Violence Against Women

Term Paper # 101338

Film > Analysis, Criticism, Etc.
Women Studies

An analysis of the perceptions relating to violence against women, as portrayed in the film, "Sling Blade," directed by Billy Bob Thornton.

1,565 words () | 8 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the perceptions and cultural context in which violence against women can occur. It analyzes the 1996 film, "Sling Blade," directed by Billy Bob Thornton and describes how the perceptions relating to violence against women are portrayed in the film. The paper discusses the plot and the characters and their roles in this issue.

From the Paper:

"Schwartz and DeKeseredy (94) concluded that violence in general and violence against women are regarded as the norm and as perfectly acceptable. Other institutions not only accept the idea of violence but also promote aggression and competition for young males, but not for females who are seen as being in submissive roles. This cultural context that supports violence against women is precisely what caused Karl's confusion. As well, while the violence is often acceptable, interference to end it can result in serious problems for the person who intervenes. Karl's story is one of moral development and of success in making distinctions and knowing when to take appropriate action against violence. Given the complex cultural context that supports violence, Karl's achievement is truly momentous."

Sample of Sources Used:

Besserer, S. & Pottie Bunge, V. (2000). Women and the Criminal Justice System. In Statistics Canada (Ed.), Women in Canada 2000: A Gender-Based Statistical Report (pp. 165-171, 180-183). Ottawa: Ministry of Industry.
Johnson, H. (1998). Rethinking Survey Research on Violence Against Women. In R.E. Dobash snd R.P. Dobash (Eds.), Rethinking Violence Against Women. (pp. 23-51). London: Sage Publications.
Kelly, Liz. (1988). "It's happened to so many women': Sexual Violence as a Continuum (1)" in Surviving Sexual Violence, pp. 74-96, 356-258. 1988 Polity Press. In A. Levan (Ed.), Women and Violence: A Reader.
Morgan, David H.J. 1987. "Masculinity and Violence" in Women, Violence, and Social Control, edited by Jaina Hanmer and Mary Maynard, eds., pp. 180-192. 1987 British Sociological Association. In A. Levan (Ed.), Women and Violence: A Reader.
Randall, M. & Haskell, L. (1995). Sexual Violence in Women's Lives: Findings from the Women's Safety Project, a Community-Based Survey. In Violence Against Women 1 (1), 6-31.