Behind The Music

Seabury Stoneburner

Nina Perez

WST 3015

8 March 2010

“Gonna Beat My Wife”

People cannot go a day without hearing some sort of music, whether actually listening to the legit song or hearing it in the background of an ad. Media has used music for many years to influence people’s minds to all sorts of ideas. Some music can have great meaning behind them with great motivation; however, others are quite opposite. Unfortunately in our society today, there are songs that represent violence. Not just violence alone, but also strong violence against women.

It is unfortunate that our society listens to such music that contains these horrible ideas about violence against females. A prime example of these types of songs is Dead Milkmen’s “Gonna Beat My Wife”. The title alone is terribly offensive to all women. In the song’s defense, when one listens to it, it seems like it was written for more ironic humor than actually attempting to influence someone to abuse his wife. Although, it is probably very rare that someone would actually listen to this song today because it is not available on Itunes nor, to my knowledge, has it been used in any media. It is not much of a shocker that a song with these lyrics would not be very popular among the crowd.

If one were to just read the lyrics to “Gonna Beat My Wife”, their negative emotions would sky rocket in disgust and rage. The musician clearly defines that men have dominant control over their wives by stating over and over again how he is “gonna beat” his wife. The musician even goes into detail on different methods for his success, such as hitting her with a lead pipe, hitting her with a truck, or even chasing her down with a lawn mower. Another idea one might consider after reading these lyrics is that these violent actions seem to be a repetitive, similar to the Megan Seely’s “Intimate-Partner Violence Cycle”. This cycle goes through serious of stages, including the “Honeymoon”, “Denial”, “Tension Building”, and finally “Explosion of Violence” (190). The period of this song seems to be taken place somewhere in between the “Tension Building” and “Explosion of Violence” stages. His anger or tension is rising and he is plotting out his method of violence. The musician is spitting out ways to hurt her and even states; “It happens”. The woman seems to have absolutely no power in the relationship and possibly in denial that this all occurs, once again demonstrating the Megan Seely’s “Intimate-Partner Violence Cycle” (189).

Some of the lines throughout the song could have more of an under lying meaning if so interpreted. The lyrics throughout the song somewhat demonstrate that the man is going to home and beat his wife. Unfortunately not all homes are considered safe; “For many women and children, however, home is not a safe place but one where they experience emotional or physical violence” (Kirk 260). Sadly his wife is taking the path of least resistance and continuing to live in a negative living environment. One might insinuate that the song has some sort of sexual abuse toward the woman because the phrase “finger lickin”. Although no clearly define sexual activity is stated in the song, this could be a settle hint. Another line that may have some minor meaning to it may be “at the shelter”. This could mean that these two characters are citizens of the lower class, which may suggest that abusive behavior towards an intimate partner occurs more within that class.

This song could be used for feminist to prove their point about violence against women. Clearly many men are not aware of the importance of this topic. If there are men out there who are willing to create such structure advertising the violence, then obviously they do not see a real issue. This is a problem in our society because there are many relationships that actually do exist like the one demonstrated throughout the lyrics. Dead Milkmen may not have had the intention of promoting a lot of angry women; however, more than likely this gave a rise to most feminists who are deeply involved with fighting against violent aggression towards women.

Work Cited:

Dead Milkmen. "Gonna Beat My Wife." Rec. 1 Jan. 1988. Beelzebubba. Grooveshark. Web. 27 Feb. 2010. .

Kirk, Gwyn and Okazawa-Rey, Margo. "Violence Against Women." Women's Lives Multicultural Perspectives. 5th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. 257-271.

Seely, Megan. Fight Like a Girl: How to be a Fearless Feminist. New York and London: New York University Press, 2007.

Activism Log # 3

Seabury Stoneburner

Nina Perez

WST 3015

6 March 2010

Activism Log 3

Activism:

This past week was a big step in our group. Katelyn and I were suppose to go Monday to talk to an Italian restaurant about possibly being our venue; however, do to family emergencies Katelyn wanted to go Wednesday. Wednesday was did not entirely work well for me but family definitely comes first. She had success on Wednesday and so FINALLY we have a venue. The discussion of Sweets By Holly being a possible venue came back into play because Andee finally got word that they were interested. Now we are possibly thinking of having two signing events for our project to make sure that everyone in the group can attend at least one, due to work schedules. After spring break we are all planning on having a meeting to discuss about it and if that becomes the plan then we will have to do a quick change to the fliers. Other than that, nothing else has really been going on. It was a little challenging for everyone to get involved in this project because this week was the week of midterms. I personally spent most of my week locked away in my room or in the library. I got a few fliers to make copies of so I can at least get donations while I am home in Jacksonville. I hope that maybe people I talk to know others around the area of Brevard that are willing to be foster parents and relay the information to them.

Reflection:

Establishing that have not one but two places interested in being a venue for our signing event has given me a small sense of relief. We were all putting our heads together to find somewhere and now I feel as though we are getting somewhere with out event. Having an event reminds me of Megan Seely’s Fight Like A Girl: How To Be A Fearless Feminist in the section about being active with your community. She talks about from step by step processes, which have worked out greatly for our group, to daily activity. She mentions to go out in the open and get people involved, which is simply what our signing event will do. We will stress the importance of this group and have those who want to contribute sign up for future contact. For daily activity she says; “No act is too small” (24). After being in this project and just simply talking to an acquaintance of mine I obtained a dog collar. Right there was proof that no act is too small. I simply mentioned why I was making photocopies of fliers and obtained a donation.

Reciprocity:

As a whole group, I believe we accomplished a lot this week. We still have another important discussion when we get back but now we have very good options. I honestly didn’t feel like I accomplished too much this week but there is more to be done that will get done. We have two venues that are in play, getting poster boards distributed to hang, and the fliers are almost completed. Once we get back together everything is going to work quite well. I believe the hardest steps are now behind us. This week we did talk a lot about what was happening, but the physical was not all there. Everything will soar when we return.

Work Cited:

Seely, Megan. Fight Like a Girl: How to be a Fearless Feminist. New York and London: New York University Press, 2007.

Activism Log # 2

Seabury Stoneburner

Nina Perez

WST 3015

20 February 2010

Activism Log # 2

Activism:

With two weeks into our project, I would say my group and I are on the right path in our service-learning project. We have all kept in touch with brainstorming for possible places to hold our “signing” event. There have been many good ideas. On Monday, Katelyn and I are planning on swinging by some of these possible places to ask if they would be interested in us hosting a small event at their place. Also, we are going to ask for permission to hang fliers in the windows of different locations and businesses to advertise the event. On Sunday I am meeting Andee at the dog park in Winter Park to bring the awareness of Animal Safehouse to the people who bring their own pets there. I feel like I am doing a pretty good job being active with this group while being a full time student. The more involved I am with this group, the more determined I am to continue pointing out exactly how important this program is to suffering women and their pets.

Reflection:

This past week has been pretty similar to the first week. Even though we mapped out a plan last week, we still had to go through and determine what would actually be possible and scratch out ideas that were more than likely not going to happen. Once again, through this process the “Twelve Step Method”, from Fight Like A Girl (Seely 19), was used to help us complete our organization. Through communication through emails and a few in-person meetings, the whole group still seems to be on the same page with what our main goals is.

Reciprocity:

As I help out Animal Safehouse I feel a small sort of accomplishment. Even though a few things I have done have pretty much been talking to a small amount of people at dogs parks, I still feel as though I have opened a few eyes to the importance of this program. Getting people to become aware of the situation is important and needs to be stressed to many more. If people are educated about what Animal Safehouse actually does, I feel as though more would be involve and support it. I am looking forward to going to the dog park on Sunday in attempts to tell more people and get support. I want to help these women who are suffering and let them know it is okay to leave their pets because they will most certainly be in the care of loving hands.

Seely, Megan. Fight Like a Girl: How to be a Fearless Feminist. New York and London: New York UP, 2007. Print.

Body/Sexuality Blog

Seabury Stoneburner

Nina Perez

17 February 2010

WST 3015

Never Judge a Book By Its Cover

Feminism is represented all over the media today, whether it is through advertising a product or in a movie or television show. Movies do a decent job demonstrating how women can be manipulated because of their gender. Legally Blonde is a prime example of people judging the main character, Elle Woods, by her outside appearance. This movie also demonstrates various stereotypes.

Throughout the film, audiences can pinpoint a diverse range of stereotypes. “Stereotyping involves making a simple generalization about a group and claiming that all members of the group conform to it. Stereotypes are behavioral and psychological attributes, they are commonly help beliefs about groups rather than individual beliefs about individuals; and they persist in spire of contradictory evidence” (Kirk, Okazawa-Rey 96). To state the obvious, there is the “dumb blonde” stereotype presented by Elle Woods. Elle Woods represents the typical blonde, sorority girl who is all about looks and designer fashion. Elle’s main reason for attending Harvard Law is to convince her boyfriend, Warner, to get back together with her. It is not until later that Elle Woods actually fights the stereotype to prove she is professional, wise, and completely opposite of the stereotype herself. Another stereotype, within the film, is the one represented by Enid. She is a law student as well who comes off as a bra-burning lesbian or feminist. Throughout the movie, she despises Elle because of her “dumb blonde” actions and appearance. The last example to be highlighted in Legally Blonde is presented by Brooke Windham. She is the character being accused for murdering her husband, who is an older and wealthier man. It seems to be that many people, the jury included, are convinced that Brooke is a “gold digger” settling for such an older man. These were just a few typical stereotypes that are distributed throughout the film.

At the start of the film it seems that all the women are interested in romance, however, as the movie progresses the goal in romance dwindles down and fades. The only reason Elle Woods applies to Harvard Law is because Warner wants to be with a woman who is intelligent and serious. In hopes to prove that she is worthy enough to marry Warner, Elle attends Harvard. Many of the students at Harvard Law have a nasty habit of judging a book by its cover. So many people are convinced that Elle is weak and that she will eventually drop out. Warner seems to turn into some sort of prize to win between Elle and Vivian, his fiancé.

The phrase “never judge a book by its cover” definitely relates to Elle Woods. Behind that Barbie-doll appearance, Elle is a wonderful role model for women. Although her priorities in the beginning of the film were not entirely straight, she became a good example of what a woman can accomplish if their heart is set on it. A main turning point for Elle in the film is when Professor Callahan disrespects her. He gives the impression that she has only made it so far because of her physical appearance. Unfortunately, Vivian witnesses Professor Callahan’s move towards Elle and also believes that she has just slept her way through law school instead of hard work. It seems that this misrepresentation that is being distributed caused Elle to prove all of Harvard Law wrong and show how she is just as smart and important, “the importance of self-definition and self-naming” (Kirk, Okazawa-Rey 159). With her determined mind, intelligence, and winning a great court case, she was able to present herself as a great, educated lawyer. The end of the film expresses that she will have success in her future and that she even got to have the final ‘no’ to Warner and start a new romance with a better man.

Work Cited:

Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. "Identities and Social Locations: Who Am I? Who Are My People?". Women's Lives: Multicultural Presepectives. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. 96. Print.

Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. "Women's Sexuality". Women's Lives: Multicultural Presepectives. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. 159. Print.

Activism Log # 1

Seabury Stoneburner

Professor Nina Perez

WST 3015

15 February 2010

Activism Log # 1

Activism:

One week is down in our service-learning project. Since it was the first week and our proposal was still being accepted, the activism part of the project was a little limited. We were able to establish a great contact with our community partner. She informed us what exactly the program was and what needed to be done. She stressed the importance of getting people to become foster parents of animals and any sort of donations. Once we were aware of all that needed to be done, we quickly jumped on the case and passed out jobs among the group. Katelyn and I met up in the library on Wednesday to get the ball rolling with possible places for venues. We also thought of where we could hang fliers, table, and meet up with our group members. Since our schedules are not working well with overlapping, we decided to make some sort of “chat” email so everyone can keep up to speed and throw out ideas. On Saturday, I volunteered to table outside the dog park on the corner of Dean and Colonial with Animal Safehouse. We were there for a little bit due to weather conditions but at least I was involved. Thus far, everything seems to be coming together rather nicely. I have faith in our group that we can keep the teamwork up!

Reflection:

The first week of the project was really about organizing and getting everyone on the same page. As I was trying to think of ideas and how exactly our group should approach the problem, I kind of related it to the “Steps To Taking Action” section from Fight Like A Girl (Seely 19). This article contains a twelve-step method, which became quite useful when discussing about exactly what we want to accomplish this semester. Through teamwork I believe the accomplishments will be met at the end of the semester if we stick to our plan.

Reciprocity:

Even though it has only been one week into our projects, I have already learned how much commitment one must have to make a difference. One must feel strong passion for the awareness to stress the problem greatly to the public. Through helping out Animal Safehouse, I was able to talk to a few girls who worked with the program and I was amazed with the dedication they had to the program. Listening to them talk to park visitors really opened my eyes to the true meaning of the program and has inspired me to give it my all to help these women and animals. I am willing to incorporate this in my daily life and make it aware to family and friends how much help this program needs.

Seely, Megan. Fight Like a Girl: How to be a Fearless Feminist. New York and London: New York UP, 2007. Print.

Service Learning Proposal

Service Learning Proposal

For Animal Safehouse of Brevard

Janet Audette

Michael Farmer

Andrea Ondina

Krysten Sanders

Seabury Stoneburner

Katelyn Temple

February 2, 2010

Jeannina Perez

WST 3015

Community Partner: Animal Safe House of Brevard

Address: animalsafehouse@gmail.com

Contact: Arielle Schwartz

954-401-4901

Community Partner Profile:

Animal Safehouse of Brevard was formed in summer 2008 as a network of individuals committed to helping both women and pets who are victims of domestic violence. Animal Safehouse recently became a registered Floridanon-profit agency which relies heavily on donations and volunteers and is in need of assistance to help as many women and pets possible.

Community Partner Mission Statement:

Animal Safehouse of Brevard is a not-for-profit effort geared towards providing temporary safe placement of pets that, like their owners, need to flee from domestic violence situations. The mission of Animal Safehouse Campus Action Network is a commitment to encouraging women to escape domestic violence by fostering and providing for their pets while they are in shelters; to raise community awareness about domestic violence and about the links between domestic violence and animal abuse.

Political and/or Social Basis for Organization:

Animal Safehouse of Brevard appeals to the desperate need for a safe place for pets who are subjected to abuse while their owners seek shelter and rehabilitation. Domestic violence can sometimes also involve animal abuse; both of these violate women’s rights and animal rights.

Community Partner Needs:

In order to be productive and to continue helping animals, this organization needs constant help from the community. Transporters, foster parents, volunteers, and vets are needed. Animal Safehouse of Brevard relies heavily on donations to keep our program running. Items needed are unopened food, collars, leashes, bowls, flea treatment, heartworm treatment, veterinary care, crates, pillows, toys, and blankets.

Memorandum

TO: Jeannina Perez

FROM:J. Audette, M. Farmer, A. Ondina, K. Sanders, S. Stoneburner, K. Temple

DATE: February 2, 2010

RE: Proposal to Write a Feasibility Report for a Service Learning Project

This is a proposal for the services needed for the benefit of the Animal Safehouse of Brevard County. We outline the services we plan to provide to the benefit of this community partner in this proposal. We will also include the connection between the goals of the Animal Safehouse and Women’s Studies.

Need for materials, time and volunteers to assist in raising money, awareness and donations to assist Animal Safe House of Brevard

The mission of the Animal Safehouse is to provide foster care to pets of women who need to leave abusive situations. Many women will not leave because they either have children or pets at home that they do not wish to abandon. By providing the foster care, the pets will be taken care of and the women can feel more confident in leaving.

Plan Proposal

We plan to provide services for our partner by partaking in the activities of the Animal Safehouse. It will benefit their cause and also provide them with extra help. We also are aiming to raise awareness. As a group, we will make flyers, table at local businesses and plan a “signing day” where interested persons will be able to sign up to foster an animal in need. We plan to table with a constant schedule with the hopes that we will also be able to collect donations.

Rationale for women’s studies

This project is relevant to women’s studies because it presents the problem with domestic violence toward women and animals.

Action

We plan to get as much information from the Animal Safehouse as possible before planning any action. We will need to record information of known families and pets in need of the Animal Safehouse’s services. Then we will take this information and use it to create flyers and any other means of spreading the word to people. We also plan to organize a “signing party”.

Timeline

Below is a schedule of events, activities and/or deadlines for our project:

1. Research/interviews – through February 13

2. Begin creating materials to use for spreading the word–through February 20

3. Organize “signing party” for Animal Safehouse – through March 6

4. Flyer – through March 13

5. Finalize “signing day” (event will also be around this date) – through March 25

6. Send thank you letters– April 2

Works cited

Animal Safehouse of Brevard. Web. 28 Jan. 2010. .

How Does Advertising Affect The Audience?

Seabury Stoneburner

WST 3015

February 8, 2010

Nina Perez

The media today has taken advertising to the extreme in numerous ways. They portray unrealistic ads to the public through television commercials, magazine ads, and newspaper ads. To the marketing world, the more eye-grabbing the advertisement, the more sales they will reach. Unfortunately, the media has taken the approach of abusing, distorting, and degrading women’s bodies to sell their products because they feel that sex sells. They believe if they have a beautiful trim woman selling their product they will truly benefit from it. Many products that have more of an interest to a male audience use a female figure to grab their attention. As the entertaining world becomes more relaxed with their rules, the advertisements seem to become more and more scandalous.

On television today there are many advertisements that use a woman as the main advertiser. The restaurant Hardee’s is a prime example of misusing women to sell a product, which in this case is a hamburger. Paris Hilton misrepresents the female figure in this commercial in a very disturbing way. In this commercial she is wearing an extremely revealing bathing suit while washing a car in a very seductive fashion. The way she is eating the hamburger and the way she is washing the car is also extremely sexy as well. She has an extremely thin-framed body that is not the norm for the majority of the women in the world. She does not represent a natural, untouched body because she has had various plastic surgery procedures as well as numerous hair treatments. The truth of the matter is that many women do not have the means to get hair treatments frequently for pleasure and go under plastic surgery. The average woman also is not positioned in an industry that focuses on outside appearance daily as much as Paris Hilton’s does. Unfortunately today, the media focuses on unrealistic female body images which in turn makes women out in the real world feel extremely vulnerable and insecure: “Jean Kilbourne describes the ‘toxic cultural environment’ surrounding U.S. girls and shows how advertising images can severely undermine girls’ self confidence and sense of agency which can lead to serious physical and emotional health problems” (Kirk, Gwyn, pg. 208). I am comfortable with my body and over all appearance; however, I would not compare myself to her. I believe I relate to the women in the advertisements that are not meant to please or attract the opposite sex.

Paris Hilton’s sexual behavior in the skimpy outfit is definitely a negative representation of all women. Her sexual behavior is a negative representation that suggests women should be sex objects for men’s pleasures: “Dominant U.S. culture often reduces women to bodies, valuing us only as sex objects” (Kirk, pg. 208). Her body’s action when washing the car degrades women. Her behavior in this commercial is definitely one that I would never consider displaying under any circumstances.

YouTube - Sexy Paris Hilton eating hamburger

Kirk, Gwyn, and Margo Okazawa-Rey. Women's Lives Multicultural Perspectives. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print