Hello everyone! I'll be discussing Rosa Linda Fregoso's article on Cross Border Feminist Solidarities this Friday! I have some questions for you all:
First off, what did you guys get out of the article? I found that it was very informative, but left me asking myself many questions. It's interesting how different aspects of culture can effect each other. It seems that every part of our culture is brought about by other events or situations.
What exactly is the 10 commandments of Marianismo? What is the 9th commandment? What do
you think about this rule? Do we find that this idea is prominent in many cultures today?
Do you think that problems with domestic violence have risen due to the 9th commandment?
Do you think it has risen more from the racism male minorities face? (pg. 33)
Do you agree that talking openly about domestic violence might cause a rise in racism or
stereotype?
What year was the National Coalition against Domestic Violence founded? (1978) (pg 34)
What makes domestic violence between Chicanos different from that of the majority race?
(Not that it happens more often, but that there is less activism in stopping it because
of the female commandments)
In the story of Paulina, what forms of abuse does she experience, and from who?
Think about these questions, and I'll see you guys on Friday!
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2 comments:
In my Law and Social Change class I've been researching the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)that was passed in 1994 and amended in 2000. Like we discussed in class, I think a lot has changed in recent years. As a result of the Act, a lot of resources are open to battered women and awareness of the issue is much greater.
VAWA also has special provisions that affect immigrant women. Through my research, I've found that abuse cases are higher for recent immigrant women than for US citizens. This could be because of the power dynamic that exists between immigrant women and their husbands. Many (legal) immigrant women's status is dependent on their husbands, giving their husbands immense power over their legal standing. The situation for illegal immigrant women was even more precarious because reporting abuse or getting treatment could have gotten them deported. Now, thanks to VAWA, battered immigrant women (and children) can receive special protection and immigration status, allowing them to escape abusive relationships and remain in the US.
VAWA helps address abuse and protect all women in abusive relationships, but the provisions specific to immigrant women greatly help our increasing Latino immigrant population by changing the power dynamic between immigrant husbands and wives.
It's scary to think about how badly the 9th commandment of Latinas has affected the power dynamic of Latina women. There are probably still many women out there who feel like they cannot get help, or that it would be shameful to their families. Some traditions are hard to break, and I think that's one of the biggest issues women have going against them when it comes to the fight against domestic abuse.
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