Getting into the Trenches: Staying with the Fight

“If you’re going through hell, keep going,” my best and forever-friend, Sarah, said to me, quoting Winston Churchill.  This woman has been instrumental in supporting me throughout our evolving feminisms together.  The benefit of such a wonderful and intimate friendship is that I never feel guilty about telling her that things are not going well, and it is often the case that I hang up the phone with her feeling much better.  In the context of the conversation in which she quoted Churchill, she was reminding me to stay the course in the multiple dimensions of my life that sometimes feel groundless.  In future posts and right now, I would like to underscore the importance of having woman friends.  I would not be where I am without throwing an estro-jam with other strong ladies!  And, the message I want to send out to the universe today is to keep going.

There’s a documentary out now in select cities about Anita Hill, and she recently did a “Feministing Five” interview with the Feministing blog.  In response to the question of the greatest challenge facing feminism today, Hill explained:

“Now we’ve got to do the real hard work of making sure that bias is not built into our institutions and so on the surface things may look fine but now we gotta get down to the hard work of clearing out all of that old baggage from how decisions are made in ways that favor men and how do we look at how equality or inequality is experienced in our day-to-day lives as opposed to thinking of equality as something abstract.”

Hill warns against getting into a position of complacency in thinking that we can just sue whoever discriminates or harasses us.  Indeed, though there may be policies and procedures based on legislation to address gender-based offenses, the actual practice is a different matter.  We can see this in the myriad of Title IX complaints coming from all over the country of how colleges and universities handle complaints of rape and sexual assault. 

On a side note, I debated with myself for a long time about whether or not to talk about the Title IX complaint I filed this year in this post.  Sometimes the hierarchical nature of academia seems incongruent with the examination of power structures, and I worried that because I had not reached an upper-echelon of my career (or at the very least finished my doctorate), my disclosure may seem “inappropriate.”  However, in truly acting in accordance with my values, my intuition tells me that my transparency is more powerful than my silence.

After a rather disturbing class period, which was preceded by less intense but also disturbing class periods, I submitted a complaint for discrimination and harassment based on Title IX.  Though I will not be going into detail in this post on the nature of the complaint, I want to highlight certain aspects of my journey that have had a profound impact on where I am right now.

First, equality is not an overnight phenomenon.  My complaint was filed in October, and I am still in a back-and-forth on the matter.  When we commit to challenge and change something, we have to be prepared to be in it for the long haul.  Even though we get frustrated that people simply do not “catch up,” our patience and mindfulness allow us to stay in the moment for much longer. 

Second, we have to be aware of and open to neutral and negative reactions from others, even those we feel close to.  Over the past few months, I have fluctuated from being overly argumentative, disengaged, depressed, invigorated, etc.  Most of my friends stayed with me and rode those waves, but the time was not without isolation, alienation, and feelings of betrayal.  Though awareness may not prevent these feelings, it is helpful to know what to expect.

Third, we must use our resources.  I would not have gotten as far as I have without friends who were willing to offer legal advice, legal aid services, and websites catered to this particular problem (www.knowyourix.org).  In addition to these more instrumental forms of support, I also had a number of people, men and women, who were in my corner. 

The concept of social support brings me to my next point: thank people for hanging in there with us.  Express gratitude to those who hear and stay up-to-date with what we are going through. 

My final point is to keep going.  One-time protests can have a powerful impact, but staying in the trenches day-to-day and holding others accountable is really where change resides.  Keep checking in.  Keep connecting with people.  Keep filling out the paperwork and forms.  Keep writing letters.  Keep up with your friends.  Keep up with taking care of yourself.  Keep the goal of equality close to you, especially when it feels far away.

Written by Teresa Young

Why we objectify and self-objectify?

In my previous post, I wrote about the theoretical perspective(s) of objectification and self-objectification and their potential preventive and treatment mechanisms. In this essay, I focus on the factors contributing to objectification and self–objectification. In general, objectification theorists do not try to explain why objectification occurs, but rather take it as “given that [individuals] exist in a culture in which their bodies are – for whatever reason – looked at, evaluated, and always potentially objectified” (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997, p. 177). The importance that bodies or collection of body parts have are provided within social and cultural context; and consequently message about the importance of bodies or collection of body parts have are constructed through sociocultural interactions.

One of the venues where objectification occurs is in interpersonal and social interactions. Many of us have been the recipients of some sort of sexual “gaze” and/or “leer” (i.e., cultural practices of sexual objectification). Supposedly, women are more gazed at and looked at compared to their male counterparts and can often be accompanied by sexually evaluative commentary. Evidence suggested that the gaze from a member of a different sex may have differential effects on individuals. For example, if females anticipate a male’s gaze, they are more negatively affected compared to women who anticipated a female’s gaze. In addition, women who anticipated a female’s gaze have experienced less shame and social physique anxiety.

The second venue where objectification can be experienced is in visual media that portray interpersonal and social interactions. Women are more likely than men to be monitored by others when looking off into a distance, daydreaming, or otherwise mentally drifting (Goffman, 1979).

Probably the most harmful way that we experience objectification gaze is through visual media depicting bodies and body parts where sexual gazing is implicit. Meaning that looking at ones’ intimate body parts can occur unconsciously. This sexual gazing is not limited to pornography only, but also to films, artwork, advertisements, television programs, fashion, beauty and fitness magazines, and photography. The mass media, including television, fashion, and beauty magazines, often portrays a thin, lean, and “ideal” female body. As a result, many women, and to lesser extent men, are subjected to pressure to keep up with what society suggests – thus wanting to have an “ideal” physique. Any deviation from the stereotypical ideal may be considered bad or not normal. As a consequence, many people are dissatisfied or unhappy with their body, especially with their weight and size. The mass media is one of the most influential factors to body-dissatisfaction. In particular, fashion, beauty and fitness magazines, such as Cosmopolitan, Glamour, People, Women’s Health, Man’s Health, Man’s Fitness, Maxim, and Esquire, have been a leading source in disseminating the thin ideal for women and a lean muscular ideal for men. For example, exposure to fashion and beauty magazines correlated with trait and state self-objectification, body-dissatisfaction, symptoms of eating disorders, other psychological and health related issues.

As mentioned in my previous post, engagement in physical activity and exercise in one of potential preventive and treatment mechanisms for objectification and self-objectification. Many people are aware of a wide variety of physical and psychological benefits of regular exercise and physical activity, including physical and mental or psychological benefits. Despite the wide range of benefits of physical activity and exercise, millions of U.S. adults remain essentially sedentary (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007). Although much is known about these positive effects of exercise, they are not universal. For example, motivation and the exercise environment can impact whether exercise acts as a buffer for body image. For example, if someone exercises for health, endurance, and fitness-related reasons, that person has higher chances to experience the benefits. On the other hand, if someone exercises to look good and mainly for the appearance-related reasons (e.g., weight control, body tone, attractiveness, and cosmetic outcomes), it is more likely that this person experiences poor body image, disordered eating, and body-dissatisfaction. It is also interesting that individuals who exercise to address objectification concerns are more likely to exercise for appearance-related reasons that have been linked to poor body image and disordered eating. As such, the previously mentioned exercise benefits for these individuals do not translate into increased body- and self-esteem, body-satisfaction, or increased psychological well-being. On the other hand, people who do not view exercise as addressing self-objectification concerns exercised more for the intrinsic value of the exercise (e.g., health benefits, fitness, and diseases). Perhaps it is possible that the individuals who exercise for appearance-related reasons are doing so as a reaction to low body-esteem and high self-objectification. It is also possible that exercising in response to low body-esteem contributes to an increase likelihood of self-objectification. More research is needed in order to answer this and questions alike.

Whether individuals experience negative exercise effects does not depend only on one’s motives for exercise, but also on the exercise environment. For example, exercising in the fitness center environment has been shown to be positively correlated with self-objectification concerns, disordered eating, and excessive weight loss. Fitness facilities are venues where people usually engage in health-benefiting exercise behaviors. In this setting, the body is often an individual’s central focus and one which lends itself to seeing the body as an object that can be trimmed, shaped, refined, and buffered via appropriate exercise protocols. Moreover, people are surrounded by mirrors in which they are likely to observe themselves and others in revealing clothing; fitness facilities often display posters of ideal bodies and body builders, which might have an adverse impact on exercisers. This suggests that fitness center facilities may serve as an objectified environment.

The above mentioned factors do not explain why people objectify and self-objectify, but rather contribute to these experiences. Future research and discussions should focus on answering the question “Why one’s body is reduced to its parts?” for which some preliminary evidence has been shown by Gervais and her colleagues (2013).

Written by Urska Dobersek

Thoughts of being an Ally

Recently, I began to dive into Black Feminist literature since my qualifying exam (my university’s milestone to becoming a doctoral candidate) is creeping closer and closer.  My dissertation will focus on Black women’s experiences accessing therapy, and I felt I had only scratched the surface of immersing myself in Black Feminist Theory.  This immersion has garnered several reactions.  First of all, why have I not encountered this literature in my ‘routine’ feminist readings?  I have been simultaneously over and under-whelmed by my descent into Black Feminist literature.  On the one hand, I am aghast that I this literature is not as ‘mainstream’ as other feminist literature.  In my privileged status as a White woman, it had not occurred to me so saliently before that so much of our feminist literature is White.  Particularly as a White woman, my privilege has served as a blind spot to recognizing the marginalization of Black Feminist Theory.  Once I embraced Black Feminist Theory though, the sidelining became difficult to ignore.  For instance, at a recent conference, I attended a presentation on Black Feminist Theory, and I was frantically writing down citation after citation of authors I was unfamiliar with (though the presenters spoke of these authors with great familiarity). 

Regarding my feelings of under-whelm (not really a word, but appropriate), my second reaction is that much of the research literature I have found is dated, except a handful of unpublished dissertation work.  As my passion for Black Feminist Theory is mounting, I keep hoping that I will suddenly use the correct search terms in the database and magically uncover a wealth of current Black Feminist Theory literature.  However, I am arriving closer and closer to the realization that such as wealth does not exist.  Instead, a dearth of research exists. 

Third, as I manage my guilt as a White feminist for not noticing certain blind spots and sadness that Black women have been further oppressed in that way, I am becoming further empowered and motivated as a White ally to Black women.  How can I use my White privilege to further the recognition of Black Feminist Theory?  Additionally, how can I as a White woman employ Black Feminist Theory in my research, advocacy, and clinical work?  Currently, my role as an ally is clearer regarding research and advocacy.  My clinical implementation of Black Feminist Theory seems more ambiguous, though I hope through my dissertation research to gain more knowledge and enhance my personal growth as an ally-identified clinician. 

As I feel my passion well in my heart and soul for the advancement of Black women, I am excited that I have been able to route my frustration and guilt into intentional action.  Intentional action is the crux of being an ally.  Otherwise, I am simply participating in the “armchair revolution” (the progressive elite’s discussion and inaction about injustice).  In closing, I am fortunate to have a strong, feminist network around me to help guide me out of my armchair revolution and into purposeful ally work as a White woman.  I hope to receive both encouragement and challenge from this network to pace and guide my personal growth.  I invite you personally to both encourage and challenge my never-ending growth as an ally.

Written by Katy Haynes Owen, M.Ed.

Celebrating Our She-roes: Tavi Gevinson

It’s Women’s History Month and I can’t help but recall Maya Angelou’s famous quotation: “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”  Oftentimes, our she-roes are from bygone generations—trailblazers that came before and changed how we perceive and relate to the word around us.  Sometimes, however, she-roes emerge who are younger, and yet possess an expansive vision that can shift the cultural, social, or political dialogue in ways as of yet unseen.  Tavi Gevinson, the wunderkind fashion blogger and founder of Rookie Magazine is a She-ro certainly worth celebrating. 

At the tender age of 17, Gevinson has achieved international notoriety for ingeniously synchronizing fashion and feminism in her online publication.  With contributions from icons across the pop stratosphere (Judy Blume, Lorde, Ira Glass, Jean Grae, and Joss Whedon to name a few) Tavi and her team fulfill the critical role of providing sharp, worldly, and approachable content focused on issues impacting teenage girls and women.  Written in large part by young women, Rookie unpacks the adolescent experience in ways that don’t require near-impenetrable jargon (think “intersectionality”) to comprehend.  For example, each month’s “issue” has a theme; February 2014’s theme was “Escape” and featured articles on topics such as eating disorders, shame, and dying.   “Self-loathing is easy, once you get the hang of it,” wrote one contributor. “I was convinced that I was ugly and gross and that nobody would ever love, because I didn’t look like I’d just stepped out of a magazine.”  The author then shares several techniques that worked for her in processing her feelings of self-loathing, such as reframing her thoughts. 

Have no fear—not everything is heavy in Rookieland.  Readers (insiders call themselves ROOKIES) can enjoy more lighthearted fare (“DIY Pizza nail polish”) relish in inspiring stories of overcoming adversity (“I was a High School Dropout: A Non-Horror Story”) and maybe pick up some unconventional wisdom from the popular “Ask a Grown Man/Woman” column.  Perhaps it is because its diversity of content, seamlessly woven together, that Rookie has struck such an impressive chord.  Just as likely, Rookie’s surprising success maybe founded on its proffered sense of ownership.  “Hey ROOKIES!,” a sidebar reads, “Next month’s theme is LOST AND FOUND. We’re looking for writing, illustration, photography, video, collage, etc., on things we have lost and times we’ve been found; on being independent vs. asking for help; on solitude, pros and cons; shyness and the conquering of same; misanthropy and empathy and love and how they can coexist. On everything that makes us feel less alone in this world.”  A link to the submissions email address follows, allowing readers to shape the magazine’s thrice-a-day content updates (labeled “after school, before dinner, and before bed”).

Naturally, Tavi Gevinson and Rookie have drawn their fair share of criticism.  Detractors complain of the magazine’s pronounced nostalgia, its fixation on image, and its sponsorships from oft-questionable corps such as Urban Outfitters.  Yet, despite these shortcomings, Tavi has created a platform that undeniably counteracts some of the degrading and objectifying elements of pop culture while still embracing its more positive, expressive qualities.  Her vision, inclusivity, and courage to shed light on the experience of growing up female are, in the words of Dr. Angelou, cause for recognition and celebration.

Written by Rachel L. Brosamle, M.A.

It’s That Time of Year Again…

Awards season is upon us again, and as we celebrate the previous year in film, music and television, the red carpet attire invades the front page. As I attempt to read the newspaper online or look on my newsfeed, I am bombarded with images asking me to vote for which actress looks better. As a woman, I have grown accustomed to receiving messages regarding my body, clothes and overall appearance. However, it never ceases to amaze me how much these messages increase during this time of year. News outlets that discuss the War on Terror and the situation in Syria quickly rescind these stories to focus on which actress wore whose designs the previous evening. Throughout the multitude of comments I have seen regarding the gown the actress wore, I find myself overwhelmed with information regarding the actresses’ appearance in the dress. Journalists question these women regarding the amount of time spent getting ready, the diet trends being utilized and if the actress is wearing spanx or other shaping material under their clothes. Perhaps, even more appalling, is the comparison of “who wore it better.” Through this, journalists question which actresses look better is a specific color or dress style. Although female attire can typically be far more varied and adorned then males, men are almost never compared based upon their appearance. In fact, men who are asked similar questions to their female counterparts are often appalled and taken aback by the questions they are receiving. A recent interview conducted with Kevin Spacey found the actor speechless as he was asked questions such as “what time did you get up this morning to get ready?”

Feminist researchers and theorists have been discussing the importance of societal pressure on the female body since its inception. Recently, women have begun to stand up against these perceptions of the body. Famous female voices have begun to speak toward having healthier views of the body. Through this, women across the world are beginning to hear new views and perceptions of what women should be. Despite all of this, our media is still displaying women as objects rather than people. As women, we become models for clothing lines, a hanger in which to display artifacts being sold. Today, a size ten, the average size of women in the United States, is considered plus sized for models. Through these media messages, our view of women is altered. By acknowledging this information, we can hopefully begin to alter the media’s portrayal of women toward the positive.

Written by Emily L. Barnum, M.A.