Rape and Sexual Harassment The Intersectional Experiences...

Rape and sexual harassment are both two common forms of sexual violence prevalent in the United States. Although both events can happen to men, women are more prone to face these occurrences. According to the National Violence Against Women Survey, â€Å"78% of the victims of rape and sexual assault are women and 22% are men† (â€Å"Domestic Violence Statistics†). In 2011, companies experienced sexual harassment charges at 11% in relation to all charges brought forth to businesses, and 16% of these charges were filed by men (Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment). These women are eternally tainted by these occurrences, as Jean Amà ©ry wrote, â€Å"whoever was tortured, stays tortured† (Brison 5). Our American society rarely considers the effect on†¦show more content†¦Cho explains this by saying, that although women are stigmatized for being that sex, when they are denounced for being both a woman and a certain race, it can become a wholly differen t experience for an individual (351). American culture has developed stereotypes in relation to both African American women as well as Asian Pacific American women. For instance, Ammons suggests that historical caricatures of Black women include the Mammy, Aunt Jemima, and Jezebel; modern stereotypes include Sapphire, the matriarch, and the welfare queen (264). Consequently, as these labels suggest, in most instances Black women are typecast as fiery, strong, and not in need of any help. Therefore, if something does happen to them where they are a victim of sexual violence, they may not be seen as an actual victim and rather as someone who can take care of themselves (Ammons). Asian Pacific Americans, however, are seen in another manner. As Cho suggests, â€Å"model minority traits of passivity and submissiveness are intensified and gendered through the stock portrayal of obedient and servile Asian Pacific women in popular culture† (351). Consequently, it can be suggested th at an act of sexual violence committed against an Asian Pacific American woman may not be seen as such, because she is supposed to be obedient to men. This is perpetuated in the stereotypes mentioned by Wu of the China doll, geisha girl and dragon lady (11). Wu explainsShow MoreRelatedWhat s The First Thing You Think Of When You Hear The Word1392 Words   |  6 Pagesbecause sexism and inequality no longer exist? When it comes to feminism, I ve heard it all-- every misconception, misinterpretation, and myth imaginable. Now why do I call the statements listed above misconceptions, misinterpretations, and myths? Because they are. Now you may not believe me at the moment, but by the end of this essay you will. Let’s start off with the dictionary definition of feminism: the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. Intersectional feminismRead MoreThe American Of The United States Essay1731 Words   |  7 Pagesstandards, and wage fairness. An Analysis Through an Intersectional Lens The case study of immigrant Central American women in the United States obtaining jobs in domestic work offers a unique analysis of the intersections of one’s identity. The major elements of their identity that are habitually disempowered by American society is their: gender, class, race, and citizenship status. Not only do these women’s feel the effects of being a female and a minority, they also are further marginalized by their class