Gendered Power and Violence

            In chapter 12, Gendered Power and Violence, in the book, Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender, and Culture, by Julia T. Wood, Wood discusses gendered and sexual violence, rape, partner violence, and sexual harassment. Wood defines sexual assault as, “…any sexual activity that occurs without the informed consent of at least one of the people involved” (Wood 255). Wood explains how sexual assault is especially present on college campuses across the country. Tons of women experience unwanted sexual interactions with others during their years at college. According to Wood, there is a “rape culture” present at colleges and universities. Some females feel that certain men have sexually violated them; but are constantly questioning themselves and wonder if they were “asking for it” with a sexy outfit. Wood refers to this as “…blaming the victim: holding a person responsible for the harm that another person has inflicted” (257).  Some tend to blame rape on women because of their outfits or because of the way they were acting or dancing. Revealing clothing can provoke men; some think it is an invitation for men to take advantage of women sexually.

            Wood also discusses rape culture that is currently present in the Congo and Rwanda. Women and men are victims of rape during times of war. Some may believe that sexual violence happens often because of war.  Although men are thought to protect women, in times of war, men are more likely to target women in order to assert and prove their dominance to others. Sexual violence is a form of communication between men. I think that men have a certain motive to rape women because it communicates victory and a sense of accomplishment to their enemies. Rape can be seen as a way for men to conquer women’s bodies. I also believe that males use rape to show and prove their masculinity to other male figures. In today’s society women are normally seen as sex objects; meaning that men tend to use women for their bodies in order to demonstrate hetero-nationality.

            Wood goes on to talk about intimate partner violence; which, “is physical, mental, emotional, verbal, or economic power used by one partner against the other partner in a romantic relationship” (260.) I think it is really hard to define and recognize partner violence. Some people make excuses for their intimate partners because of how much they love their partner even if their partner is emotionally or physically abusive. Wood argues that there are a lot of differences in the type of violence committed by men and women that can occur in different types of relationships. Men tend to use physical abuse to assert their dominance and gain self-esteem. On the other hand women can emotional abuse others and can manipulate social situations in order to hurt their partner. Although intimate relationships can be very rewarding, men and women need to be careful and realize the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy relationship.

            Another part of the chapter talks about how the media has normalized sexual violence. More specifically, Wood talks about pornography and how pornography often includes violence against women. This material normally includes men emotionally and physically dominating and degrading women. Women who participate in violent pornography are normally seen enjoying this type of pain. Violent pornography can lead to men believing that women actually enjoy being taken advantage of, degraded, and physically hurt while having sexual experiences. Men who are exposed to different forms of violent pornography are more likely to believe that it is okay to rape women. I think that the pornography industry is taking advantage of women and exploiting them for their own personal gain.

            I think this chapter is very interesting. One part of the chapter that really sparked a lot of emotion for me was about violent pornography. I have done a lot of background research already about violent and rape pornography and how these videos affect men, women, and younger children. I strongly believe that there is a relationship between porn and real violence against women. I believe that rape is used for men to communicate their dominance to women and other men. Some men want to emotionally and physically dominate a woman’s body for his own personal use.  Pornography can transforms a male who was not previously interested in the more abusive types of pornography into one who is turned on by such material. I think this is a major issue that needs to be addressed and explored. Is it safe for women to be participating in rape and violent pornography? Exposure to this type of porn can lead men to want to try some of the behaviors depicted.

            I want to ask the class if they think there is a relationship between porn and real violence against women. Do you think men who have had more exposure to sexual violent pornography videos are more likely to act out their sexual desires to rape a woman? More and more men and women believe that it is “okay” to engage in forceful sexual activities, do you think that the media has any influence on this belief?