Media Illustration: Institutionalized Gendered/Sexed Violence

Here are some quotes from Victoria Prunin DeFrancisco and Catherine Helen Palczewski.

"Institution enforce and sustain gender expectations. Enforcement mechanisms can appear non-coercive for those who abide by socially sanctioned gender roles. " Pg 146

"When biological men exhibit femininity, they are disciplined, sometimes through overt violence, as was army private Barry Winchell, who was murdered by two other soldiers because of this relationship with a preoperative male to female transsexual. " P146

Recently the United States Military has thrown away the law of "Don't ask, Don't tell". This has sent shock waves across the country. When you think of the military you think of straight service men and women. Gay men and women are now allowed to service openly within the military without worrying about the risk of being kicked out for being gay.

Here is a video of the Marines preparing the repeal of "Don't ask, Don't Tell"

"Not only are gender/sex norms violently enforced, but gendered /sexed violence is institutionalized." p146

Here is a video that releases some tension on gays serving openly in the military.

1. What impact do you think this decision to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has on the military and the United States, even though, gays have been serving anyway?

2. What impact can this have on gays whom decide to service openly gay?

References:

DeFrancisco, V. P., & Palczewski, C. H. (2007). Communicating gender diversity: A critical

approach. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.