Omnipresent man

The Analysis of Andrea Dworkin on Pornography states, "without symbolic male omnipresence in society women are victimized by fate; there is no one to blame and no hope for remedy." This reminds me of the part of Mercy when Andrea blames God for men's abuses. She says that God made men the way they are; that way, Andrea has some one to blame for their injustices. If the evil male character is rooted in God's creation, it means it's not a natural irreparable state, but a character that can be fixed. By blaming God, Andrea allows there to be hope for change. When Dworkin blames pornography for women's subordination, she blames men. So what is the remedy? Eradicate men? No, eradicate pornography so men do not have an outlet to oppress women in their fantasies; a mindset bleeds that bleeds over to reality.

Matrix of Oppression

Dworkin says that women are the glorious image of what men could be, while men are the dark reminder of what is. I do not think this is fair. Even if there is a power difference between men and women, men being the privileged group, I would not say women are glorious and men are not. This seems to be a sweeping generalization. I find the matrix of oppression an interesting piece to share. The biologically male sex is the privileged social group, transsexual and intersex individuals are in the border social groups and the biologically female sex is the oppressed social group. I find it interesting that transexuals are more privileged than women if they appear masculine to others. As far as religion, Atheists and Agnostics are more privileged than Jews, Muslims and Hindus. As long as you don't appear to be a woman or belong to a certain faith, you have an advantage. I believe the categorization and differential treatment of people is just human nature; not all men are evil. However, pornography, sexist advertising and other unequal aspects of society do promote an oppressed female image. The subservient female is normalized.

I thought this meme went along perfectly with the class discussion today

Pornography

I would like to continue the discussion of pornography from class
today. It is my belief that consensual of-age pornography is okay. In
the age of camera phones, internet, and skype; recording/taking pictures
is a way for many couples to interact in long distance relationships.
Should this also be considering damaging pornography? I dont enjoy
watching porn because i feel creepy watching other people doing
something I consider so personal. However I think if two equal people
want to record their love, and share it with others that is alright, it
is sexually liberating. Before the internet porn was more expensive to
produce/distribute so it probably had to appeal to a larger audience to
be profitable, and because of this the idealized female figure was used
so that more men would buy it. However, with free porn on the internet,
many more people who want to can record and share their sexual
experiences. I'm not saying that the porn industry is 100% a good thing
by any means because there is still lots of bad things that happen. But
i think that if two sexual partners want to record and share their love
it is alright, they might have advice/new techniques that sexually board
couples could learn from. Most pornography is targeted towards men, so
is more objectifying of women but I think if sex was less taboo more
women would watch porn too. Consensual sex is beautiful, and should be
celebrated!!

Words Should Not Be Offensive

In the previous class on March 20^th, we discussed how and why the word "cunt" is so offensive. Although Andrea uses it throughout the novel, I am not surprised. Just as she is exposed to crude behavior, I expect her to utilize the crude language that matches up with these activities. This particular word does not offend me. I like the motto that, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Words are just words. A word is only offensive if you let it be offensive. It is very easy for people to name call and assign crude words to people, but these name callers often do not have legitimate reasoning behind it. Without rational reasoning, the word "cunt" does not offend me. I do not understand why other words such as "nigger" or "faggot" are offensive because they are just words. Even though I never use this type of language, I believe that these words are only wrong or offensive if people let them be. We have the control and power to brush off the name calling, which could potentially end the usage of derogatory terms. If people were no longer offended by these words, these words may be eliminated from people's vocabulary since the main purpose of these words is to offend. 

Giving Up A Piece of Yourself

 I don't have a copy of Mercy on me to look up specifically  where this discussion occurred,  but I want to point out that  somewhere around the 250-60 page mark, Andrea goes on a rant about how little baby girls and children get molested by their daddies. And that from the moment they get born, every time a man stick someething into one of their orifices, something gets taken from them. Something that can't be retrieved. And each time this happens ( I read this as any sort of sexual activity, consensual or not), another piece is lost. Never to be found again. Until all these women, despite their smiling exteriors, are dead things. Pretty apples on the outside, rotting maggots on the inside. Dead.

 

Although the imagery struck me while I was reading it, it wasn't until I was watching TLC right now and a commercial for 19 Kids and Counting came on, that I remembered something. (Boy, am I glad that this blog is anonymous because I am admitting my love for terrible TV shows). The Duggar clan don't believe in any kind of sexual contact before marriage. Including kissing. That's right. Even kissing. And they're not alone, TLC's show The Virgin Diaries, documented couples who saved themselves until marriage. One of the most noteworthy couples was one that weighted to kiss until they said their vows (which resulted in probably the most awkward face-eating I have ever seen).

 

But what is interesting is that their reason for waiting to kiss, or have sex, or whatever, echoes Andrea Dworkin's reason- they all feel that every time you kiss someone, you lose a piece of yourself to that person.  I thought this intriguing that some of the most religious, conservative people (who I, frankly, believe live in some of the most gender-unequal cultures) in the United States would agree on something like this with Andrea Dworkin OF ALL PEOPLE.

 

I actually still can't wrap my mind around it. Maybe, it's just some crazy coinicidence. Or maybe it isn't? How can people on the opposite extremes of the spectrum agree on this? 

The C-Word

 Cunt. CUNT. CUNT! CUNT!

There, I said it. (Well, typed it, but let's not get into semantics.) But  I must say, typing it was much easier than saying it out loud. Especially with the knowledge that this blog post is anonymous, I didn't even find myself hesitating to type the word (Had this been a public Facebook status, this would have been an entirely different matter).  This made me wonder why? How is it, that I object so much to the word (and what the use of the word represents) that I'm unable to speak it aloud, but apparently this objection is not strong enough to keep me from typing it? From saying it mentally? Why?

 

And the answer to that is-  I don't know why. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact of how others would perceive me if I just ran around screaming CUNT every chance I got, but I can't help but think that there's something deeper.  But I can't put a finger on what that something is. Does saying it out loud physically confirm it? Well, then what's the difference between written and verbal speech? Can't they both convey the same ideas?

 

Also,  it seemed to be the class consensus (in line with my own) that "THE C-Word" is the worst word in the English language. Worse than god damnit. Worse than fuck. Worse than Nigger. Worse than Cock.  I agree, even though I don't use this words regularly, especially the last two. Although I mentally cringe and go "Oh My God" anytime nigger, cock, or cunt are said, I have to say, I have the most extreme reaction to the word cunt. But why? This question bothered me all class. Why is the female expletive worse than the other taboo words of the English language? And I still haven't exactly come up with an answer that I am totally comfortable with...

 

The only thing I can think to explain it (or maybe not) is the fact that nigger and cock have grown to be used colloquially (not that I agree with the fact that it is). But the point is, you can't hear a rap song without some form of the racial slur, and African-Americans still use the term to refer to one another. As for cock, it's not as common of a word in common parlance, but I find that because I'm used to hearing the word cocky, it doesn't seem as bad for me.

 

The same doesn't hold true for cunt. Cunty doesn't mean anything. I can't say when I meet up with my girl friends that I say "Yo cunt, what's up?" But I don't know. Subconsciously, I know that that's not the real reason it bothers me. And it's more than objectifying women by using the word. There's something worse, baser at play here, and I just can't put my finger on it. 

A Call to Action

In Chapter 8, Dworkin powerfully demands a call to action in the female gender. Through the character Andrea, she communicates that "justice pushed you into a new womb and outrage, a blind fury, pushed you out of it onto this earth, this place, this zoo of sickies and sadists. You are an avenging angel; you have a debt to settle; you have a headstart on suffering" (166). These powerful lines follow a haunting description of Andrea's symbolic death comparable to the perished Jews of the Holocaust. Dworkin translates this religious discrimination, that once evoked millions of deaths, into the prevalent sexism within her "Amerika." Her rebirth following her metaphorical murder comes with a vengeance as she commits to violence for justice's sake. Her adamant repetition of "kill[ing] Nazi" represents her attempt to eradicate sexism, and more extremely men, in society.

Although Andrea's character does not act upon this urge in Chapter 8 or Chapter 9, Chapter 9 closes with a reawakened desire to violently defend her rights as an equal human being. The renewed violent promises of "I will make myself into a weapon; I will turn myself into a new kind of death, for them; I got a new revolutionary love filling my heart; the real passion; the real thing" and "Sister child, lost heart, poor girl, I'll avenge you, sister of my heart" (272) strengthen Dworkin's call to action. Through these assertions, Dworkin unites the female gender through "sister child" and "poor girl" (272) in order to create a collective revolution in redefining societal gender treatment. Furthermore, her threats grow increasingly violent. I think these bold statements foreshadow violence, and even murder, of men in the proceeding chapter. Viewing Mercy as a literary work, this action performed by women against men is necessary to develop Andrea's female character with more agency than male counterparts. This fictional murder will also serve as a catharsis for Andrea's character and womankind, allowing a template to redefine the gender constructs of society.

Words

Today's discussion about the taboos of today's english language is
something to really think hard about. I know I'm personally guilty of
using the term "pussy" and "bitch" to describe my male friends who
happen to be scared of performing a certain task. I've never honestly
been offended about the idea of this until today's conversation. I think
that was a huge factor in Andrea's use of the word "cunt" throughout
this past chapter. The use of such a strong word wakes readers up to
this idea that we are either not offended enough by rape or offended to
the point of not wanting to discuss it. The more she throws it in your
face the more she hopes to solve these issues. I also thought it was
peculiar how she relates her biggest life dreams to being associated
with that word. She seems to not be able to escape it and condemns all
women to the same life of discrimination. It does an excellent job of
waking readers up to the fact that women are forced to face such a
discriminating world and can only fight said hatred with the power of
their own voice.

Persisting Sexism

In the beginning of chapter 8, it is again reiterated that Andrea means "manhood". She is still struggling with her identity as a woman. She notes that God gave her the brains, hearts, and spirits of men implying that women are just as capable as men; however, Andrea suggests that God did this to "fuck us up". Andrea believes that in her society women must accept that they are inferior to men. For example, she says that they MUST lose to boys in games like checkers and tic-tac-toe even if they can outsmart the boys. Andrea reveals how bitter she is about this sexist distinction society follows. She hates that everyone is constantly ordering women around. Her angst is apparent when she expresses her hatred towards liberals. Her dad was a liberal and allowed Andrea to engage in stimulating conversations with him. Although she may have enjoyed these conversations with her father, she looks back with disgust because she knows the liberal mindset is not realistic. Andrea does not believe that freedom or dignity exists for women. It is especially interesting to read her feelings on sexism. Although Andrea knows she is intelligent and can make her own decisions, she is constantly under the control of men in her life. Why doesn't Andrea revolt against men more and express her true feelings out loud? It is important that Andrea has these feelings in the first place, but I believe that they need to be expressed out loud. By succumbing to society's stereotypes, nothing will ever change. 

Physical and Emotional Wounds

Today's discussion of the deeper significance of Andrea's leg wound
has me focused on the deeper meaning of this story in general. There is
a great deal of focus on the bleeding and draining and stretching and
opening of her wound. Likewise, she describes the unbearable pain and
the way movement makes the pain worse.
The bleeding and draining can represent the way that she has become
physically drained and has lost a lot of her ability to see the
difference between consensual sex and rape. She quickly loses the power
to overcome her sexual hardships and sinks further into the world of
abuse. Thus the imagery turns to a gradual opening of the wound.
Andrea's wound stretches open with each movement she makes. Thus it
relates to how with each sexual abuse experience she has throughout her
early life, the deeper the emotional wounds exist and thus the less
likely she would be to heal herself. The pain she faces is an emotional
as well as physical representation of her struggles.
However if this argument doesn't quite suit your interpretation, I
could also see how the draining and opening could relate to her letting
go of her abusive past and realizing that she will have to confront her
pain if she ever wants to become healthy.

Meme

Given our conversation in class today, I thought this was very appropriate... and quite funny. 

Human, but not really

Human, But Not Really
At one point, Andrea talks about the way the johns have prostitutes
dress and stand under the street lamps in a way that makes them look as
inhuman as possible. The idea is if you can convince yourself they are
fundamentally different from you, you have free reign to do whatever you
want to them, "human but not really." When I read this passage, a
shiver went down my spine as I realized this is precisely how I feel
women are treated in modern American society (I specify American because
in certain parts of the world, East Congo coming immediately to mind,
there is no attempt to disguise the stomach-churning abuses women are
routinely subjected to). Whenever I read a new piece of legislation
being proposed or enacted by the GOP, such as the transvaginal
ultrasound required as yet another hurdle faced by those seeking
abortions, at this point I just feel numb. How can you justify forcing
doctors to perform a patently unnecessary medical procedure involving
vaginally penetrating a woman against her will with an 8 to 10 inch wand
to show her that, my goodness, there's a fetus in your uterus! Not
only does this make it abundantly clear that legislators think women are
too stupid to know what a pregnancy is, but the law is state-sanctioned
rape of the patient and abuse of the doctor. Luckly, GOP Representative
Dana Loesch has an explanation: "Women already consented to be
penetrated once they got pregnant." I don't know about you, but I
for one am delighted to hear the rape culture narrative that only
virgins can be raped is alive and well in mainstream society!
Then, of course, we had the all-male congressional hearing where a
group of religious leaders complained about how providing comprehensive
health insurance to their female employees was a violation of their
religious freedom, going so far as to compare providing basic health
coverage to women to a kosher deli providing ham sandwiches. I found it
very interesting to note these religious leaders compared contraceptive
coverage, which Christopher Hitchens once noted is "the only known
cure for poverty," (referring only to its use to prevent unwanted or
dangerous pregnancies, although it is worth noting 58% of women using
hormonal contraception use it for at least one medical reason unrelated
to pregnancy prevention) to... a ham sandwich. One of the most important
milestones in civilization, once it empowers women... is about as
important as choosing one lunchmeat over another. Although I am aware
many religions around the world view women as second-class citizens, the
fact that these ideas are given consideration in law-making in the
United States in the year 2012 is absolutely terrifying.
November looms closer and we still have yet to hear President Obama
give a passing mention to the War on Women, not even on International
Women's Day or the anniversary of Roe v. Wade after a record number of
abortion restrictions were enacted in 2011. In 2008, he told a crowd at
a Planned Parenthood rally the very first thing he would do as president
is sign the Freedom of Choice Act... he never has, and when asked about
it simply replied it isn't a "top legislative priority." After he
was elected, he removed the section of his website pertaining to women's
reproductive rights. When Dr. George Tiller, one of the last late-term
abortion doctors in the country, was fatally shot in the eye at his
church, Obama said he was "shocked." Tiller's murder was not even
remotely shocking, not only because he had been shot twice before, but
because his murder was the inevitable result of a political climate rife
with dangerously dishonest rhetoric about abortion, its supporters, and
its opponents.
I frequently hear, "How could a feminist even CONSIDER not voting
Democrat?!" Here's the problem: Candidate A is sexist, and at worst
will not make things worse for women. Candidate B is sexist, and at best
will not make things worse for women. Women should vote for Candidate A.
I see why that makes sense. But at the same time, I have no desire to
support a candidate who uses my bodily autonomy as a political
bargaining chip. Democrats view women as "human, but not really" and
they know as long as the right is actively trying to undermine women
(whether by repealing laws protecting women from domestic violence and
sexual harrassment, enacting new ones declaring victims of gendered
crimes as "accusers" while victims of non-gendered crimes remain
"victims," playing into the demonstrably erroneous narrative that
women routinely lie about rape, despite the fact no more false rape
reports are filed than those for any other crime...) they can remain
silent and still receive our votes. Women are under the threat of losing
access to abortion if we believe so fully in our own equality and bodily
autonomy that we reject the Democratic candidate. This is ironic to the
point where it would be downright laughable if it weren't so
profoundly sad. Thus, a conundrum. The Democrats know we will keep
voting for them while they do nothing for us, because we have nowhere
else to go.
And they're right.

Andrea sticks around to endure a different kind of abuse

Chapter seven was interesting to me because I have never seen Andrea
try to impress a man so much. She cleans and scrubs the house and makes
dinners for his guests like a typical housewife should, which is so out
of character for Andrea. She wants so badly for her husband to
acknowledge her and to stop beating her. Andrea turns into that woman
that believes that one day her husband will stop hurting her and she
sticks around to see that day become reality but it never does. It's
interesting for me to see Andrea be so submissive and allow this man to
tie her up night after night and hide the abuse behind sunglasses and
never say anything to anyone about the abuse she endures. I guess from
the start of the marriage she saw her husband as someone that understood
her and someone that was "on the same team as her" and she honestly
has no one to tell that could help her. She bailed her husband out of
jail, and abides by his orders, but everyone she comes in contact with
is a companion of her husband. She talks of wanting to scream out
"help!" but knows that everyone will just laugh at her and take her
husband's side. Andrea begins to doubt herself, as many women do in
this situation. She begins to justify the abuse, stating that she must
have done something to deserve it. She begins to blame herself for it.

I don't like the Andrea that is surfacing in this chapter.
Previously, Andrea endured abuse but she seemed more in control of it.
Now that there is a deeper love connection because she is married, she
sees the abuse differently. Andrea knew with the past abusers and
rapists that it wasn't right and that she could escape it and never
see them again. Now with a husband, she finds it to be her duty as a
wife to stand by his side, clean his house for him, lie for him, and
entertain his guests in their home. I want the pro-woman Andrea back who
didn't take shit from anyone and wasn't buying into this typical
female role of the submissive house wife. It will be interesting to see
what comes of this "marriage" in the upcoming chapter because I hope
and feel that Andrea is reaching the end of her rope.