CMC as a Resource and Tool

I found the lesson on women and computer mediated communication to be especially interesting. When I took a Women’s Studies Course, we learned about the traditional three female archetypes: the Virgin, the Madonna and the Whore. Throughout literature and even much documented history, women have been portrayed within these archetypes and not necessarily as entire people. I was intrigued by the female archetypes we learned about in class that have become popular media. One that hit close to home for me is the “manic pixie dream girl,” as exemplified by Zooey Deschanel in 500 Days of Summer, Natalie Portman in Garden State and various others. Since this character usually isn’t sexualized (at least at first), I didn’t recognize it to be an issue. However, depicting women that only exist to help men, even in ways that are not sexual, is extremely problematic.

These archetypes are dangerous because they teach young women that their options are limited with regard to personality type and goals. Be it through entertaining, saving, needing or having sex with men, women exist for purposes that do not lie in their wellbeing and success as individuals. Sending this message has many negative impacts, including worsened mental health, perpetuation of rape culture, an large scale devaluation of women.  

I was also moved by the notion of women using the internet as a source of strength and support in places or situations where they may not have much freedom. Previously, we learned that women and people of color are more likely to use Twitter and other social media sites. I think that this is possibly because the internet can provide a voice to those who are less rarely heard and respected. Online, we can access information, build communities and create safe spaces that often times real life does not allow for. It’s harder to oppress people online, and for that reason it becomes a breeding ground for social movements representing minorities.

Women’s health issues are a frequently discussed health issue, but women still are not receiving the care and often the information that they need. The internet provides information on safe sex, abortions, menstruation, LGBT identities, etc. Many women are not taught this information either at home or in school, and therefore the internet plays a large role in education. Many women do not have access to feminist thought or taught that their life matters. The internet can be a great source of strength for women in traditional and conservative societies who wish for something greater. On that note, they can contact people who may help them get out of dangerous situations like domestic abuse, etc.  

In the US, it’s obvious that we’ve in the midst of some revolutionary social change, as we should be. Race issues need to be resolved, and each step toward equality and respect is a step in the right direction for everyone. Hopefully, just as the Civil Rights Movement has been revitalized, we can revitalize the Women’s Rights Movement with full force. Just because laws were made to install equality does not mean that equality exists. I wonder what role CMC will have in our future pursuits of change.