FYR :: Le Tigre

Give me the house! House!

Give me the senate! Senate!

Give me the Oval Office! Oval office!

What's that spell?

HOPE!

What's that spell?

HOPE!!!!!!!!

The day many of us have been waiting for finally came, went, and we got an outcome that changes EVERYTHING. An empowered electorate showed that we, as a country, are ready for a change. We fought, we took to the streets, took to the phone banks, spoke to our friends and family, and fought to find the change we wanted to see. And we got it. And now the work begins.

On the same day, Californians passed Proposition 8 on Tuesday, banning same-sex marriage in the state. Court challenges have been filed against the ban, and the legality of the ban is in question. This does not, however, negate the absolute unjust nature of this measure.

One huge step forward, but two steps back. The fight for equality continues.

In the spirit of the fight, I'm choosing the song "FYR" today from Le Tigre, everyone's favorite feminist radical dance-punk band. I saw them in 2005, the first summer of Bush's second term. I, like many Americans, was angry and bitter at the elections process. Still reeling from the 2000 elections, further beaten down by the whack election of 2004, and completely frustrated by the endless war and a conservative government, I felt completely hopeless. When I saw Le Tigre, I felt empowered by the band's seemingly endless spirit to continue the fight for equality, stand up for feminists, for the GLBT population, and fight against social injustice. And I loved their sweet "Stop Bush" outfits (see image). Sure, they were angry. But so was I. Like the bumper sticker says, if you aren't outraged, you aren't paying attention.

The results from Tuesday's election leave me with a whole new feeling. For the first time since I became a legal voter, I feel a sense of hope, pride, and agency. I feel that there is a chance for resolution. A chance for something better. But California's approval of Propisition 8 is a grim reminder of the injustice that will continue to rear its ugly head.

Obama, his cabinet, the house, and the senate have a whole lot of work to do. And we, as citizens of the United States, do too. It is not the time to give up the fight - rather, it is time to get involved. Democracy starts at home, with all of us. So, let's own this country. Let's own our communities. Let's make a difference everyday in whatever way we can. And through our small actions, we can start to create the change we want to see. And we'll be working with a leader that recognizes the power and potential that lies within an empowered nation.

In the spirit of empowerment, I am choosing the song "FYR" (abb."Fifty Years of Ridicule"). This song calls out to feminists to stand up for equality. It references many things that were current to 2004, when the song was released, but are still relevant today. I think it translates beyond feminism to any struggle for civil rights, calling for unity in the fight against injustice of all types. And now, thankfully, we can continue our fight under a president that openly recognizes the need for equality and social justice.

Plus, this song is just bumpin', so it is always a good choice in my opinion.



FYR

by Le Tigre. From the album "Feminist Sweepstakes" (Mr. Lady Records)

Ten Short Years Of Progressive Change
Fifty Fucking Years Of Calling Us Names

Can We Trade Title Nine For An End To Hate Crime
Ru-486 If We Suck Your Fuckin Dick
One Step Forward, Five Steps Back

One Cool Record In The Year Of Rock-rap
Yeah We Got All The Power Getting Stabbed In The Shower
And We Got Equal Rights On Ladies Nite

Feminists We're Calling You
Please Report To The Front Desk
Let's Name This Phenomenon
It's Too Dumb To Bring Us Down

F.Y.R. Fifty Years Of Ridicule
F.Y.R. Take Another Picture

F.Y.R. Fifty Years Of Ridicule
F.Y.R. Take Another Picture

Mrs. Doubtfire On Mother's Day
On-the-job Stalker For Equal Pay
Toss Us A Few New Aids Drugs
As National Healthcare Bites The Dust

While You Were On Vacation
Black People Didn't Get Reparations
You Know These Days No One's Exploited
Sorry Dude Can't Hear You With My Head In The Toilet

Feminists We're Calling You
Please Report To The Front Desk
Let's Name This Phenomenon
It's Too Dumb To Bring Us Down

F.Y.R. Fifty Years Of Ridicule
F.Y.R. Take Another Picture

F.Y.R. Fifty Years Of Ridicule
F.Y.R. Take Another Picture

You've Really Come A Long Way Baby
It's You, Not The World, That's Totally Crazy
'Cause We Rocked The Fuckin' Vote
With Election Fraud In Poor Zip Codes

Celebrate Gay Marriage In Vermont
By Enforcing Those Old Sodomy Laws
One Step Forward Five Steps Back
We Tell The Truth They Turn Up The Laugh Track

Feminists We're Calling You
Please Report To The Front Desk
Let's Name This Phenomenon
It's Too Dumb To Bring Us Down


In the spirit of hope,
XOXO
Kim