History of Feminism

ismnotwasm

(42,674 posts)

32. There an interesting dynamic

Sun Oct 7, 2012, 06:55 PM

Oct 2012

Or, horrifying might be a better word, between war, sex and gendered status. Its almost a different topic, but the photo brushes the edges of it. Then, while women did a lot more than they're given credit for, 'Rosie the Riveter' aside, woman were wives, mothers, sex objects. Teachers and nurses maybe. They were expected and expected to stay at home and tend hearth and home. Marriage and family was the ultimate goal.

A man could legally rape his wife, as well as ensure she was financially and legally dependent on him. Spouse abuse was a dirty secret. On and on and on. The victories feminism won in so many areas hadn't happened yet.

So, in the aftermath of bloody conflict the soldier felt entitled to grab a 'girl' and put her in physical position she couldn't get out of, and kiss her; and the country felt him to be entitled. What would be seen at best as bad behavior in peace time-- although probably laughed off--made the cover of a major magazine and became part of wartime history.

So you are right. It wasn't discussed, it was celebrated.

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Highlight:

Is This Famous Photo Fueling Rape Culture? [View all] redqueen Oct 2012 OP

re: hlthe2b Oct 2012 #1

The sailor was drunk and thought she was a nurse. redqueen Oct 2012 #2

Context is being ignored in that assessment. hlthe2b Oct 2012 #3

this is where i sit with that. having to show signs of struggle, is the issue we are having today seabeyond Oct 2012 #4

She said it was very fast, yes. redqueen Oct 2012 #5

As I said, if it had occurred in any other setting but one so unprecedented, I'd agree hlthe2b Oct 2012 #6

let's PLEASE not conflate an unexpected and impulsive quick kiss with rape. seabeyond Oct 2012 #10

re: hlthe2b Oct 2012 #12

re re: lol seabeyond Oct 2012 #13

Thanks for that explanation.. hlthe2b Oct 2012 #15

"thinking aloud" seabeyond Oct 2012 #16

... hlthe2b Oct 2012 #17

ha seabeyond Oct 2012 #18

i do not know why a conversation about this, and an understanding that seabeyond Oct 2012 #7

I find your last paragraph hlthe2b Oct 2012 #8

thank you. i will clarify. the wonderful thing about du3, we can edit.... and often. seabeyond Oct 2012 #11

Exactly, it's not the end of the world... redqueen Oct 2012 #9

I suppose because it's a cherished icon seabeyond Oct 2012 #14

Was there malicious intent in this man's action? Tuesday Afternoon Oct 2012 #19

how could there be malicious intent if men had the right to a woman and a woman was to submit? seabeyond Oct 2012 #20

that was then. this is now. If she was not offended why should I be now some 50 odd years later. Tuesday Afternoon Oct 2012 #21

but, this is interesting. i dont know that anyone is "offended". seabeyond Oct 2012 #22

ok then, let me just answer the question from the OP. Tuesday Afternoon Oct 2012 #23

another interesting. redqueen agrees with you. i had to go back and see seabeyond Oct 2012 #24

It is perhaps ismnotwasm Oct 2012 #25

What really amazes me are so many of the reactions to anyone who dares to discuss it. redqueen Oct 2012 #26

You know on second thought ismnotwasm Oct 2012 #27

And that *is* rape culture. seabeyond Oct 2012 #28

I agree the question is wrong.. Kalidurga Oct 2012 #29

"Now we can at least ask that question" that does not seem to be correct and i am curious seabeyond Oct 2012 #30

I didn't say it would be without consequence or blow back. Kalidurga Oct 2012 #31

There an interesting dynamic ismnotwasm Oct 2012 #32

Colletive wailing against the idea that this was a boundary violation and is not OK MadrasT Oct 2012 #33

and this is 2012. we are talking. i am truly amazed at the blatant misrepresentation of what is seabeyond Oct 2012 #34