Thanks to those who responded to my previous email (sharing an experience).
I am glad that we can use this listserv as a forum for these issues. Like
Marnie, I was taken aback by Bob's response, although I know it was not
written with ill intent. I would like to hear more about the frustration
with "trying ... to connect with women". That could be a discussion in
itself! Why for art this frustration?
Anyway, I think I'll take the self-defense route, as I am moving to an even
larger city this week. It is a shame that one must take such drastic
measures to enjoy simple pleasures... After hearing about the student in
Colorado, i now feel lucky. Aside from this kind of news bringing great
sorrow, it makes me want to HATE. But I must choose LOVE because that's what
the world needs to change, right?
Questions:
***How do these particular men justify their actions? Where do they get the
nerve?***
They must assume it is their right to verbally, physically, or visually
consume women. I attended a presentation by Carol Smith called "The Sexual
Politics of Meat" (also her book title) a while ago. She had a fascinating
perspective on the objectification of women in our society. We buy and
consume meat in flanks, ribs, legs, and gizzards, totally separate from the
whole animal. (I even know people who cannot stand bone or vein or skin
connected to their meat.) Just as it is comfortable for us to eat animals in
spiritless parts, we (as a society) consume women in the same way. Perfect
lips, eyes, breasts of women are used in advertising to sell products. What
we do not want are the wrinkles, the unseemly hair, the fat, the blemishes -
anything that we might recognize as HUMAN.
***Can most injustice be attributed to speciesism?*** If certain living
beings (whether it be women, native americans, african americans, plants or
animals) aren't seen as being human, doesn't that justify ANY actions taken
against them, even genocide, slavery and rape? Isn't this how our society
treats the earth?
Our relationship with nature permeates our society. In the US, that
relationship is abusive and exploitative. Ecofeminism recognizes the strong
connection between women and nature, whether 'natural' or socially
constructed, and this can be used as a tool for empowerment and change. Can
we solve problems like rape by promoting respect for the earth?
Thoughtfully,
Deana
Another little side story...
I met a man once who talked about golf. He compared courses in Europe and
America. He said that in Europe the courses were wild as compared to those
in the US, where the courses are very clean and pampered, no weeds or brown
spots to get in the way of the *ball*. (I have heard that women in Europe
don't shave their legs.) I almost blurted out sarcastically, "I'll bet
that's how you like your women"! But this was a friend's father and I didn't
want to start a fight. This is also the same (divorced) man who had earlier
talked about his various girlfriends and which one he wanted to see that
night, like he was thinking about what to have for dinner.
