Media’s sexist depictions, conceptualized gender roles and concern for sexual violence will be called to question by DU advocates as part of this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Week.
“However, pornography, hip-hop and advertising are not only to blame,” says Lisa Ingarfield, program director of gender violence education and support services. “Consumers are just as guilty.”
Wanting to bring light to the issue, DU will host a week of activities Apr. 7–14 to increase awareness and educate the community on sexual assault and offer ways for people to participate in the fight against sexual violence.
The week’s theme, “Sex, Media, and Power,” will examine our society’s construction of sex and the influences of media and power on sexual assault. Through film, artistic expression and discussion, the week’s events will look at the role we play as consumers in supporting and perpetuating a culture of sexual violence.
Ingarfield hopes both men and women will attend the week’s events. The issue of sexual violence involves everyone, she explains.
“Both men and women need to be aware of the issue of sexual violence and the role they play in either perpetuating or fighting it,” says Ingarfield. “Mainstream misogynistic media is consumed by a large portion of our population, and that consumption is part of the problem.”
Exploring that exact issue, documentary filmmaker Byron Hurt will present and discuss his most recent documentary, Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes. The documentary examines representations of manhood, sexism and homophobia in hip-hop culture, featuring interviews with famous rappers.
Poet Big Poppa E will also visit campus to present “The Wussy Boy Manifesto.” The performance will be a mixture of poetry, stand-up comedy, dramatic monologue and interactive storytelling that focuses on gender, sexuality and the role of feminism in the lives of both women and men.
Learn more about the week’s events.