“When Words Wound: Language and the Oppression of Women” Tuesday, March 4th, 2014. Fireside Room, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Speakers: Professor Andrea Thorson, Associate Professor of Communication, Bakersfield College Dr. Reggie Williams, Professor of Philosophy, Bakersfield College
Moderator: Erin Miller, Associate Professor of History, Bakersfield College
Two of Bakersfield College’s most dynamic theoreticians, Dr. Reggie Williams and Professor Andrea Thorson, address the ways in which language acts in concert with society’s sexism, often furthering the oppression of women. Dr. Williams, Professor of Philosophy at Bakersfield College, will deliver a talk entitled, “Feminisms and Rape,” in which he will argue that several important feminists, namely Andrea Dworkin, Catharine MacKinnon, Gail Dines and Rae Langton, understand “rape” in a way that understates its gravity, essentially trivializing rape. He will conclude by offering a new understanding of “rape” that he believes better captures its appalling nature. Professor Andrea Thorson, Associate Professor of Communication at Bakersfield College, will present her research, entitled “Language and Women: The Power of Words”. She will discuss the historic and current trends in language used to define, ignore, or oppress women in America, arguing that this analysis of the treatment and construction of women through the use of words creates an understanding of the power of words, as well as provides a process for challenging and resisting these accepted and problematic language choices.
“Women in a World of Men: Legendary Leaders at BC” Monday, March 10th, 2014, Fireside Room, 6:30-8:00 pm
Moderator: Ann Wiederrecht, Professor of History, Bakersfield College
Panelists: Marci Lingo, Reference Librarian, Bakersfield College Jerry Ludeke, Director, Bakersfield College Archives
Females currently make up over 55% of the students enrolled at Bakersfield College, but women were not always welcome at institutions of higher learning—in fact, for much of American history they were not allowed to enroll in colleges and universities. However, women have played a very important role in the shaping of Bakersfield College, even when the world in which they studied and worked was dominated by men. Grace Van Dyke Bird, Shirley Trembley, and Margaret Levinson carved rich routes of contributions to BC. Learn about the journeys of women in America to receive equal access to education and about these remarkable local role models.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Showing and Discussion of Girl Rising Thursday, March 13, 2014, Forum East, Panorama Campus, 6:30-8:00 pm
Moderator: Patricia Thompson, Professor of Anthropology and Sociology, Bakersfield College
“Girl Rising is a groundbreaking, feature film about the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to transform societies. The film presents the remarkable stories of nine girls around the world, told by celebrated writers and voiced by renowned actors. . . [delivering] a simple, critical truth: Educate Girls and You will Change the World.” After the film, BC Professor, Patricia Thompson, will lead a discussion of the powerful documentary. Visit www.girlrising.com to learn more.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Showing and Discussion of Girl Rising Tuesday, March 18, 2014, Delano Campus, 6:30-8:00 pm
Moderator: Stephanie McWilliams, Adjunct Professor Psychology, Bakersfield College--Delano Campus
“Girl Rising is a groundbreaking, feature film about the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to transform societies. The film presents the remarkable stories of nine girls around the world, told by celebrated writers and voiced by renowned actors . . . [delivering] a simple, critical truth: Educate Girls and You will Change the World.” After the film, BC Professor, Stephanie McWilliams, will lead a discussion of the powerful documentary. Visit www.girlrising.com to learn more.
“From El Movimiento to Real Women Have Curves: Chicana Activism and Education through a Feminist Lens”: Thursday, March 20th, 2014, Forum East, 6:30-8:00 pm
Speaker: Tamara Ho, Associate Professor of Women's Studies, University of California Riverside
This talk offers a survey of California Chicana activism and education through the lens of recent feminist scholarship. Pre-dating the Civil Rights movements of the 1960s, women of mestiza and Mexican descent have been active in political struggles and forms of collective resistance in the United States. Drawing from feminist, oral histories and sociology, Professor Ho will highlight the dynamism and diversity of Chicana participation in the formation of the United Farm Workers and the East LA Blowouts. Moving forward chronologically from El Movimiento, the second half of this talk will turn toward Chicana hybridity and cultural production, focusing on embodied performances of class and racial crossing, as well as Chicana stories of upward mobility made public through late twentieth-century theater and film.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related Events: Bakersfield College's Student Government Association (SGA) is also offering Women's History Month events.
"From 'Poverty' to Empowerment: Planning Your Way Personally and Professionally" Monday, March 3rd, Fireside Room, 11:00 - 1:00 pm
SGA welcomes two special guests: Dorothy Ann Peisner, renowned stock broker and financial analyst, and Sheila Marie Volante, Chief Executive Officer of Volante Enc-Management Consultants. Peisner and Volante join forces for an imperative panel on women's financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
"Smart Sense, Self-Defense: Self-Defense Training and Products" Thursday, March 6th, Time and Location To Be Determine
Owner of Bakersfield Elite Martial Arts, David Woods, and Independent Damsel-in-Distress Pro, Christine Clark, will offer both a self-defense workshop and an array of self-defense products.
"Trojan Women" Also watch for the BC Theater Department’s production of “Trojan Women” directed by Kimberly Chin.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accommodations for Students
Accommodations, including Interpreting/captioning services, are available upon request. Request must be submitted at least ten (10) working days in advance. To request interpreting/captioning services please contact Erin Miller at [email protected] or 661-395-4350.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All events are free and open to the public. Free parking.
For more info contact Erin Miller at emiller@bakersfieldcollege.edu or call (661) 395-4350.