Rape Culture

"Remember that intimate conversation you had with your son? The one where you said, "I love you and I need you to know that no matter how a woman dresses or acts, it is not an invitation to cat call, taunt, harass or assault her"?

Or when you told your son, "A woman's virginity isn't a prize and sleeping with a woman doesn't earn you a point"?

How about the heart-to-heart where you lovingly conferred the legal knowledge that "a woman doesn't have to be fighting you and you don't have to be pinning her down for it to be RAPE. Intoxication means she can't legally consent, NOT that she's an easy score."

Or maybe you recall sharing my personal favorite, "Your sexual experiences don't dictate your worth just like a woman's sexual experiences don't dictate hers."

Last but not least, do you remember calling your son out when you discovered he was using the word "slut" liberally? Or when you overheard him talking about some girl from school as if she were more of a conquest than a person?

I want you to consider these conversations and then ask yourself why you don't remember them. The likely reason is because you didn't have them. In fact, most parents haven't had them." -Source

     On Monday, we briefly discussed the concept of rape culture and the ways it manifests itself throughout society. Three realms that draw particularly passionate criticism for demonstrating and perpetuating rape culture are pop culture, politics, and religion. Personally, I think the reason that these three domains receive such high and concentrated attention is because they are arguably the three most influential sectors of human society as we know it. For many and to varying extents, pop culture shapes our thoughts, politics and legislation shape our behavior, and religion shapes our morality. Even if one grows up without a strong religious affiliation, it is virtually impossible to avoid the influence of the media or the political sphere, and there is a high crossover between the three. After all, as we've mentioned, the personal is the political, and vice versa. Because pop culture, religion, and politics have such a powerful bearing on social attitudes and actions, it is especially important to examine what their authority figures put forth as truth or morality.
     In the most recent issue of the LDS Church magazine The Ensign, an article features a speech delivered by high authority within the Mormon Church, Elder Tad Callister. The original address was delivered to the entire student body of Brigham Young University- Idaho in January of 2013, but Callister's words are concretized and publicized to a much wider audience within the magazine. Though the entire address is problematic in a multitude of ways, I want to focus on one small section— the one entitled "Immodest Dress."In what ways do you think that this point of view endorses rape culture? Are there points you agree with? If so, why? What about any points with which you disagree?
     I don't post this article to specifically target the Mormon Church. It is unbelievably easy to find examples of similar stances from more mainstream or common religious perspectives. Additionally, I don't intend to point a finger exclusively at religion either. As I mentioned earlier, various secular authority figures have expressed similar views (and yes, every hyperlinked word there leads to a different example). This problem is not one that is limited to any one culture or belief, but is society-wide on multiple levels. Why do you think this is? How do you think we can hope to begin to change it? Do you think it's necessary to change how we view sexual assault and consent?

"Little Boy Wants To Be A Princess For Halloween"

When I hear the word gender I automatically think “socially constructed”. We are all apart of this grand scheme where blue is for boys, and pink is for girls. There is really no true explanation for it, it just is and we go along with it. This week in class we spoke about gender identity and after reading Feinberg’s article “We Are All Works in Progress” I realized the segregation people experience once they step out of the established male and female roles. The fact that we are always encouraged to be our own individuals, but have to follow these gender guidelines while doing so is a bit contradictory to me.

I came across a video about some children who confronted this issue by challenging our gender roles. Donna Dickens calls the video “Little Boy Wants To Be A Princess For Halloween”. A mother and child go into a costume store, and the child picks out a costume that is not considered fit for their gender. It was interesting for me to see the people’s reactions around them. I never realized how much pressure people put on little children to become accustomed to what is for boys, and what is for girls. All of the reactions the child got for picking a costume made for the opposite gender were negative. Each person tried to push a gender appropriate costume on the child except for one woman. When this woman accepted the costume choice and did not give negative feedback to the child it tied into what Feinberg was saying in “We Are All Works in Progress”. It was stated, “Each person should have the right to choose between pink or blue tinted gender categories, as well as all the other hues of the palette. At this moment in time, the right is denied to us. But together, we could make it a reality”(Feinberg, 193). This video demonstrated how alive gender roles are today, but how some people can still see past our gender guidelines.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/donnad/little-boy-wants-to-be-a-princess-for-halloween

Rape Culture, Consciousness, and the Importance of Language

While I was reading Julia Serano's "Why Nice Guys Finish Last", I was confronted with an idea that was difficult for me to acknowledge at the time:

"The truth is that rape culture is a mindset that affects each and every one of us, shaping how we view and respond to the world, and creating double binds for both women and men. I call this phenomenon the predator/prey mindset, and within it, men can only ever be viewed as sexual aggressors and women as sexual objects." - Serano

 I was initially thrown off, not because I was unaware of rape culture, or objectification, but because it was an issue that I thought existed outside of me. As I've supported and been an advocate for victims of sexual assault, I viewed rape culture as something that I didn't participate in, and due to my male privilege, was completely unaffected by. After reading more of Serano's argument, I realized that my mindset was not only wrong, but it was extremely counterproductive. As rape culture (like any other culture) is pervasive, it is bound to impact me regardless of if I directly participate in it or not. Furthermore, ignoring it on a macro level (like anything else) is not going to make it go away.

My sudden interest in learning more about the reach of rape culture led me to this article in the Huffington Post that details different ways in which rape culture surrounds us. One of the more important issues that the article discusses is the prevalence of language. As I was reading statements that I've heard plenty of times (even today actually), I was beginning to realize their implications. Sayings like "I just raped that test" or "we got raped in our basketball game last night", are phrases that I've not only heard, but may have even used myself at various times. Although the intent of the statements has little to do with direct sexual abuse, the use of the word "rape" in our language carries heavy connotations. For example when one says "I just raped that test", they're expressing a feeling of empowerment, dominance, and ultimate satisfaction. Contrarily, when one says "we got raped in our basketball game last night", there are undertones of disappointment, shame, and powerlessness.

It was then that I realized that rape culture not only affects all of us, but for some of us, it is embedded in our consciousness. Even though (I hope) all of us can agree that sexual assault on a micro level is wrong, it is more difficult for people to realize that even if they have never sexually abused anyone, rape culture is something that they may indirectly contribute to every day. As long as we continue to treat issues of sexual assault as case by case incidents, we will continue to ignore the culture (that many of us participate in) that almost encourages this behavior. For Serano, it seems that rape culture is most likely to end through elimination of the predator/prey mindset. For the rest of us, we need to recognize rape culture as a legitimate macro level issue, and change our own perceptions and behaviors in order to reduce its impact.

Facebook Adds New Gender Options

In continuing our conversation about gender issues, I've found an article that addresses Facebook's decision to add new gender options. If you haven't already heard of this change it's a really cool and progressive choice by Facebook to add over 50 new gender options to their site. These gender options include intersex, androgynous, trans, and more. I found this to be very applicable to the readings we looked at this week. Specifically, I though of Leslie Feinberg's We Are All Works in Progress. In the article, Feinberg says that another movement is sweeping onto the stage of history: Trans liberation. Sie says "We are again raising questions about the societal treatment of people based on their sex and gender expression." (pg. 167) To me it seems that Facebook is taking part in the Trans liberation movement by providing everyone with the opportunity to fully express who they are on their profile.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/13/facebook-gender_n_4782477.html

A term to be determined

The term asexuality is referred to as not having any sexual attractions. This means that people who defines themself as asexual is not interested in males or females and also may lack a desire for sexual activity. We had discussed this term in class the other day as a group. Being asexual is different than being homosexual, transsexual and ect. People in the United States see the term asexual as a deviation from social norms among the other terms I mentioned. Also, if someone is viewed as homosexual, some may label that as "wrong" and its illegal in some states. As I was exploring articles online I came across one called "Asexuality: An Overview by Julie Decker A Frequently Misunderstood Identity". Here, Julie says "we are perceived as not being fully human because sexual attraction and sexual relationships are seen as something alive, healthy people do. They think that you really want sex but just don't know it yet" (Decker). She explains her views over the topic of asexuality and there is a video of her explaining them. Asexual people face challenges in society from being discriminated against or experiencing prejudice. The reading we had for class from Feinberg talks about how we are all "works in progress" (Feinberg). This being stated made me ponder this question. Do you think it right to define some else different because they don't meet the specific social norms to what people see as normal for that term?

Article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/22/asexuality-julie-decker_n_4143239.html

Video of Julie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEeGuCCQ_8w  

What I Be

In high school, I was part of an organization called the California Association of Student Leaders. In that organization I had the ability to meet some of the most incredible people. One of them is this girl in this picture below. Her name is Keizra Mecklai and I am lucky to call her a friend. Keizra is currently a sophomore at Duke University and had the opportunity to be featured in an incredible project called the “What I Be” project. This project takes everyday people and highlights their insecurities with the slogan, “Building security through insecurities.” Keizra is Indian and comes from a family of two immigrant parents. As seen in the photo, her insecurity is her race. In McIntosh’s article, she talks about the idea of the invisible knapsack and how it’s “an invisible package of unearned assets” (McIntosh 11). In her photo, Keizra shows her insecurities with her race because of this idea that white people are somehow inherently better than other races. The “What I Be” project features a variety of people with many different insecurities, lots of which we have discussed in this class.

http://www.whatibeproject.com/portfolio-item/i-am-not-my-race-3/

Asexuality

When we were discussing asexuality in class the other day, the statement regarding how asexual individuals are not viewed as differently or as outcast as other groups like homosexuality, transsexuality, or bisexuality. Asexuality seems to be viewed as more “normal” and socially acceptable. Homosexuality is illegal in many states, while there are no rules, regulations, or laws enforced around asexuality.  Much of our lack of discrimination comes from, “It likely comes as no surprise that we do not know a great deal, scientifically, about asexuality, and we know even less about prejudices toward asexuals”(Hodson). Asexuals still face prejudice and discrimination which is unfair. I personally believe that asexuals face less discrimination because they are acting in abstinence and doing nothing “wrong” or against a specific religion, “It used to be the case that a lack of sexual interest, a lack of sex drive, or a lack of sexual attraction to other people was not necessarily construed as a problem—it was actually considered to be a virtue” (Bogaert). It is hard to put negativity toward abstinence even when it is a sexual orientation. I am curious to know your thoughts on why you believe, if you believe, asexuals face less discrimination or oppression that other sexual orientation such as homosexuality or bi-sexuality?

 

 

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/without-prejudice/201209/prejudice-against-group-x-asexuals

Preserving A Culture

After I read the story about White Hawk I wondered if the wrong that was done to her is still being done to the Native American people today.  While internet searching I came across a story about a Native American toddler  “Baby Veronica” who was adopted by a white couple and the father who is Native American is trying to get her back.  “Today, even with the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act, we still have many children placed in white foster homes” (White Hawk, pg. 299) “they concluded that our children- the only resource we have left to secure our future- needed to be taken from our families” (White Hawk, pg. 300).  Even today the families are still being torn apart with the help of adoption agencies and judges participating in unethical removal of Native American children.  Instead of destroying the family unit there should be more support for families that are at a disadvantage with social and economic issues.  In my opinion I think the Native American people are still being manipulated, used, and abused.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/03/native-american-adoption-investigation-request

We Are A CULTURE, Not A Costume!

“Another aspect of romanticization may be cultural appropriation, where, for example, white people wear nose studs or dreadlocks, have their hands decorated with henna, or claim to have been Native American in a former life.” (Kirk, Okazawa-Rey, 106)

I highly despise cultural appropriation. It is RACIST! Playing a part about a lifestyle you don’t know anything about and thinking you can “reclaim it.” This is racist. Here are other ways of cultural appropriation:

As discussed in class, when white people paint their faces to be black or play in roles that are made for people of color, it is cultural appropriation. As much as people may say, “well I see people of color playing white roles,” you have proven my point. The role is made for a white man, but in the movie, he will only be identified as a person of color not a white man. For example, in  The Shawnshank Redemption, the role Morgan Freeman played was a black man. Through out the movie, he was identified and socialized as a black man; even though the character in the book was, suppose to be a white Irishman. I loved this movie and would’ve never known but it’s different when a white man plays a person of color role and is identified and socialized as that person of color. That white man has no clue how to “get into character.” The sad thing, the white actor may see a character, but I see a culture.

http://www.ohio.edu/orgs/stars/Poster_Campaign.html

Furthermore, the easiest thing to avoid cultural appropriation is to acquire the knowledge about what you are doing. Google, Bing and other search engines are in the world and easily accessible. It has been said numerous times that our generation can acquire so much information quickly. So taking 5 to 10 minutes to see if painting black faces on your white body is offensive, this would save you the heartache of the backlash. By hearing the offense and defending it, only proves that you encourage people making fun of cultures. If you know, you would say something about it and change it.

“Our intention, our knowledge of those cultures, and developing authentic connections with people from different groups are all part of moving from cultural appropriation to what Kadi called ‘ethical cultural connections’.” (Kirk, Okazawa-Rey, 107)

Upworthy: Things that matter

Every time I get on Facebook I am faced with a different story about our world. The Facebook page Upworthy is an organization which is run by a group of people that take ideas or stories that the average person sends to them and posts them on their profile. These stories all have one thing in common, they all were chosen because they mean something. There are sometimes happy stories, or sad stories. There are angering stories and cheerful stories. Well, the story I want to share for this week's blog is one called If Classic Movies Were Recast With Black People, Would They Still Be Classic.

It isn't really a story simply because it has only one paragraph and the rest are pictures of classic movies that featured white actors and are changed for black actors. The reason this post caught my attention is because it is so bold in making this point. This entire week in class we spoke about identity and about racism, sexism, agism, marginalization, ethnicity, and many other big topics. Then last class we discussed about intersectionality and how we can have an advantage of something while also having a disadvantage of another thing. This post mentions some of the movies we discussed in class and asks the bold question of what it would be like if the actors were not the majority but rather the minority. Would people still consider them classics? Or would the fact that the actors are not the viewers same color affect their perception of the story plot? These are things that many ask now because as we try to move forward with deleting racism from our world, the fact is there are still many things that prove racism is still alive.

In McIntosh's article, Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, on page 2 she mentions one of the privileges being that if she turns “on the television or opens the front page of the paper [she will] see people of her race widely and positively represented.” Well this was the case back in the day and can still be argued today. So with the privilege mentioned above, people of the dominant race do not realize that by changing the color of the actor of a famous movie really does affect their reaction. For example, when we talked about the Hunger Games in class and how people's reactions to Rue's ethnicity was very racist. We must continue to work together in order to see less racism and all other isms in our world.  

Links:

To the story: http://www.upworthy.com/if-classic-movies-were-cast-with-black-people-would-they-still-be-classic?c=ufb2

To website of Upworthy: http://www.upworthy.com