ISSN 2371-1264 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 1

Mission Statement

We are a Feminist and Queer Collective working to counter misconceptions surrounding Women’s and Gender Studies through the publication of an annual Feminist and Queer review. We are increasing awareness and knowledge of Feminist and Queer issues through the voices, opinions, and experiences of University of Manitoba undergraduate students from all faculties. We firmly believe in multiplicity of meaning and we therefore reject the idea of singular definitions. For this reason, we are often left with more questions than answers. But, through our publication we strive to empower ourselves and other undergraduate students with the tools necessary to address the important questions.

This publication will be a catalyst for change. 2 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 3

We would like to thank the following donors for their generous support: Editors’ note

& Margaret Laurence Endowment Fund This publication is the Feminist and Queer faculty is multifaceted and, thus, allows for the & Women’s and Gender Studies Program Collective’s seventh annual FAQ review. Working interdisciplinary and personal development of in a non-hierarchal manner, the members of the its students. We, as the collective, want to shed We would like to thank the following individuals and groups for their consideration, collective seek to provide undergraduate students light on the value of our Women’s and Gender commitment, and generosity in the support of this publication: with an opportunity to contribute to, engage with, studies degrees and the courses we take within and participate in feminist and queer discourse. the department. & Ryan Story / Graphic Designer of Issue The FAQ review stands to actively challenge and We hope that this publication not only showcases & Haley Koehn / Cover Designer of Issue complicate traditional notions of “academia”; feminist and queer voices, but also inspires future & Shawn Farrell / logo designer allowing undergraduate students to value and and furthered engagement with feminist and & Alberta Johnson / photographer draw from personal experiences, passions, and queer issues and theories. & Dr. Liz Millward knowledge in order to articulate feminist and queer topics, interests, and issues. We thank-you, our readers, for taking interest Dr. Shawna Ferris & in feminist and queer issues, and for supporting & Kyla Shead In the same vein, the FAQ collective seeks to dispel this dissemination and expansion of social and myths surrounding who and what constitutes a political consciousness. We would also like to sincerely thank those who have submitted their work to this year’s publication. feminist and, by association, the individuals who engage in Women’s and Gender studies. The Women’s and Gender Studies department and

Editorial Board

Morgan Abbott Taylor Byrnes Sylvie Côté Faith Gushulak Brenlee Johnstone Edmund Machona Kayleigh Robertson Chloe Vickar 4 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 5

Table of Contents

06 09 11 12 16 19

Gender Reveal Parties Underneath my Mask my house of cards Selfie Theory Through Analysis of Domesticity A Picture Paints a is all aces a Feminist Lens Thousand Words Emma McLachlan Elizabeth McMehan Emily Gerbrandt Brenlee Johnstone Ashley Simms Laura 21 22 25 28 30 34

First Time The Remains Lady Mary Wortley From A Black Woman's So One Isn't Good White Lie Montagu Reflecting on Perspective Enough For You? James Turowski K. D. Zmavc Female Agency Edmund Latifat Shittu Christina Trachenko Sylvie Côté 35 40 41 44 51 54

Canada’s Temporary For You Nicki Minaj and the Self-Care Trashing Tropes and Tapping into Feminism Foreign Program Policy Fetishization of the Subverting Sexism: Abigail Lidster Black Female Body FAQ Collective Gender Roles in Chloe Vickar Francess Amara Marvel’s Agent Carter Elsa Kaka Shannon C. Disclaimer: Bloodworth

The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the FAQ collective. 56 58 60 63 64 69

Sex Work, October 6, 1990 Hyperautomobility: Incognito Understanding Self Portrait Representation What is it and How Feminism: Why and Violence Loricia Pacholko- Does it Affect us? Oyindamola O. Alaka Beyoncé’s Brand of Hannah Tyler Matheson Feminism is Important Ashley Pankiw Faith Gushulak Nicole Wilson 70 72 74 76 78

Abetting Rape Culture: A Critical Reflection on Deconstructing the Prime Time Crime Weeds The Dominant Rape Challenges and Barriers Strong Black Woman Discourse & Omitting in the Canadian Morgan Abbott Abigail Lidster Consent in Sex-Ed Workforce Trinda L. Penniston Curriculums

Taylor Byrnes Candice Guild 6 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 7

infant’s legs. At this party, guests are subjected to is atrocious). This is where gender binaries come in. hours of guessing and voting to figure out what the What are gender binaries? They are a type of gender baby’s gender might be. There are also games played system in which it is believed that sex and gender can Gender Reveal where guests wear either a pink bow or a mustache only be classified into two distinct categories. Gender to represent which gender they are guessing. Games Reveal Parties assume that whatever sex the baby is like these push gender identities into narrow boxes, will coincide with their gender. Yes, male and female Parties: suggesting that there are only two genders and only sex organs perpetuate the human species, but the idea two ways that these genders can be represented. Once that there is only room for “feminine” and “masculine” the gender is revealed there is a shower of either pink roles is the product of history and not based on any or blue balloons, and from then on an unborn baby’s solid facts. Furthermore, Simone de Beauvoir, a well- Aiding in the future is shaped. Social organizations such as Gender known philosopher, political activist, and feminist Reveal Parties are one way in which Canadian culture writer, insists in her article “Biological Data”, that the has taken a step backwards in the journey towards a idea that males have to behave one way, and females Perpetuation more accepting outlook. I believe that Gender Reveal behave another was invented, and not written into Parties are aiding in the perpetuation of gender our biological genes (2009). Hopefully using an Earth binaries, heteronormativity, and society’s expectations dwelling feminist’s ideas helps me to encourage those of Gender of gender. Unborn babies should not be put into reading this that there is still room for positive change! a category before they have even had a chance to If they can see through the historically constructed take their first breath, and parents should not be ideas of gender then maybe others can too. celebrating their child’s gender based on such Binaries and closed-minded ideals. In addition to Simone de Beauvoir’s blatant rejection of gender binaries, there is also the fact that not all Secondly, the fact that Gender Reveal Parties only infants on Earth are born with the “expected” sex Heteronormativity revolve around the celebration of only two genders, organs, and these individuals are usually put under the man and woman, is proof that they aid in the label “intersex”, or “abnormal”. “Intersex is a general perpetuation of gender binaries. It is a well-known fact, term used for a variety of conditions in which a person especially on planet Equality, that these are not the is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that only two genders that make up society, but on Earth doesn't seem to fit the typical definitions of female or Emma McLachlan they are the genders that are seen as “predictable” and male” (Intersex Society of North America, 2006). If “manageable”. The exclusion of gender as fluid rather Gender Reveal Parties do not celebrate ALL genders than binary removes any agency that an individual then they should not be celebrating at all because might feel that they have over their identity. The gender is far too complex to fit into a two-sex system. expectation that an individual is going to identify as For example, Anne Fausto-Sterling (another Earth either a man or woman has been invented by many dwelling feminist), who is a leading expert in biology societies on Earth. The fact that Gender Reveal and gender development, suggested in 1993 that instead Imagine you are from another planet, the ideal planet what a Gender Reveal Party is, why they are aiding Parties celebrate the birth of either a “boy” or “girl” is of having this “two-sex” system there should be a where there is no such thing as sexism, racism, class in the perpetuation of gender binaries, and why they ridiculous, because gender identities are not the result “five-sex” system instead (2008). This article generated inequality or any other “ism” you can think of. Let’s are yet another ridiculous Earthly ritual that should of birth; they are simply the result of culture! much controversy amongst the people of Earth, some call this planet Equality. Every year, the citizens of be abolished. thought that it was ridiculous to have “five sexes” planet Equality visit Earth to remind themselves Moving forward, it is important to make the and others taking her idea and running with it. Since why they live the way that they do. Each year there’s First of all, you may ask: “What is a Gender Reveal distinction between gender and sex (I have broken this 1993, this “five-sex” system has evolved and become so something new, whether it is County Clerks refusing to Party?” As a result of my research I have discovered down in a language that I’m hoping you Earth dwellers diverse that the boundaries between masculinity and marry same-sex couples, College frat boys objectifying that a Gender Reveal Party, most commonly found understand). Sex refers to the biological characteristics femininity are almost completely obscured. How can women, or scientists trying to prove the existence of in Canada, is a seemingly harmless way to reveal of an individual, and the internal and external sex the people of planet Earth be so blind to such diversity? the “gay gene”. This year, the interlocking systems of the gender of an expecting couple’s baby to family organs often define these characteristics. But in the All they would have to do is look around. The people oppression that have been plaguing Earth for quite and friends. You would think it would be enough for case of gender, it is often much more complicated than that throw Gender Reveal Parties have a blatant some time have expanded even further to include parents just to know that their baby is healthy, but no. that; gender refers to the thoughts, feelings, and actions disregard for the evidence that is in plain sight. There something called Gender Reveal Parties. As a citizen The parents, grandparents, and often, close friends that make an individual who they are. Unfortunately, are more than two genders, and throwing a party to of planet Equality, I have provided a thorough plan a party themed with pink and blue everything Earth’s idea of gender often refers to “masculine” and celebrate a fraction of the identities that exist on Earth examination as well as a critical analysis to sum up simply to celebrate the sex organs between their “feminine” as being the only two options (which I think is absurd. 8 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 9

To dig a little deeper into the minds of those who (Bordo, 1993), but it can also be applied to the rules that participate in Gender Reveal Parties, the belief that society has set for male gendered individuals (refer back encourages heterosexuality as the desired sexual to heteronormativity). orientation should be discussed! The ideology that a The citizens of planet Equality and I want to thank you Underneath baby wrapped in a pink blanket will be “feminine” and only ever be attracted to the babies wrapped in blue for your time, and hope that the information presented blankets is a concept called heteronormativity. But this was helpful in explaining why Gender Reveal Parties, ideology does not take into account that gender is (1) though seemingly innocent, are not a healthy way to my Mask not fixed and (2) not based entirely on reproductive celebrate new life. An individual should be celebrated abilities. This idea is also based on something that based on the choices that they make, not the choices Sara Ahmed, a British-Australian feminist, would that are made for them. Celebrating only two genders, call “objective happiness”(2010). This is the concept and applying unrealistic ideals to these genders are only Elizabeth McMehan explaining that society on Earth has culturally two ways that Gender Reveal Parties are perpetuating constructed ideas of “happiness”, whether it is a first binaries and unrealistic societal expectations. In order kiss, the “first time”, or the big wedding day. The fact to create a society that is accepting of all genders, the practices that restrict individual expression must be that society often puts rules in place to make happiness When I was thirteen my beloved twenty-six year old more emphasis on femininity. I grudgingly learned to stopped, and the celebration of new life must begin! an “object”, and in this case the “happiness object” is sister sat me down and told me that because she cared apply makeup and style my hair. This time in my life heteronormativity. This is ridiculous and is probably about me she did not want me to be a victim of bullying is applicable to Jennifer Mather Saul’s explanation of the reason that people are gathering to celebrate Works Cited as she had been. There were some things of which I the “norms of feminine appearance” and the signaling “gender”. When in reality, as Sara Ahmed made clear in Ahmed, S. (2010). Killing joy: Feminism and the history of needed to be aware. I needed to fall in step with some of subordination within the patriarchy (2003). There her article, it is important that this objective happiness happiness. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 35(3), things relating to my impending womanhood. Until were so many rules and norms I had never experienced 571–594. is questioned, and that the people of Earth should this point, beyond basic hygiene, my appearance was before suddenly becoming such a significant part of my be killjoys (an individual that questions culturally Bordo, S. (1993). The Body and the Reproduction of Femininity. In Unbearable Weight: Feminism, Western Culture, and the Body (10th mostly irrelevant to me. At thirteen I was a somewhat life. These norms I needed to fall in step with made me constructed ideals) rather than just conforming to the Anniversary Edition, pp. 165–184). Berkeley, CA: University of scrawny, shapeless-looking being. I wore my brother and feel weaker. I was to take time to curl my thin, flat hair. expectations that this “objective happiness” encourages. California Press. sister’s hand-me-down clothes and had my hair cut with I was to wear dresses and heels so I appeared thinner De Beauvoir, S. (2009). Biological Data. In C. Borde & S. my dad at the local shop in town. Very little importance and taller and smear makeup on my face to ensure boys So why should Gender Reveal Parties stop? If you are Malovaney-Chevallier (Trans.), The Second Sex (pp. 21–49). was placed on my appearance, and I spent all my hours at school would think I was pretty. I began to be more still asking yourself this question, please refer to the London: Jonathan Cape. (Original work) outside with the misfit farm animals I had adopted accepted in my old-fashioned community after meeting above information for a reminder. Perhaps, if you need Fausto-Sterling, A. (2008). Should There Be Only Two Sexes? In as friends. these standards and caving under both external and a little more convincing, the impact that the ideology A. Bailey & C. Cuomo (Eds.), The Feminist Philosophy Reader (pp. 124–144). Boston: McGraw Hill. published 1949 internal pressures. It has become clear to me that this behind these parties should be discussed. As innocent I spent a lot of time by myself living on a grain Intersex Society of North America. (2006). What is intersex? subtle invitation for acceptance from my community as they may seem, I have found that these parties are Retrieved 14 November 2015, from http://www.isna.org/faq/ farm seven kilometres from a very traditional, rural was a result of my decision to signal subordination gendering the bodies of unborn babies. This means that what_is_intersex community. In many ways I had been insulated from through my appearance (Mather Saul, 2003). I was the world outside of a mother’s womb is preparing to the pressures that seemed to be increasingly important experiencing my introduction to a glass cell within shape the body of the individual that will eventually be to the other girls my age. I feel a connection with Michel Foucault’s ideal prison, the Panoptican introduced to the world. This gendering of bodies also Dionne Brand’s description of the way she felt to be (Mather Saul, 2003). has consequences. Every body is a reflection of cultural thrust into a world of assigned gender and sexuality in surroundings, and applying specific standards to these her short story, “Job” (1994). I understand the feeling of Foucault’s Panoptican is a great, circular system of unborn babies (bodies) before they have had a chance losing bodily autonomy through a mysterious process. glass-walled cells with an opaque watchtower in the to figure themselves out, can only result in confusion Why did I have to wax my facial hair? Why was I center. The cells are constructed of glass so that every and contradictions. Everyday there are new rules and supposed to shave my legs? Who was I appeasing and prisoner may observe their fellow prisoners also standards for beauty, and whether you are a boy or why did it matter? I was only a thirteen-year-old girl, contained within the Panoptican. Foucault carefully a girl, it is expected that this standard be met. What and until that point I had felt completely comfortable arranged the watchtower in the center, generating does this have to do with Gender Reveal Parties? Well, in my own skin. I was bold. I was never afraid to express feelings of unending observation on the occupants. once a baby has been identified as a “boy” or “girl” they my opinion, and yes I admit, I punched the boys who This constant monitoring generated by the glass cells are automatically expected to meet the standards that were being aggressive. I never associated these traits as and watchtower creates a rigid structure of self-policing correlate with their gender. An individual that is seen being masculine or threatening coming from a girl. within the Panoptican. Foucault further explained as a “girl” may be expected to meet specific standards I was just being myself. that after some time, watchtower guards would be no and look a certain way, and as a well-known feminist longer be necessary, as the prisoners would behave philosopher Susan Bordo would say - society is reaching That time was a catalyst of sorts in my life; eventually appropriately to avoid punishment and ridicule. for an “elusive ideal” (1993). Her idea of an “elusive I began to conform. I learned to dress carefully with ideal” is specific to the female body and femininity 10 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 11

Today, doing gender and doing sexuality has become Underneath my mask, I remain unchanged. Though I such an subconscious part of my life that the exercise have put on a face that makes me palatable to societal of identifying it here has been difficult. I realize now norms, I am still the same person I was when I was that when my sister confronted me, I had been pushing thirteen. A very wide, masculine streak runs through my house of back against societal cues to submit to rigid ideas about me. I like it, and I’m glad it is there. I have been told femininity. My sister was trying to shield me from the that it is one of the things that my family and my material and ideological consequences of failure to boyfriend love most about me. But do I hide it? Of conform (Herbert, 1998). course, my cell walls are glass and like every woman cards is all aces before me, I do not want to displease the people in the The connection between appearance and sexuality tower even though I understand that there may be no were illuminated in my life at about the same time. one there. Comments from Mary, my best friend’s mother, now Brenlee Johnstone make sense. I remember her telling me I had become References a negative influence on her daughter because my best Brand, D. (1994) “Job.” Bread Out of Stone. Toronto: Coach friend had started dressing and acting like me. “Acting Free Press like me” was traditionally masculine and apparently Herbert, M. (1998) Camouflage Isn’t Only for Combat: Gender, i. ii. iii. completely inappropriate. Mary’s observations left me Sexuality and Women in the Military. New York: New York feeling ashamed and confused. I had done something University Press. if home is where the heart is, if women are the Gatekeepers absence can be defined by i live in a one bedroom fishbowl of sex the space it leaves behind– wrong by being myself. I can see this event clearly Mather Saul, J. (2003) Feminism: Issues and Arguments. Oxford: my garden has no gate. i do not the empty hole where a after being exposed to Melissa Herbert’s ideas of Oxford University Press. open windows on every wall want you to pick my flowers tooth used to be. ruts in gravel how doing gender can be linked to doing sexuality mason jars full of dreams, lines my fruit is for my mouth alone where car tires used to (1998). Mary was expressing her homophobia based of salt on every threshold. A on assumptions she had made about my sexuality six-seater table with five chairs not yours. stop. looking over my left shoulder rooted in her interpretation of how I did gender. Mary in my kitchen, letters from i do not want anyone here. where you used to stand. i can't people i don't talk to anymore if you scale the wall of my yard had a deep-seated fear that my friendship may have and explain this the same way. influenced her daughter in ways she viewed as negative. –ash trample my ferns, startle away This fear and this shame I felt was all so subtle and in the fireplace my mocking birds, this is how do i quantify something that confusing. I lacked the sophistication to understand never ? something not absent what was happening. These were the consequences trespassing but not anything else either. KEEP OFF THE GRASS! i don't have a garden. i mean, my sister was trying to protect me from with her lip- waxing intervention. Mather Saul is dead on with her i will build scarecrows out of i do, but no one's allowed in explanation that women in our lives can be prevalent brooms to chase you off with it. i have pictures of every place sources of standards (2003). i've ever loved someone hung up on strings around my The next woman to approach this subject was my house. i have too many teeth mother who carefully explained that no matter whom buried under my gums. I was attracted to, she would love me anyway and that I could tell her anything. It dawned on me during iv. v. vi. this intensely awkward conversation that my mother thought I was a lesbian and was trying desperately to i hate to be the one to tell you this my mother visits and we drink tea you cannot enter my home communicate to me that it was okay. I told my mother (because it is exhausting) out of mismatched cups. She until you are invited. that it did not bother me if people thought I was gay (because i hate repeating myself) looks out the window, at my garden (because i can't explain it) says as she and my father had raised me to believe that all because – ! you must get frustrated, ripping love is equal. Why did my sexuality impact people’s out the weeds all by yourself perception of my character? sex and romance are not the same thing! not the only materials with which to build one day you'll meet the right landscaper Five years later, I have a boyfriend, I dress traditionally things. my home has other foundations and then you'll want to plant new seeds feminine, and I have found people no longer express don't you want to share all the beautiful things any confusion about my sexuality. I have, however, nutrient-rich soil, cement you've grown? blocks, conversation, always been bothered by the need to introduce a third aquifers, kindness. what do you think party in my life and change the way I present myself to we've been doing all day? validate for others that I am a heterosexual woman. Love. 12 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 13

Selfie Theory through a Feminist Lens

Ashley Simms

Selfies can be a powerful tool for change in taker. Empowering oneself on social media creates the normative historical ideals of beauty and femininity Bibliography contemporary society considering social media has space for unique opportunities for individuality and in our selfies, we must be self-reflexive to our thinking Anzaldua, Gloria E. “La Conciencia de la Mestiza: Towards a great influence in how we communicate, think diversity in contemporary culture. As intersectional as a Western society. We must understand that our a New Consciousness.” In Boarderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza, 77-91. San Francisco: Aunt Lute. 1987. and ultimately behave. A selfie can be defined as a feminists, it is important to be self-reflexive, especially location in place, time, and experienced socialization photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically when examining one's own privilege. Selfies and social determines our attitudes towards perceptions of beauty, Butler, Judith. “Performative Acts and Gender Constitution: An Essay in Phenomenology and Feminist Theory.” In The 3 taken with a smartphone and shared on social media. In media are a platform that have the ability to raise ourselves, and our society. It is through this self- Performance Studies Reader, second edition, ed Henry Bial, 187- this piece, I compare and contrast how selfies have the consciousness towards intersectionality, privilege, and reflexive process that I find the potential for selfies to 199. New York: Routledge, 2007. potential to be feminist theory in action. My selfie piece reflexivity. These are terms that are not necessarily become a strong example of feminist theory in action. Bordo, Susan. “The Body and the Reproduction of Femininity.” aims to exemplify how feminist thought can manifest associated with one’s schema of a selfie, but when In Unbearable Weight: Feminism, Western Culture, and the Body By challenging historical selfie standards as a (10thanniversary edition), 165-184. Berkeley, CA: University of itself in selfie culture, and how to utilize selfies for considered in the selfie creation process can result in a California Press, 2003. feminist praxis. powerful image. Western culture, we can create space for accepting and embracing diversity as a means to strengthen De Beauvoir, Simone. “Biological Data.” In The Second Sex (originally published in 1949), trans. Constance Borde 4 The first selfie in this piece represents what society The rising popularity of selfies has created a culture our society. We have the ability to share our own and Shelia Malovaney-Chevallier, 21-49. London: portrays as the norm, which focuses on appearance, that has made space for anyone to define and represent self-expression and diversity with a global population Jonathan Cape, 2009. looking attractive and feminine. The second selfie themselves however they choose. However, selfies can through selfies. Instead of conforming to Western Lorde, Audre. “Age, Race, Class and Sex: Redefining is taken through a feminist lens, which focuses on also be problematic. Self-reflexivity is essential in standards of beauty, it is time we challenge the ways we Difference.” InSister/Outsider Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde, 114-123. Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1984. using the body to challenge normative expectations of taking a selfie through a feminist lens. Selfies are a tool are designed to fit into society. It is essential for women oppressive societal binaries by using powerful words for claiming and defining your own individual power, to create a more accurate and diverse representation of expressing a feminist statement. The second photo thus putting the control in your hands (literally and their place in the world.5 In order to do this, we must is also a tool in which I use my body as an outlet to figuratively).1 They give the opportunity to represent channel our inner feminist killjoy and take selfies shift the normative ideas behind the selfie towards one one’s unique and complex identity, which creates that make a statement. The statement is to challenge through a feminist lens. a space to express oneself. Although selfies are an interlocking systems of oppression and restrictive excellent outlet for self-representation, we must utilize binaries that have silenced marginalized communities. It is important to consider the words chosen for this selfies in a way which gives that representation justice. We have an opportunity to share ourselves with the piece and keep them in mind when sharing selfies. We must recognize it is not what our bodies look like, world through selfies and social media. It is time we Representation, identity, and gender performance but rather what we do with them that is powerful.2 The utilize this space to create change in representation, as are significant to a feminist selfie because the power difficulty in this idea is that the power of selfie culture is well as acceptance of diverse bodies. This is how we can of self-expression is entirely in the hands of the selfie fueled by physical appearance. Instead of conforming to use selfies through a feminist lens as a powerful means for feminist theory in action.

1 Audre Lorde, “Age, Race, Class and Sex: Redefining Difference.” (Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1984) 3 Simone de Beauvoir, “Biological Data” (London: Jonathan Cape, 2009.) 2 Susan Bordo, “The Body and the Reproduction of Femininity.” (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2003.) 4 Gloria E Anzaldua, “La Conciencia de la Mestiza: Towards a New Consciousness” (San Francisco: Aunt Lute, 1987) 5 Judith Butler “Performative Acts and Gender Constitution: An Essay in Phenomenology and Feminist Theory.” (New York: Routledge, 2007) 14 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 15 16 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 17

Indigenous communities accessible to missionaries, European creation stories were male-centered which but it also transferred power away from women (Perry, solidified systems of patriarchy (Anderson, 2000). 2005). Maintaining the home and upholding Christian Within this patriarchal context, the role of women Analyzing morals through lifelong marriage and single partner was as the subservient caretaker of man (Perry, 2005). conjugality was conveyed as the essence of appropriate European Christianity displayed women who abided by womanhood (Perry, 2005). From this standpoint, domesticity as passive and pure, like the Virgin Mary, Domesticity as a the domestication of women was an essential part of and women who rejected domesticity as manipulative civilizing the Indigenous people. and contaminating, similar to Eve (Anderson, 2000). Independent women were a mark of Indigenous Traditional Indigenous culture acknowledged the barbarism that threatened the authority of men Regulative Norm necessary inclusion of women in economic, political, (Anderson, 2000). Domestication became a joint effort and spiritual roles to create balance in community of the church and state to instill patriarchal civilization. decision-making (Anderson, 2000). Although labour Laws were created that banned Indigenous for Indigenous was diffused into male and female spheres, all work was women from participating in political and economic seen as an important contribution to the functioning of decisions in an attempt to push women out of the public the community (Anderson, 2000). Women were given sphere and into the home. economic power over the dispersal of food. Food was Canadian a valued resource for many Indigenous communities, Oppression must first be defined before analyzing how this allowed women to engage in political trading tactics domesticity acted as a regulative norm for Indigenous such as withholding food from community members women. Oppression is the reduction, immobilization, Women during who tried to insight wars. Iroquois women would also and molding of a particular group of people through cultivate the land and grow crops which served as a intersected regulative structures (Frye, 2004). The major economic contribution to community (Anderson, intersection between European racism and patriarchy Colonization 2000). Indigenous women clearly had a large role in the validated the inferior position of Indigenous women political and economic spheres of their communities. (Perry, 2005). Frye (2004) states that in most oppressive structures there is a double-bind at play. The double- Indigenous women had the political authority to bind limits an oppressed group’s choices to a select few, appoint and depose of chiefs (Anderson, 2000). all of which leading to consequences. Domesticity acted Emily Gerbrandt Women would also negotiate treaties and could inherit as a double-bind situation that molded, immobilized, chieftainships in the Wit’suewet’en nation (Anderson, and reduced Indigenous women. 2000). Mothers and grandmothers were caregivers As with other countries arising from colonization, Domestication was only possible by reducing the of children, this gave them the political autonomy The Gradual Enfranchisement Act of 1869 and the Indian Canadian history is ridden with ethical upheavals. power of Indigenous women to a level that was similar to make decisions about family issues because of Act of 1876 took away the status of Indigenous women if Indigenous people experienced a wide range of social to working-class European women (Perry, 2005). their investment in protecting the future generations they married non-Indigenous men, enforced patriarchal injustices during the era of colonization in Canada. Therefore, domesticity was not a progressive (Anderson, 2000). The respect that Indigenous people marriage, and stripped women of their economic and European colonization oppressed Canadian Indigenous movement towards civilization; domesticity was had for women in economic and political roles can be political power to own land and vote (Anderson, 2000). people, specifically women. Indigenous communities a regulative norm that oppressed all women and traced back to the importance of women in spirituality. These enforced systems of patriarchy left Indigenous differed from European culture in one important undermined Indigenous culture. women with fewer legal rights than Indigenous men aspect, Indigenous women were allocated economic In Indigenous creation stories, “creation is understood (Anderson, 2000). The European church created and political power while European women were not Millward (2015) defines nineteenth-century domesticity to be within the realm of the female because of the school institutions to train women in the ways of (Anderson, 2000). European regulative norms around as the creation of a permanent living condition without profound understanding that women bring forth domesticity. European nuns would shame Indigenous domesticity were based on the belief that patriarchy the complete restriction of movement. Domesticity life” (Anderson, 2000, p. 71). Women were capable of women and girls during menstruation which was begets civility; this monopolized power in the hands of was marked by internally divided houses with separate bringing life from the spirit world into the earthly world traditionally seen as a source of spiritual power. This men (Perry, 2005). Such cultural differences between rooms for separate functions. This was to ensure that through childbirth, a dangerous and life-threatening marked a dual effort to vilify Indigenous spiritually European and Indigenous people created flux during both hygienic and moral cleanliness were maintained. task (Anderson, 2000). Women had a great source of and exalt European values of religion, marriage, and colonization around norms of domesticity. Maintaining the house fell on the shoulders of women spiritual power because they were the link between the domestication (Anderson, 2000). Training women into because their moral standing was judged according spirit world and man (Anderson, 2000). Women were domesticity stripped Indigenous women and girls of Perry (2005) states that, “domesticity was a regulative to the cleanliness of the home. Meanwhile, men allotted a relative amount of authority in economic their traditional culture that valued the role of women norm with particular resonance for women” (p. 114). laboured outside the home and had full authority of and political realms because they were spiritual (Anderson, 2000). Enforcing domesticity on Indigenous people became the economic and political spheres in the community intermediaries and givers of life. In contrast, European foundational to achieving Eurocentric law, religion, (Millward, 2015). Domesticity was necessary for the creation stories neglected the spiritual role of women, The joint efforts of the church and state created a and ultimately civilization in Canada. (Perry, 2005). introduction of Christianity and European law because this naturalized the concept of female inferiority double-bind for Indigenous women. Women who it not only made (Anderson, 2000). 18 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 19

(forced or otherwise) abided by the dominant European References discourse actively rid themselves of economic and Anderson , K. (2000). The Dismantling of Gender Equity. In A political power and were reduced to domesticity. Recognition of Being: Reconstructing Native Womanhood (pp. 57-78). Toronto: Sumach Press. Women who resisted domestication would face legal Frye, M. (2004). Oppression. In L. Heldke, & P. O'Conner, A Picture sanctions or were placed in schools that stripped them Oppression, Privilege, and Resistance: Theoretical Perspectives on of their cultural identity. In this way, whether women Racism, Sexism, and Heterosexism (pp. 183-192). Toronto: accepted or rejected domesticity, they faced penalties McGraw Hill. and were therefore oppressed. Millward, E., (2015). Histories of Family and Marriage (contd). Paints a Personal Collection of E. Millward, University of Manitoba, Pharr (1988) states that in order for oppression to Winnipeg, MB. occur, the dominant group must have the ability to use Perry, A. (2005). Metropolitian Knowledge, Colonial Practice, and Indigenous Womanhood: Missions in Nineteenth-Century Thousand “institutional power”, “economic power”, and “violence British Columbia. In K. Pickles, & M. Rutherford, Contact or threats of violence”. By removing land ownership Zones: Aboriginal and Settler Women in Canada's Colonial Past (pp. rights and forcing women out of their communities 109-130). Vancouver: UBC Press. and into schools, the European church and state had Pharr, S. (1988). The Common Elements of Oppression. In Words the institutional and economic power to oppress Homophobia: A Weapon of Sexism (pp. 53-64). Inverness, Calif.: Chardon Press. Indigenous women. European nuns in schools would use violence to shame Indigenous women and girls who were menstruating. This taught Indigenous women and Laura girls to believe that their bodies were naturally shameful (Anderson, 2000). Doing so advocated for internalized oppression, which could make Indigenous women and girls believe the oppressive discourse of domesticity and accept their subservient role (Pharr, 1988). Stereotyping denies the oppressed group their individuality and In our contemporary societal state, strewn with articles were addressing a similar issue, the one reduces them to the assumptions of the oppressor patriarchy, capitalism and heteronormative beliefs, entitled “Svekla trial for prostitute killings starts (Pharr, 1988). Indigenous women were stereotyped as sex workers have come to symbolically encompass the Tuesday” (CTV, 2008) was a disgusting portrayal immoral, inferior, and uncivilized people. Therefore, idea of danger and deviance (Ferris, 2015). I was always of these victimized women and implied a sense of even successfully domesticated Indigenous women acutely aware of this stigma that pertains to sex workers, victim blaming, suggesting that since these women were only capable of reaching a status similar to that but I never truly realized the ways in which this stigma were active in the sex trade, living high risk lifestyles, of a working-class European woman (Perry, 2005). was reinforced, especially in regards to the newspaper they were ideal victims for abduction. This article was Stereotyping Indigenous women validated their or media articles responding to the issue of missing successful in transforming an image of two victimized reduction to domestic lifestyles and allowed men to and murdered women in Canada. As Dr. Shawna Ferris and murdered women, and portraying them as criminal dominate the economic and political spheres of illustrates in her book “Street Sex Work and Contemporary outcasts from society, a tactic which Dr. Shawna Ferris the community. Canadian Cities”, sex workers are portrayed to be argues results in an altered public perspective of these Perry’s (2005) statement that “domesticity was a problematic and a dangerous threat to a “normal” and women, therefore lessening the degree of sensitivity regulative norm with particular resonance for women” patriarchal society (2015). By generating this hegemonic held towards this issue (2015). I have also come to (p. 114) is proven to be true when analyzing how belief that sex workers are a source of nuisance and realize that violence towards sex workers is never domesticity oppressed Indigenous women during criminal behavior, citizens in today’s society are able emphasized in media, and if sex work is brought to the colonization. The European church and state stripped to demonstrate that women in this trade need to be spotlight, the primary focus is upon the male offender Indigenous women of their power and created a controlled and regulated, with some anti-prostitution and his criminal career. To me, this is a pure reflection double-bind that forced them into domesticity. groups going so far as to try to eliminate this profession of patriarchal control in our society, and perfectly Using stereotypes as well as institutional, economic, altogether (Ferris, 2015). This further adds to the illustrates how sex workers are incorrectly assumed to and violent power, European domesticity devalued constant uphill battle sex trade activists currently be worthless and undeserving of integrity. Indigenous culture and created internalized oppression face in regards to the destigmatization of this trade in In addition to the unsettling title and collection of in women. Therefore, domesticity came at a great price contemporary society. harmful and degrading thoughts authored throughout to the status of Indigenous women in Canada. During a university class lecture, we were instructed the article, two images were also included in the post to analyze two media articles, both of which reported (CTV, 2008). These mugshot-like photos portrayed on missing and murdered women who were allegedly the murdered women as lonely, deviant criminals, and involved in the Canadian sex trade. Although both therefore automatically results in lower levels of concern 20 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 21

by the public body. These graphic images portrayed Works Cited the women’s personal history as criminally aberrant, Ferris, S. (2015). Street Sex Work and Canadian Cities: Resisting a therefore distancing them from the normalness Dangerous Order. University of Alberta Press. of society, resulting in their dehumanization by CBC News (2008, February 18). Svekla Trial for Prostitute (Installation View) Killings Starts Tuesday. CBC Radio News. Retrieved from http:// First Time patriarchal control. Dr. Ferris illustrates two dominant www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/svekla-trial-for-prostitute- portrayals of sex workers in the media; the “Missing killings-starts-tuesday-1.756229 Woman” archetype and the “Lone Streetwalker” (2015). The concept of the “Missing Woman” illustrates that these women are generally presented through photos James Turowski similar to that of mugshots, and usually pictured alone or paired with commentary that suggests these women Medium: First Time talks about the idealized fantasy of what a gay man's 'first time' should be. Looking at are “ungrievable” (Ferris, 2015), resulting in a lesser level Glazed stoneware muscle-worship as well as the issue of racism that exists within the gay male community that is of public concern or normalization of their endured perpetuated through hook-up apps like Grindr as well as the pornography industry. In order to be violence. This is how these images portrayed the Size: considered desirable or ideal one needs to be muscular and white, as the two figures suggest.First Time focuses on the most 'important' parts of the male body, the muscular chest and the penis. The murdered women in this article (CTV, 2008), intending Approximately that the violence suffered by these women was to be lack of heads, or any identifying features, to the mannequin-like male forms suggest the anonymity 14 in. x 6 in. x 3 in. and impersonal interactions that come with apps like Grindr, where sex is the focus and who you expected and therefore normalized as they are members are, as long as you're 'hot', doesn't really matter. of a high risk and low socio-economic environment. Year: 2015 Artist Statement: James Turowski is a Winnipeg-based artist working mainly in ceramics as a As discussed in lecture, we addressed the denotative student of the School of Art at the University of Manitoba.. His work explores themes of sexuality, meaning behind the language in these articles to mean personal identity, and queer issues. the actual and literal meaning of the term, and then compared that with the connotative meaning, implying a hidden or second understanding to terms (Ferris, 2015). It is my understanding that the connotative meaning behind the slandering of sex workers in these media articles allows for the author to dehumanize these women, and provides justification to the overall ideology that sex workers live a high-risk lifestyle, and are to blame for their harm and endurance of violence (Ferris, 2015). This further aids in my understanding that a prominent theme in our dysfunctional society is to control and eliminate sex work so as to build a safer environment for “normal” and “regular” people (Ferris, 2015). The images representing sex workers go on to develop an automatic assumption that these women are criminals and therefore their disappearance helps aid in the “normalization” and protection of society, creating safer neighborhoods.

I have come to understand that media representations of sex workers helps to reinforce stigma and encourages the ideology that these women are criminals, and that based on their lifestyle decisions, they end up abused, missing, or worse, murdered. Media representations, like this aforementioned article, reinforces the silencing of sex trade workers and contributes to the ignorance of the violence they endure. I believe that this hegemonic ideology of women in the sex trade is a tool of patriarchal control, resulting in a lower level of public concern regarding the disappearance of a human being, while demonstrating the act of victim blaming and normalization of violence against women. 22 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 23

she does so. She has me follow her pen with my eyes and my hand, her thumb rubbing painfully hopeful circles checks my reflexes and pain responses. Then she asks me across my skin. to move my fingers, toes, and arms, followed by some The basic questions similar to Astrid’s. I can’t help but notice I groan internally. Why is she making me repeat myself? the slight disappointment that crosses her face when I “What’s. Wrong.” I have to pause in between each word for only stare blankly in response to most of her requests. a breather, but I manage it. Remains “She can’t move or speak,” Astrid states from the corner Astrid’s smile drops and she looks down at our hands of the room, resembling a frightened animal. Her voice is before answering. “I guess it’s time I get you up to speed.” tight. “What does that mean?” She pulls the chair closer to the bed and leans against the mattress, her face closer to mine. “While you were . . . The nurse looks at her. “This is perfectly normal. It takes asleep, I called the police and told them what happened. K.D. Zmavc time for the body to recover from being asleep for longer A couple officers came here to ask me some questions and than it’s used to. Patience, dear.” She looks back at me and a sketch artist took my description of the men who . . . pats my arm. I try a smile, which I desperately wish shows. y’know,” a shaky sigh. The hand holding mine is turning damp. I squeeze her hand for reassurance. “Turns out, the “So, she’ll get back to normal? Eventually?” Her voice hate crime officers recognized them, especially the dude I open my eyes to a black so enveloping I immediately are coloured purple with bruises and she has bandages on sounds hopeful, pleading, but there’s an undercurrent of who looked to be the leader of the whole mess. They’re shut them again. My body is decorated with aches and her collarbones, neck, and lips. Some of them are spotted something else there I can’t quite identify. well-known offenders against the LGBT community pains and my insides feel pressurized, so much so that red. Her eyes are ringed with deep purple, proof of lack of nation-wide, but have never been caught. The leader my limbs feel leaden and numb. There’s a dull throbbing sleep. “No. Please don’t go back to sleep. Stay with me.” The nurse sighs and gives her a small smile. “I’ll be back in even has a hate blog with thousands of followers all ache from my forehead that radiates around my skull, a couple hours. Stay positive.” about how we’re aberrations to humanity and should making me wish I was asleep once more. Slowly, sounds But it’s so hard. Everything hurts and my body doesn’t work. be exterminated or some shit,” her voice shakes and she begin to filter through my consciousness. A droning TV When the nurse turns her back, Astrid grimaces at the pauses, wiping her eyes. “You always hear about stuff like set. Beeping. Faint intermittent dripping. Breathing from “I’m going to call the nurse now, okay?” She reaches nurse’s dodge of the question and resumes her place in the this, but you never think it’ll happen to you, you know?” somewhere close by. over to press the call button. She stares at me with an chair with a groan, arms and legs crossing. expression I can’t read and clears her throat before It’s a rhetorical question, but I still nod. I know, love. I never I pry open my eyes, trying my sight. Things slowly come saying, “Can you say anything? Do you remember what thought it would happen to us either. “And now, they tell me into focus. The TV in the corner of the room is on and happened? Do you - Are you okay?” that they’ve lost him, he’s gone away, and the only thing the drab beige blinds are drawn. I become aware of an The days pass in a disoriented, morphine-dazed blur, in they’re doing is putting out a stupid APB - and they’re uncomfortable bed and crinkly bedclothes. There’s a All I can do is stare at her. I remember it, Astrid. I’m scared. which keeping time was minimized to a dichotomy of not even bothering to look for his cronies!” she shakes her pressure in my forearm emanating from a point in the asleep and not-asleep. The not-asleep periods were short- head. “I can’t believe they just let them fall between the With that thought comes glimpses of memory. Post-movie crease of my elbow. My eyes lazily roll downward to find lived, merely the time in between shots of morphine, cracks. Again. It’s like they don’t even care.” laughter, hands clasped tight. A shadowed alleyway, an IV drip entering my bloodstream. A slow-blooming T3s, or other medications I couldn’t bother to keep track once so benign. The men, their sneers and slurs spat “It’ll be okay,” barely a whisper escapes my cracked lips, sense of panic begins to spread from my stomach and the of. It might’ve been days or weeks after I awoke from my through cracked lips and yellowed teeth. They enveloped but Astrid hears it, smiling a sad smile at me. beeping increases. I try to reach up to touch my head to coma when, in a particularly coherent not-asleep period, us, choked us. Astrid falling, blood spurting on to the investigate the pain, but I can’t seem to find the strength I overhear Astrid’s side of a phone conversation with the concrete with each fist, and my panic to save her. The “Keep that hope, babe,” she says. “I won’t stop fighting to lift my arm. Why can’t I move my arm!?! A voice officer in charge of our case. limbs turned on me, pushed me down with surprising for you,” she clears her throat. “Now get some rest. It’s interrupts my rising panic. been quite the day for you and tomorrow is your first day force. Wet with their cigarette-charged saliva, a symphony “What do you mean they got away?” She struggles to keep of rehab. Don’t want to be tired for that!” She kisses my “Lara!” A smooth voice like chocolate, grown rough with of cracking bones, pain so intense it was numbing. Choked her voice level. “Right, so if this isn’t the first time they’ve forehead and smoothes my hair before leaning back in exhaustion and tears, turns the corners of my lips in a on saliva, only to discover blood when I opened my mouth done this, why haven’t you caught them yet? There are her chair. I don’t think she realizes I see her face fall into a small smile. Or, at least, I have the intention to do so, but to cough. The final blow, metal belt buckle against skull, so many eye witnesses who’ve described them and seen frown, which accentuates her hollowed eyes. I don’t feel my lips move. “Oh, thank God!” Her hand falls from the rope-veined hand. what they’ve done - including me. Isn’t that enough?” She into mine, warming the skin I didn’t realize was ice cold. shakes her head at whatever the officer says in response. Yes, Astrid. I remember. I remember it all. It’s been two and a half months since the attack. I’m back “So, there’s nothing you can do? . . . Uh-huh, right. Okay, home and Astrid has had to take a leave from work to take I want to ask her so many questions about why I have Her breath hitches and a tear rolls down her face. She thanks for your time. Bye.” care of me. I can tell she’s getting frustrated with how long monitors and IVs attached to me. I want to ask her why swipes it away impatiently and irritably. There’s a click of rehabilitation is taking, but she always denies it when I I’m in so much pain. But mostly, I just want to ask her to “Fuck it!” She yells once she hangs up and bangs her fist a door opening. I turn toward the sound as much as I am bring it up, which is usually followed by raised voices crawl into the bed beside me and hold me. I want to ask on the back of a chair. Taking a deep breath, she leans her able to. and avoidance. her to tell me stories and never stop talking. But I can’t. It head against the wall. seems like so much effort to open my mouth and use vocal “Welcome back, dear,” the nurse is young and looks I’m sitting on the couch, reading, when the phone rings. I take a deep breath of my own and say: “What’s wrong?” cords that don’t want to be worked. Too much effort. My tired and overworked, but she seems friendly and Astrid is in the other room, cleaning, so I slowly and My voice is raspy and quiet with lack of use and it takes a eyes begin to slide closed. energetic enough judging by her greeting. “Let’s see laboriously make my way to the phone on the dining huge amount of effort, but it’s there. I can speak.Finally. how you’re doing.” room table, a few feet away from the couch. I catch it on “No, hon,” Astrid’s hands press against my cheeks and Astrid’s head swings around to look at me and she rushes the final ring. I force my eyelids open to look at her. Her face and neck She records my vitals, asking Astrid some questions as to the bedside. “D-Did you just say something?” She grabs 24 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 25

“Hello, this is Officer Bradley,” the officer in charge of our she waits. I don’t move. “Lara,” her voice rises case. He hasn’t contacted us since he put out the APB. “Is with warning. “Could you look at me, please? this Lara? I heard you were doing well and that you’re back This is important.” home now. Congratulations on the recovery.” I reluctantly lookup. Her face is stony and her eyes are Lady Mary I think about my lack of freedom and the strain I’m hard marbles. putting on my relationships.This doesn’t feel like something I should be congratulated for. “I love you, but I don’t think I can do this anymore,” a deep shaky breath. “If it was just taking care of you, I Wortley Montagu “Uh, thank you,” I reply, rubbing the side of my head. could do it. But not like this. Not when I know the reason Talking still gives me a headache. Too much thinking you’re like this is still out there. I need justice - closure. involved in something that should be second nature. “Do And you’re just a reminder that I can’t have it,” she looks Reflecting on you have any updates? Have you found him?” away and picks at old polish garnishing her nails. “I’m scared to go out alone at night. And even if you were A heavy sigh on the other end. “Unfortunately not,” better, I don’t think I’d be able to go out with you alone. I-I Officer Bradley states with a voice he tries to make sound wouldn’t be able to hold your hand. I mean, whenever I Female Agency regretful. “He’s completely vanished into thin air. We’re leave this house, I see them everywhere! I think being out going to file the case away. It’s been too long. The trail’s with you would only make that worse. . . And that’s not gone cold.” fair to you. I’m scared of who I am and I’m scared of what we have. I-I just. . . I just can’t.” “What do you mean, you’re filing it away? You haven’t Sylvie Côté found him yet?” A familiar sense of panic begins And she walks out the door. to heighten.

“Yeah, sorry. We can only do so much to protect you people. We’ll have to wait until he or the others resurface,” The front window would be a canvas for the perfect he clears his throat awkwardly and I distinctly feel as picture of Lara’s life as it once was if someone were to stop though they should’ve gotten someone else to make this outside the house and look in. On one particular evening, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu wrote the poem “Epistle were given equal amounts of passion then Mary Yonge’s call. “Have a good day.” they would see a woman wearing plaid pyjama bottoms from Mrs. [Y]onge to Her Husband” after a trial affair, just like the affairs of her husband, occurred and a plain baseball t-shirt, only the slightest bit too large He hangs up before I can reply and I just stare between the couple became public. William Yonge for the same reasons. Montagu does not believe that for her, sitting on the couch with a laptop propped on her at the phone. took his wife to trial for having an affair after their biological determinism should define the fate of women knees. They’d watch her face light up as she sees Lara walk separation despite the fact that Mr. Yonge had had to a subordinate status in society. Montagu argues that into the room. They’d watch her lean over the side of the “Who was it?” Astrid walks into the room, putting the couch and gently push Astrid’s shoulder-length brown many affairs during his marriage to Mary. Writing from Mrs. Yonge should not be condemned for her affair after phone back on its charger. hair out of the way to give her a soft kiss. Lara’s favourite the perspective of the wife, Montagu realizes her own her separation from her husband because eighteenth- century ideas about nature and gender were wrong. “Officer Bradley,” I say, my voice hollow. I meet Astrid’s way to greet her wife when she came home from work. female agency, which I understand to be the ability of eyes. “They’ve given up. They’re going to file the case a woman to act in accordance with her will, despite the Moreover, the author argues that laws are formed from If the onlooker had any sense of compassion and away unsolved.” limitations she may face in relation to another person, culture and tradition, “To custom (though unjust) humanity, they’d be filled with a sense of peace, hope, and a group, or an institution. Montagu wrote her poem as so much is due” (46). Here, Montagu explains that “What?” Astrid yells. warmth - the usual reaction to witnessing the love a couple an extended argument under the form of a complaint women’s basic human rights are unprotected by the law shares. And then they’d go on their happy way, the sense in order to sway the reader’s opinion. Montagu argues because the law was made based off of a culture where I wince. “Please, don’t raise your voice at me,” I look away, of warmth turning their lips upward. They would even for the equal treatment of women by showing how men’s bodies are valued more than women’s bodies. The rubbing the side of my face again. “It hurts,” I add quietly. see the world as a little brighter, a little better than it was author specifically brings up the topic of marriage laws Shame exacerbates the throb in my temples. Always the before - even for just a moment. male privilege is based in culture and how this privilege same excuses. reflects poorly on a woman’s status in society, despite to demonstrate how Mrs. Yonge (and other women) Little would they know this couple would be ruined later the masculine qualities needed by women to navigate a had probably not consented to marriage in the first Astrid sighs and pushes her hair out of her face. that evening. Their hearts would break and fear would patriarchal society. place. Montagu writes, “If sighs have gained or force “Look, I’m sorry,” she struggles to keep her voice at an begin to worm its way into their minds, turning every compelled our hand, / Deceived by art, or urged by appropriate volume. She struggles . . . A perfect way to sum up mundane activity into something potentially sinister. Montagu argues that male privilege is built from stern command, / Whatever motive binds the fatal tie” the past few months. “I’m just upset.” Recovery from injury, both physical and emotional, would culture, which in turn is partly based off of ideas about (lines 11-13). She illustrates the ways in which women prove to be too much to handle. nature and bodies. The idea that women were weak, are coerced into marriage, and points out how men “I’m sorry,” I walk back to the couch and put my head submissive, and bound to domestic roles was formed in in my hands, suddenly feeling dizzy and weak. “I didn’t That particular window will never frame that picture ever will go to any length to impose marriage on a woman. part from their ability to reproduce. But Montagu asks, mean to fuck this up.” again. This time, the only thing an onlooker would see is This demonstrates that non-consensual marriage is a lonely woman, battered and bruised from the outside “From whence is this unjust distinction grown? / Are we not morally just. Continuing with this argument, the Astrid sits in the chair across from me. “It’s not your in, with a hired nurse’s aide sitting next to her, flipping not formed with passions like your own? / Nature with author explains again that marriage binds women to fault.” She pauses. The tension is so tight, the air nearly nonchalantly through a magazine. equal fire our souls endued” (25-27). If men and women men: “Too, too severely laws of honor bind, / The weak crackles. I’m finding it difficult to breathe. “Look, Lara,” 26 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 27

submissive sex of womankind” (9-10). Montagu speaks Montagu also demonstrates the social pressures placed contrasted with an allusion to Cato, a Roman politician Montagu wrote the poem “Epistle from Mrs. [Y]onge out about how laws are gendered in ways that privilege on women and how they are viewed as weak by society who was warring against Julius Caesar and chose to Her Husband” from the point of view of Mary men and oppress the “weak” and “docile” woman. in general. First, she uses words and phrases about to commit suicide over submitting to Caesar’s rule. Yonge, giving the impression of a complaint letter to Montagu establishes female agency by presenting being a woman or a wife such as, “The judging world Women are deemed by Montagu to be more virtuous her husband. Montagu was instead trying to argue these arguments as an appeal to moral reasoning, expects our constancy,” “For wives ill used no remedy than Cato, who remained fixed to his principles by for the rights of women. She links eighteenth-century demonstrating that bodies should not be given remains / To daily racks condemned, and to eternal refusing to submit to Caesar. In fact, in the article ideas about natural bodies to tradition, which in turn gendered roles that create a society where laws adhere chains,” “trials so severe,” “This wretched outcast, “Addison’s Cato and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu” relates to the laws at the time of the poem. Specifically, to cultural ideals that oppress women, particularly in this abandoned wife” (14, 23-24, 36, 59). These portray by Robert Halsband, he explains that Montagu had marriage laws bound women to their husbands as if relation to marriage. the expectations placed upon women and wives, and critiqued Addison’s play before the piece was seen on they were property. From this, Montagu explains that how women feel about these pressures. Montagu uses the stage (and later became the most popular play at these traditions and laws privilege men in ways that Mr. Yonge cashes in on his male privilege, which in turn negative language as well as words that reflect a kind the time) (1124). Montagu writes in the critique, “The allow them to remain unfeeling and uncaring towards reflects poorly on his wife’s well-being. Here, Montagu of eternal misery. The exaggeration and metaphor of last scene has something in it wonderfully touching, I women while pursuing their chosen activities. Montagu portrays Mr. Yonge as such, “O’er the wide world marriage as a jail in the second example demonstrates could only wish the soliloquy of Cato had been longer, also speaks ironically about how society then views your pleasures you pursue” and “to your pleasures the depth to which Montagu is disgusted with societal the subject affords many Beautiful Reflections” (as cited women based on their bodies and roles. That is, women go, / The sweets of your recovered freedom know” expectations for the future of women. In addition, in Halsband, 1126). I think that the fact that Montagu are weak, submissive, and are therefore given work (29, 69-70). The author uses repetition of the word after Mrs. Yonge separates from her husband, she is used Cato as an example in her own poem later on in domestic areas. Montagu also alludes to women “pleasure” and the alliteration in the first example as a further ostracized and unwanted. Montagu also depicts demonstrates how deeply she felt about Cato’s suicide as strong and virtuous by comparing these traits to way to associate this trait with Mr. Yonge. Further, the women the same way that men see and portray women and self-sacrifice. Montagu felt that Cato’s choice was those of the character Cato in Joseph Addison’s widely author illustrates Williams' “freedom” (69) by saying in general. That is, as subordinate. Montagu writes, very virtuous in relation to his principles, and thought a popular play, Cato. Like Lady Mary writes of Addison’s that Mr. Yonge is able to go anywhere he wishes - and “The weak submissive sex of womankind,” “Our sex’s lot about the actual act of suicide. Montagu’s complaint play, “I would have some stronger Lines on Liberty presumably somewhere that suits his tastes without fear weakness,” “Yet from this weakness you suppose is poem subtly indicates that women in comparison scatter’d [throughout], & I believe it would have a very of reprisal. In this way, Montagu shows the inconstancy due,” “I hide my frailty from the public view” (10, 32, 34, were emotionally strong and capable in order to move good Effect on the Minds of the People” (as cited in and privilege that men are allowed, while Mrs. Yonge 42). The first example is a more general understanding through a patriarchal society that already thought of Halsband, 1126). was deemed unfit for society because she pursued her of women, the second incorporates any female reader them as weak and fragile. own pleasures after separating from her husband. The – “our” (32), the third is from the point of view of Works Cited author also portrays Mr. Yonge as unfeeling when she Mr. Yonge or men more broadly, and the fourth from Halsband, Robert. "Addison's Cato and Lady Mary Wortley writes, “Too well I know that hard obdurate heart” and Mrs. Yonge’s point of view. This is significant because Montagu." PMLA 65.6 (1950): 1122-129. Web. “that small pension your hard heart allows” (3, 44). Montagu has four different perspectives in society, Montagu, Lady Mary Wortley. “Epistle from Mrs. [Y]onge This repetition of “hard heart” (3, 44) and alliteration some personal, some public, and they all incorporate to Her Husband.” 1724. The Broadview Anthology of British of the “h” sound solidifies the idea that Mr. Yonge does this idea that women are lesser than men. In this Literature: The Restoration and the Eighteenth Century. Ed. Joseph not care for others. Mr. Yonge can remain uncaring Black et al. 2nd ed. Vol. 3. Peterborough: Broadview, 2012. way, Montagu establishes the sexism that permeates 607-608. because he has never experienced a disadvantage due throughout society within her poem, and how it is not to his gender. She follows this idea with the argument only men that contribute to this sexist culture, but that Mr. Yonge is malicious, “But you pursue me to women too reproduce sexist ideas about themselves. this last retreat. / Dragged into the light, my tender Montagu uses her own female agency to deconstruct crime is shown” and that Mr. Yonge “urge[s] my ruin this idea about women being weak and submissive by with a cruel hand” (52-53, 56). Montagu repeats the using each of these phrases ironically. word “urge,” both at lines 12 and 56. Here, the author illustrates that Mr. Yonge will go to any length to Earlier I spoke about women’s bodies in relation to destroy the reputation of his wife, which is similar to nature and now I would like to think about how societal how men will force marriage upon women. Knowing expectations placed on women cause them to learn that women’s bodies and roles are a reflection of the traditional masculine qualities in order to navigate their society they live in, we see here how Mr. Yonge’s male world. Montagu maintains that women possess virtue privilege allows him to poorly treat his wife without in ways that men cannot comprehend due to their care or consequence. Montagu exemplifies her female apparent shortcomings, “Yet from this weakness you agency by providing this insight into privilege under the suppose is due / Sublimer virtue than your Cato knew” guise of a poetic complaint, which was seen as one of (34-35). Montagu recognizes that women are expected to the “acceptable” forms of writing for women authors in remain chaste to keep a good reputation in this society. the eighteenth-century. This requires self-control, an emotion traditionally relegated to men, whereas women were seen as emotional and irrational. Women’s self-mastery is 28 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 29

ü------I AM BLACK üPROUD OF MY RACE From a Black x BUT DOES SOCIETY EMBRACE MY RACE? üBECAUSE I AM BLACK, DOES IT MEAN AM ALREADY BEING STEREOTYPED? Woman’s üDOES BEING BLACK SCARE OTHERS AWAY? üCAN I AS A BLACK LADY SIT BESIDE YOU IN THE BUS, WITHOUT YOU MOVING YOUR PURSE TO THE SIDE? Perspective l CAN I SPEAK WITHOUT BEING JUDGED AND LOOKED AT AS A MINORITY? l BECAUSE I AM BLACK DOES NOT MEAN I AM NOT EDUCATED üI ALWAYS GET WEIRD QUESTIONS LIKE “OH YOU SPEAK SUCH GOOD ENGLISH, Latifat Shittu ARE YOU SURE YOU’RE FROM AFRICA” REALLY? AFRICA IS NOT A COUNTRY

n IT’S A CONTINENT

üTake the ignorance away and embrace the black race.

u Let’s talk about music videos where it’s all about the light skinned girls

Dark skinned or light skinned we are all beautiful Because I am Black does not mean I am sassy Why even name such as dark or light I went to the bank the other day with my natural hair Black is Black out, and this woman goes you look so sassy Just like the color Black it has no substitute Of course am fierce Embrace each other. I am confident I am classy It is so embarrassing, how Black boys and men I am educated discriminate too and criticize us I am sophisticated Instead of embracing us. I am who I am You have a preference talking about light skinned girls I am Black Making the dark skinned feel pressured And I am just like every other person I breathe, I walk, Resulting to bleaching I cry and I am human. Damaging their skin What does it mean to be Media doesn’t even help To the men out there, Black? You rarely see a dark skinned girl, being used to Because am Black does not mean I am gullible and promote products vulnerable to your words Do not take me for granted Is it just a colour or a race? It’s always the light one Do not disrespect me Can’t I get compliments? Without us, you won’t be here What has society turned being black into? Without being insulted? Being a Black lady is not about an hourglass body Black is not just beautiful Or being sexually objectified When we hear the word Black It’s gorgeous and amazing because I am Or being in your music videos, where you sing about wonderfully made. hoes. What do we think about? We want respect Black does not mean violence or sex I am a Black lady We often think about darkness or violence I am strong and capable.

Not because we want to think that, Treat us with respect, because in the end we are all one. Remember united we stand, divided we fall. But it’s what first comes to mind 30 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 31

maintained an openness to connecting with others. One Partway through September, Nando was hanging out of these individuals was Nando. Over the next several in my room doing homework, and I was taking a quick months, we spent a lot of time together. We showed shower. I was crying. I had been thinking a lot about So One a mutual interest in proclaiming our relationship as where my life was going, and I could never shake this official. One obstacle, however, was that Nando was feeling that I wanted to share my compassion with not comfortable with me seeing others during our others, and I was very driven to have others confide in Isn’t Good relationship. We discussed my tendency to connect with me on a deeper level as well. multiple people, and I decided I would be okay with monogamy if an open relationship is something that I washed off my tears and composed myself. I proceeded My experience with would hurt him. with what I was doing, and went to Nando. I told him Enough that I needed to talk to him, and he was prepared to open relationships Our relationship was and is more than we could listen with an open mind, as he always was. ever ask for. It has always been founded in honesty, and polyamory communication, and understanding. He has taught me I told him that I was polyamorous and I felt I had so For You? much more potential, so much more to learn, but I so much that I do not know if I ever could have learned otherwise, lessons that have brought me to be at peace felt limited. I felt as though I had met him too early in with myself today. my life, and that I did not want to lose him, but I did not know if I could handle monogamy anymore. We Christina Trachenko However, throughout the relationship, there were a talked a lot that day, that week, and for the next few handful of heated arguments. Less than ten over the weeks. Early into this discussion, Nando expressed course of two and a half years. We would have some that he felt he may be polyamorous as well, and he was kind of disagreement, where I would completely willing to give it a shot. He described to me that he overreact. I would stop speaking to him; I would make was realizing how deeply he internalized our culture’s a call for harsh action. We had plans to spend all of our monogamous ideals. foreseeable future together, if not forever. When we had I am a 20-year-old university student and I have it felt very normal and right for me – I did not feel I these arguments, all of a sudden I felt that I wanted to We agreed we would try it our own pace. If it did not been identifying as polyamorous for five months. had any reason to try to withhold my partner from break up. work, we were both still very interested in staying I dove into this life head first and continue to be connecting with others, and they felt the same for me. together, that was certain. It was a big leap, but off we completely immersed in the polyamorous community. I did not question its supposed abnormality. As far The thought was always in the back of my mind that went into a big wide world of possible opportunity, I have communicated with many monogamous and as I was concerned, it was my first relationship, and I would have to break up with him someday. I loved possible chaos, possibly both. nonmonogamous people about their perceptions and everything was right in the world. We did not even know him so much, it was hard to find any reason to. My experiences with polyamory. I am the furthest thing the word polyamory, but we lived it wholly. If I chatted heart felt constrained. I sought to share my love with We did not really know where to start. So we began from an expert, but nevertheless I can share with you with friends or other casual dates, and they questioned, more humans. Over the relationship, there were several reading poly blogs online, seeking out relevant books. some of my experiences and what I have learned along “is your partner okay with this?” My typical answer was instances where I would discuss my feelings about We made profiles on dating apps and websites, and the way. that they were probably flirting it up with someone else open love. I told him if he wanted to seek others, he was began talking to people. We kept our minds open, and as we spoke! This may sound very pie-in-the-sky, but it free to do so – I would be more than happy to support decided we would never learn if we did not try – so we What is polyamory? The roots of the word mean many truly was our lives. it. He expressed reservations about granting me the accepted every opportunity for learning that came our loves. Polyamorous people engage in romantic and/ same freedom. I usually stopped trying to push him to way. Learning in the form of written word, or experience or physical relationships with multiple people. I, like There is no standard polyamorous person or change his mind before he could make real progress. I alike. We got into a number of relationships. Some of many others, did not always know about this concept. I relationship. While it is a growing community, it is would insist I was fine with monogamy. them went awry and we got hurt. We were mindful of will tell you about my path to how I achieved the state still not large enough to have a set of standard norms. ourselves, and decided that it was no fault of ours that of polyamory I am in now. You pave your own way in the poly life. As a result, the September of 2015 was a time of great change for both they were taking advantage of our vulnerability. That’s configurations of polyamorous relationships are wildly of us. Nando and I had been dating for two years and a hard pill to swallow. Sometimes it was no one’s fault I got into my first serious relationship when I was 17, diverse. If you can think of a possible configuration of 5 months. The university term was starting up - I was (e.g. in the case of mental illness). That’s a harder pill with a human named Kit. The relationship lasted from a relationship (e.g. a quad – 4 people in a relationship consolidating my career path as a future psychologist, to swallow. We did our best to rise above. We have May to December of 2012. The way they approached where each person may or may not be involved with any and Nando as a computer scientist. At the same time, continued to start and perpetuate relationships as they meeting new people, with intense admiration and other person in the quad), it probably exists. It exists my doctor told me I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. present themselves naturally. curiosity for the individuals, taught me a lot for which I among people of all ages, all orientations, and can last I could move forward – give myself the care I needed am very grateful. entire lifetimes. in fully acknowledging my anxiety, and be productive What else did we have to come to terms with? What else most of the time. I had two jobs and I had a full course- have we learned? Here are some crucial messages we Our relationship was open from the second it started, The month our relationship ended, I was in a load, and Nando also had a job and a full course-load. have come to live by. Our Western culture is enormously and remained open for its entirety. Right off the bat, place where I was still casually seeing 4 people, and monogamous. Monogamy is the foundation upon 32 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 33

which people form their understanding of the world, and romantic relationships. People trip up trying to Nando and I have traveled to San Francisco twice in the upon which laws are built; it is the guideline people figure out what combination of these connections mean last year – a known poly-friendly city. We have chatted internalize and allow to command arguably the what. I believe you should begin with acknowledging with monogamous and nonmonogamous locals. It has most intimate facet of their lives, like their romantic that there are more than just two categories of given us some insight – fragments of poly-friendly relationships. This guideline also bears the belief that relationships. regions, which showed us what things might look like if any deviation from monogamy is immoral - sluts, polyamory was more well-known. It is not as scary as it hedonists, cheaters. A final point on what our Western culture leads us might sound. Every polyamorous individual has their to believe – that polyamorous people are massively own insecurities and fears, and learns from experience - Our Western culture encourages jealousy. We codependent and/or insecure. “So one isn’t good the same way as you or I. value loyalty, but we also consider someone getting enough for you?” I cannot stress how backwards this competitive over their mate as "endearing" or assumption is. I think that polyamorous relationships, I am not intending to take a stand against monogamy, "passionate." With some of them, such as rage, and ALL successful relationships, require honesty and or sell polyamory as the new ideal. For many people, bloodlust, and irrational fear, their negative effects are communication. If you have ever been in a serious monogamy works - many blissful, passionate, and widely known and widely discouraged. However, the relationship, think of those nights where you are fulfilling monogamous relationships play themselves negative emotion of jealousy is often encouraged to going through a hard time and you are consoling your out all around us. What I am intending is to get the dictate how we lead our lives. partner. Or when you have a fight and you have to word out. How can a person realize a polyamorous life come forth and take responsibility for your actions. is what will make them feel fulfilled, if they have not What does our culture say the goal of romance is? Relationships come with responsibility and require a lot even heard of it? Nando in particular had to work to Dating is often assumed to be part of the search for of maintenance. Being in multiple relationships requires overcome this roadblock. “that special one”. The goal of flirting, spending time juggling. I think that if your happiness is contingent with potential suitors, and going on dates, is all tied to purely on your romance, you are setting yourself up Our life was very dynamic that September, and it has the assumption that one is looking for their life partner, for failure. This is why I say if you try polyamory, I can remained so until now and probably will continue as to get married and have kids with. guarantee you will experience some sort of personal such. We have discovered great personal truths about growth. Whether pleasant or not, you will learn opening our hearts in this way, and learned so much What are the results of this simplified schema? Is it something about yourself and hopefully about others about others. We have both had experiences that a problem at all? When you hear about things like as well. have given us the greatest lessons we could never have friends with benefits, it seems clear that a gray area learned otherwise. There is a lot more out there, more exists between friendship and romance. Trying to fit People ask me why polyamory? than we could ever imagine. We both plan on being your relationships into a box can cause you to rush or polyamorous for the foreseeable future. withhold relationships in a way that is not right for I can only speak for myself. This is how it goes for me, you. It can place an excess of pressure on you and your I ask you to imagine you have one best friend and you So what should you do? I would encourage anyone partner(s), to answer ambiguous questions of where the love that friend to bits and pieces. You cannot imagine and everyone to question what you are taught, what relationship is going. your life without them, but being with them means you are surrounded by, and make a more informed you cannot be friends with, or even consider beginning decision on what makes sense in your life. It may Say you form a relationship. My belief is that there are a friendship with another human. It seems awfully involve some risks, but what you have to gain is a innumerable ways to connect with other humans. You limiting, doesn’t it? This is an explanation I personally bounty of knowledge, and possibility a whole new may engage in a brief polite exchange with someone – use a lot. The next part is more descriptive of how both world of beautiful, meaningful opportunity. they hold the door open for you and you thank them. Nando and I answer it. You’ve related to each other in that you want to be kind Yours truly, Christina Trachenko to those around you, and possibly that you want to We think that everyone has the desire to connect with avoid seeming rude. You may connect empathetically other humans. Why shouldn't we all give each other – you share your struggles and seek support from a chance? What do you lose by hearing someone out, another. You may connect by sharing an experience by observing what they have to offer the world? By – such as completing a project together, or going on a seeing their insight and comparing it to your own? Our road trip together. You may connect intellectually, via a stance is that while there may be some risks, there is conversation about personal morals or ambitions. You plenty to gain. You may gain a profound, meaningful may connect sensually – you trust each other enough to understanding of how another human makes sense of seek physical pleasure from each other. The variations the world. If your ideals do not match up, or you’re not go on. feeling it, you are entitled to call the relationship to a close, end of story. You would never have to wonder You will notice that these different types of connections later on about the possibilities that could have been can, and do often take place in traditional friendships when you refused to see what a person had to offer. 34 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 35

White Canada’s Lie Temporary Foreign Edmund Program Policy I am that which scares you, that thing to be seen, silenced and feared. I am that which you've branded violent, to whom creativity comes as a gift of your whip. I am dark, disposable, dirt: Francess Amara Undeserving of life, liberty or freedom. I am that which you have said I am. I am that obedient slave.

I am that which plagues you. That thing to be dismembered, ravaged, and robbed. Over the past decade, Canada’s labour market has female temporary foreign workers (TFWs), due to their shifted in a significant way to rely increasingly on lack of employment mobility, are more likely to suffer I am that which is in need of saving. To which your generosity will gladly provide. transnational migrant workers who hold precarious, from exploitation, abusive employer practices, and face I am unfaithful, barren, unkind: temporary immigration status in Canada.1 The more barriers to enforcing the rights they do have than Never knowing dignity decorum or design. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) female non-temporary foreign workers in Canada. in Canada for example, brings migrant workers to I am that which you have said I am. Canada on a short-term basis without pathways to The TFWP came into existence in January 1973, and I am that dark continent. permanent residence or citizenship. was initially targeted at specific groups of people with highly specialized skills, including academics, The research question addressed in this paper with business executives and engineers. Employers, however, I am that which arouses you. That object to amuse, violate then discard. respect to the non-Canadian immigrant employment demanded workers to perform jobs requiring lower in Canada can be summarized as follows: How does skill levels and prompted the federal government to I am that which quenches your appetite, whose existence must be of your making. the Canadian federal government respond to emerging introduce in 2002 the Pilot Project for Hiring Foreign I am yours to own, dissect then disown. issues relating to employment-related rights of the Workers in Occupations that Require Lower Levels of 2 Never deserving passion, personality, or piety. Temporary Foreign Workers Program in Canada today? Formal Training. The program was intended to ensure This paper focuses on the Temporary Foreign Worker the recruitment of people from outside Canada for jobs I am that which you said I am. Program in Canada, and its negative impact on the for which there were insufficient Canadian citizens and I am that negro body. temporary immigrant workers. The paper argues that permanent residents to perform.3

1 Fay, Faraday “Made In Canada How the Law Constructs Migrant Workers’ Insecurity” (Metcalf Foundation, 2012) P, 5. Access date October 7, 2015 www.metcalffoundation.com. 2 Delphine, Nakache. “The Canadian Temporary Program: Regulations, Practices and Protection Gaps” p, 1-2. Access date October 7, 2015 http://www. yorku.ca/raps1/events/pdf/D_Nakache.pdf 3 Judy, Fudge, and Fiona, MacPhail. “The Temporary Foreign Worker Program In Canada: Low-Skilled Workers as An Extreme Form of Flexible Labor” (31 Comp. Lab. L. & Pol'y J. 5 2009-2010) p, 7-8. Access date October 7, 2015. http://heinonline.org 36 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 37

Between 2002 and 2007 was a period that saw a violation of fundamental rights and “create conditions Tess Agustin, in her article “Canada’s Shame: Mass employment insurance (EI), are covered by provincial substantial easing of restrictions on temporary which in effect substantially interfere” with a group’s Deportation of Temporary Foreign Workers” argues laws. Given the shared federal-provincial jurisdiction of foreign workers. Women’s share of total number of rights and its capacity to participate in society.8 The that the deportation of foreign workers is a stark the TFWP, each of these players is somewhat restricted temporary foreign workers increased from 33.0% to exploitation of TFWs for example, is not isolated and reminder that, despite what females TFWs do for in its ability to resolve various challenges within the 40.5% suggesting that the flow of temporary foreign anecdotal; it is endemic and systemic; and the depths of Canada, they merely serve as cheap, disposable labour, program.20According to Nakache, TFWs and their workers was becoming feminized.4 This amount not the violations are degrading.9 just like Vicky Venancio from Alberta.14 Venancio was a employers make payments into EI just like Canadian only increased, but was greater than the number of TFW who is now a quadriplegic after a cycling accident workers. There are several problems, however, with permanent immigrants in the “economic” class for Fay Faraday in her article “Made In Canada: How the and was forced by the Canadian government to go TFWs trying to access EI. For example, the majority most years in Canada. The TFWP, however, placed Law Constructs Migrant Workers’ Insecurity” argues back to the Philippines because they claim that she of the EI officers in provinces across Canada are still restrictions on workers admitted under it who were that the vulnerability to exploitation that migrant has become a burden to Canada’s healthcare system.15 routinely refusing benefits to foreign workers in the only entitled legally to stay in Canada for the duration workers experience is not inevitable; it is, instead, Agustin also argues that Canada ignores international belief that such workers simply cannot receive them. 10 of authorized employment. Not only was their access Made in Canada. For instance, when looking at TFWs agreements, which provide for the rights and protection Unless the worker has been employed for the qualifying to Canada restricted, but once admitted, temporary who work as live-in caregivers, during the years that of migrant workers.16 The unfortunate side of such period, he or she is not entitled to benefits.21 foreign workers’ labour mobility is also restricted.5 they work with precarious temporary status, Faraday unfair treatment, as mentioned above, is that female interviewed a female Uganda TFW who works in TFWs have no power to fight for their rights. Nakache also points out that TFWs may not be entitled The greatest proportionate growth of TFWs has been Toronto as a live-in caregiver. The interviewee reports to receive EI because their “employer-specific” work among low-skill, low-wage migrant workers primarily that she was treated like “rubbish” and was working As Nakache mentions, TFWs are less likely than other permit restricts them from being “available for work” from the global South who are employed in sectors hard but she was not getting paid. Another interviewee workers to file a complaint against their employers for other employers.22 Such a message, according to such as caregiving, agriculture, hospitality, food from India also reports that she was promised $15 per under the complaint-driven system, Standards Code.17 Nakache, puts female TFWs in a legal and financial services, construction and tourism.6 The problem hour plus time and a half for overtime; but she never Furthermore, some of the code’s protections are of bind: on the one hand, they cannot get EI because they with temporary foreign workers is not that they got paid that; she was only paid $8 per hour and never little value to such workers, who are restricted from are not legally available for work; on the other, once are “workers”. It is that they are “temporary” and got overtime pay. The interviewee also notes that she finding immediate alternative employment or whose they are legally available for work — having found new “foreign”, tied to their employers like servants, and are was promised paid flights to go back home for the time in Canada is limited.18 Moreover, female migrant employment and having applied for changes to their constantly under threat of losing their right to work, holidays but did not get that either.11 workers who are terminated are particularly vulnerable, work permit — they are no longer eligible for EI. Thus, and their right to remain in Canada, if they displease especially because losing their job may also mean they according to the jurisprudence, TFWs are entitled to the that employer. For example, TFWs experience various Additionally, TFWs have for years raised concerns that are evicted from their employer’s property and become benefits, but only when they no longer need them.23 social and economic barriers in Canada. These workers employers fail to provide them with appropriate health homeless. They do not have access to an effective forum are inexperienced with the Canadian legal and social and safety training and/or fail to provide them with to challenge their termination as unjust. Being almost In 2009, according to Judy Fudge and Fiona MacPhail, 12 systems; and they have limited opportunities for appropriate health and safety equipment. Faraday entirely non-unionized, they lack access to grievance when asked in the provincial legislature about the plight permanent immigration, language barriers, misleading reports that workers who are injured on the job are arbitration. They can in theory file a claim in court of the temporary foreign workers who were laid-off employer-provided information, and self-censorship to promptly dismissed and repatriated to their country for wrongful dismissal, but this is virtually impossible and who do not qualify for unemployment insurance, protect their jobs and threats of deportation, to name of origin. As a result, they are effectively denied access in practice because they lack information about the Alberta’s employment and immigration minister at the a few.7 to workplace safety insurance benefits, treatment in Canadian justice system, lack resources, lack time, Hector Goudreau, responded that TFWs “need to Canada, and the opportunity to be accommodated access to legal assistance, and have temporary recognize that the word temporary is exactly what it says In Canada, laws and policies such as the TFWP in their jobs with modified duties as required under immigration status.19 and if it is impossible for them to move into another fundamentally shape the nature and quality of Canadian law.13 Some of the temporary foreign female occupation, then there is an expectation that they relationships and interactions between members of live-in caregivers are sometimes forced to leave Canada In terms of unemployment benefits such as should go home.”24 This example also shows that TFWs society. These laws and policies can, however, also once their work permit expires after four years and employment insurance for TFWs, while the federal are tax-paying workers that Canadian industries and operate to disempower segments of society in means cannot come back for another four years. government regulates the entry and stay of TFWs, families rely upon for low wage, difficult, dangerous and that “substantially orchestrate, encourage and sustain” a many of their protections, with the exception of precarious jobs that Canadians do not want.25 They pay

4 ibid,. p,16. 14 Tess Agustin, “Canada’s Shame: Mass Deportation of Temporary Foreign Workers” p, 1. Access date October 7, 2015 http://www.socialistproject.ca/ 5 Ibid. inthenews/Migrante-CanadasShame.pdf 6 Fay, Faraday ”Made In Canada How the Law Constructs Migrant Workers’ p, 5. 15 Ibid,. 7 Delphine, Nakache . “The Canadian Temporary Program: Regulations, Practices and Protection Gaps” p, 4. 16 Tess Agustin, “Canada’s Shame: Mass Deportation of Temporary Foreign Workers” p, 1. 8 Fay, Faraday ”Made In Canada How the Law Constructs Migrant Workers’ Insecurity” (Metcalf Foundation, 2012) p, 5. Access date October 7, 2015 www. 17 Delphine, Nakache . “The Canadian Temporary Program: Regulations, Practices and Protection Gaps” p, 14. metcalffoundation.com. 18 Ibid,. 9 Ibid,. p, 6. 19 Fay, Faraday ”Made In Canada How the Law Constructs Migrant Workers’ Insecurity” (Metcalf Foundation, 2012) p, 29. 10 Ibid,. 20 Delphine, Nakache . “The Canadian Temporary Program: Regulations, Practices and Protection Gaps” p, 4. 11 Fay, Faraday ”Made In Canada How the Law Constructs Migrant Workers’ Insecurity” (Metcalf Foundation, 2012) p,17. 21 Delphine, Nakache . “The Canadian Temporary Program: Regulations, Practices and Protection Gaps” p, 8. 12 Ibid,. 22 Ibid,. 13 Ibid,. 23 Ibid,. p, 8-9. 24 Fudge, Judy. MacPhail, Fiona “The Temporary Foreign Worker Program In Canada: Low-Skilled Workers as An Extreme Form of Flexible Labor” (31 Comp. Lab. L. & Pol’y J. 5 2009-2010) p, 44. Access date October 7, 2015. http://heinonline.org 25 Tess Agustin, “Canada’s Shame: Mass Deportation of Temporary Foreign Workers” p, 1. 38 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 39

taxes and contribute to programs such as Employment increase in the number of TFWs has led to a growing and human rights laws that establish fundamental Bibliography Insurance (EI), and other programs that most TFWs concern about their employment-related rights. Faraday legal guarantees.34 Another major recommendation, Agustin Tess, “Canada’s Shame: Mass Deportation of Temporary do not benefit from, and bar them from asserting their argues that it is time to take this problem seriously and according to Faraday, is that temporary foreign Foreign Workers” Access date October 7, 2015 http://www. socialistproject.ca/inthenews/Migrante-CanadasShame.pdf rights under Canadian labour laws as well. act to protect fundamental rights and decent work.31 migrant workers must have strong, effective and Female TFWs in Canada for example, are potentially enforceable protections that are responsive to their real Cbc.ca “Temporary Foreign Workers’ Vulnerability Noted In Furthermore, female TFWs experience many of the Sexual Harassment Case” May 28th 2015. Access date October in a more vulnerable position than other workers in circumstances. This protection, according to Faraday, 7, 2015 http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/05/28/temporary- same abuses shared by other lower skilled migrant the Canadian workplace. The actual exploitations and is needed for migrant workers who are currently in, foreign-workers-vulnerability-noted-in-sexual-harassment- workers who are temporary. For instance, abuses take abuses of female temporary migrant workers undermine for example, Ontario; and it is needed for migrant case_n_7455636.html places in all the different sections of the TFWP such the legitimacy of the program both within and outside workers who arrive in the future.35 Since TFWs lack Faraday, Fay. ”Made In Canada How the Law Constructs Migrant as the seasonal agricultural workers program, and the 32 Workers’ Insecurity” (Metcalf Foundation, 2012) p, 1-36. Access of Canada. effective voice, and lack adequate information about date October 7, 2015 www.metcalffoundation.com. caregivers’ program. According to Rylan Higgins, in their rights and legal processes, Faraday recommends in his report on TFWP, he points out that since the early The Canadian federal government has come to see Fudge, Judy. MacPhail, Fiona “The Temporary Foreign Worker her article that a publicly-funded independent agency Program In Canada: Low-Skilled Workers as An Extreme Form 1990s, reports of physical, sexual and verbal abuse have protecting temporary workers as its responsibility. As – the Office of the Migrant Worker Advocate – should of Flexible Labor” (31 Comp. Lab. L. & Pol'y J. 5 2009-2010) p, 1-43. 26 been far too common. In May 2015, an Ontario Human the examples in this paper have shown, however, the be established to provide information and advice to Access date October 7, 2015. http://heinonline.org Rights Tribunal highlighted the vulnerability of female mechanisms to protect the rights of migrant workers migrant workers free of charge, including information HIggins, Rylan, ‘Temporary foreign workers program must protect migrants’ rights’ Access date October 7, 2015 temporary foreign workers in a case where two women are neither well-developed nor effectively enforced. about: rights and how to enforce them, legal support 27 http://thechronicleherald.ca/letters/1287022-temporary-foreign- worked in a “sexually poisoned work environment.” Nakache makes an important point regarding Canadian in making claims to enforce rights, outreach to migrant workers-program-must-protect-migrants%E2%80%99-rights The tribunal found that the women, who were sisters, policy toward the treatment of TFWs: that Canada’s worker communities, and coordination with community Nakache, Delphine. “The Canadian Temporary Program: were exposed to sexual solicitation, sexual harassment, rules on the legal status of migrants admitted for groups, advocates and legal clinics who are supporting Regulations, Practices and Protection Gaps” p, 1-23. Access discrimination in employment and a sexually-poisoned employment have been largely structured according to TFWs.36 In addition, Faraday also recommends that, in date October 7, 2015 http://www.yorku.ca/raps1/events/pdf/D_ 28 Nakache.pdf work environment. one policy model for “low-skilled workers” to discourage order to reduce the power imbalance that exists between their integration, and two simultaneous policy models employers and TFWs, and to enable greater labour The women had their work permits revoked and were for “skilled” workers, to both “discourage” and “assist” mobility amongst TFWs, provincial legislation must also sent back to Mexico after resisting the sexual their eventual integration. for example, be amended to guarantee that agricultural overtures of their employer at Presteve Foods, a fish workers have effective rights to unionize and bargain processor in Wheatley, Ontario. One woman was forced The jobs that migrant workers do are valuable and collectively, and to guarantee that live-in caregivers also to perform sex acts under threat of being sent home and necessary parts of the local labour market. There is have effective means of collective representation and both were sexually harassed in other ways.29 The report an enduring need for workers to care for children, voice, for example, through sectoral representation.37 also mentions that the female workers, who had limited the elderly, and persons with disabilities. There is an understanding of English, were not informed of their enduring need for workers to work on farms, to process To conclude, this paper has focused on the Temporary right not to be sexually harassed by an employer. This food, to clean office buildings and hotels, to staff Foreign Worker Program in Canada, and its negative essentially shows the failings of the provincial restaurants, to engage in construction and do the many impact on the temporary immigrant workers. It has and federal governments to protect temporary other jobs that migrant workers do. These jobs, by their argued that female temporary foreign workers, due to 33 foreign workers. nature, are local and cannot be moved offshore. their lack of employment mobility, are more likely to suffer from exploitation, abusive employer practices, In sum, there is a deepening concern that Canada’s As Canada’s population ages, retirements will affect and face tremendous barriers to enforcing the rights temporary labour migration programs are entrenching labour needs at all skill levels, TFWP can be one they do have, than female non-temporary foreign and normalizing a low-wage, low-rights “guest” way to solve this labour shortage. In order to solve workers in Canada. workforce on terms that are incompatible with Canada’s this labour shortage, however, policy development fundamental Charter rights and freedoms, human affecting TFWs, especially the female workers, must rights, and labour rights.30 For instance, the significant develop in compliance with binding constitutional

26 Rylan, Higgins." Temporary foreign workers program must protect migrants’ rights" Access date October 7, 2015 http://thechronicleherald.ca/ 34 Ibid,. p,18. letters/1287022-temporary-foreign-workers-program-must-protect-migrants%E2%80%99-rights 35 Ibid,.) p, 7. 27 Cbc.ca “Temporary Foreign Workers' Vulnerability Noted In Sexual Harassment Case” May 28th 2015. Access date October 7, 2015 http://www. 36 Fay, Faraday “Made In Canada How the Law Constructs Migrant huffingtonpost.ca/2015/05/28/temporary-foreign-workers-vulnerability-noted-in-sexual-harassment-case_n_7455636.html Workers’ Insecurity” (Metcalf Foundation, 2012) p, 30. 28 Ibid,. 37 Ibid,. 29 Ibid,. 30 Fay, Faraday ”Made In Canada How the Law Constructs Migrant Workers’ Insecurity” (Metcalf Foundation, 2012) p, 5. 31 Ibid,. 32 Judy, Fudge, and Fiona, MacPhail. “The Temporary Foreign Worker Program In Canada: Low-Skilled Workers as An Extreme Form of Flexible Labor” p, 43. 33 Fay, Faraday ”Made In Canada How the Law Constructs Migrant Workers’ Insecurity” (Metcalf Foundation, 2012) p, 32. 40 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 41

For Nicki Minaj you and the Fetishization Abigail Lidster of the Black I am done with ambiguity. I'm done with "you could say interested in what happens in my bedroom when the that" and "I guess that's me." I'm done with answering in lights are off will continue to ask for hints, or a treasure silence. I made a promise the other day and just because map to my desires to which I will mumble: Google it. Female Body it was a promise to myself doesn't make it any less real, And you will. Repeatedly. Because curiosity will get or valuable. I'm not going to dance around the word to you. But I will be at home watching tv, holding my "girlfriend" with suggestions of "partner" and "someone." girlfriend's hand wondering why you didn't ask me I won't let you assume who should be holding my about inequality, or why there is such a high suicide hand. You don't decide who I take my clothes off for rate among queer youth. My mouth will form itself Elsa Kaka and who I don't. I won't avoid the question or change into question marks of all the issues you didn't discuss. the subject. I'm done with lying by omission. I don't Of the parts of my sexuality, gender and sex that were need your stamp of approval that reads "normal," not shiny enough for you to question. They were not Nicki Minaj is an icon in today’s American pop the antithesis of whiteness; whiteness being positively "acceptable" or "tolerated," as if there is a specified limit interesting enough to render your full attention. And so culture. She is admired for her individuality, creativity evaluated and blackness being associated with death on the amount of ink that can be used. As if you have next time, when you or someone with a mind like yours and lyrical talent; being one of few female rappers and the underworld. Later in medieval times black the final say in what happens in my love life. I'm going asks me to clarify my ambiguity of language, I will to dominate the hip-hop scene. She has often been people were viewed as wild, aggressive and sexually to tell you about the woman in my life that makes my respond with an unfinished list of names. The names of quoted encouraging feminist ideals in young women deviant. The black female was “represented as the cheeks turn red, the woman who always has questions all those who lost their lives because of ignorance such (Buzzfeed). Her new album “Pink Print”, shows some seductress of ordinary men” (Defalco 2005:3). These for all my seemingly straightforward answers. Because as yours. And I will continue speaking, using only the feminist themes (Vogue). Her lyrics, however, are pervasive ideas were used as a rationale for colonialism I'm sick of feeling as if there is a broken connection, labels assigned to those who were deemed by society often sexually charged and her videos explicit. It begs and slavery. The idea that black Africans and ‘others’ of miscommunication, between my mind and my an "intolerable" level of different. Until Google can the questions whether she encourages female sexual outside of Europe were savages that could then be mouth. I want the two parts of me to reconnect, and only provide you with photos of lesbian grandmothers liberation or if she performs to a white patriarchal civilized by European slave owners and colonialists share together in the reality that my love life has the and religious gay hockey players and children with culture that fetishizes black female bodies as animalistic justified these atrocious acts of subordination as dignity and worth to be spoken about, repeatedly. I'm non-conforming genders. Until your computer screen and sexually deviant (White 2013: 612). Her record- well as the blatant and flagrant objectification that going to answer your questions, loudly, because I am displays grey haired women, fishing and shopping and breaking music video, “Anaconda” has implications of resulted in the ethnographic exhibitions of the 19th not ashamed of whose ears catch my words. And as you painting and breast-feeding and in love. Army veteran the type of fetishization that women such as Saartjie and 20th centuries. interrogate me I will attempt to remain as patient as I soldiers, vegetarians, doctors, actors, members of Baartman, the “Hottentot Venus”, had been subjected possibly can. While you stereotype me, and try to fit my government and bus drivers. Until lesbian is no longer to in European exhibitions. However, Nicki Minaj’s Among these ethnographic exhibitions was the abnormal lifestyle into tiny boxes of conformity. You a section found on a porn website but rather a sexuality audience today is not the same audience of Saartjie displaying of Saartjie Baartman, who was dubbed the will tell me, "you don't look like a lesbian" and I will tell experienced by human beings with actual fucking Baartman. Although many racist ideas from the past “Hottentot Venus”. She, a woman from South Africa, you, "you don't look like an asshole, but here we are." I'll feelings, emotions, and valuable voices. Until the people are still pervasive today, Nicki Minaj has a fanbase was persuaded by a French ship doctor to leave Cape let you know, firmly of course, that there is a separation, in line behind me stop whispering about the beard on that admires and even idolizes her. We are then left Town and travel across Europe where, because of her a large one, like the size of a canyon if you will, between the face of the beautiful woman in front of me. Until to ponder about why people love her so much and ‘unusually’ curvaceous body she could attract European the concept of gender and sex and sexuality and an Google has the courage to show you how to admire a whether she is contributing to gender progress or crowds fascinated by the tales of “exotic, animalistic even further separation to the act of actually having rainbow, how to teach love to your children, how to pulling us back. bodies” of African women (White 2013: 611). During sex. Sex. I know you will ask about it. Repeatedly. Or spread peace. Until we practice acceptance and celebrate her performances, she was displayed partially nude, you will joke about it. Repeatedly. To both I will reply, diversity in our homes, in our relationships, in our Europeans have made the black female body an object with a skin coloured loincloth as her only coverage” "fuck off." Repeatedly. Then I will smile, because my sex communities and most importantly, within ourselves. of scrutiny and fascination for decades if not centuries. (White 2013: 611). This fascination surrounding the is a hidden secret that you will never know. You, being In the Greco-Roman culture blackness was seen as bodies of black women is still present today, and Nicki 42 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 43

Minaj seems to capitalize on that obsession. In many dances emphasized the primitivism that intrigued Individuals who scored high on the ESS were actions, but this example does illustrate that feeling of her music videos and concert performances Nicki artists like Picasso. She represented primal urges and a more likely to endorse sexist beliefs such as empowered and being empowered are not necessarily Minaj is partially nude or wearing mostly see-through kind of liberated sexuality in the way she danced. The hostile and benevolent sexism. Furthermore, the same thing. I feel that women talking about their clothing. Her music video “Anaconda” (2014) opens costumes she wore included a banana skirt, which was young women who enjoyed sexualization also sexuality is only liberating if they are subjects in sexual with her surrounded by half naked dancers in front obviously phallic and related to the savagery of the endorsed some traditional feminine norms relations and not merely the objects of sexual desire. of a thatched-roof hut in the middle of the jungle. jungle. She, like Nicki Minaj, profited from exploiting such as the importance of being nice and She then begins to rap and twerk (a type of dance racist stereotypes and assumptions of black women, the importance of romantic relationships. References

that includes thrusting hip movements and isolated unlike Saartjie Baartman who lived a life of alcoholism (Feminists Who Flaunt It. Erchull and Liss Davie, Lucille. "SouthAfrica.info." Sarah Baartman, at Rest at shaking of the buttocks). The video continues to her and constant denigration both during her life and 2013: 2342). Last. South African Government Online, 12 May 2012. Web. 28 exercising inside of the hut while wearing a string bikini posthumously. Baartman’s genitals were kept on display Nov. 2015. . and then ends with her crawling on the floor towards at Musée de l’Homme in Paris for 160 years. Her remains There are many examples of benevolent sexism in rapper, Drake, where she then gives him a lap dance. were not repatriated to South Africa until 2002, where several of Nicki Minaj’s songs, particularly the song Defalco, Amelia. "Jungle Creatures and Dancing Apes: Modern Primitivism and Nella The scenery combined with her clothing, twerking and they were then buried. (Davie: 2012). Anaconda. While Minaj claims that the song is meant to empower women whose bodies do not fit the Larsen's "Quicksand."" Mosaic: A Journal for the Interdisciplinary crawling reinforces the fetishization of black women’s Study of Literature 38.2 (2005): 17+. Academic Search Complete bodies as animalistic. Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda video The line between sexual liberation and self- societal norm, the entire song is encompassed around [EBSCO]. Web. 28 Nov. 2015. objectification is often blurred. According to a study hypersexualizing curvaceous bodies and the approval of also parallels with Marlene Dietrich’s performance Erchull, Mindy J., and Miriam Liss. "Exploring the Concept of “Hot Voodoo” in the 1932 filmBlonde Venus. The conducted by the University of Mary Washington men. The song samples an excerpt of Sir Mixalot’s song, of Perceived Female Sexual Empowerment: Development and performance begins with the rhythmic music of drums in 2013 concerning the “enjoyment of sexualization “Baby Got Back” (1992), where he states, “My anaconda Validation of the Sex Is Power Scale." Gender Issues Gend. Issues among young [heterosexual] feminist women” many don't want none unless you've got buns hun.” Minaj 30.1-4 (2013): 39-53. Academic Search Complete [EBSCO]. Web. 28 and Dietrich in a gorilla suit with chorus girls behind Nov. 2015. young women reported feeling empowered through goes on to rap the words, her in blackface, dressed as African savages and holding Erchull, Mindy J., and Miriam Liss. "Feminists Who Flaunt spears. She removes the gorilla suit and then places being objectified. The study further went on to show It: Exploring the Enjoyment of Sexualization among Young And he telling me it's real, that he love my a platinum blond afro wig on top of her head and that “enjoying sexualization was related to a mix Feminist Women." sex appeal. J Appl Soc Psychol Journal of Applied Social Psychology 43.12 (2013): begins to sing. Dietrich’s performance exemplifies the of feminist and traditional beliefs” that included Say he don't like 'em boney, he want 2341-349. Academic Search Complete [EBSCO]. Web. 28 Nov. 2014 ideas of primitivism that were so prevalent during the feeling empowered as well as being less aware of something Frank, Alex. "Newly Single Nicki Minaj on Feminism, Meek early 20th century. Primitivism was a form of art that social injustices against themselves and other women he can grab. Mill, and Rapping at 50." Vogue. Vogue Magazine, 12 Feb. 2015. took inspiration from the ‘otherness’ that is the people (Feminists Who Flaunt It. Erchull and Liss 2013: 2341). Web. 27 Oct. 2015. . colonized by European powers. The primitive stood for This objectification of women’s bodies then becomes related to the idea that women could use their sexuality Minaj, Nicki. "Nicki Minaj - Anaconda." Azlyrics.com. Azlyrics. everything that whiteness was not; more about appealing to men’s desires and capturing to gain power (Female Sexual Empowerment. Erchull and com, n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2015. . …irrational, violent, dangerous and Liss 2013: 39). In 2009, Nicki Minaj had dubbed herself more curvaceous body types. The same can be said libidinous. Primitive people were free, “Nicki Lewinsky”, after Monica Lewinsky, the mistress Mixalot, Sir. "Sir Mixalot - Baby Got Back." Azlyrics.com. about her song “Hey Mama” (2015) where she appears Azlyrics.com, n.d. Web. 14 they existed at the lowest cultural levels as of former US president Bill Clinton. She had believed to be reversing gender roles at first by stating that she Dec. 2015. < http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sirmixalot/ opposed to Europeans who occupied the that Monica Lewinsky had access to a great deal of could be the provider in the relationship, but then she babygotback.html>. 'highest,' in the metaphors of stratification power that she did not utilize and other women could goes on to rap about assuming a subordinate role. This Is 50, and Nicki Minaj. "Nicki Minaj - This Is 50." YouTube. and hierarchy commonly used by modernist gain power in the same way (This is 50. Youtube:2009). YouTube, 2 Jan. 2009. Web. 27 Oct. 2015. problematic because it leaves a woman vulnerable to the present in her most recent album “Pink Print” are more White, T. R. "Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott and Nicki Minaj: Primitivism became a way for, as described by Freudian Fashionistin' Black Female Sexuality in Hip-Hop Culture--Girl whims of a man. The same can be said about enjoying about the self-objectification that lies under the guise theory, Europeans to escape the sexual repression so Power or Overpowered?" Journal of Black Studies 44.6 (2013): 607- sexualization and seeing it as a form of power; it being of sexual liberation. Although she has been quoted 26. Academic Search Complete [EBSCO]. Web. ever present during the Victorian era. (Defalco 2005:1). predicated on the approval of others. (Embracing one’s encouraging young women to not be afraid to voice However, unlike Minaj, Dietrich could Yapalater, Lauren. "13 Reasons Why Everyone Should Be sexuality however without depending on the approval their opinions, love their bodies and value education More Like Nicki Minaj: Let Nicki Teach You a Thing or Two." of others can be very liberating. But, Nicki Minaj’s BuzzFeed Celeb. BuzzFeed, Inc., 17 Feb. 2015. Web. 27 Oct.2015. …assume the position of primitive sexual (Buzzfeed) these messages are not very present in her songs tend to focus more on receiving sexualized male . attention rather embracing her sexuality solely for costume was easily removed to reveal her from that of Saartjie Baartman and Josephine Baker, herself). The degree of enjoyment of sexualization underlying white body, so too can the but she still exploits the same racist tropes that gained was measured on a scale called the ESS (Enjoyment performance of "black" sexuality be easily Baartman and Baker so much fame. The unveiling of of Sexualization Scale) where the more individuals shed. (Defalco 2005:8). Nicki Minaj’s wax figure, where she was portrayed as enjoyed sexualization, the higher they would score on posed on all fours, in Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, Perhaps it would be more suitable to compare Nicki the scale. It was found that, was met with fans taking obscene and highly sexulalized Minaj to Josephine Baker, an African American dancer photos with the figure. Yes the takers of the obscene who, in the 1920s, performed throughout Europe. Her photos are completely to blame for their own vulgar 44 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 45

Self-FAQ Collective care We, the FAQ Collective, felt that addressing self-care count as self-care as long as it is intentionally for the was crucial, and we chose to illustrate our individual betterment of one’s person. Which activity or activities self-care practices through the photos following. We work best is up to you, as self-care is individualized define self-care as an activity someone practices to and personalized. take care of themselves to maintain a healthy mental, physical, and spiritual state. As shown on the next Political or social issues can often take a toll on our few pages, some examples of self-care that collective health, leaving us less effective at achieving the goals members participate in are: music, journalling, we may have set for social change. When self care is running, reading, snowshoeing, spending time with done effectively, it helps individuals maintain healthy pets, baking, and playing video games. The goal of relationships with themselves, conversely, a healthy self-care is to do an activity that you genuinely enjoy to relationship with the self improves one's personal help lessen feelings of distress, or prevent burnout as altruistic capacity. However, self-care is not to be an activist. Many people are unfamiliar with the term confused with selfishness or vanity. One might think self-care, yet actively take part in bettering themselves that taking, or making time, for one’s needs and wants already. As a collective, we would like to acknowledge is unproductive or unnecessary. This is particularly the significance in practicing self-care daily by common when one has a number of things to do, and expanding on forms of self-care for our readers, and might feel guilty for taking a moment to themselves. why self-care is important on a societal level. This is a result of our society’s value on productivity and work ethic, and we, in turn, have internalized the There are eight members in this collective, and so we message that if we are not working, we are not doing a only have a small number of examples of what self-care good job. If each of us never took care of ourselves, our looks like. Any activity that makes one happier, less relationships with others would deteriorate, and, as stressed, and healthier as a whole is a valid form of mentioned earlier, we would become less productive self-care, and while one of the activities mentioned as a whole. above may constitute as self-care for one person, it may not for the next. Some other examples of self-care can To give ourselves the respect and love we deserve is be very basic, such as bathing, getting enough sleep, to ensure we give our fullest selves to political cause. eating enough and eating healthy foods, while others Society actively creates and maintains situations can do things like meditating, counselling, seeing whereby women are pitted against each other and feel friends, working on a hobby, dancing, taking a break bad about themselves. When we make sure that we are from technology, making art, and blogging. This list physically, mentally and emotionally capable to thrive, is not comprehensive, there are varying activities that we take away preconceived expectations that limit our capabilities. As Audre Lorde said, “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” 46 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 47 48 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 49 50 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 51

Trashing Tropes and Subverting Sexism: Gender Roles in Marvel’s Agent Carter

Shannon C. Bloodworth

Agent Carter is a spinoff of Marvel’s Captain America: opens with a gender reversal of one of the genre’s most The First Avenger, starring Hayley Atwell as Peggy well-trodden tropes: the fridging of a lover - in this Carter, a woman who works for the made-up Strategic case Steve Rodgers/Captain America - to perpetuate Science Reserve (SSR). After World War II (the series the hero’s story. As the Pilot kicks off, our protagonist takes place in 1946 New York) the SSR has her doing Peggy Carter is by no means incapacitated by Steve’s administrative work but she takes on a secret mission all-but-dead state; however, he is at the forefront of her for her friend Howard Stark to clear his name when mind as she does her best to make herself relevant to the government accuses him of treason. Agent Carter her post-war employer, the Strategic Scientific Reserve breaks a lot of tropes our society commonly associates (SSR)” (para. 1). Agent Carter manages to move beyond with female leads, demonstrates clever and tasteful the confines of the fridging trope as well. Peggy misses use of gender role reversal and critiques sexism in Steve but her motivation to succeed in the SSR does not the workplace. The themes in this series are certainly come from guilt over what happened to him. This is the progressive for the 1940s but are also applicable to job and the life she wants for herself. women and media today. Men are not the driving force behind her narrative Peggy’s relationships with men are a departure from and she is not focused on finding one anytime soon. classic sexist tropes. R.A. (2015) writes, “Agent Carter The show does not set up Peggy and Edwin Jarvis, 52 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 53

Stark’s butler who helps her with her mission, to be and sticks up for her when a customer insults her. Angie government sanctioned field mission. Not only can she References love interests. Jarvis is married and his relationship offers emotional support after one of Peggy’s co-workers hold her own but she also takes charge of the mission D’Esposito, L. (Producer). (2015). Agent carter. [Television with Peggy will only ever be that of close friends. Their is killed in the line of duty. When Peggy is looking for when the leader, agent Thompson, loses his nerve. She series]. Burbank, CA: American Broadcasting Company. relationship is interesting and involves a lot of gender a new apartment, Angie helps her get a room in the wants to prove her worth in the field but the recognition greenburgsays. (2015, February 18). [Web log]. Retrieved from role reversal. Jarvis takes on a passive role. When they building where she is staying. Their relationship is she gets for this is minimal. As well, Thompson takes http://greenbergsays.tumblr.com/post/111402921393/god-i-love- this-moment-because-this-this-is-what are working, he drives the getaway car and acts as refreshingly warm and genuine. They are not petty or over her investigation of the Stark conspiracy after she R.A. (2015, January 7). Agent carter series premiere review. [Web is found out and gets full credit for solving the case. lookout. On another occasion he cleans and bandages superficial and they do not compete against each other log]. Retrieved from reviewhttp://thedailyfandom.com/agent- Peggy’s wounds and offers emotional support. Jarvis for a man’s attention. In fact, they never talk about When Jarvis asks her how she can just let them take that carter-series-premiere-review/ is the caregiver, support and confidant - roles our men at all. The Bechdel test is a tool that assesses the away from her she says, “I don't need a congressional xmenthefanficseries. (2015, n.d.). 10 things agent carter did society typically attributes to women – and the show representation of women in media. To pass the test, a honour. I don't need Agent Thompson's approval or right. [Web log]. Retrieved from http://xmenthefanficseries. never portrays him as weak or deficient for willingly show must have two named women who talk to each the president's. I know my value. Anyone else's opinion tumblr.com/post/107462136511/10-things-agent-carter-did-right embracing that role. other about something other than men. Peggy and doesn't really matter” (D’Esposito, 2015). Throughout Angie pass the Bechdel test with flying colours. the series Peggy badly wants recognition from her fellow Peggy takes on an active role. She is solving problems, agents, which almost leads her to incriminate herself by deciding the course of the investigation, running, Peggy Carter is the only woman in the office and revealing her role in the Stark conspiracy. In the season climbing and fighting. Though she has a traditionally constantly has to deal with her male co-workers’ sexist finale she is confident in her abilities. That is not to say masculine job she does not sacrifice her femininity for remarks and the persistent mentality that a woman’s that she was not confident before. The difference now the sake of her job. She wears skirts, heels and lipstick place - if she works at all - is behind a desk. They ask her is that she knows her self-worth is not contingent upon and does not feel the need to try to be one of the guys. to do things like answer phones and file papers because receiving the admiration of her co-workers. Peggy knows that being feminine and being powerful “you’re so much better at that sort of thing,” to which are not mutually exclusive. She also uses her femininity she replies, “What sort of thing is that, the alphabet? I Agent Carter has excellent feminist characterization. The to her advantage and has no problem using her male can teach you. Let’s start with words beginning with A” series features a strong female protagonist who never co-workers’ chauvinism against them (“10 Things Agent (D’Esposito, 2015). One of the most important things sacrifices her femininity and is not sexualized. Both Carter Did Right,” 2015). For example, in episode one, about Peggy is that she never lets the men in her life female and male characters step outside traditional Peggy needs the day off of work to follow up a lead on get away with being sexist. She never holds her tongue gender roles. When writers treat gender atypical the Stark conspiracy and uses her period as an excuse, or dumbs herself down in order to be seen favourably behaviour as legitimate character development, not knowing that that will make her boss squeamish. She by her boss and co-workers. When the other agents as the setup for a joke, they are able to create multi- does not come off as manipulative; the humour in this are interrogating her after they find out about her role dimensional characters that are real and relatable for scene comes from her exploiting something that men in the Stark conspiracy, she takes the opportunity the audience. typically use to degrade women. to expose their narrow-mindedness. Two quotes in particular stand out: “I conducted my own investigation Modern sexism is less overt so teaching people to be Finding the middle ground is something this series does because no one listens to me. I got away with it because critical of gender roles and expectations in the work extremely well. A good example of this is how Peggy no one looks at me. Because, unless I have your reports, sphere and in their personal lives will only benefit them expresses emotions. While her line of work requires a your coffee or your lunch, I’m invisible” (D’Esposito, in the long term. Peggy’s career suffers a setback due to fair bit of professional detachment, Peggy Carter is not 2015) and “I’ve never been more than what each of workplace sexism, but the series sends the message that made of stone. After a man murders her friend and you has created. To you, I’m a stray kitten left on your women should reach as high as possible, and that to roommate Colleen, Peggy first attacks the man, but doorstep to be protected, the secretary-turned-damsel- know one’s worth and have pride in oneself even when then takes a moment to cry and mourn. The series does in-distress, the girl on the pedestal transformed into one is treated unfairly demonstrates tremendous inner not make her out to be cold and heartless in order to some daft whore” (D’Esposito, 2015). Peggy’s male strength. Agent Carter is a breakthrough for women’s make her a strong character (“10 Things Agent Carter co-workers do not really see her. They see versions of representation in the media and is a promising sign for Did Right,” 2015). Peggy and Jarvis are both complex her that serve to bolster their egos. They focus on parts the potential of female characters in the future. and well developed characters. They show a wide of her that make them feel strong and virtuous in one range of emotions and acknowledge within themselves way or another. They do not care about the mirror, only elements of masculinity and femininity. the reflection. Peggy points this out, saying that she is not responsible for their lack of vigilance, that if they Peggy’s female friendships leave tropes behind in favour were able to see past their own egos and look at her as a of meaningful dialogue and characterization. Peggy person then surely they would know what she was doing has a life outside of work. She goes down to the diner (greenburgsays, 2015). daily to chat with her friend Angie, who is a waitress and aspiring actress. These girls look out for each other. Peggy’s work on the Stark conspiracy is not her only Peggy supports Angie’s dreams of becoming an actress mission in this series. Her boss, although begrudgingly, does eventually give her the opportunity to go on a 54 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 55

Tapping into Feminism

Chloe Vickar

Tap is very special to me. It combines rhythm, sound loud sound when it hits the ground. A ballerina must Current pop music offers a variety of wonderful tempos Toward a Politics of Location” Adrienne Rich expresses and movement into something that is empowering and make as little noise as possible, landing so softly it might and sounds, but falls short with lyrics that are remotely her hopes for equality and visibility of women, by forceful. As a woman, it feels wonderful to be strong, seem she is wearing slippers. In contrast, tap dancers feminist. I noticed that men typically love to sing about “breaking down the male universal” (216). Tap dancing make noise and be celebrated for it. There are few work hard to have strong ankles, feet and toes, but with women’s bodies, yet women sing about being in love is not dominated by men, nor is it dominated by styles of (mainstream) dance that provide a feminist a different goal in mind. The tap dancer wants to be with men (or sing about anything other than their women. Perhaps in the bubble of the “tap world” opportunity for women to take up space and make able to create a variety of sounds, often incredibly loud, own bodies). Men have a public avenue to objectify feminist equality has already been achieved. noise. Ballet is a beautiful and challenging art form, but and sometimes extremely soft. Tap shoes are usually women, however, women do not return the favour is paradoxical for women. A ballerina must be strong, leather, with the metal tap on the bottom of the shoe and objectify men. The video is viewable at: https://youtu.be/bTyugrkux8Y agile and have utmost control of her body. More often (under the ball of the foot), and under the heel. The than not, ballerinas are thin, white and very young. challenge lies in being able to make different types of The song I chose to dance to is “Superwoman”, by Works Cited This stereotype in ballet represents the “mythical norm” sounds using different parts of the foot and having Alicia Keys, from her 2007 album, As I Am. The song Bordo, Susan. “The Body and the Reproduction of Femininity.” (Lorde 116). According to Lorde, “the norm is usually control to make both soft and loud sounds. talks about inequality, the challenges of motherhood, Unbearable Weight: Feminism, Western Culture, and the Body (2003): 165-184. defined as white, thin, male, young, heterosexual, and (Alicia) finding inner strength by being her own christian, and financially secure” (116). Certainly there Second to making noise, tap is also feminist because “superwoman”. Before and after the dance portion De Beauvoir, S. (2009). “Biological Data.” in (C. Borde & S. there is not a restrictive ‘tap discourse’. There is no in the video, I chose a portion of the Beyoncé song, Malovaney-Chevallier, Trans.) The Second Sex (pp. 21-49). are talented dancers of varying ethnicities, body sizes London: Jonathon Cape. (Original work published in 1949) ideal body shape, size or colour of a tap dancer. Perhaps “Flawless”. This spoken word segment is originally from and ages. Yet this art form reinforces an (unhealthy) Keys, Alicia. As I Am. 2007. CD. stereotype and oppresses those who do not fall into it is a combination of society not creating a mould a speech by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian Knowles, Beyoncé. Beyoncé. 2013. CD. these categories. The ‘ballet discourse’ is too limiting for tap dancers, and tappers themselves rejecting the novelist and short story author. This excerpt from creation of a stereotype. In her piece, “The Body and the her speech, “We should all be feminists” is so direct Lorde, Audre. “Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining for women. In performance, ballerinas often will Difference*”.Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Freedom: dance on their own or with other female dancers, but Reproduction of Femininity”, Susan Bordo talks about at pointing out the seemingly subtle ways in which Crossing Press, 1984: 114-123. using our bodies to reinforce and resist discourse (170). socialization works to subordinate women. Adichie can only perform major lifts and assisted turns with Rich, Adrienne. “Notes Toward a Politics of Location.” Blood, the help of a male dancer. The ballerina no longer The absence of a tap discourse allows the dancer the points out an important paradox: girls are raised to get Bread and Poetry: Selected Prose 1979-1985. London: Little Brown symbolizes strength and control, but becomes meek opportunity to create their own “rules” and use their married and boys are not held to that same standard. and Co., 1984: 210-231. and subservient to her male counterpart who is that body as power, as Bordo and Foucault encourage (181). Simone de Beauvoir is of the belief that women are much stronger because he is able to lift her and gently capable of more than marriage and reproduction, as A Video Commentary return her to the stage. she states, “Women’s enslavement to the species and the limits of her individual abilities are facts of extreme Finding feminist tap music presented a great challenge Feet are integral to both ballet and tap. Ballerinas spend importance; the woman’s body is one of the essential for the creation of the video. Tap choreography is often years perfecting their pointe, with the goal of balancing elements of the situation she occupies in this world” upbeat and the search for a song with a fast tempo with the weight of their whole body on only the surface area (48-49). Our bodies are important to our experience lyrics that were remotely feminist was difficult. A quick of their toes. The toe box of the pointe shoe is usually as women, but they certainly do not define us. Unlike Google search will show that most traditionally feminist made of wood, making it very hard and it produces a ballet, tap does not provide opportunity for some music is folk music (not ideal for an upbeat tap dance). women to flourish and hold others back. In “Notes 56 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 57

Cindy Gladue was an Aboriginal mother of three who examination of the Gladue court proceedings illustrates supported her family financially through engaging in more dehumanizing tactics accompanying the indignity sex work (DiManno, 2015). Similar to the significant case of having her remains disassembled. The jury found Sex Work, of Pamela George, Cindy Gladue became a more recent Gladue’s killer not guilty of first-degree murder because victim to this interlocking system of white supremacy, the rough sex that led to her death was presumed to be capitalism, heteronormativity and patriarchy. Following consensual (DiManno, 2015). Absurdly, many white Gladue’s demise, her pelvic area, along with her preserved women have consented to rough sex and lived to talk Representation vaginal tissue, was brought into the courtroom to be about it in Canada. This is almost certainly due to the scrutinized. The jury, comprised of nine men and two discrepancy in levels of violence acceptable to be imposed women, had no medical or relevant training to assess the on each ethnicity. Above all, Gladue’s blood alcohol eleven-centimeter internal wound Gladue had suffered level was four times above the legal limit making Gladue and Violence (DiManno, 2015). incapable of giving legal consent (DiManno, 2015). This would satisfy the criteria that her death occurred in the It is unfathomable to conceptualize the corpse of a context of another crime (sexual assault), fulfilling a first- middle-class, white woman undergoing dismemberment degree murder requirement in Canada. This factor was Ashley Pankiw merely to be inspected in a courtroom by a group of unquestionably irrelevant in Gladue’s trial attributable to individuals with self-accredited greater moral authority Indigenous women being presumed to be rapable, as are based on the privilege ascribed to their own race, class sex workers (Smith, p. 10). The representations inflicted and gender. Furthermore, hypothetically speaking, if a on Gladue as an Aboriginal sex worker not only devalued well-respected man such as the Prime Minister of Canada her life and led to her death, but undoubtedly corrupted was deceased from a gunshot wound to his testical, her murder trial. Deeply ingrained in Canadian society subsists white Dream Catcher”, “Pocahottie”, “Tribal Temptation”, it would be ludicrous to presume medical examiners supremacist ideals, capitalist ethics, heteronormative “Navajo Hottie”, “Huron Hottie”, and “PocaHotness” would dissect his mangled manhood and display his Evidence of patriarchy and racism appear in all morals, and patriarchal ideologies that have immigrated (Cowgirls and Indians Costumes). As disillusioned, genitals in a room devoted to the justice of civil liberties. aspects of society, both present and in the past. The to Canada along with the first European settlers (Ferris, socially dominant, non-indigenous men and women, A well-respected white male would be exempt from this representations created by European discourses impose a WOMN3100: Introduction to Sex Work and Feminism, most of the population will see little wrong with this public, dehumanizing display of inferiority. Why does dehumanizing effect on sex workers, Indigenous people 2015). These ideologies summoned and propagated representation of Indigenous women and they tend to the same respect and regard not apply to Cindy Gladue? and other marginalized communities making them dominant ideals and values in Western settlements that ridicule the Indigenous population for taking offence The answer remains within Canada’s long history susceptible to varying degrees and forms of violence. For severely affected Indigenous women in a negative way. to this depiction. This ridicule is premised on the with the process of colonization, and the systematic Indigenous women, these discourses have inflicted years The ensuing discourse produced certain representations systematic denial of the negative consequences that these marginalization of Indigenous women it has reproduced. of sexualized violence upon them at the hands of their of Indigenous people in an effort to further subjugate sexualized representations perpetuate. Sequentially, the social dominants. Ultimately, the abolition of Indigenous them, stripping them of their agency and rights to respect representation of a “dirty squaw” produces an easy- It would be much more effective to show a courtroom women’s sexualized victimization can only be achieved and dignity. These representations were used to validate to-achieve object to conquer sexually, fundamentally of jurors what eleven centimeters on a ruler looks like by the social recognition of patriarchal values premised violence against Indigenous people in order to enforce portraying Aboriginal women as lacking the morality rather than preserved tissue. With a jury made up mostly on capitalist ethics, and white supremacist ideals that their subordination; most importantly to Indigenous to achieve the “good girl” image that Nagel discusses of men it is doubtable the wound could be interpreted continue to predominate in Canadian society. The abuse women, this would mean enduring a long and persisting in her work Whores and Other Feminists. Obtaining with the same empathy and understanding female and irrelevance of Indigenous women in Canada can only history of sexualized violence perpetrated against them. “good girl” status is crucial to being effectively regarded jurors could. On the contrary, perhaps showing the be amended and subsequently eradicated following this predominantly male jury what an eleven-centimeter as morally esteemed, reputable and socially valued. critical acknowledgement of disillusion. Historically the emergence of the “squaw” representation The abjection associated with the lack of “good girl” incision on a penis looks like would be more effective. established by European settlers facilitated the violent status invokes susceptibility to violence for Aboriginal Maybe then the jury could have comprehended that in no oppression of Aboriginal women, and was premised women, specifically in a sexualized context that renders way could Gladue’s wound be assumed to be “menstrual Works Cited on the idea that the “Squaw” is an uncivilized, sexually Indigenous women rapable. blood” like the man on trial told the jury Gladue believed Cowgirls and Indians Costumes. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, available being which threatens to culturally maroon the blood to be (DiManno, 2015). If patriarchy were not 2015, from Spirit Halloween: www.spirithalloween.com/ European men (Ferris, Street Sex Work and Canadian Through the process of colonization a hierarchy so deeply ingrained in Canadian society the jury would thumbnail/womens/classic/cowgirls-indians/pc/1326/c/708/714. uts?currentIndex=0 Cities: Resisting a dangerous order, 2015, pp. XXVII- was initiated and reproduced within Indigenous be composed with equal numbers of men and women; XXVIII). The ensuing conditioned hatred became a communities using patriarchy as the primary system to women who would understand the astoundingly ignorant DiManno, R. (2015, 04 03). A Final Indignity for Cindy Gladue. Toronto Star. useful instrument used in society by racially dominant socially privilege men over women in an effort to then assumption that the blood loss Gladue suffered could be persons to “other” Aboriginal women in an effort to subjugate the entire race (Smith, p. 23). Due to the racial from menstruating. Ferris, S. (2015). Street Sex Work and Canadian Cities: Resisting a subjugate them. Smith indicates that in the colonial discrimination that Indigenous people suffer, in addition dangerous order. Edmonton: University of Alberta Press. imagination Native bodies are immanently polluted to the oppressions of patriarchy, Indigenous women Sadly, putting an Aboriginal woman’s intimate remains Ferris, S. (2015, September 17). WOMN3100: Introduction to Sex with sexual sin and are marked by their sexual perversity remain susceptible to sexualized violence in a way that on display is nothing new. Smith examines the symbolic Work and Feminism. (Lecture, Performer) (Smith, p. 10). This sexualization of Indigenous women is is often not deemed socially relevant (Ferris, Street Sex and literal control over Native peoples bodies through Razack, S. (2000). Gendered Racial Violence and Spatialized propagated in contemporary times in a subtle, sometimes Work and Canadian Cities: Resisting a dangerous order, a testimony from the colonial period depicting a man Justice: The Murder of Pamela George. Canadian Journal of Law & Society , 15 (2), 91-130. passive way. Throughout the month of October costume 2015, p. XXVIII). etching a woman’s privates off and displaying them shops in Winnipeg often have a section devoted to on a stick as a public humiliation technique flaunting Smith, A. Sexual Violence as a Tool of Genocide. In Ch 1 in Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide (pp. 7-34). “slutty” Indian women costumes with names like “Sexy his literal conquest of her (Smith, p. 15). Further 58 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 59

October 6, 1990

Loricia Pacholko-Matheson

Size: Loricia Pacholko-Matheson is a 3rd year student attending the School of Art at the 22" x 22" x 3.5" University of Manitoba. Her focus is in Ceramics but she is also taking courses dealing with Family Violence. Clay allows her to reinterpret her personal experiences. Materials: Her intention is to create a visual language that will inspire other individuals to break Earthenware; their silence. multiple firing, slip and decal This piece is titled October 6, 1990. The ceramic platter is made of Earthenware clay decoration and is approximately 41 cm in diameter. The outside of the piece is covered in a lace pattern created from layers of painted black and white slip. The interior is the result of photo transfers. The images are from photos taken on her wedding day. The traditional ring photos have a dual meaning.

Her husband’s hand is distorted; stretched and elongated, implying dominance while making reference as the physical handles to the feminine form. Her hands act like hooks, in reference to the years of desperation required to hang on.

The inverted photo of the couple cutting the cake foreshadows a dark secret that the original photo was unable to predict. In hindsight, the cake in the photo was constructed of drywall plaster, plastic and styrofoam, furthering masquerading the shattered dreams that were to follow.

Platter designed for Fall Ceramics Class 60 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 61

women are generally more involved in managing transport. Public transport in its current state domestic responsibilities (Jain, Line, & Lyons, 2011, p. would not be an adequate solution but with some 1609). This means that if a family had any number of improvements it would pose a viable alternative to the Hyperautomobility: children and they had any number of activities that car. Two of the main reasons people are not as quick night, such as a school function or physical activity, it to take a bus or metro is because of time and safety. In is more often than not the responsibility of the mother 2002, a study done in the UK showed that another 10.5% What is it and How to pick the child up and take them to the next activity of transit trips would be made if people felt safer while in a set amount of time. Women must include these waiting (Loukaitou-Sideris & Fink, 2009, p. 554/555). domestic duties when planning their days, which is a By improving the waiting areas, the feeling of security problem because of the amount of sprawl cities face. on the bus or train, it could make people feel safer. The Does it Affect us? If women, who make multiple stop trips, go farther most frequent factor when discussing transit safety distances, and must take their children from place to is environmental, which can be further broken down place, need to do all of this in one day, a second car into fear of darkness and what is hiding in it as well would be needed as public transit does not always line as planning and other situational items. The fear of Faith Gushulak up with stop times. This adds extra money on purchase, darkness can be many things, like walking to and from maintenance and servicing the second vehicle which can the transit stop and waiting at the stop. This is because become very expensive on the family and environment. in a survey of ten United States transit agencies, they found that more attacks happened near the vicinity Another problem would be the increase in the amount (42%) of the stop than at the stop or on the bus (36% and of cars on the road, which was one of the causes of The forms of transportation have long been descending written on servicing and purchasing a car was targeted 22% respectively) (Loukaitou-Sideris & Fink, 2009, p. hyperautomobility. The roads are more congested, into a trend of seclusion and individuality through towards middle-class, wealthy men (Walsh, 2010, p. 556). By adding additional lighting, the fishbowl effect with an increase from 25.6 million registered cars in innovation and progress. From horse drawn carriage 211). This would mean that many women, even though (Loukaitou-Sideris & Fink, 2009, p. 584) would be 1945 to 61.4 million in 1960 in the United States alone to coach and station wagon, the types of travel society they were passengers, did not have a larger part in the avoided and people would not feel so singled out by just (Walsh, 2010, p. 216). This statistic shows us how in uses have changed to suit a person’s specific goal of economic or technological planning of motoring. To one light by the stop. The fishbowl effect is when there under two decades the number of cars on the road transport. Due to many factors other than the goal of keep women in a secondary role they began to be used is one light and the person waiting at the stop cannot almost tripled, which can only have grown since families mobility, there is also a direct link between marketing as marketing tools, as icons of fashion, class, style and properly see the area around them. The light then acts now own more than one car. This increase in road and planning that has led to a type of dependency on status (Walsh, 2010, p. 212). As coaches were introduced as a spotlight on the person underneath it (Loukaitou- congestion also puts a greater risk to vehicular accidents individualised transport with more range of movement. more and more, women became excited at the thought Sideris & Fink, 2009, p. 559). This would help the health between both cars and pedestrians. Roughly 30 million From this, researchers have termed the phrase of more access to shops and friends as coaches allowed related issue if people could then walk to the stop and people have died and 100 million were injured in the hyperautomobility. What is it, how does it affect us and quicker access on a wider area with increased flexibility feel safe because it would be adding some physical past decade alone, while in the year of 1998, there was are there any solutions to this growing worldwide trend? (Walsh, 2010, p. 213). Moving forward to post WWII, activity to their day. sprawl became a more frequent practice in which 600 000 injuries by car in Canada (Andrey, 2000, p. To understand what issues come with the term many suburbs were formed. The United States was 388). Even though pedestrians do not pose a threat to Another solution would be to create legislation that hyperautomobility, it must be understood what determined to expand and build, new properties and drivers, by walking they are at an alarming high rate had a mandatory quota for women to sit on councils hyperautomobility means. Hyperautomobility companies intensified this trend beyond the funds that of risk (Andrey, 2000, p. 389). that reviewed city and transit planning. This would refers to when an auto-centered transport system the transport infrastructure allowed (Power, 2012, p. 40). solve some problems of needing a car because one of There are also many health related risks from becomes more intensified in car usage, more This is seen as a means to increase housing, business the main issues with hyperautomobility is that people hyperautomobility as many people now do not have a specifically hyperautomobility is characterized by a and more specifically, the car industry. Certain media need cars to move effectively through sprawl. Women chance to get the daily exercise they would have gotten. high level of individualized car use. In areas where techniques were used to place an emphasis on living could place their input on where services should go in For example, instead of walking or biking to work or hyperautomobility is occurring, transport is effected in suburbs and through this push urban sprawl was relation to other services, such as placing schools closer school, a person might have to drive to get there on extensively, spreading across urbanized sprawl, and more frequent. Sprawl is referred to as “[…] random, to neighbourhoods or placing grocery stores closer to time. In a study done on over 448 countries, the results intensively, more miles with fewer occupants (Freund unplanned growth characterized by inadequate large neighbourhoods. This would be the best solution were the same, people living in more sprawled areas also & Martin, 2007, p. 38). This means that less people are accessibility to essential land uses such as housing, because since women on average make more multi-stop have a higher risk of becoming obese (Freund & Martin, carpooling, using public transit, walking, etc. and an jobs, and public services, including schools, parks, trips, they could better design how public transit could 2007, p. 43). If you must use a car to get places, you are increase in travelling alone for far distances. green space, and public transportation.” allow them to make their trips in an effective way and sitting for a longer period of time, not using your energy (Robert D. Bullard, 2004, p. 6). feel safer. By having women and men on the councils and not moving. There has also been an increase in To further gain an understanding of hyperautomobility, you would also get two different views and a wider range cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, depression the situation allowing it to flourish must be By moving forward in time, the car became a primary of solutions to each problem. For example, a study and injury (Freund & Martin, 2007, p. 44). understood. In the United States for example, the early form of transport with less and less people taking public done on United States transit companies showed that beginnings of motorized transport was made, designed, transit like trains or buses. Women have begun to One possible solution to the listed hyperautomobility many women prefer staffing to technological solutions, and marketed towards men. Many pieces of literature have more complex time-space commitments because concerns would be to get more people to use public such as CCTV and automated services. Even though 62 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 63

women have taken part in safety audits and surveys in the United Kingdom and Canada, (Loukaitou-Sideris & Fink, 2009, p. 558) by having them on councils that make the decisions, they would have an increased Incognito chance of having their voices heard. This proposed legislation would be provincial, municipal, and would go to charter companies like Greyhound as the city is responsible for public transit but provincially, you could see more use of coaches for trips from smaller, rural Oyindamola O. Alaka towns into larger cities.

After looking at what hyperautomobility is and This piece was inspired by the true life some of its effects, it can be seen that it is a growing story of a lesbian black female who is concern around the world. While it is something not currently being helped by the Rainbow many people recognize, there are ways of solving it. Railroad to get to a safe country where Ultimately, the solution of public transit to combat she can claim asylum. hyperautomobility would need to start by having women’s voices heard. “I remember the first day I saw her, it still feels like just yesterday. The bristles of hair running down from her head; freckles on her face which Works Cited she hated the most cos she thought it didn't Andrey, J. (2000). The automobile imperative: Risks of mobility make her beautiful, but I always told her she and mobility-related risks. Canadian Geographer, 387-400. was perfect cos she was. It was love at first sight, Freund, P., & Martin, G. (2007). Hyperautomobility, the Social I had never felt that way before. There wasn't a Organisation of Space, and Health. Mobilities, pp. 37-49. word to describe this just I knew it was paradise. Jain, J., Line, T., & Lyons, G. (2011). A troublesome transport It was untraditional love because I have never challenge? Working round the school run. Journal of Transport felt this way before. I'm not good with people Geography, 1608-1615. because they've always mistreated me due to my Loukaitou-Sideris, A., & Fink, C. (2009). Addressing Women's disabilities but she...she changed everything and Fear of Victimization in Transportation Settings: A Survey of healed my scars. Two years into our love, she U.S. Transit Agencies. Urban Affairs Review, 554-587. moved in and we lived together. Waking up to Power, A. (2012). Social inequality, disadvantaged her smile every morning was the best thing ever. neighbourhoods and transport deprivation: an assessment of the historical influence on housing policies. Journal of Transport It was all honey and laughter until...until they Geography, 39-48. found out. They took her away, I had to flee for my life otherwise they could've taken me too. I Robert D. Bullard, G. S. (2004). Highway Robbery: Transportation Racism & New Routes to Equity. In R. Bullard, had been hiding in a building for two days and Building Transportation Equity into Smart Growth (p. 184). then he came out of the dark. I wanted to scream Cambridge, MA: South End Press. but I knew they would take me away if they Walsh, M. (2010). Gender on the road in the United States: By found me. I was helpless as he took advantage motor car or by coach. Journal of Transport History, 210-230. of me. Tears ran down my face as his hands ran down my body, his legs rubbing against mine. This was not the first time...and neither was he the first man. I don't know who the first man was but he left his marks on me, emotional and by giving me HIV. I had almost birthed a child from that experience, but there was a miscarriage. The only difference between the first man and this man is that I knew who this man was, he lived a stone’s throw away. But they both raped me. I've stayed in hiding here and I still am, but I don't know how the second man finds me, he's been threatening to take my life...” 64 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 65

fewer people would answer yes. When we believe the empowerment. Maggie expresses her disagreement misconceptions associated with feminism and fail with the dichotomous messages about “girl power” and to understand its basic meaning, this is when there the extreme display of femininity and sexuality in her Understanding is a tendency to withdraw and disassociate ourselves lyrics, music videos and on stage. Critiques similar to from this movement. In essence, avoiding feminism is Niemiec’s are readily available on the internet, and it is counterproductive to the advancement of equality that assumed that beauty practices and sexualizing the body Feminism: many people, arguably, believe is worth pursuing. in extreme ways only oppress women. I have a problem with this! Beyoncé is clearly not afraid to openly embrace the feminist label in interviews, performances, and in her One important aspect of feminism that is often Why Beyoncé’s lyrics. She inspires me to understand feminism on a misunderstood is that you do not need to change who more basic level and to avoid being bogged down with you are in order to identify as a feminist. Feminists the rhetoric of compartmentalizing this label into its come in all shapes and sizes with different personalities, Brand of various categories and streams. For example, I am less interests, life experiences and opinions. For me, much apt to see myself as a queer or socialist feminist and like Beyoncé, looking physically attractive on the outside rather see myself as a powerful, independent woman by wearing makeup and dressing in form fitting clothing seeking equality for all individuals. makes me feel sexy, confident and good about myself. Feminism I feel empowered because I have the choice to express In an interview with Jo Ellison from Vogue UK, Beyoncé myself freely and embrace my individuality. Beyoncé’s says “I guess I am a modern-day feminist. I do believe choice to display an alternate version of beauty and is Important in equality… Why do you have to choose what type sexuality has helped me understand the need to of woman you are? Why do you have to label yourself celebrate who I am as an individual, in order to be the anything? I’m just a woman, and I love being a woman” confident feminist I am today. (2014). There seems to be a negative stigma associated with labeling yourself a feminist and it is perceived to be Judith Butler in “Performative Acts and Gender Nicole Wilson a very scary, dirty and extreme term today. Beyoncé has Constitution,” explains the social construction and started a conversation around the controversial topic of performance of gender, which reinforces a gender binary feminism, which has been swept under the rug. Icons in our society. Gender and performing masculinity and like Beyoncé are important for changing the negative femininity seems to be natural, but there is essentially discussion around feminism, as she communicates in a nothing natural about it. The way one performs gender One day, during my grade twelve year, I stumbled “BEYONCÉ.” I was never a Beyoncé fan, but decided to powerful, relatable and entertaining way. changes throughout historical time, which means there upon an anonymous blog post essentially making fun listen to her unexpected album that was breaking news are endless possibilities for how we can demonstrate of feminist women, deemed “crazy” for their extreme headlines worldwide. To my surprise, her lyrics and There is no better way to engage with our generation gender. Our society socializes individuals to abide to the hatred of men. My idea of feminism was very skewed music video’s were very powerful, essentially offering than through media and pop culture. Beyoncé isn't “acceptable” ways of being, creating limiting options for from this point forward and I believed the many a new perspective and a clear message to her audience known as “Queen Bey” for no reason. She dominates how we should behave as men or women. We can look misconceptions our society has with this term. The about feminism. the music industry, being the highest paid female at Beyoncé’s way of being a woman as one of the endless young author was very articulate and convincing in music artist in 2014, after the success of her multi- ways of performing femininity, instead of scrutinizing their perspective, causing me to relate to their illusory When I listened to the song “Flawless,” I noticed platinum “BEYONCÉ" album. Her powerful feminist the way she chooses to sexualize and hyper-feminize commentary on feminism and feminist practices. that her lyrics feature an extremely moving speech messages to her global audience bring a new and fresh her body. In fact, though she differs from what is titled “We Should All Be Feminists” delivered by understanding of feminism, which in turn has potential expected of her, she is in no way performing her gender I originally believed feminism to be a group of man- Chimananda Ngozi Adichie. It highlights the central to create immense radical change for this movement. wrong, in terms of upholding the feminist label, while hating, bra-burning, lesbian women who were angry at idea of equality in feminism, defining the term feminist Her brand of feminism resonates with me to this day, sexualizing and feminizing her body. We should realize the world. My perception of feminism was based on the as “a person who believes in the social, political, and ever since the release of her album in 2013. the impact of Beyoncé’s femininity in conjunction with few posts I read and the radical examples of feminist economic equality of the sexes” (qtd. in Beyoncé feminism because she is creating space for new ways Out of interest, I began researching other opinions action I stumbled upon online. This narrow lens and “Flawless”). What is important about this definition to be a powerful woman. Further, she is opening up about this album and was quite infuriated with the little exposure to this concept caused me to believe that is that it is simple and easy to understand. When we space in feminism for individuals to be able to embrace closed-minded perspectives I discovered. When this was all feminism had to offer. Needless to say, break down the true meaning of feminism, it becomes hyper-femininity and hyper-sexualization while still powerful women like Beyoncé embrace the feminist I consciously placed feminism on the back burner a relatable concept to many. I’m sure if I asked people identifying as feminists. Instead of looking at the label, this undoubtedly invites debate among the of my thoughts. on the street if they think women should be socially, performance of our gender as a method of oppression feminist community. Many critics such as Maggie politically and economically equal to men, most would and a way to differentiate individuals, let’s consider the On December 13th, 2013, I received an email from Apple Niemiec in “On Beyoncé and What It Means To Be be in agreement. By re-phrasing the question to “would power we can create with our bodies by choosing how stating that Beyoncé dropped a new visual album titled you consider yourself a feminist?” I would hypothesize A Feminist” question Beyoncé’s brand of female 66 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 67

to perform femininity and further, creating space for a gives me greater power as a woman. In his speech, he allowed me to understand that what is most important empowering women. The first step is to be ourselves greater variety of acceptable ways of being. explains that whether or not trans people use surgery to is finding power in what makes me, me. As I reflect on and embrace what makes us who we are, in order to feel medically change their gender is not the issue. Rather, what makes me feel powerful and confident, I can’t help confident in our individual bodies. Beyoncé engages in excessive beauty regimes and having control over how their bodies are labelled but think of the phrase “when you look good, you feel sexualizes her body through dance and provocative after they identify as trans is what is problematic. For good.” Needless to say, deriving confidence and strength Let’s be clear, I am not saying we should all valorize clothing. Stereotypically, these practices are assumed transgender people, he urges his audience to put an from exterior attractiveness is my fuel for empowering Beyoncé, or disregard feminist theory that finds beauty to be agents to oppress women by many feminist end to defining their bodies as medical conditions the feminist I have become. Susan Bordo in “The Body and expressing sexuality oppressive. What is important theorists such as Mary Wollstonecraft in “The Changing because this creates a negative stigma associated with and the Reproduction of Femininity” suggests that is being in control of your own body to achieve power as Woman.” Wollstonecraft identified a problem with their gender identity. This gives power to doctors who women tend to focus on the self-modification of their a woman. We must continue to challenge the status quo nurturing young women to value their physical perform surgeries to reduce their “defectiveness,” bodies in the pursuit of an ideal female appearance. with healthy debate relating to the expression of beauty appearance instead of focusing on more productive then further oppresses these individuals by labelling She claims that women’s bodies become docile to and sexuality. Most importantly, I think we should endeavours such as education. This was written over a their bodies as less than normal and unacceptable. our patriarchal society when diet, makeup and dress focus on educating ourselves on different perspectives hundred years ago, but this critique of modifying our Once trans people confront the notion that they aren't become central to our lives. Further, she explains to understand the true meaning of feminism and body and focusing on our physical appearance is salient defective, perhaps this will invite a variety of acceptable how contemporary femininity is constructed to be a further abolish the acceptance of negative feminist in the media and news today. A simple Google search ways to be trans, be it changing body parts through nearly unattainable standardized visual image causing stereotypes. We can then challenge what is assumed offers hundreds of examples of the negative effects surgery or not. To reiterate, it isn't the modification great harm to women. For example, she explains how to be oppressive and establish feminist beliefs we are associated with using makeup and plastic surgery. itself that is at issue. Instead, labeling oneself as bodies suffer when pursuing the hyper-slender ideal inspired by. This rhetoric is asking women to engage less with these defective and further modifying bodies to pursue what for females, often becoming anorexic. Her suggestion Feminism is an evolving idea and doesn't require us modification processes because it is more harmful has been socially constructed as the acceptable way of to avoid the oppressiveness of being preoccupied with to change who we are as people. Instead, we should than not to our bodies. I myself love using makeup being is very problematic and oppressive. our appearance is for feminists to develop a political think of it as a platform to address our ideas and and wearing clothing to feel confident, but does this discourse to combat the obsession with attractiveness. issues in a supportive environment and promote mean that I should change what I am doing because Judith Butler emphasizes this idea by arguing that Although I don’t deny that, in some cases, women take change towards a more positive, equal and inclusive some feminists and the media are telling me this is individuals need to stop conforming to one way of performing femininity to an extreme, I argue against world. I hope to invite conversation and thought oppressive? My current understanding of feminism being in order to be considered acceptable by society. the notion that women’s bodies become docile when to reconsidering this idea as a simple and inclusive centres around empowering women, and if I am finding It isn't until we openly perform new ways of being that engaging in body modification practices. power and confidence in beauty and my sexuality, why greater society will realize the potential for a variety movement for men and women. am I being criticized? I am studying gender relations at of acceptable ways to perform masculinity, femininity Let’s consider how we can present our bodies in an There are boundless possibilities for feminists and a university level and gaining a higher level of education or trans-ness. This notion is applicable to the idea of empowering and “non-docile” way, using Beyoncé feminist activism. Feminism means a variety of but also choose to spend time beautifying my physical practicing feminism and what is acceptable in terms as an example. Her 2014 Super Bowl performance things to different people, and you have the privilege appearance. Why can’t I pursue both? It’s time we start of how feminists can behave. From my understanding, captivated hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide to decide what it means to you. Some consider it a looking at the use of female bodies to create power in a there is room in feminisms for all people who agree as she gyrated on stage in skimpy body suits. Singing movement, worldview, theory, or an idea. Others define more positive light. upon the central goal of pursuing equality. With saying “Who Run the World, Girls,” she demonstrated her it as a recognition of potential for women or as a type this, needing to open up the boundaries for what is place of power as a woman by hiring all female dancers of person. In Trichler and Kramarae’s article titled Being in complete control over our individual bodies acceptable in terms of how we execute our gender is and musicians on stage, nearly turning patriarchy on “Feminism” they offer a collection of definitions of is very important to empower women in the feminist analogous to embracing more versions of feminism its head. Beyoncé clearly owned her sexual power by feminism that demonstrates the vast interpretations of movement. Using Beyoncé as an example, she rocks that are criticized for being unacceptable. Beyoncé is exuding confidence in provocative clothing and sexual the word. My personal favorite definition is by Juliet a physically strong and muscular form and more an amazing role model to promote the idea that there dancing, while promoting a girl power anthem through Mitchell and Ann Oakley. They believe feminism is: symbolically, she controls the version of a woman are a variety of acceptable ways to be a feminist. Her her lyrics. Although many of us wish we could be that she wants to be. This is quite powerful and as version happens to involve embracing one’s sexuality Beyoncé with her fame and fortune, unfortunately, we “A method of analysis as well as a discovery a feminist, this is extremely important. It shouldn’t and beauty which gives her great confidence and power can’t. Maybe in another life we will be re-incarnated of new material. It asks new questions as be about the time we spend modifying our bodies or as a woman. Once we start embracing our individuality to be “Queen Bey” but this doesn't make her power well as coming up with new answers. Its the amount of money we invest in makeup, clothing, and originality, like Beyoncé, we can open up the image any less applicable to our average lives. The central concern is with the social distinction surgeries etc. It is about convincing the popular media possibilities for acceptable ways of performing gender main lesson we can learn from her performance is that between men and women, with the fact of forms and feminists who oppose the freedom of and feminism. We can then focus less on modifying displaying a hyper-feminine persona doesn’t mean you this distinction, with its meanings, and expression of our bodies to acknowledge the importance ourselves to abide by society’s strict boundaries for are automatically submissive to the patriarchal society with its causes and consequences to solve of being in control and making choices over our body to what is acceptable and use the power derived from we live in. It is all in the interpretation of whether we the problems in society” (Trichler and feel empowered. controlling and embracing our individuality to create understand the extreme performance of femininity as Kramarae 7). more productive social change. oppressive or powerful. My suggestion is to find power Along with Beyoncé, Eli Clare in “Body Shame, Body and confidence in what makes you feel good about To me, the importance of feminism stems from the idea Pride” helped mold my understanding of feminism The notion of feeling powerful as a feminist is very yourself, independent of what we wear or do to beautify of asking new questions and challenging the status quo by teaching me the importance of controlling my important as we pursue social change. Beyoncé has our bodies. At the end of the day, feminism is all about of the patriarchal society we live in. Simply seeking body and embracing my individuality, which in turn 68 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 69

equality of the sexes in political, economic, and social aspects of our lives isn't asking of a lot and is a simple goal that feminists commonly agree to pursue.

Bromley in “How Do I Know What I Know,” addresses Self Portrait the importance of self-reflexivity and I ask my readers to do just this. When shaping our beliefs and ideas, we should consider the impact of what we encounter throughout our life, be it what we see on the internet or Hannah Tyler what we have been socialized to believe from an early age. When we discover new ideas, it is vital to think critically and be self-reflexive of our past and present beliefs in order to embrace and reconsider feminism and its meaning. We don't need to unlearn what we've been made to believe of feminism, but instead we should educate ourselves of the different feminist theories and experiences of people in order to establish our own feminist perspective and identity. It is time to build our understanding on what we’ve already learned.

I believe that those who have a hard time identifying with feminism don't understand the most basic and important premises of this movement, which is simply seeking and believing in equality for women. Let’s continue the conversation and develop our understanding!

Works Cited

Bordo, Susan. “The Body and the Reproduction of Femininity” Unbearable Weight: Feminism, Western Culture and The Body, 1993, Berkley: U Cal P, 2003 Bromley. “How Do I Know What I know?” Feminism Matters. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 37-45. Print. Butler, Judith. Performative Acts and Gender Constitution. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print. Clare, Eli. Body Shame, Body Pride. 2007. Ellison, Jo. “May 2013 Vogue: Mrs Carter Uncut.” Vogue Uk. Vogue, 4 Apr. 2014. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. “Flawless.” Perf. Beyoncé Knowles. BEYONCÉ. 2013. Youtube. Web. 17 Nov. 2015. Niemiec, Maggie. “On Beyoncé and What It Means to Be a Feminist.” Verily. N.p., 12 Sept. 2014. Web. 17 Nov. 2015. Treichler, Paula, and Cheria Kramarae. “What is Feminist Theory? What is Feminism?” Feminism. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 7-11. Print. Wollstonecraft, Mary. “From A Vindication of the Right of Woman”. n.p. 1792. Print. 8 October. 2015. 70 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 71

I do not remember consent ever being mentioned rape combined with the intentional absence of consent throughout the sex-education that I received. It may in sex-ed curriculums is one of the most devious have been mentioned abstractly, for example, while manifestations of rape culture. What better way to Abetting Rape learning about healthy relationships. However, I cannot perpetuate rape culture and for men to get away with recall the word ‘consent’ specifically being used. This raping womyn, along with all of the other combinations is why I found it particularly odd when I came across of individuals who do not fit into the dominant and Culture: an article which stated that Manitoban children are heteronormative rape discourse, than to make womyn supposed to understand consent by grade 5 (Global believe that what they experienced was not actually News, 2015). In fact, I would argue that this statement rape? These devious annexes solidify and preserve rape is largely untrue since “the highest rates among sex culture, heteropatriarchy, and misogyny by portraying The Dominant offenders charged by police are among males aged 12 to rape in black and white terms. According to this 17” (Johnson & Dawson, 2011, p. 95). Additionally, the dichotomy, if one’s experiences do not completely align two most informative resources that would be the most with the dominant rape discourse, then that person was Rape Discourse similar to the sex-education being taught in Manitoba not “actually raped.” classrooms that I found while researching this topic never used the word consent, not even once. This dominant rape discourse is one of the most effective expressions of rape culture because this & Omitting structure is maintained through the silence that results Even though I was horrified after learning this, since we live in a rape culture, the omission of the word and from creating a disconnect in what constitutes “real teachings of consent in sex-ed curriculums is really not rape.” If womyn, or anyone else who does not fit into Consent in Sex-Ed all that surprising. Rape culture accepts, normalizes, the dominant rape discourse do not know that they and encourages male aggression and sexual violence, have been raped, then obviously they will not report it. especially against womyn (Women Against Violence If these individuals are unsure if what they experienced Curriculums Against Women: Rape Crisis Centre, 2014; as seen in was rape, then they are less likely to seek help as a Buchwald, 1994). In order for rape culture to remain result of their own ambivalence. The dominant rape operative and intact, consent must never be mentioned, discourse frequently showcased in mainstream film and let alone fully understood by men or womyn, especially media combined with the lack of consent education in an educational setting. Therefore, consent culture, in sex-ed curriculums, maintains rape culture by Taylor Byrnes which is “a culture in which asking for consent is narrowly defining and perpetuating the systemic silence normalized and condoned in popular culture… [and surrounding rape. understands] that each person knows what is best for themselves” (Only with Consent, 2013) is the opposite Bibliography

of rape culture. In fact, the failure to promote consent Global News. (2015, February 24). Sexual education compared culture, which of course “is not exclusive to sex or across Canada. Retrieved from http://globalnews.ca/ sexual activity” (Only with Consent, 2013) in Manitoban news/1847912/sexual-education-compared-across-canada/ The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The Last House on the sexual assault or rape do not conform to this dominant sex-ed curriculums is a direct manifestation of rape Johnson, H., Dawson, M. (2011). Sexual assault. In Violence Left. Game of Thrones. Downton Abbey. The dominant discourse, that this is what rape is “supposed to look culture that mutually benefits from film and media against women in Canada: Research and policy perspectives (pp. 93-122). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press. media and film industry tend to paint all scenes of like?” Johnson and Dawson state that “[rape] is the perpetuating this dominant rape discourse. In many rape, with a man (or men) as the assailant(s) and a most under-reported of all violent crimes: women who Only with Consent (2013). Consent culture. Retrieved from instances, these visual outlets put forth by mainstream http://onlywithconsent.org/blog/ consent-culture womyn as the injured party, with the same brush. The disclosed these crimes to the General Social Survey film and media become the only “educational resources” Women Against Violence Against Women: Rape Crisis Centre womyn is almost always resisting the man or men to reported to the police in less than 10 percent of cases” that define consent, consensual sex, and rape between (2014). What is rape culture? Retrieved from http://www.wavaw. the best of her physical ability, screaming for them to (2011, p. 94). There are countless reasons as to why men and womyn. ca/what-is-rape-culture/ stop, and cries (rightly so) at some point or during the womyn choose not to inform the police or their loved entire attack. Unfortunately, the same themes are often ones that they have been raped. In regards to the womyn Rape culture, through two of its many annexes – the present when womyn disclose that they are a survivor whose experiences of sexual assault or rape do not dominant discourse of rape presented in popular of sexual assault to their loved ones or the police, who coincide with this dominant rape discourse mentioned film and media, along with the premeditated absence usually ask, “Why did you not push him off?”, or “Why above, I suggest that as a result of being ensnared of consent in Manitoban sex-ed curriculums – is did you not call for help?” within a rape culture, coupled with the lack of consent intentionally defining what rape “should look like.” education in Manitoban sex-ed curriculums, that it is Doing so vastly increases the likelihood of rapes that Even though all instances of rape and sexual assault possible for womyn to be totally unaware that they were do not align with the dominant rape discourse to go are incredibly traumatic for each survivor, what raped or not realize it until it is far too late to complete unnoticed and unreported. The dominant discourse of message is being sent to womyn whose experiences of a rape kit. 72 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 73

for a job. I found that frequently my male friends would work and hiring, and my father is in charge of the not take my suggestion to apply seriously. Many men managing and doing the work. For decades we had would view the job as too feminine, and that if they always had at least one hired-hand to help with the A Critical applied, their sexuality would be questioned. They felt workload. A few years ago, our last hired-hand quit to other men would mock them as the job falls outside of start his own farm so my grandmother had to find a new the “defined norm” (Pharr, 1988) of what jobs men are employee. In the end, her and my father decided not to supposed to hold (Edwards, Jones, 2009). Traditional hire anyone outside of the family, and instead hired my Reflection gender roles about domestic and unpaid labor were older brother full time. When I investigated the reason, definitely clear to me from a young age. When I I was told that because my family could not compete visited my father’s farm, I was expected to help my with oil field wages and that no one was applying. In on Challenges grandmother or step-mother with the domestic, unpaid reality, there were a few applicants with some related work. My brother was expected to help with whatever job experience, but they were immigrants mostly from farm work needed to be done that weekend, and would Central and South America. My grandmother refused be paid for his work. My father’s girlfriend, when she to give these men an interview. This is another excellent and Barriers in lived with him, was expected to do all of the cooking example of how Canadian employers discredit the and cleaning, but was also expected to have a paid job experiences and training immigrants have (Wayne, in town. I realized that I was never going to be the first 2009). My grandmother wanted to give the job and choice to take over and manage the farm because I was a house for the hired-hand to a Canadian family, but the Canadian girl. If I wanted the farm, I would have to work twice as did not consider these families Canadian despite their hard as my brother to prove to my family that I was able citizenship. Despite Multiculturalism policies the to do farm work. My grandmother is the one who really government has put in place, there is still a struggle Workforce enforces the gender roles in the family. She assumes between who counts as a genuine Canadian or not. that domestic work is always a woman's job. My brother Are all legal Canadian citizens authentic Canadians no is naturally thin, but my grandmother blames his matter what their ethnic background, or are only those girlfriend and my mother for “not giving him enough with a European background (more specifically French food”, even though he eats plenty and cooks for himself or English) a true Canadian (Mahtani, 2002)? Sadly, Candice Guild frequently. She has even walked into my brother’s home from my experiences and watching others struggles, I uninvited to accuse his girlfriend of this and demanded have seen that many Canadian employers only consider to know what she planned to feed him for the next the latter to be genuine citizens that they want to meal. These traditional ideas of domestic work are not employ. Certain people are still facing challenges and only common to my family, they are common to a large “barriers” (Wayne, 2009) in the workplace involving From my experience, and from the experiences of While I was job hunting over the summer, how I could portion of western society (Van Hoof, 2011). sexuality, gender, race, and ethnic background if they do others, the Canadian workforce is far from perfect with be sexualized was something I had to consider when not fit the “defined norm” (Pharr, 1988). regards to equality. Over the last hundred years there deciding where to apply. A few people suggested I work Race and ethnic background can also act as a “barrier” has been change, allowing for more diversity in different as a waitress because I would make good tips just from (Wayne, 2009) for people in the Canadian workforce. Bibliography fields by integrating more women and minorities. But “guys thinking I am cute”. While I was considering Looking back at some of my work experiences, it is when I take a closer look it is clear to me that there are waitressing jobs, I found myself taking a close look clear to me now that I have experienced the benefit Deschamps, M. (2015). Executive Summary: External Review still a lot of changes in our society that need to happen. at the uniforms many women were expected to wear of racism in the workplace (Dr. L. Millward, personal into Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in the Those who do not happen to be white, heterosexual, at bars and restaurants. I took note that the female Canadian Armed Forces. External Review Authority. Ottawa: communication, Oct. 16, 2015). At my first job, the External Review Authority/National Defence and the Canadian men or “Others” (Pharr, 1988) still face many challenges serving staff at many of these places around my home grocery store appeared to be embracing a multicultural Armed Forces. when it comes to work and what is expected of them. town wore tighter or more revealing clothes than the discourse, as there were people from a number of Edwards, K., Jones, S. (2009). Putting my man face on: A male servers. There was even a rumor that one of the diverse cultures and regions working there. Now, when grounded theory of college men's gender identity development. Many women still face challenges at work relating to new pubs in town was only hiring female servers as taking a closer look at the store, I realized that this Journal of College Student Development, 50(2), 210-228. sexuality. My best friend and some of her fellow female they make more in tips from male customers. This was not the case. My coworkers that did not appear Mahtani, M. (2002). Interrogating the hyphen-nation: Canadian coworkers were being sexually harassed by a male demonstrates how women are dehumanized in many to not be born in Canada had to work harder, and be multicultural policy and 'mixed race' identities. Social Identities, coworker. When one of the girls finally spoke up about workplaces by sexualizing them and treating them as more qualified than I did to do the same job, or earn 8(1), 67-90. doi:10.1080/13504630220132026 the harassment, her claim was not taken seriously by a objects for visual pleasure (Waring, 1996; Deschamps, the same respect. According to Wayne (2009) this is Pharr, S. (1988). Homophobia: A weapon of sexism. Inverness: male manager until three others, including my friend, 2015). Women do not only experience challenges due to a common problem in Canada. Employers want to Chardon Press. 53-64 spoke up as well. After the reports were finally noted by being sexualized, they also experience challenges from support multiculturalism, but when it is time to hire Van Hoof, J. H. (2011). Rationalizing inequality: heterosexual management the girls were punished by being sent to gender roles. new employees, immigrants are expected to jump couples' explanations and justifications for the division of other departments or having their schedules changed, housework along traditionally gendered lines. Journal of Gender through more hoops than Canadian born citizens for while the man harassing them only received a warning. Gender roles and stereotypes impact what is expected Studies, 20(1), 19-30. the same job, and often need more qualifications to This creates a workplace culture where women feel of people for both paid and unpaid labor. For example, Waring, M. (1996). Equality. In M. Waring, Three Masquerades: prove themselves (Wayne, 2009). they cannot speak up when they feel unsafe and where when I worked at a clothing store, I worked with Essays on Equality, Work and Human Rights (pp. 1-43). Toronto: University of Toronto Press. men can get away with demeaning women with little to predominantly female staff. Whenever we were hiring, I My family farm has been owned and worked on for no punishment. would mention the position to friends that were looking generations. My grandmother is in charge of the paper Wayne, J. (2009). The Sound of Doors Slamming: Does Immigration Policy Fight Racism in the Workplace? Canadian Women Studies, 27(2.3), 27-31. 74 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 75

Deconstructing the Strong Black Woman Identity

Trinda L. Penniston

Contemporary black womanhood (in a North- womanhood in the 1970s and 1980s – limiting black The positive undertones of SBW, including being 2000), by virtue of intense feelings of “personal failure” American, western context) is commonly represented female status to a domestic role in society (Ferris, recognized as career focused, respectable, middle and “shame” (p. 227) associated with the inability to as an image of strength and independency, typically 2015a). Beauboeuf-Lafontant (2009) speaks of the SBW class, single women who also support their parents handle their struggles on their own. in middle-class, single, career focused, and obviously as a concept that “seems to provide a simple, and in fact and/or kids, suggest that this identity is what SBW black females (Ferris, 2015a; 2015b). The strong, honourable recognition of [black women’s] lives” (p. are supposed to be. However, when black women do not Overall, we can see that there are positive implications black woman (SBW) is a well-established identity, 2). In other words, the SBW rhetoric is a rudimentary fit these standards, what does this do their identities? of the SBW identity. However, we cannot ignore the specifically developed for black women who fit this concept that only reveals a positive, empowering image Black women are rendered as weak, struggling, and adverse effects of this concept on the lives and well- standard. This identity is a desirable semblance of of the black female character. Romero (2000) argues dependent – typically on a man for finances or support being of the black women who adhere to this standard. power and independence. However, the SBW identity that, “[black women] wear [the SBW identity] like a suit - and demonstrates that black women are not as strong In doing so, we would also ignore the stereotyped is also a stereotyped image of black women who fit this of armour…It helps her to remain tenacious against the or as black as they should be (Ferris, 2015b). When expectations of what a black woman is supposed to be. standard, and it comes with negative implications for dual oppression of racism and sexism…” (p. 225). In this considering the discourse of the Angry Black Woman her identity and role in society. excerpt, Romero acknowledges that the SBW identity is we can see how diverging from the SBW standard can References a mask that belies the struggles black women compromise one’s selfhood. When encountering a crisis, Beauboeuf-Lafontant, T. (2009). Behind the mask of the strong Inherently, a SBW can turn pennies into meals, face in reality. black women’s true identity as strong is challenged. black woman: Voice and the embodiment of a costly performance. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press. clothes, and school supplies for her children, she works She is expected to counter this weakness by expressing multiple jobs to pay her bills on time and to support Granted, both critics recognize strong black women anger, and a desire for revenge targeted at those Ferris, S. (2015a). Introduction to chick lit and waiting to exhale. her dependents, and she certainly does not need to rely and their laborious efforts in their roles. However, [PDF document]. Retrieved from https://universityofmanitoba. who initially lead her astray (Ferris, 2015b). Anger, desire2learn.com/d2l/le/content/180219/viewContent/710153/ on a man, or anyone else for help or support of any they also do not ignore the negative and stereotyped specifically related to Beauboeuf-Lafontant’s (2009) View?ou=180219 kind. Conversely, other SBW can work long hours at implications of this concept on black women’s identity earlier statement, is certainly “obscured” (p. 1) in this Ferris, S. (2015b). Waiting to exhale, stereotypes of black womanhood, upscale jobs in well-paid positions, while also having and well-being. I believe the concept of the SBW leads context. The anger of black women is not publicized and postfeminism [PDF document]. Retrieved from https:// time to independently take care of a home and family, black women to hold too high expectations of the self, universityofmanitoba.desire2learn.com/d2l/le/content/180219/ as emotional distress, but rather as retaliation against viewContent/723560/View?ou=180219 without reliance on anyone for support (Mwangi, n.d.). especially when they are expected to uphold this image those who lead her to compromise her identity. Unfortunately, the SBW is illustrated as having limitless at all times. Beauboeuf-Lafontant (2009) believes the Mwangi, W. (n.d.) Black women mythology. The New Black Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.thenewblackmagazine. endurance and as eager to take on more responsibility concept of strength in black women is used to “defend Similarly, the concept of a SBW can also negatively com/view.aspx?index=50 without crying, complaining, or showing any kind of and maintain a stratified social order by obscuring black affect black women’s well-being. In the context of Romero, R. E. (2000). The icon of the strong Black woman: weakness. For strong black women, showing weakness women’s experiences of suffering, acts of desperation, psychological well-being, Ramero (2000) noted that the The paradox of strength. In Jackson, L. C. & Greene, B. (Eds.) means giving up on what they have aspired to be, and anger” (p. 1). Black women continuously encounter high expectations of SBW may limit black women from Psychotherapy with African American Women: Innovations in Psychodynamic Perspectives and practice (pp. pages of chapter 11) sacrificing their pride, and their identity as strong, and combat experiences of racism and sexism, but their seeking support when they need it. To illustrate, many New York, NY: Guilford Press. black women. oppression becomes hidden as they attempt to uphold black women do not seek support from a therapist and present a desirable status both for themselves, and when encountering a crisis. Many black women who Notably, the SBW identity was developed in relation those around them in the greater society. do seek therapy terminate treatment before resolving to the rejection of a stereotyped concept of black the conflicts that brought them there initially (Romero, 76 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 77

episode. In skin tight clothes emphasizing her breasts from this man. Next, she is seen in the episode’s end, and legs, she is presenting herself as “desirable” by male chained to the bed, in her underwear with marks on her standards. The other sex workers she is affiliated with are neck and speechless. Brewster claims his actions were Prime dressed similarly and are friendly towards one another, because the “whores” were the only women who paid seen laughing and sharing drugs. While this may be the attention to him after he failed dating. This so-called case in real life, it also presents sex work as inherently “justification” was unneeded and seemed to serve as a way Time connected with other “dangerous” activities that may be for audiences to sympathize with the character, despite looked down upon by society. Jeannie does not take part his horrific actions. in any crime but is brought in for questioning regarding her friendship with a “John” on a killing spree. Later in This episode is harmful in many ways. Hayley was never Crime the episode, Jeannie is faced with judgements regarding seen more than being defined as a prostitute or a victim, her profession. One of the senior officers refuses that she eliminating all other aspects of her life that are significant can be a victim of any crime against her, referring to her to the character. During the very few times she is seen, simply as a “prostitute” with a tone that suggests she is she is shown in victimizing positions that present her not entirely human. as powerless. In fact, the entire episode, particularly the Morgan Abbott scenes in the woods, seems to glorify this violence and While some sex workers may need help in leaving their perpetuate the horror-movie trope in which a woman jobs, in the case of Jeannie, she is represented as content is repeatedly tortured. The clichéd ‘woman-being- and repeatedly defends herself against judgements chased-in-the-woods-by-stranger-danger’ is literally regarding her job. The fact that the resolution of this used to showcase the ongoing crime throughout the Media has a long history of misrepresenting women, and legs at a crime scene. This one image uses a woman’s episode shows a long-time content sex worker giving episode. While this can be used to evoke sympathy from sex workers have been given continuously damaging and body parts as a prop rather than the person as a principle up her job because of the people around her feeling viewers, the use of ongoing torture mainly serves as an narrow forms of representation. Television, one of the actor, which dehumanizes the woman. Making a person it was inherently wrong presents a very narrow view entertainment tool to titillate the male audience. This most dominant forms of media, continues to spread to a less human is the first step in enacting violence against of the profession as a whole. It implies that the only tool is disproportionately used for female victims in wide array of mediums and leaves different impressions them and maintaining superiority. If the sequence “appropriate” resolution for sex workers is to stop doing order to maintain women in victim roles, subordinate to on viewers. Prime-time is appropriately named so wanted to indicate the cruelty of these crimes, they what they do, without attention to their individual men. While crime against sex workers does happen and as it remains the time in which most people turn on would have shown the full person rather than pointing experiences or attitudes. It undermines the identity and it can be horrific, media images of violence against sex their television sets in order to watch their favourite out the woman’s legs, to indicate that a sexual crime has complexity of a person, who can be a “good” person while workers and women as a whole, is treated far differently programming. One of the most prevalent genres of U.S. occurred. These images mirror those in advertisements also being a sex worker. The episode started out as a than others. Women tend to be stalked and tortured as prime time television is the crime drama. Throughout that showcase female body parts in order to sell a refreshing take on a sex worker as someone other than a opposed to being just killed for entertainment purposes, the past few decades, one franchise in particular has product. These images are shown every episode and thus, criminal or a victim, who was crucial to the story and had which continues to be a huge problem with real-life had a profound impact on the television world. Law & viewers are quickly being exposed to both damaging aspects of her life highlighted. However, the conclusion of implications. Order has dominated the NBC primetime lineup since representation of sex workers and dehumanizing images the episode shows that all the problems Jeannie has in her the 1990’s. One of its successors, Special Victims Unit, of women that tie into generalized discourses and life were attributed to her being a sex worker and that the Much research has showed a correlation between violence focuses on “sexually based offences” that are considered rape culture. Due to the franchise’s overall success and only way to be loved and accepted back into her family’s presented by media (in forms of television shows, movies “especially heinous” (as it prefaces every episode followed continuity, these images are repeated throughout the lives, is to eliminate that part of her life. This conclusion and video games) and the violence enacted in the real by the iconic gavel sound). The episodes focus on sex series to maintain the roles of society. seems to suggest that the only way for Jeannie to become world. Parrott and Parrott (2015) discuss the same thing crimes and the people involved, and as a result, deals a whole person again is to strip away any association of in their article “U.S. Television’s ‘Mean World’ for White Sexism and racism intertwine to create a stereotypical with its fair share of sex workers. Several episodes have being a sex worker. Women.” Additionally, they note that images of sexual only perpetuated harmful images and subsequent image of the sex worker, with their actions and dialogue violence against women in television result in acceptance disparaging attitudes regarding the profession as a whole, only reinforcing this harmful stereotype through the Another episode entitled “Hunting Ground” (Season 13, of rape myths in reality (Parrott & Parrott, 2015). These as well as those associated with it. audience reaction and perception. In their 2015 study, Episode 15) also shows the criminal case of a sex worker representations of violence against women reproduce psychologists Caroline Parrott and Scott Parrott (2015) that was problematic in its execution. The episode the myth that suggests women should always be afraid The main theme that is included with every episode since delve into the harmful ways in which women and follows Hayley, an undercover sex worker (disguised in a because strangers will attack them in real life. Despite this the beginning of the franchise, while iconic, shows quick victims are depicted on fictional crime dramas and how matchmaking site and known to her mother as a caterer) discourse, women are much more likely to be attacked by images that generalize sex workers as well. One shot in audiences perceive the same situation in the real world. who goes on a date with a man named Brewster. The someone they know and inside their home. Patriarchy particular shows three black women, one white woman, Stereotypes have a profound impact in shaping an introduction of the episode shows Brewster driving with uses the media to voice their ideals to a wider audience. all dressed in little to no clothing in front of a wall with audience’s perception of themselves and others (Parrott Hayley literally caged in the backseat, begging for help. It Law and Order: SVU continues to showcase the accepted graffiti on it. This image implies the criminality of their & Parrott, 2015). This can certainly be proven through the turns out that Brewster targets sex workers and tortures discourse, thereby reinforcing fear among women who profession being explicitly linked to race. The use of more way in which sex workers are portrayed in this particular them by chasing them in the woods, shooting them with watch the show and continuing this cycle of consuming black women suggests that they are involved in more crime drama. One of the later seasons’ episode of Special tranquilizers and suffocating them. The next few times and accepting what is being presented, and reproducing “deviant” behaviour and are in more need of financial Victim’s Unit titled “Dreams Deferred” (Season 14, Hayley is seen, she is running through the woods away those ideas and attitudes in the real world. gain. Another image merely shows a woman’s spread Episode 9) followed sex worker Jeannie throughout the 78 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 University of Manitoba Feminist and Queer Review Volume 2 Issue 1 79

In the episode “Saviour” (Season 11, Episode 14), a to say that violence and injustice does not exist within the religious john is outraged at the sex worker’s testimony, trade or that sex workers cannot be victims, but when the calling her a “whore” and implying her actions are evil same narrative is being used, it limits the way in which by associating her sex to “Satan’s penetration.” Episodes the profession is seen as a whole. The resolution that Weeds from shortly after the show premiered in 1999 titled sex workers need to quit their jobs in order to be “safe” “Hysteria” (Season 1, Episode 4), showed a scene in which by the end of the episode does not change anything. one of detectives, “Munch”, has a telling conversation It merely masks the solution by presenting the entire concerning a sex worker who happened to be a victim of profession as inherently dangerous rather than trying to rape, calling her simply “the dead whore.” When asked if solve the problems that continuously limit and oppress Abigail Lidster he viewed all women as “whores,” Munch replies, “Don’t sex workers. These portrayals are very narrow and fails to be ridiculous. I don’t know all the women in the world.” explore sex work as actual work, or the workers as actual These interactions were meant to highlight the character’s people with complex characteristics and takes away their bitterness towards women after a miserable marriage. agency (DeVries, 2008). However, the show uses sex work as the lowest form with which a woman can be identified. The line was meant We are in the midst of what Macey (2014) refers to as the to insult a woman in the character’s life and it comes increased accessibility and seemingly improved content across simply as being offensive towards sex workers in television. It is argued that now a series can raise social and towards women more generally. The word “whore” issues and call for viewers to become activists in their being used by in this case by a main protagonist in the own lives (Macey, 2014). The harmful depiction of sex series and a figure of law enforcement is particularly workers and glamourizing of violence against women problematic. It presents the idea the sex worker’s and proves that people need to seek change in these forms of crimes surrounding them are not to be taken seriously. representation. It also must be done in an ongoing basis The use of such language reinforces the ideology that as programs keep changing throughout time. There must surrounds it; that sex workers are at the bottom of be continuous analyses and critiques of programming society’s totem pole and thus, are not worthy of in order to change the potential violence portrayals may achieving justice. evoke (Easteal, 2015). These sexist and racist portrayals When I was a little girl I would bring my mother to explain why some disabilities are looked down upon, of sex workers result in real world views that are being home flowers, carrying them carefully in my small and others are are glamorized. Maybe society's desire Women are often depicted as the victim and men shaped and continue to perpetuate harmful attitudes hands I would hand them over to her. Admiring them for the perfect size, shape and colour of a flower can are overwhelming portrayed as the perpetrator. This and actions. Once we change the way in which people critically she would inform me they were not flowers, help to explain the unreasonable, idealistic image all can have enormous implications in real life when it are presented to us, we can change the dominant and but instead weeds. However, she would take the glass people of society feel they must compete with on a daily comes to assault and crimes of sex workers. Shows like damaging discourse. vase out and put them on our kitchen table anyways. basis. What's truly odd is with flowers society often SVU perpetuate ideas that are reinforcing damaging Growing up I couldn't understand the difference accepts a rare and unusual type of beautiful. Whereas discourses surrounding femininity and masculinity. It References between flowers and weeds. I had yet to discover with people, society craves the exact opposite, it desires shows women to be afraid and shows men to be abusive. De Vries, M. (2008). Missing Sarah: a memoir of loss. Penguin that to society flowers seemed to symbolize beauty uniformity and ignores the idea of diversity. Therein lies This acceptance makes it more difficult for women to Canada Books. Print. and prosperity. Whereas weeds suggested something the problem, of course, a society that values sameness seek justice in sexual assault cases. Patriarchal control Easteal, P., Holland, K. & Judd, K. (2015). Enduring themes unwanted and perhaps plain in design. So, as a young but searches for difference is impossible to please. over these images result in victim-blaming, (Reid, 1995). and silences in media portrayals of violence against women. girl I began to conceptualize what one plant could have And so, when confronted with a society that doesn't Women’s Studies International Forum. 48. 103-113. Print. It is so accepted that women should be afraid and that over another, that would make it any more desirable. foster self-love one must begin to grow their own, no blame is often put on them for not taking necessary Ferris, S. (2015). Street Sex Work and Canadian Cities: Resisting I soon began to realize that flowers that do not have matter how diverse or how rare. You see, as a young girl a Dangerous Order. The University of Alberta Press. Print. action to minimize or avoid attacks. Men are also faced permission to grow are renamed 'weeds.' But flowers beautiful was everything to me and I have not quite with a discourse that tells them they should be feared and Ferris, S. (2015). Sex Work in Contemporary Canadian Culture [Personal Communications]. University of Manitoba. grown with intention are simply labeled 'flowers' and grasped the concept of exclusion. So everything that are unfairly assumed to be dangerous. The gender roles are encouraged to multiply and flourish. To achieve Mother Nature grows to decorate herself with, I will as portrayed on television is harmful and only reinforces MacDonald, J, L, & G. (2006). The Whore Stigma and the Media. Sex Workers in the Maritimes Talk Back. Toronto: OBC permission a flower must first obtain a certain standard call beautiful. And I will appreciate each moment I am what is already ingrained by society. Press. Print. of beauty, a standard set by society to define which allowed to spend, here, on this earth, taking it all in. So One of the most problematic ways sex workers are Macey, D., Ryan, K., & Springer, N. (2014). How Television flowers had earned the title and which could only be one day, when my daughter brings me home flowers, shapes our Worldview: Media Representations of Social Trends denoted as 'weeds.' Secondly, flowers must grow in an denied the allowance of beauty by a society lacking portrayed is the way in which the same narrative is used and Change. Lexington Books. Print. to encompass the profession as a whole. This implies appropriate location for an appropriate amount of acceptance, I will smile, and thank her. I'll carefully Parrott, S & C. (2015). U.S. Television’s “Mean World” for White time. This, I found, is similar to society's expectations place them on my kitchen table, and on every surface in that the experience of one sex worker is interchangeable Women: The Portrayal of Gender and Race on Fictional Crime with another. SVU typically follows the same formula Dramas. Springer Science & Business Media. 73(1). 70-82. Print. of beauty for people. Maybe that's why in grade three my life that needs a little self-love. I'll ask her where she Melissa made fun of my best friend for her glasses. found them, and if she could maybe show me. I will get whereby sex workers as major characters are always Reid, P & Finchilescu, G. (1995). The Disempowering Effects of played as victims of their profession. This is not of course Media Violence against Women on College Women. Psychology Because her difference didn't have society's permission my shoes on and together we will go out into the world, of Women Quarterly. 19. 397-411. Print. to be beautiful. Maybe society's view of flowers can help searching for beauty disguised as difference. ISSN 2371-1264