Social Justice Social & Last Chance to See
October 18th, 6pm, Amy's Apartment
Join Just Read for a social and movie night. We'll be watching Last Chance to See, about the crisis of endangered species. Reading is optional for this event, but the articles could provide some good background.
Bird of Doom (pdf)
Biodiversity Conservation and the Millennium Development Goals (pdf)
Loss of biodiversity threatens livelihoods of world's poorest
Discussion Questions:
1. How does one balance sustaining human life and interests with that of endangered species?
2. How can we address human vs. nature dualism, or the idea that human life is separate from the natural world? To what extent are social and environmental issues part of a larger system?
3. How do we market biodiversity protection? Beyond the Cuteness Doctrine, what about species that are not inherently likable?
4. Sustainability has a reputation for being a movement for the privileged, however poverty is closely linked to environmental problems and biodiversity loss. How can we balance these needs? To what extent is it true that placing an emphasis on preserving nature can hurt the economic development of impoverished people?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
10/15 US v. John Brown
United States v. John Brown
October 15th, 7pm, Missouri Theater
Meet outside at 6:45, followed by discussion at Kaldi's coffee
John Brown, renowned 19th Century Abolitionist, led a raid on the pro-slavery settlement of Pottawatomie Creek in the Kansas Territory on May 24, 1856. Five men were dragged from their homes and murdered during the raid. Brown was never tried for these crimes. Until now. Please join us as a jury of your peers decides: was John Brown a freedom loving patriot who wanted equality for all men or was he full of hatred and desire to strike terror in the hearts of his countrymen?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168233997328&index=1
John Brown Background
John Brown's Body Hymn
Discussion Questions
1. Can the impact of acts of terror justify their usage in pursuit of higher goals?
2. How do we historicize activism?
3. What are the connections between this and current violent movements? Is the use of violence contextualized by situation?
4. In circumstances of extremely violent oppression, is the use of force permissible? Laudable? Effectual? Can conditions of extremely violent oppression only be effectively undermined by the use of force?
5. If violence is ever appropriate, how do you negotiate such a question of propriety? Is the use of force a concession to the inherently flawed 'ends justify the means' methodology?
6. Is abhorrence of violent activism a product of privilege?
October 15th, 7pm, Missouri Theater
Meet outside at 6:45, followed by discussion at Kaldi's coffee
John Brown, renowned 19th Century Abolitionist, led a raid on the pro-slavery settlement of Pottawatomie Creek in the Kansas Territory on May 24, 1856. Five men were dragged from their homes and murdered during the raid. Brown was never tried for these crimes. Until now. Please join us as a jury of your peers decides: was John Brown a freedom loving patriot who wanted equality for all men or was he full of hatred and desire to strike terror in the hearts of his countrymen?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168233997328&index=1
John Brown Background
John Brown's Body Hymn
Discussion Questions
1. Can the impact of acts of terror justify their usage in pursuit of higher goals?
2. How do we historicize activism?
3. What are the connections between this and current violent movements? Is the use of violence contextualized by situation?
4. In circumstances of extremely violent oppression, is the use of force permissible? Laudable? Effectual? Can conditions of extremely violent oppression only be effectively undermined by the use of force?
5. If violence is ever appropriate, how do you negotiate such a question of propriety? Is the use of force a concession to the inherently flawed 'ends justify the means' methodology?
6. Is abhorrence of violent activism a product of privilege?
Monday, October 5, 2009
October Events
October Events:
Sustain Mizzou Food Drive
October 12th-16th
United States v. John Brown
October 15th, 7pm, Missouri Theater
John Brown, renowned 19th Century Abolitionist, led a raid on the pro-slavery settlement of Pottawatomie Creek in the Kansas Territory on May 24, 1856. Five men were dragged from their homes and murdered during the raid. Brown was never tried for these crimes. Until now. Please join us as a jury of your peers decides: was John Brown a freedom loving patriot who wanted equality for all men or was he full of hatred and desire to strike terror in the hearts of his countrymen?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168233997328&index=1
Social Justice Social & Last Chance to See
October 18th, 6pm, Amy's Apartment
Join Just Read for a social and movie night. We'll be watching Last Chance to See, about the crisis of endangered species. Hosted by Stephen Fry!
Voices Documentary
October 21st, 7pm, Chamber Aud
“Voices” is a documentary featuring stories of survivors of relationship and sexual violence. The documentary was a collaborative effort between the Stephens College film department and the Shelter. This film is a very emotional and graphic retelling of actual events in women’s lives. Panel discussion will follow.
Sustain Mizzou Food Drive
October 12th-16th
United States v. John Brown
October 15th, 7pm, Missouri Theater
John Brown, renowned 19th Century Abolitionist, led a raid on the pro-slavery settlement of Pottawatomie Creek in the Kansas Territory on May 24, 1856. Five men were dragged from their homes and murdered during the raid. Brown was never tried for these crimes. Until now. Please join us as a jury of your peers decides: was John Brown a freedom loving patriot who wanted equality for all men or was he full of hatred and desire to strike terror in the hearts of his countrymen?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168233997328&index=1
Social Justice Social & Last Chance to See
October 18th, 6pm, Amy's Apartment
Join Just Read for a social and movie night. We'll be watching Last Chance to See, about the crisis of endangered species. Hosted by Stephen Fry!
Voices Documentary
October 21st, 7pm, Chamber Aud
“Voices” is a documentary featuring stories of survivors of relationship and sexual violence. The documentary was a collaborative effort between the Stephens College film department and the Shelter. This film is a very emotional and graphic retelling of actual events in women’s lives. Panel discussion will follow.
Friday, September 11, 2009
September Event Update
We have some awesome social justice opportunities coming up! Please join us if you can, and spread the word!
Thursday, Sept 17th- Take Back the Night!, Stotler Lounge
6:30-7 Rally 7-7:30 March
Just Read Portion: 7:30-8:30 - Coffee and Discussion/Debriefing @ Memorial Union Cafe (this is the same time as the speak out, if you wanted to attend that)
Take Back the Night is a national movement created to raise awareness about violence against women in our society. At the rally, keynote speaker, Kelley Lucero, with The Shelter will share her story. Following this, we will storm the streets as we march through campus raising awareness and visibility! To conclude the evening, there will be a Speak-Out to give survivors of rape and sexual assault a chance to speak out about their experiences. Join us as we shatter the silence to end the violence!
Monday, Sept 28th - Kristen's Story
7pm, Jess Aud
Just Read portion: directly following speaker - Discussion @ location TBA (Berg? It's close.)
"Kristin's Story" is a mother's tale of her daughter's rape and subsequent suicide. A vibrant 20-year-old, Kristin, committed suicide shortly after she was raped by a friend in 1995. Her mother, Andrea Cooper, now shares her daughter’s tragedy with college students across the country in order to educate and inspire others to get help.
-Stephen Fry's Secret Life of a Manic Depressive
-Stephen Fry's Last Chance to See
MORE TO COME - Also, add your own stuff to the list. :)
Thursday, Sept 17th- Take Back the Night!, Stotler Lounge
6:30-7 Rally 7-7:30 March
Just Read Portion: 7:30-8:30 - Coffee and Discussion/Debriefing @ Memorial Union Cafe (this is the same time as the speak out, if you wanted to attend that)
Take Back the Night is a national movement created to raise awareness about violence against women in our society. At the rally, keynote speaker, Kelley Lucero, with The Shelter will share her story. Following this, we will storm the streets as we march through campus raising awareness and visibility! To conclude the evening, there will be a Speak-Out to give survivors of rape and sexual assault a chance to speak out about their experiences. Join us as we shatter the silence to end the violence!
Monday, Sept 28th - Kristen's Story
7pm, Jess Aud
Just Read portion: directly following speaker - Discussion @ location TBA (Berg? It's close.)
"Kristin's Story" is a mother's tale of her daughter's rape and subsequent suicide. A vibrant 20-year-old, Kristin, committed suicide shortly after she was raped by a friend in 1995. Her mother, Andrea Cooper, now shares her daughter’s tragedy with college students across the country in order to educate and inspire others to get help.
Erin and I are also compiling a list of documentaries we'd like to watch. Let us know if you're interested, and we can find days that work for everyone.
-Stephen Fry's Secret Life of a Manic Depressive
-Stephen Fry's Last Chance to See
MORE TO COME - Also, add your own stuff to the list. :)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Peer Education Resource
Remember that time I gushed about what an amazing conference Meeting of the Minds is? WELL NOW YOU CAN SHARE IN THE JOY.
MoM has posted all the presentations and outlines from each speaker on their website. Definitely look at Alan Berkowitz's stuff, but there is a lot of great material there. You might even find some particularly well crafted outlines on the topics of LGBTQ Suicide Prevention and the intersectsions of Mental Health, Alcohol, and Tobacco.
http://mom.missouri.edu/schedule.html
If you are a peer educator, or any of their covered topics are something you are interested in, I definitely reccomend attending next sping.
MoM has posted all the presentations and outlines from each speaker on their website. Definitely look at Alan Berkowitz's stuff, but there is a lot of great material there. You might even find some particularly well crafted outlines on the topics of LGBTQ Suicide Prevention and the intersectsions of Mental Health, Alcohol, and Tobacco.
http://mom.missouri.edu/schedule.html
If you are a peer educator, or any of their covered topics are something you are interested in, I definitely reccomend attending next sping.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
District 9
Friday! Sci Fi! Social Justice! Yes!
If you'd like some background, check out these articles:
Living Apart: South Africa Under Apartheid
District 6 Museum
**Immigrants in South Africa deal with hostility, xenophobia (video)
Xenophobia in South Africa
LA Times on District 9
If you'd like some background, check out these articles:
Living Apart: South Africa Under Apartheid
District 6 Museum
**Immigrants in South Africa deal with hostility, xenophobia (video)
Xenophobia in South Africa
LA Times on District 9
Friday, July 24, 2009
7/30 Mental Illness in the Media
Mental Illness in the Media
July 30th, 7pm Ellis Library 3G61
Please read the NAMI article, and then pick a few articles from each category.
Facts:
**What is mental Illness – NAMI
Half of Us (Specifically aimed towards college students)
Stigma:
Called Manic Depression or Bipolar Disorder Stigma Persists
No Halloween Psychos
Black Men and Depression (video)
ZAMBIA: Mental illness sufferers shunned and isolated
Parallels Between Mental Illness and Sexual Violence Advocacy
Pop Culture/Media:
Target Women: Medicine (video)
Blogging Against Disablism: Bloody Torchwood
Harry Potter & Mental Illness
Britney Spears, Mental Illness and the Tabloids
Just Watch (pop culture):
Wednesday July 29th, 6pm-11, Amy's Apartment
This is a list of episodes I think would be good examples, all are about an hour long. We don't have to watch everything, whatever people are interested in or what we have time for.
Torchwood: Adrift
Monk: Mr Monk Takes His Medicine
Mental: Manic at the Disco
The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive (Stephen Fry)
House: Simple Explanation
Discussion Questions:
1. What are the stereotypes you have heard associated with mental illness? Does society have varying levels of “acceptability” for different mental illnesses? In what ways is this stigma perpetuated?
2. What are common themes about mental illness in the media? How realistic is it? How do these portrayals increase/decrease stigma?
3. Telling real life stories of mental illness is theoretically one way to combat stigma. How important/effective do you think this approach is? How does it change your perception of someone to learn that they have a mental illness?
4. How might these stereotypes affect people's willingness to seek help?
5. What role does mental health play in our individual fields? How does it related to education, feminism, genocide, sustainability, etc?
6. Working with social justice issues can take an emotional toll, or cause burn out. What can we do for self-care?
July 30th, 7pm Ellis Library 3G61
Please read the NAMI article, and then pick a few articles from each category.
Facts:
**What is mental Illness – NAMI
Half of Us (Specifically aimed towards college students)
Stigma:
Called Manic Depression or Bipolar Disorder Stigma Persists
No Halloween Psychos
Black Men and Depression (video)
ZAMBIA: Mental illness sufferers shunned and isolated
Parallels Between Mental Illness and Sexual Violence Advocacy
Pop Culture/Media:
Target Women: Medicine (video)
Blogging Against Disablism: Bloody Torchwood
Harry Potter & Mental Illness
Britney Spears, Mental Illness and the Tabloids
Just Watch (pop culture):
Wednesday July 29th, 6pm-11, Amy's Apartment
This is a list of episodes I think would be good examples, all are about an hour long. We don't have to watch everything, whatever people are interested in or what we have time for.
Torchwood: Adrift
Monk: Mr Monk Takes His Medicine
Mental: Manic at the Disco
The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive (Stephen Fry)
House: Simple Explanation
Discussion Questions:
1. What are the stereotypes you have heard associated with mental illness? Does society have varying levels of “acceptability” for different mental illnesses? In what ways is this stigma perpetuated?
2. What are common themes about mental illness in the media? How realistic is it? How do these portrayals increase/decrease stigma?
3. Telling real life stories of mental illness is theoretically one way to combat stigma. How important/effective do you think this approach is? How does it change your perception of someone to learn that they have a mental illness?
4. How might these stereotypes affect people's willingness to seek help?
5. What role does mental health play in our individual fields? How does it related to education, feminism, genocide, sustainability, etc?
6. Working with social justice issues can take an emotional toll, or cause burn out. What can we do for self-care?
Monday, July 20, 2009
Transcultural Memory
I just read this blog about "Transcultural Memory" and it poses this question:
In an age of globalization, is it still possible to speak of local and national memory, or do the local and national always exist in implicit and explicit dialogue with the transnational? cCheck this link out and share your thoughs and think about the meeting when we talked about culture appropriation.
Topic Follow-Ups
People have been sending me some great articles on previous topics that I want to share!
Environmental Justice:
Greening the Internet: How much CO2 does this article produce?
Karma Credits
Legal Justice for Rape Victims/Rape Culture:
California officer admits to sexual assault while on duty
Why Do We Rape, Kill and Sleep Around?
Potter Fans for Social Justice!
Environmental Justice:
Greening the Internet: How much CO2 does this article produce?
Karma Credits
Legal Justice for Rape Victims/Rape Culture:
California officer admits to sexual assault while on duty
Why Do We Rape, Kill and Sleep Around?
Potter Fans for Social Justice!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
feminine hygiene products & justice
The disposable hygiene products used during menstruation are a great example of the connections between environmental justice, health, and feminism.
From the feminist perspective, these disposal products are sold to women by convincing them that their menstrual cycle and vagina is dirty and needs to be cleaned up. In reality, women are exposing themselves to harmful chemicals (like dioxin) and risking their health in the pursuit of "cleanliness".
This is a great article on the health and environmental effects of these products, as well as alternatives: Green Your Period
From the feminist perspective, these disposal products are sold to women by convincing them that their menstrual cycle and vagina is dirty and needs to be cleaned up. In reality, women are exposing themselves to harmful chemicals (like dioxin) and risking their health in the pursuit of "cleanliness".
This is a great article on the health and environmental effects of these products, as well as alternatives: Green Your Period
Thursday, July 16, 2009
7/23 Colonialism
RESCHEDULED for August 6th
Colonialism is complex. It's more than facts or figures, it's much more about emotions than it is about economics.
Colonialism is complex. It's more than facts or figures, it's much more about emotions than it is about economics.
I tried to choose the articles below as carefully as possible to let you understand colonialism, and be able to apply it to yourselves.
You don't have to read all of them, but please do read this section from Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (esp. that last paragraph):
It is very important to know the difference between colonialism and imperialism. This article is a good summary of Lenin's take on Imperialism, which is a better example than either Hobson or Schumpeter IMO.
Just read the 3 pages on Lenin, you're probably already familiar with Schumpeter's idea [ie. imperialism is natural], and Lenin incorporates Hobson.
Now that I've given you an idea as to how to seperate colonialism and imperialism, we can move on to what colonialism really is with the following:
"Creating" history to make and later enforce racial hierarchies, that are perpetuated after the death of colonialism:
There are few writers as talented and as powerful as Frantz Fanon. Here he discusses how he tries to break out of the "history" that has been created for him by the colonist, and how he is subverted at every turn. It's good to have some background on him since his actual ideas are rather strong. Fanon was born in Martinique, a French colony. He was a psychiatrist (heavily influenced by Freud) and later a philosopher/rebel fighter in the Algerian War of Independence.
Manufacturing a working class:
This is a very quick summary of how ideas of a working class were introduced to Mombasa. This is only a review, but it gives you an idea about how this is a process of give and take, and not just one of domination and submission
Saving the longest for last.
Locating the Tensions of Empire: The Problem of Reproduction
It's a bit long and a bit scattered, but it's a good article on how reproduction, gender, and class are so intricately linked in colonialism. I think it gets a bit confusing at the end, but just try to understand why colonialism ended using this framework.
Discussion Questions:
What do you think is the idea that drives colonialism? And how does "efficiency" factor into it?
Why are racist hierarchies formed within a colony, and how/why are they exported?
How are Lenin's idea and Cooper's work (dock workers) linked? [Essentially how does imperialism work with colonialism?]
As Cooper suggests colonialism is more than simple domination or hegemony. But how does that fit into the seemingly one sided creation and maintenance of racism? Is there any push back from those being categorized?
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Social networking the good and the bad?
So I signed up to recieve google alerts for all things genocide. They come everyday and I feel overwhelmed about the amount of information, but I can't quite get myself to erase the ones I have not read. So today I have been catching up and I stumbled on this article.
At one of the meetings, I think we had talked about the power of twitter and what was going on in Iran. It was pretty revolutionary (definetly cool) but in all honesty most people could not have told you where Iran was on a map. (Bill Mahher said that previous to twitter, most people might have concluded that iRan was a new app. for iphones!)
so, as we hurry to celebrate this small victory, lets consider the side effects. Anyway, read the article for yourself and share your thoughts.
At one of the meetings, I think we had talked about the power of twitter and what was going on in Iran. It was pretty revolutionary (definetly cool) but in all honesty most people could not have told you where Iran was on a map. (Bill Mahher said that previous to twitter, most people might have concluded that iRan was a new app. for iphones!)
so, as we hurry to celebrate this small victory, lets consider the side effects. Anyway, read the article for yourself and share your thoughts.
Friday, July 10, 2009
7/16 Peer Education
Peer Education
Thursday July 16th, 7pm, Ellis Library 3G61
1. How do we strike a balance between “reaching people where they are”, providing the necessary level of education, and integrating social justice?
2. Does the addition of social justice concepts automatically turn people off to a topic?
3. Where is the line between directly offensive material and tacit support of injustice by failure to address an issue? Are both equally damaging?
4. What obligation does the Wellness Resource Center and Summer Welcome have to providing information in a social responsible way?
5. Does schmoozing increase one's ability to effect social change by reaching a larger audience, or does the compromise of values weaken the overall message?
Theory of Peer Education (pdf)
Wellness Resource Center (Look at Theoretical Approaches)
Social Norms Approach
1.How might social norm approaches apply to minority communities? If someone is already outside the “norm”, would this approach be as effective?
Unicef Peer Education
Situational Leadership
Social Justice Math
Sexual Assault Green Dot Program
1.What are the pros and cons of this approach in terms of effectiveness on both an individual level and a societal level?
Thursday July 16th, 7pm, Ellis Library 3G61
1. How do we strike a balance between “reaching people where they are”, providing the necessary level of education, and integrating social justice?
2. Does the addition of social justice concepts automatically turn people off to a topic?
3. Where is the line between directly offensive material and tacit support of injustice by failure to address an issue? Are both equally damaging?
4. What obligation does the Wellness Resource Center and Summer Welcome have to providing information in a social responsible way?
5. Does schmoozing increase one's ability to effect social change by reaching a larger audience, or does the compromise of values weaken the overall message?
Theory of Peer Education (pdf)
Wellness Resource Center (Look at Theoretical Approaches)
Social Norms Approach
1.How might social norm approaches apply to minority communities? If someone is already outside the “norm”, would this approach be as effective?
Unicef Peer Education
Situational Leadership
Social Justice Math
Sexual Assault Green Dot Program
1.What are the pros and cons of this approach in terms of effectiveness on both an individual level and a societal level?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Additional Resources
For anyone who is really interested in learning more about the commoditization/commodification of water in our world today, I highly recommend reading Blue Gold. The people directly impacted and their reaction to commoditization is also discussed with references to the Water Wars.
Blue Gold is written by Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke. You'll probably see Maude Barlow in Flow.
I would also like to suggest Imperial Nature: The World Bank and Struggles for Social Justice in the Age of Globalization, which allows the reader to understand the method in which the World Bank passively conjures and actively sells Neo-liberal ideology such as the privatization of utilties in third world countries.
Finally, this wonderfully impassioned article in The Washington Post by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about what the President can do to help with mountaintop removal. Most importantly Kennedy's discussion of why mountaintop removal does not help local economies is refreshing.
Blue Gold is written by Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke. You'll probably see Maude Barlow in Flow.
I would also like to suggest Imperial Nature: The World Bank and Struggles for Social Justice in the Age of Globalization, which allows the reader to understand the method in which the World Bank passively conjures and actively sells Neo-liberal ideology such as the privatization of utilties in third world countries.
Finally, this wonderfully impassioned article in The Washington Post by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about what the President can do to help with mountaintop removal. Most importantly Kennedy's discussion of why mountaintop removal does not help local economies is refreshing.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
7/9 Environmental Justice
Flow
Tuesday July 7th, 7pm, Stewart 100
Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis.
Salina builds a case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.
Interviews with scientists and activists intelligently reveal the rapidly building crisis, at both the global and human scale, and the film introduces many of the governmental and corporate culprits behind the water grab, while begging the question "CAN ANYONE REALLY OWN WATER?"
Beyond identifying the problem, FLOW also gives viewers a look at the people and institutions providing practical solutions to the water crisis and those developing new technologies, which are fast becoming blueprints for a successful global and economic turnaround.
Environmental Justice Discussion
July 9th, 7pm, Ellis Library 3G61
Water
http://current.com/items/89062429_chinas-deadly-waters.htm
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/06/we-use-how-much-water.php
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/06/how-many-gallons-of-water.php
E-waste
Majora Carter on Urban Renewal (Great one to watch!)
Pollution
Kingston Tennessee Coal Ash Spill
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/05/tech/main5067128.shtml
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/us/25sludge.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=todayspaper
Public Transit
Communities for a Better Environment
Mountain Top Removal
http://www.ilovemountains.org/resources/#mtrcommunities
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2JSGVfP8Os&feature=player_embedded
Climate Change
Food
Questions to consider
What is environmental justice?
What connections can be drawn between environmental issues and problems in society?
Why aren’t environmental issues consider social justice issues many times?
What can we do to connect the environment to the broader social justice movement?
Exercise
Pick one issue (ie food, water, toxic waste, dumping grounds, etc) and see how many connections you can draw to social justice issues that stem from those sources, or lack there of.
Example: Water -> poor water quality (ie toxins in water) in poorer neighborhoods leads to more medical problems which leads to more trips to the doctor which leads to less money in the family which keeps people from moving, improving, or fixing their homes or neighborhoods and continuing the cycle.
Tuesday July 7th, 7pm, Stewart 100
Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis.
Salina builds a case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.
Interviews with scientists and activists intelligently reveal the rapidly building crisis, at both the global and human scale, and the film introduces many of the governmental and corporate culprits behind the water grab, while begging the question "CAN ANYONE REALLY OWN WATER?"
Beyond identifying the problem, FLOW also gives viewers a look at the people and institutions providing practical solutions to the water crisis and those developing new technologies, which are fast becoming blueprints for a successful global and economic turnaround.
Environmental Justice Discussion
July 9th, 7pm, Ellis Library 3G61
Water
http://current.com/items/89062429_chinas-deadly-waters.htm
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/06/we-use-how-much-water.php
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/06/how-many-gallons-of-water.php
E-waste
Majora Carter on Urban Renewal (Great one to watch!)
Pollution
Kingston Tennessee Coal Ash Spill
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/05/tech/main5067128.shtml
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/us/25sludge.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=todayspaper
Public Transit
Communities for a Better Environment
Mountain Top Removal
http://www.ilovemountains.org/resources/#mtrcommunities
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2JSGVfP8Os&feature=player_embedded
Climate Change
Food
Questions to consider
What is environmental justice?
What connections can be drawn between environmental issues and problems in society?
Why aren’t environmental issues consider social justice issues many times?
What can we do to connect the environment to the broader social justice movement?
Exercise
Pick one issue (ie food, water, toxic waste, dumping grounds, etc) and see how many connections you can draw to social justice issues that stem from those sources, or lack there of.
Example: Water -> poor water quality (ie toxins in water) in poorer neighborhoods leads to more medical problems which leads to more trips to the doctor which leads to less money in the family which keeps people from moving, improving, or fixing their homes or neighborhoods and continuing the cycle.
The Stuff we use...
So I am really getting into recyling, I have been doing it for the past couple of years, but I am now taking it to a whole new level, I am going to start gardening and composting. I am going to buy energy friendly lightbulbs as well:-) By the way this is all per-advice of Pat, my energy savy friend hihihi. Anyway my friend Julie sent me this link and if you have time, watch it. It is about the stuff we use and where they come from and where they go. http://www.storyofstuff.com/
Friday, July 3, 2009
Mental Illness in Pop Culture
For our July 30th meeting we'll be discussing the stigma surrounding mental illness and how it is portrayed in the media. Although you're probably familiar with many pop culture examples, here a list of suggested shows/movies to watch:
Mental
House: Simple Explanation
Monk
United States of Tara
Movies: Girl Interrupted, A Beautiful Mind, The Hours, Rain Man
You don't need to watch everything, but just try to get a feel for the way the mentally ill are portrayed. When watching these, consider the ways in which it could increase/decrease stigma. I'll post the related articles closer to the date of the meeting.
Mental
House: Simple Explanation
Monk
United States of Tara
Movies: Girl Interrupted, A Beautiful Mind, The Hours, Rain Man
You don't need to watch everything, but just try to get a feel for the way the mentally ill are portrayed. When watching these, consider the ways in which it could increase/decrease stigma. I'll post the related articles closer to the date of the meeting.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
7/2 History: Revisions and Reimaginings
History: Revisions and Reimaginings
July 2nd, 6:30pm in Flat Branch Park, Rain Location: Memorial Union
When reading these articles, think about the ways we package history in our culture.
What Are the People Who Reenact 20th Century Wars Up to?
Why Study War?
Comfort Women & US Troops
Late Victorian Holocausts
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2005/is_3_36/ai_99699494/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2001/jan/20/historybooks.famine
Animated Anastasia Film: Fictionalization of Historic Events
We'll be watching Anastasia on Wednesday 7/1, 6:30pm location TBA
Renaissance Fairs
World History vs Western History
Historical Film as Real History (pdf)
The New Central Asia: The Creation of Nations
1. Consider the artificiality of nations, and how in schools they are taught to be organic in making.
2. What purpose does it serve the state and individuals to believe that nations have an organic vs. constructed from artificial means?
3. If modernization is an integral part of developing a national identity as in the case of Central Asia nations, then what does that mean for developmental theories that try to modernize nations and its impact upon the world's tendency towards globalization?
The Origins of the Third World
Read the Introduction, Famine in India, Turning Drought into Famine, and Deliberate British Policies in India.
1. Why is this failure of forced lasseiz-faire policies, that killed millions of people, not ever discussed in schools?
2. Why are complications which are associated with economic/informal imperialism not taught in schools, whilst direct formal imperialism which occupies less time in history so carefully dissected?
July 2nd, 6:30pm in Flat Branch Park, Rain Location: Memorial Union
When reading these articles, think about the ways we package history in our culture.
What Are the People Who Reenact 20th Century Wars Up to?
Why Study War?
Comfort Women & US Troops
Late Victorian Holocausts
http://findarticles.com/p/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
Animated Anastasia Film: Fictionalization of Historic Events
We'll be watching Anastasia on Wednesday 7/1, 6:30pm location TBA
Renaissance Fairs
World History vs Western History
Historical Film as Real History (pdf)
The New Central Asia: The Creation of Nations
1. Consider the artificiality of nations, and how in schools they are taught to be organic in making.
2. What purpose does it serve the state and individuals to believe that nations have an organic vs. constructed from artificial means?
3. If modernization is an integral part of developing a national identity as in the case of Central Asia nations, then what does that mean for developmental theories that try to modernize nations and its impact upon the world's tendency towards globalization?
The Origins of the Third World
Read the Introduction, Famine in India, Turning Drought into Famine, and Deliberate British Policies in India.
1. Why is this failure of forced lasseiz-faire policies, that killed millions of people, not ever discussed in schools?
2. Why are complications which are associated with economic/informal imperialism not taught in schools, whilst direct formal imperialism which occupies less time in history so carefully dissected?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
6/25 Genocide
Thursday June 25th, 7pm Kaldi's Cafe
Questions to think about as you read these articles
Questions to think about as you read these articles
1. Do you think that international actors have failed the victims of genocide?
2. What are the technical downfalls for defining genocide?
3. Does peacekeeping work? What about mandates and funding?
4. What do you think of the Responsibility to Protect idea? Is it overwhelmingly idealist?
5. What roles can activist play? What other actors should be involved that are not included?
Further reading: Ellie Wiesel, Samantha Powers, John Prendergast and Don Cheadle, Phillip Gourevitch, NY Times articles by Nicholas Kristof What is genocide? (Everyone read this one)
Please see post below- Genocide 101
Geographic locations of genocide past/hot zones
1 Armenia genocide
2 Sri Lanka
3. Areas of concern
http://www.
Video (short)
1. Srevrenica Genocide (Bosnia) by Ron Haviv
2. Don Cheadle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urKOYd3cfdU&NR=1
4.Stand video: 100 Days http://www.youtube.com/user/StandAntiGenocide
Peacekeeping
1.Peacekeeping 101
2.United Nations Peacekeeping History
3. Darfur peacekeeping mandates
Movements/activism/educational articles
1. Darfur Experts Debate Conflict: Alex De Waal vs John Prendergast (Everyone read this one)
2. A list of legislation that has been passed (I worked on Genocide Accountability Act and Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act 2007)
3. Genocide Intervention Network-The Responsability to Protect (R2P)
4. China's genocide Olympics
5. Militarism, Ethnicity, and Sexual Violence in the Rwandan Genocide (read the Bea Gallimore part, it starts on page 9)
Refugee
1 Department of Homeland Security Report 2008 (sort of technical but interesting)
Infrastructure
1.Rwanda's rebuilding efforts
Trauma
1. Doctors group find rape common against Darfur women...
Genocide 101
Genocide 101
Genocide is from the Greek - Genos (family, tribe, race) and the Latin –Caedes (massacre; pronounced kay-dees), was originally coined by Raphael Lemkin, a Polish Jewish legal scholar, in 1943. In 1948, the United Nation’s Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide defined genocide as “Any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:
Killing members of the group;
Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;
Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its
physical destruction in whole or in part;
Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;
...Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
There exists, however, a large debate on how to properly define the word “genocide” and moreover, what events constitute genocide or are otherwise crimes against humanity or war crimes. (students know basic genocide)
The 8 stages of genocide
Classification
Symbolization
Dehumanization
Organization
Polarization
Identification
Extermination
Denial
Past genocides and USA Prez
a. Wilson-Armenia
the Ottoman government intentionally destroyed over 1 million Armenians from 1915 - 1923.
b. Rosevelt Holocaust
c. Carter- Cambodia
Khmer rouge instituted a new authoritarian regime.All opposition to the regime was exterminated in a genocidal campaign. Between 1975 and 1979, over 2 million Cambodians were targeted for destruction.
d. Clinton-Rwanda
e. Bush/Obama-Darfur
Current hot spots/areas of concern
the extent to which mass atrocities are occurring
the extent to which civilians are being targeted
In our assessment of how civilians have been targeted by mass atrocities, we relied on the following indicators:
1.levels of mortality, drawing from a number of different sources
2.levels of forced displacement, largely relying on Internal Displacement Monitoring Center numbers
3.the frequency and intensity of human rights violations committed against civilians, as reported by expert and relief organizations, as well as the media
Genocide is from the Greek - Genos (family, tribe, race) and the Latin –Caedes (massacre; pronounced kay-dees), was originally coined by Raphael Lemkin, a Polish Jewish legal scholar, in 1943. In 1948, the United Nation’s Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide defined genocide as “Any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:
Killing members of the group;
Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;
Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its
physical destruction in whole or in part;
Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;
...Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
There exists, however, a large debate on how to properly define the word “genocide” and moreover, what events constitute genocide or are otherwise crimes against humanity or war crimes. (students know basic genocide)
The 8 stages of genocide
Classification
Symbolization
Dehumanization
Organization
Polarization
Identification
Extermination
Denial
Past genocides and USA Prez
a. Wilson-Armenia
the Ottoman government intentionally destroyed over 1 million Armenians from 1915 - 1923.
b. Rosevelt Holocaust
c. Carter- Cambodia
Khmer rouge instituted a new authoritarian regime.All opposition to the regime was exterminated in a genocidal campaign. Between 1975 and 1979, over 2 million Cambodians were targeted for destruction.
d. Clinton-Rwanda
e. Bush/Obama-Darfur
Current hot spots/areas of concern
the extent to which mass atrocities are occurring
the extent to which civilians are being targeted
In our assessment of how civilians have been targeted by mass atrocities, we relied on the following indicators:
1.levels of mortality, drawing from a number of different sources
2.levels of forced displacement, largely relying on Internal Displacement Monitoring Center numbers
3.the frequency and intensity of human rights violations committed against civilians, as reported by expert and relief organizations, as well as the media
Monday, June 15, 2009
What is Social Justice?
This seems like something that should have been addressed much earlier, but I'm curious how everyone defines social justice. These definitions frame our conversations and I want to know how others interpret the subject.
From Wikipedia: Social justice, sometimes called civil justice, refers to the concept of a society in which "justice" is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society.
What does it mean when we say something is or isn't social justice? What subjects are included under the heading "social justice"?
I think this is particularly relevant when we're discussing topics that seem to fall outside the range of tradition social justice, such as wellness, suicide prevention, sustainability, etc. In some areas there is a clear connection, but these are disciplines that rarely collaborate. Are the goals of these groups fundamentally different or is this a failure to explore the interconnectedness of the issues? And if the groups are different, do we still have a responsibility to each other? I know we demand social justice mentality from all the groups on campus, but social justice groups often fail to reciprocate for wellness or sustainability.
I'd love to hear everyone's opinions!
From Wikipedia: Social justice, sometimes called civil justice, refers to the concept of a society in which "justice" is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. It is generally thought of as a world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society.
What does it mean when we say something is or isn't social justice? What subjects are included under the heading "social justice"?
I think this is particularly relevant when we're discussing topics that seem to fall outside the range of tradition social justice, such as wellness, suicide prevention, sustainability, etc. In some areas there is a clear connection, but these are disciplines that rarely collaborate. Are the goals of these groups fundamentally different or is this a failure to explore the interconnectedness of the issues? And if the groups are different, do we still have a responsibility to each other? I know we demand social justice mentality from all the groups on campus, but social justice groups often fail to reciprocate for wellness or sustainability.
I'd love to hear everyone's opinions!
Summer Welcome Revue and Skits
Our July 16th topic is about integrating social justice in an educational setting, with a focus on peer education. We're going to use Summer Welcome as a case study. It would be great if everyone could attend either Revue or the Wellness Skits before that meeting. They both go until July 8th. When watching these, keep in mind that the intended audience is incoming freshmen.
Revue: Sunday-Thursday, 8pm in Jesse Aud – Mainly entertainment, but they also share a little about Mizzou traditions and campus life. Put on by the Summer Welcome Leaders.
Wellness Skits: Sunday-Thursday 1pm in Conservation Aud - Intended to be educational, focusing on wellness issues (alcohol, tobacco, body image, etc). Put on by campus peer educator groups.
Social Justice is not the primary goal of either, but both include things that are positive and problematic from a social justice stand point.
Things to think about while watching Revue or Skits:
1. Do they achieve their primary goal (education on campus life or wellness)?
2. How effective are they at keeping the attention of the audience? How effective are they at communicating the information in an engaging way?
3. For those of you who have seen revue/skits in the past, what changes have you noticed?
4. What stood out a positive step towards social justice? What was problematic?
5. What effect do you think skits or revue would have on the incoming freshmen who attended summer welcome?
Revue: Sunday-Thursday, 8pm in Jesse Aud – Mainly entertainment, but they also share a little about Mizzou traditions and campus life. Put on by the Summer Welcome Leaders.
Wellness Skits: Sunday-Thursday 1pm in Conservation Aud - Intended to be educational, focusing on wellness issues (alcohol, tobacco, body image, etc). Put on by campus peer educator groups.
Social Justice is not the primary goal of either, but both include things that are positive and problematic from a social justice stand point.
Things to think about while watching Revue or Skits:
1. Do they achieve their primary goal (education on campus life or wellness)?
2. How effective are they at keeping the attention of the audience? How effective are they at communicating the information in an engaging way?
3. For those of you who have seen revue/skits in the past, what changes have you noticed?
4. What stood out a positive step towards social justice? What was problematic?
5. What effect do you think skits or revue would have on the incoming freshmen who attended summer welcome?
6/18 Social Entrepreneurship
June 18th, 7pm, Kaldi's Cafe
As you read these articles think about this
Ashoka: Innovators for the public
As you read these articles think about this
who is a social entrepreneur?
What does that entail?
Do you need passion or skills or both, if so what sort of skills?
how much influence does wealth and charsma play in the leader of these ventures?
what sort of interaction is visible between those who "help" and those "helping"?
For those who want to change the world, are we attempting to play "God"/ be saviors? How can we be authentic?
How can we incorporate service-learning in the classroom? How could we teach social consciousness?
Ashoka: Innovators for the public
Government's role;
***if you are considering starting an organization in the future... read this one--why you need to more entrepreneurial and how to get started by Peter Brinckerhoff
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Romanticizing Abuse
Twilight and Teen Dating Violence:
http://sparrow.beyondtherift.com/blog/?p=255
Twilight is of course not the only example of creepy/manipulative/abusive behavior being touted as romantic; Beauty and the Beast and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers both immediately come to mind.
I find romance a very troubling cultural concept because social norms of chivalry provide an effective mask for manipulation. Chivalry is based on a man protecting his partner, but this can also have the effect of making her emotionally, financially, or otherwise dependent on him. Culturally, women are taught to value these traits in their partner, which could hide warning signs of controlling behavior. With kindness, romance, and manipulation so closely linked, it can be confusing for those in an abusive relationship to understand their experience in the context of abuse.
http://sparrow.beyondtherift.com/blog/?p=255
Twilight is of course not the only example of creepy/manipulative/abusive behavior being touted as romantic; Beauty and the Beast and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers both immediately come to mind.
I find romance a very troubling cultural concept because social norms of chivalry provide an effective mask for manipulation. Chivalry is based on a man protecting his partner, but this can also have the effect of making her emotionally, financially, or otherwise dependent on him. Culturally, women are taught to value these traits in their partner, which could hide warning signs of controlling behavior. With kindness, romance, and manipulation so closely linked, it can be confusing for those in an abusive relationship to understand their experience in the context of abuse.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Just Read 6/11: Pornography and Sex Work (Let's Talk About Sex, Baby)
Let's talk about you, AND me. Let's talk about all the good things and the bad things that there be! Let's talk aboooout sex!
Introductory Facts:
1) Wednesday night, Erin and Amy are getting PUMPED UP for this discussion by watching the TOTALLY EXCELLENT AND RELEVANT film "Gypsy." Also the lyrics are by Sondheim, but THAT'S NOT IMPORTANT. What's important is the JUSTICE. Anyway. If you're big into musicals, email us like woah and we'll make enough popcorn for you. Join us. Come to second level. If you want.
2) Flamingo Fundraiser!
So there's an initiative by Columbia Montessori to provide discounted daycare to low-income families, especially those living in the first ward. They're meeting Monday, June 8th, from 3:30-4:30 at the Daniel Boone Library, in conference room A, to talk about a fundraiser they'd like to do to raise money towards what I think we can all agree is a nifty goal.
The idea is: plonk a flamingo in a yard from a list we'll be given by the organizers. The unsuspecting victim will pay a donation to rid their yard of the tackiness and sentence a 'friend' to similar avian horrors/charitable contributions. While you don't have to play, if you'd like to help distribute these, this fundraiser will run from June 10th through July 15th.
So if you'd like to attend the Monday meeting or aid in the migration/enjoy minor night-time vandalism of stranger's yards, send us a message via carrier pigeon. Or hit reply. It's up to y'all, but if you could re-breed an extinct species (the carrier pigeon) just for this, I'd be totes impressed.
As per usual, please check out at least 2-3 of the following and meet us in Kaldis at 7 on Thursday night.
Sex Work in America:
Wired's Rundown of the Suicide Girls Controversy
http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2005/09/69006
Porn actress Sasha Grey on the adult film industry
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=1&hid=105&sid=fdfaee62-b23d-44fe-8357-132a26911cd3%40sessionmgr108&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=aph&AN=39144605
Feminist approaches to pornography and sexwork:
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1297
Sex Workers' Perspectives:
Peruse Spread Magazine, a publication for and by sex workers:
http://www.spreadmagazine.org/index.html
(with articles like 'tips on clients with disabilities,' and Ask a Ho: Should I tell my parents?)
Wikipedia's summary of Sex Worker Rights issues
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_workers%27_rights#European_Conference_on_Sex_Work.2C_Human_Rights.2C_Labour_and_Migration
Sex Trafficking and Tourism:
check out "Why Hiring a Sex Worker is Like Sunning on the Beach: A Defense of Sex Tourism in Thailand" (http://www.spreadmagazine.org/sextourism4.2.html) from Spread versus
http://www.humantrafficking.org/countries/thailand , and
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,208800,00.html
Other cultural perspectives:
Japan's Sex Industry
on the book Pink Box--bouncy, encyclopediac pictorial guide:
http://www.straight.com/article-74893/a-visual-journey-into-japans-sex-industry
http://www.pinkboxjapan.com/about.html
the Darker Side:
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/15/world/tokyo-journal-red-light-scouts-and-their-gullible-discoveries.html
Sex and Taboos in the Islamic World
http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,443678,00.html
"a look (at) how the modern gay rights movement in Cuba is interwoven with the rise in sex workers and why this communist country just may grant same-sex marriage rights before the United States in order to demonstrate their commitment to human rights." PODCAST
http://www.feastoffools.net/gay-fun-show/2009/05/01/fof-979-cuban-sex-workers-and-british-scally-lads-050109/
"Risk exposure and risk management strategies among gay male sex workers in Germany"
http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/MeetingAbstracts/ma?f=102238193.html (abstract)
Holland: Tempting the Tourist With Hookers and Hookahs
http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/articles/holland_hookers_and_hookahs.htm
Introductory Facts:
1) Wednesday night, Erin and Amy are getting PUMPED UP for this discussion by watching the TOTALLY EXCELLENT AND RELEVANT film "Gypsy." Also the lyrics are by Sondheim, but THAT'S NOT IMPORTANT. What's important is the JUSTICE. Anyway. If you're big into musicals, email us like woah and we'll make enough popcorn for you. Join us. Come to second level. If you want.
2) Flamingo Fundraiser!
So there's an initiative by Columbia Montessori to provide discounted daycare to low-income families, especially those living in the first ward. They're meeting Monday, June 8th, from 3:30-4:30 at the Daniel Boone Library, in conference room A, to talk about a fundraiser they'd like to do to raise money towards what I think we can all agree is a nifty goal.
The idea is: plonk a flamingo in a yard from a list we'll be given by the organizers. The unsuspecting victim will pay a donation to rid their yard of the tackiness and sentence a 'friend' to similar avian horrors/charitable contributions. While you don't have to play, if you'd like to help distribute these, this fundraiser will run from June 10th through July 15th.
So if you'd like to attend the Monday meeting or aid in the migration/enjoy minor night-time vandalism of stranger's yards, send us a message via carrier pigeon. Or hit reply. It's up to y'all, but if you could re-breed an extinct species (the carrier pigeon) just for this, I'd be totes impressed.
As per usual, please check out at least 2-3 of the following and meet us in Kaldis at 7 on Thursday night.
Sex Work in America:
Wired's Rundown of the Suicide Girls Controversy
http://www.wired.com/culture/
Porn actress Sasha Grey on the adult film industry
http://web.ebscohost.com/
Feminist approaches to pornography and sexwork:
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/
Sex Workers' Perspectives:
Peruse Spread Magazine, a publication for and by sex workers:
http://www.spreadmagazine.org/
(with articles like 'tips on clients with disabilities,' and Ask a Ho: Should I tell my parents?)
Wikipedia's summary of Sex Worker Rights issues
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Sex Trafficking and Tourism:
check out "Why Hiring a Sex Worker is Like Sunning on the Beach: A Defense of Sex Tourism in Thailand" (http://www.spreadmagazine.org/sextourism4.2.html) from Spread versus
http://www.humantrafficking.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/
Other cultural perspectives:
Japan's Sex Industry
on the book Pink Box--bouncy, encyclopediac pictorial guide:
http://www.straight.com/
http://www.pinkboxjapan.com/
the Darker Side:
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/
Sex and Taboos in the Islamic World
http://www.spiegel.de/
"a look (at) how the modern gay rights movement in Cuba is interwoven with the rise in sex workers and why this communist country just may grant same-sex marriage rights before the United States in order to demonstrate their commitment to human rights." PODCAST
http://www.feastoffools.net/
"Risk exposure and risk management strategies among gay male sex workers in Germany"
http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/
Holland: Tempting the Tourist With Hookers and Hookahs
http://europeforvisitors.com/
Friday, May 29, 2009
6/4 Cultural Appropriation
Sita Sings the Blues and Cultural Appropriation
Thursday June 4th, 6pm Location TBA
Please read at least 2-3 of the articles below
Cultural Appropriation
Controversy over Sita Sings the Blues
Body Modification Encyclopedia: Body Mods as Cultural Appropriation
Ironic Appropriation (Kill Whitie)
Cultural Appropriation: Reckless Borrowing or Appropriate Cultural Sharing?
Music appropriation or approbation?
Stuff White People Like
Black music that black people don't listen to anymore
Being an Expert on your culture
Take Back Halloween
Keffiyehs
Political Tragedy is the New Black
More than just a chic checkered scarf
Thursday June 4th, 6pm Location TBA
Please read at least 2-3 of the articles below
Cultural Appropriation
Controversy over Sita Sings the Blues
Body Modification Encyclopedia: Body Mods as Cultural Appropriation
Ironic Appropriation (Kill Whitie)
Cultural Appropriation: Reckless Borrowing or Appropriate Cultural Sharing?
Music appropriation or approbation?
Stuff White People Like
Black music that black people don't listen to anymore
Being an Expert on your culture
Take Back Halloween
Keffiyehs
Political Tragedy is the New Black
More than just a chic checkered scarf
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Legal Justice for Rape Victims: Discussion Questions
Hi everyone,
Just a reminder that we have a Just Read meeting tonight at 7pm in Kaldi's Cafe. The topic is Legal Justice for Rape Victims, and hopefully you've all had an opportunity to look at the articles. If not, they are posted here on the blog (secret hint: scroll down). Since the discussion questions were a little lengthy this week, we decided to email them out so you would have a chance to look over them.
Also, we are still looking for people to sign up for a week to run the discussion. This is a great way to raise awareness on an issue you care about! Alternatively, it can be a great excuse to do a bit of digging and learn more about a topic you've been curious about. Please email me or Amy if you're interested.
See you tomorrow!
Legal Justice for Rape Victim discussion questions:
In what ways are rape survivors re-victimized by the legal system? How can we reduced this victimization?
Is the victims' duty to their own recovery paramount (especially given the frustrations the articles illuminated that often arise in dealings with the legal system), or does responsibility to society (i.e. to do the utmost to prosecute a rape) override that duty?
The incidence of victims being charged medical expenses, the under-funding and under-development of community-level rape prosecution organs, the under-processing of rape kits, and the chronic dubiousness law enforcement officials treat victims with all coallese into a perception of rape cases not as being not unlike civil suits for limited wrongs, and prosecution by the state as a favor or service rendered. Yet the threat of re-occurrence, a feminist reading of the rape act, forcing witnesses to testify, and indeed some historical/cultural perspectives (Lucretia vs. King of Rome) read rape as a crime against society as a whole. How do we reconcile our responsabiliy to a victim's recovery with an urge to promote an understanding of rape as a public outrage that cannot be trivialized, or indeed, remain private?
With juries, there is an unwillingness to convict in rape cases if they think the punishment does not match the crime. This means that victims who do not experience a socially accepted 'real rape' are less likely to get legal justice. There are various ways to approach this problem, including creating gradations of rape (which could devalue a victim's experience and further the real rape myth) or working on a grassroots level to change minds (a much longer process). What might be an effective compromise? (Again, this is in some ways a question of society vs victims rights.)
What can be done to change public opinion about 'real rape?' In a real way, how can we go about promoting awareness of the reality of rape, to deconstruct the myth of 'Real Rape?'
Just a reminder that we have a Just Read meeting tonight at 7pm in Kaldi's Cafe. The topic is Legal Justice for Rape Victims, and hopefully you've all had an opportunity to look at the articles. If not, they are posted here on the blog (secret hint: scroll down). Since the discussion questions were a little lengthy this week, we decided to email them out so you would have a chance to look over them.
Also, we are still looking for people to sign up for a week to run the discussion. This is a great way to raise awareness on an issue you care about! Alternatively, it can be a great excuse to do a bit of digging and learn more about a topic you've been curious about. Please email me or Amy if you're interested.
See you tomorrow!
Legal Justice for Rape Victim discussion questions:
In what ways are rape survivors re-victimized by the legal system? How can we reduced this victimization?
Is the victims' duty to their own recovery paramount (especially given the frustrations the articles illuminated that often arise in dealings with the legal system), or does responsibility to society (i.e. to do the utmost to prosecute a rape) override that duty?
With juries, there is an unwillingness to convict in rape cases if they think the punishment does not match the crime. This means that victims who do not experience a socially accepted 'real rape' are less likely to get legal justice. There are various ways to approach this problem, including creating gradations of rape (which could devalue a victim's experience and further the real rape myth) or working on a grassroots level to change minds (a much longer process). What might be an effective compromise? (Again, this is in some ways a question of society vs victims rights.)
What can be done to change public opinion about 'real rape?' In a real way, how can we go about promoting awareness of the reality of rape, to deconstruct the myth of 'Real Rape?'
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Review: Women Respond to the Men's Movement
Women Respond to the Men's Movement
edited by: Key Leigh Hagan
1992
I found this book in the used books section of a feminist book store in Madison, WI. It was a magical place, and I recommend A Room of One's Own to anyone visiting the area.
To give some context to the book: it is a collection of essays on the mythopoetic men's movement (M^3) of the early 90s. In the end, M3 was largely a fad that gained attention through some bestsellers, and then died out. The tenets of M3 are still around and woven into our modern patriarchy, although perhaps in more subtle forms. Because the book was published 17 years ago, some of the statistics and facts are incorrect and some of the views are very 2nd wave, but the essays are still extremely relevant to the current feminist struggle. Women's place in the world has change significantly in 17 years, but it is disturbing just how much has remained the same.
With any collection, some of the pieces are great and some are less than enlightening. Occasionally the various authors contradict one another. But as whole, this book does a wonderful job of exploring the meaning of male privilege and what that means to “men's movements”. Privilege is dangerous to the oppressed and poisonous to the oppressors. Addressing the poison is essential to creating lasting change and challenging the patriarchy, but it must be kept in perspective. “The men's movement and the women's movement aren't salt and pepper; they are hangnail and hand grenade.” - Barbara Kingsolver
The book explores the question of whether there is a need for a separate men's movement or if it is something that should be integrated into the feminist movement. Do men's movements challenge patriarchy or reenforce it? What should be men's role in the feminist movement? Both/And.
edited by: Key Leigh Hagan
1992
I found this book in the used books section of a feminist book store in Madison, WI. It was a magical place, and I recommend A Room of One's Own to anyone visiting the area.
To give some context to the book: it is a collection of essays on the mythopoetic men's movement (M^3) of the early 90s. In the end, M3 was largely a fad that gained attention through some bestsellers, and then died out. The tenets of M3 are still around and woven into our modern patriarchy, although perhaps in more subtle forms. Because the book was published 17 years ago, some of the statistics and facts are incorrect and some of the views are very 2nd wave, but the essays are still extremely relevant to the current feminist struggle. Women's place in the world has change significantly in 17 years, but it is disturbing just how much has remained the same.
With any collection, some of the pieces are great and some are less than enlightening. Occasionally the various authors contradict one another. But as whole, this book does a wonderful job of exploring the meaning of male privilege and what that means to “men's movements”. Privilege is dangerous to the oppressed and poisonous to the oppressors. Addressing the poison is essential to creating lasting change and challenging the patriarchy, but it must be kept in perspective. “The men's movement and the women's movement aren't salt and pepper; they are hangnail and hand grenade.” - Barbara Kingsolver
The book explores the question of whether there is a need for a separate men's movement or if it is something that should be integrated into the feminist movement. Do men's movements challenge patriarchy or reenforce it? What should be men's role in the feminist movement? Both/And.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
5/28 Legal Justice for Rape Survivors
Meeting: Thursday 5/28, 7pm, Kaldi's Cafe on 9th St
Topic: Legal Justice for Rape Survivors
Please read the first two articles and one article from each category.
Rape Reporting Rates
Is Rape Serious?
Evidence Collection
Missouri State Funding for Rape Evidence Collection
MS Magazine Rape Kit Backlog
Texas: Rape Victims Billed for Evidence Costs
Law Enforcement
CoMO's DOVE unit
Rape Victim Jailed for False Report
Curvature commentary
NYPD Officers Accused of Rape
Legal
California: Rape victims can be forced to take witness stand
False Reports (PDF)
Other Voice Publications
Secondary Victimization of Rape Victims
Topic: Legal Justice for Rape Survivors
Please read the first two articles and one article from each category.
Rape Reporting Rates
Is Rape Serious?
Evidence Collection
Missouri State Funding for Rape Evidence Collection
MS Magazine Rape Kit Backlog
Texas: Rape Victims Billed for Evidence Costs
Law Enforcement
CoMO's DOVE unit
Rape Victim Jailed for False Report
Curvature commentary
NYPD Officers Accused of Rape
Legal
California: Rape victims can be forced to take witness stand
False Reports (PDF)
Other Voice Publications
Secondary Victimization of Rape Victims
Monday, May 18, 2009
5/21: Language as a Mechanism of Social Control and Resistance
Thursday, May 21st, 7pm @ Kaldi's Cafe
Topic: Language as a Mechanism of Social Control and Resistance
Please pick at least 2-3 of these to read/watch. We might be posting more articles throughout the week, and please feel free to share anything you think is relevant!
Elderspeak
Importance of Gender Neutral Language
Language of Race in Media
Disembodied
Is bitch a bad word?
Rape Language (couldn't find the original article, but this sums it up)
Euphemisms for Lady Parts (Video)
Politically Correct Labels and Schizophrenia
No More No Homo (Video)
Topic: Language as a Mechanism of Social Control and Resistance
Please pick at least 2-3 of these to read/watch. We might be posting more articles throughout the week, and please feel free to share anything you think is relevant!
Elderspeak
Importance of Gender Neutral Language
Language of Race in Media
Disembodied
Is bitch a bad word?
Rape Language (couldn't find the original article, but this sums it up)
Euphemisms for Lady Parts (Video)
Politically Correct Labels and Schizophrenia
No More No Homo (Video)
Intro to Just Read
Just Read is Columbia's social justice reading group. This blog is a way to post resources and discuss social justice topics.
We want to encourage a safe space where everyone feels comfortable speaking. We recognize and value the different perspectives everyone bring to the group and want to promote open dialogue. To do this, we need to foster a respectful environment. The place to bring up issues with another's perspective is in discussion so we can have productive conversations. Play nice!
We want to encourage a safe space where everyone feels comfortable speaking. We recognize and value the different perspectives everyone bring to the group and want to promote open dialogue. To do this, we need to foster a respectful environment. The place to bring up issues with another's perspective is in discussion so we can have productive conversations. Play nice!
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