Towards the end of 2006, a spate of gruesome murders took place in Ipswich. All of the victims were prostitutes. Their bodies were discovered over a ten day period in December 2006. Two of the bodies were laid out in the shape of a crucifix. Forty-nine year old Steve Wright, a fork-lift truck driver, undertook his killing spree whilst his wife was working nights at a call centre.
Does this all sound a bit familiar?
Jack the Ripper has permeated the whole fabric of our society. He has become a legend because he was never caught. Misogynists have projected their fantasies onto him. The image of ‘Jack’ enables them to continue their hatred of women, in a society that condones it. ‘Jack’ is an everyman, according to Coville and Luciano. He is a human shell without a character or identity. He is a passive representation of ancient evil.
Society has become more tolerant and serial killing has become more commonplace. Steve Wright is a modern day ‘Jack’, who murdered prostitutes. He was caught. He festers in prison, and he has become another perpetrator of misogynistic violence. Misogynistic violence continues unabated.
Does this all sound a bit familiar?
Jack the Ripper has permeated the whole fabric of our society. He has become a legend because he was never caught. Misogynists have projected their fantasies onto him. The image of ‘Jack’ enables them to continue their hatred of women, in a society that condones it. ‘Jack’ is an everyman, according to Coville and Luciano. He is a human shell without a character or identity. He is a passive representation of ancient evil.
Society has become more tolerant and serial killing has become more commonplace. Steve Wright is a modern day ‘Jack’, who murdered prostitutes. He was caught. He festers in prison, and he has become another perpetrator of misogynistic violence. Misogynistic violence continues unabated.
Why do some men hate women so much? Is it because women are defenceless targets? Is it because the perpetrators are inadequate, or hate their mothers? Is it because society covertly condones misogyny.
Misogyny is certainly an attitude that is being promoted by popular entertainment. Some forms of popular entertainment condone the notion that it is OK for men to hate women and terrorise them - pathetic -How will we ever change this attitude in society when certain men are valued for subjugating and destroying women?
Here is a bit of music from Motorhead glorifying rippers - perhaps this illustrates the point.
I have included the lyrics - unfortunately they have come out as continuous prose because of space.
Here are the lyrics
See into the futureSee into the pastI gotta tell you what I'm seeing in the glassTall dark stranger, knocking your doorLooking thru the window, It's you he's looking forDon't be acting crazy don't you cause a riotStand very still, Keep very quietYou'll never see the faceOf the man in the windowHeart begins to raceHe's the one to spring you a surpriseAaah, the ripper master of disguiseSee into the mindSee into the brainTry to find the reasons that Jacky's out againSlipping and sliding don't even try to hideJust like your shadow, breathing at your sideDon't give into panic, Don't you run an' screamAaah, the ripper, haunting all your dreamsYou'll never see the faceOf the man in the windowHeart begins to raceHe's the one to spring you a surpriseAaah, The ripper master of disguiseCold steel, whisper in the nightHe'll be at your side, with a smile and a knifeIt's seems like dreaming, moving in the danceThe last embrace you'll ever know, The violence of romanceDon't try to run, you'll trip and fallYou'd be a foolHe's right beside you and he can be so cruelStand O very still your heart is beating like a drumHe turns his face towards youAnd the two move as oneAnd so the mystery continues to beguileThe ones who know can never tell you of his smileSee the faces shiver, see the figures moveHow can you see they move so fastYou're bound to lose
How can women counteract this sort of attitude when it seems so ingrained in our culture?
No comments:
Post a Comment