The Rooster
"Okeydoke"
I went to see the movie "Chiraq." (click here)
I think Spike Lee is correct in believing women have power over their circumstances in the way prescribed. If the young ladies in cities across the USA; and there is plenty of violence in places other than inner cites; put their collective will together, they can move mountains.
There is validity in "No Peace, No Pussy." It is taking ownership in a way that finally reaches into male egos disconnected from any real emotions in their lives. We all know the videos about sex, drugs and music that is suppose to be a statement about a successful lifestyle. Not.
A successful lifestyle means living without violence, drugs, alcoholism, military style weapons, hand guns used for self-defense but also in committing crime. We know the lack of morality that exists with segments of the USA where women are chattel. Heck, there was the movie "Fifty Shades of Gray" and if that wasn't about a woman be chattel to wealth then don't ask me what is.
But, in the USA women are empowered to demand respect. Women aren't suppose to be the subject of violence when their partner had a bad day or with the idea "She likes it." as a prelude to sexual encounters. Women are empowered in the USA, but, that is not the case around the world.
While the idea of women banding together to create an atmosphere in their cities to end violence through personal positions to deny sexual contract with those they are engaged with, that is not a realistic scenario for women completely viewed as possessions.
Some of the most egregious countries when it comes to women's rights and respect has been Pakistan. Even President Musharraf at one time opposed the use of rape as a Village Elders punishment. We all know the transformation figure Malala Yousafzai and her influence throughout societies where women and girls are not held in regard of importance.
We like to think the oppression and victimization of women only happens in the Third World. That is not the case. Right here in the USA, as Spike Lee as pointed out, women are considered sex objects. They are depersonalized. They are objects.
If Chiraq hits home to some people across the USA, then the effort was worth it. The film raises questions and the first one should be, "He honestly had to make a film illustrating the status of women to end violence? Really? Where are we in this country when a filmmaker feels so strongly about violence that the focus turns to empowerment of women rather than a message to those committing the violence?
There are many messages in Chiraq. But, the idea women can come together to change the dynamics of violence in a city is most intriguing. Spike Lee didn't make this film for exploitation of women, a sex tape or as a gag reel. Spike Lee made the film for a purpose and anyone missing that purpose has to examine their own understanding of life in the USA.
I get it. I am more worried today than ever before.
