New SAPAC Director Announced by DSA

Laura Blake Jones, the Dean of Students @ U of M, recently announced the Division's decision on who the new SAPAC director will be. Holly Burmeister has accepted the offer and will officially begin work on campus on June 9. Holly is currently working as the Director of the Student Wellness Center at New York City College of Technology and has held other related positions within community crisis centers, social service agencies and the Women’s Prison Association in New York City. From 2002-2006 she worked as a Graduate Instructor of Writing @ U of M.

We are excited to FINALLY have a SAPAC director chosen and ready to make some things happen!

"Immodest" Dressing Causes Earthquakes

So, a few days ago, an acting prayer leader in Tehran, Hojatoleslam Kazem Sedighi, was quoted as saying:

"Many women who do not dress modestly ... lead young men astray, corrupt their chastity and spread adultery in society, which (consequently) increases earthquakes."

Here's the link to the original article from Associated Press about the statement:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5inJDPJiXU9k0tYQetNGUhTCNqAcgD9F698N00

Here is the one of the major responses, a movement dubbed "boobquake," a day for the women of the world to dress however they would like, regardless of earthquake risk:

http://www.blaghag.com/2010/04/quick-clarification-about-boobquake.html

Here is the facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116336578385346&ref=mf

For me, this quote is obviously misguided and misogynistic. The response, to me, seems kind of awesome, especially since it is so popular. It really raises awareness about sexism in general.

What do you guys think?

Sexual Assault Prevention Tips Guaranteed to Work!

1. Don't put drugs in people's drinks in order to control their behavior.

2. When you see someone walking by themselves, leave them alone!

3. If you pull over to help someone with car problems, remember not to assault them!

4. NEVER open an unlocked door or window uninvited.

5. If you are in an elevator and someone else gets in, DON'T ASSAULT THEM!

6. Remember, people go to the laundry room to do their laundry, do not attempt to molest someone who is alone in a laundry room.

7. USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM! If you are not able to stop yourself from assaulting people, ask a friend to stay with you while you are in public.

8. Always be honest with people! Don't pretend to be a caring friend in order to gain the trust of someone you want to assault. Consider telling them you plan to assault them. If you don't communicate your intentions, the other person may take that as a sign that you do not plan to rape them.

9. Don't forget: you can't have sex with someone unless they are awake!

10. Carry a whistle! If you are worried you might assault someone "on accident" you can hand it to the person you are with, so they can blow it if you do.





When I first came across this list in one of my classes I only read the title. My SAPAC alarm bells started ringing, and I prepared a rant about how these 'prevention strategies' do not truly address the root of the problem. As I read the list, however, my alarm quieted. Though these 'tips' are funny, they serve to highlight why sexual assault happens. It is no the product of an individual failing to follow a set list of guidelines, rather it is a conscious choice on the part of the assailant to violate another person. This list demonstrates how society tends to blame survivors and act leniently towards perpetrators.

Thoughts?

rEVOLUTION rECAP

Another big thank you to everyone who was a part of the fifth annual rEVOLUTION: Making Art for Change. It was our largest show ever with more artwork and a bigger audience than we've had in previous years.

rEV was started 5 years ago as the senior thesis of Emily Kripitz, a former SAPAC NPA Co-Coord. Although Emily wasn't able to attend the show this year, we are sure she would be proud of the way SAPAC has continued and expanded her ideas.

Next year, rEVOLUTION might me moving to the Duderstadt gallery on North Campus for a more professional looking venue. Thoughts?

Check out some pictures below!

Networking, Publicity, & Activism Volunteers

Men's Activism Program Co-Coordinators

Peer Education Volunteers

2 Very Different Ways to Promote Ending Sexual Violence

The internet can be a window to understanding, or just more of the same tiresome sexist and sexually violent crap posing as ways to build "awareness." In a rape-culture ridden society, it is far too often the latter.

Kiely Williams, former Disney Cheetah Girl and even more formerly, member of girl-group 3LW, has come out with a new single called "Spectacular." The song is about going out one night, getting reallllllly drunk and having sex. It's all very confusing and you can't remember much but hey, the "sex was spectacular." Shockingly enough, part of the chorus repeats: "Ass up, clothes off, broke off, dozed off". The music video is graphic, badly-made, and features a scantily clad Williams cooing about having Spectacular drunk sex. But wait a second, before any feminist rebuke can be formulated! Upon the admonishment Williams has received for the video, she released a statement:

"ATTENTION: I am an actor and performer. I have been so since my first role in a television pilot at five years old. I played a character when I was a Cheetah Girl. I am playing a character in the music video for the song Spectacular, as I did in the Cheetah Girl movies. Young women across the country get intoxicated and have unprotected sex. That's a fact. I recorded the song to bring attention to this frighteningly prevalent activity. It is absurd to infer or suggest that I am condoning this behavior.

Are Lady Gaga and Beyonce advocating murder with the Telephone video? Of, course not. Was Rihanna encouraging suicide with Russian Roulette? No. Was Madonna suggesting that young unmarried girls get pregnant with Papa Dont Preach? I dont think so. Is Academy Award winner Monique a proponent of incest because of her portrayal of Mary in the movie Precious. Clearly, the answer is no.

I wrote Spectacular and made the video to bring attention to a serious womens health and safety issue. Please don't shoot the messenger."

What's interesting is that she puts messages from the film "Precious" in the same category as the Lady Gaga and Beyonce "Telephone" video - both are filled with isms, but guess which of the two glamorizes those isms? Here is her video.

However, it isn't all bad out here on the interweb. There is a very funny, extremely effective new cartoon about realistic ways to stand up to sexual violence. Via Sociological Images:

Monica C., who teaches ethnic studies and works with survivors of interpersonal violence, sent in this 9-minute satirical video (posted at Consent Turns Me On) she created for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It highlights the way that rape prevention campaigns often put the onus on women to avoid being raped, providing lists of things to avoid doing (that basically add up to never doing anything where a man is present, ever), rather than focusing on educating men about not raping women.

The video is awesome and really well done. It hearkens to mind the film "Robots" with its industrial animation. Check it out, and always use a media-literate eye when filtering through what promotes sexual violence and what promotes ending it.

Interesting NY Times article

This is an interesting article about a woman who did a lot of work writing baseball history but received almost no credit, but is finally being recognized. Though it doesn't really have anything to do with sexual violence, it is still interesting to see how women have been viewed and treated through history, especially in regards to sports history, where women have continually been discriminated against.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/sports/baseball/07sabr.html?ref=sports

Internet Stalker Video

Some of you may have seen this, but it's a YouTube video parody from the popular song Bedrock. It pokes fun of internet or "Facebook" stalking, something that has become all too common in everyday language.

Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8v2HRLs84Q

rEVOLUTION Opening Night a Success!

Thanks to everyone who came out this past Wednesday night for the opening of the 5th annual rEVOLUTION: making art for change. The room was absolutely packed! Also, the NPA volunteers would like to give a special thanks to Ignacia Moreno, Assistant Attorney General and Susan Williams, a representative from the DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, for attending the event!

SAPAC Student Coordinator Recognized for Outstanding Campus Impact

Alayna Schreier, one of the Peer Education Co-coordinators, has been nominated through the University of Michigan's Ginsberg Center to receive the Rosalie Ginsberg Award for Community Service & Social Action's Outstanding Campus Impact Award. This award is, obviously, highly selective and given to students who have demonstrated excellence in creating, developing, or sustaining opportunities for community service/social action and learning.

We are honored that Alayna has represented SAPAC so well the last four years.

Congrats Alayna!

India Draft Bill

So I found this article online a little while ago. It discusses India's proposal of a draft bill dealing with the sphere of what is considered sexual assault, the severity of punishment for rape, and the idea of sexual assault as gender neutral.

I was shocked by some of the facts and statistics presented in this article. Every fifty four minutes, a woman is raped in India; yet, only thirty six percent end up behind bars. In addition, women are often times raped in their pursuit to seek help, which is terrifying.

I found this article to be very interesting, especially considering that it is from the perspective of another country. The issue of sexual assault is a very prevalent, very real problem, and it is very interesting to observe the efforts of other countries to spread awareness and take action.

http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/sexual-assault-to-replace-rape-in-ipc-17855.php

--Persis

Republicans For Rape....?

I came across this site a while ago, and I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it: http://www.republicansforrape.org/

While the site is satirical and was created by a liberal, they are being incredibly bold in the approach they are taking in getting their point across. One blog, for example, reads: "Being a 'victim' of rape is, at best, a minor inconvenience and can be acceptably swept under the rug. Binding arbitration can and does deliver sufficient remedies for 'victims' of gang rapes so breathtaking that the victim requires reconstructive surgery. I can't provide any examples of restitution because the proceedings of such cases are kept secret. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, concealing these rapes from the public is the only suitable way to talk about them. Rape techniques are trade secrets of the rapist – sexual intellectual property – and they deserve protection."

The site seems to have been created as an attack on the 30 senators who voted against Al Franken's amendment to the Senate Defense appropriations bill. You can read about some of the controversy surrounding this amendment here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105153315

At the bottom of republicansforrape.org, there is a disclaimer that reads: This website is (mostly) satire. Its creators do not endorse rape nor do they oppose anti-rape legislation.

...mostly satire?? What is that supposed to mean?

The site's creator may be well-intentioned, but are they going a bit far? What do you think?

-Marie

Supporting Incarcerated Women

SAPAC is not my only volunteer extra-curricular activity. I also volunteer with Safe House Center. I'm currently a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team, and have cross trained as a co-facilitator for support groups.

Currently, Safe House is piloting a new support group at the Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility, and I'm assisting as a facilitator for Friday morning groups. The group is a 4 week support/didactic group, essentially DV 101, with safety planning and coping skills thrown into the mix. March 26 was our orientation session, which turned out to be fabulous.

The women are all thrilled that we are providing this group for them, and we received many comments about how important it is for them to receive this education and develop bonds with one another.

At first I was nervous about this. We had been told that the 'inmates' can be 'manipulating' and will 'try to push our buttons.' We questioned how this is different from everyday life. The language used to describe these women equated them to children, which was unappealing at best, but we dealt with it. Honestly, the women I've interacted with so far have been wonderful and very grateful. They have also been honest with us; I think it helps that we are not part of the correctional facility and that we go in with a supportive non-judgmental attitude.

So, I'm looking forward to this support group, and will keep you posted on how it's going. Obviously, confidentiality is of utmost importance, so no specific details. However, I will give my impressions on how successful the group is and the feedback we get from the women.

~Jen

U.S. Maternal Death Rates on the Rise

As part of my PE continuing education, and as a nursing student interested in women's health, I found the recent reports on maternal death rates in the U.S. to be shocking. The following information is from Amnesty International and UK Guardian.

Maternal death rates have doubled since the 1980s
6.6/100,000 women in 1987
13.3/100,000 women in 2006
The U.S. is worse than 40 other countries including most industrialized nations

The women most at risk:
Native American and African American women who live in poverty and are uninsured
Amnesty International reports that these women are "put at risk due to neglect"

1:4,800 is the risk of dying in childbirth in the U.S.
Best countries: Ireland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy and Greece

International effort to decrease the maternal death rate in developing countries
Women Deliver conference in Washington D.C. brainstormed about these issues
Taken up by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sarah Brown (UK)

Health care reform does not address systemic problems, discrimination, or lack of accountability
Amnesty International is pushing President Obama to set up a maternal health office to

address these issues directly

34,000 women in the U.S. experience a "near miss" during delivery every year
A "near miss" means that these women came close to dying, but were rescued

1:4 women don't receive antenatal (prenatal) checkups
1:3 African American and Native American women are without antenatal (prenatal) care

1/3 of U.S. deliveries are completed via C-section
This is twice the rate than the World Health Organization recommends
Risk of death is 3x greater with C-section than with vaginal delivery

Nearly 13 million women of reproductive age (1:5) are without health insurance
Minorities account for 50% of the 1:5 rate

In California, the death rate went from 5.6/100,000 to 16.9/100,000 in the past decade
Most common causes of death: hemorrhage, deep vein thrombosis (clots), and underlying

cardiac disease

Amnesty International completed the report as part of their "Demand Dignity" campaign "to end human rights violations that drive and deepen global poverty"

As a future health care professional, I feel we can do so much better than this. The newly passed health care legislation may perhaps assist in quelling some of these issues, but I don't know when it will take effect. Perhaps the increase in maternal death rate can be linked to higher risk pregnancies: increase rates of overweight/obesity in women, diabetes, heart disease and bearing children at an older age. However, women should be allowed to have great prenatal care, and complications of pregnancy should be prevented. How can you prevent these complications if prenatal care is difficult to access? At the very least, stores like Meijer are providing free prenatal vitamins to low income women, but you need a prescription to get the vitamins.

It's obvious more primary prevention needs to be established in this country, with better access to health care for pregnant women.

The Amnesty International Executive Director, Larry Cox, summed it up nicely:

"Good maternal care should not be considered a luxury available only to those who can access the best hospitals and the best doctors. Women should not die in the richest country on earth from preventable complications and emergencies."

~Jen

V-day in Bangladesh

Zafar Sobhan writes an op-ed piece in Bangladesh's The Daily Star about the first-ever screening of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" during Dhaka's V-day event. He makes interesting points concerning cultural issues about women's rights that the viewing of "The Vagina Monologues" brings to light.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/story-details.php?nid=613

Helping Male SA Survivors

Here is an interesting post on the Feministing Community blog about helping male survivors of Sexual Assault...

http://community.feministing.com/2010/03/how-can-i-help-a-male-sex-assa.html#comments

Sexual Assault on College Campuses Takes the Media Spotlight...

Hi all,

SAPAC staff and students have noticed that several news reports have been commenting on the ineffective way that sexual assault is being handled on college campuses across the US. Here are some of the programs and articles:

NPR Report on Talk of The Nation from December 3rd, 2009:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121057891

Which is part of a bigger "special series" that NPR is doing:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124073905

and most recently, The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/12/AR2010031201792.html

Most of these reference this study by the The Center for Public Integrity:
http://www.publicintegrity.org/investigations/campus_assault/

What are some ways that we could use this media attention to educate our campus community? Do you feel UofM handles sexual assault well? What could we be doing better?

-Amy B.

You Belong With Me: Queer Version

Check out this video to Taylor Swift's song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ95z6ywcBY

Any thoughts?

CBS rejects gay-oriented ad yet again

Hilary Duff and Wanda Sykes recently fronted a new ad campaign to address the use of derogatory and homophobic vernacular, specifically with regards to the saying, “that’s so gay.” The Think Before You Speak public service announcements seek to educate adolescents’ about the negative impact that their language can have on others. Unfortunately, CBS refused to air the public service announcements during the Super Bowl. This is the second consecutive year that CBS has rejected a gay-oriented advertisement, and yet they accepted a pro-life advertisement that ran during the Super Bowl this year. Check out the ads below and share your thoughts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVicCD8FmMs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrJrw5ZZfRU

Attorney General Coming to U of M!

On March 31, the Attorney General's Office is visiting U of M, and, in particular, SAPAC. During their visit, they are going to come to the opening of the 5th Annual rEVOLUTION: Making Art for Change.

Please see the following link for more info!

http://blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/609

typical college rapist

NPR seems to be the news source that puts information out there! Here is an article that describes what the typical college rapist is and debunks the myth that it's usually some guy that made a mistake.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124272157&sc=emaf

-E.D.

NPR Investigation on Campus Rapes

NPR has recently begun an investigation into campus rapes to shed some light on misleading and stereotypical beliefs that often surround the crime. Some of the major myths (such as who is committing the crime and what kind of options are available for survivors) are being debunked on a national scale, or at least that is what is being attempted. This is a great series that is still continuing to be updated so you can read online or listen on the radio! The investigation is shining light on some of the real barriers survivors of rape and sexual assault experience everyday. The NPR team addresses the danger of the current sexual assault stereotypes and aims to change some of the common misconceptions. There is also a big emphasis on proactive bystanders!

Check it out.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124073905

SafeHouse Center's Upcoming Training

SafeHouse Center, Washtenaw County's SA/DV Center, is now accepting applications for its upcoming Spring Training! I encourage you to check out the awesome things SafeHouse volunteers do!

Here are the training dates:

Fri, March 12, 2010 - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Sat, March 13, 2010 - 9am - 6pm
Sun, March 14, 2010 - 9am - 6pm
Fri, March 26, 2010 - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Sat, March 27, 2010 - 9am - 6pm
Sun, March 28, 2010 - 2pm - 6pm


For more information about how to get involved, please visit www.safehousecenter.org!

-Crosby

We Need More Men in the Movement!

http://jezebel.com/5355724/what-if-keeping-women-safe-meant-educating-men


This post quotes Jaclyn Friedman, Jessica Valenti's co-editor of Yes Means Yes. The post's picture really speaks to me...

Colleges Failing to Help Victims of Assault

This video was originally posted on Jezebel.

"Failed Justice Leaves Rape Victim Nowhere To Turn"

I heard this on NPR while I was looking for something to watch on the TV Guide Channel on the UM Cable Network...The story continues tomorrow...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124052847

"Blaming the Victim, Princeton Edition"

An op-ed piece was included in the Daily Princetonian on February 22, 2010 titled "The real 'Sex on a Saturday night'". Written by a Princeton freshman, it explains why the author believes women are at fault for their own rapes. The author uses a friend's personal experience as an example, and "evidence", for her article. The article is filled with blatant, disgusting victim-blaming.

The blog "Jezebel" has a great summary and discussion of the article.

http://jezebel.com/5478360/she-knew-what-would-happen-if-she-started-drinking-blaming-the-victim-princeton-edition?skyline=true&s=i

There are currently 216 comments on the actual article (the most viewed on the Daily Princetonian's website), some for the article and the author, and some against:

http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/02/22/25251/

Thankfully, the Sexual Harassment/Assault Advising, Resources and Education (SHARE) peer advisers and SpeakOut advocates that also attend Princeton responded with this article (the second most viewed on the Daily Princetonian's site):

http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/02/23/25270/

Experiencing Rape Does Not Equal Getting Your Car Stolen

According to a lawmakers in Kansas, getting raped is like getting your car stolen.

Wow.

http://thinkprogress.org/2010/02/18/kansas-rape-auto/

Justin Lookadoo.

On February 9th, Justin Lookadoo gave an hour long speech at Grand Blanc High School. The main focus of his speech was aimed at the girls at our school, telling them to be smart about boys and avoid bad relationships. These are good points, however, his way of going about explaining them and his jokes were completely sexist and out of line. He said such things as, "Women are bad drivers," and "All guys only think about sex." He continued his slander for his entire speaking hour, masquerading his sexism in jokes and life lessons. Some of the stuff he said was true, but only for a select few. Everything he said he applied to an entire gender. Guys are this. Girls are that. He neglected the fact that everyone is different, and gender roles are a thing of the past. Even on his website, he has dating rules. My personal favorite is number 6 for the girls, "Be mysterious. Dateable girls know how to shut up. They don’t monopolize the conversation. They don’t tell everyone everything about themselves. They save some for later. They listen more than they gab." Apparently, shutting up is a good quality in a girl. I told my girlfriend this rule, and asked her to be quiet so I could talk, and I got the death stare. I wonder why...

His web site is covered in religious propaganda about gender roles that are as archaic as humanity. How comforting is it that in a society where religion and relationships are growing farther apart for good reasons that public speakers are preaching the unification of them? In his book Dateable, he says that a girl should only date a Christian boy, and that if a boy talks to a girl for more than an hour on the phone, he's the one (because communication is the only judge of how good a relationship is).

I was personally offended at his entire speech because I have spent my life trying to fight the socially accepted idea that men are pigs. I have treated every girl I have met with respect. I have a healthy relationship with my girlfriend where we are equals and don't hold to the normal gender roles. He said high school relationships were not worthwhile, because only 5% of them end up in a lasting marriage, and that you shouldn't put anything into their high school relationship because you'll get hurt if you do; therefore don't put yourself emotionally in a relationship, don't spend time with a person, etc. He failed to see the point of gaining an experience by being in a relationship in high school, to see how relationships work, working past problems with your significant other, and learning how to treat your significant other.

Justin Lookadoo wasted an hour of 2,500 kids' time trying to explain that men are sex-hungry pigs, and women are stupid and naive. His speech did not belong in this day and age. He was ignorant and childish.

SAPAC in the Daily

Check out an article from today's Michigan Daily mentioning SAPAC.

http://www.michigandaily.com/content/greeks-raise-awareness-sexual-assault-community

Jessica Valenti Event--Huge Success!

For those of you who were not at last night's event, it was AWESOME. With the help of UUAP Women's Forum, MSA, and the Center for Ethics in Public Life, we were able to bring Jessica Valenti to campus last night. Jessica is the founder of feministing.com, a feminist blog and online community, and the author of several books including Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman's Guide to Why Feminism Matters; He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know; and Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape.

The title of Jessica's presentation was "Purity, sexism, feminism, and power." Following the 45 minute presentation, in which Jessica talked about feminism in general and current feminist activism. Jessica also discussed her latest book The Purity Myth: How America's Obsessions with Virginity is Hurting Young Women. Following her presentation, there was a question/answer session facilitated by a SAPAC volunteer and a book signing.

As one of the people responsible for the funding and planning this event, I am so happy at how it turned out! Jessica was truly an amazing speaker for SAPAC to bring, and we hope she can visit U of M in the future.

Again, thanks to everyone who came- all 350 of you! And most importantly, thank you Jessica!

Post your comments and thoughts about the event and Jessica's presentation below!

-Crosby

Comedy Not So Comedic

While watching random comedies for my Psych 250 media project paper, someone suggested watching 30 Rock to me. Primetime comedies are not exactly my cup-of-tea, but I had to watch 3 different shows. I pulled up my coding sheet and began to watch last weeks episode, Anna Howard Shaw Day. Low and behold, 2 very very disturbing things popped out at me. First, they were joking about the fact that one of the actresses had a stalker and how disturbed she was that he had stopped contacting her. The show went even further to have a meeting between the actress and her stalker, where they basically compared this "no more stalking" to a relationship break-up. Secondly, in describing a possible date for valentine's day for the network executive, Liz Lemon pipes up that the woman was on "Maxium's 'I'd rape that' 100."

This was my first time watching this show, and needless to say, it will probably be my last. I'm sure that this is not a pervasive theme in the plot line. What has happen to the old days of comedy? With a little slap here (3 stooges) or silly pranks (MASH)? Please, someone tell me this isn't normal...

The New Math on Campus?

An article entitled "The New Math on Campus" appeared in last Sunday's New York Times. The author of the piece deplored the "shortage of male students" on college campuses in light of affirmative action as well as speculated about what this supposed "shortage" could mean for female students when it comes to the dating scene. There are so so SO many things wrong with this article that it's hard to know where to start. Besides being extremely heteronormative and misogynistic, the article depicts women as shallow, desperate vultures who only care about "snagging" a man. Apparently a woman's main purpose for attaining a college education is not to get a good job, but to find a good husband. And forget about being happy and confident on your own -- according to this article, being single is worse than having swine flu. Because, let's face it, it's impossible to be self-fulfilled and content without a boyfriend, right ladies?

I feel like this article is particularly relevant to the University of Michigan campus community because, for one, we're college students, so these issues directly affect us. Further, the article bemoans the current college "hook-up" culture, an area which feminist Jessica Valenti heavily focuses on in her book, "The Purity Myth" (and also gave a really awesome speech about in a debate against the director of the Center for Marriage and Families at the Institute for American Values... I've linked to it below.) Just in case you've been living under a rock, Jessica Valenti will be coming to speak at the University of Michigan this Tuesday at 7:30, so make sure you check it out!

After you read the New York Times article and develop your own opinions, I would also like to direct you towards popular news media blog Gawker's response to the article. Where many of us would probably label the Times' article as guilty of creating a "crisis" where no crisis exists as well as extremely misogynist, the Gawker correspondent argues the opposite: he claims that the article is misandrist (a concept which I personally do not believe even exists in the context of privilege, but you know, I guess arguing that misandry exists is the nature of privilege! Score one for Feminism 101!)

There are obviously a lot of people who feel very strongly about this topic, as evidenced by the over 150 comments in response to the New York Times article thus far. The Gawker response to the original article has generated even more comments than that. From my observations, the feedback around this topic is pretty thought-provoking and sometimes frustrating; however, it is still illustrative of some of the issues and misconceptions that most directly affect our cause.

Links:

New York Times Article: "The New Math On Campus"
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/fashion/07campus.html?ref=fashion&pagewanted=all

Gawker Article: "The Dance-Card Problem: College Girls Outnumber College Guys, Misandrist Chaos Ensues"
http://gawker.com/5466193/the-dance+card-problem-college-girls-outnumber-college-guys-misandrist-chaos-ensues

Extra Credit: Jessica Valenti's "Speechifying: So-called hook up culture and the anti-feminists who love it"
http://www.feministing.com/archives/013806.html#more


P.S. - While this has nothing to do with the actual article that appears in the New York Times, as an additional point, I would just like you all to note the section of the paper that the article appears in: Fashion & Style. This is yet another example of the long-standing news media tradition of relegating any article that is at all related to women to the frivolous and seemingly unimportant "Style" section. If you've never noticed this before, I guarantee that you'll start noticing it now -- a lot of reputable publications do it. Because of course the only section in the newspaper that us silly wimminz care about is "Fashion & Style"!

- Katey Sill

stalking on 30 rock

In last night's episode of 30 Rock (season 4, ep 13: Anna Howard Shaw Day), one of the plot lines involved one of the main characters mourning the "loss" of her stalker.

Clip at Hulu: http://www.hulu.com/watch/127671/30-rock-anna-howard-shaw-day

"High"lights from the episode:

"That's a real problem in the celebrity community. But if Beyonce would just answer one of my letters, I'd stop trying to break into her house." - Tracy, on stalkers
"I always knew it would end one day. I just always thought it would be me in the trunk of a rental car." - Jenna
"Wow, Avery Jessup, she's hot. She was on Maxim's I'd Rape Her 100." - Liz

The episode downplays stalking flattering, about wanted/positive attention, about love. It pokes fun at and makes light of a serious problem. (And it, apparently, got the second highest ratings of an episode so far this season.)

Maybe the writers could have benefited from seeing one of SAPAC's Stalking Awareness Month t-shirts.

It's not a joke
It's not romantic
It's not OK

Board Not Vandalized!

Just a little update... the SORC told us it had been, but it actually wasn't.

Crosby

Jessica Valenti is Coming to Ann Arbor SOON!

SAPAC & the UUAP's Women's Forum (with the help of MSA) is bringing Jessica Valenti to campus in a week! Come check out the event February 16 @ 7:30 pm in the Union. It's free!

Rape Culture

I tend to struggle when describing "Rape Culture" to those who are unfamiliar with the term and came across this article from another blogger that puts it into words better than I ever could:

http://shakespearessister.blogspot.com/2009/10/rape-culture-101.html

Thought it might be interesting for everyone.

Vandalized Diag Board

It has recently come to the attention (thanks to the SORC) that SAPAC's most recent diag board has been vandalized. Yes, vandalized.

The board detailing Jessica Valenti's upcoming visit to campus (2/16, 7:30 pm, Michigan Union) was CUT OUT by someone who thought they had the liberty to destroy our advertisement. But WHY did this person do it? Is it because he or she dislikes SAPAC as an organization? Because this person is against the speaker's personal views? Because the board referenced feminism?

Destroying the diag board of a student organization's (one that is run by the Division of Student Affairs, I might add) creates an unsafe and intolerant campus climate, which is something that concerns me. If SAPAC volunteers and student activists can't advertise upcoming events without meeting hostility from the community, how can we, as a campus, even begin to help and advocate for student survivors? How can we, as a campus, even start to end sexual assault in our own community?

If I haven't made myself clear, I think that this act of vandalism is completely ridiculous, and frankly, cowardly. If you disagree with something that SAPAC volunteers are doing, voice it. Call or come to our office. Comment on our blog or facebook page. Contact the University. Don't destroy a diag board that costs the University money and uses up the time of volunteers.

-Confused & Outraged Networking, Publicity, & Activism Volunteer, CM

Military Physicians Required To Carry Plan B

Who knew getting pregnant or getting a servicewoman pregnant on duty was punishable by federal law? Until recently, it was a toss up whether women on duty would have access to birth control. In that case, any sexual acts could end both the man and woman's career and cause serious repercussions once back in the States. Pregnancy is considered a federal crime for soldiers. Finally, (and way too late) military physicians are now required to carry Plan B as a resource for women fighting overseas. This gives women more control over their body and provides them with resources they have been restricted from before.

Check out some of the conversations going on in the comment section at the end of the article, particularly the one about the current marine force. I do not have current stats of sexual assault in the military, but do we think sexual assault and sexual violence occur at these rates even in our military? If so, shouldn't Plan B have been made available a long time ago?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/02/05/military.morning.after.pill/index.html?iref=allsearch

Sign a Petition Supporting the International Violence Against Women Act

Feministing just posted this link... it's to a petition to Congress to support the recently introduced International Violence Against Women Act.

http://www.saynotoviolence.org/join-say-no/tell-us-congress-pass-international-violence-against-women-act-ivawa

Sign it now!

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

SAPAC is currently accepting artist submission for the 5th annual rEVOLUTION: Making Art For Change (April 1-April 9 in the Michigan Union). The themes of the show are gender, empowerment, sexual violence, and sexism. Submissions are due March 12. Please email rev10@umich.edu for more info or to make a submission.

Juvenile Facilities

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/07/detained.youth/index.html?iref=allsearch

For those that are interested, here's a link to an article describing the current situation in juvenile facilities, where more than 10 percent of juveniles report some form of sexual abuse. Here's a group of people we don't normally think about protecting. But this is out of control. They have rights too, though. NOBODY deserves to not have control.

-Stephanie K

Fighting what are called "Crimes of Passion" in Haiti

WOMEN'S MOVEMENT MOURNS DEATH OF THREE HAITIAN LEADERS

By Jessica Ravitz, CNN

January 25, 2010 1:40 p.m. EST

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Three leaders in the Haitian women's movement are confirmed dead, victims of quake
• They gave women voices, fought against violence and made rape in Haiti a crime
• Friends, including Eve Ensler of "The Vagina Monologues," share memories
• Amid chaos after earthquake, concerns rise about protecting women and girls

"One returned to her Haitian roots, to give voice to women, honor their stories and shape their futures.

Another urged women to pack a courtroom in Haiti, where she succeeded in getting a guilty verdict against a man who battered his wife.

A third joined the others and helped change the law to make rape, long a political weapon in Haiti, a punishable crime.

Myriam Merlet, Magalie Marcelin and Anne Marie Coriolan, founders of three of the country's most important advocacy organizations working on behalf of women and girls, are confirmed dead -- victims of last week's 7.0 earthquake.

And their deaths have left members of the women's movement, Haitian and otherwise, reeling.

"Words are missing for me. I lost a large chunk of my personal, political and social life," Carolle Charles wrote in an e-mail to colleagues. The Haitian-born sociology professor at Baruch College in New York is chair of Dwa Fanm (meaning "Women's Rights" in Creole), a Brooklyn-based advocacy group. These women "were my friends, my colleagues and my associates. I cannot envision going to Haiti without seeing them."

Myriam Merlet was until recently the chief of staff of Haiti's Ministry for Gender and the Rights of Women, established in 1995, and still served as a top adviser. She died after being trapped beneath her collapsed home, Charles said. She was 53.

Merlet, an author as well as an activist, fled Haiti in the 1970s. She studied in Canada, steeping herself in economics, women's issues, feminist theory and political sociology.

In the mid-1980s, she returned to her homeland. In "Walking on Fire: Haitian Women's Stories of Survival and Resistance," published in 2001, she contributed an essay, "The More People Dream," in which she described what brought her back.

"While I was abroad I felt the need to find out who I was and where my soul was. I chose to be a Haitian woman," she wrote. "We're a country in which three-fourths of the people can't read and don't eat properly. I'm an integral part of the situation. I am not in Canada in a black ghetto, or an extraterrestrial from outer space. I am a Haitian woman. I don't mean to say that I am responsible for the problems. But still, as a Haitian woman, I must make an effort so that all together we can extricate ourselves from them."

I felt the need to find out who I was and where my soul was. I chose to be a Haitian woman.
--Myriam Merlet, in her essay "The More People Dream"

She was a founder of Enfofamn, an organization that raises awareness about women through media, collects stories and works to honor their names. Among her efforts, she set out to get streets named after Haitian women who came before her, Charles said.

Dubbed a "Vagina Warrior," she was remembered Tuesday by her friend Eve Ensler, the award-winning playwright and force behind V-day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls.

"She was very bold," said Ensler, who at Merlet's insistence brought her play "The Vagina Monologues" to Haiti and helped establish safe houses for women in Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien. "She had an incredible vision of what was possible for Haitian women, and she lifted their spirits. ... And we had such a wonderful time. I remember her dancing in the streets of New Orleans and just being so alive."

Magalie Marcelin, a lawyer and actress who appeared in films and on stage, established Kay Fanm, a women's rights organization that deals with domestic violence, offers services and shelter to women and makes microcredits, or loans, available to women working in markets, said Charles, the chair of Dwa Fanm.

Charles remembered a visit to Haiti about two years ago when Marcelin, believed to be in her mid-50s, called seeking help. Hoping to deflect the political clout of a defendant in court, she asked for women to come out in droves and pack the courtroom. Charles watched as the man on trial was convicted for battering his wife.

Her death has been reported through various media outlets, and was confirmed to CNN by Carribbean Radio Television based in Port-au-Prince. Her own daughter helped dig her body out from rubble in the aftermath of the quake, Charles said she learned when she got the call from Marcelin's cousin.

In an interview last year with the Haitian Times, Marcelin spoke of the image of a drum that adorned public awareness stickers.

"It's very symbolic in the Haitian cultural imagination," Marcelin said, according to the Haitian Times report. "The sound of the drum is the sound of freedom, it's the sound of slaves breaking with slavery."

With Merlet, Anne Marie Coriolan, 53, served as a top adviser to the women's rights ministry.

Coriolan, who died when her boyfriend's home collapsed, was the founder of Solidarite Fanm Ayisyen (Solidarity with Haitian Women, or SOFA), which Charles described as an advocacy and services organization.

Her daughter, Wani Thelusmon Coriolan, said in Haiti children bear only their father's surname, but her mother insisted on keeping her maiden name and making sure her two children shared it, too.

"She said my dad was not the only one who created me. She was involved, too," her 24-year-old daughter, who lives and is studying in Montreal, Quebec, said with a laugh.

Even though Wani and her brother no longer live in Haiti (he is in Paris, France), she said her mother was determined to make sure they were proud of their homeland.

"She loved her country. She never stopped believing in Haiti. She said that when you have a dream you have to fight for it," Wani said. "She wanted women to have equal rights. She wanted women to hold their heads high."

Coriolan was a political organizer who helped bring rape -- "an instrument of terror and war," Charles said -- to the forefront of Haitian courts.

Before 2005, rapes in Haiti were treated as nothing more than "crimes of passion," Charles explained. That changed because of the collective efforts of these women activists -- and others they inspired.

She had an incredible vision of what was possible for Haitian women, and she lifted their spirits.
--Eve Ensler, on her friend Myriam Merlet

With the three leaders gone, there is concern about the future of Haiti's women and girls. Even with all that's been achieved, the struggle for equality and against violence remains enormous.

The chaos that's taken over the devastated nation heightens those worries, said Taina Bien-Aimé, the executive director of Equality Now, a human rights organization dedicated to women.

Before the disaster struck last week, a survey of Haitian women and girls showed an estimated 72 percent had been raped, according to study done by Kay Fanm. And at least 40 percent of the women surveyed were victims of domestic violence, Bien-Aimé said.

And humanitarian emergencies have been linked to increased violence and exploitation in the past, she said.

"From where we stand," Bien-Aimé wrote in an e-mail, "the most critical and urgent issue is what, if any, contingencies the relief/humanitarian agencies are putting in place not only to ensure that women have easy access to food, water and medical care, but to guarantee their protection."

Concerned women in the New York area plan to gather Wednesday to strategize their next steps, Ensler said.

And while they will certainly keep mourning, she and the others are hopeful that Haitian women, inspired by these fallen heros and leaders, will forge ahead -- keeping their fight and legacies alive."

-Stephanie K

Not So Funny...

Alright, well I just posted a long rant about this video that got deleted. Sadly. Anyways the sparknotes version is that I found this video on youtube called the "five funniest potential sexual assault convicts". Funny...somehow I don't find anything funny about it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozmfdeA5shI

I know that the girl is jokingly acting disapproving and offended, but clearly there's supposed to be some humor in the sexual innuendos and references to sexual assault. It's just sad that society is still allowing people to minimize the pain of people that are affected in one way or another, whether directly or indirectly, by sexual assault. This stuff is still going on and...It's. Just. Pathetic.

-Stephanie K

Volunteer Continuing Education

This past weekend, SAPAC volunteers took part in their semester Continuing Education. This gives opportunities to returning volunteers to learn about topics related to SA/DV, stalking, and sexual harassment that are not normally taught during training. This semester, volunteers heard presentations about Batterer Intervention Programs and Mail Order Brides.

During the Batterer Intervention Program presentation, the presenter claimed that "a relationship can never be equal" and that "once a man hits his wife, every time they engage in sexual intimacy he is actually sexually assaulting her."

What do you think of his claims? What do you think of batterer intervention programs?

Voice your thoughts below!

Stalking Awareness Month T-shirts

In order to raise awareness about Stalking Awareness Month, SAPAC volunteers are sporting some new t-shirts. Check them out!

Know it. Name it. Stop it.

NPA Continuing Ed: Stalking

I recently came across this clip from SNL called "Peeper's Insurance" that really upset me. The link to the video is below, as well as some of the highlights:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/119788/saturday-night-live-peepers-insurance#s-p1-sr-i4

"We know that you're okay, because we're watching you."

"You pay nothing, but we're still there, ... when you're getting out of the shower."

"Thomas Peeper's Insurance. We're keeping an eye on you."

This reference to "peeping toms" in a comedic arena is in extremely poor taste and is downright offense. SNL makes light of a serious issue, a crime that is very real. Stalking terrifies up to 3.4 million people each year in the US. It is not something people should be laughing about.

This video is creepy as well as being offensive. The spokesman for "Peeper's Insurance" is watching a family, through the windows at night. He watches a girl and boy kiss on the couch. He watches a woman get out of the shower. He watches a woman unplug a drain, which is a thinly veiled reference to a hand job. The man is clearly deriving some sort of sick pleasure from watching these people. I'm not laughing at this.

It is really not okay for a tv show to belittle such a grave issue into nothing more than a joke. This sends the wrong messages about stalking, making it seem amusing and not at all serious. It is insulting to people who have been stalked, and is very triggering. What's worse is that this video was aired during the first ever Stalking Awareness Month. This is a time that is meant to promote knowledge and due regard of this crime. Instead, it is being minimized and trivialized by a major tv show.

In short, SNL, this is not okay.

For more information on stalking and Stalking Awareness Month, check out http://www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org/

-Emily Rion

Bystanders Don't Try to Stop Rape-Toledo, OH

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100121/NEWS02/1210328

Check out this link to an article from the Toledo Blade.

COME MAKE T-SHIRTS FOR THE CLOTHESLINE PROJECT

The Networking, Publicity, & Activism coordinators are hosting a t-shirt making event this Monday, January 18, from 2-4 pm in the SAPAC Office (715 N. University, Ann Arbor). The t-shirts will become part of SAPAC's Clothesline Project, an installation that is put up at various locations around the U of M campus. SAPAC crisis intervention specialists will be on call.

This event is open to all survivors and allies of survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment.

Please come out to make a shirt and be part of our installation!

Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking ESPN's Erin Andrews

As Stalking Awareness Month is just around the corner, this story illustrates the fact that stalking remains an important issue that needs to be addressed. On December 15^th, Michael David Barrett, an Illinois insurance executive, pled guilty to stalking ESPN sportscaster Erin Andrews. “More specifically, Barrett admitted to buying information about Andrews over the internet; traveling to follow Andrews; staying in three hotel rooms next to hers (the hotels told him which room was hers); twice filming videos of Andrews while she was naked through the door's peephole; posting those videos online; and trying to sell the videos to TMZ.”

As a female sportscaster, Erin Andrews is faced with a struggle against sexism and misogyny that male sportscasters do not experience. Andrews is now devoted to advocating for changes in the hotel industry to protect female travelers from becoming victims of stalking in the future. She says, “I live in hotels because of my job, and every time I check in, I look around, constantly thinking he is there.” Victims of stalking are forced to live their lives in fear, and this is something Andrews is dedicated to putting an end to. “I have a responsibility to other women,” she says. “If I back down or shy away, what kind of message does that send to other women and other guys who may be doing this?” We all have the opportunity to work with Erin Andrews and support the many victims of stalking this January. Stalking is not a joke, and it is important for everyone to understand the horrors that it entails. The full story can be found here: http://bitchmagazine.org/post/illinois-man-pleads-guilty-to-stalking-espns-erin-andrews