Caroline Lindner’s Nashville Street Barbers Gives Free Haircuts to the Homeless — and So Much More

We still have more than 18 months to go before the 2020 presidential election, but there’s already an emerging trend in the way we’re talking about female candidates versus their male counterparts.

According to an analysis of some 130 (and counting) news stories by Storybench, a digital news project out of the Northeastern University School of Journalism, women candidates are being described in negative terms at a higher rate than male candidates. The study, which is ongoing, examined stories written for the most popular mainstream digital news sources, including TheNew York Times,TheWashington Post, CNN, and Fox News.

Of course, not every instance of negative coverage is related to sexism in media — some reflect legitimate grievances with a candidate’s voting record or personal conduct. But even when accounting for these factors, the study has identified a disturbing and familiar pattern: We’re harder on women.

Various studies over the years have confirmed that gender biases are present in media coverage of political candidates. While we should hold the press accountable for its coverage, it’s not the fault of the media that this sexism exists in the first place. Rather, their coverage is reflective of the subconscious and internalized attitudes about gender that affect all of us, to some degree, and shape our discussions.

TAKING CHARGE OF THE NARRATIVE

Many women running for public office take advantage of social media in order to take control of their public narratives; in fact, research has shown that women candidates tend to use Twitter more than their male counterparts. Freshman representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has become somewhat known for her use of Instagram, and Twitter especially, to communicate directly with her supporters.

But the use of social media doesn’t get women candidates nearly on equal footing with men. On social media, women in general face disproportionate amounts of harassment, especially sexual harassment. Women running for office, and women in office, are no exception. While social media can help women candidates get their messages out on their own terms, it’s clearly not a complete solution to contending with unfair biases in the press.

Some critical or negative coverage will, of course, be warranted for women candidates — it’s not as if women candidates should be considered above criticism or scrutiny merely because they are women. And male candidates are not immune, either, to negative coverage and scrutiny. There is plenty of reporting on the shortcomings of male candidates, as well.

However, men running for president tend to receive more coverage overall, and less negative coverage than their female counterparts. The absence of chatter over their “likability” factor means that male candidates have coverage of their campaigns more squarely focused on their political track records and policy ideas, an advantage compared to women who have to deal with punditry about their shoes and makeup.

HOW WE CAN HELP

The responsibility for change lies primarily with gatekeepers in the media industry, but readers play a critical role as well. In general, news consumers can and should challenge themselves to examine their own sexist biases against women, and see how those biases are informed by or underscored in the press. Everyone who lives in a patriarchal society (which is to say, all of us) needs to push back against harmful views of women that manifest not only in coverage of women running for office, but how women are viewed and treated in general.

Across various industries including STEM, film and television, higher education, and business, women are held to double standards and face a series of never-ending misogynistic obstacles that can never be fully overcome. Women are typically paid less for equal work compared to men and given harsher performance reviews in various fields. These barriers are compounded for women of color, queer and trans women, and disabled women.

The solution for covering races for political office lies not in subjecting male candidates to the same silly, gendered objections that have nothing to do with policy, nor in not scrutinizing women running for president, but rather in focusing on issues relevant to what kind of an impact a candidate will make as president.

Sexist treatment of women in high-profile positions is also a general reflection of how all women, in general, are treated. Similar sexist stereotypes and treatment of women are rampant both in and outside of politics, and to some degree, are internalized by many women.

WE CAN STILL TURN THIS AROUND

Though it’s early in the campaign season, there’s no good reason that coverage of 2020 candidates can’t stay tightly focused on issues — it’s not as if there’s a lack of problems that need solving right now. With barely a decade left to take decisive action on climate change, the humanitarian crises that have resulted from immigration policies, health care, and student loan debt, there should be no time for discussing whether or not a woman candidate smiles enough.

There are far too many urgent, real matters to get to the bottom of that simply can’t and won’t be addressed adequately in sexist reporting. What matters most, for any political candidate regardless of gender, is what they are most likely to do if they win the office. This can be sussed out through critical interviews, an examination of past voting records, speaking to constituents, reviewing policy plans, and so on. There’s nothing of political value to be gleaned from wallowing in sexist tropes.

If there’s any single trend to be hopeful about, it’s that women running for office have lately been more likely to call out sexism themselves, according to a CNBC report from September of last year. In the past, women running for elected office typically shied away from addressing sexism leveraged against them head-on, but the current political moment has made it almost impossible to avoid.

In the 2018 midterm elections, some women candidates directly confronted sexist slander against them, both in the press and on their own social media accounts. Addressing sexism has become part of how many women seeking elected office in the wake of the resurgence of #MeToo and TIME’S UP have begun to run their campaigns.

Unfortunately, ideas about what would make someone a good or effective president are largely informed by gender, as well as race, education, class status, and so on. It’s on us to seek out the coverage we want to read and amplify it on social media — and to reach out directly to the news editors at our favorite publications and ask for more like it.

Looking for politics coverage that lifts women instead of putting them down? The Women’s Media Center is a good place to peek. (And while you’re at it, take a stroll through the Issues section right here at Brit + Co!)

(Photos by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW; Zach Gibson/Getty Images)

Be the Change looks at real-life projects and inspiration to make the world better.

Shanti Bhavan, a residential school in Southern India and subject of the award-winning Netflix documentary Daughters of Destiny, takes a unique approach to lifting families out of poverty: by demanding they dream big.

The school, which was founded in 1997, recruits students from the “untouchable” class at the bottom of India’s caste system. Its driving philosophy is that an educated daughter or son will improve the circumstances of their entire community. Already, the school reports that its graduates have gone on to attend and complete college. Some reportedly work at Fortune 500 companies and contribute 50 to 80 percent of their salaries to their families to cover housing costs, medical bills, education expenses for their siblings, and more.

Shilpa Raj, a Shanti Bhavan graduate and author of the memoir The Elephant Chaser’s Daughter, recently spoke with Brit + Co about how Shanti Bhavan changed her life — and how she plans to use her education to transform the way mental health is addressed in her community.

Brit + Co: How were you chosen for Shanti Bhavan?

Shilpa Raj: I was four years old. The school had just been founded and no one knew about it. A team from the school who knew the local dialect of the region’s villages would just randomly drive into villages, and on one fateful morning they happened to drive into my village, almost three hours away from the school. People [in the village] were curious about who these people were, who were so polished and well-dressed and speaking in English, and so naturally a crowd had gathered around them. They explained that they were from a school and they were looking for kids around the age of three-and-a-half and four, and that they would take them and educate them for free.

Immediately the news spread, and my father was insistent that I go in for the screening process. They based it off your ability to cope with an academic program, and had a few small tests [to determine that]: being able to respond to some simple questions and maintain eye contact. They were looking for children between a very specific age range because they believed in early intervention methods, and you had to fall into the bracket of being below the poverty line, and only one child from each family could be selected. I was four at the right time; my brother at the time was two, and my sister wasn’t even born yet. So it was just a matter of luck.

B+C: Why does the school only take one child per family?

SJ: They believe in reaching out and spreading the impact across as many families as possible. Even I’ve come to believe that even one empowered child is strong enough to carry the entire family forward.

B+C: How have you used your experience to help empower and carry your family?

SJ: There are two parts. Emotionally, I’ve been able to be a strong force of moral support for my siblings and my parents. And financially, from the book savings, I have been able to help them in small ways. I cover medical costs, because medical care is always an area they overlook and they postpone; they leave it up to God or a higher power to look after them, which logically doesn’t work for me. So, I immediately intervene when there are medical issues at home. I also help my grandparents by giving them money every month.

B+C: That’s a lot of responsibility for somebody who is a fairly young person.

SJ: I’m not the only one. Some of the people I studied with have paid for their siblings to go on to finish college. And [others] have built houses — kids who were living in slums have now built houses for their families. My friends have cleared off generational debt, which even I’ve done for my grandfather. He had a huge debt and in one go I cleared it for him. It’s been amazing for all of us to have this power to help.>

B+C: You’ve written your memoir, which has gotten a lot of really positive attention. And you’ve also completed a master’s degree?

SJ: Yes, I completed a master’s degree in psychological counseling. I’ve decided to dedicate my life to the field of mental health — I lost my own sister to suicide at the age of 14. Her death made me realize that she was just one among the many children who live their lives completely helpless to the larger forces of violence and trauma, and that’s just compounded by the role of poverty. So, I’ve finished a master’s and I’m pursuing a second master’s of philosophy in child and adolescent psychology.

B+C: Incredible. So, is your ultimate goal to become a counselor in the community that you’re from, to work with young people?

SJ: Yes, my goal is to open my own clinic and hopefully work with governmental organizations to help bring about policy change.

B+C: Over here in the US, issues of mental health and wellbeing are becoming more common subjects of conversation and concern. But there also seems to be a class component involved — it seems to be more of a conversation among educated or well-off people and less prioritized, and more stigmatized, among poorer people. Is that also the case in India?

SJ: Yes, here it’s the same. In my community, or at least in my own family, I have found that people often don’t have the language to express emotions. They have words like, “happy,” “sad,” and “angry,” but that’s it. So, they also don’t have the coping skills to manage their emotions.

Nowadays, I move around in middle- and upper-class society, back in college. We do talk a lot about mental health, and I’m very encouraged by the kind of exposure and awareness that’s being spread in India in the circles that I move in. But back at home, nobody even knows that you could go to a counselor, or the kinds of mental health care that’s out there.

B+C: And I would guess that trained counselors or clinicians may not have much interaction with communities like the one that you’re from, and might not necessarily know how to work with people who don’t have the familiarity with these mental health concepts. In starting a clinic there, you will fill a health care gap.

SJ: Yes, that is my eventual goal. All of my friends, my peers who I studied with in Shanti Bhavan, we met to celebrate the new year and we all were talking about how our own experiences have been quite similar but also quite different. Many of them now have careers in the corporate world. One thing that we do share in common is this deep desire to help others other than our own families. That sense of giving is so deeply engrained in us, because from a very young age we were told that we couldn’t be selfish and we had a duty to reach out to others the same way people had reached out to empower us and change our lives.

Want to help mental health awareness in your community? Check out this list of organizations compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that can help you coordinate an event near you.

(Photos via the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project)

We're officially one week into Scorpio season — are you feeling it? Is your intuition heightened? Are you super sensitive and a bit more introverted? It’s a good time to slow down, feel your feelings, and tap into the inner wisdom of your soul. Scorpio is often misinterpreted, perhaps because this season coincides with Halloween, the decreasing daylight in the northern hemisphere, or simply Scorpio’s intensity and power. A key word for Scorpio is transformation, which is never easy.

Think of the caterpillar’s metamorphosis — its time in the cramped and dark cocoon. That primordial, gooey existence is anything but comfortable. Transformation requires time, a willingness to experience discomfort, and patience before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.

Ajaila Walker

Scorpio is one of the healing signs in the zodiac, and while the Sun is in Scorpio, we can make great strides toward healing ourselves and helping others. There’s nothing superficial about Scorpio — it demands depth, wanting to uncover layers and expose what’s hiding. That’s why it’s a great time to focus on your inner world and subconscious mind. All forms of therapy are beneficial during Scorpio season, but psychotherapy is especially powerful if that's an option for you.

Eager to know what this transformational energy has to offer? Read on for your weekly horoscope to understand how this can impact your sun and rising sign!

​Astrological Overview For Your Weekly Horoscope

Eugene Lisyuk

The New Moon in Scorpio occurs on November 1 at 9 degrees of Scorpio. You'll want to check your birth chart to see where 9 degrees of Scorpio falls — this is the area of your life where you can experience transformation and growth. New Moons are powerful times to plant seeds for future growth, to dream and plan for the coming month. Take time to reflect on what truly matters during this period of darkness and inward focus.

Yuliia Tretynychenko

Mars, the planet of action and determination, has been opposite Pluto, the planet of transformation, for months. Both Mars and Pluto co-rule Scorpio, creating an intense and volatile energy. This opposition becomes exact again on November 3 and 4. Use this energy to propel yourself in a new direction and honor your true self. Strength and focus can harness this intensity for personal breakthroughs, but be cautious in making impulsive decisions during this time — on the global stage, tensions may rise, and there could be heightened aggression.

Sam Lion

Adding to this turbulent energy, Mercury, the planet of communication and learning, leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius on November 2. As Mercury exits Scorpio, it forms a beneficial trine to Mars and a sextile to Pluto. This is a powerful opportunity for words to contribute to healing, so take care in how you communicate. Be mindful of the power your words hold, especially as Sagittarius can be blunt and outspoken. While Mercury is in Sagittarius until January 9, focus on expanding your consciousness, learning new skills, and broadening your horizons.

Key Dates For Your Weekly Horoscope

Ashley Singerling

• November 1 — New Moon in Scorpio
• November 2 — Mercury enters Sagittarius
• November 3-4 — Mars and Pluto opposition becomes exact

Read Your Horoscope Based on Your Sun and Rising Signs

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

You’re being asked to dig deep into your subconscious this week. Keep your eyes and ears open for messages from dreams or moments of creativity. Meditation or solitude may reveal powerful realizations. If you feel the need to make a major life change, be sure your decisions come from the heart. You’re on the cusp of a creative breakthrough, but make sure your actions are driven by authenticity.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 22 – May 21)

Relationships are in focus for you. This is a great week for couples therapy or deep, transformative conversations with your partner. Be willing to make changes that benefit your relationships, home, and career. Your sensitivity may be heightened, so incorporate self-care and self-love into any changes you make. Don’t shy away from this potential for growth — there’s tremendous opportunity for profound shifts.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Good fortune and harmony are possible, but luck won’t just fall into your lap — you need to be proactive. This could show up in your relationships with others or in your relationship with yourself. Kindness, equality, and fairness are key to success. Be cautious around people exhibiting aggressive behavior. You’ll receive back what you give out, so practice kindness and ensure you’re approaching things with fairness and balance.

Brit + Co

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

You prefer to avoid conflict, but this week you’ll have the chance to step out of your comfort zone. You don’t have to be confrontational, but a bit of assertiveness will help you move toward your goals. The seeds you plant during this New Moon will grow stronger if you add passion and creativity. Follow your intuition, especially when making important decisions. Your dreams need a touch of energy and action.

Brit + Co

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

The Mars-Pluto opposition has likely stirred up some drama in your life. Have you mustered the courage to start something new? If not, this week offers an opportunity to fully step into your authentic self and begin a new chapter. Don’t hold back, but be prepared for uncharted territory. Your relationships, particularly with yourself, may need a refresh. Self-love and self-care are essential as you embark on these transformations. You might even consider sprucing up your home or making a move.

Brit + Co

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Career growth is in focus this week, but you’ll need to find a balance between your home life and work life. You may feel the urge to do more in both areas, but it’s crucial to stay grounded. Pay attention to details and avoid overindulgence. A balance between home and work will lead to the best results — be sure to tend to both areas without letting one consume the other.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Your finances and values are the focus this week. Now is the perfect time to ensure your financial life is in order. Meet with a financial planner or make sure your will is up to date. This planning will give you peace of mind and reduce future stress. Once Mercury moves into Sagittarius on November 2, you’ll feel freer to have fun and pursue adventure, knowing that your financial security is taken care of.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Your power and determination will only grow as the week progresses. Use this time to tap into your inner authority and work toward concrete goals. There’s likely to be movement in your career, but it won’t happen overnight. Patience and sustained effort are required. Cultivate joy and focus on long-term goals — there’s no rush, but steady progress will lead to great results.

Brit + Co

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Mercury entering your sign on November 2 invites expansion and learning. If you’ve been waiting to start a new project, learn a new skill, or expand your understanding of the universe, now is the time. Subjects like spirituality and philosophy will be easier to grasp during this time. Be mindful, though — your blunt communication style could come off as caustic, so take a breath before you speak.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Mental well-being should be a priority. Use this time to focus on learning and honing your skills. Your approach to life and work is inspiring to others. If you’ve been dealing with self-doubt, discard any negative self-talk and practice self-compassion. You have a natural ability to teach others, so don’t hesitate to share your knowledge with those who might be facing something similar to your experiences.

Brit + Co

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

This week focuses on your community and your relationship with like-minded people. Group learning and activities will be more impactful than solo efforts. Mercury in Sagittarius from November 2 will encourage you to learn through travel and adventure. Something exciting and transformative is on the horizon — seize the opportunity for growth through connection with others.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

It’s time to focus on your physical health. The energy of this week will make it easier to start a health regimen and stick to it. While you may become more serious about your health, don’t push yourself too hard. Take small, steady steps to make lasting changes. As the week progresses, you’ll feel more confident and enthusiastic about these positive changes to your well-being.

Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!

Sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!