Module 8, Course material highlights discussions from Daniella Citron about how hate crimes impact marginalized communities, including Queer individuals combined with Women & Trans-identifying folks(Estrich, 1986). According to Citron, the escalating occurrence of hateful acts on the internet is becoming a concerning issue and causing far-reaching problems. She identifies patterns that help her develop legal and policy solutions by analyzing case studies. Cyberbullying issues have real-world implications; while commendable- Citron’s analysis could be taken further by delving into how marginalized groups, especially those who happened not to fit neatly into traditional binary structures– experience hate crime online. Centered around examining various structures causing or resulting in violent acts against marginalized groups such as transgender persons, queers, or females. By examining various structural patterns that cause violence against women as well as queer or trans people in Module 8 course material-where, they refer to works related to this topic -they found out that (Reinziitti & Kelly, 2017) and Lorde (1984)’s papers have key points which clarify why different forms of Intimate partner abuse occur among different genders. Various illustrations from everyday life prove the theories suggested by writers Renetta & Kelly regarding how intersecting identities contribute toward prejudiced treatment leading up to occurrences like rape, creating unrivaled strength relations. Lorde stresses how an oppressive system reinforced by patriarchal norms and white supremacist attitudes has created a cruel societal imbalance.
Marginalized community advocates, in this reading, present a core idea that our society’s violent behavior toward them originates from more than individual conduct or opinions. On the contrary, it runs deep in social arrangements. The vulnerability of marginalized communities to different forms of violence is particularly clear. An example can be seen where queer individuals that are not Caucasian have an increased possibility to experience violence than those who are. To comprehend violence against marginalized communities, one must look at how oppression and privilege intersect.
While understanding underlying violent constructs is important and insightful via these written materials, On the other hand, there’s criticism as no apparent solution was clearly mentioned. While recognizing the fundamental reasons behind violent behavior remains significant, we must also establish workable tactics for intervening in and stopping acts of aggression towards underprivileged groups. Although one could argue that this literature falls short in terms of actionable solutions for coping with discrimination-motivated aggression against specific groups, its utility lies in highlighting the necessity for leveraging an intersectional approach to tackling such crimes.
Rape Myths, Male socialization, and online violence.
The importance of legal reforms relating to sexual violence is underscored with evidence provided from readings like those explored in Module 9: Rape by Susan Estrich & Sexual Terrorism. Both authors contend that patriarchal values and gender stereotypes not only curtail women’s freedom but also encourage sexual violence, thereby sustaining rape culture Ahmed, S. (2017). Furthermore, Sheffield explicates how technology has affected sexual terrorism, citing instances like revenge porn and doxxing. To contextualize how much damage is done when promoting sexual violence in society, these authors analyze specific cases and present statistical research on the topic. Legal and policy overhauls are required to tackle sexual violence, as demonstrated by the data presented in these readings.
A central argument by these readings associates cultural acceptance of sexual abuse towards females with both past-established beliefs about it and modern indoctrination processes males receive. Ahmed, S. (2017). While both Agree about Rape myths causing trouble for female rape survivors but have different Perspectives (Salter & Craft), highlight various ways where Male Socialisation reinforces Patriarchy Toxicities. However, Garvey comes off with an argument inferring focus shifted from the Attacker to the victim Using those Myths. Online spaces reveal these cultural and social factors wherein the female population is usually exposed to harassment or abuse.
It puzzles me that the readings do not focus enough on how technology facilitates and amplifies online violence. The readings acknowledge online violence as possible within digital environments; however, they have yet to explore how architectural configurations amplify these acts in detail. However, despite this puzzling limitation, the readings still emphasize the importance of addressing the underlying causes of online violence and promoting inclusive digital communities.
Journal #3: Journal Entry #3: Examining the Intersection of Power and Consent
One conclusion after investigating Module 10 is that gender-based inequality, like varying degrees of social norms acceptance or access to monetary resources, play a role in either perpetrating or suffering from sexual misconduct. Insights into how power dynamics can undermine women’s decision-making during sex are provided by (Crenshaw,1991) and (MacKinnon ,1991).
One key point emphasized in these readings is that sexual abuse does not occur simply due to personal choices but results from the entrenched unequal gender relationships reinforced by powerful institutions. Women face challenges in reporting incidents of sexual misconduct due to inherent inequalities of social hierarchy, as explained by Crenshaw; additionally, according to MacKinnon if you lack power, this often results in becoming an easy target for manipulation.
In grasping the intricacy of female access to justice under oppression, Crenshaw’s notion of intersectionality proves especially valuable as it elucidates how different forms thereof interlock and intensify one another. The compounded effect of both racism and sexism on a Black woman who endures sexual violence makes seeking help seemingly impossible while they continue struggling to have their voices heard. To successfully address gender-based violence means, we must identify these interconnected oppressions that require all-inclusive and cross-sectional solutions that Crenshaw highlights.
For many, it may be difficult to acknowledge, but according to Mackinnon’s viewpoint, cultural narratives pertaining to gender roles shape behavior towards sex hence influencing one’s autonomy when matters arise relating to exercising their autonomy during such encounters. She posits that culturally-ingrained fallacies regarding sexuality coupled with material portraying male superiority result in retarding a woman’s capacity for autonomous decision-making when participating physically in intimacy. MacKinnon asserts that if we do not shift our conventional views on sex and gender and redefine what constitutes consenting, it will continue to be difficult to practice freedom for independent women.
Through their research on power differentials within society, both Crenshaw and MacKinnon elucidate how traditional values often act as an impediment toward empowering women while enabling gender-based abuse. While offering important perspectives on power imbalances contributing to sexual violence against women, there remain controversies in Crenshaw’s & MacKinnon’s works.
While MacKinnon argues that her approach redefines consent, some have questioned its effectiveness in addressing the underlying power dynamics enabling gender-based violence, according to certain critics. While her method highlights inequity in sexual dealings between genders, others suggest it does not acknowledge female agency or libido. Certain strategies focusing on redefining consent for cases of sexual violations are believed by certain critiques not enough due to remaining structural forces that enable various forms of gender violence.
Despite receiving critiques, the concepts presented by Crenshaw and MacKinnon have great significance in present times. The underlying causes behind sexual violence against women persist today via cultural practices enforcing traditional gender roles. By exposing how sexual harassment and assault exist extensively in various sectors or circumstances, the significance of structural reform is highlighted through movements such as #MeToo.
In conclusion, besides this fact, during these times of COVID- 19 crisis, one crucial aspect which came into observation is that gender biases are entwined into various suppressed sections leading to intense impacts over weaker groups like females. Our efforts to promote social justice during COVID-19 can benefit greatly from the counsel provided by Crenshaw and MacKinnon.
References
Estrich, S. (1986). Rape. The Yale Law Journal, 95(6), 1087-1184.
Ahmed, S. (2017). Living a feminist life. Duke University Press.
Davis, A. (1981). Women, race & class. Random House.
Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241–1299.
Foucault, M. (1978). The History of sexuality: Volume 1. Vintage Books.
Collins, P. H. (2015). Intersectionality’s definitional dilemmas. Annual Review of Sociology, pp. 41, 1–20.
MacKinnon, C. A. (1991). Sexuality, pornography, and method: “Pleasure under patriarchy .”Ethics, 101(2), 314–346.
Brownmiller, S. (1975). Against our will: Men, women, and rape. Fawcett.
Estrich, S. (1987). Real rape. Harvard University Press.
Harding, S. (1986). The science question in feminism. Cornell University Press.
Consent, Coercion, and Limits of the Law. (2019). In T. L. Sprague & J. R. Fineman (Eds.), Feminist Judgments: Rewritten Opinions of the United States Supreme Court (pp. 289-303). Cambridge University Press.
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