![TYPED POST FOR 2.8.12:Well, this should be an interesting post.
Last week was hectic. Other than the typical mandates of being a full-time UConn student, a Sexpert, and a Campus Action Intern, my week was equally filled with a campus action event, a radio show interview, protests, public forums about rape culture, sign-making, petition signing, public announcements, controversy, feminism, and criticism; but a million Facebook posts, and probably 70 internet articles, 5 letters to the editor, and 10 viral videos later, I, alongside many other people involved in the [UConn] feminist activist community, are still here, breathing, and still pissed off.
Background:
It is probably old news by now that UConn has recently been in an “uproar,” and I think we are for a good reason. Our student-fee-funded, Tier III organization, UCTV has been broadcasting a new television, comedy-skit series, Shenanigans, for the past few months, but the show’s most recent episode is exasperatingly offensive, even to those who may not take offense to things as easily as others, such as myself. And this is why we are now paying attention. I don’t think I’ll need to go into further detail, but for anyone who has not viewed the episode (in particular, the first 3-minute skit), it can be viewed here.
I am not here to yell at UCTV or condemn them anymore than they already have been because although they did have a major fault in this, the organization is doing a spectacular job at responding to the issue and making amends through revised and strengthened policies within its constitution and protocols, and considering implementing mandated sensitivity trainings prior to anyone seeking to produce media for UCTV. I certainly have many other things to say regarding this issue, especially since a few of my views regarding how to deal with this situation are much different, and in some cases, much less extreme than others’ views, but I can save those for another time in another outlet.
However, I would just like to say something about rape culture and free speech. The language used in the video is more shocking to me than anything I have heard (or seen) in a long time, particularly because it was allowed to be aired on UCTV and paid for with my money. And to say that rape culture is nonexistent and that I am overreacting on an act of free speech is not okay with me. Let me enlighten you on the concept of free speech. Yes, it is an amendment upheld by the Supreme Court and constitutionally protected. Yes, it is a right. And so, yes, you have the right to do it. And yes, I do support the right of free speech. BUT. Hate speech is not free speech. “Free speech” does not mean that we are not held accountable and responsible for the things we say, the way we say it, who we say it to, and what we mean by those things when they are horrible and ethically, intentionally, and blatantly wrong. There must be consequences for certain things that we do. By claiming that “free speech” should exonerate any blame or wrongdoings is just ignorant, ludicrous, ethic-less, and vile. I support free speech. I, however, do not support hate speech, rape culture, intimidation, oppression, marginalization, and other injustices.
THIS is not an issue of “free speech.” Someone on the Free Speech at UCONN page had something to say about it, and I actually mostly agree with his concept of this video in regards to free speech a little more:
Q: Does this video cross the bounds of protected free speech?
A: ”No, but that is not necessarily a negative. These students will be made an example of for their comments codoning victim blaming… There is no doubt that women’s rights activists will rally around this, and the reputation of UCTV and the involved students will be invariably degraded, which is no more than they deserve for degrading women’s reproductive rights. THE BROS HAVE GOT TO GO.”
However, I am still livid and disgusted. And honestly, actually shocked…about how naive I was for thinking UConn was “above” rape culture. At least a little more than this exhibit of poor judgement and tasteless ‘comedy.’ I have watched this video at least 50 times by now and every time I keep hoping that I am “just overreacting,” but unfortunately, it is always just as awful and just as offensive as the first time.
[Back to] Half The Sky and all of its “glory”:
SURJ was recently contacted to sponsor and/or collaborate on a Half the Sky event with UConn Reads and the president of SURJ discussed this idea with me in a lengthy conversation about the pros and cons of doing this, especially admist the controversy. We would not mind collaborating on an event on specific issues within the book (ie. sex trafficking, microediting, etc.), but we do stand firm that we will not endorse the book as a group. We feel that these issues touched upon in the book are very important and of course we would love to be a part of it —especially since Campus Action brainstormed earlier in the semester to have an event for International Women’s Day involve tabling at the UConn Half The Sky event where Kristoff and his wife and coauthor of the book, WuDunn, will be lecturing. We planned to have PPFA’s global campaign petition at our table, alongside global fact sheets, and of course, other PP swag.
However, this is all subject to change now:
On Monday’s SURJ meeting, two UConn Reads representatives came to explain their agenda and discuss event ideas that they wanted us to help cosponsor, which I really do appreciate, but:
The first event involves a film screening of the Hollywood blockbuster, Taken, with the provision of articles written by Kristoff, himself, regarding sex-trafficking with a post-discussion about the Hollywood depiction of sex-trafficking and its contrast to “real-life”.
PROBLEM: We believe that Taken is a horrible representation of sex-trafficking and further, an even more horrible film to present in regards to sex-trafficking. Although we do find that there is some sort of compensation with articles written by Kristoff since this is his specialty, we more so think that a simple documentary and proceeding discussion would be better and more appropriate.
The second suggested event was a debate. However, the concept of a debate is unclear about many aspects. First of which, is that we are unsure of what we are debating (ie. sex trafficking and how to deal with it; Kristoff, himself, because he is a controversial figure, etc.)!
PROBLEM: There are several women’s issues addressed in the book and it is difficult to choose just one; however, debating about Kristoff’s morals, identity, legitimacy, or whatever, is just immoral and uncomfortable! But more importantly, the way it was explained made it appear as though we, as SURJ, are expected to show up and engage in a debate against other groups and we’re not sure about that.
The last idea presented was a general coffee house where we will be provided articles to read beforehand with a Q&A afterwards with Kristoff, himself.
PROBLEM: We are just not sure that this is a cohesive idea.
However, we also have an option to brainstorm an event of our own.
PROBLEM: It’s not that we aren’t creative, but we’re not sure if our agenda or ideas or viewpoints (standpoint?) are in line with representatives from UConn Reads. However, they said that they will 100% fund and plan everything we send to them and all that is required of us is an idea, which is great, but I am personally unsure of how much I trust them with that, especially after THIS!
THIS article was written by one of the representatives who came to the meeting; and, might I add, was the woman who was very passionate about her agenda. I find this article radiatingly irksome and I am personally not someone who is offended easily (which is sometimes problematic, especially with issues such as this), but I am offended by the Shenanigans video, but even more so by this article. Ms. Smith solidly writes, “The intended humor of the video has nothing to do with rape — it’s about a talking pole…Being a feminist on a college campus isn’t the most popular title to hold, and protests like those about the UCTV video only degrade our reputation.” With this alone, I am so embarrassed for her, and for myself, that she is a fellow Husky.
However, Smith continues and even attempts to dismiss UConn’s conspicuous issue with on-campus rape culture by rendering it irrelevant or miniscule to global issues as presented in Half The Sky: “One cursory glance at a newspaper will prove that the women’s rights movement does not have the luxury to protest such questionable issues; in many areas of the world girls are still trapped in sex slavery, they still can’t hold jobs and in some areas they can’t even drive cars. Feminists at UConn are spending hours concerning themselves with a video that was unintentionally offensive to some. Meanwhile, millions of women are intentionally and methodically oppressed every day all over the world, but you can’t find the activism surrounding that in Storrs.” Now that is enough to cause an uproar out of me because it is a clear act that perpetuates rape culture by claiming that rape culture doesn’t exist unless it is concerned on a global scale.
As Emily Pizzale beautifully states in response to Smith’s article, “To say that we shouldn’t protest a video like this because in other parts of the world there are worse things such as trafficking and sexual slavery is really a silly argument, it is rape culture that leads to such things as trafficking so protesting even the smallest sexist thing can make a difference in ending rape culture and preventing such things as rape and trafficking from spreading all across the world, though they already have.” It is an immaculate mistake to excuse “micro” contributions to rape culture, no matter how small they may appear in comparison to the global scale, because it is these things that occur on the microlevel, particularly in influential spheres such as developed nations, that influence certain attitudes and hegemonic ideas on the macrolevel! Even Kristoff, himself, said that “patriarchal attitudes are transmitted and practiced by women just as much as men.” Judging by this article, those “patriarchal attitudes” must be on rape culture and misogyny.
This makes me very sad for reasons already aforementioned, but also because it now complicates any future events or partnerships. I am currently unsure of where SURJ stands on working with UConn Reads for this event (though I have an idea), and even more so with Campus Action and our future International Women’s Day event.
Fun Facts & Other News:Yesterday, Professor Delaney announced that she will be uploading chapters from Half The Sky onto HuskyCT, which she passionately encourages us to read, of course. Sigh. However, I do believe that there is nothing wrong with liking something that other people find controversial, particularly because there are many things that I love that others find controversial. I just don’t think that Delaney is aware of the controversy…yet.
In other news: GYT event-planning is currently in the works for April. We plan on revising the old version of last year’s GYT video in collaboration with Health Education —cut length, and edit out some old clips and replace them with new ones…and then broadcast the video on UCTV! I’ll just need to contact Joleen about it, if we ever find an accommodating time within the next few weeks, that is. :p](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz9rv2KcvH1ro3gt1o1_500.jpg)
Well, this should be an interesting post.
- Q: Does this video cross the bounds of protected free speech?
- A: ”No, but that is not necessarily a negative. These students will be made an example of for their comments codoning victim blaming… There is no doubt that women’s rights activists will rally around this, and the reputation of UCTV and the involved students will be invariably degraded, which is no more than they deserve for degrading women’s reproductive rights. THE BROS HAVE GOT TO GO.”
However, I am still livid and disgusted. And honestly, actually shocked…about how naive I was for thinking UConn was “above” rape culture. At least a little more than this exhibit of poor judgement and tasteless ‘comedy.’ I have watched this video at least 50 times by now and every time I keep hoping that I am “just overreacting,” but unfortunately, it is always just as awful and just as offensive as the first time.
[Back to] Half The Sky and all of its “glory”:
- The first event involves a film screening of the Hollywood blockbuster, Taken, with the provision of articles written by Kristoff, himself, regarding sex-trafficking with a post-discussion about the Hollywood depiction of sex-trafficking and its contrast to “real-life”.
- PROBLEM: We believe that Taken is a horrible representation of sex-trafficking and further, an even more horrible film to present in regards to sex-trafficking. Although we do find that there is some sort of compensation with articles written by Kristoff since this is his specialty, we more so think that a simple documentary and proceeding discussion would be better and more appropriate.
- The second suggested event was a debate. However, the concept of a debate is unclear about many aspects. First of which, is that we are unsure of what we are debating (ie. sex trafficking and how to deal with it; Kristoff, himself, because he is a controversial figure, etc.)!
- PROBLEM: There are several women’s issues addressed in the book and it is difficult to choose just one; however, debating about Kristoff’s morals, identity, legitimacy, or whatever, is just immoral and uncomfortable! But more importantly, the way it was explained made it appear as though we, as SURJ, are expected to show up and engage in a debate against other groups and we’re not sure about that.
- The last idea presented was a general coffee house where we will be provided articles to read beforehand with a Q&A afterwards with Kristoff, himself.
- PROBLEM: We are just not sure that this is a cohesive idea.
- However, we also have an option to brainstorm an event of our own.
- PROBLEM: It’s not that we aren’t creative, but we’re not sure if our agenda or ideas or viewpoints (standpoint?) are in line with representatives from UConn Reads. However, they said that they will 100% fund and plan everything we send to them and all that is required of us is an idea, which is great, but I am personally unsure of how much I trust them with that, especially after THIS!
THIS article was written by one of the representatives who came to the meeting; and, might I add, was the woman who was very passionate about her agenda. I find this article radiatingly irksome and I am personally not someone who is offended easily (which is sometimes problematic, especially with issues such as this), but I am offended by the Shenanigans video, but even more so by this article. Ms. Smith solidly writes, “The intended humor of the video has nothing to do with rape — it’s about a talking pole…Being a feminist on a college campus isn’t the most popular title to hold, and protests like those about the UCTV video only degrade our reputation.” With this alone, I am so embarrassed for her, and for myself, that she is a fellow Husky.
However, Smith continues and even attempts to dismiss UConn’s conspicuous issue with on-campus rape culture by rendering it irrelevant or miniscule to global issues as presented in Half The Sky: “One cursory glance at a newspaper will prove that the women’s rights movement does not have the luxury to protest such questionable issues; in many areas of the world girls are still trapped in sex slavery, they still can’t hold jobs and in some areas they can’t even drive cars. Feminists at UConn are spending hours concerning themselves with a video that was unintentionally offensive to some. Meanwhile, millions of women are intentionally and methodically oppressed every day all over the world, but you can’t find the activism surrounding that in Storrs.” Now that is enough to cause an uproar out of me because it is a clear act that perpetuates rape culture by claiming that rape culture doesn’t exist unless it is concerned on a global scale.
As Emily Pizzale beautifully states in response to Smith’s article, “To say that we shouldn’t protest a video like this because in other parts of the world there are worse things such as trafficking and sexual slavery is really a silly argument, it is rape culture that leads to such things as trafficking so protesting even the smallest sexist thing can make a difference in ending rape culture and preventing such things as rape and trafficking from spreading all across the world, though they already have.” It is an immaculate mistake to excuse “micro” contributions to rape culture, no matter how small they may appear in comparison to the global scale, because it is these things that occur on the microlevel, particularly in influential spheres such as developed nations, that influence certain attitudes and hegemonic ideas on the macrolevel! Even Kristoff, himself, said that “patriarchal attitudes are transmitted and practiced by women just as much as men.” Judging by this article, those “patriarchal attitudes” must be on rape culture and misogyny.
This makes me very sad for reasons already aforementioned, but also because it now complicates any future events or partnerships. I am currently unsure of where SURJ stands on working with UConn Reads for this event (though I have an idea), and even more so with Campus Action and our future International Women’s Day event.
Fun Facts & Other News:
Yesterday, Professor Delaney announced that she will be uploading chapters from Half The Sky onto HuskyCT, which she passionately encourages us to read, of course. Sigh. However, I do believe that there is nothing wrong with liking something that other people find controversial, particularly because there are many things that I love that others find controversial. I just don’t think that Delaney is aware of the controversy…yet.
In other news: GYT event-planning is currently in the works for April. We plan on revising the old version of last year’s GYT video in collaboration with Health Education —cut length, and edit out some old clips and replace them with new ones…and then broadcast the video on UCTV! I’ll just need to contact Joleen about it, if we ever find an accommodating time within the next few weeks, that is. :p
