Have an opinion about something you read in Grrowl? Write and let us know! Send your e-mail to: grrowl@nrrdgrrl.com. Last month's Snarl! about the power of the media brought mixed feelings, and in fact, inspired this month's Snarl!-- Blaming the Media, A Rebuttal:

"It sounds like we're all in agreement on the power of the media to make women feel insecure and inferior. The media will change very little, if at all, simply as a result of our complaints, however. So how do we make a change? I believe that "everyday" women like us can get out there and generate alternative views of femaleness. We have the power to change it by becoming actively involved.

In the magazine industry we need to produce more articles and pictures about women's accomplishments and achievements to replace the beauty-oriented covers/content so common in the checkout line at the supermarket. We need to write stories about women who are heroes -- many normal women perform heroic acts. We can participate by submitting articles, purchasing positive image publications to support them economically, and even by starting our own publications. And don't forget the editorial section of your local newspaper!

In the film and television industry we need to produce more media showing women as strong independent characters able to confidently make decisions. Again, we can show our support by choosing to view the movies and television shows that portray women as we believe they should be. Remember: The visual media can just as effectively showcase a woman's actions as it can her looks.

We are the majority gender, population-wise, in this world. We can make the world better for the next generation of women. Let's make a change!"

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"I wanted to say "way to go" to September's Snarl! WE as individuals are responsable how WE react to things. Stop whining about the big bad media and leave some bruises, babe."

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"I agree with Rosalind Lord that we don't have to be affected by the media. However, what she is forgetting, I think, is that the media is also subliminal. It doesn't always state what biases and predjudices it is expounding. Instead, it is subtle and can seep into your subconscious without your really realizing it.

I recently got cable, but tonight I unscrewed it and moved my TV where it wouldn't reach the cable. The reason, I was spending a whole lot of time in front of the TV, and I think I was probably getting a whole lot of messages about life that are not healthy. Because I am female, I can say there is one thing that is not represented on tv, that is: beautiful healthy natural women. Instead, you have plastic surgery, silicon, tons of makeup, expensive clothes, etc., etc. I mean if I just watched tv and read magazines, I would be sure that it is essential to wear lipliner, base makeup, etc. I would be sure that a made up face is prettier than a natural one, because you don't see natural faces on women on TV. And, it is subliminal, because they don't actually say, "no woman should ever go without makeup", yet they say it because on TV no woman does.

I don't know, this is just an example that hits home for me. I may be wrong to have unplugged the cable, but I want my life to be simple, and I want to be able to think for myself. And I'm not sure I can if I'm watching tv a lot. Just a thought-"

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About "June"

"While I found the story of June touching and frightening, I also found it bothersome that Ms. Walker, even with the best of intentions, treated June in a similar manner as Ryan.

I recognize that Ms. Walker had the best of intentions, but was the approach necessary? The parallel that struck me between the eyes was this:

"she stopped telling him to stop, since he never did anyway, not until he got bored and went home"

and:

"She gave up trying to dissuade me, especially once I let her read this piece."

What good is observation without learning?"

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"Although this story did not seem to have much meaning, I found a meaning that is important to me and I was really touched by the story. It illustrated how a young woman struggled with herself and others while she was trying to find out exactly where she belonged. It is a struggle that all of us women (young and old) encounter or have encountered in our lifetimes. It is something that will always try to come back to bother us and try to tear apart our pride. This story gives a good example as to why we must not let any thing steer us in the wrong direction. We have to set our goals and strive for them, and not to give up. I send my love and *HUGS* out to "june". I would have kicked those guys asses for you if we had been friends."

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About "In Time"

"This piece is great, with a texture, depth, and quality that bespeaks a writer "going on back there". Please keep more pieces like this coming."

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