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I just wanted to direct readers to this really interesting post by WCD on gender and crip theory.
Many thanks to WCD for being such a beautiful writer who adds a lot to the blogosphere.
I just listened to an interesting debate curtesy of Intelligence Squared US.
The team that was for the motion consisted of Catharine MacKinnon, Melissa Farley and Wendy Shalit.
The team against the motion (arguing that it was okay to pay for sex) included Sydney Biddle Barrows, Tyler Cowen and Lionel Tiger.
Lionel Tiger was probably the donkey of the event, after he tried to explain the exchange of goods for sex amongst chimps.
Shalit:
I’m surprised by the negatives’ reliance on the argument that it’s not going away and historically, a lot of people have been doing it.
We’re not debating whether it’s common, to pay for sex, we’re not debating whether it’s happened, we’re arguing whether it’s right or wrong…just because the chimps can provide an explanation doesn’t mean that it’s right.
His chimp analogy was the butt of a few more cracks before the event completed.
The team against the motion brought up many historical and social observations, such as the exchange of the engagment ring for the purpose of sexual priviledges, the self-sexualization of the female body in preparation for that exchange (buying certain kinds of clothes), and the “honest” purchase of sex opposed to the getting-her-drunk-and-never-calling-her-again scheme.
I was previously unfamiliar with Shalit, but she was quite good in the debate. She managed to ruffle the feathers a bit and earned her share the spotlight alongside her heavyweight team.
I’d highly recommend listening to the debate, which is a lot of fun. There’s an abridged as well as an unedited audio version, as well as a transcript of the event.
See previous entry on recommended Feminst blogs.
I may be biased. My first foray into Crip or Ableist Theory, apart from a childhood volunteer job playing with kids with autism, was Robert McRuer’s Crip Theory. The book specifically looks at intersections of sexuality and ability. For that reason, I may have a pre-conceived notion that this academic and political discipline is naturally inclined towards a diverse activism from which the others (feminist, critical race) have historically strayed.
Forgive my ignorance.
The 3 blogs below, however, support my optimistic fantasy. (Score one for me!)
"Dancers aren't just bodies; we are people..."
- Biodiverse Resistance. A blog started in 2007 that’s updated every couple days. To quote the blog description:
In defence of biodiversity in all its forms, liberty, equality and the freedom to be different. Working for a society in which hierarchies, whether based on class, gender, (dis)ability, race, money or power are abolished, food and energy sources are ecologically sustainable, and all people are recognised and accepted for who and what they are.
ThisAbility writer, Aaron, believes House's parking spot bet raises issues in a good way.
Great, no? The article on choosing care-rs in Mass was my introduction to the blog.
- ThisAbility is and awesome blog off of ThisMagazine. I’ve been a subscriber for a few months now, and thoroughly enjoy reading the articles. The main contributor is Aaron Broverman, who writes awesome editorials on a somewhat weekly basis. Excellent and intelligent writing.
- Wheelchair Dancer is a beautiful blog based on movement and politics. The posts can be substantial in size, but never lack substance that is relevant and thought-provoking. The riff on the Homeowner’s Association and Free Speech is a good entry post.
This is the second of a series that attempts to bridge disciplinary gaps between causes. No matter your cause of choice, these issues are relevant and useful. The sooner we can collectively recognize this hierarchical system, the sooner we can join forces to and brainstorm ways to overcome.
Captain Planet-style.
