Friday, 22 March 2013

The Steubenville Rape case: A Shocking Picture of Modern Sexism

It seems sadly appropriate that no sooner had I published my last blog post, lamenting sites where women are objectified and dehumanised, that the disgustingly sexist coverage of the recent Steubenville rape case hit the headlines.

Sentenced to a mere one and two years respectively in a juvenile correction facility, Trent Mays and Ma'lik Richmond were found guilty of rape after performing sex acts on an intoxicated sixteen year old girl at and between a series of parties last August. Perhaps most disturbing was the ugly influence of social media, with images of the naked victim being circulated, a friend of the defendants tweeting "Song of the night is definitely 'Rape Me' by Nirvana," and Mays even texting "Yeah dude, she was like a dead body. I just needed some sexual attention."

The group mentality of the crime is truly frightening. At least three other teenagers, who provided eyewitness testimony, were present at the time of the assault, with a third party even filming the attack.

This event is just another worrying hint that the "lad" culture is going too far. Just earlier this week when discussing my latest blog, I was asked "Do you really think that people who joke about rape actually think it's OK?" Well apparently some of them do. The shockingly cavalier attitudes of the rapists and the friends who stood by and watched are a horrific indictment of a certain male culture, where drunkenness, promiscuity, or manner of dress make women acceptable targets for assault. Perhaps used to misogynistic attitudes particularly pervading in an internet driven world, the defendants saw no problem tweeting a photo of the passed out naked girl, or even posting a video where the friends joked about the attacks.

Worryingly, recent evidence suggests that even the defendants football coach knew about the rape, hiding information so that his 'star players' football careers weren't threatened. Apparently in this shockingly anti-woman case, the hobbies of two rapists were more important than protecting a minor. In fact, it seems a wide proportion of the Steubenville community were aware of the case via its mocking coverage through social-media, and were involved in a kind of cover-up; the case was not brought to court until blogging group Anonymous independently collected evidence and campaigned for justice for the victim. Before this, an apparent reverence for these local football heroes prevented any real progress getting them prosecuted.

These horrific attitudes have continued into national media, with CNN lamenting the threatened futures of the defendants in a recent broadcast, and pitying them for their inclusion on the Sex Offenders Register, a move which will help protect other women from becoming victims.



The Steubenville Rape case has become a tragic illustration of how dangerous modern sexist attitudes really can be. Just a glance at the YouTube comments section on this video says it all: "if you dress like a slut your chances of getting raped increase," asserts one user, whilst another suggests that the victim should have had better "personal accountability" by "not sexualising one's self by dressing in a mini skirt and inviting unecessary, unwanted, and uninvited attention." This assumption is in spite of all images of the victim, included her clothing, being heavily pixelated.

People may say that modern misogyny is harmless, and even a joke, but the Steubenville rape case has shown otherwise. As long as these attitudes exist, they have the ability to invade reality, and horrifically distort the reactions, and thus access to justice, of bystanders, the legal system and the media.

Sunday, 17 March 2013

Student Sexism: The REAL Problem of the "Lad Culture."

As an avid reader of Glamour mag and (mostly) hardworking student, one article in particular caught my eye last month.



"Is this what it takes to get a degree?" screamed the stark headline, plastered against a background of women in tiny outfits. "You expected wild night at uni." the byline continues "But what about being pressured to strip and called a slut? When did that become OK? GLAMOUR investigates the rise of campus sexism-- and what it means for women everywhere."

Writer Elizabeth Day certainly does a good job of exploring the darker side of university sexism. Citing the "lad" culture every student is familiar with, Day bemoans sex-act simulation at sporting initiations, degrading fancy-dress themes and provocative night-club games. "The breed of sexism on show is darker, more endemic and more troubling than ever before," Day tells us adding that modern university life displays "a misogynistic campus culture that's got seriously out of hand."

And sadly, Day is not far off the mark. Although she seems to miss the fact that the sexist culture depicted is only really associated with certain, often sport based, spheres of university life, Day is spot on for much of the article. Far from being a place where women are respected for their equal intellectual abilities, a disappointing amount of male-female social interaction at University is based around the unfortunate "lad vs slag" dichotomy. In a befitting patriarchal twist, the "slut culture" is characterised only in opposition to the "lad culture." And it really is a feud where women are both enemy and victim.

This frightening trend is most apparent on sadly popular site www.unilad.com. Discussing one-night stands, a recent article boasts "by the time the DJ slips on Kings of Leon, most lads will have bought enough double-vodka-redbulls to convince some skank in a short skirt that engaging in a bit of a naughty snog on the dance floor is a great idea." It then launches into advice on how to prevent said girl staying the night, suggesting getting it over and done with before actually getting home. "Asking if you can slip a few fingers in first might help you figure out whether she’s a good candidate for taxi sex. If she manages to keep quiet but likes it then get her on top and get going so you can drop her off before she figures out your address." Uni Lad recommends. How hard you need to work on an excuse depends "on whether your bird has standards and how horny she is."
"Uni Lad" Logo

Horrifically objectified, in this "lad" culture, women are set up in a strange paradoxical state as both objects of desire and the enemy who serve no other function other than sexual, and thus become an embarrassing problem as soon as they have fulfilled this role. Disturbingly, Uni Lad followers have even responded to feminist protests with comments like "shows why we shouldn't allow wenches to be educated" after the site landed itself in hot water for its description of rape as "surprise sex."

Now, of course I'm not saying that this is representative of University life as a whole. Throughout my time as a student I've met plenty of interesting, respectful men, and have a lot of male friends. However, unfortunately the extremity of the misogynistic "Uni Lad" culture frequently returns university social structures into a primitive state of male/female separation whereby the primary function of interaction is sexual. Although many see Uni Lad as a joke, or that most mitigating of all things, "banter," unfortunately the extremity of Uni Lad is merely an elevated version of pervading misogynistic attitudes across the higher education social structure.

However, the real problem is not just university-based; the causes of student sexism go much deeper. Sites like "True Lad" and project "Everyday Sexism" show that sadly, this culture is widespread. Away from home for the first time, and in a strange pseudo-reality where the impression you make on people you meet doesn't impact your professional life, University is merely the ideal festering-ground for already heavily present patriarchal attitudes.

"Pimps and Hoes" themes instantly put men in power over the sexualised female
Away from the influence of family and in an environment where there are no serious repercussions for sexism, misogyny is given the perfect opportunity to flourish. The University lifestyle which advocates excessive partying and casual sex also means that men don't find it necessary to show women the respect necessary in most areas of society for developing a functional relationship, as girlfriends are highly incompatible with the ideals of the Uni Lad.

Most of the problems raised by Day's article henceforth stem from this culture; as men both encourage for their own gain, yet simultaneously deplore and mock female promiscuity and revealing clothes, both women and university night-life come to cater to this strange desire, with "slutty" or patriarchal themes, such as 'Pimps and Hoes' or 'Slag and Drag' being defined by the simple pre-requisite that women should dress as a mythical stereotype of female sexuality. This elevates everyday-misogyny from childish web-pages into the mainstream, increasingly redefining the uni social space as one divided by the binaries of the slut/lad culture; instantly a vicious circle promoting an ugly brand of sexism is created.

Ultimately, I too have partaken in the odd pimps-and-hoes fancy dress, and even seen it as a bit of harmless fun. But what's important not to forget is the danger of the underlying attitudes which have made these events so popular. Campus sexism that promotes a culture where women are viewed primarily in light of their sexual capacity, or how they look, is a sad twist for educated females, taking us back to a pre-feminist era which simply shouldn't be in play in the twenty-first century.

Wednesday, 6 March 2013

10 TV shows that will take over your life

Made In Chelsea
10. Made In Chelsea
Pseudo-reality television set in the playground of the rich and famous, Made in Chelsea is a juicy, drama filled TV treat. Filled with panning shots of expensive cocktails, glamorous venues, and designer dresses, Made in Chelsea is a show more made for lusting after the stars swish London pads and never ending supply of champagne than for actual storylines, but it's the ultimate in gossipy escapist television.

9. Supernatural
If you're a fan of old-school horror, action, mystery and gorgeous men, Supernatural is the show for you. The story of two demon-fighting, monster-hunting, ghost-busting brothers, Supernatural uses urban legends to propel its fantasically gothic plot forward. With each episode largely self-contained, with a few major revelations along the way, Supernatural is an easy one to dip and delve into.

New Girl
8. New Girl
The cutest sitcom around, New Girl is hilarious feel-good viewing. Currently on season three, the programme is a wry sidelook at male-female relationships, picking up when a downtrodden Jessica Day moves in with three male flatmates after a break up. Although generally a great programme, New Girls main appeal largely lies in Zooey Deschanel's starring role. Cute, quirky and awkward, Zooey makes Jess one of the most lovable and funny TV characters around.

7. How I Met Your Mother
Now in it's eighth year, this slow burning show is based around unlucky-in-love protagonist Ted Moseby narrating in excruciating detail the events that led up to him meeting the mother of his children. Although perhaps now a little stretched out, How I Met Your Mother is full of heartwarming stories of friendship and relationships in easily digestable 20 minute chunks. Extremely easy to watch, getting caught up in the life of these New Yorkers is inevitable.

Breaking Bad
6. Breaking Bad
Multi-award winning drama Breaking Bad opens with the main character, Chemistry teacher Walter White, being diagnosed with terminal cancer. However, don't let this less than cheery premise put you off. Often dark and beautifully written, the subsequent story of how Walt teams up with one of his former students to cook and sell meth is original, absorbing and thought-provoking. Although the show loses momentum somewhat a few seasons in, meaning I'm still working my way through it, it's well worth a watch.

Prison Break


5. Prison Break
Ultimately addictive, Prison Break is another dark yet extremely intelligent drama. Set in the fascinating world of American high-security prisons, Prison Break is the story of two brothers, one sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit, and another who has purposely ended up in prison as part of an elaborate scheme to free his brother. Unfortunately, the genius of this show tails off in the second season, which features the escapees after the planned break, but the first season still remains unmissable television.


 4. Girls
Girls isn't just a TV show; it's a way of life. Starkly honest and hilarious, Girls follows a group of 20-something graduates struggling to find their way through adulthood in New York. Although the second season has been a little underwhelming following the groundbreaking realism of the first season, Girls still remains one of the most genuine TV shows I've encountered. For a full review check out my previous blog, 'GIRLS just wanna have fun' http://what-katieb-did.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/girls-just-wanna-have-fun.html

3. Gossip Girl
Although primarily pitched towards teenage girls, Gossip Girl is still one of my feel-good TV faves. Wrapping up last summer after six spectacular seasons, Gossip Girl follows super wealthy Manhattan teens, taking off in their senior year of high school. Bitchy, gossipy and addictive, Gossip Girl is a veritable feast of twists and drama, centering around love, family and friendship. Even better, the fantastic wardrobe department serves up a myriad of lust-worthy designer outfits, making the show almost worth a watch for its fashion credentials alone.

Gossip Girl

2. Game of Thrones
Fantasy TV at its very finest, HBO show Game of Thrones' upcoming third season is currently the most anticipated event of my month. Set in the fictional continents Westeros  and Essos, Game of Thrones is a medieval-esque epic about warring dynasties battling for the control of the legendary Iron Throne. The noble families of seven kingdoms are followed in an endlessly complex plot which tackles history, fantasy, family, sexuality and high drama in its tension rich script.



Game of Thrones
Lost
1. Lost
Probably the most addictive TV show around, Lost takes the typical marooned-on-a-desert-island script to new levels of brilliance. After opening with a plane crash, expect an insane number of twists that totally transports the show beyond its original premise. Perfectly interspersing scenes of island life with flashbacks of the characters post-crash life, Lost strikes a perfect balance between the challenges and dynamics of island life, and an entirely imaginative slant; as the series progresses, mysterious monsters, bizarre mythology and science fiction are presented with stunning realism. Although belief must be somewhat suspended for later seasons, when time traveling kicks in, by this point you'll be hooked enough to absorb every revelation the programme throws at you.

Sunday, 3 March 2013

Why Curvy Girls Can Wear Crop Tops

Living in the depths of Yorkshire, sunshine becomes something of a rarity in the winter months. After weeks of dreary weather and having neatly packaged away my summer wardrobe (admittedly mainly the same as my winter wardrobe but without thick tights) I had given up hope of venturing out in anything less than three layers until at least after Easter.

And yet this week, good old British weather surprised us all by showing us the sun. Admittedly it barely hit 10 degrees Celsius, but this didn't stop us emerging bleary eyed from our darkened rooms, blinking in the unexpected light and dashing to find the nearest bit of grass to perch on.

I even made the rookie error of racing into my hallway in a floor length chiffon skirt and jumper before being hastily reprimanded by my housemate for my over-enthusiasm and sent back to change into a sensible jeans and hoodie combo.

However, a quick restyle later, and I was eagerly diving onto my computer to see what I needed to scour ebay for in preparation for a now surely imminent premature summer. And one trend seemed to keep coming up; a phrase that makes the curvy girls heart sink: crop top.

Now, I love crop tops. Oddly 80/90s retro, a well worn crop top is sexy, fun and on-trend. But here's the problem: well-worn requires washboard abs and a pancake-flat tummy, no exceptions. At a size 12 to 14, the stratospheric rise of the crop top had me enviously eyeing up my friends last summer as I stuck to my dip-hems and securely tucked-in blouses.

That was until an impromptu night out a few weeks ago. Raiding my fashion conscious friends wardrobe, I was more than a little dubious when a long leopard print skirt and tiny top were suggested.

As soon as I put it on, I loved it. Hoisting the skirt up much higher than my size-8 friend would, only a tiny sliver of the slimmest part of my waist was revealed, house-of-mirrors style trickery that if anything made me look much smaller than a curves-covering top would have done.





Truly high-waisted bottoms are the secret to bringing curvy-girls and crop tops together. Whilst the more daring amongst us can flash a few inches of stomach, skirts and shorts can be worn so high that all is covered whilst still getting in on a fashion-friendly trend. It's the tip how-to-wear guides featuring boob tubes with low slung trousers and barely-there skirts simply don't pick up on, unfailingly flashing reams of flesh on super skinny girls.
                                         

So here's a few of the best outfits to flatter the curvy crop.



Lace Bardot Crop Top, £18, Topshop
 Midi Skirt with Pleats, £28, ASOS



                



For a beautiful retro vibe, a 50s style lacy crop top and chiffon midi skirt is perfect. Pull the skirt up a little higher than pictured and prepare to bring vintage summer style back. Remember that fitted crop tops are fine, but always go for a larger size; too tight crops are ultimately unflattering.
Kainda Wet Look Box Pleat Skater Skirt, £15.99, Missguided


Cream Floral Bralet, £9.95, Moda Chiara


Flared and high waisted, skater skirts are a wardrobe staple of any curvy girl. Due to how flattering the flared style is, you may be able to get away with a bralet, but a tshirt style crop top will work just as well. Wet-look skater skirts are currently bang on trend, and contrast brilliantly with girly floral prints.
Maddie Midi Length Tube Skirt, £8, Boohoo
Caviar Bead Mesh Top, £26, Topshop



If you're carrying extra weight up top, a tight, midi length skirt allows for you to a hide a multitude of sins by going baggier on the top half. Overlap the crop top and the skirt for a multi-purpose fashionable yet flattering look. However, be careful when deciding if a tight midi skirt is for you, as they do tend to show up all your lumps and bumps.

Remember: fashion's not just for skinny girls, and curvy ladies deserve summer fun too! Always throw away the catwalk manual; getting away with trends is all about adjusting looks to focus on your best bits.