The Language of Violence: Case Studies. Faulkner, Bobbitt and Safe-T-Man.

The fact that men often use violence as a language and women rarely do is so firmly entrenched in American society as to escape notice. Yet questioning this notion is critical to an analysis of how to address the overall problem of violence against women. The following case studies are intended to provoke a reexamination of our attitudes about gender and violence. As you examine the case studies, try to identify your own preconceptions about the gendered use of violence.

Please note, these case studies are not intended to be representative of women's responses or invocations of violence; rather, they are offered as paradigms around which we can analyze the consequences and implications of gender differences in the use of violence.

Group A Participants: After examining the following three case studies, please answer the discussion questions for two of the three cases. Please limit your initial responses to approximately 250 words per case, but feel free to respond to other students' comments.

Please click here to view "Case Study 1: Shannon Faulkner and the Citadel."

Please click here to view "Case Study 2: Lorena Bobbitt and Thelma and Louise."

Please click here to view "Case Study 3: Safe-T-Man and Street Harassment."

 

[Introduction] [History] [Scope] [Feminist Legal Theory] [Case 1: Faulkner] [Case 2: Bobbitt] [Case 3: Safe-T-Man]