Editorial

Letter to the Editor from Chuyun Oh

By Professor Chuyun Oh

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To the Editor:

Among many others, I particlarly appreciate The Spectator’s ongoing effort to make the Hamilton community more diverse and inclusive. I have noticed that the newspaper addresses social and political issues not just on campus but also beyond the college community. I hope that my article also can contribute to facilitating conversation on students’ daily life issues vis-a-vis larger social issues of women’s bodies. 

In February 2016, Lady Gaga walked on stage with survivors of sexual assault. They silently but defiantly gazed upon the audience, tightly holding their hands each other and raising them in solidarity. On their forearms, empowering words were written, such as “We believe you” and “You are not alone.” The performance was held at the Oscars based on Gaga’s recent music video “Til It Happens To You” that illustrates emotional and physical trauma associated with sexual violence on campus. This poignant performance brought the audience to tears. From pop culture to conventional concert stage, performance has been a device to speak “unspeakable” issues. Performance, although it is often aesthetically pleasing and thus, seems apolitical, has transgressive power transforming both the audience and performers. Pop culture is not just for an entertainment; for someone, it is a site advocating and finding out one’s voice that has been marginalized, silenced or forgotten.

From last week, everyone would have come across posters that read “No More” with a student’s face staring at the audience. “No More” is  student-driven activism on campus which aims to speak against gender inequality associated with sexual violence on campus. Despite increasing awareness on women’s issues, including sexual consent, still, victims of sexual violence or harassment often confront an unspeakable moment— the society’s denial of listening to the survivor’s voice. Students from the “No More” campaign make an explicit statement that challenges society’s prevalent perception on women’s bodies and sexual abuse: “No More, it’s just women’s issues;” “No More that doesn’t happen to guys;  “No More she was drunk; No More what was she wearing.” According to research on cultural studies, it is revealed that men are also often victims of sexual violence. Further, in a community, women’s issues are men’s issues and vice versa as long as we hope moving toward a society that is inclusive to all gender and sexuality. “No More” activism addresses an issue that has been often forgotten and silenced. It opens up room for discussing undiscussable issues, including politics and discrimination on the basis of gender and sexuality. Understanding others, or other’s experience is an embodied act, and Hamilton students/activists’ enactment is embodied. They speak up, use their voice and take their own pictures to spread the message on campus. If little things can make a big difference, then, yes, they begin to change.

Sincerely,

Chuyun Oh

Visiting Assistant Professor of East Asian Languages and Literature

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