Cynthia Enloe's two short chapters are a perfect way to conclude our course. Enloe cleverly questions our lack of curiousity in terms of feminist and societal issues. Much of our seemingly apathetic attitude is due to laziness. It takes energy and thought to be inquisitive. This is reflected in our overuse and misuse of words, such as: normal, tradition and always. Enloe believes that these words are "energy-saving" in the sense that no explanation is really required (p.1). People in general take these words at face value and do not think to question the origins, meanings and effects of these traditions. It is much easier for us to remain in the dark and not know the truth about many issues. Because if we know the truth than we might feel a moral obligation to act- which of course requires energy. In our busy lives energy and time are valuable commodities that people hate to give away. She goes on to discuss the fact that our uncuriousity is comfortable and that it benefits certain factions. This is similar to a class discussion about military rape in Iraq. None of us really want to know what is going on because the soldiers over there are doing a job that most of us probably do not want to do. As long as they are fighting a war on our behalves, we can stay at school and go on to our careers.
Our uncuriousity helps to keep patriarchy in place. Patriarchy is a very adaptable and enduring system in which women are marginalized and masculinity is favored. Thus, it is essential that we question familiar terms and current events to see if it has any relation to patriarchy. Along these lines it is also important to admit when we do not know certain things. Instead of accepting an outcome because we figure it must be true and logical, we should inquire as to how that outcome came about. By asking questions we begin a discussion and train of thought.
All of us are guilty of these transgressions. More often than not it is much easier to nod your head in class or during a conversation and accept things as concrete facts. As a society we need to begin questioning how and why things are happening. More importantly, we need to identify the consequences and effects that such events have on our society as a whole and specific groups.
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This post reminds me your last post in which you said that you tend to block out the knowledge that a lot of soldiers are dying overseas, this society inclines to hide unpleasant information, and many people intend to turn their eyes blind on the issues of crimes committed by soldiers. The reading assignment of today perfectly provides the very reason for these psychological actions. Ever since we were born, these soldiers are out there, no matter in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Vietnam, so most people are not curious about the nature of these wars. And because learning unpleasant information, such as soldiers commit crimes overseas, often requires to think and act accordingly which as Enloe says is energy consuming action, so most people do not bother to do either.
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