You Have a Right To Your Body

Trigger Warning: This post discusses rape/sexual assault Please be aware that some of the descriptions may be triggering to some.

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Unless you have been hiding under a rock, or you are in total denial, you have most likely heard the horrendous story of the Stanford rapist, Brock Turner. He is a 20 year old first-year and sexual assaulter. To briefly describe the turn of events, this freshman decided to take advantage of an unconscious woman behind a dumpster and forcefully (and I would argue knowingly) sexually assaulting her body. He was caught in the act by two students on bikes (thank you Swedes Carl-Fredrik Arndt and Peter Jonsson) who chased him down, tackled him, and called the police. Well, this sad story doesn’t end there. This “person” decides to go to court and deny everything. He will admit to drinking and fondling her body, but not to raping her. To make matter even worse, his white, privileged dad wrote a letter to justify his actions, stating that the “20 minutes of action”will have negative consequences his whole life…in terms of drinking and promiscuity. Say what?!?! Yes, I had to re-read it myself.

These are great- send to all the men in ur life RT @texpatriate 10 Rape Prevention Tips. @lizzwinstead pic.twitter.com/IPfWsaz9zz

— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) March 21, 2015

 

I am sorry, but these stories are hard to hear. Doesn’t matter if it is Bill Cosby or Jared the Subway guy who I don’t know… or a religious leader or family member who I do know. Either way it is painful and unnecessary for all parties involved, but especially the victim/survivor. Why are these stories so hard to hear for some, but not others. Particularly, why are women, people of color, and trans individuals  (basically everyone, but white males) the only ones having to worry about bodily harm in public on a daily basis?

Maybe, because they behavior is inexcusable. Maybe, because Brock has the nerve to play the victim. Don’t think you can swim your way out of this. No matter how good you are! Maybe, because there are a number of us (1 in 5 women, 1 in 33 men) who have been that unconscious woman. Like her, our stories have been minimized and swept under the rug of excuses, white privilege, or male fragility… or papal protection. Yes, hunty, I went there.

That is not to say that justice is never served, but I can’t help feeling that it’s “Just us! Never Served!” by the judicial system. The women (both white and of color) and Queer People of Color are usually the forgotten dolls on the playground. We are often dismissed, blamed, or even ignored when we report rape and sexual assault. The mishandling of cases is partially the reason the reported numbers can’t be trusted. Many men and women don’t report their sexual assaults/rapes because they fear the backlash. Or they fear nothing will be done. This case is a good example. The Stanford Rapist (purposefully using this moniker), Brock, only got 6 months in jail, 3 years probation (?) and he has to register as a sex offender. I think that is white privilege at its best. White judge gives young white man a light sentence because it is his first offense (how many assaults does one have to commit?) and reasoning that it may have impact on his future.  Erm, I call bullmalarkey.

I can’t help but question how many times inequity is served in our justice system.

Like most instances of  rape and sexual assault, there is not a single person involved in this failure, but a system of people. There is the ass-aulter, the judges that give lenient sentences, the fathers who defend their rapist children, the media that focuses more on “drunk female students” not “evil, violent male criminals.” We are quick to uphold white hetero-male supremacy (they have a bright future ahead of them, they are an honor student, they play football, etc.) and then demean the victim (unconscious drunk girl, attendant at drunken party, inebriated girl walking alone, it was that gurlz fault, blech). This blaming the victim ploy needs to stop. It doesn’t matter how drunk or drugged a person may be, you need to get consent. Just in case you weren’t in the know, the above adjectives (drunk/drugged) means that they can’t give proper consent. Also, if they are uncoscious at any point (beginning/middle/end) of the encounter… you need stop. Passing out is a direct, no questions asked NO.

You gone keep yo hands to yo-self, or nah?

• It is time to say no to leniency for men who continue to assault women (or anyone for that matter).
• It is time that we stand up to patriarchy, white supremacy, misogyny, and other structures of oppression.
• It’s time we paste the faces of rapists, and call them just that…RAPIST.
• It is not only time to stop the assaults, but also stop the victim blaming. We need to stop telling girls to wear different clothes, guys can’t help it, or you shouldn’t have drank. NO they shouldn’t have raped.

  As a queer, other-gendered identified (MAB) person, I know these times can be hard and uncomfortable. I know that they can be downright scary.But, we need to stick together to end sexual violence. If you see something, say something. Just think, you too can be a guardian angel like Carl-Fredrik Arndt and Peter Jonsson.  The important part is to take care of your neighbor and be a friend.

 

 

The Debating Race Watch Party

Today is a different kind of post. It is a video watch party day. Yeah!!!! I am posting two debates. One between Malcolm X and Bayard Rustin (1962) and the other between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley (1965). These debates are significant for many reasons, but to provide perspective, we must acknowledge what was going on at the time. The following information presents influential events that occurred around the time of both debates. It is important to note that these debates are happening in the prime of civil rights legislation and desegregation. There is a constant pull of power both within the black community (leadership and method is often argued over) and between black people and their white (supremacist) peers.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do these debates inform our activism?
2. Is it beneficial or detrimental that all three black leaders differ in their methods to black liberation?
3. In what ways does each person’s perspective add to civil rights and liberation of the black community?
4. Who or which method/views do you most agree?

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(the following information has been sourced from Reporting Civil Rights)

1962

• Congress submits Twenty-fourth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing poll taxes in federal elections, to the states for ratification on August 27.
• On Oct. 1, Meredith becomes the first African-American student at Ole Miss after President Kennedy orders U.S. marshals to Mississippi to ensure his safety (after rioting had taken place for two days).
• Kennedy issues Executive Order 11063 on November 20, prohibiting racial discrimination in federally owned housing, in public housing built with federal funds, and in new housing built with loans from federal agencies.

1963

• King is arrested on April 12 and writes his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” justifying disobedience to unjust laws, before being released on bail on April 20.
• Mass marches by African-American high school students begin in Birmingham on May 2. Public safety commissioner Eugene (Bull) Connor orders police dogs and fire hoses used on the marchers, May 3, and the police make more than 2,400 arrests between May 2 and May 7. Agreement reached on May 10 establishes timetable for desegregation of downtown department stores, the establishment of a biracial civic committee, and the release on bond of jailed protesters. After Klansmen set off two bombs in Birmingham on night of May 11, rioting breaks out despite pleas of movement leaders for continued nonviolence.
• President Kennedy gives televised address on June 11 in which he calls racial discrimination “a moral crisis” and proposes passage of a new civil rights bill.
• More than 200,000 people attend March for Jobs and Freedom in Washington, August 28, during which King delivers “I Have a Dream” speech.
• Klansmen bomb church in Birmingham on September 15, killing Denise McNair, age 11, Cynthia Wesley, 14, Carole Robertson, 14, and Addie Mae Collins, 14.
• President Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas on November 22 and Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson becomes president.

1964

• On March 12, Malcolm X leaves the Nation of Islam. Among his reasons for the break is Elijah Muhammad’s ban on protesting for Nation of Islam adherents.
• Malcolm X announces formation of the Organization of Afro-American Unity on June 28.
• House passes final version of civil rights bill on July 2 and Johnson signs it the same day. The act strengthens federal power to protect voting rights; prohibits discrimination in public accommodations; authorizes the attorney general to file suits for the desegregation of schools and public facilities; bars discrimination in federally assisted programs; prohibits discrimination by employers and unions; and establishes an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with investigative and meditative powers.

1965

• Malcolm X is assassinated in New York by members of the Nation of Islam on February 21.
• SCLC organizes voting rights march from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, the state capital. Several hundred marchers are beaten and tear-gassed by state police and sheriff’s deputies as they cross the Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma on March 7.
• Led by King, marchers leave Selma on March 21 under federal military protection. March ends with rally outside of state capitol in Montgomery on March 25 attended by 25,000 people.
• Final version of bill is approved by the Senate on August 4 and signed by Johnson on August 6. The voting rights act prohibits the use of literacy tests in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia, and parts of North Carolina
• Johnson issues Executive Order 11246 on September 24, requiring all federal contractors and subcontractors to take “affirmative action” to hire and promote persons without regard to race.

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As you see, this was a tumultuous time for many black Americans. Although there was progress made, much of white America refused to honor (or accept) it. Desegregation was more than just allowing black students to attend college. It was about eliminating unfair voting laws, pushing for inclusion in the workforce, providing equitable living conditions, and generally allowing people of color to live as true Americans. I want you to take time and listen to the full debates. In both examples we see the different ways that black leaders, and one opposing pundit, view the future of black people. Feel free to give a shoutout or comment if you feel the need. Other than that, enjoy ad see does this inspire your activism.

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Malcolm X vs. Bayard Rustin 1962

James Baldwin Debates William F. Buckley (1965)

Black People Are Out of This World

Ed Dwight – By United States Air Force – United States Air Force, Public Domain

When most people think of space and astronauts, they don’t think of black people taking “a small step for mankind” or telling “Houston, we have a problem.” We are very familiar with the Buzz Aldrin, Sally Ride and Neil Armstrong, but what about Livingston Holder Jr. or B. Alvin Drew? We plan to highlight some of the amazing black astronauts who paved the way (literally) to space!

In 1961, Ed Dwight was selected as the first African American astronaut candidate for NASA. His dreams to see space were never realized as he ended his career in resignation from the Air Force in 1966 after government officials created a threatening atmosphere. While trained and decorated (Air Force), he would never make it through the program and enter space.

Arnaldo Tamayo Mendez – By: Interkosmos press release Public Domain

It wouldn’t be until 1980 that another black person (Latin American, Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez) would have the opportunity to venture into the deep blue beyond. But, what about black Americans?

The first African-American to travel to space was Guion Bluford, a BLACK astronaut who had four successful trips to space (two on the Space Ship Challenger and two on the Space Ship discovery). But what about the women who were astronauts?

 

 

 

 

While there were black women in the space program, there wouldn’t be a black woman in space until almost 13  years later. The amazing woman to make this trip was Mae Jemison. Amazing would be an understatement to describe this person who was a doctor, Peace Corps veteran and trained dancer. If you really want to learn more about Mae Jemison, I suggest you check out this video.

Mae Jemison

This amazing woman paved the way for other African American women, although very few in number which is another discussion.

The next time a black women would enter the great beyond would be Stephanie Wilson, a ranked engineer and scientist. Since she began her training in 1996, she has been on three space shuttle missions and worked at the International Space Station.

Stephanie Wilson

Finally, the last black woman in space was Joan Higginbothan. She was mission specialist on the Space Ship Discovery.

Ed Dwight – By United States Air Force – United States Air Force, Public Domain

While these accomplishments are amazing (and out of this world), we must remain critical of why there are so few black female astronauts. To be honest, we should ask why there are so few BLACK astronauts, in general. Of course we know 15 people out of 2000 are chosen for each class, and these are the best of the best. And, of course we know you must then be a top performer of that class. So, the best of the best of the best? But, I ponder why there seems to be such a disparaging number of successful, black candidates who make it into orbit.

For now, we are celebrating and highlighting their accomplishments. We hope that they create a sense of wonder and innovation for young, black dreamers and future space travelers.

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Additional Resources:

Taking Flight: 7 Black Female Astronauts and Aviators who Changed History (Madame Noire)

List of Black Astronauts  (Source: Wikipedia)

Space Talk – Soaring Above the Setbacks: African-Americans in Space (Source: NASA Quest)

When Black Girls Rise, Everyone Benefits

The conversation of whether Black History Month is needed has been happening for a while. Too long if you ask me. Technically, if you ask me, I think that #allwomen (but, especially black and trans women) run this ship, yet they are never called Captain. This is a fact: Black History Month is not “a black holiday for only black people.” Yes, it was intended to highlight the accomplishments and impact black people have made. Yes, it celebrates blackness. But, part of the celebration stems from recognizing the diversity that exists as our world is made up of all people of color. To that end, I couldn’t pass up today’s find.

One Billion Rising is an event to bring recognition of the alarming rate of sexual (and I would argue physical/mental) violence that happens to women. This uplifting movement is trying to bring recognition to the issue, while celebrating the beauty of the body. Many young women of color (and others) are victims of direct violence everyday. There is a flashmob dance (that I am trying to learn for solidarity) for people to join the cause. I have linked it, so please participate and enjoy! It’s not always about highlighting important people, sometimes it is about confronting our own prejudices and actions on a daily basis.
#blackmalefeministsaywhat

One Billion Rising
http://onebillionrising.org/

How to “break the chain” choreography