NCJ Number
46166
Journal
Victimology Volume: 2 Issue: 3-4 Dated: (1977-1978) Pages: 510-524
Date Published
1977
Length
25 pages
Annotation
A PICTORIAL ESSAY OF MASS MEDIA IMAGES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IS PROVIDED, AND THE ACTIVITIES OF WOMEN WHO OPPOSE THE USE OF THESE IMAGES ARE DISCUSSED.
Abstract
IMAGES OF WOMEN BEING PHYSICALLY ABUSED ARE USED IN MANY FACETS OF ADVERTISING. A PICTORIAL ESSAY OF RECORD ALBUM COVERS, MAGAZINE FEATURES, AND ADVERTISEMENTS IN WHICH VIOLENT OR SEXUAL IMAGES OF WOMEN ARE SHOWN EXPLICITLY IS PRESENTED. HOWEVER VIOLENT OR DEGRADING THESE IMAGES ARE, THEY STILL SELL MERCHANDISE. THE AUTHOR PROVIDES TWO EXPLANATIONS FOR THIS TYPE OF IMAGERY: (1) IT IS AN EXTREME ATTEMPT BY ADVERTISERS PHOTOGRAPHERS, AND EDITORS TO ATTRACT THE ATTENTION OF THEIR AUDIENCES; AND (2) IT IS A REACTION OF MEN AGAINST THE NEW AWARENESS AND MILITANCY OF WOMEN. SUCH MEDIA VIOLENCE IMAGES TEACH US THAT WOMEN ARE BY NATURE VICTIMS; THAT WOMEN LIKE TO BE ABUSED AND BEATEN; THAT WOMEN ENCOURAGE AND ASK FOR ABUSE; THAT WOMEN ARE APPROPRIATE AND EASY TARGETS; THAT VICTIMIZED OR ABUSED WOMEN ARE HUMOROUS, SEXUALLY STIMULATING, OR THRILLING; AND THAT THE APPROPRIATE AND NORMAL WAY FOR A MAN TO TREAT A WOMAN IS TO ABUSE AND DEMEAN HER. AN ACTIVIST ORGANIZATION, WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (WAVAW), WAS FORMED IN PROTEST OF A MOVIE CALLED 'STUFF,' WHICH CONCERNED THE SEXUAL ASSAULT, MUTILATION, MURDER, AND DISMEMBERMENT OF A WOMAN. WAVAW IS WORKING TO STOP THE RISE IN VIOLENT ADVERTISING IMAGERY ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT PROMOTES VIOLENCE. WAVAW DOES NOT DEMAND CENSORSHIP, BUT ASKS FOR CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY. AS SEVERAL INDUSTRIES FORBID THE GLORIFICATION OF DRUG ABUSE AND RACISM IN THEIR ADVDERTISING. COMPANIES SHOULD TREAT THE ABUSE OF WOMEN IN A SIMILAR FASHION. ADDRESSES ARE GIVEN FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND A LISTING OF RECORDS WHICH DEPICT OR WERE PROMOTED WITH VIOLENT, ABUSIVE MATERIAL IS PRESENTED. (BAC)