This is a great article that describes the use of using our media made fear of sexuality as a money making enterprise.
Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Case Study of Disease Mongering and Activist Resistance
by Leonore Tiefer:2006
The creation and promotion of“female sexual dysfunction”(FSD) is a textbook case of disease mongering by thepharmaceutical industry and by other agents of medicalization, such as health and science journalists, healthcare professionals, public relations andadvertising firms, contract research organizations, and others in the“medicalization industry.”
Go here to read more
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/archive/1549-1676/3/4/pdf/10.1371_journal.pmed.0030178-S.pdf
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Violence cont.... ( isnt it always)?
Here are 2 comments that a friend and I made about recent violence thoughts that we had: We exchanged these on facebook.
Me: "-I've got something to write on the blog but not to sure how to go about it.When both my kids were in town at Adelaide Fringe stuff on the weekend they each saw : Edd saw a guy get hit over a head with a bottle and then punched ( just outside the garden) - Ash was on the scene where the guy got stabbed.I want to write somethng about violence, alcohol, gatherings, media, event and our cultural support of this. BUT i also want to make it personal. About my experience as a dad and worring about my kids safety.Any ideas????"
Na: "...hmm I was so scared..I marched in the parade Friday noght..then tried to walk through rundle street with Emma...A and R....fucking scary..I saw a man holding his little baby above hishead..trying to get air....I have never seen adealide like that....Ja was there with friends too.....i was so worried..."
Okay! Whats going on with me. Am I responding to situations as a conservative? As I get older do I see things differently?( of course I do). But I have some questions:
Does a city council have responsibility to protect us from situations that can become violent? Do mass events with alcohol available freely contribute to violence? Is violence more prevalent than it used to be in Adelaide? Is it just more open? Does a police presence stop violence? Does it incite violence? Does our media enjoy violence? Is it just REPOTED more than it was??
Any comments gratefully accepted.
While we ( me) are talking about violence have you seen the new campaign from
Adults Surviving Sexual Abuse? I would be very very interested in your comments from thier campaign.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also here are some stats from australian institute of criminlogy:
Number of recorded crimes /Violent crime
Violent crime includes homicide, assault, sexual assault, robbery and kidnapping (sometimes referred to as abduction). Although robbery may include an element of property crime, it is included as a violent crime, as the use or threat of violence is a more serious offence.
Recorded crime
Between 1996 and 2003, the number of homicide victims • fluctuated between 332 and 386, before dropping below 300 in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, homicide rose above 300 again, to 319.
Continuing the trend of recent years,
robbery offences • increased in 2006.
The number of recorded kidnappings fluctuates yearly. • Over the period 1996–2004 kidnappings registered a general increase, but decreased between 2004 and 2006, from 768 to 725.
The trend in recorded sexual assaults showed a steady • increase over the period 1996–2004. A slight decrease in 2005 was followed by another increase in 2006.
Assaults continue to represent the majority of • recorded violent crimes. The overall trend since 1996 has been upward, with an increase of 50% between 1996 and 2006.
Lud
Me: "-I've got something to write on the blog but not to sure how to go about it.When both my kids were in town at Adelaide Fringe stuff on the weekend they each saw : Edd saw a guy get hit over a head with a bottle and then punched ( just outside the garden) - Ash was on the scene where the guy got stabbed.I want to write somethng about violence, alcohol, gatherings, media, event and our cultural support of this. BUT i also want to make it personal. About my experience as a dad and worring about my kids safety.Any ideas????"
Na: "...hmm I was so scared..I marched in the parade Friday noght..then tried to walk through rundle street with Emma...A and R....fucking scary..I saw a man holding his little baby above hishead..trying to get air....I have never seen adealide like that....Ja was there with friends too.....i was so worried..."
Okay! Whats going on with me. Am I responding to situations as a conservative? As I get older do I see things differently?( of course I do). But I have some questions:
Does a city council have responsibility to protect us from situations that can become violent? Do mass events with alcohol available freely contribute to violence? Is violence more prevalent than it used to be in Adelaide? Is it just more open? Does a police presence stop violence? Does it incite violence? Does our media enjoy violence? Is it just REPOTED more than it was??
Any comments gratefully accepted.
While we ( me) are talking about violence have you seen the new campaign from
Adults Surviving Sexual Abuse? I would be very very interested in your comments from thier campaign.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also here are some stats from australian institute of criminlogy:
Number of recorded crimes /Violent crime
Violent crime includes homicide, assault, sexual assault, robbery and kidnapping (sometimes referred to as abduction). Although robbery may include an element of property crime, it is included as a violent crime, as the use or threat of violence is a more serious offence.
Recorded crime
Between 1996 and 2003, the number of homicide victims • fluctuated between 332 and 386, before dropping below 300 in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, homicide rose above 300 again, to 319.
Continuing the trend of recent years,
robbery offences • increased in 2006.
The number of recorded kidnappings fluctuates yearly. • Over the period 1996–2004 kidnappings registered a general increase, but decreased between 2004 and 2006, from 768 to 725.
The trend in recorded sexual assaults showed a steady • increase over the period 1996–2004. A slight decrease in 2005 was followed by another increase in 2006.
Assaults continue to represent the majority of • recorded violent crimes. The overall trend since 1996 has been upward, with an increase of 50% between 1996 and 2006.
Lud
Monday, March 02, 2009
Violence/crowds/alcohol/events
Stay tuned - I ve had some scarey experiences over the weekend as a parent and a reveller ( At the Adelaide Fringe Festival).
I'm not sure what I have to say but somethng will come out.
Lud
I'm not sure what I have to say but somethng will come out.
Lud
Adolesence and Pornography
The following is from : Adolesence Pornography and harm ( go here)
Trends & issues in crime and criminal justice - Australian Institute of Criminalogy
No. 368 February 2009
Foreword
No. 368 February 2009
Foreword
The probability that a young person will have exposure to pornography prior to the age of 18—the legal age in Australia at which it is permissible to view and purchase such materials—is very high. Concern exists, among both parents and policymakers, that widespread, premature exposure to pornography is changing the nature of sexual attitudes, behaviours, and intimate relationships and potentially contributing to sexual violence in society. The extent to which it is difficult to determine, owing to the scarcity of adolescent-based research and differing conceptions about harm. This paper examines the many factors that underpin pornography exposure, and stresses how the risk factors for exposure and problematic sexual behaviours intersect to contribute to harm. An understanding of the complex interplay of factors such as gender, age, attitude, personal characteristics and social context of use is important in the development of strategies that will assist young people to avoid any potential adverse outcomes. The available evidence remains highly incomplete, and its interpretation is highly contested, so the paper highlights the need for longitudinal studies of use and of actual behaviour, and for studies that focus on cultural contexts and emerging media.
Judy Putt General Manager of Research Services
Monday, February 23, 2009
pc rape games
Believe it or not these exist. It makes it seem disheartening when this sort of stuff is discovered.
I'm goinbg to show you 2 articles and thern have a small discussion ( RANT)
I was sent this article first: ( clink on the link to read more)
A game that involves the player stalking victims and then raping them in a virtual world is being offered for sale by online retailer Amazon.com, the Belfast Telegraph's website can reveal.
The shocking 'rape simulator', Rapelay, is set in Japan and carries a sickening game description on the Amazon website. An MP said last night that he plans to raise the issue in Parliament.
Reviews by gaming websites have expressed horror at the basis for the game.
I had trouble accepting this so did a search and this is what I found
( read here for more) Withdrawn from sale:
Amazon.com has stopped selling RapeLay, in which players have to stalk and rape a family of women
In Rapelay, gamers direct a character to sexually assault a mother and her two young daughters at an underground station, before raping any of a selection female characters.
The game was intended for release just in Japan, but was on offer to British buyers through Amazon Marketplace, the section of the online store's website open to third-party sellers.
But Amazon has now withdrawn the game after complaints from users, deeming it to be inappropriate. "We determined that we did not want to be selling this particular item," a spokeswoman said.
I can hardley believe that Amazon had to wait for people to complain before they stopped the sale of this game. For that matter I can hardley comprehend that anybody MADE this game. Here we are trying to help young people see the positive in relationships, to develop love and compassion for all people and this sort of crap keeps appearing. We are told that many things are impossible to control on the web. What a bunch of bollocks. Amazon stopped advertising this game, many countries block particular websites, our govt computer systems block us from facebook and bebo and and and.... Lets get real. No more excuses. Lets decide what is okay and what isnt. Be vocal; be part of the decision
I'm goinbg to show you 2 articles and thern have a small discussion ( RANT)
I was sent this article first: ( clink on the link to read more)
A game that involves the player stalking victims and then raping them in a virtual world is being offered for sale by online retailer Amazon.com, the Belfast Telegraph's website can reveal.
The shocking 'rape simulator', Rapelay, is set in Japan and carries a sickening game description on the Amazon website. An MP said last night that he plans to raise the issue in Parliament.
Reviews by gaming websites have expressed horror at the basis for the game.
I had trouble accepting this so did a search and this is what I found
( read here for more) Withdrawn from sale:
Amazon.com has stopped selling RapeLay, in which players have to stalk and rape a family of women
In Rapelay, gamers direct a character to sexually assault a mother and her two young daughters at an underground station, before raping any of a selection female characters.
The game was intended for release just in Japan, but was on offer to British buyers through Amazon Marketplace, the section of the online store's website open to third-party sellers.
But Amazon has now withdrawn the game after complaints from users, deeming it to be inappropriate. "We determined that we did not want to be selling this particular item," a spokeswoman said.
I can hardley believe that Amazon had to wait for people to complain before they stopped the sale of this game. For that matter I can hardley comprehend that anybody MADE this game. Here we are trying to help young people see the positive in relationships, to develop love and compassion for all people and this sort of crap keeps appearing. We are told that many things are impossible to control on the web. What a bunch of bollocks. Amazon stopped advertising this game, many countries block particular websites, our govt computer systems block us from facebook and bebo and and and.... Lets get real. No more excuses. Lets decide what is okay and what isnt. Be vocal; be part of the decision
The Pleasure Project
Its been awhile since I mentioned this site but I just another explore for myself and it is really good.
Go on and have a look here
There are all sorts of things like
Go on and have a look here
There are all sorts of things like
- Whats in the news
- What were up to
- sexy tips
Here is what they say they are doing.
While most safer sex and HIV prevention programmes are negative and disease-focused, The Pleasure Project is different: we take a positive, liberating and sexy approach to safer sex. Think of it as sex education ... with the emphasis on 'sex'. We aim to make sex safer by addressing one of the major reasons people have sex: the pursuit of pleasure
This House Believes That Promiscuity Is A Virtue Not A Vice
I wish I could go to this debate at the Oxford Union!! Oxford University
This House Believes That Promiscuity Is A Virtue Not A Vice
Start Date
19th Feb 2009 8:30pm
Description
In Proposition:
DR SHERE HITE is an American-born German feminist and sexologist whose research focuses primarily on the female sexual experience, in particular our understanding of and social attitudes towards it. Her works include the acclaimed “Hite Report on Female Sexuality” and “Sexual Honesty, by women, for women”. Hite is sure to bring her substantial research experience (Hite’s research utilises studies of individual sexual experiences) to bear on this debate.
CAROL QUEEN is an American author, editor and sexologist, and a leading figure in the sex-positive feminism movement. Through her writing, videos and public speaking engagements, Queen’s practical advice and sense of enthusiasm for sex has reached tens of millions worldwide. The success of her book “Real Live Nude Girl: Chronicles of Sex-Positive Culture” is testament to the popularity of her message.
JOANI BLANK knows a lot about sex. Hailing from Oakland, California, she is an entrepreneur, editor, writer, educator and inventor of all things sexual. Her interest in this field has been expressed in numerous fields. She founded Down There Press, a publisher of sex-related books and opened Good Vibrations, a woman-oriented sex toy business. Having invented the Butterfly Vibrator and served on the Board of Directors of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, she is more than qualified to elaborate on the wonders of sexual adventure.
In Opposition:
WENDY SHALIT is an American author who sees promiscuity as a vice rather than a means of female liberation and empowerment. Her writings include “A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue” (1999) and “Girls Gone Mild: Young Women Reclaim Self-Respect” (2007). She is sure to make a strong case for exercising restraint in sexual activity.
THE BISHOP OF EBBSFLEET, the Right Reverend Andrew Burnham, is a bishop who fulfils the role of a provincial Episcopal visitor for the whole of the Anglican Province of Canterbury. The position was created in 1994 and has been held by Andrew Burnham since 2000. We look forward to his staunch defense of chastity grounded in the teachings of the Christian faith.
ANNE ATKINS is a British novelist, broadcaster and journalist. A regular contributor to the radio feature Thought for the Day on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Atkins is best known as a commentator on moral and ethical issues.
This House Believes That Promiscuity Is A Virtue Not A Vice
Start Date
19th Feb 2009 8:30pm
Description
In Proposition:
DR SHERE HITE is an American-born German feminist and sexologist whose research focuses primarily on the female sexual experience, in particular our understanding of and social attitudes towards it. Her works include the acclaimed “Hite Report on Female Sexuality” and “Sexual Honesty, by women, for women”. Hite is sure to bring her substantial research experience (Hite’s research utilises studies of individual sexual experiences) to bear on this debate.
CAROL QUEEN is an American author, editor and sexologist, and a leading figure in the sex-positive feminism movement. Through her writing, videos and public speaking engagements, Queen’s practical advice and sense of enthusiasm for sex has reached tens of millions worldwide. The success of her book “Real Live Nude Girl: Chronicles of Sex-Positive Culture” is testament to the popularity of her message.
JOANI BLANK knows a lot about sex. Hailing from Oakland, California, she is an entrepreneur, editor, writer, educator and inventor of all things sexual. Her interest in this field has been expressed in numerous fields. She founded Down There Press, a publisher of sex-related books and opened Good Vibrations, a woman-oriented sex toy business. Having invented the Butterfly Vibrator and served on the Board of Directors of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, she is more than qualified to elaborate on the wonders of sexual adventure.
In Opposition:
WENDY SHALIT is an American author who sees promiscuity as a vice rather than a means of female liberation and empowerment. Her writings include “A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue” (1999) and “Girls Gone Mild: Young Women Reclaim Self-Respect” (2007). She is sure to make a strong case for exercising restraint in sexual activity.
THE BISHOP OF EBBSFLEET, the Right Reverend Andrew Burnham, is a bishop who fulfils the role of a provincial Episcopal visitor for the whole of the Anglican Province of Canterbury. The position was created in 1994 and has been held by Andrew Burnham since 2000. We look forward to his staunch defense of chastity grounded in the teachings of the Christian faith.
ANNE ATKINS is a British novelist, broadcaster and journalist. A regular contributor to the radio feature Thought for the Day on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Atkins is best known as a commentator on moral and ethical issues.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
SE&X course 2009
Hi all; lots of people have indicated that they are interested in attending the 2009 SE&X courses. Well.... places are already filling. If you are interested read about the course below and get in quick. I hope to see tou there!!
The SE&X Course (Sexuality Expression & Xploration) Youth worker education
Improving the sexual health of young people who are ‘at risk’
The SE&X Course (Sexuality Expression & Xploration) Youth worker education
Improving the sexual health of young people who are ‘at risk’
Australia has one of the poorest youth sexual health outcomes for developed countries. This means South Australia’s young people are experiencing more unwanted/unplanned pregnancies, more STIs, more abortions, suffering more coercion and violence in relationships, and less able to make healthy decisions or follow them through.
The SE&X course will improve the capacity and confidence of workers to engage with young people about relationships, sexual health, sexuality and wellbeing.
"One of the most enjoyable and steep learning curve experiences I have participated in, and the learning is fun…"
"Increased my confidence and developed my thinking around running programs."
"The exercises were different, confronting and relevant to youth work."
"Topic selection was really good – very broad and useful."
The course is accredited through the Australian National Training Authority and is designed around two units of competencies from the Community Services Training Package.
Course content overview
Topics covered include:
• what is sexual health work with young people and how does it fit with youth work?
• supporting diversity, including CALD, disability and Indigenous young people
• identity, homophobia and same-sex attraction, racism
• explicitness in sexual health training
• working with young men
• working with young women
• communication, negotiation and decision-making skills
• risk and safety
• legal issues
• contraception
• pregnancy
• sexually transmitted infections
• relationship violence and sexual assault
• domestic violence
• sexual health counselling
• designing a sexual health program
Methodology
The course sessions will involve small and large group discussions, interactive group work, guest presenters, videos and participation in online forums.
Reading lists as well as activities ideas for working with groups will be provided on a usb stick.
The course may be co-presented by the Course Coordinator and SHine SA Indigenous Youth Education Coordinator.
Courses in 2009
Course 1: 4–5 March, 1–2 & 29–30 April Course Code: SHN 9060026
Course 2: 23–24 Sept, 14–15 October & 4–5 November Course Code: SHN 9060025
Venue: SHine SA
64c Woodville Rd
Woodville SA 5011
Cost: $350.00 (GST free)
Places are limited, ensure you enrol early.
Flexible learning
An online version of the course is available for rural and remote workers, delivered over nine 3-hour sessions using a real-time online classroom. This requires the participant to have broadband, wireless or satellite connection to the internet.
Dates: 15, 22, 29 June 20, 27 July 3, 10, 17, 24 August
Course Code: SHN 9060027
Contact details
For course details or to enrol contact the Course Administrator on:
Tel: (08) 8300 5317
Email: SHineSACourses@health.sa.gov.au
Monday, February 16, 2009
Population Media Centre
This (Population Media Centre) is a facinating site that uses 'entertainment-education for social change. PMC’s programs encourage positive behavior change among the audience.'
Here are 3 examples of thier programs:
Here are 3 examples of thier programs:
- In Ethiopia, 74% of women age 15-49 have been circumcised.
The harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (also known FGM/C or female circumcision) frequently causes health complications that can last throughout a woman's life and can even lead to death.
To effectively address the issue of FGM/C, PMC developed and held seven Awareness Creation Workshops. These workshops were the first part of a comprehensive strategy to eradicate the practice of FGM/C in Ethiopia. - Violence against women and girls is a pervasive global problem, often deeply rooted in cultural practices. However, people are often willing to adopt new attitudes, behaviors, or practices if they are convinced that such change can improve their lives.
PMC and the Emergent Media Center (EMC) at Champlain College have been awarded a grant from UNFPA to create an electronic game for adolescent boys aimed at preventing violence against women. - Population Media Center has received funding from USAID and UNFPA-Senegal for two radio serial dramas that will go on the air in 2008.
The three-year project will focus on promoting family planning use and improving reproductive health.
While I was posting this blog the world population counter increased by 1472
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