I decided to watch “Out in the Night” film. This film and the reading, “Cisgender privilege, intersectionality, and the criminalization of CeCe Mc Donald: Why Intercultural Communication Needs Transgender Studies”, by Julia R. Johnson shares a commons lens with Jefferey Jerome Cohen and “Central Park 5” documentary.
In “Monster Culture” Cohen States, ” The monster is born only at this metaphoric crossroads, as an embodiment of certain cultural moment-of a time, a feeling, and a place. The Monster’s body quite literally incorporates fear, desire, anxiety, and fantasy…” Cohen goes on to say, ” The monstrous body is pure culture. A construct and a projection, the monster exists only to be read…” While reading his theses, I able to understand that the context of the monster can play the oppressed or/and the oppressor. In both the reading and the interview with CeCe McDonald, was portrayed as a monster because she symbolizes differences. Cece McDonald has also placed fear onto her attacker due to their white and cisgender fragility. On the other hand, her attacker plays the role of a monster because he does not understand her. Her attacker and his friend used derogatory terms and physical violence to damage and destroy her being. To be Trans, Black and feminine have caused her to be a target for white supremacy and frail minded cis-gendered patriarchy. Cece not only wants to be understood but she wants to safe and in space of acceptance and normalcy. Unfortunately, her entity is “too much” for a society/system that is made to oppress and distress her. The simple fact she was placed in an all-male jail, which shows a complete disregard for her identity, safety, and well being.
In “Out in the Night” four women also acted out in self-defense when Black man assaults and disrespects them on the street. Once again, fragile masculinity presents itself but in this case, the man refuses to accept and respect the women’s sexuality. His perception of a woman’s identity was challenged and so was his toxic masculinity, which unfortunately led to stabbing and time in imprisonment for the ladies.
CeCe McDonald and the women from the documentary “Out on the Night” were let down by the criminal justice system.
Hello Nyoka,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really like the ending sentence of your discussion post on how you have compared both the women (CeCe and women from “Out at Night”) going through the same situation and being down by the Criminal Justice system.
Hello Nyoka,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. I didn’t watch this film but the way you explained how these were treated was very similar to CeCe Mcdonald’s situation. You stated “In “Out in the Night” four women also acted out in self-defense when Black man assaults and disrespects them on the street”. This completely shows the justice system is biased and has only one viewing a certain problem.