Let's Hear a Story....

After reading Allison's memoir and the pieces by Clarkson and Chrenshaw, it makes one wonder how violence is interpreted when based off of the woman's identity. When it came to all three writings, violence against women was obviously portrayed in a very negative way. But, they brought up the different ways in which women from different backgrounds are affected by the violence. The most interesting aspect of women and violence came from the article written by Chrenshaw. She focused on the idea that women, especially those who were immigrants, were more likely to be impacted by violence, due to the fact that they are less able to communicate their issues.

Chrenshaw discusses the idea that women who are immigrants are more likely to face violence due to their fear of deportation. They are threatened everyday with remarks that if they do not do as they are told, they will be sent away from the "new" life they are trying to make for themselves. These women are faces with a losing situation. They will either lose they life they want to make or lose their dignity in the face of a man.

Another interesting point brought up in the article was that battered women who were of the poorer class and who identified with being "non-American," had a much more difficult time trying to find help. They would be sent away due to the inability to properly communicate with English speakers. Shelters sent women away because they felt that since communication was difficult, they would never be able to tell their story and fully cope. Essentially, these shelters are sending away women in need. They are discriminating against those who are "different," when in the end, a non-English speaking women who is beaten by her husband and left homeless on the street, is facing the same difficulties as one who speaks English. All in all, they need and deserve help.

One other interesting point brought up in the readings was that the violence towards women seems to occur because the beatings and rape represent power. The men are trying to take control over women and the way they can do that is through berating and belittling them through physical, emotional and sexual abuse. This abuse is predominately seen in war, as stated by Clarkson. "They have spread terror through the population by looting and burning villages and raping and murdering their inhabitants. Throughout the fighting many people fled into the bush, where they hid, afraid to come out" (613). Through the use of violence, these men are instilling fear in others. This shows the people that they are in control and can do anything they please. Every person loses their identity. Everyone is the same to these men and they will do anything to hurt them.

Overall, identity can affect the way violence affects people. When people face differences, they are treated differently. They struggle with trying to fit into the "norm." They face difficulties with others believing their stories, when it seems that some of the best ways to deal with these situations is to tell one's story.