activism

A Horrifying Representation of Comics *Trigger- Warning*

I have written about Barbara Gordon, Batgirl and Oracle before as being a disabled heroine and how sex and disability can interact in interesting and possibly damaging ways (Click here to see post). Yet, once again I felt compelled to write about the beloved character because of the horror inflicted on her ONCE AGAIN. As some may know, Batgirl or Barbara Gordon was shot and paralyzed in the story-line The Killing Joke by the Joker. What many don’t like talking about is the hours of gang-rape that was implied after the shooting. Yet as Batgirl dawns the cap again in a bizarre turn of events, where she no longer is disabled, she is still terrorized. This cover shows the kind of grotesque imagery DC is willing to put out as an embodiment of the Women in Refrigerator trope.  My reaction to this picture is one of immense distress and disgust. The proposed cover of a upcoming comicbook by Rafael Albuguerque in promotion for the Batgirl comics, this cover is disturbing. To be noted: Albuguerque did not originally make this cover until DC asked him to make one more extreme and it was at the artist’s request that the cover be removed (Click here for article).

Why do I find this so disturbing? The blatant sexualized violence against Gordon is reflected in the gun being pointed towards her crotch and the close proximity of the most insane and murderous villain to be featured in the history of comics. As he is putting lip stick across her face, her outright fear and the tears on the edge of her eyes is telling of the kind of situation this cover is trying to depict. The image of violence against women in this picture is horrifying and frankly triggering.

While I hope that this post does not trigger anyone else, i felt the need to share it because of the horrific turn that comic art has come too. One which sacrifices the well-being and emotional safety of its female audience for shock value.

This is a very desperate time for action to end violence against women. If it weren’t a problem anymore, do you think art like this would still be made?

If you or others that you know need help or someone to talk to, please see the organizations below:

SASCOttawa

ORCC 

The Sexual Assault Network

The Muff- Honest Thoughts on Pubic Hair

Femme Fatale

Article written for Wicked Wanda’s Adult Emporium, as Sexpert Lilith

The muff, bush, patch, forest, trimming and gift-wrap, to the carpet, happy trail, lady garden and pubes, pubic hair is a wonderfully strange aspect of one’s life and identity. For something which everyone thinks about at some point in their life, no one really wants to talk about it. From the historical roller-coaster of necessity and practicality, to the religiously informed aesthetics we see in pornography, pubic hair is complicated. My first vivid memory of pubic hair that I can remember was when I was some where around 12 years old and I was in the kiddy pool that my next door neighbour set up on the lawn in front of their house. It was a hot day and my best friend at the time and I were attempting to cool down in the sweltering heat when I look…

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Amanda Ryan Interview on Transgender Day of Remembrance

Lilith interviews the fantastic Amanda Ryan about the November 20th Transgender Day of Remembrance. We will look at the reasons and significance of this day and why it is so important for everyone to talk about it.

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Prof. Karaian on “Selfies, Sexuality and Teens: A Canadian Study” – Interview

Lilith interviewed Dr. Lara Karaian who is recently working on a project named “Selfies, Sexuality and Teens: A Canadian Study” at Carleton University. She has looked at the legal regulation and construction of sex, gender and sexuality; feminist, queer and transgender legal theory; risk management and regulation; (self)surveillance; the intersections of criminal and constitutional law; law and morality; critical criminology, cultural criminology, and porn studies.

To Listen, Click Here

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OCTEVAW Interview on Ending Violence Against Women

Lilith interviewed Erin Leigh, the executive director of OCTEVAW (Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women). The 16 days of activism has ended and we have seen many fantastic feminist activism across Ottawa on the issue of violence against women. OCTEVAW talks to us about what they did and how important it is to continue doing activism everyday against this massive issue in Canada and Globally.

To Listen, Click Here

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#UpForDebate Interview

Lilith interviewed Wilder and Alex from Carleton University about the current #UpForDebate campaign calling for a national debate on women’s issues. Our wonderful guests are from Oxfam!

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Black History Month Interview

Lilith chatted with the new program coordinator at Carleton University’s REC Hall and the person behind the various events happening during Black History Month: Kareen Onyeaju. Tune in for a discussion on the necessity for BHM, race politics today and the various exciting programming happening this month!

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Carleton University Black History Month

Kigali to Canada- Interview on Kigali, Post- Genocide

Lilith interviews undergraduate student Mel to talk about her experiences during a study abroad program in Kigali and the resulting events at Carleton University discussing Kigali post-genocide (Kigali to Canada). Her personal experience is visceral and engaging as she spoke to both sides of the Rwandan conflict which brought her to the understanding that the genocide was and still is: not simply black and white/ good or bad. Mel also speaks the the perceptions of the genocide from a Western prospective through the media.

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