Seminar Leadership Discussion Questions:
1) “If we are to understand how the dynamics of gender shaped the experiences of women in the Spanish Civil War, whether as journalists, nurses, or combatants, we must also account for the ways that narratives about their exceptionality, their sexuality, and their femininity continue to resonate through the voices of their contemporaries.” (p. 5, in conclusion)
How are particular narratives about women and their “exceptionality, their sexuality, and their femininity” being perpetuated today? What is the effect of a campaign like #metoo on women’s work and personal reputations? (Do you think there exists a darker side besides the empowerment this campaign offers?)
2) “…. despite the fact that they were perfectly qualified for the work at hand, their qualifications may not have overridden their gender. Watts and Gellhorn may have been justified in assuming that their previous experience was largely irrelevant, even as they narrativized their experiences years later.” (p. 16-17, in case study four)
Where do we see this happening today? What industries do women need to fight harder to get into? What about environments where men need to fight more to get into/break stereotypes about (e.g. male nurse practitioners)?
3) Watts and Gellhorn had a tendency to use varying pronouns and points-of-view, and to shift focalizations during their articles. Watts often inserted herself into articles, considering herself part of the Spanish community and not withholding her anger and sorrow about what she saw around her. Gellhorn invited readers to imagine themselves in the situation, cultivating an intense emotional impact on readers. (see p. 18-28, in case study four)
Do you think that journalists have this kind of distinct voice today? Is it more present in certain areas of the industry than others (i.e. war reporting today)? Has it been overridden by the market-orientation – or ‘hamsterization’ – of the journalism industry?