#MeToo, Weinstein and Feminism

verfasst von: Karen Boyle

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

This book provides a feminist analysis of #MeToo and the sexual assault allegations against celebrity perpetrators which have emerged since the Weinstein story of October 2017. It argues for the importance of understanding #MeToo in relation to an on-going history of Anglo-American feminist activism, theory and interdisciplinary research. Boyle investigates how speaking out about rape, sexual assault and harassment on social media can be understood in relation to second-wave feminist traditions of consciousness-raising. Her argument explores the media depiction of feminism – and feminists - in the wake of Weinstein and the cultural values associated with men’s abuse, particularly within the film and television industries. The book concludes with an exploration of what the #MeToo era has meant for men as victims/survivors and as alleged perpetrators, in relation to narratives of victimisation and of monstrosity.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. #MeToo, Weinstein and Feminism

Abstract

This chapter introduces the key concerns of #MeToo, Weinstein and Feminism by establishing the longer history of Anglo-American feminist activism, theory and interdisciplinary research on which it draws. It provides an account of the development of #MeToo in the wake of the reports relating to Harvey Weinstein, but argues for the importance of distinguishing between the hashtag and the wider, and continuing, history of “Me Too” as a movement. This chapter additionally clarifies how the term feminism is used in this book, explores the implications of the focus on the celebrity (alleged) perpetrator and explains the use of the phrase victim/survivor. It concludes by offering an outline of the chapters to follow.

Karen Boyle

Chapter 2. Silence Breaking

Abstract

This chapter explores how speaking out about rape, sexual assault and harassment on social media can be understood in relation to second-wave feminist traditions of consciousness-raising. Central to the discussion is a concern with the personal and political function of speaking out, and how media engagement with victim/survivors’ experiences can shape, extend and/or limit their political potential. At stake is the position of feminism in mainstream media discourse around #MeToo. Drawing on Angela McRobbie’s (The Aftermath of Feminism. London: Sage, 2009) notion of the “double entanglement” which characterises media engagements with feminism, this chapter explores the contradictions inherent in ahistorical and decontextualised representations of a quintessentially feminist issue. It demonstrates that the backlash against #MeToo was simultaneous with its development, offering an analysis of news coverage of #MeToo and TimesUp!

Karen Boyle

Chapter 3. Continuum Thinking

Abstract

This chapter uses Liz Kelly’s (Surviving Sexual Violence. Cambridge: Polity, 1988) theorisation of the continuum of sexual violence as a starting point to explore how feminists theorise the connections between different forms of male violence against women. It explores the challenges in translating feminist theory into media commentary, arguing that continuum thinking has been distorted in the backlash against #MeToo to suggest that feminists cannot distinguish between different kinds of violence. It argues that the wider understanding of “sexual assault and harassment” which #MeToo calls for and Kelly’s work advocates, conflicts with the emphasis on criminal justice in much feminist thinking as well as in media rape reporting. Matt Damon’s comments on #MeToo provide a lens through which to explore these issues and consider the role of men in mediating feminism.

Karen Boyle

Chapter 4. The Cultural Value of Abuse

Abstract

It has become something of a cliché to suggest that celebrity perpetrators can hide “in plain sight”. This chapter argues that the cultural values associated with men’s abuse of women provide an explanation for this contradictory in/visibility. It explores how the production cultures of film and television, as well as popular representations of the industries and their stars, can condone male violence against women and blame victims. The chapter analyses how the “in plain sight” narrative functioned in relation to Weinstein, before moving on to compare this with Kevin Spacey’s attempts to incorporate the abuse reports into his existing star persona. In this context, the challenge of a victim/survivor-centred, feminist analysis is that it can disrupt cherished notions of artistic and culture value, as well as viewers’ pleasures.

Karen Boyle

Chapter 5. Men in the #MeToo Era

Abstract

Whilst #MeToo and Me Too have centred victim/survivors, what the contemporary moment means for men is a recurring concern. This chapter investigates the position of men in the #MeToo era, focusing first on men as victim/survivors of sexual abuse, including of female perpetrators, before moving on to consider how alleged perpetrators are situated in relation to narratives of victimisation (with a focus on #HimToo and the Kavanaugh hearings) and of monstrosity. Whilst feminist critics have been interested in the connections between “aberrant” and “normal” male behaviour, this chapter demonstrates the enduring appeal of distinction and individualism in understanding male violence. The conclusion connects this with the wider arguments of the book, asserting the importance of understanding #MeToo historically and contextually.

Karen Boyle

Backmatter

Titel: #MeToo, Weinstein and Feminism
verfasst von: Karen Boyle
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-28243-1
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-28242-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28243-1