"Anti-abortion groups are targeting black audiences with the message that
abortion
is a form of "ethnic cleansing." But as many point
out,
this strategy ignores the real needs of all women."
http://jezebel.com/5483679/womb-lynching-on-the-anti+choice-targeting-of-african+american-women
When I heard this spot on the radio the other day, I immediately thought about the situation we discussed in class about the adjunct professor that was fired for using the "N" word. According to our class discussion, one of the main reasons we believed this action was taken was because of the instructors' inability to recognize the history and the true meaning embodied by that sort of language.
This use of the word "lynching" regarding African American children seems to do the same thing. Though I think all of us would like to see the number of abortions performed each year decrease, it seems the groups using this sort of language are also disregarding the historical and contextual meaning the word "lynching" has.
Media coverage over the last few years (even as recent as last month) has shown time after time how even a noose hung in a tree or a campus building incites fear, resentment, and anger amongst those who understand its meaning.
No matter what side of the abortion issue you find yourself, I think this kind of use of language proves ineffective for its intention...
http://jezebel.com/5483679/womb-lynching-on-the-anti+choice-targeting-of-african+american-women
When I heard this spot on the radio the other day, I immediately thought about the situation we discussed in class about the adjunct professor that was fired for using the "N" word. According to our class discussion, one of the main reasons we believed this action was taken was because of the instructors' inability to recognize the history and the true meaning embodied by that sort of language.
This use of the word "lynching" regarding African American children seems to do the same thing. Though I think all of us would like to see the number of abortions performed each year decrease, it seems the groups using this sort of language are also disregarding the historical and contextual meaning the word "lynching" has.
Media coverage over the last few years (even as recent as last month) has shown time after time how even a noose hung in a tree or a campus building incites fear, resentment, and anger amongst those who understand its meaning.
No matter what side of the abortion issue you find yourself, I think this kind of use of language proves ineffective for its intention...
I think that like most anti-abortion campaigns I've seen they are going for the 'shock and awe' factor by using the word "lynching." It's a word that carries a negative connotation from America's past and they're trying to get African-Americans concerned by associating it with their cause. It's the similar when people show pictures of aborted fetuses; no one wants to see that just like no one wants to see a picture of dead bodies or someone throwing up. It evokes a disgust response but does it really change people's attitudes? I know they're doing it because they're trying to shove the reality of it into people's faces, but it may not be achieving their goal. We know about people being desensitized from watching violent television or playing violent video games; could it be possible that showing these images could do the same thing? I know they aren't as pervasive as television violence but it may do so for people who aren't anti-abortion in the first place.
Back to the article, I feel like using 'lynching' may not be doing what they want it to either. Like the article said, it infantilizes Black women and makes them seem like they don't have a choice or are too ignorant to understand they're being persuaded. I think it's also kind of offensive because it says too many Black babies are aborted, suggesting that Black women are more immoral because they have a higher rate of abortions. It's not direct, but it could be perceived that way.
I agree with the article that there should be more focus on contraception and sexual education instead of dealing with the issue of the end result. I'm not trying to start an abortion debate, but I think people against abortion are generally horrified because of the existential anxiety it arouses (at least that would be a TMT explanation). They don't consider that we're already overpopulated and many of those children wouldn't end up in the greatest environment. By focusing on education and resources, we could have a huge impact on the number of women who actually end up resorting to abortion. If sex issues weren't as taboo, we could have more open, serious discussions about it and help people realize all the methods available to avoid pregnancy.
Using this language was meant to shock people, but I think it's more offensive and shows a lack of understanding on the advertiser's part. It singles out Black women and makes it seem like abortion is more of a "Black problem," associating the idea with the group and making them seem less competent or inferior.