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The Montana Women’s Resource, 1975-1986 University of Montana Publications

3-1-1980

The Montana Women's Resource, Spring 1980

University of Montana (Missoula, Mont. : 1965-1994). Women's Resource Center

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Recommended Citation University of Montana (Missoula, Mont. : 1965-1994). Women's Resource Center, "The Montana Women's Resource, Spring 1980" (1980). The Montana Women’s Resource, 1975-1986. 17. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/womensresourcecenter/17

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Vol. 4, No. 3 RESOURCE Spring 1980

Violence S' Victimization

By Jane Burnham

**A twenty-six year old woman was brutally raped by her date, a man she had known several months, after she declined to have intercourse with him.

A forty-five year old woman's husband raped her and threatened to kill her because she had not stayed awake waiting for him to come home, This occurred when he finally did get home at four a.m., six hours late, After spending a few days at a battered women's shelter, the victim moved back home; she felt she deserved the beating.

Pornographic films are becoming more and more violent, and much more common in Montana; not only in "adult" theatres, but in large, commercial theatres.

A twenty-three year old female apprentice technician was pinch­ ed, patted, squeezed, and kissed on the buttocks and breasts by her male assistant manager. This ANU incident occurred when the wo­ man’s work demanded her complete, motionless, attention. She knew that if she stopped her work long enough to stop the man, her work would have an obvious flaw in it. She also knew that her boss, who hadn't wanted to hire a woman anyway, would see it. She did no­ thing because she was afraid of losing

A woman walking down an even busy street, will hear the same harassing catcalls she might have heard ten or thirty years ago.

continued Page 3 thing — like, boys will be boys? they will someday display their Do the victims secretly enjoy it, grandfathers' war medals. and subtly ask for their beating? The proliferation of aggres­ Or is the whole thing just a sion and domination continues, horrible nightmare from which wo­ essentially unchallenged. Except men will someday be awakened, (per­ that more subtle, more refined haps by a kiss from Prince Char­ symptoms of sexual dominance e­ ming?) . Or is it much more com­ merge as our society becomes more plex — none of the above? sophisticated. The Porn industry It is a very complicated issue. caters to the he-man described The roots of masculine violence above, so naturally the themes of toward women lie deep in our so­ violence and domination are fore­ cialization process. Children see most . the connection between violence In addition to the obvious and manhood at a very early age. anti-female images that pervade Little boys have mock prize fights, porno, particular attention or play cowboys, gangsters, and should go to another aspect of soldiers, with guns provided by the industry: the exploitation their parents. Boys who don't fit of its actresses. Linda Lovelace, Advertisement originally appeared into the mold, who run away from the star of "Deep Throat," has in STUFF Magazine, and reprinted fights or cry when they're hurt, written a book — Ordeal, which in MS Magazine, are called sissies, fairies, or tells of her intense struggle to queers. Before they understand leave the man who forced her to what a "queer" is, they don't want act in his movies. He beat her, to be one, and to avoid it they threatened to kill her, and he must behave as their seniors do. systematically controlled every The overall message becomes only aspect of her life. Linda Love­ too clear: the much coveted trait lace's story is a graphic example of manhood is synonomous with of the porn trade. Increasing force. feminist awareness and support As little boys become grownups, for women in the porn industry armed with their knowledge of the might lead to uncovering the mag­ continued from page 1 world around them, they try to nitude of a problem which may be What do all of these things control not only each other, but as widespread as battered women. have in common? First of all, practically everything — animals, Not all violence against women they all happened in Montana,and nature, people. They tacitly ac­ is obvious. Sometimes porn and I know of them personally. Se­ cept force as a normal, indisputa­ the treatment of women in the me­ cond, all are expressions of bly desirable, characteristic. dia perpetuate male sex fantasies. violence against women. As women The virility of men who do not And sexual harassment and coer­ begin to speak out, a problem of buy into this idealogy is summa­ cion can be subtler still and by huge proportions is emerging. rily dismissed. far are the most pervasive. Accurate statistics on the number Sexual violence is the ultimate Sexual harassment is defined of women affected are difficult proof of manhood. This violence by the Working Women United Ins­ to obtain because so many victims is manifested in appalling ways. titute as: "... any repeated tell no one about their experi­ After the My Lai massacre a woman's and unwanted sexual advances, ences . Recent estimates are that body was found, eagle-spread, with looks, jokes, innuendoes, etc. at least half of all married wo­ an Eleventh Brigade patch between from someone in the workplace men will experience violence with­ her legs, apparently signifying which make you uncomfortable and/ in their relationship sometime, the total conquest of the village. or cause you problems on your job. that 80% of all working women This picture illustrates the jux­ It is being judged by your looks will be sexually harrassed at taposition of dominance and aggres­ or your body rather than your a­ some point in their careers, and sion with sex. Sex becomes con­ bility, experience, or job per­ that one out of every three women quest, amusement, contest, or ba­ formance when you seek a job, will be raped during her life. rometer of control, The opposite promotion or raise. It means Why does it happen? Is there of violence - pacifism - becomes your job security is eternally a group of men who meet secretly suspiciously feminine. Thus the dependent on how well you please from time to time to set stan­ American male largely views femi­ your boss. It is being fired be­ dards for the rest of their bro­ nine traits as unfavorable, while cause you have aged, because you thers? Do they devise new and he rough-houses with his sons, are too independent, "uncoopera- imaginative ways to terrorize wo­ grooming them to carry on their men? Or is it a more natural violent heritage as proudly as continued on P. 18

Page 2 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Spring 1980 Violence vs. Women

By Diana E.H. Russell

Most women have preferred to graphy, and sometimss try to turn a blind eye to the hatred of imitate them, as in Playgirl ma­ women expressed in pornography. gazine. But all this assumes It is upsetting — particularly that there can be a sexual revo­ for hetero-sexual women — to face lution without a sex role revo­ the depth and extent of men’s an­ lution, too and that change means tipathy. Our understanding of the women changing to be more like "normality" of rape used to be men. No thank you! blocked for the same reason. Con­ Thirdly, most of us have refus­ fronting such woman-hatred is in­ ed to look for ourselves at por­ clined to result in a healthy dose nography. It is so painful to of reactive man-hatred, and women face the hatred of women so evi­ are scared of such feelings. Our dent in it. We resent what we movement would surely be consider­ are forced to see in our news­ ably stronger if we were afraid of paper ads, in the grocery stores, what causes them. But aside from in the red light district posters demonstrations across the U.S. in and neon signs. Yet few of us 1975 and 1976 against the "Snuff" follow through and say: "My movies, which purported to show Goddess! This stuff is hateful. the actual killing and dismember­ I need to check out what is going ing of women, most feminists have on inside some of these places!" chosen to ignore the degrading na­ Like some Jews in Germany early ture of pornography, and those in the Nazi period who didn't outside the movement who have want to read the writing on the acted against pornography have in­ wall, many women prefer not to variably ignored the misogyny in­ know the depth and dangerousness herent in it •- that is, the fact of misogyny. Heterosexual women that is is vicious, anti-woman in particular, have a hard time propaganda. Before disagreeing facing this aspect of male culture with this statement, go see some since they don't want to see this of it! The titles are self-expla­ side of the men they relate to. natory: "Lesson in Pain," "Corpo­ But most lesbians haven't made an ral Punishment," "Slave Girl," against abortion, the ERA, and issue out of it either, and a few "Golden Pain," "Club Brute Force," the women's liberation movement. have even confused male abuse of and "Water Power"("water film" We have been so put off by the lesbians in pornography with les­ is the term used for movies about politics of these people that our bian pornography. Far more dis­ men urinating on women). knee-jerk response is that we turbing yet, a few are actually There is now a substantial must be for whatever they are arguing that sadomasochistic sex body of research which proves that against. is fun and healthy for lesbians. adults and children behave more But we don’t have to ally our­ Sadly, few of us have been immune violently after viewing movies in selves with them. We have not, to the liberal-radical line on which violence occurs. Yet porno­ and won't! The women amongst pornography. graphic movies and live shows are them can relate to our focus on A fourth reason is that we getting increasingly violent, and the abuse of women by pornography have been deceived like everybody the media continue to promote vio­ better than we can relate to the else by the male scientist and so- lence in the name of entertainment "sin" approach. They can come to called experts who claim that Why have most women in the wo­ us if they can accept the rest of there is no evidence showing that men’s movement shied away from our politics too. pornography is harmful. We are pornography as a woman’s issue for A second reason why most femi­ told that is a fact that pornogra­ so long? Until a greater portion nists have so far ignored the phy helped diminish the problem of of the women are with us on this, issue is that most of us bought rape and other sex crimes in Den­ we aren't going to get very far. the male liberal and radical line mark, and that any feelings we may I believe there are many rea­ that being against any aspect of have to the contrary about porno­ sons why. One reason is that we the so-called sexual revolution graphy are irrational. I am sa­ have observed that the anti-porno­ meant being a reactionary, unli­ tisfied that feminists have tho­ graphy forces have almost always berated prude. Men were seen as roughly refuted the conclusion of been conservative, homo-phobic, the sexually liberated sex, wo­ the Government Commission on anti-sex, and pro-traditional men as the sexually repressed Obscenity and Pornography, as patriarchal family. They have sex. To be liberated, women at well as other almost exclusively equated nudity and explicit sex least had to tolerate and accept male scientists who have done with pornography. They are often male sex trips, including porno­ research in this area.Suffice it

Spring 1980 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Page 3 The Socialized Penis

By Bettina Escudero

Women and men are still scared, very scared. Images of you." socialized to accept and even to impotence hung in the air and These events were clinically embrace different aspects of wouldn't disappear." "reported to/discussed with male violence. I'd like to talk about He goes on to talk about the friends. Or gone over in your an article by Jack Litewka, a male norm: a young man learned own mind, again and again, detail poet and essayist, entitled, how to "perform sexually on desire by detail. How every step along "The Socialized Penis." As a man or request," and he explains how the initiation route was stimula­ he has probed the male socializa­ men who didn't or couldn't, "felt ting and could/did cause an erec­ tion process in this society, how incomplete, unskilled, or unmanly." tion." Litewka states, "what they learn from an early age to Men, too, are victims of sociali­ stuns me now is that the origins see women as things or objects. zation. After talking with many of the tragedy of sex emerge I think everyone should read this other men, Litewka says that a clearly from that process of so­ article. When I first read it, I very definite and sequential pat­ cialized sexuality." wanted to share it with my tern became evident. "I'm talking He clearly delineates the friends because it helped me un­ about actual (overt) sexual events development of male sexual sti­ derstand why some men tried to not subliminal or imagined or re­ mulus and response into Objecti­ relate to me the way they did — presentational sexual experiences fication, Fixation, and Conquest. and it also explained why I res­ . . .I'm thinking about things By Objectification, he means that ponded with anger. Maybe it can you did sequentially as you got "males are taught by everyone help more of us understand some older. With a few total excep­ (except mom?) to objectify fe­ of the societal traps we're in tions and an odd irregularity or males . This generalized woman is and make it easier to reject them two (like fucking a 'whore' before a concept, a lump sum, a thing, and create new, personal, ways to you'd kissed a 'girl') among the and an object, a non-individual- relate to each other. many men I have known and talked ized category. The female is al­ He begins: "This is, to a cer­ with, the sequence runs roughly as ways "other." tain degree, a personal story. I follows." "Males learn to objecify felt the need to make it public The Initiation of Young Males through a process of definition, because I have sensed for a long starts with: "You kiss a girl. . By simply identifying female at­ time, and now see more clearly . you learn to use your hands to tributes: 'girls have long hair, every day, the disaster of sexua­ round out the orchestration, at wear ribbons in it, have on lity in its present forms. Some first with simple clumsy chords dresses, and like pink and yellow women have been struggling with and later with complex harmonies things. And, of course, they this reality. They have attempt­ (with the woman, of course, being play with dolls. Then comes a ed to expose the male/female myth the instrument made to respond to sexual understanding: females in the hope of creating a heal­ the musician.)." have no penis, bear children, thier reality. But most men have The complexities of "making have breasts, thinner waists, and been (at best) silent or (at out" continue until they reach hips that swell. Until we rea­ worst) dishonest — and often ig­ '"rainbow's gold* -- that is, the lize the vagina's existence, we norant and defensive. This essay assault on the nipple. While a think females are missing their is an attempt to help men begin kiss was exciting, and cupping a penis and in its absence is a talking among themselves and breast breath-taking, the conquest void (are they incomplete?). As hopefully with women." of the nipple was transcendent. we accrue this knowledge, the fe­ Women, too, sometimes refuse to Partly because it was the only male social role has already been anylyze the dynamics of relating part of a female's anatomy that we defined everywhere for us. If we because it demands a deep analysis have dealt with so far that isn't play hospital, the little girls of our own goals and ideals, be­ normally seen or even partly ex­ are, of course, the nurses and we cause it's so scary, because it posed." And afterward, depending of course, the doctors. If it's requires honesty, and possibly on age and circumstance came the time for exercise at school, they even disruption of our lives. "assault on the crotch, in steps play hopscotch while we play foot Jack Litewka began to examine similar to those of the battle of ball. When it's time to learn female/male relationships when on the breast." Sounds like a game, practical living skills, they sew two different occasions in a pe­ no? Yet, he has this to say: and bake while we use tools and riod of a year, he was impotent. "There was always an elementary build. They are easily recogniz­ "My immediate concern," he says, duality: while apparently the ed as different. There's them "was my own fright. The 'no erec­ aggressor and conqueror, you were and there's us. And who'd want tion at the right time' syndrome captive to a judgement by the to do a silly girl's thing any­ hud happened to me twice. I was female who would accept or reject how?"

Page 4 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Spring 1980 "THE MALE CONQUERS WHEN HE SUCCEEDS IN REDUCING THE FEMALE

FROM A BEING INTO A THING AND ACHIEVES SOME FORM OF

SEXUAL GRATIFICATION "

When Objectification has been it and apologize for "its" beha- mastered, Fixation follows. As havior. They even give it a name part of their initiation, they're like, "John Thomas or Peter, which "learning to fixate on portions states positively to the world" of the female's anatomy: at first that their "penis is its own man. breasts, and later, that hidden (And therefore not responsible unknown quantity, the vagina . . . for its actions?)." in movies, on TV, in advertise­ The article continues to make ments, where else can we look when other important and serious obser­ the camera's eye focuses on vations, but as a woman, I cannot breasts? So our eye is trained sufficiently stress that violence and we fixate. Emotionally, too. against women logically becomes We learn that if we do that, we easier when women are seen as will eventually get pleasure and things and objects, totally have fun. And be men. Be seen dehumanized. As things, it be­ as male. Be reacted to as male." comes so much easier to throw and He explains how young men punch us around, to rape and kill learn to control and create their us. erections by repression in public or by merely objectifying a chosen female, fixating on the parts of her body that excite, and by mani­ *My emphasis pulating that body. As for the grand finale - The Reprints of "The Socialized Pe­ Conquest: "To conquer is a highly nis," by Jack Litewka, are avai­ valued skill in our society. We lable. Send 50£ to The Women's are taught to alter the enemy into Resource Center, University of nothingness, to convert the bear Montana, Missoula, Mt 59807. into a stuffed head and rug, to gain power and rule . . . Male initiation rites and activities Arow^|graphics always require trophies (e.g. MENSTRUAL SPONGES sports) and the more numerous and advanced your 'awards,' the more 224 north hlgglns • missoula, montana 59801 of a man you are. In sexual mat­ 406/543 7357 ters, the male conquers when he succeeds in reducing the female from a being into a thing and achieves some level or form of sexual gratification."* Do we, as women, realize the Counseling, implications and ramifications of Bodywork, what Litewka says? He thinks they are too staggering and too numer­ Training ous for an article. But he does for individuals, families stress one example, "that seems & organizations realistic: that male sexual res­ ponses have little (or nothing) to do with the specific female we are with at any given moment." CLEARWATER Jack Litewka proceeds to ex­ A Feminist Collective for Well-Being plain how men objectify their own penis, just as they do it to wo­ 210 N. Higgins, Room 220 • Missoula, MT 59801 men. They objectify it, fixate Phone (406) 549-5604 on it, and conquer it. They "thingify" their penis, make it "other," so they can talk about

Spring 1980 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Page 5 Battered Women

Showing of "Violence vs. Women in the Media," during Pornography By Vivian Miller Conference, May 16-17, 1980, in To solve the problem of Missoula. battering, an understanding of both the man and the woman is necessary. To realize how wide­ spread it is, one survey reported that one out of every six couples had a physically violent episode, women’s versions of their batter­ Women who have been battered an estimated 7‘; million couples ing relationships, Lenore Walker over a period of time know that nationally. At least 281 of all came up with a cycle theory of these minor battering incidents married womenj or 13 million battering. This cycle appears to will get worse. However, to help coupleSjWill experience violence have three distinct phases which themselves cope, they deny this in their marriage. Almost 4% had vary in time and intensity both knowledge. TTiey also deny their used guns or knives in their within the same couple and be­ terror of the inevitable second attack. When the rate reaches tween different couples. The phase by attempting to believe almost 1/3 of all families, it is three phases are: The tension that they have some control over indicative of a serious family building phase, the explosion or the batterer's behavior. During disorder. acute battering phase, and the the initial stages of this first These figures are low, as some calm, loving respite. It has phase, they do have some limited researchers say one out of every been difficult to discern how control. As the tension builds, two women will experience some long a couple will remain in any they rapidly lose this control. kind of battering. Researchers one phase or the length of any Each time a minor battering inci­ also agree that whatever the num­ one cycle. dent occurs there are residual ber, wife beating cuts across Phase one, or the tension tension building effects. Her class lines. There can be as building phase, is described as anger steadily increases even many calls from the well-to-do, one in which the tension begins though she may not recognize or from the middle class, as from to rise and the woman can sense express it. He is aware of the the lower income groups of wcmen. the man becoming somewhat edgy inappropriateness of his behavior The FBI reported that 50% of and more prone to react negative­ even if he does not acknowledge the murders of women were done by ly to frustrations. There can be it. He becomes more fearful that someone who had had intimate re­ little episodes of violence which she may leave him which is rein­ lations with those women. One are quickly forgotten. He may forced by her further withdrawal fourth of all murders in the U.S. lash out at her for some real or from him in the hopes of not set­ occur within the family, and half imagined wrongdoing and quickly ting off the impending explosion. of these are husband-wife kil­ apologize or become docile again. He becomes more oppressive, jea­ lings. One out of every five Most women have learned to catch lous, and possessive hoping his officers who lost his life in these little outbursts and attempt brutality and threats will keep 1974 did so trying to break up a to calm down the batterer with her captive. Often, it does. family fight. Of the women inter­ techniques that have had previous As the batterer and the bat­ viewed who had been battered for success. She may become nurtur­ tered woman sense the escalating many years, 10% said they called ing, compliant, and anticipate tension, it becomes more diffi­ the police at times, 90% went un­ his every whim; or she may stay cult for their coping mechanism reported. They felt reporting to out of his way. She believes to continue to work. Each be­ the police was ineffective, so that what she does will prevent comes more frantic. The man in­ they retreated further into iso­ his anger from escalating. If creases his possessive smothering lation. Women say they fear the she does her job well, then the and brutality. Psychological batterers and are capable of kil­ incident will be over; if he ex­ humiliation becomes more barbed ling them to end the beatings. plodes, then she assumes the and battering incidents become A woman tends to lose her self guilt. To maintain this role, more frequent and last longer. esteem after beatings, she be­ the battered woman must not permit The battered woman is unable to comes passive. She feels she herself to get angry with the restore the equilibrium. She is can't escape — there is no place batterer. She reasons that per­ less able to defend herself psy­ to go. Breaking up a home is the haps she did deserve the abuse chologically against the pain and hardest. The batterer often and often identifies with her hurt. The psychological torture threatens the family, yet the aggressor's faulty reasoning. is reportedly the most difficult woman often both hates and loves And this works for a while to for her to handle. She usually him. postpone the second phase or withdraws further from him which After analyzing 120 battered acute battering incident. causes him to move more oppresive-

Page 6 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Spring 1980 serious violence. Many women, mother, reducing the workload on however, have been damming up their the job, or whatever else effects anger during phase one and only his internal anxiety state. feel safe letting it out during The battered woman wants to be­ the second phase. They know that lieve that she will no longer they will be beaten anyway. The have to suffer abuse. His rea­ women describe the violence that sonableness supports her belief occurs during this period with that he really can change, as great detail, almost as if they does his loving behavior during are speaking of what happened to this phase. She convinces her­ someone else. The batterers can­ self that he can do what he says not describe the details very well. he wants to do. During phase Phase two is the most violent three, the woman gets a glimpse of the cycle. It is also the of her original dream of how won­ shortest. There is a high inci-r derful love is. This is her re­ dence of police fatalities when inforcement for staying in the intervening at this time. It is relationship. The traditional important to acknowledge the self notion that people who really propelling nature of the violence love each other will overcome all during this phase when helpers try kinds of odds against them pre­ ly towards her. There is a point to intervene. Since the women re­ vails. She chooses to believe toward the end of the tension port that only the batterer can that the behavior she sees during building phase where the process end this phase, the most important phase three signifies what her ceases to respond to any controls need they have is to find a safe man is really like. She identi­ Once this point of inevitability place to hide from him. Why he fies the "good" side of this dual is reached, the next phase, the stops is still unclear. Perhaps personality with the man she acute battering incident, will he gets exhausted. Battered wom­ loves. The "bad" or brutal side occur. Sometimes, the battered en describe incidents which can't will disappear, she hopes. woman cannot bear the tension any be logically explained. It isn't Since almost all of the re­ longer. She knows the explosion uncommon for the batterer to wake ward of being married or coupled is inevitable but doesn't know the woman from a deep sleep to occur during phase three for the how or when it will occur. These begin his assault. Although most woman, this is the time that is women will often provoke an are severely beaten by the time the most difficult for her to incident. They don't do it to be phase two is over, they are usu­ make a decision to end the re­ hurt. Rather, they know that they ally grateful for its end. They lationship. It is also the time will be abused no matter and would consider themselves lucky it was during which helpers usually see prefer to get the incident over not worse. They often deny the her. When she resists leaving with. Somehow, these few women seriousness of their injuries and her marriage and pleads that she reason, if they can name the time refuse to seek immediate medical really loves him, she bases her and place of the explosion, they treatment. Sometimes they do reference to the current loving still have retained some control. this to appease the batterer and phase rather than the previously They also know that once the phase make certain phase two really painful phases. She hopes that two is over, the batterer will finished and not just temporarily if the other two move into the third phase of calm, halted. loving behavior. Thus their re­ Both parties welcome the end continued on P. 18 ward is not the beating as the of phase two and movement into masochistic myth would have it, phase three. Just as brutality but rather a kind, loving husband is associated with phase two, for even a short period of time. extremely loving, kind and con­ During phase two the batterer trite behavior characterizes the fully accepts the fact that his third phase. During this phase rage is out of control. The bat­ of the cycle, the battered wo­ tering behavior in phase one is man's victimization is completed. usually meted out. The battering Her man repents genuinely, and incident in phase two may start tries with the same sense of out with the man justifying his overkill seen in previous phases, behavior to himself; however, it to make it up to her. He dread­ usually ends with him not under­ fully fears that she will leave standing what has happened. In him and he attempts everything his blind rage, he usually starts to make sure this doesn't happen. out wanting to teach her a lesson He believes he can control him­ and doesn't want to inflict any self and he never again will hurt particular injury on her. He stops this woman whom he loves. He only when he feels she has learned manages to convince all concern­ her lesson. Most victims report ed that this time he really means that to fight back in a phase two it -- he will give up drinking, incident is only to invite more dating other women, visiting his

Spring 1980 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Page 7 RAPE POEM

There is no difference between being raped and being pushed down a flight of cement steps except that the wounds also bleed inside.

There is no difference between being raped and being run=over by a truck except that afterward men ask if you enjoyed it.

There is no difference between being raped and being bit on the ankle by a rattlesnake except that people ask if your skirt was short and why you were out alone anyhow.

There is no difference between being raped and going head first through a windshield except that afterward you are afraid not of cars but half the human race

The rapist is your boyfriend's brother. He sits beside you in the movies eating popcorn. Rape fattens on the fantasies of the normal male like a maggot in garbage.

Fear of rape is a cold wind blowing all of the time on a woman's hunched back. Never to stroll alone on a sand road through pine woods, never to climb a trail across a bald without that aluminum in the mouth when I see a man climbing toward me.

Never to open the door to a knock without that razor just grazing the throat. The fear of the dark side of hedges, the back seat of the car, the empty house rattling keys like a snake's warning. The fear of the smiling man in whose pocket is a knife. The fear of the serious man in whose fist is locked hatred.

All it takes to cast a rapist to be able to see your body as jackhammer, as blowtorch, as adding-machine-gun. All it takes is hating that body your own, your self, your muscle that softens to flab.

All it takes is to push what you hate, what you fear onto the soft alien flesh. To bucket out invincible as a tank armored with treads without senses to possess and punish in one act, to rip up pleasure, to murder those who dare live in the leafy flesh open to love.

Marge Piercy

Originally called "The Missoula Rape Poem."

Page 8 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Spring 1980 Rape: Linking Sex and Violence

By Sarah Vichorick This article is based on excerpts from RAPE: IT HAPPENS HERE, by Rona Finman.

Traditional ideas about rape der constant control and satis­ miliate and degrade their victims. do not fit the facts. The news fied at all costs. It also as­ For some men, sex is a status sensationalizes murder-rape or sumes that men "lose control" when symbol. Nearly every man has been the pervert jumping out from be­ they have no sexual outlet. The asked, "Did you get any?" or "Did hind the bushes. Everyone has facts prove these assumptions to you score?" What kind of sex, also heard the expression, "You be wrong. whether loving or forced, doesn't can't thread a moving needle," Patterns of Forcible Rape, by matter, as long as you get it. when referring to rape. Expres­ Menachim Amir, reported that most And rape is a way of getting it. sions like these deny that rape, rapes are planned, and even those We can see that sexual satis­ a violent act against someone has rapes which were "spontaneous" faction is not the motive for rape. occurred, and they deny that the were not motivated by uncontrolla­ Sexual intimacy does not include victim is a human being. Somehow ble sexual urges. Over 95% of the force. Sexual power does. The because of tradition people often rapists studied had available se­ need to dominate and control, to find themselves blaming the vic­ xual partners. take what he wants, motivates the tim, and not the attacker. Amir's study also dispelled rapists, not his desire for sex. We need to redefine our atti­ the myth that rapists are "crazy." The obvious common factor in tudes toward rape and toward wo­ Tests have shown that the majority these examples is that one person men. We can start by looking at of rapists are psychologically and for whatever reason, is taking who the victims really are, who sexually indistinguishable from what he wants at the expense of the attackers are, what motivates ordinary men. They did, however, another. This same factor is pre­ them, and what factors in our have a slightly higher tendency to sent in all assault cases from lives contribute to rape. violently express their anger. robbery to murder. Rape is clear­ Any woman can be the target of ly not a sexual crime, but a vio­ rape. It happens to women of all lent one. There is another, un­ ages and in almost any place. derlying factor in rape. The de­ Women are raped by friends and humanizing of its victims -- wo­ relatives, not just strangers in men. The rapists explain their the bushes. Young children are crimes in terms of their own raped by relatives and babysit­ needs, whether they be power, an­ ters . Old women and babies are ger, or control. The victims, if raped. Some men are raped. described at all, are seen as a There is one thing that all means toward these ends, not as victims of rape have in common living, breathing, feeling people. vulnerability. Can she be inti­ To fight rape we need to exa­ midated? Can he lead her into a mine and change the attitudes trap? Is there anyone to come to which contribute to it. Where do her aid? All these factors are we learn that women are objects? considered by the rapist when he That rapists are crazy? That chooses a victim. rape is inevitable? Attitudes The rapist is looking for a way are seldom based on facts and fi­ to get the feeling of control and gures . They come from what we dominance which he lacks in his see every day. Three major fac­ everyday life. He is looking for tors contribute to our attitudes a safe easy target: a vulnerable toward rape and its victims: His­ person -- most often a woman. tory, Sex Roles, and Sexual Violence in the Media. When we try to define who the Historically, rape was not victims are, we end up talking considered a crime against the about rapists. It is the rapist victim, but a crime against either who defines the victim, she's not By their own admission, rapists her father or her husband, the looking for a rapist. have defined their crime as a need man who owned her. Women were Many people consider rape to to get back at someone or some­ property, and rape was destruc­ be a "crime of passion," motivat­ thing -- the need to dominate or tion of property. Women have ed by a man's uncontrollable sex humiliate. Some stated that anger been part of the spoils of war, drive. This belief reflects the was their motive. They used just as other enemy property. attitude that men are beasts forced sexual intimacy as a de­ whose instincts must be kept un­ vastatingly personal weapon to hu­ continued

Spring 1980 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Page 9 cont'd from P.9 "Ordinary men could perform atrocities at Buchenwald and My THE LINKING OF SEX AND VIOLENCE PROMOTES THE IDEA THAT PAIN AND Lai because. . . they believed HUMILIATION CAN BE "FUN," FOR BOTH THE ATTACKER AND THE VICTIM. that the people they were killing were not really human beings, not as they and their families were human beings "(AGAINST RAPE). Being female in this society in advertising, on TV, in books, as human beings and makes them puts one into the same kind of magazines and on record covers. more acceptable targets for vio­ category and crimes against them Not only are these images wide­ lent acts . are often not viewed as the se­ spread, they are deliberately de­ The second ingredient in the rious, criminal acts they are. veloped to promote products. woman-as-victim image is violence. This view of woman as property Sadly, they also sell contempt All TV and movie viewers know how leads directly to todays concepts for women. often violence is depicted. Most of sex roles. Stereotype male Although the pornographic in­ children will witness 13,000 and female roles play a major dustry blatantly uses images of murders on TV by the time they part in breeding the rapist and women as objects-to-be-used-and are 15 years old. Murders, rapes, the victim. Ironically, it is abused the most, the depiction of and beatings are witnessed at the just the very "feminine" traits violence has increased, and women rate of eight per hour. Three of women which are typical of the are the most common target of out of four programs feature perfect victim, and the very that violence. violence. And, most often women "masculine" traits of men that The linking of sex and violence are the helpless victims of that are typical of the rapist. promotes the idea that pain and violence. Young girls are taught to be humiliation can be "fun" -- for Studies are revealing that, as passive, and to accept what hap­ both the attacker and the victim. violence in the media increases, pens to them. They are taught to Psychologist and researcher Edward acceptance of violence as "the be "daddy's little girl" until Donnerstein at the University of way things are," grows, and the they become someone else's wife. Wisconsin found that: "The (porno­ real acting out of violence in­ They are taught to be dependent graphic) material does appear to creases. Men are depicted as the and to look to men to defend them. have an effect on a subject's natural aggressors and women as In subtle ways women are still willingness to endorse rape and the natural victims. property. Women are taught not his tendency to view rape as not Portraying women as sexual ob­ to respect themselves. Respect being violent." (Wisconsin State jects meant for men's use and belongs to men, their fathers, Journal, 9/20/79). pleasure and the portrayal of bosses, husbands, to men in gene­ Of more danger perhaps than porno­ violence as acceptable and even ral . This automatic respect graphy, is the popular media. enjoyable behavior makes it ac­ makes it easy for a rapist to ma­ Here the images are mos,. subtle, ceptable for a man to aggress nipulate his victim. She has but the message and the effect against a woman. Aggression is been trained to look up to and are the same. seen as enjoyment. Yet, the real obey men. Two factors are needed for an and painful consequences of ag­ The traditional male role is effective image of woman as vic­ gression are not portrayed by the exactly the opposite. Men are tim. media. And, they become easier taught to be aggressive, to get The first is a distorted view to ignore for would-be aggressors. ahead, to be tough. A man is of women and sexuality. The media In summary, the messages we supposed to "stand up for himself" reinforces the sex role stereo­ are receiving from history, from and to take what he wants. The types we discussed earlier by por­ tradition and from our present strong, hard ideal man is also traying women as sexual objects. day stereotypes are: successful with women. He may Their worth and importance lies in Women are objects that belong measure his "manhood" by how many their sexual desirability. We have to men. women he has "had." For some, all seen automobile advertisements Women are not human in the this score-keeping leads to rape. where a man drives off in a plush same way that men are. The female role is seen by most car with a beautiful woman at his Women are "natural" victims. men as everything a man should side. The message is that a "suc­ Women like and expect to be not be. "Girls" and "sissies" cessful" man has two very expen­ victimized. are synonymous when insulting a sive and exotic possessions, his Women are safe targets for man. Knowing that a man is not car and his woman. brutal behavior. supposed to be like a woman breeds In advertisements and in mo­ A "normal" man is sexually a lack of respect and contempt vies we see women portrayed as aggressive in a brutal and de­ for women. This contempt, coupled parts of bodies. In TV jargon, meaning way. with the belief that women "be­ it's called, "T and A", meaning Victimized women are enter­ long" to men, makes any woman an "tits and ass." A recent trend in taining and amusing to watch. easy target for abuse. TV has been to use a quota of T As long ws we tolerate these Images of women as objects, as and A in all programming to draw images, as long as our behavior property, and as acceptable tar­ audiences. When women are viewed reflects these attitudes, we will gets for violence abound in our as a collection of body parts, it have rape. society. We see them every day becomes easier to disqualify them

Page 10 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Spring 1980 Women’s Community Women's Resource Center

The Women's Resource Center titles by and about women), COMING THIS SUMMER: serves a large number of students periodicals (over 25 different community and state residents. subscriptions, vertical resource Women's Studies: "Women in The WRC provides a supportive file (over 150 topics) . Appropriate Technology." For setting to give people information Employment counseling information, contact Judy Smith about women's and men's changing Educational programs and at the Women's Resource Center. roles in society. We also offer resources referrals to other university and Womens Studies courses community agencies. Special interest workshops An increasing number of women Rape and Violence Task Force are consciously choosing to go Conferences to schools that show an active Montana Women's History Project response to the needs of women. Women and Technology Network WOMEN'S COMMUNITY As a volunteer drop-in center, Returning women students the WRC helps women acquire new support group Battered Women's Shelter skills, as well as share those Statewide Newsletter YWCA skills in a diverse atmosphere. Drop-in Center Open 24 hours a day WRC activities include: Call Crisis Center 543-8277

Brown Bag discussions Women's Place Assertiveness training 24 hour crisis line 543-7606 Dorm programs 210 N. Higgins, Room 218 Free film series For specific information on Rape crisis counseling and advo Referral files summer schedules, please call cacy. Rape education and infer Special programming 243-4153. Our summer hours are mation. Library of books (over SOO M-F 10-2. Women's Resource Center Weekdays 9-4 243-4153 Referrals and information

Blue Mountain Women's Clinic 218 East Front, Room 106 542-0029 Abortion counseling and health information and self-help clinic.

MONTANA WOMEN'S HISTORY PROJECT

The poster of the Great North­ ern Railroad circa 1900 and assorted notecards, packets are available: Poster - $1.00 Post card and notecards - $ ,25ea or $2.50 packet.

A project of the oral history of midwives, emphasizes the pre- 1940 era. If you know of some­ one who might be interviewed, we would appreciate your help in establishing contact with her. FREE! Get in touch with: Lydia Vizcaya P.O. Box 8376 Missoula, MT 59807

Spring 1980 MONTANA WOMEN’S RESOURCE Page 11 Direct Action

"Direct action: the use of By Kathleen Coyne strikes, demonstrations, and sa­ botage to achieve an end." (.\raerican Heritage Dictionary)

"lake Back the Night" marches Direct action attempts to streets safe for us at night. bring women together to reclaim address the cultural roots of This statement certainly express­ the streets and walk without fear; violence against women, rather es the feelings of many feminists self-defense classes for women than dealing with the criminal yet does little to encourage the focus on both physical and emo­ justice system which treats the police to work with feminist tional self-defense; the destruc­ "symptoms" of victims and crimi­ groups and often, understandably, tion of a theater window to stop nals. However, we must recognize angers police departments. the showing of a movie depicting the value of working to end vio­ Direct action also has the the murder and dismemberment of lence against women from both drawback of not creating a dialo­ women are all examples of direct inside and outside the system of gue between groups. This is par­ actions used by feminists. legislative change and direct ticularly true of sabotage and feminists have recognized the service to victims. Just as destruction of property. When importance of direct action to working within the established feminists in Los Angeles threw a fight violence against women channels for change has certain brick through a theater window to since the first rape speak-outs limitations, so does direct ac­ stop the showing of "Snuff", it in the early 1970's. Direct ac­ tion. was accompanied with a statement tion is used as a tactic to em­ Direct action can polarize a saying why the action was taken. power women in a society in which community and increase the dis­ The anonymity that was necessary violence and threats of violence tance between two groups. For to avoid prosecution for throwing are used to keep us powerless. example, a woman speaking at a the brick, a blatantly illegal Direct action can work on many "Take Back the Night" march might act, prevented not only a dialogue levels. A self-defense class announce that the police are not between the theater owner, but which also focuses on teaching us doing their part of making the also with some other feminists as to recognize the ways we have wel 1. learned passivity and victimiza­ Direct actions frequently have tion, helps us fight back against a specific goal: the apprehension violent situations. A speak-out of a rapist, the closing of a against rape gives us time to movie, safety for women and child­ share our experiences with other ren. The pressure and public at­ women, to show the scope and tention created by direct action extent of violence against women often is very influential in a­ and is a way to break down the chieving these goals. But police isolation between individual and theater owners are reluctant women. A brick thrown through a to admit to succumbing to such theater window demonstrates very pressures, often leaving us with­ clearly that feminists will not out a sense of accomplishment and tolerate the murder of women as victory. "entertainment." Direct action still remains an Direct action is often the incredibly effective tactic in result of frustration and rage fighting back against violence. felt by women when the existing Most importantly, direct action system of police, courts and does work. It focuses pressure hospitals fails to deal adequate­ and attention on the criminal jus­ ly, or even ignores, the problems tice system and helps to bring of rape, battering, sexual haras­ about changes in laws, enforcement sment or incest. It is almost and the treatment of victims. always used as a tactic to edu­ Direct action teaches us the cate and reach other women, to potential of o ir own power. \ define the problems of violence woman alone may not be safe, but and begin to fight back as a when surrounded by hundreds of group rather than as isolated women, we can indeed reclaim the victims. streets and walk without fear. age 12 MONTANA WOMEN’S RESOURCE Spring IPSO Women Get Strong

By Joan Zygmunt

Women want to get strong. That cle I have gained is a dramatic activity and strength. Males will seems obvious when a weight change compared to two months ago. protect them. It seems that many training class for women fills Women will not gain the same mus­ women are reluctant to give up up the afternoon of the first cle mass that men will, to enable that supposed protection. They day of registration. A total of them to push the same amount of feel they may have to if they en­ about 60 women are taking weight weight. So a woman who can bench ter into physical activities that lifting classes this spring at her weight may look firm and some­ are normally considered the domain the U. of M. and numerous others what muscular, yet won't have the of males. Increasingly many wo­ come in and work out regularly. bulky muscles that a man can de­ men are willing to’do so. Why are so many women choosing velop. This is a plus since many The biggest motivation for me, weight lifting as a form of women are scared away from weight in taking weight training was get­ exercise? As I have gained lifting for fear of developing ting stronger. But the benefits physical strength in the past bulky muscles and thereby not of strength reach a lot further. 6 weeks I could feel a number looking traditionally feminine. I feel better, I sleep better and of pleasant changes in myself. Many women arc weight training most of all it has affected me I wondered if other women were to lose weight and gain strength psychologically. One of the most experiencing similar changes. at the same time. A few women beneficial aspects of being phyi- As I talked with my classmates really don't like the use of the sically strong is self-confidence. I discovered they were. phrase "getting strong." For them A woman who looks strong is much Certainly, the most apparent it conjures a competitiveness less likely to be a target of change is physical. Everyone of that they want no part of. It is violence. A potential rapist is us is getting stronger. When 1 clear that they want to be in the not going to attack a woman who started this class I could bench best shape possible, often so they walks with strength unless he press forty pounds, now I have can engage in other activities wants a good fight. He is looking doubled that. I have not gained better. Still, in the general for someone who is vulnerable and or lost weight but I have put on population, many women place lit­ an easy victim. I feel better a great deal of muscle in my arms tle value on being physically about myself knowing my body is and back as well as firming and powerful. They have been trained strong and can be powerful when I strengthening my thigh and calf since birth that females are dain­ need it. It's a shame that so muscles. Does this mean I'm ty and cute. Around puberty that many women are denied the knowled­ starting to look like Arnold socialization often manifests it­ ge of the potential strength that Schwarzenegger? No, but the mus­ self in greatly reduced physical is within them.

Spring 1980 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Page 15 WOMEN IN THE ARTS: FROM OBJECT TO Women’s Literature, Women ’s Books SUBJECT Featuring by Angela Helvey Fiction ★ Health ★ History they "articulate the critic's va­ Self-Help ★ Social Criticism A discussion of the conference, fits in well with the theme of lues and validate his prejudices, Poetry Politics ★ Art ★ this issue of the newsletter. which perpetuates the male value IK Montana's Most Complete Art can be viewed as a social res­ system." Many male critics value Selection ponse, an expression of culture, work for its sexual appeal, Co­ and thus it plays a major part in dell said. Women assumed the the objectification of women. The role of decorations in the paint­

New: objectification has been expres­ ings. Marge sed by male artists in works de­ Some women artists, such as Piercy picting both nudes and clothed Artemisea Gentileschi, portrayed women alike. Often, the women women with modest covering, with FREDDY’S portrayed are passive objects powerful, substantial bodies. FEED AND READ .... , J — —------— — waiting for male response, even Male artists, such as Auguste Re­ 549-2|27 1221 Helen if that response is violent. noir, portrayed women as soft ob­ Julie Codell, in a statement jects in frontal positions, with of the issues at the Conference coy attitudes to express the fan­ on Friday, April 11, discussed tasies of their male creators. the question, "Does feminism con­ Talented women are freaks, a flict with artistic standards?" third sex, she said. Art, while which has been posed by Hilton being considered feminine does not Cramer, an art critic for the New accept that women make valid York Times. Codell's answer to statements, because art has been this was "No" because artistic male-dominated. "Artists should ffiCKW standards "no longer emanate in take pride in their receptivity to decrees from academic institu­ the female and male voices within ■PCJR tions," and because "anything them." goes" in art, at least on the In a Saturday morning panel surface. "Most art critics have discussion, a dancer, a poet and been male, above the concerns of writer, an artist, and a filmmaker FINE FURNITURE the rest of us, and they evade contributed to the discussion of even their own experiential in­ women and art. Juliette Crump, of £ fluence," she said. Male critics the UM Dance Department, said, ACCESSORIES place more importance on form in "Modern dance was invented by wo­ art than on subject. Their crit- men involved in improvisation, 13 * £o.si Main tical comments are crucial, for aesthetic expression, and physical conditioning." This art form does not discriminate against women, but rather encourages them. Mary Warner of the UM Art De­ partment mentioned that women's art and men's art, such as geome­ tric prints and quilts, are not much different visually; they are different only in their positions within a culture. Men have been credited with "high art," and wo­ men with "craft." This is chang­ ing, yet, that Georgia O'Keefe is not included in art critic Jan­ sen's latest book "makes me wonder how many other great women artists have existed and are lost." A goodies! Naomi Lazard, Visiting Poet, spoke of a "double bind," she feels. "You're damned if you do (make something of yourself) and damned if you don't (use your mind)." Lazard said she discover­ ed that she could use the written

Page 14 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Spring 1980 BITTERROOT EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR WOMEN has the following titles available: Montana Birth Control Handbook (2nd ed.) 60c + postage for indiv. copies. Montana Divorce Handbook (2nd ed.)— word as a tool to make sense out culture that has been stifled, and of her own experience. She men­ as a way to create a support group Information and resources from tioned that novels of ideas by wo­ for women artists. around the state. $4.95 + 75c postage. men are not easily published even In a wrap-up session on Sun­ Conference Proceedings: Women & today. Confessional stories sell day, women in the conference Technology—Speeches & materials better, she said. discussed "Where do we as women Monica Dunlap, a filmmaker, artists go from here?" The group from the conference, April 1979. $2 discussed films women have made. decided that a network of women + 50c postage. Dunlap has taught filmmaking to artists, established by means of Women & Appropriate Technology by children, and noted that girls a mailing list for each artist, Judy Smith. Republished by BER. were chosen as camera operators would be an effective way to stay more often than boys. "We don’t in touch for future shows of Available soon! need to start from scratch to pro­ women's art, for organizing a Write for information on bulk orders! duce great women filmmakers." She women's gallery, and for a support 315 S. 4th E. Missoula, Montana 59801 said. As more women become produ­ group. If any of you readers cers, they will move out of the would like to be part of this role of "props for men's emotions. list, write to the Women's Resource We're battered by these images all Center for a copy, in care of the time," she said. Angela HeIvey. Diane Gel on, main speaker of The conference "Women and the the Conference, discussed the Din­ Arts: From Object to Subject" was ner Party Project, conceived by sponsored by the Women's Resource Judy Chicago, and worked on by ap­ Center, ASUM, ASUM Programming, proximately 400 people, most of and the UM Art Department. It was which were women. The project funded in part by the Montana Arts consists of 39 ceramic dinner Council, an affiliate of the plates which rest on needlework National Endowment for the Arts, runners, commemorating famous wo­ Washington, D.C. men in Western Civilization. A Heritage porcelain floor with 999 names of famous women accompanies the triangular table and place ALICES The Montana Women's Resource does //Is aJajqys, natiLruJtdelicious! settings. Gelon showed slides of not necessarily reflect the views this work to an audience of about of the Women's Resource Center. 200, Saturday, April 12. Gelon described her experience in joining the Dinner Party team. She said she was "hungry" for art by women, and read about Judy Ga- rowitz (now Chicago), in Time Ma­ gazine . She came across Judy Chi­ cago again when she attended the opening of the Women's Building yymriyM in Los Angeles, in 1973, where Chicago's work was being shown. fafery Cafe As she looked at it, Gelon was "blown away." She bought one, and eventually went to lunch with Chi­ cago, "trembling" with awe. Chi­ cago asked her to do some histori­ cal research for her on the pro­ ject, saying, "We'll trade art." Gelon researched the names of fa­ fflonltz/ia. hJhea/ fash Ground mous women artists for the Heri­ Vai/y Sy Us, tage floor, and then moved on to 9-6 U-V Sunday administrating the project. 131 u).77?a

Spring 1980 MONTANA WOMEN’S RESOURCE Page 15 continued from Page 3 Last, but certainly not least, RECOMMENDED READING: is the fear that being anti-porno­ to say here that even the Porno­ graphy means we are necessarily PATTERNS IN FORCIBLE RAPE, by graphy Commission research in no pro-censorship. For people who Menachem Amir, (University of Chi­ way establishes the harmlessness have worked through all the other cago Press, 1971). of pornography; and some important reasons, this one often still research shows it to be harmful. bothers them. With few exceptions STOPPING WIFE ABUSE, by Jenniffer However, there is even more sound most feminists, as well as liberal Baker Fleming, (Doubleday, 1979). feminist logic to establish that and radical non-feminists, have it is dangerous to our survival been so hung up on the censorship FEMALE SEXUAL SLAVERY, by Kathleen and well-being. For if it is ca­ issue that they have refused to Barry, (Prentice Hall) Excerpted thartic for men to watch women allow themselves to recognize in MS Magazine, November, 1979. being beaten and raped on pornography as a problem for wo­ the screen, why don't we have mo­ men, refused to analyze what is AGAINST OUR WILL: MEN, WOMEN,AND vie houses in every town where pa­ going on in pornography and why, RAPE, by Susan- Brownmiller (Simon rents who have the urge to batter refused to even allow themselves and Schuster, Bantam). and abuse their children can go to feel outraged by it. They and watch other parents doing this simply say: "I'm against censor­ CONJUGAL CRIME, by Terry Davidson while the children pant with plea­ ship of any kind!" And the mean­ (Hawthorne Books, 1978). sure? Why don't we deal with ra­ ing of the first amendment be­ cism in the same way? Why is it comes the topic of discussion. BATTERED WIVES, by Martin Del (New primarily with women that the ca­ In this way the freedom of speech Glide Publications, 1976). tharsis model is applied? And men issue has been used, not always are supposed to be logical! consciously, to freeze us into RAPE: IT HAPPENS HERE, An Educa­ A fifth reason why so few fe­ saying and doing nothing against tional Manual on the Problem and minists have confronted pornogra­ pornography. I would hope that Solutions for Montanans, by Rona phy is that we have often, for whatever your particuaar view is Finman, (Missoula, Women's Place, practical and strategic reasons, on the first amendment, you will 1979). taken a piecemeal approach to pro­ avoid this short circuiting pro­ blems. We focus on battered women cess, and you will point out to THE VIOLENT SEX: MALE PSYCHO­ or rape, or the molestation of fe­ others when they are doing it. BIOLOGY AND THE EVOLUTION OF male children, or whatever. But Rather than focusing on the first CONSCIOUSNESS, by Laurel’Holliday all these crimes against women are amendment, we must focus on why (Bluestocking Books, 1978). linked. How can we stop rape and and how pornography is harmful women battering by staffing rape and how we can best work to era­ RAPE, by Carol V. Hows (Tobey crisis centers and refuges when dicate it. The relevance of the Publishing, 1974). there are countless movie houses, first amendment to this goal is thousands of publications, and a just one of many theoretical and ORDEAL, by Linda Lovelace with multi-million dollar industry that strategic issues to be discussed. Mike McGrady (Citadel Press, 1980) sell the idea that violence and We do not need consensus on it rape of women is sexually exciting before proceeding with the monu­ SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WORKING WOMEN to men, and that we like it too? mental and urgent task of taking by Catherine A. Mackinnon (Yale Sixthly, as with prostitution, action against pornography. University Press, 1979). many of us get confused by the ar- argument that it is an issue of AGAINST RAPE, by Andra Medea and survival money for some women. Kathleen Thompson (Farrar, Straus, This is true, but I think it's im­ and Giroux, 1974). portant to recognize that women's Reprinted from "Newspage," WAVPM, role in pornography is not the with permission by Diana Russell, SCREAM QUIETLY OR THE NEIGHBORS a nationally known feminist/au- primary problem. It is the men WILL HEAR, by Erin Pizzey (Ridlye thor and one of the main speakers who profit most from it, and who Enslow, 60 Crescent Place, Box 301 are the consumers of it -- it is during the "Conference: Liberty, Short Hills, NJ 07078, 1974). they who must be attacked and ex­ Decency, Feminism, Three Perspec­ tives on Pornography," held in posed. But beyond that, we cannot THE POLITICS OF RAPE: THE automatically support every insti­ Missoula, May 16-17, 1980. VICTIM'S PERSPECTIVE, by Diana tution that happens to provide Russell (Stein and Day, 1975). money to some women. We have to consider whether the institution FIGHT BACK! A SELF-DEFENSE is operating in such a way as to TRAINING PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, by be destructive to women as a class. MOUNTAIN MOVING PRESS Pauline M. Short and Paula Short I believe the consensus of this (Portland, Oregon, Anderson's PMS conference is that it is -- ex­ 315 S. 4 U1 St. E. 1974). tremely so. And money aside, many Missoula, Montana 59801 women including ex-pornography SEXUAL POLITICS, by Kate Millett, models, have made a strong case 543-4523 (DOUBLEDAY, 1969, Avon Books). for the destructive effect on the Hours-10-6 M-F women involved.* continued on P. 17

Page 16 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Spring 1980 Rape Task Force

By Maureen Regan

The UM Rape and Violence Task Force has been investigating the incidences of violence on campus Greeting during the Pornography for the past two years. This year Conference tour of porn businesses the task force continues to work in Missoula. on numerous projects dealing with the problem of violence. This summer a violence report form will be distributed to all auxiliary services and other orga­ nizations that might be contacted by victims of violence. This re­ port form will give the Task Force a more concrete grasp of the ex­ Chair of that Department is opti­ continued from P. 16 tent of violence on the UM campus. mistic that it could be offered It will allow a more accurate pic­ by next year's fall quarter. If Articles: ture of what problem areas still you are interested in taking it, need to be addressed. watch for posters announcing it. "The Red Spoils of War," by Susan Past investigation by the Rape On May 16th, the Task Force Brownmiller, MS, December, 1975. and Violence Task Force has shown will hold a meeting with repre­ that many students and auxiliary sentatives from Campus Security, "Violence and the Masculine Mys­ services were not aware of what the Administration, auxiliary tique," by Lucy Komisar, Washing­ support systems were available to services and the ASUM presiden­ ton Monthly, July, 1970. Reprint­ victims of crime. In response to tial office to discuss the pos­ ed by KNOW, Inc., P.O. Box 8603, this problem, a resource guide, sibility of upgrading security on Pittsburgh, PA 15221 "Handling Violence" was completed campus. The Task Force has re­ and distributed this past spring ceived many complaints from stu­ "Linda Lovelace's Ordeal," by quarter within the University com­ dents on some of the procedural Gloria Steinem, MS., May 1980. munity . policies of Campus Security. Additionally this quarter, the The group would like to see a Newsletters: group sponsored educational pro­ twenty-four hour security answer­ grams on the subjects of rape and ing service by trained employees, Aegis: A Magazine on Organizing battering. The films "Violence mandatory training of all securi­ to Stop Violence Against Women, Behind Closed Doors" and "Rape ty personnel on how to deal with National Communications Network Culture" were shown to dispel some victims of violence, women secu­ Feminist Alliance Against Rape, of the myths surrounding the vio­ rity officers and a strict follow Box 21033, Washington, DC 20009, lent crimes against women. A two up procedure for all reported ($8.75 indiv.). part lecture series was held on crimes. the battered woman syndrome. Mar­ The UM Rape and Violence Task Newspage, Women Against Violence ti Adrian, from Women's Place, Force plans to continue meeting in Pornography and Media, (WAVPM) lectured on the myths and realities next school year with more pro­ P.O. Box 14614, San Francisco, CA of battering. Karen Townsend, the jects. Anyone interested in do­ 94114, C50Domestic Violence Compo­ defense course for credit in the It’s basic. Sound nutrition means nent of the Community Health Cen­ energy, strength and growth. ter, Inc. P.O. Box 1076, Middle­ Health and Physical Education de­ After all, you deserve it. partment. Dr. Sharkey, acting town, CT 06456.

Spring 1980 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Page 17 continued from Page 2 The woman who says "no" to the in our lives. norms of her culture arouses the tive," or because you said NO. same hatred and suspicion as the Sexual harassment can range any­ man who cries, 1. "Sexual Harassment on the where from a look to a rape. It Obviously the socialization of Job: Questions and Answers " can be any or all of the follow­ men and women in our culture is Ithaca, NY. Working Women United ing: verbal suggestions or jokes, complicated. Countless social, Institute, 1975. constant leering or ogling, “ac­ cultural, and economic factors cidently" brushing against your influence the upbringing of an 2. Rape: The All-American Crime body, a "friendly" pat, squeeze individual. Cultural norms change Susan Griffin, Ramparts, 1976. pinch, or arm around you, catch­ slowly. ing you alone for a quick kiss, Barbara Sinclair Deckard writes 3. The Women's Movement: Politi­ the explicit proposition backed in The Women's Movement: Political cal, Socioeconomic, and Psycholo­ by the threat of losing your job Socioeconomic, and Psychological gical Issues, Barbara Sinclair and forced sexual relations," issues: Deckard, Harper 6 Row, NY, 1979, Women are reluctant to report "The roots of the physical abuse p. 437. sexual harassment because they of women lie in our society's be­ feel guilty; they feel they must liefs about appropriate sex roles 2. Susan Griffin, Rape: The All­ have provoked it. However, stu­ and in the institutional arrange­ American Crime, Ramparts, 1976, dies have shown that it's arbi­ ments that result from these be­ pp. 26-35. * trary, as is other forms of se­ liefs. Men are expected to be xual violence, often directed aggressive and physically asser­ 3. Barbara Sinclair Deckard, toward an especially vulnerable tive, to be head of the household. The Women's Movement: Political, woman, the newest one on the crew, Women are expected to be dependent Socioeconomic, and Psychological or the one who needs the job des­ and passive. Within the tradi­ Issues, Harper 5 Row, NY, 1979, perately. Also, since the haras- tional family structure, women are p. 437. ser usually has economic power economically dependent upon their over the victim, she fears reta­ husbands and thus basically power­ liation and doesn't complain. less . Under these circumstances, What about the victims? Why it is not altogether surprising doesn't a woman just leave if she that men take out their frustra­ Battered Women, doesn't like what's happening to tions by beating their wives — Continued from P. 7 her? Why don't they complain, or often the only persons over whom file a lawsuit, or at least re­ they have power. " if the other two cycles can be port it to the police? Why do Things are changing. Cons­ eliminated, the battering beha­ they keep coming back for more, ciousness is being raised, women vior will cease and her idealized if it's really that bad? What are talking to each other, women relationship will magically re­ about the woman who takes part in are educating, being educated, main. If she has previously been a stag film? Whatever happens to fighting back. Women are waging through several cycles, the notion her is surely her own fault. legal battles, while other women she has traded her psychological Isn't it? are advocating informally for and physical safety (and maybe In fact, the cultural norms changes in the systems that vic­ that of her children) for this that train men to be aggressive timize women. At the same time temporary dream state adds to and dominant concurrently rein­ pacifists are questioning the her own self hatred and embarrass­ force females who are shy, sub­ mentality that dictates aggression ment. Her self image withers missive, obedient, and compliant. in the name of peace or political as she copes with the awareness A little girl receives applause necessity. People are successful­ that she is selling herself for for her gentle, passive spirit. ly boycotting companies that pose the few moments of phase three (Her brother must renounce these battered women as seductive in kind of loving. She, in effect traits to survive in the Little advertising. More and more men becomes an accomplice to her own League Jungle.) Women learn early are starting to reject the violent battering. that the most important task in norms they were taught as children. The length of time that this their life is to attract a man. Women are learning to take control phase lasts is not yet known. It No wonder so many women never over their own lives. In short seems as if it is longer than learn how to be anything BUT easy people are beginning to realize phase two yet shorter that one. objects of male control. that they have choices about how In some cases, it is so brief, it Is it a coincidence that high they will live, and some are almost defies detection. There heels and skirts, "... those choosing to challenge societal does not seem to be any distinct very clothes which are thought to structure. The real change, end and before they know it, the be flattering are those which then, must occur at the root of minor battering incidents and make it impossible for a woman to the problem -- the pervasive at­ tension begin to build again and defend herself against aggression. titudes and power relationships the cycle begins anew.

Page 18 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE Spring 1980 No Comment

THE POLITICAL PROCESS AT THE MADISON FOOT BRIDGE IN MISSOULA

Spring 1980 MONTANA WOMEN'S RESOURCE P.igc 19 STAFF:

Editor: Bettina Escudero

Contributors: Jane Burnham, Sara Benson, Kathleen Coyne, Bettina Escudero, Angela Helvey, Vivian Miller, Maureen Regan, Diana Russell, Marge Piercy, Sarah Vicho- rick, Lydia Vizcaya, Joan Zygmunt,

Graphics: Cheri Smith

Photos: Lydia Vizcaya, Jeanne Wilkinson

Ads: Maureen Regan

Lay-out: Janet Bush, Bettina Escudero, Angela Helvey, Kay Inman, Maureen Regan.

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