Week 7 - Study Design

There has been a lot of controversy in recent months, and years, over sexual assault allegations within our government. Many senators and other level politicians have past and present incidents come forward during election campaigns. Sexual assault is becoming a more prevalent topic in our society as there is movement to redefine acceptable boundaries and behaviors leading to a safer environment for all. One fo the most recent movement is the MeToo movement which thousands of women, and men, have come together from all walks of life to stand in solidarity to show the scale of sexual misconduct in the United States. Most recently, there was a massive controversy in the United States over the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh after allegations came to light about sexual assault in his past. Unfortunately, this is not the first time allegations have come to light in positions of high power in our government. There are many groups that everyday fight for justice and equality yet we still see alleged sexual predators repeatedly hold office, leading to a system that doesn't seem to care. This leads to a seemingly dismissive nature to the women and men who have had to endure this trauma, as long as the perpetrator has friends in high places.

I propose to answer the following: How are memes regarding US political figures dismissive of women/men who are survivors of sexual assault and also defensive of these unacceptable behaviors?

I will be conducting this research by examining a collection of 10 Internet memes related to how US politicians alleged of sexual assault infer dismissive or victim blaming messages.

Memes will be chosen based on three criteria: 1) image of perpetrator (not victim) 2) Text regarding sexual abuse 3) dismissive inferences

This first image depicts Donald Trump smiling at a camera, likely at some press event. This is a rehash of the Dos Equis meme that spawned from the commercial series of “most interesting man in the world”. This text parodies the commercial through its iconic phrasing, but also examines how Donald Trump has a blatantly comes forward with his own incriminating evidence regarding thoughts about sexual assault and women, often on live television. This examines a culture of politicians and high powered figures who do not fear consequences nor believe their actions are wrong.

This second meme portrays a meeting with Donald Trump and Brett Kavanaugh's Family. The image is jovial in nature yet seems to dismiss Kavanaugh’s two sexual assault accusers as “nothing” compared to the dozens of the President. Furthermore, it portrays trump as bragging about his accusers as being greater in number, and somehow better.

This third image portrays both Bill Cosby and Former President Bill Clinton. The top image show Bill Clinton during his sexual assault trial, to which Clinton is inferring that he would have been cleared of if he would have been a politician. This ties together two extraordinarily high profile cases regarding sexual misconduct, while inferring that the political system looks out for its own in defense of allegations that may threaten their standings. Clinton’s demeanor in this image is dismissive of any allegations, rather that Cosby was convicted.