The
policing of women's bodies perpetuates the cycle of sexualization and
oppression that the patriarchy calls for. These policies restrict women from
having the same chance as men for freedoms, which include anything from the
simple freedom of self expression to the more complex idea of sexual freedom
-which is only complex because the patriarchy makes it so for women. Women's
bodies are restricted not only in media -restricted as in, seen only as sexual
objects or homemakers- but also in politics. Politics take “men act, women
appear” to another, impossibly oppressive level (Berger).
Birth
control and abortion are highly contested women's issues in politics. It has no
longer become about the woman's voice or her decision, but the say has been
given to her senators, governor and politicians. In class, we watched Jessica
Williams of The Daily Show interview Alabama attorneys who have the power to
defend a fetus in court against the mother who wishes to abort it. (Yes, as
insensitive as it may seem, in my opinion the fetus is an "it" at
that stage). While the segment was funny, it was also alarming and disturbing
because it is real. Having an attorney speak for a woman's fetus makes it
impossible for that woman to get an abortion if she needs one. This barrier may
seem so far fetched, but it is an example of how far politicians are willing to
go to defend their belief, not only about religion, but also about what women's
roles are and their duty/responsibility to bear children even if it's unsafe or
inopportune.
self explanatory cartoon... a double standard enforced by Christianity |
This
is not a new ordeal for women- ever since there has been resistance from women
against being mothers, there has been more societal punishments (per se) for
these un-obliging women. As early as the 1940s, abortions were hard to come by
and dangerous procedures- only a select group of people was allowed abortions
(and they were not poor nor minorities). “By bestowing access to abortion on
‘deserving’ patients, doctors could ensure that pregnant women did not become
masters over their own fertility. Some doctors even require that a woman be
sterilized after her hospital abortion, punishing her for her transgression
–engaging in sex without wanting a child—by eliminating her right to
motherhood” (Nelson 8). So even when “deserving” women finds power
from deciding not to have a baby, that agency is stripped from her when she is
sterilized (often against her will).
These
politics are intertwined and perpetuated by the media portrayal of women.
Religion in and of itself often holds beliefs that make women secondary
citizens, restricting them to the role as the child bearer, the mother, or the
root of all evil (Eve was so stupid to eat that apple, right?). Religious
groups often use religion as a barrier to provide or support women who use
contraceptives or want abortions. Religion is an undeniable force in the lives
of many; if a woman is taught that sex is bad, sex is for procreation, or that
pregnancies must be carried out, it takes away a woman’s agency before she even
realizes she has other options.
A common slogan used by pro- choice protesters, which sums up their request in an incredibly simple phrase |
So
while women are supposed to be sexually desirable, they are also supposed to avoid
sex or have sex defenselessly. In order to reach the societal
expectation of women in media and in legislation, a woman is essentially
supposed to be sexual and thin and beautiful but is not supposed to desire or
engage in sexual behavior. Because if she does, the blame -and the child- is
hers.
Works
Cited
Berger, John. Ways of
Seeing. London: British Broadcasting, 1973. Print.
Gay, Roxane. "The
Alienable Rights of Women." Bad Feminist: Essays. Print.
Nelson, Jennifer.
"Introduction." Women of Color and the Reproductive Rights
Movement. New York: New York UP, 2003. 1-19. Print.
Wykes, Maggie, and Barrie Gunter. The Media
and Body Image: If Looks Could Kill. London: SAGE, 2005. Print.
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