LAD.

Scrolling through social networking sites daily, I've noticed a subculture forming and it wasn't until recently I found out the name for it...LAD.

Suddenly it's become acceptable for men to talk about women in a completely derogatory way, in what is supposed to be irony. I understand that these comments are supposed to be banter, but I'm just not getting it.

It's not that I don't have a sense of humour, I can see the funny side. Who doesn't love a bit of banter? But when it becomes offensive and you can no longer see the line between somebody having a laugh and genuinely disgusting comments then as a feminist and even just as a female, I have to object.

You can't expect me or any other women to take these comments as a joke, just because you or someone else has added...'LAD'. I thought the whole 'lad' culture died a death a while ago, of course in Essex it never really does, but still.

If anything it makes me completely lose respect for the culprits, who are usually really sweet guys in real life. What if I suddenly turned the tables and came out with crude comments about men, people would judge me in an instant. As it has been in our society for some time...it's one rule for the men, another for the women.

Whether you're a man or a woman, I believe you need to have respect for others and yourself. It is your decision what you do in life and I try not to judge others, but it's how you carry yourself that is important.

I'm not being an uptight feminist, those who know me are aware that I'm a new wave feminist and I don't hate men. I'm not militant about my beliefs. I have my views, I like to debate and educate. I just believe that in this day and age, things are still not equal between the sexes and some things need to be rectified.

I don't understand why these comments are funny or acceptable, feel free to explain to me why you can class it as 'banter' and why it is OK to talk that way. If we were talking about race, sexuality or disability would it be acceptable?

New Year

I'm sorry I've neglected this blog so much, it's been an odd 5 months. Since finishing uni and my graduation, I've been working a lot and trying to sort my life out. Alas, I'm still not a full time professional journalist, but I do begin a two month internship in a week and I have had freelance work every few months. I'll get there...hopefully sooner than later.

Meanwhile, a new year has begun and I'm making some resolutions and goals. The start of the year always scares me, I can never imagine where I'll be by the end of it. So much can happen in a year, and that opening of possibility always scares me. Especially at this time of my life when anything could happen.

By the end of the year, I want to be in a professional job and in my own place. Two big goals but something I need and want to achieve. I am not one of these people that can just let life pass them by, I need to achieve things and reach my goals. I can't sit waiting for life to begin, I need to make it happen.

Along with life goals, the year brings the typical new year diet. This year however, I actually intend to stick to it. I need to take better care of myself, inside and out.

I also intend to pay more attention to this blog, it's been an odd relationship. I have been slack and I will rectify this. I need to write more, I need to keep in practise and I need to vent my many thoughts on something other than Twitter.

As for love, who knows. It's one of those unpredictable things, and I've come to a point in my life where I have no expectations. I'm so used to near misses, let downs and the single life that I'm no longer bothered either way. And that's a place I've had to get to for years. I can laugh instead of cry, and I'm a stronger person because of it. In some ways, being single during these vital years has made me who I am and independent and strong because of it. I don't need anyone except myself. And those who I do have, I am all the more thankful for.

2011 had it's ups and downs, and I'm a better and stronger because of it.

These whole 'New Year, new me' blogs are so cliche, but I have a genuine good feeling and I want it to be an important year for me. I have good intentions and hopes and I can't wait to get started.

Happy New Year folks, let's not leave it so long next time.