Month: January 2020

I went looking for a photo of a woman gardening in a commercial. Odd selection, right? Well isn’t more odd how commercials portray gardening as a female based hobby/role? Commercials, dialogue, and society expectations limit gardening to a female based demographic. Woman are always depicted as happy, while gardening as a hobby. But, do men not garden? Can men not enjoy it as well? Is it a hobby that reflects a man’s sexuality? Or is it because the Earth/nature are personified as a woman? How has society become so focused on gender roles that we forgot that the nature needs men AND woman to replenish it?

According to, “Warren’s Introduction to EcoFeminism”, by Brendan, Number Two of Eight on Warren’s list of connections between woman and nature, goes into detail about the conceptual connections. “A goal of ecofeminism, is to develop gender-sensitive language, theory, and practices that do not further the exploitative experiences and habits of dissociated, male-gender identified culture toward women and nature”. This is supported by Hobgood-Oster readings that, “Paradise lost its materiality and became a masculine, hierarchical projection. Such theories raise many questions for scholars interested in the reconstruction of early
human civilizations”.

As an ecofeminist, one must take on the struggles that nature deals with. One must focus on balance WHILE allowing diversity. The feminist movement focuses on the struggles of woman and looks for solutions. To break of sexism chains, means to break the false pretense that caring for nature is gender based. Woman are depended on to nurture children and men, along with the Earth. Men should be regarded as nurturers and raising men should also include, gardening and/or taking care of the Earth; just like one would teach their daughter.

So I challenge you… man or woman. When is the last time you did something beneficial for our planet? Would love to hear your comments below!

Photo Credit: https://www.123rf.com/photo_44520360_smiling-woman-working-in-a-commercial-nursery-selling-plants-to-the-public-standing-holding-a-tray-o.html

From the comfort of my throne (my bed),

Princess Joelle

A little old town where everyone talks. There couldn’t be any environmental issues, right?

WRONG.

As of November 18, 2019, the Brayton Point Commerce Center has yet to seek an environmental impact review. The Commercial Development Company is building a commerce center in Somerset, MA, and was requested to be reviewed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. By why? Well the development has a tenant that deals with metal recycling and that is a concern for locals. The tenant was not approved by the town and is considered under development “illegally”. Another alarming detail is the materials and recyclables stored on the lot. Most of these have been exposed to oil and/or gasoline and could potentially leak into Mount Hope Bay.

Hopefully this article with have more developments: https://www.heraldnews.com/news/20191118/no-sign-brayton-point-owners-are-honoring-somersets-request-for-review

From the comfort of my throne (my bed),

Princess Joelle

“Drum roll!” *DADADADADADA*

For class I chose a blog about feminism called, “Capacity-Building Training in Sanganer, Rajasthan”, by Sarojini Sapru.

I felt a connection to this blog because I come from a Lebanese culture that puts woman in gender segregated roles. My culture prides itself on woman being care givers and tending to their husband/house. My culture does not prioritize education or establishing a career for females. Indian woman tend to deal with similar struggles.

In this blog, it talks about a water crisis and how woman are being trained and implemented into helping the community. Traditionally men have leadership positions and the only say. Yet, in this dynamic, the community is relying on the woman that CREATED that very community. Since they will be the trained professionals, this also gives them a voice. Along with this, woman can now feel needed outside of their houses and can be more independent. The program also has self help resources and education about gender and climate change.

Although this will not make a MAJOR change in the country, it will in the lives of these young woman. I think the concept is something that can be implemented in the Arab culture; which is outdated. Woman are more than what patriarchal societies believe. But, I also do not feel water would be the right task to transfer into Lebanon. Maybe a different alternative may have to be brainstormed.

If you feel like you want to indulge more into Sapru’s blog, the link is: https://gendermatters.in/2020/01/capacity-building-training-in-sanganer-rajasthan/ .

From the comfort of my throne (my bed),

Princess Joelle

Welcome to my very first blog! To know who I am, you would know that an “about me” could not be short and sweet (like me). I’ve lived such a full life, so far, for being so young. But, I hope this gives you a little insight about who I am.

My name is Joelle and I am a senior Psychology AND Health & Society undergraduate student. I am the oldest of four in a Lebanese household and speak Arabic. I am the “mother” of two dogs named Pippa and Pebbles. I pride myself on being an animal lover and having a big heart. Blah Blah Blah Blah BLAH.

BUT what sets me apart?! Maybe that I am a certified grief facilitator? Ehhh, no no , I know what it is! My greatest accomplishment is that I am a 9 year cancer survivor. I am also a Type 1 diabetic. Some other stuff? I am known among my close family and friends to have a knack for planning events and activities. I am a free minded individual and live to seize each and every day (while dragging the ones close to me for the ride). Some examples are that I have gone to gun ranges, indoor and outdoor skydiving, paragliding, flown a helicopter, and gone dog sledding … just to name a few.

I hope throughout this blog journey we’ll both be able to seize each day, learn to self reflect, and see the world from other pairs of eyes.

From the comfort of my throne (my bed),

Princess Joelle

P.S. To the love of my life, I love you Jean