GUEST BLOGGER: Kara Santos (WFS Philippines)




"If I had a lie detector, I could have left sooner," writes e of Malaysia.

This is just one entry to the digital postcard campaign that "connects the dots" between modern technology tools and violence against women .

Technology tools like radios, the internet, digital cameras, mobile phones, webcams, blogs and videogames can make women's lives much easier. But the same tools can also be used to degrade them.

Trafficking, pornography, sexual abuse and harassment are just some forms of violence against women that have evolved in the recent years because of the rise of modern technology.

The Commission Against Trafficking in Asia and the Pacific (CATW-AP) reports that the use of info technology to recruit victims of trafficking are on the rise.

In Angeles, Pampanga (a hotspot for trafficking and sex trade), pedophiles are increasingly using the Internet to lure other pedophiles to come to the Philippines . Live video streaming on the Web show children being sexually abused. Other pedophiles browse personal profiles or lurk in chat rooms to find their victims.

PCIJ reports that technology has also enhanced voyeurism in the Philippines, with video recordable tools increasing the ability to capture intimate videos or tape others without their knowledge .

Celebrity sex tapes are spread on the internet, nude photos are sent via MMS on mobile phones, while private sex videos can be shared via Bluetooth or Youtube, a popular video sharing website. Sex scandals are compiled in pirated DVDs by school (the La Salle Scandal, UST Scandal) or province/city (the Makati scandal, the Dumaguete scandal) and sold on sidewalks. In some cases the videos are completely fabricated, exploiting the "flavor of the month", as in the case of the Subic rape scandal DVD portraying rape victim "Nicole" as a prostitute.

To combat this, women from all around the world are reclaiming their rights and "taking back the tech" to take control of information communications technology (ICT), and use it in activism to eliminate violence against women. This is in line with the 16 days of activism against gender violence (celebrated globally from November 25 to December 10).

The campaign is initiated by The Association for Progressive Communications, Women's Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP), a global network of women who support networking for social change and women's empowerment, through the use of information and communication technology (ICTs).

Here are some suggestions how you can help out the 16 Days of Activism campaign:

Send someone an SMS on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Change your email signature to www.takebackthetech.net

Change the homepage on cyber cafe computers to webpages/resources that teach women's empowerment

Snap a picture to change the image of women in digital spaces

Take photos of abusers, perpetrators and post them online or on Flickr sites with the appropriate tags.

Build knowledge & share what you know to help other women (through guides, FAQs, etc.)

Bookmark good links and resources on VAW for others to use

Participate in digital storytelling

Make videos that can interrupt violence against women

Change your YM status message or email signature into something that provokes thought in your network of friends and acquaintances.

For questions and submissions on campaign ideas, visit www.takebackthetech.net or email ideas AT takebackthetech DOT net

Labels: culture, media, technology

READ: Are you a Madonna or Maria Clara? by Gabriela Lee
(from Meg magazine, July 2006)

Virgin/Vamp. Madonna/Whore. Has Maria Clara become the new Madonna, and Madonna (the pop star) the new whore?

Maria Clara clearly gets no reinvention. As a construct of the male nationalist imagination (namely Rizal's), she still exemplifies iconic tradition for the well-to-do Filipina - well-groomed, well-bred and unwaveringly loyal (in the extreme kind of way) to her man. By implication, she could use a little - no, make that A LOT - of initiative when it comes to getting what she REALLY wants. And the backbone to stand up to THE MAN, tell him off, give him the middle finger, yo. Unless a loyalty that doesn't waver is a form of strength. Or unless her sisterly vocation is really sincere, but ALL or nothing pretty much sums up the wasted potential there.

But really, let's not confuse strength with closing off ALL options in life by devoting it to God just 'cause her man was a "revolutionary/terrorist" on a mission. And men like Ibarra/Simoun have their priorities, and know that they have their cherished reward to claim later on - if all goes well, that is.

Strength, it seems, is a modern quality, and the danger of setting binaries on our cultural identity by way of Maria Clara is that Filipinas can't be associated with anything modern - they have to be tagged as such. Sure, women have achieved so much since then, in terms of education and work - pretty much lazy writer's shorthand for empowerment without any proper context - think centuries of struggle that definitely had its gains, but the fight doesn't end there. But we know what Gabriella Lee is getting at, right? Whatever. In spite of these supposedly self-explanatory achievements, this fluff piece implies that we've been born and bred into the Maria Clara mold with the potential to be modernized along the way. It's either this or that, in favor of traditional roots or the more liberated Western Other - in this case, Madonna. The latter also indicates progress. If Maria Clara is pre-empowerment, Madonna is all about empowerment and choice, up til the settling down part with filmmaker Guy Ritchie.

It's pretty laughable how Madonna's career highlights - or rather, what little is mentioned - have been sanitized for the tween reading set. Imagine taking a gigantic leap from Material Girl era Madonna to motherhood, ignoring both timeline and Madonna's unconventional decisions in raising and caring for her children, biological or otherwise (i.e. her dancers). Overidealized much? Choosing Madonna as a role model means taking in the good with the incredibly raunchy. Otherwise, if we only wanted snippets of her persona, we could've just ditched the whole Maria Clara thing and taken the "Which Madonna are you?" personality quiz instead.

And it almost goes without saying: Madonna is a bonafide media whore. Everything about her is a statement, even if the statement is as problematic as the exotic appropriation of things Japan or as controversial as her 1992 book SEX, which was in a nutshell, steamy bordering on S&M with straight/queer orgiastic photographs dubbed as pure fantasy, accompanied by prose of yet another persona, Dita the Mistress.

Ironically, Dita, the fantasy borne out of some desire for Erotica era Madonna to whet her sexual appetite via art porn, is not a kept woman. She's very take-charge, but varied reciprocity in terms of having different lovers and the experimentation that follows allows her to live in the ecstatic moment. Unlike courtesans and mistresses, the "whores" from the Madonna/Whore dichotomy, their status as kept women required them to conform to the rigid rules of the game.

Madonna herself had a choice in the direction of her career and how she wanted to present her sexuality, no matter how abhorable it may come across to Jesus freaks and the like. Obviously, that doesn't make her "the new whore."

Labels: culture, media

Addressing the muse
Merlie Alunan
(from her collection Poet's Choice)

The Muse, they called you, spelled
in impressive capitals, stuck you up on a peg
where they could worship you and make as though
your favors were what made their verse.

The guys had had it pretty well figured--
you were so lovely and so young, so glib,
so odd, your wit an effrontery to be contained.
Perched alone in your temple afterwards,
kept in the cold and the dark, not much
you can do but listen, while the fools
mangled metaphors inditing sonnets to your name.
And when their metres ran wild, as often
they did, riding askew of their sense,
why, you were there to take all the blame.

What names you are called at Club 96
where those rhyme mongers gather
to drown their bad tropes in raw beer
and ranting--frigid you are said to be,
heartless, or bored, snoring away
while they fried in the passional urges
of their dirges and odes. Poor Muse,
you were much blamed for all that bad verse.

None of them by women fortunately.
Between the bedpost and the crib,
darning socks and chickens to feed
and the stewpot to stir in-between,
little chance for women here to err.
The world, it was said, spared of worse.
Well, but who knows what better,
had things been different--half the world's
genius gone down the drains, it is said,
with laundry water, or stewed to death
in the cooking pot, or lost in the history
of wiping snot from children's noses.

Dear Muse, our separate worries
had kept whole generations split--
you always got too much attention.
For most of us, the opposite.
So hitching up our girdlestraps
we pulled ourselves out of the gutter,
the dustbin, the hole, the cellar,
the closet, the woods, wherever
we were supposed all this time to have been,
by dictum natural or fiat of tradition.
We've done well by ourselves, thank you,
not one jot of it, Muse, we owe to you.

We learned a few things too,
as we pulled through:
you're one big scam, if we may say so,
and so were all those who worshipped you.
We say verse is fun in the doing,
true, that's what we're saying.
And if our rhymes now are only limping,
why Muse, the blame stops with us,
we don't pass it on, not to one
of our kind, certainly not to you.

As for a Muse for ourselves, a man of course,
that nonsense we won't stand for (neither
would the fellows, we suspect, who've had
less practice in posing and preening, or
whatever it is that Muses are good at
or good for, though as for that,
who can really tell?). Now then,
when the verse falls easy, smooth as honey,
and sweet as rain in an April day, why,
no hem and haw about it,
credit, we say, to whom it's due--
we did it ourselves, Muse,
no thanks to you.

Come off that high peg, old girl,
and join us, the company's good.
Come the best way, as one of our peers,
woman to woman, sister to sister,
friend to friend. But not as Muse, please,
that's a luxury we can barely afford.
With so much to be done, we can use
all the hands, bless you.
Come as yourself then.
Gritty and rough, raw and avid and smoky
with promise, eager and wild and hungry
for touch, the words wait.
Come as a poet.

Labels: arts, culture, literature

It's No Name-Calling Week (January 23-27, 2006) in participating schools in the U.S. How this week came to be was actually inspired by a book aimed at young readers. It's accessible enough to get at your nearest local chain bookstore (I think).

No Name-Calling Week was inspired by a young adult novel entitled "The Misfits" by popular author, James Howe. The book tells the story of four best friends trying to survive the seventh grade in the face of all too frequent taunts based on their weight, height, intelligence, and sexual orientation/gender expression. Motivated by the inequities they see around them, the "Gang of Five" (as they are known) creates a new political party during student council elections and run on a platform aimed at wiping out name-calling of all kinds. Though they lose the election, they win the support of the school's principal for their cause and their idea for a "No Name-Calling Day" at school.

If you want to help put an end to bullying in your school, check out some of the resources. Better yet, get organized!

Labels: culture, education

Just when you thought female athleticism has come a long way, we see the New Pink CreamSilk TV ad spots. 23rd SEA Games athletes Janice Hung (martial arts) and Monica Santos (football, as in soccer) celebrate the kind of "Girl Power!" that embraces both strength and beauty. "Why choose when you can have both?" they challenge.

Of course, beauty here is never about the inner person. It's about physical attributes, namely free-flowing, silky smooth hair. As if these girls didn't have it all to begin with. It's bad enough that the whole shampoo commercial trope is all about preying on the insecurities of women and teenage girls. The Head & Shoulders ITCH SO KAKAHIYA ad campaign shows us that it's better to suffer in silence than to have anyone see you work your nails thoroughly on your scalp, and while you're at it, use the shampoo so that you can nab that guy's attention once and for all. Ohterwise, you'd have to be "bilib sa sarili" like KC Concepcion to ooze with a self-confidence that never seems to run out of steam. Even young girls are also being targeted as a market to flaunt their thick manes with Vaseline Thick and Clean Shampoo (they may as well be show horses. KAPAL!). Regardless of how old we are, the ad concept people responsible for such artful atrocity never fail to recycle time and again this self-defeating message: we're nothing without their shampoo. Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes this for the hogwash it really is.

If Janice and Monica are confident enough with their game, why would they have to produce a future generation of aspiring athletic girls with chronic cases of hair trauma? Janice might easily get away with being graceful while wielding that sword, but is Monica's idea of having it all being able to score a goal without looking like a buhag-HAG? I'm sure it's more than that. Besides, who keeps long, super-straight hair untied during such a fast-paced game? She'd end up with hair in her mouth, and no amount of CreamSilk could keep that hair away from her pretty little face!

Granted, there's nothing wrong with owning the jersey (or whatever the coveted sports outfit entails) and looking your best out there. But girls in sports have a lot more goal-oriented priorities than the state of their hair. Athletic skill has never really been about image or maintaining appearances, but when sponsorships and endorsements come in, there's a whole new package waiting to be conceived.

Who knows what say they (or their coaches) had in the matter before agreeing to peddle shampoo - unless, of course, they didn't see any harm in it. Just like it seems mostly harmless to intensively promote sports apparel and the athletes who sport them with such youthful vigor that it's easy to ignore the sweatshop conditions behind the production of their branded shoes and clothing.

Labels: culture, media

The infamous Miss International quote on the typecasting of Filipinos as nannies that reportedly generated shattering applause:

"I take no offense on being typecasted as a nanny. But I do take offense that the educated people of the world have somehow denegrated the true sense and meaning of what a nanny is. Let me tell you what she is. She is someone who gives more than she takes. She is someone you trust to look after the very people most precious to you - your child, the elderly, yourself. She is the one who has made a living out of caring and loving other people. So to those who have typecasted us as nannies, thank you. It is a testament to the loving and caring culture of the Filipino people. And for that, I am forever proud and grateful of my roots and culture."

Of course, I have nothing against nannies. Or the service industry. What I do take offense at is how often Filipinos are depicted as self-sacrificing, always in service of a colonial superior or what have you. I guess our lousy economy is responsible for creating these quasi-feudal working conditions.

But there's a marked difference between service and servitude, even if they both happen to pay the bills. The former regards you as a human being, while the latter treats you like a walking, talking commodity - a few steps above a robot (and much cheaper to maintain!).

There's no shame in bringing in much needed dollars, but it doesn't help to valorize such hard-earned labor like it's some kind of cultural pride.

It's precisely the kind of cultural programming that justifies mail-order brides, sweatshop labor, etc.

Servitude is a bitter pill. And every time we glorify it, it brings to mind a lyric from the world's most famous non-Filipino nanny:

Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,
in the most delightful way!

Labels: culture

GUEST BLOGGER: Kara Santos (WFS Philippines)



"Sex for Virgins: A Beginners Manual," "Who says Nice Guys Can't Be Wild in Bed?" and "How to Touch a Naked Man."

These are just some of the blurbs featured on magazine covers in order to attract the contemporary Filipina to buying them.

And apparently, these provocative teasers work.

Presently, there are over fifty local women's magazines available catering to women's varied interests. From the cheaper local magazines printed on newsprint to the "glossies," the price tag of Php 35.00 to Php 125.00 (USD $ 0.62 - $2.23) is a small price to pay for the wealth of information and entertainment contained within the covers, the useful tips, and the claim of articles to 'revolutionalize' different aspects of women's life.

Escape from the Mundane
According to the book Constructing the Filipina: A History of Women's Magazines (1891-2002) by Georgina Reyes Encanto, "these magazines afford women their weekly dose of escape from the mundane concerns of their lives into a world of fantasy and romance."

Encanto states that magazines offer a diversion to women who can "retreat into a world where they can be glamorous, successful, super homemakers or career women."

"Magazines are addictive because of the fantasy or wish fulfillment that they offer at a relatively low price compared to other forms of entertainment. They serve as fashion trendsetters, counselors, confidants, and sources of information on all sorts of topics, social gossip, and even guides for business and romantic decisions through advice column or horoscopes," she says.

In fact, these all-in-one publications have become a staple in beauty parlors, coffee shops, hotels, office lobbies and anywhere where women can sit back, relax and while away moments of boredom.

'Voracious Readers'
In a country with superior literacy rates among women (92.7%), readership remains high among classes A to C. Glossy magazines like Mega, Metro and Preview, which cost P100.00 (USD $ 1.78) are usually sold in bookstores and magazine stands in malls. However, local publications like Mr. and Ms. Magazine, Mod Filipina, Women's Journal and Women's Today which cost only P35.00 - 40.00 (USD $ 0.66) are sold in streetside newsstands and markets as well.

Sheila Coronel (in Encanto's book) observes that "women are such voracious readers, they practically devour the pages of women's magazines, reading them line by line, from cover to cover, going through the major features to the littlest ad."

Whether the reader is a student, a tindera, a housewife, a young professional, a chief executive, single or married, readers can find magazines that will cater to their specific interests.

While many young readers just read magazines to be entertained or to find out about the latest showbiz scandal, these seemingly innocent reading materials also have the power to mold beliefs, change opinions and share information on issues that shape their readers ideas of their roles and self-image.

"I like reading environmental stories because it gives me a sense of perspective on what can still be done for the only place we call home," says UP teacher Joy Reyes, 26, who spends at least P 200.00 a month (US $ 4.00) on magazines. She likes reading the articles to learn about herself and improve her life and relationships with others. "I also like success stories because they usually contain insights on how I can be successful too."

Mel Reyes, 28, a teacher who does not like to "spend her money on unnecessary things" just borrows magazines from her friends or reads them in public places where they are available. According to her, she usually reads about political issues first. "I scan the magazine, then if something interests me, I read it, whether it's a lifestyle article, advice on romance or fashion spreads."

Through the Years
Encanto's book reviews how far women have come from their traditional roles in articles like "Obligation of a Woman as Mother" (El Bello Sexo, 13 April 1891) and "Will Professional Women Make Ideal Wives?" (La Mujer, June 1925) to the more empowered woman in features like "How I Became My Own Boss" (Woman Today, May 1998)

From the limited scope on fashion, domestic responsibilities and heavy Christian slant of articles in women's magazines during the Spanish Colonial Period (1891-1898), to emerging feminism, focus on careers and civic citizenship during the American rule (1898-1945), the rise of progressive views is clearly seen in this medium.

In the postwar years (1945-1971), magazines that featured fashion, society news, clubs and serialized romantic novels provided a 'good read,' for bored housewives escaping from their daily grind of chores.

However, it was during the Martial Law years (1972-1986) that their power to shape society was seen. For instance, Mr. and Ms. Magazine Special Edition was used as a venue for political protests, particularly regarding Ninoy Aquino's assassination. Regular editions also brought out issues that had never been widely discussed before, like domestic violence, trafficking, exploitation and oppression of Overseas Filipina Workers.

Contemporary magazines (1986-2002) have continued including broader articles on health, environment, relationship advice, career concerns and practical tips of financial budgeting, aside from the "lighter features."

Constructing the Filipina
While giving a historical look into women's magazines and providing a valuable resource for students and researchers, Encanto's book also gives insights on the impact of these magazines on women's image and consciousness.

However, while the image of women has indeed transformed from the traditional "domestic role" to one that is more empowered, traces of stereotyping women still exist in present publications.

"I dislike seeing the devaluing of women as portrayed in the pictures or sexist comments and articles. It really gets on my nerves!" says Mel Reyes. "I would like to see more about how or what women think and feel, and not what they wear!!!"

Other topics of interest should also be covered.

"I'd like to see more articles on how to help others (not just the environment) in any way you can, be it monetary, time, effort, whatever," says Joy Reyes, who gets turned off by bad grammar when she reads articles. "Projects, plans, schemes, anything that can convince others that the only way we can really improve and enrich our lives is by helping others. Because however much we acquire (wealth, power, people), it will never be enough, it will never give us that feeling of satisfaction and contentment of knowing you have made a big difference in someone else's life."

As author Encanto says, "much more remains to be done, to transform women's magazines into agents of social change and thereby liberate the Filipina from oppression."

Labels: culture, media