Although Brian Raymond's article on Jennifer Lawrence's stolen nude photographs brings up some interesting points on rape culture and how America treats and shames female sexuality, it also includes some extremely problematic language and ideas.
The first paragraph completely contradicts the more progressive ideas in the later part of the entry. Although Raymond refers to the original poster of the photos as one of the "sick minded people" in our society, he also says that privacy breaches like this "made many young guys dreams come true" and says the release of "a gorgeous nude photo of one of [a young man's] favorite celebrities" is "better than winning the lottery."
He later goes on to write that Lawrence is a victim of a system that permits sexualization and commodification of women and their bodies. While this is a very valid point, it is very problematic to say that Jennifer is a victim, yet still promote the photos with language used in the first paragraph.
Something that some people may not realize is that even if they did not personally steal and post the photos, they still allowed and promoted that action by looking at them. By searching and looking up photos that stem from a sex crime like this, people can support the action without having stolen anything in the first place; they benefitted from the system that gave them the opportunity to see the photos and for that, they are not completely innocent either.
While it is very positive to say that "It is time America looks itself in the face and says this can't happen," it might be more beneficial to look closer to home. What words and ideas are you promoting, consciously or unconsciously, that contribute to a misogynistic culture that continues to abuse and belittle women? Calling the visual results of an unwarranted sex crime against someone "better than winning the lottery" might be a good starting point.
Nice work, Elizabeth. You critiqued Brian's argument without attacking Brian himself. Strong nut graf(s) too; without your accurate summary of Brian's blog, readers wouldn't be able to follow your posting.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article Elizabeth. I find it interesting that a lot of celebrities are taking stances in defense of Lawrence's privacy. Even Perez Hilton, who assisted in the sharing of the photos, regretted his actions. This breach of privacy is about so much more than nude photos.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post, Elizabeth. I think you did a great job of characterizing his argument in a fair and concise manner. I also think your blog raises important questions about those who are progressive and well-inetntioned, yet don't examine the way they frame their perspective, express their ideas, etc.--and thus don't understand that they too are complicit in various forms of oppression. I think we are all guilty of this, and in various contexts.
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