Sunday rape linkspam
Note: I'm gonna be in England for the next two Sundays. I'm not sure if I'm going to be doing the linkspam during then. We'll see.
Okay, this isn't directly related to rape culture, but it is on the fringes. Plus, I just found it interesting and relevant to my interests. Yes Means Yes! has a summary of some new research that builds off that 1989 paper that you've probably heard of but aren't familiar with the names involved. It was by Clark and Hatfield, "Gender Differences in Receptivity to Sexual Offers", and involved strangers on a college campus proposing casual sex to male and female students. Most of the men said yes; none of the women did. This has led to various conclusions that women don't enjoy casual sex.
Anyway, again, Yes Means Yes! details some new research by Conley at the University of Michigan that tests out some different variables such as perception of danger, perception of familiarity, etc, and gets some interesting results. Read about it. Long, but worth it.
Anyway, on to the links! Disclaimers first!
1. Trigger Warning! Links deal with rape; click with care.
2. I don't always agree 100% with everything contained in the links.
3. Sometimes the linked articles will have interesting discussions in the comments. Give them a read through if you have the chance.
Rape culture:
NY Times' The Disposable Woman - 3/2011
"“Gold diggers,” “prostitutes” and “sluts” are just some of the epithets lobbed at the women Mr. Sheen has chosen to spend his time with. Andy Cohen, a senior executive at Bravo and a TV star in his own right, referred to the actor’s current companions, Natalie Kenly and Bree Olson, as “whores” on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program on Tuesday. Arianna Huffington sarcastically tweeted that Mr. Sheen’s girlfriends “symbolize modesty, loyalty and good taste.” Mr. Sheen’s own nickname for Ms. Kenly and Ms. Olson - “the goddesses” - is in its own way indicative of their perceived interchangeability and disposability.
It’s these sorts of explicit and implicit value judgments that underscore our contempt for women who are assumed to be trading on their sexuality. A woman’s active embrace of the fame monster or participation in the sex industry, we seem to say, means that she compromises her right not to be assaulted, let alone humiliated, insulted or degraded; it’s part of the deal. The promise of a modern Cinderella ending - attention, fame, the love and savings account of a rich man - is always the assumed goal.
Objectification and abuse, it follows, is not only an accepted occupational hazard for certain women, but something that men like Mr. Sheen have earned the right to indulge in. (Mr. Sheen reportedly once said that he didn’t pay prostitutes for the sex; he paid them “to leave.”) One can’t help but think that his handlers might have moved more quickly to rein in their prized sitcom stallion if his victims’ motivations weren’t assumed to be purely mercenary. (Or if they enjoyed parity and respect with regards to their age, influence and earning power.)"
The Hathor Legacy's Rape Culture and male entitlement to sex - 3/2011
"Oh, and let’s not forget the most tragic thing in the world: men who can’t get sex. Poor dears. All the rapes in the Congo pale next to the travesty that is not getting any if you’re a male, thirteen or older. He can’t possibly be expected to work on his looks or his charm. He just sits around whining about how he’s so nice and women don’t like nice guys. (Meanwhile, women who aren’t getting sex or dates are taught to question themselves and what they are doing wrong, until they are blue in the face. If they can’t find anything, they’re to assume it’s weight and go on a starvation diet. Yes, this applies even if they’re already 20 pounds underweight.)
No, men mustn’t pause to examine themselves, their motives or the likely consequences of their actions, ever, for if they do, it might distract them or even dissuade them from the quest society has handed them: the mindless screwing of everything in sight. Everything in the world, including the welfare of children (and even male happiness), must be sacrificed and is sacrificed daily to preserve the male entitlement (and requirement) to fuck the whole world. Hell, they don’t even limit themselves to human beings. They fuck animals, too. And metaphorically, they fuck the world over, because it would be so unhip to consider the well-being of some silly rain forest for five minutes when there’s fucking to be done!
And by “fucking”, what we really mean is consumption. The using, ruining and casting aside of everyone and everything. It’s just the manly thing to do!"
Journalism:
Color Lines' “I Had to Accept That I Could Be Sexually Assaulted on the Job” - 3/2011
"When Lara Logan, CBS News’s chief foreign correspondent, was sexually assaulted doing her damn job on Tahrir Square last month, it served as a blunt reminder of the occupational hazards women face in conflict zones. (It also showed how hateful hacks and their hater interns fetishize Logan’s blonde hair and thinness in one breath then use these very qualities to minimize her assault in the next. But that’s another story…) In the aftermath, I’ve been thinking about how independent female journalists of color without Logan’s clout protect themselves in global hot spots. This isn’t self-indulgent musing: As traditional newsrooms-which remain overwhelmingly white and male-continue to shed jobs, indie journalists of color are going to be a key resource of quality, nuanced and ethical reporting on people who look like us.
In this spirit, I asked Carla Murphy, a Bajan New Yorker who spent six weeks last summer reporting on post-quake tent camps in Port-au-Prince, to share how she prepared to face rape and sexual assault.
Because she went to observe how deep-pocketed NGOs were operating in the camps, Carla-then a student at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism-didn’t go through an organization. Instead, she relied on a donation from her longtime mentor (a 60-something African-American woman); Haitian-American community contacts; and a few small grants. Five protective steps she took:"
Prison rape:
Alas' The Minister in charge of police and upholding rape culture - 2/2011
"One of the most fundamental ideas of rape culture is that sometimes consent doesn’t matter. And if you suggest that, about anyone, ever, then you are legitimising it as an area of contention and debate,
So when the Police Minister implies that looters should be raped, the ideas she’s promoting about prison are appalling, but they don’t just affect prisoners. What she says is part of the same culture that tells us not to drink, to go out at night, to dress that way. It’s the same culture that says if we’re in a relationship with him, or drunk, or flirted, or were in a war zone, or were asleep, or had sex with other people then our consent doesn’t matter. It’s the same culture that has been reinforced in every rape case I’ve ever written about. When someone ignores our consent and violates, it’s that same culture which will find a reason, any reason, that we caused it and deserved it."
Race:
Colorline's ‘Sex Crimes Against Black Girls’ Exhibit Uses Art to Confront Incest - 2/2011
"I’ve found that when black women talk publicly about being sexually abused by black men, they face the so-called dirty laundry argument. Inevitably someone will accuse them of self-hatred, or being brainwashed by white feminists, or out to tear brothers down. Have you faced this kind criticism so far?
Well several people I know who had never mentioned the issue of childhood sexual abuse before said, ‘But Shantrelle, this happens to black boys, too!’ And I had to say, ‘I’m curating this exhibit, and it’s about black girls. If other people want to curate another exhibit about black boys, they can do that.” The fact is: I will never demonize black men, under any circumstances. I grew up in a family full of incredible black fathers, brothers, uncles and cousins, and I know the types of issues and oppression [black men] deal with, like being harassed by the police and being [sexually] abused themselves. But we still have to hold black men who abuse black girls accountable for that abuse."
Egypt:
Slate's Why Lara Logan's Sexual Assault Is Demoralizing for Egyptian Women - 2/2011
"Perhaps more important than if Tahrir changed men's minds on harassment, it has obviously changed women's concept of themselves. The protests empowered a generation of women who saw they could be taken seriously on a political stage that had previously been dominated by men. All of the women I speak to say they will fight harder for their political and gender rights. None of them are staying out of politics anymore.
To be sure, Logan stood out in the crowds, and foreign women experience even more advances than Egyptian women do. In the same study that I mentioned above, 98 percent of foreign women visiting Egypt reported being harassed. But it's still too early to tell whether or not the changes Egyptian women heralded in the square apply to foreigners as well.
Hussein has only been verbally harassed once since the protests, and instead of dealing with the guy by herself, she says a crowd formed in her defense, yelling insults and shaming the young man who catcalled her. She is working with her friends to start a social awareness campaign to bring the spirit and values of Tahrir to the masses that were not there. As for the continued episodes of harassment, Hussein thinks people who had not been part of the uprising are perpetuating it. Unfortunately, I tell Hussein, as I walked to meet her, I got catcalled several times. She is shocked. Although, Egyptian women hope the situation is improving, it remains to be seen if that change is universal."
The legal system:
Manitoba News Release Women Must Feel Safe When Dealing with Judicial System: Howard
"Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the status of women, has announced the province will file a complaint with the Canadian Judicial Complaints Council regarding remarks made in the sentencing hearing of a man convicted of a severe sexual assault.
“I am concerned that victims in sexual assault cases will fear being blamed for the crimes against them,” Howard said. “When a woman doesn’t consent to sex, there are no circumstances that warrant sexual assault or excuse an attacker’s behaviour.”
The sentencing hearing took place Feb. 18 in Court of Queen’s Bench in Thompson. The Canadian Judicial Council has authority over federally appointed Queens Bench judges. Anyone can file a complaint with the council.
“It is important that women in Manitoba feel they are protected by the law and will be respected by courts if they file charges against an attacker,” Howard said."
The Problem:
"First of all, if you want to get at a political "enemy" like Assange, accusations of rape can come in handy. Especially if you really have nothing else you can actually accuse him of.
In this case, it is even more complicated- he is supposed to have ...coerced the women into unprotected sex? or something? But they had agreed beforehand. And then? There is no talk of wounds or marks which show they have been forced.(That's all I have so far been able to get from the media, I am not saying I know everything about this case).
I don't know how you would prove or disprove something like that. Now, if the two women tell the exact same story that might count for something- but unfortunately they had already talked to each other even before they went to the police.
For me, there are two probable options: - this was encouraged by the USA or some other secret service or diplomats
-it is a revenge thing. Maybe the women were pissed off because he changed partners so fast. This kind of being pissed off is understandable but it shouldn't lead to charges.
Of course, it could also be a combination of the above.
I believe it is relatively improbable Assange committed some kind of rape. The background makes it appear rather probable that there were other motives for the charges.
Apart from that, if the Swedish prosecution wants to ask him questions, why can't they question him where he is? Honestly, if I were him (and as I presume, innocent) I would be highly suspicious of all of this and I wouldn't budge. " - (link)
"RULES FOR WOMEN TO CLUB BY:
1. Don't drink anything that you do not order and retrieve yourself or know to come straight from the bar (men put things in drinks)
2. Do not drink over 2 drinks in public, have bottled water or soda instead
3. if you want to get sloppy drunk or just let it rip--do so at home or at the home of a trusted girl friend. Do NOT do this in the presence of any men, not even brothers, cousins or BFFS--stuff can happen if both of you are drunk
4. do not drink if you are under 21 and never start accepting drinks from men--men buy drinks due to interest and it is not your mind men are interested in at a club or bar
5. The skimpier the clothing the more drinks you are likely to be offered--old fashioned it may be--but if a man sees a lot of skin, he thinks you are advertising and need the right enticement--he provides that in the form of drinks
6. If you know you lose control or act stupidly if you have more than 1 drink, don't drink. The difference between gang bangs and date rapes is opportunity--being drunk is usually a pre-requisite for gang bangs and date rape as the rapists do not want much resistance and drunk people or passed out people do not resist.
7. NO woman, no matter how palsy, walsy has any business drinking or "hanging out" with a bunch of men and drinking. ONly very stupid or very young women believe that men in their company see them as just buddies or pals and will get drunk with them. Most men have *******, they will come to attention if an opportunity presents itself--this can also include your so called gay friends.
8. Never, ever, ever, ever hang around men and start drinking with the idea that you are safe and that these people are to be trusted--unless you are prepared to live with the aftermath if your trust has been misplaced." - (link)
Okay, this isn't directly related to rape culture, but it is on the fringes. Plus, I just found it interesting and relevant to my interests. Yes Means Yes! has a summary of some new research that builds off that 1989 paper that you've probably heard of but aren't familiar with the names involved. It was by Clark and Hatfield, "Gender Differences in Receptivity to Sexual Offers", and involved strangers on a college campus proposing casual sex to male and female students. Most of the men said yes; none of the women did. This has led to various conclusions that women don't enjoy casual sex.
Anyway, again, Yes Means Yes! details some new research by Conley at the University of Michigan that tests out some different variables such as perception of danger, perception of familiarity, etc, and gets some interesting results. Read about it. Long, but worth it.
Anyway, on to the links! Disclaimers first!
1. Trigger Warning! Links deal with rape; click with care.
2. I don't always agree 100% with everything contained in the links.
3. Sometimes the linked articles will have interesting discussions in the comments. Give them a read through if you have the chance.
Rape culture:
NY Times' The Disposable Woman - 3/2011
"“Gold diggers,” “prostitutes” and “sluts” are just some of the epithets lobbed at the women Mr. Sheen has chosen to spend his time with. Andy Cohen, a senior executive at Bravo and a TV star in his own right, referred to the actor’s current companions, Natalie Kenly and Bree Olson, as “whores” on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program on Tuesday. Arianna Huffington sarcastically tweeted that Mr. Sheen’s girlfriends “symbolize modesty, loyalty and good taste.” Mr. Sheen’s own nickname for Ms. Kenly and Ms. Olson - “the goddesses” - is in its own way indicative of their perceived interchangeability and disposability.
It’s these sorts of explicit and implicit value judgments that underscore our contempt for women who are assumed to be trading on their sexuality. A woman’s active embrace of the fame monster or participation in the sex industry, we seem to say, means that she compromises her right not to be assaulted, let alone humiliated, insulted or degraded; it’s part of the deal. The promise of a modern Cinderella ending - attention, fame, the love and savings account of a rich man - is always the assumed goal.
Objectification and abuse, it follows, is not only an accepted occupational hazard for certain women, but something that men like Mr. Sheen have earned the right to indulge in. (Mr. Sheen reportedly once said that he didn’t pay prostitutes for the sex; he paid them “to leave.”) One can’t help but think that his handlers might have moved more quickly to rein in their prized sitcom stallion if his victims’ motivations weren’t assumed to be purely mercenary. (Or if they enjoyed parity and respect with regards to their age, influence and earning power.)"
The Hathor Legacy's Rape Culture and male entitlement to sex - 3/2011
"Oh, and let’s not forget the most tragic thing in the world: men who can’t get sex. Poor dears. All the rapes in the Congo pale next to the travesty that is not getting any if you’re a male, thirteen or older. He can’t possibly be expected to work on his looks or his charm. He just sits around whining about how he’s so nice and women don’t like nice guys. (Meanwhile, women who aren’t getting sex or dates are taught to question themselves and what they are doing wrong, until they are blue in the face. If they can’t find anything, they’re to assume it’s weight and go on a starvation diet. Yes, this applies even if they’re already 20 pounds underweight.)
No, men mustn’t pause to examine themselves, their motives or the likely consequences of their actions, ever, for if they do, it might distract them or even dissuade them from the quest society has handed them: the mindless screwing of everything in sight. Everything in the world, including the welfare of children (and even male happiness), must be sacrificed and is sacrificed daily to preserve the male entitlement (and requirement) to fuck the whole world. Hell, they don’t even limit themselves to human beings. They fuck animals, too. And metaphorically, they fuck the world over, because it would be so unhip to consider the well-being of some silly rain forest for five minutes when there’s fucking to be done!
And by “fucking”, what we really mean is consumption. The using, ruining and casting aside of everyone and everything. It’s just the manly thing to do!"
Journalism:
Color Lines' “I Had to Accept That I Could Be Sexually Assaulted on the Job” - 3/2011
"When Lara Logan, CBS News’s chief foreign correspondent, was sexually assaulted doing her damn job on Tahrir Square last month, it served as a blunt reminder of the occupational hazards women face in conflict zones. (It also showed how hateful hacks and their hater interns fetishize Logan’s blonde hair and thinness in one breath then use these very qualities to minimize her assault in the next. But that’s another story…) In the aftermath, I’ve been thinking about how independent female journalists of color without Logan’s clout protect themselves in global hot spots. This isn’t self-indulgent musing: As traditional newsrooms-which remain overwhelmingly white and male-continue to shed jobs, indie journalists of color are going to be a key resource of quality, nuanced and ethical reporting on people who look like us.
In this spirit, I asked Carla Murphy, a Bajan New Yorker who spent six weeks last summer reporting on post-quake tent camps in Port-au-Prince, to share how she prepared to face rape and sexual assault.
Because she went to observe how deep-pocketed NGOs were operating in the camps, Carla-then a student at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism-didn’t go through an organization. Instead, she relied on a donation from her longtime mentor (a 60-something African-American woman); Haitian-American community contacts; and a few small grants. Five protective steps she took:"
Prison rape:
Alas' The Minister in charge of police and upholding rape culture - 2/2011
"One of the most fundamental ideas of rape culture is that sometimes consent doesn’t matter. And if you suggest that, about anyone, ever, then you are legitimising it as an area of contention and debate,
So when the Police Minister implies that looters should be raped, the ideas she’s promoting about prison are appalling, but they don’t just affect prisoners. What she says is part of the same culture that tells us not to drink, to go out at night, to dress that way. It’s the same culture that says if we’re in a relationship with him, or drunk, or flirted, or were in a war zone, or were asleep, or had sex with other people then our consent doesn’t matter. It’s the same culture that has been reinforced in every rape case I’ve ever written about. When someone ignores our consent and violates, it’s that same culture which will find a reason, any reason, that we caused it and deserved it."
Race:
Colorline's ‘Sex Crimes Against Black Girls’ Exhibit Uses Art to Confront Incest - 2/2011
"I’ve found that when black women talk publicly about being sexually abused by black men, they face the so-called dirty laundry argument. Inevitably someone will accuse them of self-hatred, or being brainwashed by white feminists, or out to tear brothers down. Have you faced this kind criticism so far?
Well several people I know who had never mentioned the issue of childhood sexual abuse before said, ‘But Shantrelle, this happens to black boys, too!’ And I had to say, ‘I’m curating this exhibit, and it’s about black girls. If other people want to curate another exhibit about black boys, they can do that.” The fact is: I will never demonize black men, under any circumstances. I grew up in a family full of incredible black fathers, brothers, uncles and cousins, and I know the types of issues and oppression [black men] deal with, like being harassed by the police and being [sexually] abused themselves. But we still have to hold black men who abuse black girls accountable for that abuse."
Egypt:
Slate's Why Lara Logan's Sexual Assault Is Demoralizing for Egyptian Women - 2/2011
"Perhaps more important than if Tahrir changed men's minds on harassment, it has obviously changed women's concept of themselves. The protests empowered a generation of women who saw they could be taken seriously on a political stage that had previously been dominated by men. All of the women I speak to say they will fight harder for their political and gender rights. None of them are staying out of politics anymore.
To be sure, Logan stood out in the crowds, and foreign women experience even more advances than Egyptian women do. In the same study that I mentioned above, 98 percent of foreign women visiting Egypt reported being harassed. But it's still too early to tell whether or not the changes Egyptian women heralded in the square apply to foreigners as well.
Hussein has only been verbally harassed once since the protests, and instead of dealing with the guy by herself, she says a crowd formed in her defense, yelling insults and shaming the young man who catcalled her. She is working with her friends to start a social awareness campaign to bring the spirit and values of Tahrir to the masses that were not there. As for the continued episodes of harassment, Hussein thinks people who had not been part of the uprising are perpetuating it. Unfortunately, I tell Hussein, as I walked to meet her, I got catcalled several times. She is shocked. Although, Egyptian women hope the situation is improving, it remains to be seen if that change is universal."
The legal system:
Manitoba News Release Women Must Feel Safe When Dealing with Judicial System: Howard
"Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the status of women, has announced the province will file a complaint with the Canadian Judicial Complaints Council regarding remarks made in the sentencing hearing of a man convicted of a severe sexual assault.
“I am concerned that victims in sexual assault cases will fear being blamed for the crimes against them,” Howard said. “When a woman doesn’t consent to sex, there are no circumstances that warrant sexual assault or excuse an attacker’s behaviour.”
The sentencing hearing took place Feb. 18 in Court of Queen’s Bench in Thompson. The Canadian Judicial Council has authority over federally appointed Queens Bench judges. Anyone can file a complaint with the council.
“It is important that women in Manitoba feel they are protected by the law and will be respected by courts if they file charges against an attacker,” Howard said."
The Problem:
"First of all, if you want to get at a political "enemy" like Assange, accusations of rape can come in handy. Especially if you really have nothing else you can actually accuse him of.
In this case, it is even more complicated- he is supposed to have ...coerced the women into unprotected sex? or something? But they had agreed beforehand. And then? There is no talk of wounds or marks which show they have been forced.(That's all I have so far been able to get from the media, I am not saying I know everything about this case).
I don't know how you would prove or disprove something like that. Now, if the two women tell the exact same story that might count for something- but unfortunately they had already talked to each other even before they went to the police.
For me, there are two probable options: - this was encouraged by the USA or some other secret service or diplomats
-it is a revenge thing. Maybe the women were pissed off because he changed partners so fast. This kind of being pissed off is understandable but it shouldn't lead to charges.
Of course, it could also be a combination of the above.
I believe it is relatively improbable Assange committed some kind of rape. The background makes it appear rather probable that there were other motives for the charges.
Apart from that, if the Swedish prosecution wants to ask him questions, why can't they question him where he is? Honestly, if I were him (and as I presume, innocent) I would be highly suspicious of all of this and I wouldn't budge. " - (link)
"RULES FOR WOMEN TO CLUB BY:
1. Don't drink anything that you do not order and retrieve yourself or know to come straight from the bar (men put things in drinks)
2. Do not drink over 2 drinks in public, have bottled water or soda instead
3. if you want to get sloppy drunk or just let it rip--do so at home or at the home of a trusted girl friend. Do NOT do this in the presence of any men, not even brothers, cousins or BFFS--stuff can happen if both of you are drunk
4. do not drink if you are under 21 and never start accepting drinks from men--men buy drinks due to interest and it is not your mind men are interested in at a club or bar
5. The skimpier the clothing the more drinks you are likely to be offered--old fashioned it may be--but if a man sees a lot of skin, he thinks you are advertising and need the right enticement--he provides that in the form of drinks
6. If you know you lose control or act stupidly if you have more than 1 drink, don't drink. The difference between gang bangs and date rapes is opportunity--being drunk is usually a pre-requisite for gang bangs and date rape as the rapists do not want much resistance and drunk people or passed out people do not resist.
7. NO woman, no matter how palsy, walsy has any business drinking or "hanging out" with a bunch of men and drinking. ONly very stupid or very young women believe that men in their company see them as just buddies or pals and will get drunk with them. Most men have *******, they will come to attention if an opportunity presents itself--this can also include your so called gay friends.
8. Never, ever, ever, ever hang around men and start drinking with the idea that you are safe and that these people are to be trusted--unless you are prepared to live with the aftermath if your trust has been misplaced." - (link)