scholarly journals Rape culture in Classical Athens?

CLARA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sotiria Rita Koutsopetrou-Møller
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Power Structure ◽  
Sexual Misconduct ◽  
Analytical Tool ◽  
Modern Concept ◽  
Rape Culture ◽  
Standards And Guidelines ◽  
Rape In Literature

Classical Athens had a culture of widespread sexual violence, where different forms of sexual misconduct were embedded in the normative framework. Numerous products of the city’s ‘popular culture’, such as mythology, literature and art, propagated the normalcy of rape. A large body of modern scholarship has correlated this frequency with the particular Athenian historical context during the Cassical period, underlining that ancient Athenians followed different standards and guidelines than we do for the evaluation of sexual behaviour. This article demonstrates that in Classical Athens the repeated representations of rape in literature and art were means to preserve the fundamental principles of the established male order. The power structure of the Classical Athenian polis fostered attitudes that remind us of the modern concept of ‘rape culture’. This concept, developed by feminist scholars to describe modern realities, reveals how societies can use culture to downgrade the moral wrongness of rape.  ‘Rape culture’ will be used in this article as a model, or analytical tool, to reinterpret the Classical literary evidence on Athenian attitudes towards sexual assault. I will argue that this model makes better sense of the evidence than the now prevalent relativistic interpretation.

Teaching the Bible and Popular Media as Part of Contemporary Rape Culture

2020 ◽  
pp. 423-439
Author(s):  
Beatrice J. W. Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Biblical Studies ◽  
Popular Media ◽  
Rape Culture ◽  
Pedagogical Strategies ◽  
The Bible ◽  
Cultural Myths ◽  
Biblical Texts

This essay explores pedagogical strategies for addressing rape culture in biblical studies courses, employing Genesis 34 and Judges 19–21 as primary texts. The first section discusses the nature of popular culture and its impact on gender. The following four sections highlight cultural myths about sexual assault by focusing on significant biblical texts and incorporating aspects of popular media to facilitate conversations about rape culture. The conclusion summarizes the main points and encourage further studies that combine the study of popular media and biblical texts. Overall, the essay contributes to the reading and teaching of the Bible within contemporary rape culture so that students become critical interpreters of biblical texts, as they become resistant readers of past and present rape culture.

The DoD Tailhook Report: Unanswered Questions

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Orbell
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Power Structure ◽  
Sexual Misconduct ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Report Writing ◽  
Naval Aviators ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The U.S

One of the primary objectives of studying theory and practice relating to technical reports is to define what constitutes report writing as genre and to place this genre within a social context. Report writing always involves the investigation of an ill-defined problem and occurs within the auspices of an organizational context. This investigative and reporting function implies a high degree of ethical and social responsibility on the investigator to interpret and report the significance of the facts, making the conclusions explicit, and forming the basis for additional interpretations. Drawing on Susan Wells' conventions for commissioned reports, this article analyzes how the Tailhook Report, which was commissioned to investigate the charges of sexual misconduct by naval aviators at the Tailhook Symposium, omits answering two of the three questions Wells establishes as necessary by precedence in the genre in order to avoid making conclusions that might necessitate actions that would alter the male-dominated power structure of the U.S. Navy.

Balancing Fisheries Management and Water Uses for Impounded River Systems

2008 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Size Structure ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Lepomis Macrochirus ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Early Maturation ◽  
Reservoir Species ◽  
Clear Identification ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

<em>Abstract</em>.—Although stunting is a fairly common phenomenon in fishes, confusion remains about underlying mechanisms and appropriate management strategies. Herein, I summarize current literature to provide a synthetic look at factors that can cause stunting and consider associated management strategies. First, I provide historical context by reviewing early literature, much of which is focused on density-dependent slow growth as the cause of stunting. A brief summary of more recent literature, however, suggests that stunting is often more complex than early investigations might indicate, and mechanisms such as early maturation and overexploitation of adults are considered. Because the bluegill <em>Lepomis macrochirus </em>is an extremely common reservoir species, a large body of literature related to its population size structure and associated management strategies is available. Therefore, I use bluegill as a model system to describe how various mechanisms might lead to stunting and indicate important considerations from a management standpoint. In the final section, I review management strategies and argue, among other things, that consistent language, clear identification of underlying mechanisms, and multifaceted management approaches are necessary for robust results when dealing with stunted populations.

scholarly journals Through the Walls of Time: A Short Reflection on Writing Early Modern Intellectual History

Zutot ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-38
Author(s):  
Irene Zwiep
Keyword(s):  
Early Modern ◽  
Intellectual History ◽  
Analytical Tool ◽  
History Of Ideas ◽  
Modern Concept ◽  
Historical Interpretation ◽  
Jewish Historiography ◽  
Short Piece ◽  
History Of

This short piece takes a longstanding problem from the history of ideas, viz. the use of contemporary concepts in descriptions of past phenomena, and discusses its implications for broader intellectual history. Scholars have argued that being transparent about anachronism can be a first step towards solving the issue. I would argue, however, that it may actually interfere with proper historical interpretation. As a case study, we shall explore what happens when a modern concept like ‘culture’ is applied to pre-modern intellectual processes. As the idea of cultural transfer is prominent in recent Jewish historiography, we will focus on exemplary early modern intermediary Menasseh ben Israel, and ask ourselves whether his supposed ‘brokerage’ (a notion taken from twentieth-century anthropology) brings us closer to understanding his work. As an alternative, I propose ‘bricolage,’ again a central analytical tool in modern anthropology but, as I hope to show, one with unexpected hermeneutical potential.

Politics and vocation: French Science, 1793–1830

1980 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorinda Outram
Keyword(s):  
Historical Context ◽  
Large Body ◽  
The Political ◽  
Institutional History ◽  
Sociological Analysis ◽  
Major Focus ◽  
Political World ◽  
The World ◽  
Intellectual Context ◽  
The One

French science of the period between 1793 and 1830 is now a major focus of study. The large body of work produced since the nineteenth century, particularly in the field of institutional history, has provided the background for important attempts in the last ten or fifteen years to apply tools of sociological analysis to this field of enquiry. Particularly important have been theories of professionalization and institutionalization. It is the purpose of this paper to examine the consequences of the use of such models in relation to this specific historical context. In particular, I shall suggest that such questions as the importance of institutions in the conduct of science, and the extent to which science became a profession or remained a vocation, may be better understood once the world of French science has been situated in a wider political and intellectual context. An article, however, can do no more than suggest new perspectives, and must leave to more extended treatments the work of amplification and correction. Briefly, however, this paper will argue for a view of science at this period as locked in a conflict between the ambiguous demands of the political world on the one hand, and on the other pressures on individuals and groups within the vocation of science to conform to an ideology which viewed science as completely non-political.

A Novice's Biography of George Gaylord Simpson

2013 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Léo Laporte
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Personal Interview ◽  
Modern Evolutionary Synthesis ◽  
George Gaylord Simpson ◽  
High Level ◽  
Modern Evolutionary Theory

George G. Simpson (1902-1984) had an enormously successful career for some fifty years during the middle of the twentieth century. Owing to his great intellect, especially his deep analytic skill and broad synthetic insight as well as his single-minded persistence, he produced a large body of published work that became an integral part of modern evolutionary theory. His high level of scientific achievement can be gauged by the number and quality of his publications, his institutional affiliations, his honors and awards, and the recognition he received in mainstream popular culture.1 Because Simpson was arguably the leading paleontologist of the last century and a major contributor to the ‘modern evolutionary synthesis’ I informed him of my biographical interest and asked for a personal interview. I sought further permission to interview his family, colleagues, and former students. For all interviews, I prepared a dozen leading questions, but also allowed interviewees to decide what was important. I encouraged tangential remarks and hence surprising insights were revealed. If possible, I corroborated what the interviewees told me; I did not take everything at face value. I always kept the emphasis on the content and character of Simpson's scientific accomplishments, avoiding ‘psycho-biography.’ I visited archives for unpublished documents—relevant personal letters, photographs, notes, newspaper clippings—and checked school and university records. I traveled to places where he grew up, attended school, was employed, and did field work. I divided the work into stand-alone articles, beginning with the easier and more obvious ones. I published these serially so they could later be revised, reassembled, and crafted into the final larger, unified biography. Doing research and writing in this way, I kept the longer-term project moving forward, making necessary course corrections as I went along. I thus established my credibility, advanced the research, and expanded the sources of information. Piece-meal publication satisfied deans and made possible a graceful escape if the project stalled, or I lost interest. However, seeing my work in print further motivated me to complete the task. Reviews were very positive, but sales more disappointing. Un succès estime!? (Laporte 2000a).

The Dragon of Wantley: Rural Popular Culture and Local Legend

Rural History ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hey
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Rural Culture ◽  
Rural History

In one of the earliest issues of Rural History, Jacqueline Simpson urged students of Popular rural culture to examine local legends that centre upon some specific place, Person or object and which are a focus for local pride. Many of these are well-known tales which have been adapted, often in a humorous way, to local circumstances. Thus the seventy-odd stories of dragon-slaying which she has collected for Britain usually depict a local figure, not St George or a knight errant, as the hero. It is normally difficult, if not impossible, to explain how these tales began. The Dragon of Wantley, however, offers some unusual opportunities for delving into the historical context of a ballad that achieved national fame.

scholarly journals CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE MYTHMAKING OF H.P. LOVECRAFT

2019 ◽  
pp. 137-142
Author(s):  
Denis D. Pyzikov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Science Fiction ◽  
New England ◽  
Cultural Landscape ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Religious Movements ◽  
New Religious Movements ◽  
Religious Traditions ◽  
Horror Genre ◽  
Western Esotericism

H.P. Lovecraft created an original mythology that has not only become science fiction and fantasy classics, but also determined horror genre development in general. In his literary works, Lovecraft used images derived from both ancient religious traditions and contemporary western esotericism, filling his imaginary worlds with mysterious cosmic creatures. The writer’s cultural and historic environment played a very important role as the cultural landscape of New England and theosophical concepts widespread at that time had a great impact on the author’s work and writing. The original “mythology” invented by Lovecraft later played a key role in development of some new religious movements. Besides, Lovecraft’s mythology and images are reflected in the modern popular culture. The paper analyzes Lovecraft’s works and religious motives that are used or reflected in them, cultural factors that influenced the writer and Lovecraft’s heritage place in occult concepts, practices and subcultures of today.

scholarly journals The Flame of Sinai

2004 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-134
Author(s):  
Ahmed Afzaal
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Personal Life ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Crucial Step ◽  
Similar Work ◽  
Francis Fukuyama ◽  
Language Studies ◽  
Islam And Modernity

The current surge of attention and sensitivity to Islam in western academiaand popular culture often boils down to the question of Islam’s compatibility– or lack thereof – with modernity. The issue is by no means a simpleone, and is further complicated by the fact that both “Islam” and “modernity”are made to carry a heavy load of multiple definitions that are alsosusceptible to ideological uses and abuses. Such influential American commentatorsas Francis Fukuyama, Daniel Pipes, and Bernard Lewis havebeen unanimous in their diagnosis that while Judaism and Christianity havecome to terms with modernity, Islam has so far failed to take that necessaryand crucial step. In the larger context of modern Muslim history, however,the question is almost two centuries old; it was repeatedly grappled with inthe past and continues to occupy a prominent place in the Muslim consciousness.Sheila McDonough’s new book on Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) can be approached with reference to this particular discourse, for thequestion of Islam and modernity was perhaps the most important factor thatmotivated and shaped Iqbal’s creative output – a body of ideas whose revelancehas tremendously increased in the six decades since his death.While Iqbal’s poetic and intellectual genius has been greatly celebratedand widely acclaimed, both within the Indian subcontinent and abroad, it canbe safely contended that his true potential as the twentieth century’s mostimportant post-critical Muslim philosopher is yet to be discovered. In view ofhis work’s creativity, depth, and visionary reach, the number and quality ofEnglish-language studies on Iqbal’s thought leave much to be desired. In thiscontext, McDonough has done a remarkable service by making the intellectualand imaginal contours of Iqbal’s consciousness accessible to a new generationof Muslim and non-Muslims readers, many of whom have been recentlysensitized to the question of Islam’s relationship with modernity. Mixing herserious erudition with a loving sensitivity and an almost artistic gift for discerninginterconnections, McDonough skillfully blends together the accountsof the vicissitudes of Iqbal’s personal life, his turbulent socio-historical context,and his sometimes shocking ideas to paint a colorful picture of his life,times, vision, and struggle. The Flame of Sinai is sure to become a classic,alongside a similar work by another Western admirer of Iqbal, namely, the lateAnnemarie Schimmel’s book Gabriel’s Wing. Incidentally, both of thesecharming titles come from Iqbal’s own symbolic imagination ...

scholarly journals Exploiting Ambiguity: Murder! and the Meanings of Cross-Dressing in Interwar British Cinema

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-312
Author(s):  
Chris O'Rourke
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Second World War ◽  
Cultural Representations ◽  
The Novel ◽  
World War ◽  
Crime Film ◽  
British Cinema ◽  
Cross Dressing ◽  
Second World

The crime film Murder! (1930), directed by Alfred Hitchcock for British International Pictures and based on the novel Enter Sir John (1929) by Clemence Dane and Helen Simpson, has long been cited in debates about the treatment of queer sexuality in Hitchcock's films. Central to these debates is the character of Handel Fane and the depiction of his cross-dressed appearances as a theatre and circus performer, which many critics have understood as a coded reference to homosexuality. This article explores such critical interpretations by situating Murder! more firmly in its historical context. In particular, it examines Fane's cross-dressed performances in relation to other cultural representations of men's cross-dressing in interwar Britain. These include examples from other British and American films, stories in the popular press and the publicity surrounding the aerial performer and female impersonator Barbette (Vander Clyde). The article argues that Murder! reflects and exploits a broader fascination with gender ambiguity in British popular culture, and that it anticipates the more insistent vilification of queer men in the decades after the Second World War.

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