The Feminist Newbie Forum

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:09:41 GMT

Hi all, I was wondering if someone had some literature suggestions on a topic I'm looking into. I'm big on Socialist- and Marxist-feminism and hope to do an independent study on it at my university this year. I've read a good deal of the "canonical" writings in Socialist Feminism Jaggar/Hartmann/Young/Rubin/Wittig, but nothing seems to address how class affects women's experiences of patriarchy and their own relationship to their gender. Most of what I've found

I'm interested in integrating Socialist feminism with postmodern feminism a la Judith Butler (I'm a lit person so I'm interested in creating a framework that can help my investigation of, say, working-class women's literature). Obviously pomo feminism has emphasized the plurality of female experiences women's experiences, and I'm particularly interested in class as the "difference." Any suggestions for articles or books? Whether it's sociology, anthropology, literary theory, what have you.

Rape-rescue trope in literature?

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:05:09 GMT

I've heard discussion of this before, and I know I've seen examples, but I can't think of any at the moment-- help?

There is a trope in literature/movies/etc (romance novels in particular) where a female character is placed in a (otherwise pointless) scene where she is raped/threatened with assault, purely so another character (typically male, typically soon to be romantically involved with the woman) can rescue her, and prove his valor. The trauma potentially incurred on the woman is then dismissed.

Can anyone link to articles or sites discussing how these kinds of "rape-rescue" scenes are harmful and exploitative?

I can't even seem to find the basic "rape scenes do not help women" article, so that would help, too, along with examples of scenes like this, if you can think of any.

I'm writing an article and I'd like references beyond my own opinion/knowledge. Thank you so much, and please let me know if I need to cut this post or add a trigger warning, I wasn't sure. :/

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:13:08 GMT

So I recently had the chance to sit on a Gender Studies class dealing specifically with feminism and "media image". The prof. showed us this video:

This video was used as an example of "how women are being objectified by the mass media". Frankly, I don't quite understand how this video demonstrates women being "objectified". What are your thoughts?

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:29:57 GMT

Does anyone know of any good online feminist forums? I've got a good list of blogs, but I was hoping for a more message board kind of layout. I can't go over to feminist, I've applied 4 times and apparently I'm too stupid to get in. So if someone could point me in the direction of a feminist environment more accepting, that'd be great.

Women in journalism

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 16:54:26 GMT

Hi everyone,
I'm doing an essay on women in journalism. The central argument is that more women than men are journalism graduates, but men dominate the industry, and how this negatively affects women (e.g. sexist portrayal of women, omission of women from important news stories, etc), but I need one or two counter-arguments also.

The only point that I can come up with at the moment is that women journalists aren't necessarily non-sexist i.e more women journalists would not guarantee a more fair portrayal of women in the mass media.

Anything else?

I'm doing some readings right now, but I would appreciate if you could contribute a point or two. Thank you!

Sat, 23 May 2009 18:55:05 GMT

I'm doing an IB oral presentation on the play Death and the Maiden, and analyzing it from a feminist point of view. I have a few things I'd like to ask your opinion on:

- the main character Paulina's husband, Gerardo, through out the play, shortens Paulina's name from "Paulina" to "Paulie" to "Paul" to "Pau" by the end. this is obviously a huge symbol, but I've been analyzing it as someone's name is their identity, and by Gerardo denying Paulina her name, it's a symbol of her having lost her identity to him. comments/concerns/questions?

- Paulina references an inability to have children, we assume because of the torture she's been put through. this is de-feminizing, but it could it be spun in a way that perhaps it shows, power has no gender? she's been associated with "taking" power in contrast to the power that was exerted over her years ago by a male. I might need help developing this idea, though.

women & electronic music

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:10:56 GMT

Hi there!

I'm writing a paper (or trying to anyway...) about women and electronic/dance music and I'm having some trouble coming up with any good sources about this.

I don't expect to be able to find very much by the way of actual discussion of electro as a genre but I was hoping some of you might be able to direct me to writing about any of the following:
-Male dominance in the music industry (focus on pop, obviously)
-Occurrence of violence against women in nightclubs
-The images women in pop music as either "tough girl" or "super-sexy"

Most of the stuff that I've found has been about folk or rock and roll (I could swing rock and roll but I have a hard time comparing Ani DiFranco with some of the bands I'm talking about in the paper).

Anything you can do to help would be appreciated!

Now don't mind me, I'll just be over here with my headphones on and my nose in a book...

New Community

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:12:12 GMT

If this is not allowed, please let me know and I will happily take the post down.

I wanted to let you all know about the community I have just created -- </a></font></b></a>reclaiming_sex . The focus is on people who come from a sexually detrimental religious set of beliefs who are reclaiming a healthy idea of sex. All are welcome, regardless of current or past religious beliefs. If you have been hurt by sexual repression, abuse, the exgay movement, or hate from within a religious idea, or simply want to cultivate or help others cultivate a healthier incorporation of sex into one's life, please join and share your journey with others.

On a personal note, I am a former evangelical christian, though currently highly spiritual person, who once believed that lustful thoughts, masturbation, pornography, homosexuality, etc. were all sinful especially outside of marriage. As someone who was strongly devoted to her faith throughout the teenaged and sexually developmental years, I am still feeling the repurcussions of sexual repression even now, three and a half years into my marriage. My intellectual ideas of sex have changed greatly, but my psychological and emotional responses can still hold on to old habits. I know that I can't be the only one who experiences this, so I am reaching out to the greater livejournal community to hopefully create a network of support for myself and for those like me.

I am aware that this can be a touchy issue. Though tolerance and respect for others, regardless of their beliefs, is expected, you do not have to believe that sex outside of marriage is okay, or support homosexuality in order to join. Maybe you are currently a strong Christian and waited until marriage to have sex, only to discover that years of sexual repression is still interfering with your marital life, even though sex is supposed to be okay now. Whatever the case may be, if you believe you have something to contribute to the community or would appreciate the support of others, please join and spread the word.

How do I talk about "secondary targets"?

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:39:55 GMT

I've seen situations like this unfold a number of times: A feminist will be talking about sexism. Someone will try to get her to play the oppression olympics, bringing up people who would in some respects be better off if patriarchy were abolished but are still among the primary beneficiaries of sexism. For example, someone might bring up the femmephobia that some gay men face to derail a conversation about a problem that women face. (Femmephobia and heterosexism are of course very real, horrible problems; I'm just saying that they shouldn't be used to distract people from sexism, which is also a problem.) It seems to me that in these cases it would be nice if there were a succinct way to say that while, yes, within patiarchy some men do face oppressions that might be reduced or eliminated if patriarchy were abolished, sexism is institutional power coupled with bigotry against women. I want to say something like, "There are secondary targets but let's not lose focus of the primary targets." The trouble is that the term target even within the phrase secondary target suggests that these men are in some ways intended targets of sexism, which is not the case. When I use search queries that include the terms secondary target and sexism, I don't get relevant responses.

Am I making sense? Has anyone written about the phenomena I'm describing, if not in confronting sexism than in confronting some other oppression? If so, what terms did they use?

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:07:45 GMT

How does one 'unpack' their privilege?

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:22:57 GMT

Hello. Newbie feminist coming at ya like a spider monkey. =)

I need resources for a newbie feminist, something that you would give someone brand new to the movement. I'm ready and willing to do my homework, so gimme whatcha got.

Scotch-Brite Ultra Nail Saver Scrub Sponge=crap.

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:01:27 GMT

I'm a woman, who lives with three guys. And one night.. a commercial for "Scotch-Brite Ultra Nail Saver Scrub Sponge" came on.

I ended up getting into huge debates (and still do, if the subject is brought up) with my room mates about how sexist this product is, and the commercial.

I feel that a dish washing sponge is a sex-less product (whereas something like tampons are specifically intended for women.) and Scotch-Brite created an unnecessary need for special sponges for manicured hands. Ok, that's fine. But the problem was, the whole commercial is geared toward WOMEN's manicured hands.

If the commercial just left it at "a sponge to help you not damage your manicure" and showcased BOTH women and men hands, that's fine.

But this product, this completely gender neutral product, is being directed and shoved at women-only.
It feels like they're saying "oooh look ladies! now while you're doing the dishes (cuz we know that only women do dishes) you can keep your nails looking pretty!"

My questions are:

1.) How/what do you feel about this product and/or the commercial?

and

2.) How can I better explain my position to my room mates? I get so frustrated with them, one of them actually said "I think you're being mad just for the sake of being mad."

Transient in Arcadia

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:17:25 GMT

Hello everyone! I was just here to ask about some homework help!

I have to find examples within the story Transient in Arcadia by "O. Henry" and relate it to Feminist literary criticism. Help please?

thanks in advance.

Masculinity

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:34:44 GMT

Hey all,

So I'm on my school's debate team, and I'm looking for some texts on masculinity for a feminist critique on violence. Specifically, texts on men's role in the movement to end violence against women, the men's movement, intersectionality and all that jazz.
I would appreciate any book recommendations, cites, or links to articles. Thanks a bunch!

Suzanne

writings on sexual violence & perpetrators' attitudes to it

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:34:31 GMT

Hi, I hope this is on-topic for this community - I'm not exactly a newbie feminist but I do need some help with my ~~homework~~ essay. I'm an EngLit student writing an undergrad essay on J.M. Coetzee's novel Disgrace. One of the aspects of the book I'm examining is

a scene where the central male character rapes the much younger woman he's been having an affair with. The scene is very much seen through the male character's eyes and although it's clearly unconsensual he clearly doesn't regard it as rape - this line says it all, really:

Not rape, not quite that, but undesired nonetheless, undesired to the core.

This reflects an idea I've frequently seen/heard discussed in feminist circles - that large numbers of people who have committed acts of sexual violence don't regard what they did as rape. It's very obvious to me that this is what's going on in this character's head, but I need to show some evidence that it's just an example of a widespread attitude, and not just his personal fuckwittery. I want to use this idea in my essay, but I really need to find an academic source so it doesn't just look like a theory I've pulled out of my ass.

Has anyone read anything reputable & academic on this idea? Have there been any studies done? I've got a pretty well-stocked uni library and access to JSTOR, but I haven't been able to find much and it's hard to know where to start looking when all I have to go on is a theory.

Thanks in advance!

Bolivia to Vote on New Consitution With Abortion Rights, and Protections for Sexual Minorities

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:35:28 GMT

Bolivia will hold a nationwide referendum this Sunday for its constituents to decide whether to approve or reject a new version of the country's constitution that would provide for abortion rights, religious liberties, and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens.

Take action to urge the President and Vice-President to vocally support the referendum publicly.
http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2009/01/bolivia-to-vote-on-new-constitution.html

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:22:59 GMT

Hum, I don't know if this is a 101 question but I thought I'd ask here first. Recently, I've haphazardly gotten into modeling but I'm not sure quite how it's a career which can be approached in an empowering way. I am part of the social justice movement, but unfortunately feminism has not been my primary focus and I haven't read nearly enough of the literature, though the issues you guys are dealing with are important to me.

Can someone discuss the issues they have with the fashion and pornography industry with me? I definitely agree both industries objectify women, and perpetuate unhealthy body images/gender roles/stereotypes. But is this just an aspect of these industries as they exist or is it a fundamental part of the industry?

I'm not doing any pornography, but I've been considering nude modeling, but it's a question that's always bothered me. If you look at porn the approach is just horribly degrading to women. Still, I'm unconvinced that means porn is inherently bad. I guess it depends on your definition of pornography, but if our legal differentiation between the erotic and the pornographic is the obscene (and you "know it when you see it") that's a very unsatisfying dichotomy to me. Are erotic images which are degrading to women bad? Yes, definitely, and those kind of works are overwhelmingly what make up porn/nudes/etc. But the issue here seems to me to be more why we as a culture find the degradation of women to be erotic. Are erotic works themselves bad? I won't pretend to know, but my gut response is overwhelmingly no.

As a tall, skinny white female, is it possible to do modeling in a way that doesn't reinforce the ideas I should be working against? Is it possible to create erotic images without "objectifying" myself?

Hopeful for some input here.

(p.s. this is a sock puppet account just because I'm a bit embarrassed, not because I'm trolling)

(cross posted to a few new communities)

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:54:51 GMT

Hello! I am a new member. I first fell in love with gender studies in an English class in college. I think it was called Books of Modernism. I had an excellent professor who opened up my eyes to feminism, and change. I then took many other classes and ended up minoring in it. The Gender Studies minor was new and not very popular, however the coordinator asked for feedback, and I told her that if i had the option, I would rather major in it that my current major (psychology). However, I have still yet to find a MA program that suits me (money wise and location, that is). I am currently working in the corporate world of finance, and cannot stand it. It is just not me. I feel useless and like my brain is turning to mush. My family is all about money, while I on the other hand, care more about inspiring change and someday becoming an educator. They keep on telling me I am insane for wanting to pursue this field, however I really need it, as a person. I have also worked at an elementary school (an outlet for teaching, at least), however I realize that gender studies is where I want to be. I am looking into volunteering and hopefully something will come from that. I am from MA, and we are suppousedly a very liberal state, however I feel like all around me, I see so many people suffering from inequality or exploiting others. It is very frustrating, and I just want to make a change.

Anyway,

Thanks for reading!

-Sarah

Help?

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:11:45 GMT

Hello all.

I am a college administrator on a mid-sized campus in Wisconsin. We are doing a program called "Boxes and Walls" which is supposed to be an interactive experience putting students in traditionally underrepresented minority group's shoes. It is usually powerful and impactful, with students realizing for the first time (usually) that there still is oppression in America and what it is like to be in an oppressed group. This is a good program.

However, I have been put in charge of the African-American / Black experience room. I, while an ally and an active learner, do feel confident enough as a white woman to express what needs to be expressed in this room. I own it, I still have my "stupid white person" moments and want to do this room justice, as I feel it is extremely important on this campus to raise awareness.

So, what I would like to do, is find a piece of extremely powerful video to show these kids as part of a skit. (The skit will be testimonials from black students on this campus and their experiences on a white-majority campus and a role reversal skit as well).

An internet search produced nothing. I want something with the visuals of this, (BE AWARE, there are graphic images in the video) but speaking more to the black male experience and including more modern issues. The first year they did Boxes and Walls they had the students "pick cotton" and that just lead to the reaction that it is "so much better now!" Not what we are going for, honestly.

Does anyone have any ideas?

I was 12

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:13:49 GMT

I'm doing a project on the vagina monologue "I was 12, my mother slapped me", and I lost my copy of my book. Since its not in the monologues this year (second year in the row UGH COME ON EVE!!!), I can't obtain it there. Can someone help me with getting it? I know you cant publish it to a site, but maybe email it to me?

Journal article request

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:37:42 GMT

Hi,
I'm doing an essay on justice, and linking it to gender.

Could anyone help me in obtaining this:

'Quran, justice, gender: internal debates in Indonesian Islamic Jurisprudence' by John R. Bowen

From History of Religions Vol. 38, No. 1 Aug., 1998 pp. 52-78, published by The University of Chicago Press.

It's available at JSTOR. My email is: groovejet02@hotmail.com

Your help would be much appreciated :)

feminism & heterosexuality

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:39:14 GMT

could someone please direct me toward some compelling literature that examines heterosexuality from a feminist perspective? this is not me saying that all feminists are lesbians, this is me saying that i identify as a heterosexual and as a feminist, and would like to read something about being both and dealing with the patriarchy ~*~in the bedroom~*~
thanks!

Research Position Help?

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:11:32 GMT

Okay, so normally my version of feminist study exists via literature, neatly tucked away in the land of culture studies and MLA. However, I have recently been accepted as a research assistant in my university's Women's and Gender Studies department- which I am super pumped for, if not a little worried. Has anyone held a position such as this before? Do you have any advice/tips/warnings/etc? My main concern is not the subject matter, but the technical side of things- for example, which form of citation do departments of this type use? Anyways, I am very excited for this opportunity, and appreciate any help that you all have to offer. Thanks!

Need some homework help ASAP!

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:53:15 GMT

I need a short article from a feminist literary critic.
If you can give me a couple names to look into or link me to a specific article it would be MUCH appreciated.

And something not so immediate:
My friend's looking into the origin of feminism and wondering who the first declared feminist(s) was/were.
Would love any info or direction you can provide.

Drawing parallels?

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:48:32 GMT

I often find, when reading discussions about some topic that I don't have direct experience with, I have the urge to look for parallels (maybe "compare and contrast" is a better description) to things I *do* have experience with. For example, while reading Nobody Passes, I'll think about how I "pass" as a non-geek (or less geeky geek) while at work, keeping in mind that it's not the same as passing in a gender or cultural sense. (This is just an example to make my post a little less abstract.)

I was wondering if there were any resources/guidelines/examples on doing this in a sensitive way. I (think that I) understand that *equating* people's experiences to my (often ridiculously privileged) ones is inaccurate and offensive. I'd like to figure out if I can still channel the impulse to compare and contrast towards something productive. I'm interested both in how this can play out internally as far as understanding people who are different from me, and whether it's ever appropriate to introduce into discussions or should be kept to myself.

I figure there must be plenty of writing on stuff like this, but I'm not quite sure where to look. Thanks!