional classes. You are not guaranteed immediate or in some cases even timely feedback from instructors. This may be frustrating and detrimental. You will be free to learn from the privacy of your own home, office, car or even while traveling overseas.

Accelerated programs are a fantastic option for those who are highly motivated and want to complete their degree as quickly as possible. Students may only need to commit to going to class one night a week and could complete an entire course in just five to eight weeks. Accelerated programs like these often require group collaboration on projects and move at a very rapid pace.

Blended programs offer the best of both the traditional and online classes. Many universities are including this hybrid as a way to entice would be students.

So if you have considered going back to school, now is the time.