Awareness

            It seems like each month has an awareness campaign that is flaunted in the media, with all sorts of paraphernalia and pamphlets to assist in spreading the message, bringing whatever cause it is to light. This month, October, is both breast cancer and domestic violence awareness, and no, I won’t be plastering my vehicle in pink and purple ribbon magnets that are hawked in every gas station or grocery store, nor will I be toting my groceries around in canvas bags that have the colored ribbons adorned on them. Yes, I do hope that one day both of these things, breast cancer and domestic violence, become things of the past, but I don’t think the way for that to happen is through monthly awareness campaigns.

            The other day I was in the waiting room of the hospital, awaiting to be checked in for my MRI. A lady who was sitting in the waiting room commented on my hair (it’s currently a bright turquoise, specifically Manic Panic Voodoo Blue) and asked what color I was going to go next. She suggested pink since it is breast cancer awareness month and I could tell a story with my hair. Then she asked me about Ebola and if I was scared, then said that she hopes that she can finish up at the hospital in time for her to go and make the arrangements for her sister’s funeral. She finished our conversation (which was mostly one sided) with telling me that I will feel better soon, since “God is great.” So many things were going through my head, but I just smiled and nodded.

            First off, no, I won’t be dying my hair pink for breast cancer awareness month, nor will I be participating in any of the “Walk for a cure” events (even if I was able to walk without pain). No, I am not a curmudgeon (okay, maybe a little), but most of the overhead for such events goes towards administrative costs and fundraising functions. For example, one of the largest breast cancer charities, the American Breast Cancer Foundation (which sounds very official), takes in $959,635 from contributions, but only around half goes to supporting the cause, with the rest going to administrative costs and fundraising expenses. So, how much actually goes towards "finding a cure?"

           I think that we are all aware of the diseases and various causes that crop up each month, which makes awareness campaigns idiotic. Who doesn't know that hitting people or bullying them is wrong or that breast cancer is bad? Do we really need to have campaigns for these causes? People just blindly contribute to charities, without thinking or doing research. PETA is another example of a company that people like to donate to, but if you dig into the business practices, you will see that they actually kill more animals than they claim to help. My point is, do your research and don't just jump at the latest craze or campaign. Sure, donate, but do it wisely. Be informed. Seek out information rather than being lazy and just accepting what you are told by the media talking heads, as they all have agendas, which mainly center around fear tactics and propaganda. Don't buy into it. You have a brain for a reason...USE IT!

Examining the Twilight phenomenon: Gender roles

Abstract

Traditional gender stereotypes have not changed as much as society would like to believe. Female characters in books and movies usually fulfill the role of damsel in distress, needing to be saved by a strapping, handsome, and muscular male lead. One of the more popular additions to this cultural phenomenon is Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga. Spanning the entertainment industries of books and movies, the series has a large following, which could be used to spread positive messages about gender roles, but it falls flat, following suit with the gender role theory. Perhaps society is more comfortable with characters that are more familiar, mimicking the cultural norms, regardless of the fact that some of the characters are vampires and werewolves. This paper will briefly examine the impact the Twilight series has had on popular culture and the values set forth in the writings of Stephenie Meyer.

Where did Twilight come from?

            The Twilight series, was started in 2005, with the initial book, simply titled, Twilight, and was the first story Stephenie Meyer had written after earning a degree in English almost a decade previously. Inspired by a dream she had, Meyer was able to write the novel in three months, although she never intended on having it published. The young adult genre of books started to see an increased following, having sparked by the success of the Harry Potter series in the late 1990s. The population was ready for something a little more edgy, yet still containing some of the mysticism contained in the J.K. Rowling series that followed the life of a young male wizard.

            Readers were hungry for complex characters, interesting and fantastic plot lines, and the lure of a forbidden romance. According to some reviews (Crandall, 2007), the audience received exactly what they wanted, and in return, Meyer became quite successful, her name synonymous with young adult novels. Her writing style was praised by many, some stating that her use of imagery and vivid descriptions were the key to the book’s appeal (Bull, 2009). However, not all critics were so kind, as fellow author Stephen King has shared his displeasure with both the story and Meyer’s writing ability (Flood, 2009). In King’s critique, comparing Rowling and Meyer, he stated that, “The real difference is that Jo Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very good.” Despite the mixed reviews of her peers, the Twilight series has topped the Best Seller lists numerous times.

Plot, characters, and the social role theory

            The Twilight story presents the life of a shy 17-year-old female character, named Bella Swan, who moves from Arizona to Washington State, and falls in love with a vampire named Edward Cullen. In both the books and movies, Bella is presented as a naïve teen, keeping in line with gender conformity messages, which suggest that women are weak, passive, and in need of being protected (Hayes-Smith, 2011). While Bella resembles the frailty hinted at by her surname, Edward portrays the stereotypical strong guy role, acting aggressively and taking charge in even the most intimate of moments. The presentation of the two main characters is in line with what the social role theory posits, in that behavioral differences are influenced by the social roles accepted as normal in a society. People often look at the behaviors of same-sex peers to determine appropriate and accepted behavior, as acting in a manner that is not appropriate would risk social ostracization (Harrison & Lynch, 2005).

            An additional risk involved in the way the characters are presented is the incidence of violence between Bella and Edward, which mirrors the domestic violence that occurs in intimate partner violence, even among the adolescent population, where an estimated 13% of female adolescents reporting having had experienced physical violence (Collins & Carnody, 2011). If society views the relationship of the whiny and unassertive Bella, who was covered in bruises after an intimate encounter with Edward, as the social norm, such a view would in a way support an acceptance of domestic violence. Based on the plot line presented by Meyer, the audience is expected to accept Bella’s decisions as a necessary part of the plan; presenting oneself as a clumsy, insecure damsel in distress is the proper and appropriate way to act in a relationship. Much like Barbie, the female role model in the 1960s, Bella does not present a strong ideal for females in society (Spieler, 2012).

Positive comparisons

            While Bella may not provide a positive role model for young adolescent girls, there are several positive role models within both the print and video media to fill that role. During a survey conducted in a high school, 66% of the girls surveyed stated that there had been characters in books that they felt they could relate to and viewed as role models (Melnick, 2002). The interesting part of the results came in the form of the titles and characters named by the participants, as they were not mainstream and current bodies of work, but rather many of them came in the form of historical characters such as Anne Frank. Also included in the positive realm were the characters Salamanca in Walk Two Moons (Creech, 1994), and Novalee Nation in Where the Heart Is (Letts, 1995).

Conclusion

            While the books and movies of the Twilight franchise have been quite successful, perhaps the Meyer played it safe, abiding by the cultural norms of the gender stereotypes, instead of portraying the lead female as an independent and strong role model for young women. The need to change the acceptable social roles of the genders is growing, and Meyer had an opportunity to make an impact in the realm of strong leading women. While being financially successful, the character development and contribution to society is lacking, leaving society with a gaping hole in gender equality.

            The good thing is that there are plenty of other options to provide a good role model for young women, helping them to grow up into powerful, independent, and strong women of the future.

**References available upon request**

Rape and domestic violence: Cultural influences, barriers, and interventions

Abstract

Rape and domestic abuse touches all cultures, with an estimated 24 people being raped, assaulted or stalked per minute in the United States, which equals roughly 12 million men and women experiencing an incident of domestic violence or abuse each year (http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nisvs/). The effects can be detrimental and permeate every facet of one’s life without access to assistance, counseling, and community involvement. Without such access, survivors of rape and domestic abuse report a higher incidence of headaches, sleeping disruptions, poor physical and mental health, as well as missing work due to associated symptoms. Programs that offer medical care, housing assistance, and counseling are essential to helping individuals heal and thrive after experiencing such a frightening and violent event. Community outreach, education, and prevention programs are essential tools in the fight against rape and domestic violence. However, due to the cultural differences that may arise, different approaches may be necessary to reach a variety of individuals in the most effective way possible.

Domestic violence and cultural barriers

            Domestic violence does not abide by any cultural rules, yet it is often viewed differently through the lens of culture, which also influences the likelihood of individuals receiving assistance when in need. Knowledge about the differences is essential when working with a diverse population, especially when working with individuals who may not seek help until it becomes serious, as in the case of domestic violence. Counselors have to put aside their own preconceived notions regarding what distress looks like, as some cultures praise the ability to mask emotions. Much of the research into domestic violence has been focused on White and poor women, with little emphasis on other cultures (Bent-Goodley, 2005), thus ignoring the differences between the experience violence among different races and sexual orientation.

Stereotypes and discrimination also taint the perception of seeking help, as some fear that such thing will be looked at as a weakness or fear that their immigration status will prevent them from obtaining assistance (Bent-Goodley, 2005). Additionally, stereotypes may strengthen cultural privacy, which can lead to minority cultures becoming invisible to those who provide services to domestic violence victims (Burman, Smailes, & Chantler, 2004). However, there are culturally competent services in the community that are able to assist individuals who are experiencing domestic violence, regardless of race, gender, and sexual orientation.

Community Resource

            Local services are often a challenge to locate, especially when it comes to mental health and domestic violence. By nature, such things are often secretive and swept under the carpet by society. However, with effective outreach practices, individuals who are in need of such services are able to become aware of their existence and able to access the much-needed services. One local resource, who practices quite effective outreach methods, is the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, or CARDV (http://cardvservices.org/).  I became aware of the organization during my undergraduate years at Oregon State University where they gave a presentation during one of my classes on campus. They were formed in the late 1970s in Corvallis, Oregon, when they started a 24-hour crisis helpline for individuals (primarily women at the time) who were experiencing domestic violence or sexual trauma. With help from local government, CARDV helped to make Oregon the first state in which marital rape was a punishable offense under state law in 1978. As society changed, the services offered reflected a larger need for a more culturally competent approach. Staffers now are able to counsel a broader range of individuals, from homeless women to gay males in a domestic abuse situation, primarily due to cultural diversity training programs.

            The ability to accompany clients to the emergency room is an essential aspect, as many victims are reluctant to notify medical personnel about their experiences. A recent study suggests that emergency departments did not inquire about domestic violence, with minority communities  reporting less willingness to acknowledge or report domestic violence (Burman, Smailes, & Chantler, 2004).

            In addition to the 24-hour crisis line and accompanying clients to the emergency room, CARDV also assists in relocation, legal filing, and counseling for individuals, free of charge. A lack of insurance, ability to pay, or immigration status should not prevent one from obtaining assistance in the case of rape or domestic violence, as all are susceptible to the experience. CARDV raises money through donations, fundraisers, through their online store, and through federal grants, thus expanding the availability for services to clients, regardless of their ability to pay. CARDV provides a holistic approach to counseling services by offering a place to learn about parenting, nutrition, and yoga with individual appointments available for legal advice and mental health counseling services too, thus assisting clients in gaining valuable skills to help them in recovery.

            Providing community education via outreach is one of CARDV’s missions, which is facilitated through college events, Take Back The Night events, and presentations requested by community groups, parent groups, educators, students, and professional development. One of the growing fields of discussion and outreach involves the world of sex trafficking, which often occurs without the surrounding communities becoming aware of the incidence. However, through advocacy and working with other organizations, education as well as culturally sensitive practices are evolving and reaching the individuals in need. CARDV’s outreach methods can be found in a variety of places, including their contact information being found on stickers located on most of the restroom stall doors within the community of Corvallis, Oregon. Their call logs indicate the effectiveness of their outreach, as during the 2012 calendar year, CARDV fielded over 5,000 calls via their crisis line. Additionally, they provided shelter for nearly 100 adults and 70 children, helped over 700 adults navigate the legal system, and provided on-site hospital advocacy for over 70 individuals within Linn and Benton counties.

            Cultural competence within the organization is essential due to the variety of individuals who are in need of the services offered. Education for staff and volunteers is provided on a regular basis and covers topics ranging from the differences between collectivist and individualistic cultures, to gay and lesbian relationships. The members of CARDV also represent a diverse culture themselves, as their backgrounds include many different nationalities, age groups, and each come with their own life experiences. It is essential to remember that in assigning traditions and roles to certain cultures, assuming that they are stable across the cultural category, would be a disservice to the individual (Warner, 2008).

            As a whole, CARDV does represent a high level of cultural competency, which is an intentional practice due to the variety of individuals seeking their assistance. Through self-awareness on an individual basis for staff and volunteers, the personal reflection and honest assessment of their own personal beliefs regarding culture are able to be used as learning tools and opportunities for growth, both within the organization and on a personal level. Additionally, continual learning about diverse cultures, including strengths, weaknesses, and cultural norms within said culture, can provide a wealth of insight for staff, which can help them to better serve their clients. Being keen on nonverbal cues is also essential, as many who experience domestic violence may be too scared to share their stories verbally, so being astute to evasive measures is useful in providing a safe and comforting environment. All of these things contribute to gaining a higher level of cultural competence which can help staff, volunteers, and clients in obtaining the best outcome possible (Sue & Sue, 2013).

Advocating and role as an employee

            Upon graduation, if I were to become employed as a trauma counselor with CARDV, the key focus would continue to be advocating and providing outreach in order to spread the message of CARDV’s mission, which is to provide services and support for those affected by domestic abuse. Continual cultural diversity training would be essential to reflect the needs of the clients and help staff to better address sensitive needs of individuals seeking services. While the intake interviews are more focused on the history and incidence of abuse, it would be necessary to keep them culturally sensitive too, which would help to create an environment that is supportive and empathetic to the client, two very important qualities as indicated by Sue and Sue (2013). It is important to remember that clients utilizing the CARDV crisis helpline are already in a fragile state and the language used can either increase or decrease the likelihood of them obtaining services. Conducting training on effective communication would be useful to implement, in addition to training on approaching individuals during community outreach events. I would also remind staff and volunteers to treat clients as individuals, rather than relying on cultural norms.

Conclusion

            Domestic violence is a pervasive infection in society, and without effective intervention methods, has the possibility of wrecking havoc across the globe. Cultural sensitivity, in addition with education and community outreach are essential tools in combating the systemic use of abuse to keep individuals quiet about such a damaging event such as rape and domestic violence. Offering a variety of services in once central location, in a holistic manner, is more effective when working with clients who live in fear of being found by their abusers. By helping clients to become more empowered and self-efficacious, their mental health improves as they make the transition from victim to survivor. The culture of violence can permeate any societal culture, thus the need for cultural sensitivity and exposure to diverse populations is essential in providing effective therapeutic interventions to those in need.

**References Available Upon Request**