“ The Invisible Combat Line” is the title that I have created for the story “ WOMEN CONFRONTING WAR” by Jennifer Turpin. Through research Turpin looks into violence and its relation to giving consent of power. Turpin is a well-respected author and has written several books discussing the roles women assume in a military zone. She also was the dean at the University of San Francisco and holds an associated position at the European University Center for Peace Studies.
Steaming into the introduction of the story, I quickly notice how Turpin examines women in war torn areas, are measured and taken for granted. As I read further the author narrows her scope and reveals the main idea of the story. I believe Turpin’s thesis is how the military overlooks the many roles of women in war, as well as, the impact that war has had on the female gender.
The author’s purpose highlights the way the military has abused, mistreated and disrespected women, and viewed females as objects at the disposal of others. Turpin also points out the damaging affects that this abusive cycle has had on women throughout the years. The intended audience for this story is the everyday person. Jennifer Turpin brings attention to this gender issue by visiting historical wartime experiences with the hope that these negative attitudes and actions towards women will not continue. As statistics have shown “ Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”(Santayana, The Life of Reason pg.6).
This is a powerful quote that I believe connects to Turpin’s thesis,“ Not a puritan: eighteen-year-old, hot blooded soldiers had the right to drink a few beers and chase after young beautiful things of the opposite sex”(Turpin,pg 327). This passage demonstrates the value that the United Nations Commissioner put on the females of Cambodia. In addition this quote also refers to women as “things” and justifies the inappropriate actions of honorable soldiers towards the opposite sex. Another quote that I found effective in portraying how skewed and twisted the U.S Marine Commander’s view was when referring to sex crimes committed by his soldiers, “I think it was absolutely stupid, as I’ve said several times. For the price they pay to rent the car, they could have had a girl”(Turpin,pg327). Unfortunately with this superior officer accepting the rape committed as part of military life, he also is showing his support for prostitution and in turn demonstrating disrespect for women in general. However the one quote I did not feel was strong was “ Brothels linked to United States military bases generally had two separate entrances: one for men of color and another for whites”(Turpin,pg327). I found this quote was heading in the direction of racism, that is a serious problem but not the focus of Turpin’s paper.
“WOMEN CONFRONTING WAR” by Jennifer Turpin was the type of story that left me feeling informed and educated on a gender in war. However the story left me questioning our military leaders and wondering if this negative point of view is still in action.
How do you think the public could stop the mistreatment of females in war?
Hi Jordan,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this blog, particularly its close scruntiny of the role of the military. Excellent use of quotes to illustrate the misuse of power as outlined in Turpin's article.
A few points about citations: in MLA style it's simply (Turpin 325) so no pg. and no comma. Also, once you've established Turpin as the author you simply use (325) for subsequent citations. So the author and page once and then simply the author.
Also, I liked the content of this blog very much but found a few sentences difficult to understand. I wonder if you should let the writing cool and then go through to read for clarity.
For example, Through research Turpin looks into violence and its relation to giving consent of power.
I found the sentence difficult to understand. How about, Turpin's extensive research reveals a military culture that is responsible for horrific crimes against women during wartime. Okay...it's not perfect yet and it may not even be what you mean, but I guess I just want you to work on it so I can understand what you are saying.
Thank you for your careful attention to the details of Turpin's article. You'll find the grade for your blog in the book.
The only way that the mistreatment of women in war situations will be stopped is with a change of society's acceptance of women as "objects." Women are exploited in non-war situations regularly and this is a contributing factor to the rise of sexual violence in an emotion and adrenaline charged war scenario. Perhaps if sex was not considered a commodity, we would see a decrease in sexual violence in general?
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