Nevertheless, Muzmatch users are still often embarrassed to admit that they use the app. There are roughly 100 users who leave the app each day, for the reason that they found someone on it whom. Muzmatch has almost one million users, but it’s no Tinder. It is all about finding a suitable partner to marry. There is even a chaperon feature.

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Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

Document Type

Research Report

Publication Date

9-2015

Abstract

There are two narratives that provide the story behind this guide. These stories may seem contradictory at first, but they are both true: it is only by telling both sides of the story that we can understand the full meaning and impact of the experiences of the women pictured in the pages that follow.

On the one hand, there is a story of exclusion, marginalization, and lack of representation of women of color in governing bodies all across Massachusetts – from local to federal office. The Massachusetts Legislature has existed since 1780, yet we have only had 14 women of color elected as state representatives and/or state senators to date. The General Court, as it is called, has 40 senators and 160 representatives, and, in 2015, only four women of color currently hold these seats. Of the thousands of individuals who have served or currently serve on local governing bodies in Massachusetts, only 81 women of color have been elected to serve in municipal offices such as city council, board of aldermen, board of selectmen, mayor, and school committee. In fact, the vast majority of women of color and women from diverse backgrounds who have been elected in the Commonwealth have been elected at the local level. While they have played important roles on these local governing bodies, only two women of color have been popularly elected mayor and only one has been elected sheriff. No women of color have been elected to statewide office – such as Treasurer, Attorney General, or Governor – or to either chamber of the U.S. Congress.

There has been some documentation and research about gender disparities in political representation at the state and local levels, but there has not been in-depth research on how gender and race/ethnicity intersect leading to greater disparities for women of color in Massachusetts. The experiences, needs, and voices of women from diverse and often underrepresented communities have largely been absent from discourse on many issues that directly impact women of color, their families, and their neighbors. An effort to eliminate both gender- and race/ethnicity-based exclusion from governance has been launched in Massachusetts, and it is our hope that this publication will catalyze its growth.

The second story that must be told – and retold and amplified – is that women of color in Massachusetts have been stepping forward to serve the public since the early 1970s, declaring their decision to run for office and winning local and state elections. The profiles in this guide provide a window into the backgrounds, experiences, and careers of 94 women who have seized opportunities, overcome barriers, and/or cleared the path for others. The profiles also showcase the tremendous contributions made by women who have served. The thematic analysis that follows utilizes these women’s own words to explain their diverse forms of leadership.

In order to gain a richer and fuller picture of the women profiled here, and to better understand their struggles and accomplishments, perspectives and insights, we conducted interviews with 22 women of color who have been elected to office in the Commonwealth. These women spoke about what drew them to public office, and candidly discussed their journeys as candidates and as elected officials. And they shared their hopes and concerns, as well as words of encouragement and advice, as they reflected on what it would take to get more women of color and those from diverse underrepresented communities into elected office at all levels of government in Massachusetts.

Community Engaged/Serving

Part of the UMass Boston Community-Engaged Teaching, Research, and Service Series. http://scholarworks.umb.edu/engage

Recommended Citation

Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy, University of Massachusetts Boston and Women's Pipeline for Change, 'Profiles in Leadership: Women of Color Elected to Office in Massachusetts' (2015). Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy. 27.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/cwppp_pubs/27

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Myspace. Bebo. Hi5. Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. Snapchat. Our generation truly has lived through the evolution of Social Media. And so it’s fitting that most of us can (rather effortlessly) create, share and post when it comes to using these platforms on our devices.

I recently joined Muzmatch (lol) and I’ve been sharing my rather dubious journey using the app in previous posts. Although it’s still early days I was ready to deactivate my account and never think of it again. But there was one thing that kept dragging me back…the Muzmatch profiles.

At the time of joining, Muzmatch requires users to complete a ‘more about me’ section. This includes writing a profile and status message. Doing this gives users a chance to formally introduce themselves, say what they do, what they’re interested in, what they’re looking for…all that sort of stuff. The status message on the other hand, appears at the top of your images and should be ‘short, catchy or funny…to capture someone’s imagination!’ *puke*

So as you can imagine, this profile, along with your images, provides for potential spouses a first glimpse into who you are and of course, if you’re worth contacting. So of course, getting this all right is key. After all, you know what they – first impressions truly do count. But what happens when profiles are absolutely hilarious…for all the wrong reasons? Readers, I give you the Best of Muzmatch Profiles. *Witch cackles*

Disclaimer: The extracts that feature in this post are from genuine Muzmatch accounts. Although I provide some brilliant commentary I really do wish all these guys the best in their searches.

Exhibit A: The Not-so Wolf of Wall Steet

• Hi beautiful lady’s I’m just looking for someone who can spend my money and enjoy life with me. Good luck. 🙂

Expert psychoanalytical commentary: Sorry, I didn’t realise I applied for Millionaire Matchmaker. Please, please, let me marry you. I live for your credit card. You may have done well in your career to have earnt so much money, but there’s one thing money can’t buy – an ability to apply basic grammar skills to your own profile.

Muzmatch Female Profiles Pictures

Exhibit B: The Lady Killer

• Looking for someone that has good character…holds strong values and acts like a lady. If we match I don’t expect to ask you to unlock your picture, please be courteous and do it straight away.

Expert psychoanalytical commentary: Is binge-watching Netflix in my PJs on a Sunday afternoon lady-enough for you? I like this guy’s confidence though – he’s assuming we’re all gonna swipe right and allow him to immediately make a judgement on whether we’re worth his time. Based on whether we look hot enough for him. Ok.

Muzmatch Profiles Examples

Exhibit C: The Showstopper

• Well what am i supposed to say. Looking to find a partner. Im not educated to degree level and I love eating. Im 5ft6 i think. Erm enjoy watching movies, going out to eat, driving to different places. Doing activities.

Muzmatch Female Profiles Images

Expert psychoanalytical commentary: This guy sounds like a keeper. I love the lack of capital letters, apostrophes and the use of ‘Erm’ as a sentence starter. Yes, I’m being mean. Fine, I’ll also stop now.

Oh wait. Let me just leave you with this ultimate status message…

Is your name WiFi? Coz Im really feeling a connection.

…who said romance is dead?

Best Muzmatch Profiles

With Love,

UAG x