[Winona Online Democracy]
1.) Dwayne, the
first commercial or movie to portray violence against a women (in a
humorous vein) would be met with a firestorm of protest. But, society
has no problem teaching young girls that it is okay to cause extreme
pain to a
boy for little or no reason because she has seen it happen so often and
everyone thought it was funny.
So on America's Funniest Home Videos, let's try showing a woman on her
knees in extreme pain, clutching her crotch, after being head butted
by a toddler ( as in a Dairy Queen commercial). Would that fit your
term of "low kind of humor" or would a different term would be more
appropriate?
Male bashing is considered good sport in this world. Yes Dwayne, I do
think there is a real social problem here that spills over to custody
rights and false charges against fathers.
The Respect my Testicles and the I Love my Vagina buttons
would be equally effective. Very little. Carrie's button may not be
intended as
a joke but I fail to see how it will be effective. Her button is
intended, I think, to modify the behavior or thinking of offending
individuals. The message will be lost on those and unnecessary for
those of us
that respect and honor women.
2.)
Would you admit there is a difference in how our society treats and
views the male and female bodies? What is considered off limits or
shameful?
Yes there is a difference in how society treats and views the male and
female bodies. After all, they are different. Can you be more specific?
Off limits? Shameful? The Supreme Court has struggled with that issue.
I don't think I
could add much.
3. Do you see any connection between domestic violence and the silence and
shame that have traditionally surrounded the female body and gender roles?
I don't agree with your premise of silence and shame surrounding the
female body and gender roles. Perhaps you could expand on that Dwayne.
I'm not sure what you are referring to.
Bottom line. If Carrie enjoys wearing her button I'm happy for her. But
I don't think it will change any hearts or prevent any negative
behavior. A boy wearing my button will likely be arrested for sexual
harassment because it will be offensive to someone. A gender role
difference?
Terry Angst
Dwayne Voegeli wrote:
[Winona Online Democracy]
Terry, you offer a very valid question.
It fast forwards us right into the thick of things.
Free speech, democracy, responsibility, etc. are tricky things with
slippery slopes galore.
Again, not a place for people who want or need simple black and white lines.
Here are some follow up questions to your question:
1. Do you think there is a legitimate and serious reason for a "Respect My
Testicles" button? Beyond a low kind of humor, which is found on many
t-shirts today, is there a deeper purpose or real social problem the
message is trying to make people aware of or help solve? Put another way,
is the button you described simply trying to make people laugh or is it
trying to make people aware of a serious problem? The button that Carrie
is wearing is not a joke.
2. Would you admit there is a difference in how our society treats and
views the male and female bodies? What is considered off limits or
shameful?
3. Do you see any connection between domestic violence and the silence and
shame that have traditionally surrounded the female body and gender roles?
Dwayne Voegeli
April 24, 2005
------
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 11:32:39 -0500
From: Terry Angst <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: online democracy <[email protected]>
Subject: [Winona] freedom of speech for males
[Winona Online Democracy]
Given all the ridicule, violence, and pain inflicted on males on the
screen and television, (groin kicks) I would not be surprised if some
Winona High boys decided to wear "Respect My Testicles" buttons. And to
avoid any confusion with parts of an octopus, perhaps a vague sketch in
the background.
My guess is that the freedom of _expression_ and speech that has been
hardily endorsed and defended so far in this thread, would end when it
became a masculine issue.
Terry Angst
------------
Dwayne Voegeli
Winona County Commissioner
(507) 453-9012
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
359 Pleasant Hill Dr.
Winona, MN 55987
------------
_______________________________________________
This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy
All messages must be signed by the senders actual name.
No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list.
To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit
http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona
Any problems or suggestions can be directed to
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at
http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
|
_______________________________________________
This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy
All messages must be signed by the senders actual name.
No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list.
To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit
http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona
Any problems or suggestions can be directed to
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at
http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
